2016 was a tough year for Louisiana. Halen Doughty has more on this year’s biggest stories…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Governor John Bel Edwards has appointed Crowley state Rep. Jack Montoucet as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The governor’s office said Montoucet will take over as the head of LDWF mid January. Charlie Melancon, the former secretary of LDWF, stepped down on Dec. 14 on the heels of a state audit showing some problems under his predecessor.

New Year’s Eve is tomorrow and fireworks are the main attraction but State Fire Marshal Butch Browning is reminding people to always be cautious. He reminds everyone to make sure and follow a few simple guidelines when lighting the devices…:
Cut 3 (10) “water handy”
Browning says every season, an average of nine people are injured due to fireworks.

The state Department of Environmental Quality is reminding the public to recycle after the holidays because more waste is produced in December than any other month. Jean Kelly with DEQ says almost everything is recyclable in one way or another…:
Cut 6 (09)”recycling days”
Other recycling ideas are at www.deq.louisiana.gov.