More and more women are buying guns and becoming involved with firearms according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation. They found gun shops saw a 74 percent increase in the number of female customers in 2013. Barret Kendrick, who is a firearms trainer in Covington, says three years ago he’d just see one or two females in a CCP class…:
CUT 8 (08) “during that time”
He says many of his female students come in scared of guns but end up really enjoying the training course and having fun.

Sasol announces they are going to delay a final investment decision on building a gas to liquids plant in the Lake Charles area. The South African energy giant cites the collapse in oil prices as the reason. But Sasol has already begun another project in Westlake which is an $8.1 billion dollar ethane cracker. The company says they are working on a plan to conserve money in the wake of falling oil prices.

Governor Bobby Jindal is not commenting on specifics right now regarding the looming budget cuts for higher education in Louisiana. The Governor was asked about the state’s difficult fiscal situation while in Lafayette for a groundbreaking of a new high-tech business. Jindal says they’ll do everything they can to mitigate the impact on higher education, but he’ll once again ask lawmakers to balance next year’s fiscal budget without raising taxes.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s annual convention is underway and the item at the top of mind is the current controversial split of the football playoffs. LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine says he wants more time to dive into issues which created the new system and work with schools on a plan that will make it more equitable for teams to win a championship…:
CUT 15 (05) “trial on”
The vote will take place on Friday.

Although labor numbers for December show it was another record breaking month for Louisiana employment, the state’s unemployment rate rose to six-point-seven percent. Louisiana Workforce Commission director Curt Eysink, says they hope the number of people employed continues to go up, even though weak oil prices are leading to layoffs in the oil industry…

cut 12 (07) “this point”

Eysink says the higher unemployment rate is not because of layoffs, but because more people are looking for jobs.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s annual convention begins today and the main agenda item is the current split of the football playoffs. New LHSAA Executive Director, Eddie Bonine, believes since he’s new on the job, the best course of action is to stay with the split football playoffs for another year, so they can work on a better solution…

cut 14 (09) “thing right”

The LHSAA voted in 2013 to split the football playoffs, because of concerns private schools had certain advantages over public schools.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a house fire in Holden where one man died. Authorities say when firefighters entered the home, they found the body of a man on a couch in the living room, where they believe the fire started. An autopsy will be performed by the Livingston Parish Coroner to determine the cause of death and to identify the deceased.

The Boudin King Cake idea has gone completely viral as people demand to have one right away. Michelle Southern reports.

cut 1 (31) “reporting”

Studies show more and more women are buying guns and becoming more familiar with how to use them. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 2 (32) “reporting”

The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office says a deputy has been fired following a domestic dispute. They say 30-year-old Gary Ellis Jr., a four year veteran of the department, had been drinking when he began arguing with his wife. It’s alleged that Ellis threw his wife to the ground several times. When officers arrived, it’s reported Ellis tried to grab a deputy’s weapon. Ellis is charged with domestic battery, battery of a police officer, and attempted disarming of a peace officer.

Labor numbers for December reveal another record breaking month for Louisiana employment. Louisiana Workforce Commission director Curt Eysink, says total nonfarm employment grew to 1,992,000, as private employers added 34-thousand jobs over the year. He says professional business services is one of the strongest sectors for job growth…

cut 10 (10) “other people”

Louisiana’s unemployment rate continues to go up, even though the number of people who are employed is also increasing.

Acadiana food critic Bob Carriker has come up with a “Boudin King Cake” that’s getting a lot of attention. The King Cake uses a bread that is savory, not sweet, stuffed with boudin, and topped with Steen’s syrup and cracklin. Carriker says his idea immediately went viral so he ran down to a local baker…

cut 5 (09) “just dramatic”

Carriker says he’s gotten messages from Alaska, New York, Washington and California from people who want one.

New employment numbers are out that show private employers in Louisiana added 34-thousand jobs during 2014, but the state’s unemployment rate also rose one-point-three percent to six-point-seven percent last year. Louisiana Workforce Commission director Curt Eysink says the higher unemployment rate is not because of layoffs, but because more people are looking for jobs…
cut 11 (09) “…find work”

A study from the National Shooting Sports Foundation has found that 74-percent of gun shops saw growth in female customers in 2013. Barret Kendrick is a firearms trainer in Covington and he’s noticed over the last couple of years that females are becoming less scared of guns and enjoying training courses…
cut 9 (05) “….sports industry”

The split high school football playoff system is up for discussion as the Louisiana High School Athletic Association begins its annual convention today. New LHSAA executive director, Eddie Bonine, says he’s asking schools to give him a year to come up with a proposal that would resolve the issues between public and private schools…
cut 13 (07) “….state again”

A Boudin King Cake made in Lafayette has gone viral. Acadiana food critic Bob Carriker reviews King Cakes and Boudin from all over the nation and decided to combine the two and share the idea on his Facebook page…
cut 4 (12) “….in minutes”
Carriker says the now famous King Cake uses a bread that’s savory, stuffed with boudin and topped with Steen’s cane syrup.

Louisiana’s December labor numbers are in and once again the state broke employment records. Scott Carwile has more…
cut 3 (32) “….reporting”

In a court filing, Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson says his daughter and two grandchildren, who are suing over his new succession plan, never rose to the task as he attempted to groom them to take over his professional franchises. The filing was in response to a lawsuit filed by Benson’s daughter, Renee, and two grandchildren, who claim Mr. Benson, is not mentally fit to make important decisions.

Studies show more and more women are buying guns and becoming more familiar with how to use them. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, 74 percent of gun shops saw growth in female customers in 2013. Barret Kendrick, a firearms trainer in Covington, says they have seen a major increase in the number of women coming into the gun market….
cut 7 (10) “…their children”
Kendrick says he’s found many of his female students go from being scared of weapons to really enjoying a training course and having fun.

According to the American Automobile Association, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is at $1.87 for the second day in a row. So has the price bottomed out? AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says that is possible…:
CUT 12 (09) “of a plateau”
Redman says gas prices should go up later in February as we start heading into spring.

Saints and Pelicans Owner Tom Benson has responsed to the lawsuit filed by his daughter and two grandchildren. In a court filing, Benson says for years he attempted to groom Renee Benson and his two grandchildren to take over the professional franchises once he dies, but they never rose to the task. He adds the decision for his wife to take control of the teams following his death was a deliberate and reasoned decision.

Labor numbers for December show it was another record breaking month for Louisiana employment. Louisiana Workforce Commission director Curt Eysink, says total nonfarm employment grew to 1,992,000, as private employers added 34-thousand jobs over the year.

A group of high school students from Cedar Creek in Ruston are on a field trip in snowy New York City. Eric Gill on how they’ve adapted as a result of a big snowstorm…
cut 1 (31) “…reporting”

Ascension Parish Sheriff deputies are on the hunt for at least two suspects involved in a double homicide in Donaldsonville. Chief Deputy Tony Bacala says around 3:30 yesterday afternoon, they arrived at the scene of a shooting and found 37-year-old Chad Nichols dead on the front lawn of his house..:
CUT 9 (10) “did not survive”
The believe the suspects stole the victim’s vehicles.

The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the search for a teen, wanted in connection to a weekend robbery, ended unexpectedly when the suspect was found dead. Sheriff’s spokesperson Maxine Trahan says Rayne Police were involved in a chase after the robbery with a vehicle that the victim, 18 year-old Slye Mier (meer)and a juvenile, occupied. After the chase, Mier and the juvenile fled…
CUT 4 ( 07) Q: ‘in the field”
The investigation continues.
——————————–
The drop in fuel costs had a brief stoppage today, as the state-wide average price of regular gas remained unchanged at $1.87 a gallon. AAA fuel analyst Don Redmond says the prices right now are astounding…
cut 14 (09) “a year ago”
Redmond says we should prices start to move back up a bit in about 2 to 3 weeks.

It has turned out to be a student retreat AND a snow day for some Ruston students from Cedar Creek school, as some 27 students and sponsors were left stranded in New York City because of a big snow storm. So now, they are taking in as much of the Big Apple as they possibly can, including Central Park…
CUT 7 (08) Q: ‘EXPERIENCE FOR US’
Director of Student Activities Elizabeth Walker, who says they plan to leave tomorrow.

There’s been an unexpected turn of events in the investigation of a weekend robbery in Acadia Parish, as the suspect was found dead in a field near Crowley.
CUT 3 (08) Q: ” face down”
That’s Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Maxine Trahan, who reports after the Sunday night robbery, Rayne Police were involved in a chase with a vehicle that Mier and a juvenile occupied. Police say Meir’s death appears suspicious.

For the 2nd day in a row, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas remains unchanged at $1.87, according to AAA. Some suspect the price has bottomed out, but fuel analyst Don Redmond says we might see a brief dip in February…
CUT 13 (06) Q: “into spring”
————————
A group of Louisiana high school students find themselves in the middle of all the snow in New York City. Students from Cedar Creek School in Ruston are now in the Big Apple on a extended school trip because of the storm back east…
CUT 8 (11) Q: “fun to do”
That’s Director of Student Activities Elizabeth Walker.

A hunter that had been missing since Thursday in the Pearl River Wildlife Management area has been found alive in St. Tammany Parish. St. Tammy Parish Sheriff’s office says that 42 year-old Robert “Rob” Varnado was reported missing by a hunting buddy in the area on Thursday. He was found alive today.

Ascension Parish Sheriff deputies are searching for at least two suspects involved in a double homicide in Donaldsonville. Chief Deputy Tony Bacala says they believe the suspects killed the victims then stole their vehicles….
cut 11 (04) “to rob them”
The victims are identified as thirty-seven-year-old Chad Nichols of Doanldsonville, and 29 year-old Benny Booker of Prairieville.

A teen, wanted in connection to a weekend robbery in Acadia Parish, has been found dead in a field just east of Crowley. The body was identified as 18-year-old Slye Mier (mere) of Crowley. Rayne Police were involved in a chase after the robbery with a vehicle that Mier and the another suspect were in…
CUT 5 (10) Q: ‘the investigation”
That’s Acadia Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Maxine Trahan
===================
According to the American Automobile Association, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is at $1.87 for the second day in a row. So has the price bottomed out?
CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

The former Destrehan High School teacher accused of having sex with a 16 year-old student will be going to trial in May. Shelly Dufresne faces the charge of carnal knowledge of a juvenile; which is a felony Trial proceedings will begin May 20th.

According to the American Automobile Association, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is at $1.87 for the second day in a row. So has the price bottomed out? AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says that is possible as the price of crude oil has stabilized between $45 and $48 a barrel…:
CUT 12 (09) “of a plateau”
Redman says you can definitely expect to see gas prices moving up later in February as we start heading into spring.

The Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office says the search for a man, wanted in connection to a weekend robbery, ended unexpectedly when the suspect was found dead. Sheriff’s spokesperson Maxine Trahan says Rayne Police were involved in a chase with a vehicle occupied by a juvenile and 18-year-old Slye Mier of Crowley who eventually got away on foot…:
CUT 4 (07) “in the field”
Authorities say Mier’s death is being classified as suspicious, but the exact cause is unknown at this time.

As the northeast gets pounded by a blizzard, a group of students from Cedar Creek School in Ruston find themselves in the middle of it in New York City. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (31) “reporting”

The State Department of Health and Hospitals sets up a program that encourages Louisiana residents to take control of their health. The program is called “Own Your Own Health”. It’s a three month wellness challenge that can assist residents in living a healthier lifestyle. The challenges are meant to motivate Louisianians to make small daily steps to a healthy life. You can sign up at oyohla-dot-com.