Elmer’s Chocolate has been a Louisiana Easter tradition for generations, and this year is no different. Sean Richardson has more.
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The L-A GATOR program has proven to be a hit. As Andrew Greenstein reports, maybe too much so.
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Funeral arrangements are announced for former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy. Colleen Crain reports.
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Easter wouldn’t be complete for generations in Louisiana without Elmer Chocolate’s Heavenly Hash and Gold Brick Eggs, seasonal treats produced at its Ponchatoula factory. Though Tangipahoa Parish is famed for strawberries, Elmer’s has added sweetness to the town’s legacy for decades. CEO Rob Nelson says a major transformation came in 2016.
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Despite high-tech advances, Elmer’s still hand-makes its iconic Easter treats, preserving tradition. Nelson says they start making Easter candy after Christmas.
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Nelson says tariffs have had an impact on Elmer’s Chocolate due to having to importing cocoa from South Africa.
Cut 6 (12) “…aren’t helping us.”
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In its first year, the LA GATOR scholarship program has proven to be a hit – maybe a little too much of a hit. So much so that it’s unlikely that the state can accommodate all applicants. Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer for Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says 40-thousand students registered for the program during the now-closed registration period.
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Erwin says while the LA GATOR program expands eligibility from the previous program, it’s unlikely that anyone outside those who the previous program was targeted for will be able to secure one of those scholarships.
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Erwin says furthermore, the state may need to scramble to come up with the money it had previously allotted to the program when it passed it last year.
Cut 9 (06) “…that right now.”
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Funeral arrangements are announced for former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy. The celebration of life for Kyren Lacy will be held one week from tomorrow – April 26th – at 11 a.m. at the David Stopher Gymnasium in Thibodaux; it will follow a two-hour visitation. Meanwhile, we’re getting more insight into his final moments. Jacques Doucet (doo-SAY), the sports director at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, says Lacy’s family became concerned for his well-being following his involvement in a fatal crash in November.
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Doucet says last Saturday, Lacy started acting erratically.
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Doucet says after Lacy left the house with the gun, his family called police.
Cut 12 (10) “…the car crashed.”
Lacy was pronounced dead at the scene.
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If you drive a pickup truck, police will be paying close attention to see whether you’re wearing your seatbelt. Through April 27th, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is sponsoring “Buckle Up In Your Truck.” Spokesman Greg Fischer:
Cut 13 (10) “…drivers and passengers.”
Fischer says if an officer catches you without your seatbelt on, expect to make a little donation to your local municipality.
Cut 14 (05) “…a subsequent offense.”
Why single out pickup trucks? Fischer says the reason is on average, seatbelt use in pickup trucks trails that in all other vehicles.
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Louisiana’s overall seatbelt use is behind the national average of 91-percent.
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LSU football wrapped up spring practice on Thursday. After finishing dead last in the SEC in rushing offense last year, offensive guard Paul Mubenga says during spring practice, the o-line focused a lot on two specific areas…
Cut 16 (17) “…consistent now.”
The college football spring transfer portal is open, but running back Kaleb Jackson has no plans of entering the portal, despite only rushing for 150 yards last season as he backed up Caden Durham. Jackson says he beefed up to 235 pounds last year, but he’s making his way back to 225…
Cut 17 (17) “…by now.”
Because of a lack of depth on the defensive line, Shreveport’s Gabriel Reliford saw playing time as a true freshman, playing in all 13 games and recording ten tackles, one tackle for a loss, and a half a sack. Reliford says last year was a learning experience, but he wants to be a difference maker his sophomore season…
Cut 18 (11) “…consistency now.”