PM LRN Newscall

 

The State Department of Agriculture and Forestry has begun issuing industrial hemp licenses in time for the 2020 planting season. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

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In addition to the beads and revelry over the next few days, there will be more law enforcement to keep intoxicated Carnival goers from getting behind the wheel, Brooke Thorington has more.

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The rules and regulations for the state’s industrial hemp program are now finalized and the first license for industrial hemp has been issued.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says there are a variety of licenses, including the grower license for the cultivation and handling of hemp.  Also…

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As part of the process, applicants have to undergo a background check.  Strain says it is important to have the regulations in place and says the rules are guided by federal law.

Cut 4 (12) “…that is hallucinogenic.”

Strain says the timing to have the regulatory framework in place is important to ensure growers are ready for the planting season between mid-April and early May.

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A study commissioned by Louisiana’s Board of Regents indicates there is a lack of evidence to warrant the establishment of a law school in Shreveport.  Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the study came as the result of two legislative resolutions wanting the board to explore how to expand legal education in north Louisiana.

Cut 6 (10) “…conversation around dental.”

The decision comes just weeks after the board struck down the idea of a dental school in the area.

Reed says the hurdle is people are just not choosing to locate in the Shreveport-Bossier area.  There were a number of scenarios offered from the report showing how to address that issue.

Cut 7 (10) “…ideas or suggestions.”

Reed says a deeper analysis around academic and educational training needs is needed in the area.

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Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is in effect across the state as we enter the final weekend of the Carnival season. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says law enforcement officers are specifically focusing on removing impaired drivers from the roads from now until February 27th.

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In 2018- the latest year of stats, two people were killed and 66 injured in alcohol-related crashes in Louisiana from the Friday before Mardi Gras through Fat Tuesday. Lambert says the number of impaired drivers on the road increases this time of year.

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Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is a statewide effort and Lambert says law enforcement has earmarked funding to increase patrols during this time period.

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Lambert says even though carnival time in the state is known for being a huge party it doesn’t mean drinking and driving must be part of equation.

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Mardi Gras isn’t only going down in south Louisiana, CenLa residents are being treated to Alexandria festivities starting tonight and rolling through Sunday afternoon.

Saturday is dedicated to the Children’s Parade, and Alexandria Convention and Visitor’s Bureau spokesperson Anne Savage says it’s perfect for a more laid back carnival experience.

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This afternoon the Classic Cars and College Cheerleaders parade rolls through town, and is expected to bring big crowds from east Texas, and later tonight, it’s the 26th annual Taste of Mardi Gras in downtown.

Savage says while you’re in town, get your last tastes of king cake.

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The festivities wrap up at the Huckleberry Brewing Company at 4PM Sunday with food trucks and live music running throughout the evening.

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Cut 15 (07) “…him to recover.”

 

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