The Ruston High Bearcats are getting a new logo after a request from Rutgers University to do so. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A Vinton mother is under arrest after police received a call about her two-year-old son being spotted walking alone in the middle of a road. Upon the arrival of deputies to the child’s home, 34-year-old Anastasia Waddell was found passed out in a chair with what was presumed to be synthetic pot in her lap. She is charged with child desertion and a slew of drug charges.

The President’s decision to delay implementing a new 10 percent tariff on a range of items from China likely spares Krewe members increased prices on beads. The tariffs were set to take effect on September 15^th, but that sparked fears Christmas shoppers could have sticker shock. December 15^th is the new date, and Beads by the Dozen president Dan Kelly says if the tariff schedule had not changed, a majority of the beads available for retail would have been slapped with the increases.
Cut 8 (10) “…fifteen”
A ten percent tariff would have translated to about a seven percent increase on retail prices for customers.
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is underway and State Police have ramped up patrols looking for drivers under the influence. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says efforts to curtail inebriated drivers in the bayou state are making an impact.
Cut 13 (07) “…numbers at bay

Saturday marks 50 years since Hurricane Camille ravaged the north-central Gulf Coast. Matt Doyle spoke with State Climatologist Barry Keim about the storm’s legacy.

cut  2 (28) I’m Matt Doyle”  

Two people are dead following a small plane crash in New Orleans East this afternoon. Officials indicate the place crashed in a field near Morrison Road and Jordan Road. The scene is under control, but officials are asking residents to avoid the area. The crash is still under investigation.

President Trump’s decision to delay implementing a new 10-percent tariff on products that come from China means that we will not see a mark up in beads for the 2020 carnival season. Beads by the Dozen president Dan Kelly a ten percent tariff would have translated to about a seven percent increase on retail prices for customers. That can really add up for big throwers…
Cut 7 (10) “…merchandise”

If the tariff schedule had not changed, a majority of the beads available for retail would have been slapped with the increases.

Ruston High School plans to unveil a new logo next week, because the current block “R” they use is the same one Rutgers University uses, so they’ve asked not to use it anymore. Ruston High principal Dan Gressett says the high school and the university has a memorandum of understanding over the logo’s use, but no one is going to court over the issue.

Cut 5 (07) “…was totally false.”

Saturday marks the 50th anniversary of Hurricane Camille’s devastating landfall along the Mississippi coast in 1969. Before Hurricane Katrina, Camille was the Gulf Coast’s defining storm. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Camile certainly had Katrina beat in terms of hurricane-force winds

Cut 9 (09) “…per hour.”

Camile formed in the Caribbean just south of Cuba before heading to the north-central Gulf Coast.

Cops are stepping up patrols to get impaired drivers off the road with the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” national law enforcement campaign.  Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel if you’ve had anything that could impair your driving. 

Cut 14 (09) “…are beefed up.”

Uber is now offered statewide.

The President’s decision to delay implementing a new 10 percent tariff on a range of items from China likely spares Krewe members increased prices on beads. The tariffs were set to take effect on September 15^th, but that sparked fears Christmas shoppers could have sticker shock. December 15^th is the new date, and Beads by the Dozen president Dan Kelly says…

Cut 6 (10) “…imposed”

Kelly says a ten percent tariff would have translated to about a seven percent increase on retail prices.

The Ruston High Bearcats are getting a new logo after Rutgers University asked the school to change it.  Both use an identical block R, but Rutgers holds the trademark.  Principal Dan Gressett says it’s not a big deal.

Cut 4 (08) “…I’ve been here.”

Gressett says the high school and the university has a memorandum of understanding over the logo’s use

“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is underway and State Police have ramped up patrols looking for drivers under the influence. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman says efforts to curtail inebriated drivers in the bayou state are making an impact.

Cut 13 (07) “…numbers at bay

Recent stats indicate 376 people died in traffic crashes around the country during the Labor Day holiday.  

Saturday marks the 50th anniversary of Hurricane Camille’s devastating landfall along the Mississippi coast in 1969. Camille had a limited impact on Louisiana outside of the far eastern coastlines due to it’s unusually small size, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says it was still a memorable event for those in the way…

Cut 11 (11) “…Louisiana.”

Camille is thought to be responsible for 259 deaths.

The President’s decision to delay implementing a new 10 percent tariff on a range of items from China likely spares Mardi Gras Krewes higher bead prices. Beads by the Dozen president Dan Kelly says If the tariff schedule had not been moved back to December from September, a majority of the beads available for retail would have been slapped with the increases.

Cut 8 (10) “…fifteen”

The tariffs would have resulted in a roughly seven percent increase on retail prices.

The Ruston High Bearcats giant, block font R is getting a change after Rutgers University, who holds a similar logo, asked the high school to make a change. Principal Dan Gressett says the university was not mean spirited in their cease and desist request.

Cut 3 (09) “…ready to roll.”

Rutgers holds the trademark on the iconic giant red R logo.

The Ruston High Bearcats are getting a new logo after Rutgers University asked the school to change it.  Both use an identical block R, but Rutgers holds the trademark.  Principal Dan Gressett says the school is not seeing much pushback from the community as the block R logo has only been in use for the last ten years.

Cut 4 (08) “…I’ve been here.”

A new logo is expected to be unveiled next week.
Saturday marks the 50th anniversary of Hurricane Camille’s devastating landfall along the Mississippi coast in 1969. Before Hurricane Katrina, Camille was the Gulf Coast’s defining storm. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the impact was so devastating that it led to the creation of the Saffir-Simpson Scale, which categorized hurricanes in a way regular people could understand.

Cut 10 (09) “…told”

The system is one of only four Cat 5s to make landfall.

The US Department of Health and Human Services awards nearly $400 million nationally in grant funding to combat the opioid crisis with nearly $5 million coming to Louisiana.  Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health Dr. Alex Billioux says much of the spending will lay infrastructure to continue with other health goals linked to drug use, including eliminating hepatitis C within the next five years.

Cut 15 (13) “…as other substances.”

Billioux says while the state’s number of opioid overdose deaths continues to grow, the rate of growth has slowed down.

The state Democratic Party will endorse its candidates this weekend for the fall elections. Matt Doyle spoke with the party about the current crop of candidates running…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle ”

The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office identifies the deputy who fatally shot an unarmed black man in the back of his neck while in Port Allen motel room last month. Vance Matranga, a nine-year veteran of the agency, was part of the narcotics team executing a search warrant when the shot was fired. State Police continue to investigate the incident.

The US Department of Health and Human Services awards nearly $400 million nationally in grant funding to combat the opioid crisis with nearly $5 million coming to Louisiana.  Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health Dr. Alex Billioux says the money funds two factors of their efforts.
Cut 13 (07) “…other is prevention.”

Billioux says while the state’s number of opioid overdose deaths continues to grow, the rate of growth has slowed down.

Superintendent of Education John White receives a favorable rating from the Board of Elementary Secondary Education for the seventh year in a row. White’s contract has been month to month since taking the job, but he says the potential for new board members could result in more long-term stability at the head position for K-12 education.
Cut 12 (06) “…is .”

White says he scored a 3 out of 4 on the review. BESE President Gary Jones says “John’s been pretty consistent, he’s not in the top category, but he’s next to the top.”

The state Democratic Party will be endorsing their candidates this weekend for the fall elections. Matt Doyle spoke with the party about their thoughts on the current crop of candidates running for office…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle ”

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Louisiana State Police is recruiting men and women who want to be part of their Historical 100^th Cadet Class. Since the department’s inception in 1936, training and recruitment has evolved. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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The Superintendent of Education gets a 3 out of 4 rating from BESE for his performance last year. Kevin Barnhart spoke with John White about the honor…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin barnhart”

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The state Democratic Party will issue it’s official endorsements tomorrow night, hoping to find the right candidates to knock out a slew of GOP incumbents.

State Party Executive Director Stephen Handwerk says this year they’re celebrating the fact that 43 of the 77 women running for the state legislature are Democrats.

Cut 4 (08) “…Louisiana.”

Only 15 percent of Louisiana legislators are women, the third-lowest rate in the nation.

10 Democrats are running for statewide office with two offices, Governor and Ag Commissioner, having multiple Dems in the race. Handwerk says they’ll issue endorsements for those, and other races Saturday at the State Central Committee Meeting.

Cut 5 (10) “…Republicans.”

The only statewide race without a Democrat is Insurance Commissioner.

There’s criticism that the party failed to find competitive candidates to take on any of the statewide GOP incumbents. Handwerk rejects that argument for two reasons…

Cut 6 (12) “…American.”

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The Louisiana State Police Academy is on the cusp of a milestone, they are prepping to recruit men and women for their 100^th Cadet Class. Since LSP’s conception in 1936 the department has had several hiring freezes over the years and so it’s taken a bit longer to reach this mark. Sgt Melissa Matey says they are looking forward to the recruitment process.

Cut 7 (10) “…State Police.”

To reach potential troopers for the 100^th cadet class Matey says the department is using modern recruitment methods like Facebook and they are not limiting the themselves to just the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (13) “…new applicants.”

Matey says the cadet academy is rigorous training. They prepare cadets for a variety of situations such a mass shootings. With a number of seasoned troopers retiring LSP is using technology to make the process easier for those applying.

Cut 9 (09) “…in the past”

Their Facebook page is Louisiana State Police recruiting. Matey says the department will provide recruitment updates on the 100^th Cadet Class on the page and the class expected to begin in the next year.

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Superintendent of Education John White receives a favorable rating from the Board of Elementary Secondary Education for the seventh year in a row.

White says he’s proud to continue his work in Louisiana, and says the education system’s ability to get 5,000 more students TOPS than the year that he started is his proudest achievement.

Cut 10 (10) “…before.”

The state saw an 81.4 percent high school graduation rate last year, the first time the state has cracked 80%.

White says now that they’re seeing substantial increases in TOPS achievement, he wants to make sure that the education system develops a pipeline for the kids who won’t be going to college.

Cut 11 (11) “…first.”

White’s contract has been month to month since taking the job, but he says the potential for new board members could result in more long-term stability at the head position for K-12 education.

Cut 12 (06) “…is .”

White says he scored a 3 out of 4 on the review. BESE President Gary Jones says “John’s been pretty consistent, he’s not in the top category, but he’s next to the top.”

_____________________________

The US Department of Health and Human Services awards nearly $400 million nationally in grant funding to combat the opioid crisis with nearly $5 million coming to Louisiana.  Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public Health Dr. Alex Billioux says the money funds two factors of their efforts.

Cut 13 (07) “…other is prevention.”

Billioux says while the state’s number opioid overdose deaths continues to grow, the rate of growth has slowed down.

Cut 14 (09) “…you can reverse.”

Billioux says much of the spending will lay infrastructure to continue with other health goals linked to drug use, including eliminating hepatitis C within the next five years.

Cut 15 (13) “…as other substances.”

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LSU football will hold its second scrimmage of fall camp tomorrow. Sophomore linebacker Damone Clark from Southern Lab High School was the leading tackler in last week’s preseason game and Coach Ed Orgeron says Clark is pushing Jacob Phillips and Patrick Queen for one of the starting inside linebacker spots

Cut 16  (12) “…linebacker”   

Michael Divinity who started at outside linebacker last year will start at one of the inside spots. Orgeron says Phillips, Queen and Clark are competing for the other inside linebacker spot. Orgeron expected Phillips would take on a bigger role with Devin White’s departure

cut 17 (19) “…of plays.” 

There’s a tight battle for starting nose tackle between true freshman Apu Ika and sophomore Tyler Shelvin. Orgeron says Shelvin has had a good preseason camp

Cut 18 (14) “…some snaps” 

The State Bond Commission has approved a 450-million dollar financing plan to pay for renovations to the 44-year-old Superdome. The state will spend 90-million dollars on the project, the Superdome Commission 210-million dollars and the Saints will put up the rest. Saints President Dennis Lauscha says the planned improvements will improve the fan experience, expanded concourses, more concession stands and replacing the ramps with escalators and elevators.

Cut 7 (08) “…be comfortable”
The 4-year overhaul process will begin after this football season.

Former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain pleads not guilty to charges of aggravated rape, aggravated incest, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and sexual battery.  Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says at this point the trial moves into discovery as the defense tries to get a hold of police reports and evidence. (11)

Cut 11 (08) “…perhaps psychological experts.”
The allegations carry up to a mandatory life sentence.

The investigation into alleged repeated misuse of funds by former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson ends without action being taken. Matt Doyle spoke with the former Colonel’s attorney…

cut  2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

Former Lake Charles Police officer Robert Hammac has pleaded guilty in a federal courtroom to using excessive force during a police chase in 2017. U-S Attorney David Joseph says when the chase ended, Hammac ran to the front passenger door and grabbed the defendant

Cut 3 (09) “…additional times”

Hammac will be sentenced in November and Joseph says the 45-year-old faces up to ten years in prison

The Louisiana Bond Commission gave its approval today to a 450-million dollar plan to upgrade the Superdome. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office identifies the deputy who fatally shot an unarmed black man in the back of his neck while in Port Allen motel room last month. Vance Matranga was executing a search warrant looking for drugs when the shot was fired. State Police continue to investigate the incident.

Former Lake Charles Police officer Robert Hammac has pleaded guilty in a federal courtroom to using excessive force during a police chase in 2017. Hammac will be sentenced in November and U-S Attorney David Joseph says the 45-year-old faces up to ten years in prison

Cut 5 (09) “…accountable”

Hammac pleaded guilty to a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law.
Former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been cleared in an investigation into his alleged repeated misuse of department funds during his tenure. Edmonson left State Police two years ago after coming under fire for findings of a Legislative audit. Edmonson Attorney Gray Sexton says any actions his client did take did not meet the threshold of an ethics violation.

Cut 13 (12) “inquiry”

The Superdome will begin a 450-million-dollar facelift after the Black and Gold wrap up the season as part of a joint funding agreement between the state, Superdome Commission, and Saints organization. Superdome Commission Chairman Doug Thornton says these renovations are designed to improve an iconic facility…

Cut 8 (12) “…annual basis”

The state will spend 90-million dollars on the project, the Superdome Commission and Saints will put up the rest.

Former State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson has been cleared in an investigation into his alleged repeated misuse of department funds during his tenure. A Legislative auditor’s report detailed a department funded “side trip” to Las Vegas for troopers, Edmonson living rent-free at the state police compound, and other violations.  Edmonson Attorney Gray Sexton spoke with LRN…

Cut 12 (08) “…report”

Former Lake Charles Police officer Robert Hammac has pleaded guilty in a federal courtroom to using excessive force during a police chase in 2017. U-S Attorney David Joseph says the victim was not resisting in any way or posing a threat. He says the Department of Justice supports police officers, but Hammac’s actions betray the badge and the public’s trust

Cut 4 (09) “…in general”

Hammac pleaded guilty to a single count of deprivation of rights under color of law.

Longtime and now former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain pleads not guilty to charges of aggravated rape, aggravated incest, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and sexual battery related to a series of allegations stretching back four decades. Loyola law professor Dane Ciolino says expect this line of attack from his defense…

Cut 10 (10) “…are four victims.”