State Police have been assisting New Orleans Police with carnival season the last few weeks and will be stepping up patrols. The highly anticipated weekend will draw larger crowds and Trooper Melissa Matey says troopers want to make sure everyone has a safe Mardi Gras, so they’ll be on the lookout for impaired drivers on the roadways.
Cut 6 (09) “…a sober driver.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is looking for anyone willing to lease their land to hunters for the opening day of dove season in September. Research and Survey Program Manager Jeffrey Duguay says it’s got to be at least 50 acres, and not all fields will be eligible to make the easy money. And if someone leasing your land for dove hunting were to get injured?
Cut 9 (07) “…not liable″

The Board of Regents unveiled a new certificate program designed to get enrollees new age STEM skills necessary for work in many of the state’s largest companies in a compressed 18 hour course load. Commissioner of Higher Ed Kim Hunter Reed says two and four year diplomas become more and more common, many workers are seeking to set themselves apart by obtaining vital certifications that indicate their ability to do specialized work. Reed says many of the best paying jobs on the market aren’t getting filled by Louisianans, because of our state’s low rate of higher ed attainment.
Cut 11 (11) “…tools.”

LSU basketball coach Will Wade said on his weekly radio show Wednesday night that guard Tremont Waters should be ready to go for Saturday’s game against Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Wade said Waters, who has been sidelined for the past two games with an undisclosed illness, did an individual workout Wednesday and will practice with the rest of the team Thursday.