Rapides Parish investigators are trying to figure out what led to the tragic hit and run death of former longtime sheriff William Earl Hilton. Andre Champagne has the story.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”
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Judges that the Louisiana Legislature deems as incompetent can be removed under a proposal heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
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If you’ve been sneezing your head off lately, you’re in good company. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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Rapides Parish remains in shock over the tragic death of former longtime sheriff William Earl Hilton, who was killed in what investigators are calling a hit-and-run. Current Sheriff Mark Wood says 53-year-old Ladonna Delrie of Pollock ran over Hilton after the former sheriff returned home to find Delrie exiting his residence.
Cut 4 (05) “…it’s horrendous.”
Delrie faces several charges, including first-degree murder. Her bond has been set at 5.3-million dollars. Sheriff Wood says they’re trying to determine if Delrie and Hilton knew each other previously.
Hilton started in law enforcement in 1970. He also served in the Louisiana National Guard. Hilton was elected sheriff in 1992 and retired in 2008. He came out of retirement and served eight more years from 2012 to 2020.
Sheriff Wood is devasted over the death of the 80-year-old Hilton.
Cut 5 (09) “…without this man.”
Sheriff Wood says Hilton deserved to live several more years.
Cut 6 (08) “…is just unspeakable.”
Hilton’s body was transported to Lafayette for an autopsy. RPSO Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline asks you to keep Hilton’s family and the sheriff’s department in your prayers.
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A Senate committee approves legislation that gives lawmakers the ability to remove judges for malfeasance, gross misconduct or incompetence. Monroe Senator Jay Morris says there have been too many instances, particularly in Orleans Parish, where repeat offenders are committing violent crimes.
Cut 7 (12) “…decisions they make.”
This is a proposed constitutional amendment. It will need voter approval next April, if two-thirds of the Legislature approves it. Sarah Whittington of the ACLU of Louisiana opposes the legislation. Whittington says the state constitution already allows for the legislature to impeach a judge, but lawmakers have not tried…
Morris says the state constitution is unclear on whether the legislature can impeach a judge. He says under his proposal, an incompetent judge can be removed by a simple majority vote in the House and a two-thirds vote in the Senate. The governor would then certify the removal of that judge. Evangeline Parish Senator Heather Cloud likes this approach.
Cut 9 (12) “…and communities safe.”
Morris’ measure originally allowed the governor to recommend the removal of a judge. That language has been removed and the proposal heads to the Senate floor for more debate.
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If you’ve found yourself sneezing non-stop throughout the day to the point that your co-worker in the cubicle next to you is on the verge of calling HR, you’re actually in good company. Ochsner Health Immunologist Dr. John Carlson says we’re in the height of allergy season, and the actual culprit may surprise you.
Cut 10 (12) “…are the problem.”
Dr. Carlson says especially on windy days, the oak pollen will make people very miserable.
Cut 11 (07) “…wind right now.”
Carlson says if you suffer from seasonal allergies, there are treatments available at your local drug store to help control your symptoms – and keep you on good terms with your co-workers.
Cut 12 (10) “…will work great.”
The tree pollen will die down towards the end of spring; but then, the grass pollen will take hold, providing no relief to allergy sufferers.
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Being able to legally carry guns on college campuses will have to wait at least another year. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick has withdrawn his bill that would have allowed anyone 18 or older to carry a gun on a public or private college or university campus. McCormick says he pulled his bill because those slated to testify in favor of it couldn’t.
McCormick says this move in no way alters his stance on the issue.
Cut 14 (05) “…a college campus.”
McCormick says as such, he’s willing to file the bill again next year – as long as a student is willing to speak in favor of it.
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Spring football is officially underway in Baton Rouge, and coach Lane Kiffin has plenty of work ahead with a revamped roster. The Tigers’ quarterback room is brand new, and Kiffin says he’s challenging all three to quickly adapt to the team’s high-tempo system to maximize offensive efficiency.
Sam Leavitt participated in individual throwing drills, but he will not participate in team drills as he continues to rehab from his Lisfranc foot injury.
One of the early standouts has been offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, who was ranked as the nation’s top offensive lineman in the transfer portal. When Seaton arrived in Baton Rouge, he weighed 330 pounds and has since trimmed down to 307. Kiffin says the transformation is a result of the extensive hard work he’s put in.
Cut 17 (11) “…becomes the norm.”
Another player that has jumped out to Kiffin is rising junior tight end Trey’Dez Green. Kiffin knows that the 6-7 mismatch has all the athletic ability in the world, but believes his ultra-elite mindset is what separates him from many.
Cut 18 (18) “…unique that way.”
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Spring football has also officially started in Ruston, as Louisiana Tech is planning to play its first season in the Sun Belt Conference. With quarterback Blake Baker still recovering from a torn ACL, senior Trey Kukuk (Q-kuhk) is taking the starting reps. Coach Sonny Cumbie is very confident in the veteran Q-B.
Cut 19 (14) “…our football team.”
One of the biggest questions for the team heading into spring is the running back room. With Clay Thevenin’s departure to Rutgers, there will be a competition for playing time among Jayden Miller, Dylen Brooks, and Kenny Thomas. Cumbie says he’s looking for multiple players to separate themselves, with consistency being the most important factor.
Cut 20 (14) “…ball the distance.”