An attorney representing Mike Edmonson, the former leader of State Police, did not address many of the allegations made against him in a response to a scathing audit released in December. The state audit claims Edmonson used his position of authority to violate state law. In the two-page response, Edmonson’s attorney said the retired superintendent does not have the type of resources to respond, because a draft report was released early.

Deaf students have filed a lawsuit against Louisiana’s community college system allegeding they did not accomodiate for their disability by providing interpreters. Attorney Andrew Bizer says he hopes the suit will force the state to overhaul its treamtent of disabled students…
cut 5 (09) “…civil rights law”
A spokesperson for the community college system could not comment on pending litigation, but said they always do everything they can to provide proper access to their students.

There is no running water in Tallulah because of a power failure at the town’s water treatment plant. The mayor says power has been restored, but more repairs are needed, so it will be until tomorrow before the water plant is functioning again and water can start flowing again in homes and businesses. In the meantime, Yvonne Leiws, with the city of Tallulah, is asking for help…
cut 8 (10) “…0694″

Another person has died in a house fire in Louisiana. Officials say a mobile trailer ignited when the resident used an outdoor cooking burner to heat the trailer. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says many of the deaths are related to people finding unconventional ways to keep warm….
cut 11 (08) “…around cooking”
Browning the home also did not have working smoke detectors.