Typically, Valentine’s Day is one in which lovers shower each other with gifts, flowers and a nice dinner out.  But Lake Charles based Waitr is hoping for a big day with in home deliveries.  CEO Chris Meaux (MO) says they were pleasantly surprised at the amount of orders they got last year which was an 1100-percent spike over a normal weekday…

Cut 6 (10)  “a year.”

A survey ranks Louisiana 49th in well-being. The Bayou State only finished ahead of West Virginia in the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index.

Researcher Dan Witter’s says they asked Louisiana residents if they felt safe and secure in their community and most said no…

Cut 5  (09)  “pretty high”

Louisiana was one of several southern states that saw a decline in well-being in 2017.

New Orleans police are searching for a subject they believe is responsible for killing a man on St. Charles Ave during Mardi Gras.

Eddie Dingle Jr., 21, is wanted on suspicion of second-degree murder after the shooting near the parade route about 4:35 p.m. in the 2100 block of St. Charles Avenue. The gunfire left a 30-year-old man dead; officials have not released his name.Three people were killed yesterday throughout the crescent city.

The Louisiana Family Forum is honoring the top ten Louisiana couples married the longest on this Valentine’s Day.  For the third year in a row, the longest married couple is Lawrence and Varrie (Very) Player of Benton, married for 83 years.   Family Forum President Gene Mills says it’s no surprise that this couple hails from Louisiana…

Cut 10 (07) “and marriage.”

The second longest married couple is Wallace and Gladys Menard of Duson married for 79 years.

A survey ranks Louisiana near the bottom for well-being ranking 49^th in the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index. Researcher Dan Witters says  they asked Louisiana residents if they felt safe and secure in their community and most said no…

Cut 6 (08)  “50th in the nation”

Louisiana was one of several southern states that saw a decline in well-being in 2017.

Three persons are under arrest in the alleged murder of a young woman from Ponchatoula.  Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard says the body of 19-year-old Emily Rogers was found in a wooded area near Maurepas (More-a-pa).  As police interviewed persons close to the investigation, conflicting stories made it apparent she was killed.  John Cowart, Justin Scivique (Suh-vick) and Derek Williford all of Maurepas (More-a-pa) were arrested.  The motive is unclear and the investigation is continuing.

Panola Pepper and Providence Foods founder Grady Wyly “Bubber” Brown Sr. will be laid to rest today.  The 83-year-old from Lake Providence died Saturday.  Panola Pepper was founded in 1983 so that Brown’s farmhands would have work through the winter.  Lake Providence Mayor Bobby Amacker says he made the first batch on his mother’s stovetop…

Cut 13 (09)  “is today.”

Funeral services will be held at 1pm at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lake Providence.

The Louisiana Family Forum is honoring the longest married couple on this Valentine’s Day.  Lawrence and Varrie (Very) Player of Benton have been married for 83 years.  The couple met when they were 21 and 16 respectively.  Family Fourm President Gene Mills says besides being the longest married couple in the state…

Cut 12 (05) “as well.”

It’s the third year in a row they have won the state title.

The head of a non-partisan education group says the state school system needs to tap into more federal funds to improve state schools. John Warner Smith with New Horizon’s said Tuesday that “no child left behind” federal funds are available for Louisiana schools because of where our state ranks in public school spending. Governor John Bel Edwards has already indicated that the state will remain at last year’s spending for the 2018-19 school year.

The National Federation of Independent Businesses says the Small Business Optimism Index set a record in January, with small business owners saying now is a good time to expand.  Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn Starns agrees it might be a good time to expand because of less federal taxes and regulations…but proprietors are concerned about finding qualified workers for open positions…

Cut 8 (08) “their certification.”

The Louisiana Family Forum is honoring the top ten Louisiana couples married the longest on this Valentine’s Day.  For the third year in a row, the longest married couple is Lawrence and Varrie (Very) Player of Benton, married for 83 years. Family Forum President Gene Mills says,

When asked about how they have been able to stick together, 98-year-old Varrie has advice that can be applied for all married couples…

Cut 11 (06) “forgive quickly.”

Lawrence Player is 104.  The couple met and married when Lawrence was 21 and Varrie was 16.

Panola Pepper and Providence Foods founder Grady Wyly “Bubber” Brown Sr. will be laid to rest today.  The 83-year-old from Lake Providence died Saturday.  Panola Pepper was founded in 1983 so that Brown’s farmhands would have work through the winter.  Lake Providence Mayor Bobby Amacker saysBrown’s death leaves a big hole in the community…

Cut 15 (07) “tell ya.”

February 14^th means candy and cards for our loved ones. Our Matt Doyle looks at the longest married couple in Louisiana on this Valentine’s Day.

Cut 3 (:30) q…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A new survey ranks Louisiana 49^th in Well being Researcher Dan Witters says their survey found many in Louisiana ar not proud of where they live or believe they are living in a perfect place.

Cut 4 (:09) q…”that statement.”

The National Federation of Independent Businesses says the Small Business Optimism Index set a record in January, with small business owners saying now is a good time to expand.  Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn Starns says they have found owners are enthusiastic about investing the extra money they are getting from federal tax reform into their business…

With the start of the special session Monday, Governor John Bel Edwards has proposed increasing taxes on some service based businesses to help bridge a one-billion-dollar budget gap.

Starns says Edwards proposal could hamper the optimism in the business community

Cut 9 (09)  “federal level.”

Three people have been arrested in connection with a body found near maurepas yesterday. Livingston parish sheriff Jason Ard says the investigation is on-going despite the three arrests. 19-year old Emily Rodgers had been missing almost a week and Ard says foul play was immediately suspected.

According to a Business think tank optimism is high in Louisiana.  But a proposal from Governor John Bel Edwards to raise taxes on service related businesses could put a damper on commerce.  Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

Three people have been arrested in connection with a body found near maurepas yesterday. Livingston parish sheriff Jason Ard says the investigation is on-going despite the three arrests. 19-year old Emily Rodgers had been missing almost a week and Ard says foul play was immediately suspected. 35 year old John Cowart is accused of being involved in Rodgers death.

Panola Pepper and Providence Foods founder Grady Wyly “Bubber” Brown Sr. will be laid to rest today.  The 83-year-old from Lake Providence died Saturday.  Panola Pepper was founded in 1983 so that Brown’s farmhands would have work through the winter.

Providence Foods was founded after Panola Pepper and Brown decided to take the second business to Lake Providence itself.  Lake Providence Mayor Bobby Amacker says Brown wanted to help people earn a decent living and help his community…

Cut 14 (13) “sales taxes.”

Amacker also says Brown made his first batch of Panola on his mother’s stove-top.

The Louisiana Family Forum is honoring the top ten Louisiana couples married the longest on this Valentine’s Day.  For the third year in a row, the longest married couple is Lawrence and Varrie (Very) Player of Benton, married for 83 years. Lawrence Player is 104.  The couple met and married when Lawrence was 21 and Varrie was 16.  Mills says not only are the Players the longest married couple in Louisiana, but are in contention for another title

Lawrence Player is 104.  The couple met and married when Lawrence was 21 and Varrie was 16.

Are you comfortable, healthy or happy? If you live in Louisiana then, according to a new survey, you shouldn’t be.. in this state. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

By the way….West Virginia is last.

The Louisiana Family Forum is honoring the top ten Louisiana couples married the longest on this Valentine’s Day.  For the third year in a row, the longest married couple is Lawrence and Varrie (Very) Player of Benton, married for 83 years.   Family Forum President Gene Mills says it’s no surprise that this couple hails from Louisiana…

Cut 10 (07) “and marriage.”

The National Federation of Independent Businesses says the Small Business Optimism Index set a record in January, with small business owners saying now is a good time to expand.  Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn Starns says they have found owners are enthusiastic about investing the extra money they are getting from federal tax reform into their business…

Cut 7 (08)  “third location.”

The head of a non-partisan education group says the state school system needs to tap into more federal funds to improve state schools. John Warner Smith with New Horizon’s said Tuesday that “no child left behind” federal funds are available for Louisiana schools because of where our state ranks in public school spending. Governor John Bel Edwards has already indicated that the state will remain at last years spending for the 2018-19 school year.

Commodities

Panola Pepper and Providence Foods founder Grady Wyly “Bubber” Brown Sr. will be laid to rest today.  The 83-year-old from Lake Providence died Saturday.  Panola Pepper was founded in 1983 so that Brown’s farmhands would have work through the winter.  Lake Providence Mayor Bobby Amacker says he made the first batch on his mother’s stovetop…

Cut 13 (09)  “is today.”

Louisiana ranks 49th in the country when it comes to being comfortable, healthy or happy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Business optimism is high in Louisiana.  But the proposal from Governor John Bel Edwards to raise taxes on service related businesses may squash it.  Kelley Ray has more.

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

_______________________________________

The Louisiana Family Forum is honoring the longest married Louisiana couple this Valentine’s Day.  Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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A survey ranks Louisiana 49th in well-being. The Bayou State only finished ahead of West Virginia in the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index. Researcher Dan Witters says their survey found many in Louisiana are not proud of where they live or believe they are living in the perfect place…

Cut 4  (09) “with that statement” 

Witters says the Bayou State also ranks low in their index, because about a quarter of those surveyed admit not having enough money to buy food for their family….

Cut 5  (09)  “pretty high”

Witters says they asked Louisiana residents if they felt safe and secure in their community and most said no…

Cut 6 (08)  “50th in the nation”

Louisiana was one of several southern states that saw a decline in well-being in 2017.

____________________________________________

The National Federation of Independent Businesses says the Small Business Optimism Index set a record in January, with small business owners saying now is a good time to expand.  Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn Starns says they have found owners are enthusiastic about investing the extra money they are getting from federal tax reform into their business…

Cut 7 (08)  “third location.”

Starns says while it might be a good time to expand because of less federal taxes and regulations, small business owners are concerned about finding qualified workers for open positions…

Cut 8 (08) “their certification.”

With the start of the special session Monday, Governor John Bel Edwards has proposed increasing taxes on some service based businesses to help bridge a one-billion-dollar budget gap.  Starns says it would unravel the optimism the businesses are feeling now…

Cut 9 (09)  “federal level.”

__________________________________________

The Louisiana Family Forum is honoring the top ten Louisiana couples married the longest on this Valentine’s Day.  For the third year in a row, the longest married couple is Lawrence and Varrie (Very) Player of Benton, married for 83 years.   Family Forum President Gene Mills says it’s no surprise that this couple hails from Louisiana…

Cut 10 (07) “and marriage.”

When asked about how they have been able to stick together, Mills says 98-year-old Varrie has advice that can be applied for all married couples…

Cut 11 (06) “forgive quickly.”

The Baldwin Police Department is damaged and one inmate is injured following a fire.  Jim Shannon has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon.”

A survey by offers-dot-com finds the average consumer will spend 55-dollars on Valentine’s Day this year. Spokesperson Sarah Hollenbeck says consumers in Louisiana are more traditional when it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts…

Cut 6 (07)  “diamond rings”

Chronic wasting disease in deer has been detected in Mississippi near the Louisiana border and state wildlife officials are concerned the fatal disease will end up in the Bayou State.  C-W-D is similar to mad cow disease and L-D-W-F is working with Mississippi wildlife officials on sampling and containment. State Wildlife Vet Dr. Jim LaCour says there are concerns about eating deer that had the disease…

Cut 14 (10) “in an area”

Global sports entertainment leader Topgolf is coming to Baton Rouge in late 2018.  The ten-million-dollar entertainment venue will feature 15-hundred square feet of private event space and 72 climate controlled hitting bays.  Spokesperson Caroline Jerome says it is the ultimate family experience…

Cut 9 (07) “moments together.”

It will bring 325 jobs to Baton Rouge.

Chronic Wasting Disease has been found in a Mississippi deer near East Carroll and Madison parishes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.

A Louisiana State Penitentiary inmate serving a life sentence for second degree murder, died three days after being involved in a fight with his cell mate.  36-year-old Gamarus Everett was found unresponsive after the fight with 41-year-old Jessie Grace.  Everett was revived and taken to a Baton Rouge hospital where he died last night.  Officials say Grace may be charged following an investigation.

The Baldwin Police Department was heavily damaged and a prisoner was injured after a fire yesterday afternoon.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says it will be a while before normal operations can resume as the police department sustained quite a bit of damage…

Cut 5  (10)  “into service.”

Browning says they continue to conduct interviews and will talk with the jailed man when he has sufficiently recovered.

Global sports entertainment leader Topgolf has broken ground in Baton Rouge, slated to open in late 2018. With 41 venues around the world, the company is looking to bring their entertainment complexes to other areas.  Spokesperson Caroline Jerome says they can’t reveal any information now, but when asked about other Louisiana locations, she said…

Cut 11 (10) “you guys.”

The Mardi Gras party in New Orleans will soon end. Based on the amount of grills along the St. Charles parade route everyone was fed well…
cut 16 (09) “…fish too”
In New Roads, nine people went to the hospital after a float in a parade crashed into a telephone pole. Officials say the pole crashed down on the roof of the float, causing it to collapse. Some of the riders were thrown off. One report says a person suffered a head injury, while another injured a leg.

The investigation continues into a fire that destroyed much of the Baldwin Police Department in St. Mary Parish. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says his deputies are still trying to determine how the blaze started….
cut 4 (11) “…that soon”
Browning says a prisoner in a holding cell suffered severe injuries from burns. There have been reports an inmate set himself on fire, but Browning can’t confirm that.

Chronic wasting disease in deer has been detected in Mississippi and Louisiana wildlife officials are concerned the fatal disease will end up in the Bayou State. A four-year-old buck was found dead of C-W-D near the Louisiana border. State Wildlife Veterinarian, Doctor Jim LaCour says East Carroll, Madison and Tensas parish landowners should curtail supplemental feeding of deer…
cut 12 (07) “…our infected”
C-W-D is similar to mad cow disease and deer infected with it can spread the disease even before symptoms develop.

Don’t forget tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Offers-dot-com spokesperson Sarah Hollenbeck says based on their survey, many Louisiana couples do not have big plans tomorrow night…
cut 7 (10) “….romantic restaurant”