A $3.5 million dollar mid-year budget cut to the state department of Tourism by the Jindal administration results in lay-offs and reduced hours at state parks and museums. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says no state parks will be closed due to the cut, but they will operate under reduced hours through the rest of the fiscal year. Dardenne says the cuts left him with no other alternative…

cut 8 (08) “of the solution”

He says next fiscal year’s budget will determine if there will be any more layoffs or state park closures.

One 16 year old is dead and another behind bars after a fatal shooting in Sabine Parish. It happened at an apartment complex just outside the Many city limits according to authorities. Sabine Parish Warden Joe Dewil says they believe the two got into some sort of argument, but exactly what led to the shooting is under investigation…:

cut 4 (09) “single gunshot wound”

The 16-year-old suspect is charged with second degree murder.

Sasol announces they’ve selected Louisiana-based construction contractors to begin work on its ethane cracker and derivatives project in Westlake. All contact information for each of the companies is listed online at sasolnorthamerica-dot-com. Spokesman Mike Hayes says these appointments reflect Sasol’s commitment to using Louisiana businesses on the project…

cut 11 (07) “from this project”

Hayes says construction of the complex will begin soon and they hope to launch commercial production in 2018.

The Louisiana Family Forum has announced that Lawrence and Varrie Player of Benton is Louisiana’s Longest Known Married couple for 2015. Executive Director Gene Mills says Mr. Player goes by the nickname “Hawk” because he’s been such a hard worker in the railroads, cotton and oil industries…

cut 14 (09) “will come your way”

The Players celebrated 80 years of marriage last month.