LRN PM Newscall January 3rd

There was snow on the ground in Grand Isle today. Jeff Palermo has more on our frigid weather…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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This arctic blast has Louisianans scrambling to protect their homes. Matt Doyle talked to State Fire Marshal Butch Browning about a growing issue…

Cut 2 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Parts of coastal Southeast Louisiana saw snow early this morning.  Measurable snow fell in Grand Isle and areas of south Plaquemines Parish.  Alek Krautman with the National Weather Service in Slidell says the last time snow stuck to the ground in that area was December 1989…

Cut 3 (11) “Venice area.”

The snow will not stick around long.  Krautman says high temperatures across the state today will be in the low 40s…

Cut 4  (07) “night, tonight.” 

Krautman says another hard freeze warning is in effect for tonight into tomorrow morning…

Cut 5  (12)  “north Louisiana.”

Warmer weather is expected by the weekend with temps in the 60’s statewide.

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The polar vortex is wreaking havoc across Louisiana, and is suspected as the reason behind a Baton Rouge house fire that resulted in the death of an elderly couple Tuesday morning. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says his office has seen a substantial uptick in the number of fires…

Cut 6 (10)  “related to weather.”

So far, investigators are attributing many of the fires to people taking big risks to keep their homes warm. Browning has a few fundamental fire safety tips…

Cut 7 (12)  “if you are cooking.”

The freezing temperatures are a big threat to plumbing. Wrapping your pipes is recommended, but many people are letting the water run overnight to keep their pipes from freezing over. Browning advises against this…

Cut 8 (08) “from freezing”

Browning says now would be a good time to check up on your elderly relatives, and make sure their smoke detector is up and working.

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The Louisiana SPCA says they are getting numerous reports of pets left outside in this extremely cold weather.  Some pets are being seized by authorities and owners are being charged with animal cruelty.  SPCA spokesperson Alicia Haefele says their officers are responding to all calls concerning outdoor animals left alone…

Cut 9 (11)  “them properly.”

Haefele says several Parishes require owners to take their pets indoors when temperatures reach freezing.  Those who do not take steps to ensure their pets are kept warm could lose them…

Stray cats are also at risk by trying to find warmth in the under carriage of vehicles.  Haefele says a simple step can make them leave quickly…

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Dr. Joseph Johnson, one of the most influential alumni and presidents in Grambling State University’s history passed away yesterday. He was the university’s third president, serving from 1977 to 1991, and nearly tripled the institutions enrollment during his tenure. Dr. Mildred Gallot, who wrote a book on Grambling’s history and says he had a tough reputation.

 

Cut 12 (06) “meant buisiness.”

Johnson was instrumental in a 1981 consent decree that led to an increase in funding for the school, facilitating the creation of the Grambling School of Nursing, and the university’s first doctoral program. Gallot says Johnson persevered, in the face of institutional discrimination…

Cut 13 (11)  “for him.”

Gallot says part of Johnson’s success was the result of an innovative baccalaureate program…

Cut 14 (12) “motivated students.”