Shock in Rapides Parish over the tragic death of former longtime sheriff William Earl Hilton, who was killed in what investigators are calling a hit-and-run. Current Sheriff Mark Wood says the 80-year-old deserved to live several more years.

Cut 6 (08) “…is just unspeakable.”

Visitation is tomorrow from four to eight p-m and Friday from nine to noon, with the funeral to immediately follow at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria.

This is the time of year that allergy sufferers feel their very worst. Ochsner Health Immunologist Dr. John Carlson says the culprit is oak pollen, and windy conditions make it even worse.

Cut 11 (07) “…wind right now.”

The tree pollen will die down towards the end of spring; but then, the grass pollen will take hold, providing no relief to allergy sufferers.

Judges that the Louisiana Legislature deems as incompetent can be removed under a proposal heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Police in Lafayette are investigating the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy. Travis Griffin, who was a student at Northside High School, was found shot to death in the middle of a roadway Monday night. Investigators say while the circumstances are still being investigated, they believe there may have been a verbal argument prior to the shooting.

Rapides Parish investigators are trying to figure out what led to the tragic hit and run death of former longtime sheriff William Earl Hilton. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Judges that the Louisiana Legislature deems as incompetent can be removed under a proposal heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you’ve been sneezing your head off lately, you’re in good company. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Rapides Parish remains in shock over the tragic death of former longtime sheriff William Earl Hilton, who was killed in what investigators are calling a hit-and-run. Current Sheriff Mark Wood says 53-year-old Ladonna Delrie of Pollock ran over Hilton after the former sheriff returned home to find Delrie exiting his residence.

Cut 4 (05) “…it’s horrendous.”

Delrie faces several charges, including first-degree murder. Her bond has been set at 5.3-million dollars. Sheriff Wood says they’re trying to determine if Delrie and Hilton knew each other previously.

Hilton started in law enforcement in 1970. He also served in the Louisiana National Guard. Hilton was elected sheriff in 1992 and retired in 2008. He came out of retirement and served eight more years from 2012 to 2020.

Sheriff Wood is devasted over the death of the 80-year-old Hilton.

Cut 5 (09) “…without this man.”

Sheriff Wood says Hilton deserved to live several more years.

Cut 6 (08) “…is just unspeakable.”

Hilton’s body was transported to Lafayette for an autopsy. RPSO Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline asks you to keep Hilton’s family and the sheriff’s department in your prayers.

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A Senate committee approves legislation that gives lawmakers the ability to remove judges for malfeasance, gross misconduct or incompetence. Monroe Senator Jay Morris says there have been too many instances, particularly in Orleans Parish, where repeat offenders are committing violent crimes.

Cut 7 (12) “…decisions they make.”

This is a proposed constitutional amendment. It will need voter approval next April, if two-thirds of the Legislature approves it. Sarah Whittington of the ACLU of Louisiana opposes the legislation. Whittington says the state constitution already allows for the legislature to impeach a judge, but lawmakers have not tried…

Cut 8 (09) “…a case brought.”

Morris says the state constitution is unclear on whether the legislature can impeach a judge. He says under his proposal, an incompetent judge can be removed by a simple majority vote in the House and a two-thirds vote in the Senate. The governor would then certify the removal of that judge. Evangeline Parish Senator Heather Cloud likes this approach.

Cut 9 (12)  “…and communities safe.”

Morris’ measure originally allowed the governor to recommend the removal of a judge. That language has been removed and the proposal heads to the Senate floor for more debate.

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If you’ve found yourself sneezing non-stop throughout the day to the point that your co-worker in the cubicle next to you is on the verge of calling HR, you’re actually in good company. Ochsner Health Immunologist Dr. John Carlson says we’re in the height of allergy season, and the actual culprit may surprise you.

Cut 10 (12) “…are the problem.”

Dr. Carlson says especially on windy days, the oak pollen will make people very miserable.

Cut 11 (07) “…wind right now.”

Carlson says if you suffer from seasonal allergies, there are treatments available at your local drug store to help control your symptoms – and keep you on good terms with your co-workers.

Cut 12 (10) “…will work great.”

The tree pollen will die down towards the end of spring; but then, the grass pollen will take hold, providing no relief to allergy sufferers.

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Being able to legally carry guns on college campuses will have to wait at least another year. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick has withdrawn his bill that would have allowed anyone 18 or older to carry a gun on a public or private college or university campus. McCormick says he pulled his bill because those slated to testify in favor of it couldn’t.

Cut 13 (07)  “…to make it.”

McCormick says this move in no way alters his stance on the issue.

Cut 14 (05) “…a college campus.”

McCormick says as such, he’s willing to file the bill again next year – as long as a student is willing to speak in favor of it.

Cut 15 (12) “…at all times.”

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Spring football is officially underway in Baton Rouge, and coach Lane Kiffin has plenty of work ahead with a revamped roster. The Tigers’ quarterback room is brand new, and Kiffin says he’s challenging all three to quickly adapt to the team’s high-tempo system to maximize offensive efficiency.

Cut 16 (14) “…a long time.”

Sam Leavitt participated in individual throwing drills, but he will not participate in team drills as he continues to rehab from his Lisfranc foot injury.

One of the early standouts has been offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, who was ranked as the nation’s top offensive lineman in the transfer portal. When Seaton arrived in Baton Rouge, he weighed 330 pounds and has since trimmed down to 307. Kiffin says the transformation is a result of the extensive hard work he’s put in.

Cut 17 (11)  “…becomes the norm.”

Another player that has jumped out to Kiffin is rising junior tight end Trey’Dez Green. Kiffin knows that the 6-7 mismatch has all the athletic ability in the world, but believes his ultra-elite mindset is what separates him from many.

Cut 18 (18)  “…unique that way.”

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Spring football has also officially started in Ruston, as Louisiana Tech is planning to play its first season in the Sun Belt Conference. With quarterback Blake Baker still recovering from a torn ACL, senior Trey Kukuk (Q-kuhk) is taking the starting reps. Coach Sonny Cumbie is very confident in the veteran Q-B.

Cut 19 (14) “…our football team.”

One of the biggest questions for the team heading into spring is the running back room. With Clay Thevenin’s departure to Rutgers, there will be a competition for playing time among Jayden Miller, Dylen Brooks, and Kenny Thomas. Cumbie says he’s looking for multiple players to separate themselves, with consistency being the most important factor.

Cut 20 (14) “…ball the distance.”

A Senate committee approves legislation that gives lawmakers the ability to remove judges for malfeasance, gross misconduct or incompetence. Monroe Senator Jay Morris says there have been too many instances, particularly in Orleans Parish, where repeat offenders are committing violent crimes.

Cut 7 (11) “…decisions they make.”

This is a proposed constitutional amendment, so it will need voter approval next April, if it receives two-thirds approval in both houses of the legislature. Sarah Whittington of the ACLU of Louisiana opposed the legislation, saying the state constitution already allows for the legislature to impeach a judge, but lawmakers have made no effort to do so.

Cut 8 (09) “…a case brought.”

Legislation continues to move through the state capitol that would allow for the Louisiana Wildlife Commission to establish rules and regulations for a recreational alligator hunting season. The Louisiana Senate unanimously approved the bill by Franklin Senator Robert Allain, who says the alligator population has become too large.

Cut 6 (07) “…of the road.”

Being able to legally carry guns on college campuses will have to wait at least another year. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick has withdrawn his bill that would have allowed anyone 18 or older to carry a gun on a public or private college or university campus. McCormick says he pulled his bill because those slated to testify in favor of it couldn’t.

Cut 13 (07)  “…to make it.”

McCormick says he’s willing to file the bill again next year – as long as a student is willing to speak in favor of it.

If you think gasoline prices are high, get a load of diesel fuel prices! Some truck stops are selling diesel at more than five dollars a gallon. Dr. Walter Lane, the chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at UNO, says even if you don’t commute to and from work via semi truck, you will feel the effects.

Cut 3 (08) “…comes by truck.”

We’re one step closer to having a recreational alligator hunting season. The State Senate unanimously passed the bill by Franklin Senator Robert Allain, who filed it out of concern about alligator-human interactions as the gator population explodes.

Cut 8 (06) “..this bill.”

A nonverbal autistic, 12-year-old boy died near his New Orleans home after he was attacked by an alligator last August.

President Trump released a video today expressing his support for Julia Letlow in the U.S. Senate race. Trump calls Letlow a great congresswoman.

Cut 12 (10) “…ever before.”

Bill Cassidy remains confident he’ll win re-election, because he believes the race is not about an endorsement, but who has been more effective in delivering legislation and federal funds to help Louisiana.

The winningest coach in Northwestern State football history has died. Sam Goodwin, who coached the Demons for 17 seasons, died last Friday at the age of 82. Former Northwestern State Sports Information Director Doug Ireland says Goodwin was not just a great mentor on the field, but he was a great mentor off the field as well.

Cut 11 (09) “…coach of people.”

Legislation continues to move through the state capitol that would allow for the Louisiana Wildlife Commission to establish rules and regulations for a recreational alligator hunting season. The Louisiana Senate unanimously approved the bill by Franklin Senator Robert Allain, who says the alligator population has become too large.

Cut 6 (07) “…side of the road.”

Have you seen the price of diesel lately? Some truck stops have it at north of five dollars a gallon! Nearly all semis are powered by diesel engines. As such, Dr. Walter Lane, the chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at UNO, says the more it takes to keep them fueled, the more the goods they transport will end up costing us.

Cut 5 (10) “…chain to us.”

Tragedy in Rapides Parish as a former sheriff is run over and killed. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The Lane Kiffin era is officially underway at LSU. Spring football began today in Baton Rouge, giving Kiffin his first opportunity to lead his team through drills. Kiffin joins the Tigers from SEC rival Ole Miss, where he spent the last six seasons. Kiffin, of course, isn’t the only new face in town, as the Tigers have several new players, including two high-profile transfer quarterbacks.

As fast as the price of gasoline is rising, the price of diesel is soaring as fast as an 18-wheeler speeding down a six-percent grade hill after losing its brakes. Some stations are selling diesel for more than five dollars a gallon. Dr. Walter Lane, the chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at UNO, says that’s going to make nearly everything you buy more expensive.

Cut 4 (09) “…comes by truck.”

Gonzales Representative Kathy Edmonston is proposing that proceedings in the Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish be live-streamed for remote public access. Since family court almost always involves children in one way or another; there can be privacy issues. Edmonston says as such, she will likely be amending her bill accordingly.

Cut 8 (12) “…the general public.”

The Louisiana House approves a bill to name a proposed new bridge in Baton Rouge after President Trump, but only if there’s a strong financial commitment from the federal government. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Tragedy in Rapides Parish as former Sheriff William Hilton is killed in a hit-and-run. Hilton served as sheriff for 16 years, from 1992 until 2008. Deputies eventually had to use spike strips to stop the suspect vehicle and arrest the suspect. William Hilton was 80 years old.

The full House approves a bill that could lead to the naming of a new Baton Rouge bridge over the Mississippi River after President Trump.  The state is looking at building a bridge south of Baton Rouge in Iberville Parish and the cost could be three-billion dollars. Livonia Representative Jeremy Lacombe says if naming the bridge after the President helps bring home the federal dollars to build the bridge, he’s all for it…

Cut 10 (11) “…host of issues.”

The author of the legislation, Monroe Representative Michael Echols, says a new bridge is needed to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital city…

Cut 11 (07) “…across that river.”

No one spoke out in opposition. The measure passed on a party-line vote, 68-26. It now advances to the Senate.

A bill that would require Louisiana driver’s licenses to display a symbol indicating one’s citizenship status clears a House committee and moves to the full House for further discussion. The bill by Haughton Representative Dodie Horton would require the OMV to place an image of an eagle in flight on the licenses of those who are confirmed to be U.S. citizens.

A Gonzales Republican is proposing that proceedings in the Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish be live-streamed for remote public access. Representative Kathy Edmonston says she’s proposing the bill to bring transparency to the court.

Cut 7 (07) “…bringing the bill.”

Family court almost always involves children in one way or another; and with that, there can be privacy issues. Edmonston says she is aware of those concerns and will likely be amending her bill as originally filed to address them. The Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish is the only constitutionally-mandated family court in the state.

Senator John Kennedy is seeking to pass a resolution that says senators’ would not get paid during government shutdowns. Kennedy brought the resolution up on the Senate floor on Sunday as Department of Homeland Security employees are currently not getting paid. Kennedy says it’s about shared sacrifice…

Cut 9 (14)  “…your experience.”

Yesterday’s win by LSU over Texas Tech marked the end of an era in Baton Rouge as it was the last home game ever for senior guard Flau’Jae Johnson. Mikaylah Williams said Flau’Jae is an institution and deserves to be immortalized.

Cut 13 (06) “…off the court.”

The Lady Tigers do have unfinished business – they face Duke Friday in the Sacramento 2 Region semifinals.

ICE agents are lending a helping hand to TSA at airports across the country, including New Orleans. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The pilot of a small plane was killed when it went down in Rapides Parish. The Beechcraft BE20 went down at around 2:30 yesterday afternoon. First responders found it in a vegetative and swampy area near the edge of Lake Rodemacher near Sharp, which is west of Boyce. The pilot was the only one on board the aircraft at the time. The aircraft was registered to a person in California.

Radio talk show host Moon Griffon is planning a GOP Senate debate on his statewide radio show on April 28th. Griffon says it’s a chance for Bill Cassidy and his two main challengers to be in a room together at the same time and answer important questions.

Cut 7 (06) “…gotcha moment.”

While Julia Letlow and John Fleming have committed, Bill Cassidy has not as of yet, preferring a televised debate.

Senator John Kennedy is seeking to pass a resolution that says senators’ would not get paid during government shutdowns. His request for unanimous consent was blocked by Brian Schatz of Hawaii. Kennedy says he plans to bring this resolution up for a vote again; and if a Senator objects, they should explain their reasoning…

Cut 11 (11) “…American people.”

ICE agents are lending a helping hand to TSA at airports across the country, including New Orleans. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Yesterday’s blowout win by LSU over Texas Tech also marked the final home game ever for Flau’Jae Johnson. Head Coach Kim Mulkey said after the game that even though she could have left after last year, Flau’Jae chose to stay and finish what she started in Baton Rouge.

Cut 12 (06) “…even know about.”

ICE agents are assisting the TSA at airports across the country. This, as TSA agents are quitting or not showing up to work, since they’re not getting paid during the ongoing stalemate over funding. Kevin Dolliole, the director of aviation at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans, says ICE agents are helping with things like crowd control and directing passengers to open lines. But they cannot screen luggage.

Cut 3 (07) “…not screening functions.”

All this, as there’s no end in sight to the DHS shutdown. Senator John Kennedy is seeking to pass a resolution that says senators’ would not get paid during government shutdowns. Kennedy brought the resolution up on the Senate floor yesterday, saying it’s about shared sacrifice…

Cut 9 (14)  “…your experience.”

The ten-parish economic development organization Louisiana Central launches its regional strategic plan, dubbed Elevate 2030. President and CEO Chris Massingill says it comprises four key pillars, including building a higher level of organizational excellence.

Cut 30 (12) “…in our region.”

The LSU Lady Tigers are on their way to Sacramento after breezing through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. LSU hammered Texas Tech yesterday, 101-47, in Flau’Jae Johnson’s final game in Baton Rouge. The senior guard from Savannah, Georgia, especially noted her team’s stifling defense.

Cut 14 (07) “…it was amazing.”

LSU takes on Duke in the Sacramento 2 regional semifinals Friday.