A controversial parent group is auctioning off AR-15s, along with other weapons, to raise money for a Franklin school. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

The House of Representatives is quiet today as members are off. Fingers have been pointing all over the capitol in explanation of why the budget crunch cannot be fixed.

Baton Rouge Black Caucus member Ted James says his caucus will not cow-down to pressure of putting a financial burden on the poor.

James says he and his coalition will not back down during this session. He says he would rather head to the house first.

Cut 9 (10) “i do that.”

Governor Edwards has declared a State of Emergency for several parishes along the Mississippi, Ouachita and Red Rivers. Flood watches and warnings remain in effect through Thursday afternoon as an additional two to four inches of rainfall is expected.  GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele says river forecasters say this could be just the start of an extended period in which flooding will continue to impact areas already water logged.

Cut 4  (10) “eyes on.” 

The House of representatives is quiet today as members are taking as one lawmaker termed a “mental health day” off. Fingers have been pointing all over the capitol in explanation of why the budget crunch cannot be fixed. Jonesboro Republican Jack McFarland is trying to figure out why no one can come to a solution.

Cut 6  (08)  “in personalities”

But Baton Rouge Black Caucus member Ted James says his caucus will not cow-down to pressure of putting a financial burden on the poor.  He says they will remain steadfast to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Cut 8 (08) “We are serious”

The House is expected to reconvene Wednesday.  The Special Session needs to be wrapped up by March 7^th.

Governor Edwards has declared a State of Emergency for several Parishes along the Mississippi, Ouachita and Red Rivers. Flood watches and warnings remain in effect through Thursday afternoon as an additional two to four inches of rainfall is expected.  GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele says persons living near those areas need to remain alert…

Cut 3 (07) “as well.”

For the first time in 14 years, a new chairman is at the helm of the Louisiana Republican Party.  Louis Gurvich was elected Saturday in a first round victory winning 97 of the 177 votes.  One of the first things Gurvich will begin working on is to find a Republican opponent to run against Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards in 2019.  He says that starts with a solid foundation…

Cut 14 (09) “the Governorship.”

His experience goes back to 1988 when he served as a gopher during the RNC in New Orleans.

A new person is at the helm of the Louisiana GOP.  Kelley Ray spoke with Louis Gurvich.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

There has been an increase in the amount of organ donations from opioid addicts.  In Louisiana, there has been a 40 percent increase in the last two years.   Louisiana Organ Procurement Association spokesperson Kirsten Heintz says the opioid crisis is now colliding with another health crisis.  That of the need for life saving organs.  It all starts with the decision to donate, which might come from family decision…

Cut 7 (06)  “organ donation.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is facing a budgetary crisis.  After years of operating as a self-sufficient agency, the predicted annual 19.8-million-dollars will not be enough to keep up.  Cole Garett, Executive Counsel for the LDWF, says they are proposing a bill in the regular legislative session to get rid of most of the current 117 different licenses.  By raising some fees, this will help them get matching federal funds …

Cut 4  (06) “tax money.” 

A parent group at Bowling Green School, a K-12 in Franklinton is using a gun raffle that includes two AR-15s to raise money for a program to keep seniors safe on graduation night.
But Executive Director of the Louisiana Violence Reduction Coalition Victoria Coy says while she supports Project Graduation efforts, she can’t get behind putting more weapons in the community.

Coy says putting on a gun raffle, especially one with assault rifles, undermines the parent group’s objective of keeping their children safe.

Cut 13 (11)  “creative solutions.”

For the first time in 14 years, a new chairman is at the helm of the Louisiana Republican Party.  Louis Gurvich was elected Saturday in a first round victory winning 97 of the 177 votes.  One of the first things Gurvich will begin working on is to find a Republican opponent to run against Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards in 2019

During the nominating process Saturday, candidate Scott Wilfong said the state party is some 100-thousand-dollars in debt and called for the party to be more transparent.   Gurvich says he’s not concerned and is confident any debt can be erased through fund raising campaigns…

Cut 16 (12) “was down.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is facing a budgetary crisis.  After years of operating as a self sufficient agency, the predicted annual 19.8-million-dollars will not be enough to keep up.  Cole Garett, Executive Counsel for the LDWF, says they are proposing a bill in the regular legislative session to get rid of most of the current 117 different licenses.  By raising some fees, this will help them get matching federal funds.

There would be a reduction in the price of the Sportsman Paradise license from $100.00 to $90.00.  Garrett says there would also be increases in the basic fishing and hunting licenses for Louisiana residents to $13.50 and $20.00 respecively…

LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet says they hate to increase the fees, but it’s the only way they can remain solvent in the future…

Cut 6 (06)  “be zero.”

A parent group at Bowling Green School, a K-12 in Franklinton is using a gun raffle that includes two AR-15s to raise money for a program to keep seniors safe on graduation night.

30 guns in total will be given away, and H&H Gun Shop owner Brent Hoggatt, who’s helping put on the raffle, says the raffle will raise a substantial amount of money, which will be given back to the students.

Project Graduation is a nationwide initiative to keep seniors indoors on graduation night by providing an environment with games, gifts, food, and music to keep them from getting into dangerous activities. The giveaway is turning heads in the wake of the Florida school shooting that left 17 dead at the hands of an AR-15 wielding 18-year-old. Hoggatt says concerns about the rifle are misplaced.

Cut 11 (11) “it looks.”

But Executive Director of the Louisiana Violence Reduction Coalition Victoria Coy says while she supports Project Graduation efforts, she can’t get behind putting more weapons in the community.

Cut 12 (12) “gun violence.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are struggling to remain a self-sufficient agency.  Jeff Palermo has more on a possible restructuring of their licensing program…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A parent group at Bowling Green School, a K-12 in Franklinton is using a gun raffle that includes two AR-15s to raise money for a program to keep seniors safe on graduation night.
30 guns in total will be given away, and H&H Gun Shop owner Brent Hoggatt, who’s helping put on the raffle, says the raffle will raise a substantial amount of money, which will be given back to the students.

Cut 10 (10) “and stuff.”

For the first time in 14 years, a new chairman is at the helm of the Louisiana Republican Party.  Louis Gurvich was elected Saturday in a first round victory winning 97 of the 177 votes.  One of the first things Gurvich will begin working on is to find a Republican opponent to run against Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards in 2019.

Gurvich is stepping into a controversy surrounding Republican Secretary of State Tom Schelder.  Gurvis says it’s sad that the suit has to become a part of the political game…

Cut 15 (09) “the facts.”

There has been an increase in the amount of organ donations from opioid addicts.  In Louisiana, there has been a 40 percent increase in the last two years.   Louisiana Organ Procurement Association spokesperson Kirsten Heintz says the opioid crisis is now colliding with another health crisis.

There is a concern among some that getting an organ from an opioid addicted person, that the medicine would be transferred to the person obtaining the donation.

There are nearly 21-hundred recipients on the list who need a donation in Louisiana.  Heintz says it’s not enough…

Cut 9 (05)  “the need.”

A controversy is brewing in Franklinton as a parent group is using a gun raffle to raise money for the school. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is facing a budgetary crisis.  After years of operating as a self sufficient agency, the predicted annual 19.8-million-dollars will not be enough to keep up.  Cole Garett, Executive Counsel for the LDWF, says they are proposing a bill in the regular legislative session to get rid of most of the current 117 different licenses.  By raising some fees, this will help them get matching federal funds …

There would be a reduction in the price of the Sportsman Paradise license from $100.00 to $90.00.  Garrett says there would also be increases in the basic fishing and hunting licenses for Louisiana residents to $13.50 and $20.00 respecively…

Cut 5  (12)  “fee increase.”

There has been an increase in the amount of organ donations from opioid addicts.  In Louisiana, there has been a 40 percent increase in the last two years.   Louisiana Organ Procurement Association spokesperson Kirsten Heintz says the opioid crisis is now colliding with another health crisis.  That of the need for life saving organs.  It all starts with the decision to donate, which might come from family decision…

There is a concern among some that getting an organ from an opioid addicted person, that the medicine would be transferred to the person obtaining the donation.  Heintz says there are plenty of precautions in place to ensure the organs are drug-free…

Cut 8 (09) “a recipient.”

For the first time in 14 years, a new chairman is at the helm of the Louisiana Republican Party.  Louis Gurvich was elected Saturday in a first round victory winning 97 of the 177 votes.  One of the first things Gurvich will begin working on is to find a Republican opponent to run against Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards in 2019.  He says that starts with a solid foundation…

Cut 14 (09) “the Governorship.”

A new person is at the helm of the Louisiana GOP.  Kelley Ray spoke with Louis Gurvich.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is facing a budgetary crisis.  After years of operating as a self sufficient agency, the predicted annual 19.8-million-dollars will not be enough to keep up.  Cole Garett, Executive Counsel for the LDWF, says they are proposing a bill in the regular legislative session to get rid of most of the current 117 different licenses.  By raising some fees, this will help them get matching federal funds …

Cut 4  (06) “tax money.” 

There has been an increase in the amount of organ donations from opioid addicts.  In Louisiana, there has been a 40 percent increase in the last two years.   Louisiana Organ Procurement Association spokesperson Kirsten Heintz says the opioid crisis is now colliding with another health crisis.  That of the need for life saving organs.  It all starts with the decision to donate, which might come from family decision…

Cut 7 (06)  “organ donation.”

There is a concern among some that getting an organ from an opioid addicted person, that the medicine would be transferred to the person obtaining the donation.

There are nearly 21-hundred recipients on the list who need a donation in Louisiana.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are struggling to remain a self-sufficient agency.  Jeff Palermo has more on a possible restructuring of their licensing program…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________

A controversy is brewing in Franklinton as a parent group is using a gun raffle to raise money for the school. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________________

A new person is at the helm of the Louisiana GOP.  Kelley Ray spoke with Louis Gurvich.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

____________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is facing a budgetary crisis.  After years of operating as a self sufficient agency, the predicted annual 19.8-million-dollars will not be enough to keep up.  Cole Garett, Executive Counsel for the LDWF, says they are proposing a bill in the regular legislative session to get rid of most of the current 117 different licenses.  By raising some fees, this will help them get matching federal funds …

Cut 4  (06) “tax money.” 

There would be a reduction in the price of the Sportsman Paradise license from $100.00 to $90.00.  Garrett says there would also be increases in the basic fishing and hunting licenses for Louisiana residents to $13.50 and $20.00 respecively…

Cut 5  (12)  “fee increase.”

LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet says they hate to increase the fees, but it’s the only way they can remain solvent in the future…

Cut 6 (06)  “be zero.”

____________________________________________

There has been an increase in the amount of organ donations from opioid addicts.  In Louisiana, there has been a 40 percent increase in the last two years.   Louisiana Organ Procurement Association spokesperson Kirsten Heintz says the opioid crisis is now colliding with another health crisis.  That of the need for life saving organs.  It all starts with the decision to donate, which might come from family decision…

Cut 7 (06)  “organ donation.”

There is a concern among some that getting an organ from an opioid addicted person, that the medicine would be transferred to the person obtaining the donation.  Heintz says there are plenty of precautions in place to ensure the organs are drug-free…

Cut 8 (09) “a recipient.”

There are nearly 21-hundred recipients on the list who need a donation in Louisiana.  Heintz says it’s not enough…

Cut 9 (05)  “the need.”

_________________________________________________________

A parent group at Bowling Green School, a K-12 in Franklinton is using a gun raffle that includes two AR-15s to raise money for a program to keep seniors safe on graduation night.
30 guns in total will be given away, and H&H Gun Shop owner Brent Hoggatt, who’s helping put on the raffle, says the raffle will raise a substantial amount of money, which will be given back to the students.

Cut 10 (10) “and stuff.”

Project Graduation is a nationwide initiative to keep seniors indoors on graduation night by providing an environment with games, gifts, food, and music to keep them from getting into dangerous activities. The giveaway is turning heads in the wake of the Florida school shooting that left 17 dead at the hands of an AR-15 wielding 18-year-old. Hoggatt says concerns about the rifle are misplaced.

Cut 11 (11) “it looks.”

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain is warning livestock and farm equipment owners in north Louisiana to be prepared for flooding.  Heavy rain is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday and those living near a creek or river need to be prepared in case it becomes necessary to move livestock and equipment to higher ground.   Meanwhile the Governor has declared a State of Emergency for Avoyelles, Beaurgard, Bossier, Caddo, Grant, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita and Rapides Parishes.

Yahoo Sports reports NCAA Enforcement officials have looked into LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade’s recruiting tactics. But a source says the inquiry has stalled because of a lack of on-the-record specifics. The report says the investigation into Wade began shortly after he was hired last March.  Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says so far it doesn’t like LSU is any significant trouble…

Cut 14 (12) “up to par”

The state is getting the word out about a new savings program for families with developmentally disabled members. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”.

A slew of last minute amendments added to some revenue generating bills in the House Ways and Means Committee has bogged down the special session. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh tacked a number of changes that did not go well with Democrat Marcus Hunter. Hunter says the amendments are so  in-digestible that this group of legislators might as well just go home.

Cut 9 (09) “in June.”

A slew of last minute amendments added to some revenue generating bills in the House Ways and Means Committee has bogged down the special session. Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh tacked a number of changes that did not go well with Democrat Marcus Hunter. Hunter says the amendments are so in-digestible that this group of legislators might as well just go home.

Cut 9 (09) “in June.”

House Speaker Taylor Barras says he spoke with members of the legislative black caucus this morning to attempt to resolve some of the issues. So far all members are looking for answers from the fourth floor.

Cut 11 (11) “the administration.”

The House has recessed until Wednesday.

Baton Rouge Senator Dan Claitor is proposing a bill that would fine wreckless drivers for creating potentially dangerous wakes while driving through flooded areas. The bill would add a new specification to existing law that would fine drivers up to 500 dollars, with potential for 90 days in jail. Claitor says the legislation was inspired by flood horror stories from his constituents.

Cut 4  (12) “those folks” 

If the bill passes, Claitor says you’ll be able to report wreckless flood zone drivers to the authorities.

Cut 6 (06)  “the DA”

The bill would also extend these laws to watercraft used during flood situations.