The United Cajun Navy is setting up shop in South Carolina as Hurricane Florence has the potential of dumping 30 inches of rain on the Carolinas and the coastline is bracing for a storm surge of up to 13 feet. These volunteers were critical in rescuing individuals during the flood of 2016 and Hurricane Harvey. Founder Todd Terrell says they will do more than just rescues…
cut 15 (07) “….just boat rescues”
Entergy is also sending 200 employees and contractors to the region.

Meanwhile, the weather disturbance in the western Gulf of Mexico is running out of time to develop as its moving closer to the Texas coast. The National Hurricane Center gives it a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression. Forecasters say the impact to Louisiana will be minimal.

The next possible threat to the Gulf is Tropical Storm Isaac. It’s currently moving through the Eastern Caribbean Sea.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission wants to do more about drug impaired driving. Kevin Barnhart reports two-thirds of the blood samples that the State Police Crime Lab analyzes contains at least one drug to go along with alcohol….
Cut 2 (28) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Via Airlines begins direct service today to Austin, Texas, and Orlando, Florida, from the Baton Rouge Metro Airport. Airport spokesperson Jim Caldwell says they expect business travelers to utilize the flights to Austin, but he says Austin isn’t just for work…
cut 8 (10) “…music”
Orlando flights are on Mondays and Thursdays, and Austin flights are on Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

The United Cajun Navy has sent dozens of volunteers to South Carolina, where they’ll team with local officials to help with water rescues that may be needed because of Hurricane Florence…
cut 14 (06) “….flooding is’
That’s United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell, who says they’ve also brought catering trucks with plenty of food to help feed first responders.

The Governor’s Task Force on DWI has begun a series of meetings to discuss ways to eliminate impaired driving. Governor John Bel Edwards created the Task Force through an executive order. Lisa Freeman, Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says they are also focusing on drivers who are on the road while under the influence of drugs.
Cut 10 (09) “…that’s what’s alarming.“
Freeman says they want to alert the public that even prescription drugs can impair your driving skills.

Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn has rescinded an order that prohibited the city’s recreation department from purchasing Nike products. The memo sent out last week also banned booster clubs from using Nike gear at the city’s parks. But Zahn says he’s rescinded the Nike ban on the advice of the city attorney. Zahn had said he did not want to promote Nike’s political message as they are using Colin Kaepernick in an ad campaign.

Amazon is muscling it’s way into the Christmas tree game this November. Matt Doyle has more.
Voicer 1 (31) “I’m Matt Doyle”

About 70 Louisiana volunteers that are part of the United Cajun Navy are on the ground in South Carolina to assist first responders when Hurricane Florence makes landfall in North Carolina…
voicer 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A large number of military aircraft that is based in the potential path of Hurricane Florence have flown into Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City. They will stay there until the storm passes.

And Entergy has sent 200 employees and contractors the region to assist with power restoration.

Amazon says its customers will be able to buy a seven-foot fresh Christmas tree from North Carolina and it will be shipped to your home within ten days of it being chopped down. Allen Parish Christmas Tree farmer Gray Anderson doesn’t anticipate Amazon’s plans hurting his business and he believes the public will still support their local Christmas tree farmer…
cut 5 (06) “…the community”
Amazon began shipping three foot trees last year, and its estimated only 1 to 2 percent of the 27 million trees sold nationwide were sold online.

For Louisiana travelers looking to make a trip to Orlando, Florida, direct flight service begins today to the tourist destination from Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge airport spokesperson Jim Caldwell says Via Airlines is offering the service to central Florida…
cut 9 (08) “…as well”
Via Airlines is also offering direct flight service between Baton Rouge and Austin, Texas.

Hurricane Florence is expected to produce life-threatening storm surge and rainfall when it makes landfall in North Carolina and the Cajun Navy will be there to help with rescues. United Cajun Navy founder Todd Terrell says 67 volunteers left Louisiana Wednesday armed with boats and emergency supplies..
cut 13 (07) “…chip in”
Terrell says they will set up shop in Columbia, South Carolina, where they will assist with rescues and also cook for the local first responders.

The Governor’s D-W-I Task Force has started conducting a series of meetings looking at ways the state can do a better job of preventing drunk driving accidents. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission executive director Lisa Freeman says they are looking at drug driving as well…
cut 11 (09) “…result in fatalities”

Direct flights to Austin and Orlando begin Thursday from Baton Rouge’s Metro airport through airliner Via Air, who will be performing their first flights from the state’s capitol city. Baton Rouge Metro Airport Spokesperson Jim Caldwell says Via Air has a great reputation, and offers competitive pricing.
Cut 7 (09) “…good service”
Orlando flights are on Mondays and Thursdays, and Austin flights are on Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

Amazon is set to start shipping seven foot tall Christmas trees come November A North Carolina Frasier will run customers about 115 bucks and will be shipped to your house within ten days of being cut down, but Allen Parish Christmas Tree farmer Gray Anderson says that takes the fun out of getting a real tree.
Cut 4 (10) “…a tree”

The United Cajun Navy is setting up shop in South Carolina as Hurricane Florence is expected to create massive flooding. These volunteers were critical in rescuing individuals during the flood of 2016 and Hurricane Harvey. Founder Todd Terrell says they will do more than just rescues…
cut 15 (07) “….just boat rescues”
Entergy is also sending 200 employees and contractors to the region.

Amazon announces plans they’ll ship fresh seven-foot Christmas trees this holiday season for $115 dollars. Gray Anderson owns a Christmas Tree Farm in Allen Parish and he doesn’t expect Amazon’s new venture will hurt his business, because he says cutting down a tree is a great holiday tradition and it’s more than just getting a tree..
cut 6 (06) “….also”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission wants to do more about drug impaired driving. Kevin Barnhart reports two-thirds of the blood samples that the State Police Crime Lab analyzes contains at least one drug to go along with alcohol….
voicer 2 (28) “….I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The National Hurricane Center gives a broad area of low pressure in the central Gulf of Mexico a high chance of developing into a tropical depression before it makes landfall on the south Texas coast. Roger Erickson, with the National Weather Service, says models indicate a Texas landfall, but the potential tropical depression or storm could bring south Louisiana more rain

Cut 14 (09) “…this week”

A LaFourche Parish Council member was arrested after violating a protective order filed against him by another councilman for the second time in four months. 51-year-old James Bourgeois Sr. had been ordered to stay clear of Jerry LaFont after a fist fight broke out at a council meeting back in April. Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Brennan Matherne says its politics.

cut 9 (11) “…for this”

Louisiana receives  a seven- million dollar grant to build a new veterans cemetery in Jennings that’s set to break ground November 1^st. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland says currently, southwest Louisiana families have to drive at least 80 miles to the nearest veterans cemetery.
Cut 3 (08) “…Leesville” 

A new report says Louisiana is ranked eighth in obesity for the age group between 10 and 17.  CEO of Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach says when it comes to obesity among youth, he recommends healthier eating options in schools as well as the increased importance of PE and recess.

Cut 7 (10) “…help as well.

Louisiana has an obesity problem, and the latest numbers show it’s on the rise.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The mayor of Kenner has rescinded his original order banning the cities recreational department and booster club from purchasing Nike products. This in the wake of national attention paid to the decision that likely would have come under legal challenge. Mayor Ben Kahn stated he did not want city money used for political reasons after Nike named activist Colin Kaepernick as the face of a new campaign. Zahn says he made the decision after input from city lawyers.

A LaFourche Parish Council member was arrested after violating a protective order filed against him by another councilman for the second time in four months. 51-year-old James Bourgeois Sr. had been ordered to stay clear of Jerry LaFont after a fist fight broke out at a council meeting back in April. which is how Bourgeois got his first violation.  Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Brennan Matherne he got busted when…

Cut 10 (10) “order”

It’s made for an awkward situation for the two who have to run into each other twice a month. The restraining order bars Bourgeois from coming within 50 yards of LaFont, except for council meetings, where the two must enter through separate doors.

The National Hurricane Center gives a broad area of low pressure in the central Gulf of Mexico a high chance of developing into a tropical depression before it makes landfall on the south Texas coast. Roger Erickson, with the National Weather Service.

Cut 12 (05)   “of year” 

A LaFourche Parish Councilman was arrested after violating a restraining order… against another councilman.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  
Eleven law enforcement officers from various parishes are taking part in a new sniper school hosted by the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.   The forty hour course is for designated marksmen involved in situations involving active shooters, hostages and barricades.  They will also receive training in shooting moving targets, sniper deployment, maintaining data books, and range estimation.

A new report says Louisiana has the sixth highest adult obesity rate in the nation as 36-percent of the adult population is obese, up 23-percent in 2000 and 12-percent in 1990.  The state is also ranked eighth in obesity for the age group between 10 and 17.  CEO of Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach says the state needs to do better to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Cut 6 (13) “…will go down.”

The National Hurricane Center gives a broad area of low pressure in the central Gulf of Mexico a high chance of developing into a tropical depression before it makes landfall on the south Texas coast. Roger Erickson, with the National Weather Service, says it’s unlikely this tropical disturbance can ramp up quickly into a hurricane, but the system is moving into an area that will allow for the shower activity to become better organized

Cut 13 (06) “tropical development”

The National Hurricane Center gives a broad area of low pressure in the central Gulf of Mexico a high chance of developing into a tropical depression before it makes landfall on the south Texas coast. Roger Erickson, with the National Weather Service, says rain chances for south Louisiana will increase on Friday and Saturday…

Cut 12 (05)   “of year” 

Louisiana receives  a seven- million dollar grant to build a new veterans cemetery in Jennings that’s set to break ground November 1^st. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland says  the grounds, located just behind the Jennings veteran’s home, will feature a walkway that cuts through the land, landscaping, fountains, and a notable landmark.

Cut 4 (09) “…beautiful”

The grounds will serve nearly 37,600 veterans.

A new report says Louisiana has the sixth highest adult obesity rate in the nation as 36-percent of the adult population is obese, up 23-percent in 2000 and 12-percent in 1990.  The state is also ranked eighth in obesity for the age group between 10 and 17.  CEO of Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach says WIC is an example that government policies that can be implemented to improve health.

Cut 8 (09) “…board has improved.”

A LaFourche Parish Council member was arrested after violating a protective order filed against him by another councilman for the second time in four months. 51-year-old James Bourgeois Sr. had been ordered to stay clear of Jerry LaFont after a fist fight broke out at a council meeting back in April. Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Brennan Matherne says Bourgeois ran into LaFont at a restaurant Tuesday night, and decided to stay.

Cut 11 (07)“…was there”

Louisiana has the sixth highest adult obesity rate in the nation as 36% of the adult population is obese.  That’s up from 12% in 1990.  The state is also ranked eighth in obesity for the age group between 10 and 17.  CEO of Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach says when it comes to obesity among youth, he recommends healthier eating options in schools as well as the increased importance of PE and recess.

Cut 7 (10) “…help as well.

A LaFourche Parish Council member was arrested after violating a protective order filed against him by another councilman for the second time in four months. The restraining order bars 51-year-old James Bourgeois Sr. from coming within 50 yards of Jerry LaFont, except for meetings where the two must enter through separate doors, which is how Bourgeois got his first violation. Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Brennan Matherene says the second violate came when…

Cut 10 (10) “order”

The VA has awarded Louisiana a 7.2 million dollar grant to building a new veterans cemetery in Jennings that’s set to break ground November 1^st.  Southwest Louisiana has a rich military history, and used to be the site of an airbase in Lake Charles that closed in 1995. Louisiana VA Secretary Joey Strickland says Louisiana in particular is a magnet for those who’ve served our country in the armed forces.
Cut 5 (05)  “…small state.” 

Be on the lookout for seven escapees from the Madison Parish Detention Center. It is not known at this time which direction they traveled in, if they were picked up by someone in a vehicle or if they are still on foot in the area. Madison Parish Sheriffs Department is asking for the public’s help, and says call 911 if you see any suspicious people in the area. Do not try to confront them yourself.