17:30 LRN Newscast March 18, 2016

A Slidell high school teacher has been arrested for alleged sexual contact with students. Slidell Police Chief Randy Smith says Raymond Winzy is charged with two counts of molestation of a juvenile by an educator, 9 counts of production of child pornography and three counts of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Smith says some students at the high school have been bullied and threatened regarding this case.

Cut 8 (10) “victims”

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden says is fairly certain he’ll run for the 2ndCongressional District seat. Holden would challenge US Representative Cedric Richmond. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says although Holden ran a good campaign when he ran for Lt. Governor last year, he did not raise a lot of campaign money, which would pose a problem…

Cut 4 (08) “not just here”

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says his office will announce next week how much of a cut in state funding higher education and health care will receive. Dardenne says public colleges have already received a 28-million dollar loss in funding this fiscal year.

Cut 12 (07) “cuts around”

Rapides and Avoyelles Parish are making preparations to protect themselves from flooding as the Red River is expected to crest over the weekend at a level that hasn’t been seen in over 30 years. The Homeland Security Director of Rapides Parish Sonya Wiley-Gremillion says the Red River is expected to crest Sunday night at 39.5 feet. She says their main concern is the safety of the people in Rapides Parish, not their property.

Cut 14 (10) “our office”

16:30 LRN Newscast March 18

A Slidell Teacher has been arrested for allegedly having sexual contact with students. Emelie Gunn has more…
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says over 11-thousand homes received some type of flood damage. 26 parishes are eligible for federal assistance. The state will begin distributing disaster food stamps next week, flood victims are encouraged to register now at DCFS’ website.

Residents living in central Louisiana are keeping a close eye on the Red River as its expected to crest at its highest level in over 30 years. Avoyelles Parish Director of Homeland Security Joey Frank says there is a low spot in the levee at Brouillette and they’re using super sack sandbags to raise it a foot and a half. He says they’ve also raised the Vick levee 18 inches….
cut 15 (07) “…Monday morning”
All the flood waters could lead to more mosquitoes and heath officials are urging folks to make sure they are taking precautions. Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of Health and Hospitals says this is typical for this time of year, but the flooding makes it worse…:
CUT 9 (09) “mosquitoes”
Welch says people need to remove standing water in and around their yards to help lower the mosquito population.

15:30 Newscast March 18,2016

A Slidell High School teacher and girls basketball coach has been arrested after allegations of inappropriate behavior with students. Slidell Police Chief Randy Smith says 35-year-old Raymond Winzy allegedly would start casual conversations with his female students, which turned sexual. He says once Winzy gained their trust he would invite them into his classroom…
CUT 6 (11) “classroom”

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden says he is almost 100% sure he’ll be running for the 2nd Congressional District seat in the fall. The seat is currently held by US Representative Cedric Richmond. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says if Holden gets in, it will make for an interesting race….
CUT 3 (05) “for Holden”

Dubos says although Holden ran a good campaign when he ran for Lt. Governor last year, he did not raise a lot of campaign money, which would pose a problem…

 

The extensive flooding in Louisiana is raising concerns for a boom in the mosquito population…
CUT 2 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Rapides and Avoyelles Parish are preparing to protect themselves from flooding as the Red River is expected to crest at a level that hasn’t been seen in more than 30 years. Rapides Parish Homeland Security Director Sonya Wiley-Gremillion urges residents in the most flood prone areas to take action now and don’t wait until it’s too late.
Cut 13 (08) “that area”

14:30 LRN Newscast March 18

Slidell Police have arrested a girls basketball coach at Slidell High for allegedly having sexual relations with students. Police Chief Randy Smith says there were several students in which 35-year-old Raymond Winzy exhibited inappropriate behavior with…
cut 7 (10) “…with him”
Smith says police searched Winzy’s home and classroom and found nude photos and videos on multiple electronic devices.

With all the flooding and the fact we are getting more rain, there’s a concern the mosquito population will boom in the next couple of weeks. Doctor Frank Welch, with the state department of health and hospitals, says people need to remove standing water in and around their yards….
cut 10 (09) “…a tire”

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says his office will announce next week how much of a cut in state funding higher education and health care will receive as a result of a 70-million dollar deficit for this fiscal year. Dardenne says unfortunately these two areas are on the chopping block, because cuts have already been made to other state agencies…
cut 11 (09) “…those out”
Dardenne says public colleges have already received a 28-million dollar loss in funding this fiscal year, because the state ran out of money to pay for TOPS scholarships.

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden is seriously considering a campaign to run against Second District Congressman Cedric Richmond of New Orleans. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says the term limited mayor would present a challenge for Richmond…
cut 5 (11) “…a pushover”
Holden plans to make an official announcement next month.

13:30 Newscast, March 18th, 2016

A Slidell Teacher has been arrested for allegedly having sexual contact with several students in exchange for food and better grades. Emelie Gunn has more:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

More than 11,000 homes have received some type of flood damage according to the the Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. They also say that this disaster is, just like any, is increasing the risk for scams as cleanup and repairs begin. The Attorney General says don’t donate to any charity that asks for cash and make sure any contractors you hire are licensed through the state.

The Department of Health and Hospitals says with all the flooding Louisiana is experiencing right now, residents should be aware that more mosquitoes will be flying around. Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of Health and Hospitals says mosquito eggs can remain dormant for years without water, and those eggs could be hatching now. He says people need to do whatever they can to protect themselves against mosquitoes…:
Cut 11 (07) “your windows”
He says flooding can cause excessive mosquito breeding, which means there’s a possibility of diseases being carried by these insects.

And more rain is on the way. The National Weather Service says a cold front is moving through the state today and tomorrow and with it the potential for showers and thunderstorms. Southeast Louisiana is expected to see one to three inches of rain, but they don’t expect the rain will significantly impact flood waters, but would hinder and slow the recovery process. Cooler weather is expected to settle in over the weekend.

 

12:30 Newscast, March 18th, 2016

A now EX-Slidell High school teacher and girls basketball coach has been arrested for allegedly having sex with several of his students and possessing pictures and videos of the acts. Slidell Police Chief Randy Smith says 34-year-old Raymond Winzy is accused of dirty talking to his students then asking for pictures then sex. He says anyone threatening or bullying victims will be arrested…:
CUT 8 (10) “be victims”
Winzy faces several charges.

All the flood waters are bringing in more mosquitoes and heath officials are urging folks to make sure they are taking precautions. Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of Health and Hospitals says this is typical for this time of year, but the flooding makes it worse…:
CUT 1 (09) “mosquitoes”

Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden says he is 90% sure he’ll run for the 2nd Congressional District seat this fall. Holden would be challenging US Representative Cedric Richmond, who has held the seat since 2011. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says although Holden ran a good campaign when he ran for Lt. Governor last year, he did not raise a lot of campaign money, which would pose a problem…:
CUT 4 (08) “not just here”

More rain is expected today, but state climatologist Barry Keim says it doesn’t look like this event will contribute to more river basin flooding…:
CUT 2 (04) “last week”
He says most of Louisiana will receive rain but the southeast is expected to get the most today at about one to two inches.

 

11:30 Newscast, March 18th, 2016

A Slidell High school girls basketball coach and teacher is under arrest for allegedly having sex with some of his students, according to cops. They say 34-year-old Raymond Winzy is charged with two counts of molestation of a juvenile by an educator, 9 counts of child porn and 3 counts carnal knowledge of a juvenile. Slidell Police Chief Randy Smith…:
CUT 6 (11) “classroom”
Slidell High says Winzy has been fired from his job.

Beginning Monday the Department of Children and Family Services will have locations in 23 parishes set up for people affected by floods to apply for food stamps. They say it’s for eligible residents who don’t normally receive SNAP benefits. Deputy Assistant Secretary of DCFS, Sammy Guillory, wants you to pre-register….:
Cut 13 (08) “SNAP”

Term-limited Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden says he is 90% sure he’ll run for the 2nd Congressional District seat this fall, but an official announcement won’t be made until next week. He’d be challenging US Representative Cedric Richmond, who has held the seat since 2011. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says if Holden gets in, it will make for an interesting race…:
CUT 3 (05) “for Holden”

Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating has climbed 9-percent in just three weeks, according to a new UNO poll. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

 

10:30 LRN Newscast March 18

A poll from UNO shows Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating has shot up nine-percentage points in the last three weeks to 43-percent. The same poll only gives the state legislature a favorability rating of 15 percent. UNO pollster Ed Chervanek says those numbers are comparable to Washington politicians…
cut 12 (07) “….happening here”
About half of the survey respondents also blame former Governor Bobby Jindal for the state’s budget problems.

The Department of Children and Family Services will begin distributing next week disaster food stamps to families impacted by the flooding. Sammy Guillory, with D-C-F-S, says individuals can pre-register now by going to D-C-F-S website and they can also find out where benefit cards will be distributed…
cut 15 (06) “…or two”
You can also call 1-888-LA-HELP-U.

Much of south and central Louisiana are under a slight risk for severe thunderstorms today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it shouldn’t contribute to more river basin flooding, but it could slow down the recovery process. And he says flash flooding in urban areas is always a possibility….
cut 4 (10) “…even more”
Keim says a stationary front has locked in across the state and isn’t likely to clear until Sunday.

A bill that will be debated in this regular legislative session would allow individuals to one day be buried with the remains of their favorite pet. Metairie Senator Conrad Appel is the author of the legislation…
cut 8 (08) “…cemetery”
Appel says cemeteries would have designated areas where pets and owners can be buried together.

09:30 Newscast, March 18th, 2016

More rain is on tap for The Bayou State today but forecasters don’t believe it will have any major impacts on the current river basin flooding. State Climatologist Barry Keim says most all of Louisiana will see rain but the southeast region is expected to get hit hardest. He says a stationary front has locked in and isn’t likely to clear until Sunday…:
Cut 5 (10) “parishes”
He doesn’t see the system contributing to flooding, but it could slow the recovery process.

The American Red Cross and LSU are partnering up again in support of disaster relief efforts by sending volunteers to Alex Box Stadium before tomorrow’s game versus Alabama to collect money for Louisiana floods. They say Tiger fans always stepped up like last year for the South Carolina floods. As of Thursday, the Red Cross has provided more than 1600 overnight stays in 28 shelters statewide.

A bill to allow pet owners to have their furry friends buried alongside them will be heard in the current legislative session. Emelie Gunn has more…:
CUT 1 (27) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

A new poll out of UNO shows 24% of respondents blame the legislature for the state’s budget woes and give them a 15% approval rating. Pollster Ed Chervanek says that’s in line with Washington politicians…:
CUT 12 (07) “happening here”
Governor John Bel Edwards approval ratings, however, have gone up almost 10% in just three weeks.

 

**7:30 Correction, March 18th, 2016**

Just a copy note. I used voicer 2 in the 7:30 newscast, not voicer 1 as originally written. Thanks.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating has climbed 9-percent in just three weeks, according to a new UNO poll. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

More rain is expected today, but state climatologist Barry Keim says it doesn’t look like this event will contribute to more river basin flooding…:
CUT 6 (04) “last week”
He says most of Louisiana will receive rain but the southeast is expected to get the most today at about one to two inches.

If you’re in a disaster declared parish, the Department of Children and Family Services says they will start setting up food stamp distribution sites for residents impacted by flooding beginning Monday. Assistant Secretary of DCFS, Sammy Guillory, says DSNAP provides support to those eligible families who do not currently receive benefits…:
Cut 14 (11) “related expenses”
The’re encouraging applicants to pre-register now at dcfs.la.gov/SNAP.

State Police say anyone who normally uses I-10 to Texas needs to allow extra time to get to their destination as it remains closed. The Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking motorists NOT to use LA 27 to LA 82 through Holly Beach as detour due to extremely high traffic volumes and congestion during the day. The route troopers recommend remains I-49, to 165, to 171, to 190 west.