Lafayette Sheriff Mark Garber’s daughter and babysitter were found safe this morning following an all-night search for the missing girls. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

State Officials got together today to discuss Louisiana’s response plan should another storm hit us, while our neighbors are recovering. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The daughter and babysitter of Lafayette Sheriff Mark Garber have been found safe after the two went missing in a canoe overnight. John Mowell with the sheriff’s office says the 21-year-old Juliana Brooks took 7-year-old Cora Garber canoeing in the sheriff’s pond, which is adjacent to a swamp.

Cut 3 (10) “right now”

Mowell says when the sheriff saw the babysitter’s phone and car at his home and no sight of the girls, he immediately deployed search and rescue teams. He says local law enforcement agencies joined in the effort, along with volunteers in canoes who searched throughout the night before finding the girls in the Lake Martin area near an oil well.

Cut 4  (11) “precautionary measure”

Mowell says the girls used mud from the swamp to protect themselves from mosquitos. He says the babysitter is a skilled kayaker with survival skills, which came in handy during the long night in the swamp.

Cut 5  (11)  “good judgement”

________________________________________________

State Officials got together today to discuss Louisiana’s response plan should another storm hit us while portions of the Gulf Coast region are still recovering from prior events. Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says we are still in the heart of hurricane season, and resources in Louisiana could be strained:

Cut 6 (09) “Houston and in Texas”

Steele says Texas has historically been one of our strongest allies during an emergency, but much of that support may not be available now while their Hurricane Harvey recovery begins…:

Cut 7 (08)  “things in place”

Steele says not only is the state dealing with it’s own recovery from Harvey impacts, there are many Louisiana residents still living in temporary housing from the 2016 floods. He says even if Irma doesn’t hit Louisiana, there are other storms already starting to stack up…:

Cut 8 (11) “headed your way”

________________________________________________________________

Hurricane Irma is a potentially catastrophic Category 5 storm heading toward the Leeward Islands. National Hurricane Center Forecaster Chris Landsea says Irma will reach the Lesser Antilles today…

Cut 9 (12)  “south Florida”

The models show Irma turning north once it reaches south Florida and not impacting Louisiana, but Landsea says Louisiana should not let it’s guard down….

Cut 10 (08) “premature”

Landsea says Irma is the strongest Atlantic Ocean hurricane on record with maximum sustained winds of 185 miles per hour….

Cut 11 (09) “gonna produce”

______________________________________________________________

CEOWORLD magazine ranks UL-Lafayette’s petroleum engineering department the seventh best in the nation and thirteenth in the world. Department Head Dr. Fathi Boukadi (Fah-tee Boo-kah-dee) says this is the result of years of hard work by students, faculty, and staff. He says it’s an honor for the program to be ranked among the best in the world, and he hopes to continue to improve the department.

Cut 12 (09) “our students”

Job placement rate and recruiter feedback were key factors in the report. Boukadi says his students aren’t having much trouble finding work. He notes even in the face of a struggling oil and gas industry, UL-Lafayette students are holding down jobs in the field.

Cut 13 (08) “during the downturn”

Boukadi says students in his department get lots of hands on experience from the local oil and gas sector, which makes UL-Lafayette students even more competitive in the sector. He hopes this ranking and a rebounding oil market helps attract more students to the program.

Cut 14 (10) “in the South”

__________________________________________________________

A report from Trust for America’s Health finds Louisiana has the fifth highest obesity rate in the nation. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Many are asking what they can do to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Halen Doughty has the answer from the Red Cross…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

A Baton Rouge doctor is one of the first in the nation to perform a new stroke prevention procedure. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

___________________________________________________

Louisiana has the fifth highest obesity rate in the country, according to a report from Trust for America’s Health. President and CEO John Auerbach says that doesn’t come as a big surprise because the Bayou State is more or less where it’s been for the past few years in terms of the obesity rate.

Cut 4  (10) “same level”

Louisiana is one of just five states with an obesity rate over 35 percent. Auerbach says that’s concerning because being overweight is linked to a plethora of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and certain cancers.

Cut 5  (11)  “associated with that”

Perhaps even more troubling is the finding that Louisiana ranks fourth in the country for childhood obesity of 10- to 17-year-olds, at 21 percent. Auerbach says that growing rate can be addressed with policy changes in schools, like providing healthy lunch options and limiting access to junk food.

Cut 6 (10) “empty calories”

________________________________________________________

Relief efforts are ongoing amid the devastation left by Hurricane Harvey, and many are asking how they can help those affected. Chairman of the Board for the Greater Baton Rouge Red Cross, Desiree Lemoine says donating money is the easiest way to give because the Red Cross can buy in bulk.

Cut 7 (11)  “them monetarily”

Some have questioned how they will know what efforts their dollars will support. Lemoine says Red Cross always honors the donor’s intent. She says those who wish to donate can specify what they want their donation to go towards.

Cut 8 (09) “to Harvey relief”

Lemoine says the Red Cross delivers 91 cents of every dollar donated to the charity. She says another way to give back is to become a Red Cross volunteer. She says they have a skilled team of volunteers from all over the country.

Cut 9 (09)  “who volunteer”

To donate or volunteer, go online to RedCross.org.

____________________________________________________

A Monroe-native is launching a new streaming TV network next month. Ro Wright says CONGO TV launches online on October 1. He says the network will be available through a variety of streaming options, which he calls the future of broadcast because so many people are turning away from cable.

Cut 10 (09) “streaming devices”

Wright says he hopes to help local actors showcase their talent in feature films. He says the network will also feature local program based on where users log in, as well as original films and reality shows. He says they’re already racking up submissions.

Cut 11 (09) “our network”

Wright says one show in the works is set to be filmed in Louisiana. He says the show will follow a group of black students who have decided not to attend HBCUs because they don’t see the importance of them in this day and age.

Cut 12 (11) “our own state”

__________________________________________________________

A Baton Rouge General Doctor is one of the first physicians in the country to perform a successful new stoke prevention procedure. Dr. Vince Weaver says this is a minimally invasive procedure that reverses the blood flow through the brain to divert blood clots and plaque away from the brain to prevent blockage and stroke.

Cut 13 (10) “it heals”

Three procedures have already been successful and several more are scheduled. Weaver says the previous procedure for high risk patients involved open surgery, which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. He says this treatment option is significantly safer…

Cut 14 (11) “dislodged”

Weaver says the surgery is an hour long and patients are released the next day. He says certain criteria must be met before the procedure can be done…

Cut 15 (09) “both sides”

It’s Labor Day, so what is the state of employment in Louisiana? Jeff Palermo spoke with LSU economist Loren Scott…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

West Monroe-based Johnny’s Pizza House is celebrating 50 years in business this month. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Elmer’s Island will get a face lift this month, as a team of volunteers is set to clean up the 2.5 mile stretch of beach on September 16th. The event is hosted in-part by the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary or BTNEP. Spokeswoman Alma Robichaux says the event is in coordination with the international coastal cleanup that happens every year in September…:

Cut 3 (10) “Saturday the 16”

Volunteers will keep track of the kinds of trash that is collected. Robichaux says they’ll record what they find to sue for education awareness, which can hopefully put an end to the littering problem on the island. She says the idea is to find the source of the pollution…:

Cut 4  (12) “marine debris”

The event, which is also hosted by the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Nicholls State, takes place from 10am-1pm. Robichaux says people who wish to volunteer can visit btnep.org and they’re hopeful for a great turnout…:

Cut 5  (11)  “waste drain”

________________________________________________________

One of the most popular things do to on Labor Day is gather with family and friends for an outdoor Barbecue. CEO of the Cattle Producers of Louisiana Dave Foster says consumers can expect to see sales here and there on meat products, but the beef industry views this holiday as the last big high-demand time for their commodity until at least Christmas…:

Cut 6 (09) “we get to December”

Foster says when it comes to the impact on the beef industry from Hurricane Harvey, they’re seeing many restaurants and grocery stores placing orders for meat way ahead of the time they normally do….:

Cut 7 (08)  “that stuff”

Foster says if there does become any shortage in beef but they already know stores have prepared for that by stocking up in advance, he hopes the marketplace doesn’t take advantage of that…:

Cut 8 (09) “what happens”

____________________________________________________

Based on the latest data from the Louisiana Workforce Commission, one-point-nine million people are holding down a job in this state. That’s an increase of 12-thousand from this time last year. LSU economist Doctor Loren Scott says because of an industrial boom in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge, the construction sector continues to do well…

Cut 9 (10)  “right now”

The state workforce commission says 155-thousand people work in construction, which is an all-time high for Louisiana. But Scott anticipates a lag in employment next year…

Cut 10 (09) “coming back again”

Scott says the employment situation has improved in the oil and gas industry areas like Lafayette and Houma, but job losses are still continuing. But he says employment gains continue in two other areas….

Cut 11 (11) “of the state”

____________________________________________________

Johnny’s Pizza House celebrates 50 years in business this month. President and CEO Melvin DeLacerda says the company is in great shape, and he’s looking forward to another 50 years. He says Johnny Huntsman founded the company in Monroe after discovering his love for pizza while attending college in Iowa.

Cut 12 (10) “in this area”

DeLacerda says when Johnny opened his first store across from what was then Northeast Louisiana University, he had to sell other food too because people were not familiar with pizza. He says Johnny served hamburgers and spaghetti to keep the doors open, and he had other gimmicks as well.

Cut 13 (09) “popular spot”

DeLacerda says today Johnny’s has 44 locations spanning multiple states. He says not only did Johnny start a pizza restaurant, he also gave back to the community. He says it’s a tradition he plans to continue in the company.

Cut 14 (12) “continue to operate”

Johnny passed away in June after a battle with Alzheimer’s.

________________________________________________________

The 2017 season is off to a good start for the LSU Tigers. The Bayou Bengals blanked BYU 27-0 as the Tigers outgained the Cougars 479-to-97. Derrius Guice rushed for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns. Quarterback Danny Etling was 14-of-17 for 173 yards. Head Coach Ed Orgeron says offensive coordinator Matt Canada did a fantastic job calling plays…

Cut 15 (17) “offensive staff”

On the defensive side of the football, LSU held BYU to 97 total yards, negative five rushing yards. It’s the first time the Tigers have shutout an opponent since 2014 and first opening game shutout since the 2007 national championship team. Orgeron says it was a great performance…

Cut 16  (14)  “fantastic”

__________________________________________________________________

Not much defense was played last Saturday in Lafayette as the Ragin Cajuns outlasted Southeastern Louisiana 51-48. The Lions rushed for 343 yards. UL Lafayette Coach Mark Hudspeth says they were over pursuing on defense…

Cut 17 (17)  “next week”

Cajuns QB Jordan Davis was 12-of-23 for 162 yards and a touchdown in his first career start. Hudspeth says Davis had an effective performance…

Cut 18 (20) “week two” 

Louisiana Congressman and Air Force major Ralph Abraham is flying Harvey missions over Texas. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services says they’ve decided to open a second mega-shelter in the state for flood victims in Texas. Michelle Southern  reports…:

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Richland Parish Congressman Ralph Abraham is taking to the skies and flying Harvey missions with the US Air Force. Abraham is a major in the Air Force Auxiliary and says his assignment began Thursday. He says he flew over Beaumont and Port Arthur.

Cut 3 (11) “right now”

Abraham says flying these missions is his small way of giving back. He says that’s what we do in the Bayou State, which is why he is so proud to be a Louisianan.

Cut 4  (10) “giving back”

Abraham got practice flying this kind of operation during last year’s floods in Louisiana. He says it’s unclear how long these missions will be necessary. He says it depends on what they find and who requests certain air assets and follow-up groundwork.

Cut 5  (09)  “some tasks”

________________________________________________

The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Irma, which is way out in the Atlantic Ocean, will remain a powerful hurricane for days. Forecaster Eric Blake says Irma is about 15-hundred miles east of the Leeward Islands…

Cut 6 (10) “five days”

Most of the models show Irma steering clear of the Gulf of Mexico, but Blake says the Gulf Coast shouldn’t let their guard down…

Cut 7 (08)  “prediction”

__________________________________________________________

According to the property management company TurnKey Vacation Rentals, Louisiana residents’ favorite place to travel for the Labor Day Holiday is Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Spokesman TJ Clark says they used Google search activity for the study, to look at the top 250 vacation destinations..:

Cut 8 (10) “was number three”

Clark says this is the least popular of the three summer travel holidays; Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, but that also means there are great deals out there. He says Louisiana wasn’t alone in loving Gatlinburg and Chatanooga…:

Cut 9 (09)  “and nationally”

Clark says it’s not surprising that folks in the state looking to leave the scorching hot late summer heat for Gatlinburg…:

Cut 10 (08) “activities there”

__________________________________________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services says they’ve decided to open a second mega-shelter in the state for flood victims in Texas, this time in Shreveport. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they’re also taking care of nearly 2000 Lone Star State residents in Alexandria…:

Cut 11 (10) “prescriptions”

Walters says they are nearing capacity in Alexandria so the doors are opening to the massive shelter in Shreveport which can take well over 2,000 people. She says there are several more shelters ready to go in north Louisiana that were designed open in the event New Orleans had to be evacuated again..:

Cut 12 (11) “of their own”

Walters says it’s too early in the process to say how long these shelters will be open. She says they know that people always want to be as close to home as possible…:

Cut 13 (11) “back in place”

__________________________________________________________

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is this Labor Day weekend. Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Katara Williams says this is an effort to curtail drunk driving during the holiday weekend, which is one of the deadliest weekends in the year.

Cut 14 (10) “drunk driving”

Williams says if you’ve had anything to drink at all, you do not need to get behind the wheel. She encourages motorists to get a game plan and designate a driver beforehand. She says there are too many other options for anyone to drive drunk.

Cut 15 (08) “smart options”

But she says one option people should not consider is getting behind the wheel after drinking. In Louisiana, about 47 percent of vehicle fatalities involve drunk driving. Williams says she wants people to celebrate the holiday, but they need to do so safely.

Cut 16  (12)  “Louisiana highways”

__________________________________________________________

Please note the reporter change on voicer one:

Drivers can expect to see higher prices at the pump as Texas refineries cope with storm damage. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

The Hodges Garden State Park in Sabine Parish is closing amid ongoing budget constraints. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

It’s going to be a busy weekend in New Orleans now that the LSU-BYU game has been moved to the Superdome. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________________________

Prices at the pump jumped 6 cents overnight as storm-impacted refineries shut down in Texas. Don Redman with AAA says the statewide average is about $2.27 a gallon,which is 13 cents higher than the week before…:

Cut 4  (08) “ironed out”

Redman says prices could reach up to $2.40 a gallon in the coming weeks before the refineries reopen. But he says once they do, there’s an ample supply of gasoline for plants to distribute.

Cut 5  (09)  “calmed down again”

Redman cautions drivers to be aware they may be travelling in evacuation routes, which could create an additional burden on the existing supply and longer lines at service stations.

Cut 6 (10) “coming weeks”

________________________________________________________

This weekend Louisiana hunters can enjoy a tax break on their guns and ammo during the 2^nd Amendment sales tax holiday. Byron Henderson with the state department of revenue says eligible items will be fully exempt from local sales taxes and subject to only three percent of the state sales tax.

Cut 7 (09)  “other things”

The sales tax holiday runs this Friday through Sunday throughout the state. Byron says it’s an annual discount the state offers around this time every year.

Cut 8 (08) “season starts”

Henderson says a wide range of guns, ammo, and hunting accessories are eligible for the sales tax exemption. But he says that does not include everything hunting-related.

Cut 9 (12)  “in the regulations”

____________________________________________________

The original owners of the Hodges Garden State Park are taking back the 948-acre recreation area in Sabine Parish because the state department of tourism can’t afford to maintain the facility. The assistant secretary in charge of the state park system, Robert Braham, says the state is transferring Hodges back to the Hodges Foundation, effective the last day of September.

Cut 10 (10) “Hodges Foundation”

The state took over the park in 2007. Barham says there have been issues with upkeep due to continued budget cuts for Louisiana’s state parks. He says in the last 10 years, the department has seen a 40 percent reduction in funding.

Cut 11 (07) “like to do”

Barham says some park components have not been adequately maintained, which is why the Hodges Foundation is stepping in. He is hopeful the foundation will continue to make a portion or all of the park available to the public.

Cut 12 (09) “beautiful place”

____________________________________________________

The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau is gearing up for a busy weekend as the LSU-BYU season opener takes at the Mercedes Benz Superdome at 8:30 p.m Saturday. Kristian Sonnier with the CVB says even though the game was relocated last minute due to Harvey, they are expecting a big crowd. He says the Decadence Festival will be underway at the same time.

Cut 13 (10) “come Saturday”

Sonnier expects about 50,000 people will be in the Crescent City for the game that they were not anticipating.

Cut 14 (08) “and gold”

Sonnier says come Saturday, there should be no threat of flooding in New Orleans for fans to be concerned about, especially after the disaster Harvey left in Houston. He says everyone in the Big Easy is excited for the game and welcomes the unexpected visitors.

Cut 15 (11) “be gone”

________________________________________________________

The first Saturday of college football features three matchups involving intrastate teams. At 6 PM in Ruston, Louisiana Tech hosts Northwestern State. The Demons are coming off a 1-10 season, but Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz sees a more talented Northwestern team this year…:

Cut 16  (21)  “extremely hard”

Louisiana Tech is coming off a 9-5 campaign. J’Mar Smith replaces Ryan Higgins at quarterback and the Bulldogs must replace two talented wide receivers, Trent Taylor and Corey Henderson. Holtz says on the production he anticipates from his wide outs…

Cut 17 (20)  “to this point”

In Lafayette, the Ragin Cajuns begin the season by hosting Southeastern Louisiana. UL Lafayette was inconsistent on offense last season and Coach Mark Hudspeth hopes that’s not the case this season, despite some new faces…

Cut 18 (20) “good players” 

Hudspeth says the key to beating the Lions is stopping their running game…

Cut 19 (14) “back end”

The other intrastate matchup will happen at Yulman Stadium as Grambling visits Tulane. Coach Broderick Fobbs says they look forward to the challenge…

Cut 20 (19)  “gonna go” 

Drivers can expect to see higher prices at the pump as Texas refineries cope with storm damage. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The Hodges Garden State Park in Sabine Parish is closing amid ongoing budget constraints. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

It’s going to be a busy weekend in New Orleans now that the LSU-BYU game has been moved to the Superdome. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________________________

Prices at the pump jumped 6 cents overnight as storm-impacted refineries shut down in Texas. Don Redman with AAA says the statewide average is about $2.27 a gallon,which is 13 cents higher than the week before…:

Cut 4  (08) “ironed out”

Redman says prices could reach up to $2.40 a gallon in the coming weeks before the refineries reopen. But he says once they do, there’s an ample supply of gasoline for plants to distribute.

Cut 5  (09)  “calmed down again”

Redman cautions drivers to be aware they may be travelling in evacuation routes, which could create an additional burden on the existing supply and longer lines at service stations.

Cut 6 (10) “coming weeks”

________________________________________________________

This weekend Louisiana hunters can enjoy a tax break on their guns and ammo during the 2^nd Amendment sales tax holiday. Byron Henderson with the state department of revenue says eligible items will be fully exempt from local sales taxes and subject to only three percent of the state sales tax.

Cut 7 (09)  “other things”

The sales tax holiday runs this Friday through Sunday throughout the state. Byron says it’s an annual discount the state offers around this time every year.

Cut 8 (08) “season starts”

Henderson says a wide range of guns, ammo, and hunting accessories are eligible for the sales tax exemption. But he says that does not include everything hunting-related.

Cut 9 (12)  “in the regulations”

____________________________________________________

The original owners of the Hodges Garden State Park are taking back the 948-acre recreation area in Sabine Parish because the state department of tourism can’t afford to maintain the facility. The assistant secretary in charge of the state park system, Robert Braham, says the state is transferring Hodges back to the Hodges Foundation, effective the last day of September.

Cut 10 (10) “Hodges Foundation”

The state took over the park in 2007. Barham says there have been issues with upkeep due to continued budget cuts for Louisiana’s state parks. He says in the last 10 years, the department has seen a 40 percent reduction in funding.

Cut 11 (07) “like to do”

Barham says some park components have not been adequately maintained, which is why the Hodges Foundation is stepping in. He is hopeful the foundation will continue to make a portion or all of the park available to the public.

Cut 12 (09) “beautiful place”

____________________________________________________

The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau is gearing up for a busy weekend as the LSU-BYU season opener takes at the Mercedes Benz Superdome at 8:30 p.m Saturday. Kristian Sonnier with the CVB says even though the game was relocated last minute due to Harvey, they are expecting a big crowd. He says the Decadence Festival will be underway at the same time.

Cut 13 (10) “come Saturday”

Sonnier expects about 50,000 people will be in the Crescent City for the game that they were not anticipating.

Cut 14 (08) “and gold”

Sonnier says come Saturday, there should be no threat of flooding in New Orleans for fans to be concerned about, especially after the disaster Harvey left in Houston. He says everyone in the Big Easy is excited for the game and welcomes the unexpected visitors.

Cut 15 (11) “be gone”

________________________________________________________

The first Saturday of college football features three matchups involving intrastate teams. At 6 PM in Ruston, Louisiana Tech hosts Northwestern State. The Demons are coming off a 1-10 season, but Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz sees a more talented Northwestern team this year…:

Cut 16  (21)  “extremely hard”

Louisiana Tech is coming off a 9-5 campaign. J’Mar Smith replaces Ryan Higgins at quarterback and the Bulldogs must replace two talented wide receivers, Trent Taylor and Corey Henderson. Holtz says on the production he anticipates from his wide outs…

Cut 17 (20)  “to this point”

In Lafayette, the Ragin Cajuns begin the season by hosting Southeastern Louisiana. UL Lafayette was inconsistent on offense last season and Coach Mark Hudspeth hopes that’s not the case this season, despite some new faces…

Cut 18 (20) “good players” 

Hudspeth says the key to beating the Lions is stopping their running game…

Cut 19 (14) “back end”

The other intrastate matchup will happen at Yulman Stadium as Grambling visits Tulane. Coach Broderick Fobbs says they look forward to the challenge…

Cut 20 (19)  “gonna go” 

Drivers can expect to see higher prices at the pump as Texas refineries cope with storm damage. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

The Hodges Garden State Park in Sabine Parish is closing amid ongoing budget constraints. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

It’s going to be a busy weekend in New Orleans now that the LSU-BYU game has been moved to the Superdome. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________________________________

Prices at the pump jumped three cents overnight as storm-impacted refineries shut down in Texas. Don Redman with AAA says the statewide average is about $2.22 a gallon, up from $2.14 a week ago.

Cut 4  (08) “ironed out”

Redman says prices could reach up to $2.40 a gallon in the coming weeks before the refineries reopen. But he says once they do, there’s an ample supply of gasoline for plants to distribute.

Cut 5  (09)  “calmed down again”

Redman cautions drivers to be aware they may be travelling in evacuation routes, which could create an additional burden on the existing supply and longer lines at service stations.

Cut 6 (10) “coming weeks”

________________________________________________________

This weekend Louisiana hunters can enjoy a tax break on their guns and ammo during the 2^nd Amendment sales tax holiday. Byron Henderson with the state department of revenue says eligible items will be fully exempt from local sales taxes and subject to only three percent of the state sales tax.

Cut 7 (09)  “other things”

The sales tax holiday runs this Friday through Sunday throughout the state. Byron says it’s an annual discount the state offers around this time every year.

Cut 8 (08) “season starts”

Henderson says a wide range of guns, ammo, and hunting accessories are eligible for the sales tax exemption. But he says that does not include everything hunting-related.

Cut 9 (12)  “in the regulations”

____________________________________________________

The original owners of the Hodges Garden State Park are taking back the 948-acre recreation area in Sabine Parish because the state department of tourism can’t afford to maintain the facility. The assistant secretary in charge of the state park system, Robert Braham, says the state is transferring Hodges back to the Hodges Foundation, effective the last day of September.

Cut 10 (10) “Hodges Foundation”

The state took over the park in 2007. Barham says there have been issues with upkeep due to continued budget cuts for Louisiana’s state parks. He says in the last 10 years, the department has seen a 40 percent reduction in funding.

Cut 11 (07) “like to do”

Barham says some park components have not been adequately maintained, which is why the Hodges Foundation is stepping in. He is hopeful the foundation will continue to make a portion or all of the park available to the public.

Cut 12 (09) “beautiful place”

____________________________________________________

The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau is gearing up for a busy weekend as the LSU-BYU season opener takes at the Mercedes Benz Superdome at 8:30 p.m Saturday. Kristian Sonnier with the CVB says even though the game was relocated last minute due to Harvey, they are expecting a big crowd. He says the Decadence Festival will be underway at the same time.

Cut 13 (10) “come Saturday”

Sonnier expects about 50,000 people will be in the Crescent City for the game that they were not anticipating.

Cut 14 (08) “and gold”

Sonnier says come Saturday, there should be no threat of flooding in New Orleans for fans to be concerned about, especially after the disaster Harvey left in Houston. He says everyone in the Big Easy is excited for the game and welcomes the unexpected visitors.

Cut 15 (11) “be gone”

________________________________________________________

The first Saturday of college football features three matchups involving intrastate teams. At 6 PM in Ruston, Louisiana Tech hosts Northwestern State. The Demons are coming off a 1-10 season, but Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz sees a more talented Northwestern team this year…:

Cut 16  (21)  “extremely hard”

Louisiana Tech is coming off a 9-5 campaign. J’Mar Smith replaces Ryan Higgins at quarterback and the Bulldogs must replace two talented wide receivers, Trent Taylor and Corey Henderson. Holtz says on the production he anticipates from his wide outs…

Cut 17 (20)  “to this point”

In Lafayette, the Ragin Cajuns begin the season by hosting Southeastern Louisiana. UL Lafayette was inconsistent on offense last season and Coach Mark Hudspeth hopes that’s not the case this season, despite some new faces…

Cut 18 (20) “good players” 

Hudspeth says the key to beating the Lions is stopping their running game…

Cut 19 (14) “back end”

The other intrastate matchup will happen at Yulman Stadium as Grambling visits Tulane. Coach Broderick Fobbs says they look forward to the challenge…

Cut 20 (19)  “gonna go” 

Although southwest Louisiana was spared much of Harvey’s destruction, Congressman Clay Higgins says his district is still feeling the impact of the storm. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Michelle Southern”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says Louisiana is sheltering hundreds of evacuees from Texas, and preparing for thousands more. Emelie Gunn reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is pushing the importance of flood insurance, especially after the severe flood damage left by Harvey. Donelon says the sad thing is, it usually takes a horrific storm like the one that caused the August floods last year, for homeowners to take action and protect their homes.

Cut 3 (11) “doubled”

The number of properties now insured for floods in Baton Rouge and Lafayette is now at 23-percent, up from 12. Donelon says these super storms will certainly send a strong message to homeowners.

Cut 4  (09) “our state”

Donelon says a significant amount of claims made in Louisiana with the National Flood Insurance Program have been filed in areas that do not see flooding on a regular basis. He when Congress reconvenes next month, he will fight for significant changes to the National Flood Insurance Program.

Cut 5  (11)  “replacement cost”

________________________________________________

Congressman Clay Higgins of Louisiana’s 3^rd District says his constituents continue to feel the impacts of Harvey, as residents are taking part in rescue and shelter operations. Although much of Acadiana was spared the destruction seen in Texas, Higgins says it’s all hands on deck in south Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “rolling hard”

Higgins says many of those rescued are being sheltered in the third district. He says thousands of Louisianans have volunteered their time and donated supplies to help Texas disaster victims.

Cut 7 (12)  “been incredible”

Higgins says the people of south Louisiana are quite adept at dealing with disasters. He says those skills are being put to good use in shelters across the state and as rescue efforts continue in Texas, where flood waters will remain for some time.

Cut 8 (11) “what we do”

__________________________________________________________

The state Department of Agriculture and Forestry has deployed their mobile pet shelter in Lake Charles to assist with Harvey evacuations. Commissioner Mike Strain says they will do whatever they can to ensure pets are safe, while their owners are coping with the disaster. He says currently they have 86 pets in their care.

Cut 9 (06)  “Alexandria”

The department has 100 kennels in Lake Charles and is providing an additional 200 soft sided carriers for pets traveling by bus. Strain says they are preparing for an additional 500 pets in Alexandria as thousands of evacuees are headed to the mega shelter. He says they welcome donations of dog food and cat food.

Cut 10 (09) “boulevard”

__________________________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards said today that 1,120 people sheltered in Louisiana last night due to displacement from Harvey, and 876 were Texans. He says currently there are a thousand Louisiana national guardsmen who are assisting in search and rescue operations…:

Cut 11 (09) “yesterday”

Edwards says the state is planning to take in at least an additional 3,000 people from Texas today, to bring to shelters in Lake Charles, Alexandria and Shreveport. He says the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has rescued about 1,300 people in Texas, and 150 pets. As far as impacts to Louisiana, there are roads that are impacted along the Sabine…:

Cut 12 (09) “the rivers are”

Edwards says he is asking the people of Louisiana to continue to prepare and remember that we are still in hurricane season. He says right now they are watching Category 2 Hurricane Irma in the Atlantic…:

Cut 13 (10) “10 to 12 days”

__________________________________________________________

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso has called for a voluntary evacuation of the western part of the parish. This includes the areas from Highway 109 west to the Sabine River and north from I-10 to the Calcasieu Parish Line. Tom Hoefer with the Parish Police Jury says the Sabine River has flooded before and they’re fearful it could happen again as the river is extremely swollen.

Cut 14 (10) “2016”

Hoefer says fewer than one thousand homes and camps are included in the voluntary evacuation. He says residents in the area have plenty of time to get out of their homes.

Cut 15 (06) “like that”

Just as Harvey is leaving the Gulf, a disturbance along the Mexican coast is developing. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

______________________________________

Louisianans are doing everything they can to help our neighbors in Texas with the ongoing Harvey relief efforts. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program will be a top priority for federal lawmakers when congress reconvenes in September. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________________________________

Harvey is finally moving out of Gulf Coast, but forecasters are now keeping an eye on a tropical disturbance near southern Mexico. Andy Tingler with the National Weather Service says there is a low chance this system could develop into a tropical depression or storm over the next five days.

Cut 4  (10) “as well”

There is also Tropical Storm Irma, which is currently gaining strength in the Atlantic and is located off the western coast of Africa. Tingler says there’s a good chance Irma could develop into a hurricane over the next few days.

Cut 5  (10)  “away”

Tropical Depression Harvey is currently located in northeast Louisiana. Tingler says rainfall totals in Louisiana along the Texas border reached over 30 inches from the storm.

Cut 6 (10) “five days”

________________________________________________________

Louisianans who want to help with the Harvey relief efforts both in Texas and Louisiana can find ways to give at VolunteerLouisiana.gov. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says thousands have already signed up to give their time and resources to those in need.

Cut 7 (09)  “those Americans rebuild”

Although Harvey has moved out of the area, the needs will be ongoing for some time. Nungesser says seeing neighbors helping neighbors shows the good we have in the community. He says it helps reassure the disaster victims they aren’t alone during this difficult time.

Cut 8 (09) “back to normal”

Nungesser says volunteers’ time, money, and effort is going to a good cause. He says many Texans came to the aid of the Bayou State during last year’s historic floods, and this is our chance to give back.

Cut 9 (09)  “with big hearts”

____________________________________________________

Members of the Louisiana National Guard continue to help with search and rescue efforts in Texas, as flood waters will not recede for some time. Col. Ed Bush says it’s a great feeling to be able to help our neighbors in need.

Cut 10 (09) “the favor”

Bush says hundreds of rescues have already been conducted, and many Texans are now in shelters in Lake Charles. He says it’s been a combined effort of both Texas and Louisiana authorities to get help to the people that need it.

Cut 11 (09) “some guardsmen”

Bush says they are all about the spirit of helping, which is why soldiers join the guard. He says the number of Louisiana guardsmen in Texas will continue to grow, and they will be there as long as it takes.

Cut 12 (09) “keep them safe”

____________________________________________________

Congress will be tasked with reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program once lawmakers reconvene in September. This has become an even bigger priority as hundreds of thousands of homeowners cope with the flood waters left by Harvey. US Senator John Kennedy says homeowner’s insurance only covers things like wind damage and fires, not flooding.

Cut 13 (11) “homeowner’s insurance”

Kennedy says the NFIP is the only option for homeowners to cover homes for flooding. He says the amount of flooding from substantial rainfall has doubled in the past decade. He says virtually no one in the country today is immune from flooding, no matter where you live.

Cut 14 (06) “Pike’s Peak”

The NFIP must be reauthorized before it expires on September 30. Kennedy has introduced legislation that would reauthorize the program for 6 years. He says it would also cap premium increases at a lower level than the law currently allows.

Cut 15 (10) “the flooding”

________________________________________________________

ULM kicks-off a new season tonight with a matchup against Memphis at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Sophomore Caleb Evans will start at QB after starting four games as a freshman. Viator says junior Garrett Smith will also take some snaps….

Cut 16  (15)  “shakes out”

Memphis was 8-5 last season. They return quarterback Riley Ferguson, who threw for 37-hundred yards and 32 touchdowns last season. Viator says the six-foot-four senior is a tremendous football player….

Cut 17 (20)  “they’re built”

McNeese and Nicholls begin the 2017 football season by playing each other in Thibodaux tonight in a contest that can be seen on ESPN 3. McNeese has dominated this series by winning 30 of the 41 games played between the two schools. The Cowboys have also won the last eight matchups. Colonels Head Coach Tim Rebowe on what they need to do tonight…

Cut 18 (15) “this week” 

McNeese is led by quarterback James Tabary, who is coming off one of the most productive seasons in school history. But Rebowe says he brings back a solid defense from last year…

Cut 19 (19) “in James”

Calcasieu Parish was spared of any further damage when Tropical Storm Harvey trekked across the parish early this morning. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

______________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is looking to help Texas as the Lone Star state struggles with catastrophic flooding from Harvey. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Calcasieu Parish officials say they dodged a bullet when Tropical Storm Harvey made another landfall on the western Louisiana coast. Sheriff Tony Mancuso says while the western side of the parish did get a lot of rain overnight, it wasn’t enough to cause major widespread flooding.

Cut 3 (11) “and Port Arthur”

Mancuso says roughly 200 residents had to be rescued after taking on water, but the parish is in pretty good shape considering what they could have faced. He says they are fortunate because after a month of heavy rain, the parish could not have handled more water.

Cut 4  (12) “taken much”

Mancuso says the western side of the parish took the brunt of the rainfall. He says the more rural areas were impacted, as major cities like Sulphur and Lake Charles on the eastern side were spared. But Texas was not as fortunate.

Cut 5  (12)  “the coming days”

________________________________________________

Louisiana has been spared from major damage from Tropical Storm Harvey. That’s according to Mike Steele with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. But Steele says  we’re not in the clear yet as the central part of the state is expected to see heavy rainfall today…

Cut 6 (09) “Louisiana”

Steele says to keep update to date on road conditions, use 511-la-dot-org. He says Louisiana residents cannot enter Texas through I-10….

Cut 7 (11)  “I-20”

At 12:30 briefing, Governor John Bel Edwards says there are hundreds of roads in Louisiana with standing water…

Cut 8 (12) “of harm”

Thousands of homes are damaged in Texas are damaged or destroyed by Harvey. Edwards says based on the reports he’s getting, Louisiana has avoided significant damage…

Cut 9 (09)  “on the chin”

__________________________________________________________

The storm is not over for Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says Harvey made landfall in Cameron Parish around 4 a.m and is slowly moving towards Alexandria.

Cut 10 (07) “into tennessee”

Parishes in both southeast and northeast Louisiana are under a tornado watch until 6 p.m., and Keim says more rain is also on the way.

Cut 11 (08) “flooding problems”

Keim says the greatest rainfall total from Houston is nearly 52 inches, while Louisiana has topped out at about 22 inches so far. Fortunately Louisiana has been spared from much of the flooding seen in Texas. He says that’s because the system ingested dry air.

Cut 12 (08) “Gulf of Mexico”

__________________________________________________________

Ticket sales for the LSU-BYU season opener, now at the Mercedes Benz Superdome, are underway. Fans who purchased tickets for the game in Houston, season ticket holders and students have first priority. LSU Ticket Manager Brian Broussard says the general public can begin buying tickets at 4 p.m. and all sales are done online.

Cut 13 (09) “their side”

Broussard says based on early indications, demand for Saturday night’s game is high. He says about 10-thousand tickets sold for the game in Houston were bought by fans in Texas. He’s not sure how many original ticket holders from Texas will come to New Orleans

Cut 14 (09) “this game”

Ticket prices range from 40-dollars to 250-dollars. Broussard says LSU’s ticket office was allotted 25-thousand tickets, but that number might increase. He reminds original ticket holders, their tickets to the game in Houston will not work in New Orleans.

Cut 15 (09) “going to work”