The state has put out a survey to learn the true economic impact to Louisiana’s commercial seafood industry from the last two years of hurricanes. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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To honor vets and the 100^th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Governor Edwards dedicates the Never Forget Garden adjacent to the state capitol grounds. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and LSU are joining together to survey the commercial seafood industry about the economic impacts suffered during the last two hurricane seasons. LDW administrator, Jason Froeba:

Cut 3 (10) “….the federal government.”

The questionnaire takes a few minutes to fill out, with the information requested from the likes of seafood producers, harvesters, dealers and charter boat operators.

Froeba says those surveyed are asked to complete the form whether their impacts from Laura, Delta, Zeta or Ida were large or small.

Cut 4 (09) “…across very well.”

Froeba says it’s important they get a good reading on the economic impacts of the storms from a variety of folks working in the commercial seafood industry.

Cut 5 (11) “…commercial fishing industry.”

He says at this point there is no dollar estimate of the damage done to the industry by the hurricanes, thus the reason for the survey.

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Today is Veteran’s Day and Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin suggests you honor a vet by casting your ballot Saturday. Ardoin says you can also display your appreciation with their Honor Vets Vote Program by visiting sos.la.gov/honorvets.

Cut 6 (12) “…social media.” 

In addition to sharing your participation on social media, Ardoin says you can also show your appreciation for vets in other ways too.

Cut 7 (07) “….lapel pin.”  

Ardoin says exercising your right to vote is one of the most important ways to honor a vet who protects your right to vote.

Cut 8 (06) “…right to vote.”

Polls open 7 AM  Saturday and close at 8 PM.

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Governor Edwards officially dedicated the Never Forget Garden this Veteran’s Day. The dedication of the garden adjacent to the State Capitol grounds also commemorates the 100^th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Edwards says visiting the tomb in DC, that’s representative of all souls lost in the war, is a very moving experience.

Cut 9 (11) “…of America.”

Edwards says the Never Forget Garden also has the Louisiana Gold Star Families Memorial that was dedicated in 2018 and the Minute Men Monument honoring fallen members of the Louisiana National Guard that was placed in 2019.

Cut 10 (10)  “…our freedoms.”

In addition to paying respects to our veterans Edwards, who served in the Army himself, reminded attendees at the garden dedication to remember family members of vets who often miss having their vet present for the holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions because they are off serving.

Cut  11 (09)  “…as well.”  

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McNeese State’s decision to stay in the Southland Conference will provide a positive economic impact for the Lake Charles area. McNeese considered joining the Western Athletic Conference, but by staying in the Southland, the school will host multiple conference tournament championship events over a four-year period. McNeese A-D Heath Schroyer…

Cut 12 (10) “…Lake Charles”  

McNeese will host the Southland basketball, baseball, and softball tournaments from 2023 to 2026. Schroyer says having numerous teams and fan bases traveling to the area for these games will help southwest Louisiana rebuild from last year’s hurricanes

Cut 13 (11) “…year ago.”

McNeese was looking to join the Western Athletic Conference because the WAC would help the school become an FBS football institution. Schroyer says that’s still the goal, but by staying in the Southland they can help the Lake Charles community

Cut 14 (09) “..pass up.” 

Insured losses from the 2020 hurricane season have reached $10.6 Billion in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Centenary College in Shreveport has not had a football team since 1941, but that change will soon. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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A subdued confirmation Tuesday that Mardi Gras 2022 will happen in New Orleans is drawing criticism from the likes of Arthur Hardy, publisher of the annual Mardi Gras Guide. A mayoral spokesman made the announcement, but Hardy says a big deal should have been made of the fact.

Cut 3 (11) “….out of this.”

Mardi Gras was canceled in the Big Easy last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns of the parades being super-spreaders of the virus.

Hardy says the question will remain until next year just where the parade routes will be as New Orleans deals with the status of COVID then and police availability.

Cut 4 (11) “…or we can.”

Hardy says he expects strong efforts will be made to ensure that the major parades, such as Endymion, are allowed to use their traditional routes

Cut 5 (11) “…be done safely.”

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The most recent tally on insured losses from the 2020 hurricane season in Louisiana has reached $10.6 billion to cover claims from hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it was one for the record books.

Cut 6 (11) “…$27 billion.” 

The $10.6 billion figure for 2020 is what insurers have paid or in reserve to pay to cover claims. Donelon says they receive reports quarterly and over 325,000 claims have been filed.

Cut 7 (08) “….$9 billion.”  

Followed by Delta and then Zeta.

This is the last quarterly report of claims paid, and reserves that will have to be submitted for 2020 damage to the state. Donelon says they have had to field about 1800 formal complaints against insurance companies.

Cut 8 (08) “…small percentage.”

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Centenary College hasn’t played a football game since 1941, but today the Shreveport school announced plans to return to the gridiron and compete on the football field in 2024. Centenary School president Christopher Holman says they’ve already received fantastic support…

Cut 9 (10) “..(applause)”

Centenary played its first football game in 1894 and over the next couple of years they’ll make improvements to Mayo Field so that it can host football games. Athletics Director David Orr says one of the first steps they’ll take is finding a leader for the football program…

Cut 10 (11)  “…early in 2022.”

Also, applications to join a conference will begin immediately. Centenary will celebrate its bicentennial in 2025 and Board of Trustees Chairman Archer Frierson says bringing back football will only enhance the higher education experience at Centenary…

Cut  11 (11)  “…the community.”  

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Entergy Louisiana is looking to increase its green power-generating portfolio. Jonathan Bourg, director of resource planning for the utility, says Entergy will seek to purchase several hundred megawatts of solar power by around 2024.

Cut 12 (10) “…located in Louisiana.”  

Bourg says that will be in addition to the 50 megawatts of solar the company is already purchasing through the Capital Region Solar plant in West Baton Rouge. Those four solar facilities will need construction approval from the state Public Service Commission.

Bourg says the four new solar facilities are important in Entergy’s efforts to provide clean energy.

Cut 13 (07) “…an affordable manner.”

The new solar facilities will be located in Allen, St. James and Washington parishes.

The goal of purchasing 475 megawatts of power will rely on regulatory approval from the PSC to construct the four solar facilities.

Cut 14 (09) “..service in 2024.” 

Entergy Louisiana says it currently has about 240 megawatts of renewable power which began delivering power to its grid in October of last year.