18:30 LRN Newscast March 18, 2016

A teacher at a Slidell high school has been arrested after allegations of inappropriate behavior with students were reported to police. Slidell Police Chief Randy Smith says police searched 35-year-old Raymond Winzy’s home and classroom and found nude photos and videos on multiple electronic devices. He says Winzy has been fired and this type of behavior will not be tolerated.

CUT 7 (10) “with him”

All the flood waters are bringing in more mosquitoes and health officials are urging people to take precautions. Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of Health and Hospitals says the mosquito that carries the Zika virus is active in southeast Louisiana. He says people need to remove standing water in and around their yards to keep those mosquitoes away.

cut 10 (09)  “a tire”

The Red River is expected to crest over the weekend at a level that hasn’t been seen in over 30 years, and Rapides and Avoyelles Parish are making preparations. Avoyelles Parish Director of Homeland Security Joey Frank says so far no homes have been flooded.

cut 16 (09)  “this time”

Interstate 10 westbound at the Texas state line is now open. Eastbound remains closed at this location.

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden says he may challenge US Representative Cedric Richmond in the race for the 2ndCongressional District seat. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says while it is not easy to unseat an incumbent, the level of dissatisfaction with the federal government could help Holden. Dubos says Holden would present a challenge for Richmond.

CUT 5 (11)  “a pushover”

17:30 LRN Newscast March 18, 2016

A Slidell high school teacher has been arrested for alleged sexual contact with students. Slidell Police Chief Randy Smith says Raymond Winzy is charged with two counts of molestation of a juvenile by an educator, 9 counts of production of child pornography and three counts of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Smith says some students at the high school have been bullied and threatened regarding this case.

Cut 8 (10) “victims”

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden says is fairly certain he’ll run for the 2ndCongressional District seat. Holden would challenge US Representative Cedric Richmond. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says although Holden ran a good campaign when he ran for Lt. Governor last year, he did not raise a lot of campaign money, which would pose a problem…

Cut 4 (08) “not just here”

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says his office will announce next week how much of a cut in state funding higher education and health care will receive. Dardenne says public colleges have already received a 28-million dollar loss in funding this fiscal year.

Cut 12 (07) “cuts around”

Rapides and Avoyelles Parish are making preparations to protect themselves from flooding as the Red River is expected to crest over the weekend at a level that hasn’t been seen in over 30 years. The Homeland Security Director of Rapides Parish Sonya Wiley-Gremillion says the Red River is expected to crest Sunday night at 39.5 feet. She says their main concern is the safety of the people in Rapides Parish, not their property.

Cut 14 (10) “our office”

15:30 Newscast March 18,2016

A Slidell High School teacher and girls basketball coach has been arrested after allegations of inappropriate behavior with students. Slidell Police Chief Randy Smith says 35-year-old Raymond Winzy allegedly would start casual conversations with his female students, which turned sexual. He says once Winzy gained their trust he would invite them into his classroom…
CUT 6 (11) “classroom”

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden says he is almost 100% sure he’ll be running for the 2nd Congressional District seat in the fall. The seat is currently held by US Representative Cedric Richmond. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says if Holden gets in, it will make for an interesting race….
CUT 3 (05) “for Holden”

Dubos says although Holden ran a good campaign when he ran for Lt. Governor last year, he did not raise a lot of campaign money, which would pose a problem…

 

The extensive flooding in Louisiana is raising concerns for a boom in the mosquito population…
CUT 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Rapides and Avoyelles Parish are preparing to protect themselves from flooding as the Red River is expected to crest at a level that hasn’t been seen in more than 30 years. Rapides Parish Homeland Security Director Sonya Wiley-Gremillion urges residents in the most flood prone areas to take action now and don’t wait until it’s too late.
Cut 13 (08) “that area”

13:30 Newscast, March 18th, 2016

A Slidell Teacher has been arrested for allegedly having sexual contact with several students in exchange for food and better grades. Emelie Gunn has more:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

More than 11,000 homes have received some type of flood damage according to the the Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. They also say that this disaster is, just like any, is increasing the risk for scams as cleanup and repairs begin. The Attorney General says don’t donate to any charity that asks for cash and make sure any contractors you hire are licensed through the state.

The Department of Health and Hospitals says with all the flooding Louisiana is experiencing right now, residents should be aware that more mosquitoes will be flying around. Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of Health and Hospitals says mosquito eggs can remain dormant for years without water, and those eggs could be hatching now. He says people need to do whatever they can to protect themselves against mosquitoes…:
Cut 11 (07) “your windows”
He says flooding can cause excessive mosquito breeding, which means there’s a possibility of diseases being carried by these insects.

And more rain is on the way. The National Weather Service says a cold front is moving through the state today and tomorrow and with it the potential for showers and thunderstorms. Southeast Louisiana is expected to see one to three inches of rain, but they don’t expect the rain will significantly impact flood waters, but would hinder and slow the recovery process. Cooler weather is expected to settle in over the weekend.

 

12:30 Newscast, March 18th, 2016

A now EX-Slidell High school teacher and girls basketball coach has been arrested for allegedly having sex with several of his students and possessing pictures and videos of the acts. Slidell Police Chief Randy Smith says 34-year-old Raymond Winzy is accused of dirty talking to his students then asking for pictures then sex. He says anyone threatening or bullying victims will be arrested…:
CUT 8 (10) “be victims”
Winzy faces several charges.

All the flood waters are bringing in more mosquitoes and heath officials are urging folks to make sure they are taking precautions. Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of Health and Hospitals says this is typical for this time of year, but the flooding makes it worse…:
CUT 1 (09) “mosquitoes”

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden says he is 90% sure he’ll run for the 2nd Congressional District seat this fall. Holden would be challenging US Representative Cedric Richmond, who has held the seat since 2011. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says although Holden ran a good campaign when he ran for Lt. Governor last year, he did not raise a lot of campaign money, which would pose a problem…:
CUT 4 (08) “not just here”

More rain is expected today, but state climatologist Barry Keim says it doesn’t look like this event will contribute to more river basin flooding…:
CUT 2 (04) “last week”
He says most of Louisiana will receive rain but the southeast is expected to get the most today at about one to two inches.

 

11:30 Newscast, March 18th, 2016

A Slidell High school girls basketball coach and teacher is under arrest for allegedly having sex with some of his students, according to cops. They say 34-year-old Raymond Winzy is charged with two counts of molestation of a juvenile by an educator, 9 counts of child porn and 3 counts carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Slidell Police Chief Randy Smith…:
CUT 6 (11) “classroom”
Slidell High says Winzy has been fired from his job.

Beginning Monday the Department of Children and Family Services will have locations in 23 parishes set up for people affected by floods to apply for food stamps. They say it’s for eligible residents who don’t normally receive SNAP benefits. Deputy Assistant Secretary of DCFS, Sammy Guillory, wants you to pre-register….:
Cut 13 (08) “SNAP”

Term-limited Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden says he is 90% sure he’ll run for the 2nd Congressional District seat this fall, but an official announcement won’t be made until next week. He’d be challenging US Representative Cedric Richmond, who has held the seat since 2011. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says if Holden gets in, it will make for an interesting race…:
CUT 3 (05) “for Holden”

Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating has climbed 9-percent in just three weeks, according to a new UNO poll. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

 

09:30 Newscast, March 18th, 2016

More rain is on tap for The Bayou State today but forecasters don’t believe it will have any major impacts on the current river basin flooding. State Climatologist Barry Keim says most all of Louisiana will see rain but the southeast region is expected to get hit hardest. He says a stationary front has locked in and isn’t likely to clear until Sunday…:
Cut 5 (10) “parishes”
He doesn’t see the system contributing to flooding, but it could slow the recovery process.

The American Red Cross and LSU are partnering up again in support of disaster relief efforts by sending volunteers to Alex Box Stadium before tomorrow’s game versus Alabama to collect money for Louisiana floods. They say Tiger fans always stepped up like last year for the South Carolina floods. As of Thursday, the Red Cross has provided more than 1600 overnight stays in 28 shelters statewide.

A bill to allow pet owners to have their furry friends buried alongside them will be heard in the current legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A new poll out of UNO shows 24% of respondents blame the legislature for the state’s budget woes and give them a 15% approval rating. Pollster Ed Chervanek says that’s in line with Washington politicians…:
CUT 12 (07) “happening here”
Governor John Bel Edwards approval ratings, however, have gone up almost 10% in just three weeks.

 

**7:30 Correction, March 18th, 2016**

Just a copy note. I used voicer 2 in the 7:30 newscast, not voicer 1 as originally written. Thanks.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating has climbed 9-percent in just three weeks, according to a new UNO poll. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

More rain is expected today, but state climatologist Barry Keim says it doesn’t look like this event will contribute to more river basin flooding…:
CUT 6 (04) “last week”
He says most of Louisiana will receive rain but the southeast is expected to get the most today at about one to two inches.

If you’re in a disaster declared parish, the Department of Children and Family Services says they will start setting up food stamp distribution sites for residents impacted by flooding beginning Monday. Assistant Secretary of DCFS, Sammy Guillory, says DSNAP provides support to those eligible families who do not currently receive benefits…:
Cut 14 (11) “related expenses”
The’re encouraging applicants to pre-register now at dcfs.la.gov/SNAP.

State Police say anyone who normally uses I-10 to Texas needs to allow extra time to get to their destination as it remains closed. The Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking motorists NOT to use LA 27 to LA 82 through Holly Beach as detour due to extremely high traffic volumes and congestion during the day. The route troopers recommend remains I-49, to 165, to 171, to 190 west.

08:30 Newscast, March 18th, 2016

Governor John Bel Edwards is becoming more popular according to a new poll from the University of New Orleans. UNO pollster Ed Chervanek says they found 43% of Louisiana voters have a positive view of Edwards, up from 34% just three weeks ago. Chervanek believes most people are blaming the budget issues on former Governor Bobby Jindal, and see Edwards as someone who is working hard to fix it:
CUT 11 (04) “current governor”
Twenty-four percent of respondents blame the legislature for the budget deficit.

Would you want to be buried with your pet? A bill to be taken up in the current legislative session would allow owners to be laid to rest next to their deceased furry friends. The measure is by Metairie Senator Conrad Appel…:
CUT 9 (07) “that option”
Appel expects the legislation will get a hearing within the next few weeks.

Flood victims can pre-register for disaster food stamps through the Department of Children and Family Services. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A dad is behind bars today after the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office charge him with negligent homicide in the death of his son following a car crash. Cops say 32-year-old Elmer Menendez of Utah was driving a vehicle on LA 42 on March 12th when he lost control while speeding and crossed into the opposite lane of traffic until being hit by another car. His 9-year-old son was not restrained and was ejected from the vehicle.

 

07:30 Newscast, March 18th, 2016

A bill to allow pet owners to have their furry friends buried alongside them will be heard in the current legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

More rain is expected today, but state climatologist Barry Keim says it doesn’t look like this event will contribute to more river basin flooding…:
CUT 6 (04) “last week”
He says most of Louisiana will receive rain but the southeast is expected to get the most today at about one to two inches.

If you’re in a disaster declared parish, the Department of Children and Family Services says they will start setting up food stamp distribution sites for residents impacted by flooding beginning Monday. Assistant Secretary of DCFS, Sammy Guillory, says DSNAP provides support to those eligible families who do not currently receive benefits…:
Cut 14 (11) “related expenses”
The’re encouraging applicants to pre-register now at dcfs.la.gov/SNAP.

State Police say anyone who normally uses I-10 to Texas needs to allow extra time to get to their destination as it remains closed. The Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking motorists NOT to use LA 27 to LA 82 through Holly Beach as detour due to extremely high traffic volumes and congestion during the day. The route troopers recommend remains I-49, to 165, to 171, to 190 west.