District Attorney Warren Montgomery held a brief press conference where he announced former St. Tammany Parish Sherriff Jack Strain had been charged with rape, incest, and other crimes…
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A new law helps first responders get the mental healthcare they need if they suffer from PTSD. Matt Doyle spoke with the man who wrote it…
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Officials from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas are meeting today in Bossier City to discuss disaster mitigation from river flooding. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain has been booked on charges of rape, incest, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and sexual battery.
District Attorney Warren Montgomery says in the fall of 2017 he was presented with evidence that Strain had engaged in sex crimes.
The evidence was brought to Montgomery by Louisiana State Police, the FBI, and the IRS. The evidence arose out of a separate investigation into a work release kickback program that is still underway.
Legal analyst Tim Meche says the publicity has prompted concerns about whether the trial should even be held in St. Tammany.
Strains 20 year run as parish sheriff ended in 2016.
Meche believes the case is defensible, because some of the allegations are more than 40 years old, and the alleged victims, according to media reports, appear to have credibility problems. He says the same charges may not have been brought against the average citizen…
The indictments allege four separate victims, two under the age of 12. Some of the crimes are alleged to have occurred while Strain was in office
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The DOTD is in the process of establishing the rules to the issuance of permits for the statewide framework for rideshare services like Lyft and Uber. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says he expects the process to be done by the end of the year.
Cut 7 (10) “…an annual basis.”
Wilson says he uses the platforms often, adding he is looking forward to enabling more citizens to have the same ability.
Wilson says while the DOTD is regulating rideshare, he believes individual responsibility and driver responsibility will play a big role in modeling the service after other states.
Cut 9 (06) “…service will be.”
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PTSD has been added to the list of covered injuries for public sector first responders, giving them the ability to get worker’s comp coverage for the illness.
Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti wrote the law that was signed by Governor Edwards, and says previous policy made a nightmare situation for many first responders suffering from PTSD even worse…
The National Alliance for Mental Health estimates 3.5 percent of US adults suffer from PTSD.
Gatti says the old policy was a relic from a time when the importance of mental health wasn’t fully appreciated.
The Senator added he was shocked during the legislative process because they were still some who said, “what if these guys are faking it?” and asked if there were other ways people could cope with PTSD.
Gatti says if you are a first responder suffering from PTSD, take action and talk to your higher ups because the earlier you start seeking treatment, the better your outcomes…
Studies indicate there have been more PTSD linked suicides among first responders in recent years than there have been deaths in the line of duty.
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The Louisiana Watershed Initiative is hosting an Interstate Summit on watershed management with representatives from Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas in an effort to mitigate flood risks. State Office of Community executive director Pat Forbes says many of the rivers within Louisiana originate from neighboring states.
Cut 13 (10) “…might work together.”
The event in Bossier City is the first of its kind in Louisiana. Forbes says towns and parishes already work together in combatting flood risks, now it’s time to further the efforts by working with other states.
Forbes says Congress has allocated $1.2 billion in federal dollars as a result of the 2016 flooding that are helping to avoid future disasters.
Cut 15 (06) “this watershed initiative.”
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Saints and defensive end Cam Jordan have reportedly agreed on a three-year, 52-million dollarcontract extension. Jordan spoke with reporters after Tuesday’s minicamp practice and said nothing has been signed yet, but he wants to finish his career with the Black and Gold
The new deal would keep Jordan under contract in New Orleans through the 2023 season. The former first-round pick is entering his ninth season and the Arizona native says he’s a New Orleanian now…
The 29-year-old has recorded 25 sacks over the last two seasons, but he’s still going after the ultimate team goal