DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson continues to urge drivers to not drive distracted.  Wilson says of the three deaths with DOTD road workers under his leadership since 2016, distracted driving was to blame for two of them.
Cut 3 (07)  “…have driver responsibility. 
Distracted driving is blamed for injuries sustained by another DOTD employee, Dwayne Pitre, who was seriously injured while picking up litter earlier this month.

A DeSoto Parish deputy is killed in a two-vehicle crash.  Trooper Brent Hardy says a Jeep driven by 33-year-old Richard Wimer of Stonewall was entering a curve while traveling east on US Highway 84 while at the same time, an unmarked patrol unit was traveling westbound driven by Deputy Donna Richardson-Below.
Cut 11 (11) “…and Mr. Wimer’s.”
Deputy Richardson-Below was 43.

A Lafayette man is in jail for allegedly defrauding a Shreveport man over tickets to the National Championship game in New Orleans.  Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says the victim bought a pair of near field level tickets from Michael Simmons for 3,600 dollars, but…
Cut 6 (11) “less”
The actual value of the tickets for his nosebleed seats was 525 dollars, and Simmons refused to refund the money.
Acadiana-based Bayou Teche Brewing is releasing a limited edition beer called Cajun Breakfast Stout.  Brewery founder Karlos Knott says brewers utilize Steen’s cane syrup, boudin made with ground pork, rice, onion, green peppers, and Cajun spices and seasoning, as well as organic coffee from Art’s Coffee Roasters.
Cut 8 (13) “…with some sweetness.”

Louisiana State Police troopers arrest one of their own in a child porn investigation. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.

Eight students at Many High School in Sabine Parish have been arrested for participating in an alleged sexual assault that was caught on video and then circulated on social media. Seven juvenile students face a variety of charges and one adult student was also arrested. 18-year-old Quacie Kerlegon was charged with sexual battery and second-degree kidnapping.

A DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s deputy died in a two-vehicle crash on U-S Highway 84 yesterday morning. State Police Trooper Brent Hardy says 43-year-old Donna Richardson-Below was traveling west in an unmarked patrol unit when she was hit by a jeep driven by 33-year-old Richard Wimer of Stonewall…
cut 11 (10) “…Mr. Wimer’s
Wimer suffered moderate injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office has charged a Lafayette man with theft for overcharging a buyer for tickets to last month’s College National Championship football game. Deputies say a victim from Shreveport thought he bought a pair of tickets in section 104 from Michael Dean Simmons at cost of 36-hundred dollars. But it turns out the seats were actually in section 647. So Simmons was arrested for the felony theft.

There have been seven new cases of the mumps involving LSU students since the university announced a week ago that five students were infected by the viral disease. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Doctor Fred Lopez…
cut 15 (12) “…provider”
Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite.

DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s deputy Donna Richardson-Below is dead after she crashed her unmarked patrol unit into another vehicle on U-S Highway 84 yesterday morning. State Police Trooper Brent Hardy…
cut 12 (11) “…to DeSoto Parish”
The other driver involved sustained moderate injuries.

Valentine’s Day procrastinators are running out of time to get their loved one flowers. Matt Doyle has the lowdown on how much time you have left…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Acadiana-based Bayou Teche Brewing will release a new beer on Saturday called Cajun Breakfast Stout. Brewery founder Karlos Knott says breakfast stouts that capture the flavors of bacon, maple syrup, and donuts are a growing trend among breweries, but their version has a different vibe.
Cut 7 (05) “…in the beer.”
A release party will take place Saturday at their Arnaudville tap-room.

A former Louisiana State Trooper of the Year is now accused of producing and distributing pornographic images of children. 41-year-old Jason Boyet has been booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail and placed on administrative leave.

The head of the Texas health department is the new secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. Louisiana Courtney Phillips will start her new job in April and has worked at L-D-H before during the administrations of former Governor Kathleen Blanco and Bobby Jindal.

LSU is offering free M-M-R vaccines to students as the number of students infected with the mumps has risen to 12. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Doctor Fred Lopez says the vaccine is not fool-proof, but it’s close…
cut 14 (10) “…protective”
He says being vaccinated can also reduce the severity of the virus.

Boudin, coffee, and cane syrup help make up the latest craft beer offering from Acadiana-based Bayou Teche Brewing. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day so if you plan on ordering flowers to have delivered tomorrow, you need to get online or make that phone call today. President of the Louisiana Florists Association Samantha Bates on how much a dozen roses will cost you…
cut 8 (05) “…130”

Louisiana State Police troopers arrest one of their own in a child porn investigation. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.

Eight students at Many High School in Sabine Parish have been arrested for participating in an alleged sexual assault that was caught on video and then circulated on social media. Seven juvenile students face a variety of charges and one adult student was also arrested. 18-year-old Quacie Kerlegon was charged with sexual battery and second-degree kidnapping.

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and that doesn’t give you much time to order flowers for your significant other. President of the Louisiana Florists Association Samantha Bates says don’t’ wait until tomorrow to buy roses and if you’re planning on having flowers delivered to a loved one’s office, do it now…
cut 6 (09) “…frequent”
She says this year the industry has seen a lot of interest in pinks, purples, and reds mixed together.

Acadiana-based Bayou Teche Brewing is known for its unique beers and its latest release is called a Cajun Breakfast Stout which will be become available at a launch party on Saturday in Arnaudville. Brewery Founder Karlos Knott says the consumers’ demand for new flavors never stops…
cut 9 (12) “…add to them”
Knott says the Cajun Breakfast Stout is brewed with coffee, cane syrup, and boudin.

LSU says the number of students infected with the mumps has increased to 12, so the university is offering free MMR vaccines to any student who falls under a high-risk group. The high-risk groups include the LSU tennis team, fraternity and sorority members, and musicians in the Tiger Band. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says the vaccine is crucial because on rare occasions the mumps can lead to severe complications.
Cut 13 (10) “…deficits.”

Louisiana has a new health secretary. Louisiana native Courtney Phillips, who is currently the executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Phillips previously worked at the Louisiana Health Department during the Jindal administration. Her new job begins in April.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is mourning the death of one of their deputies who died in a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 84. State Trooper Brent Hardy says L-S-P responded yesterday to a collision between a 2008 Jeep Cherokee and an unmarked Ford Crown Victoria…
Cut 10 (10) “…of the crash.”
The other driver in the crash suffered moderate injuries.

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow so heads up procrastinators you are running out of time to buy your loved one flowers. Before you sign up for some express delivery or pick up the standard dozen red roses, President of the Louisiana Florists Association Samantha Bates says consider mixing things up.
Cut 4 (11) “…dozen.”

Valentine’s Day procrastinators are running out of time to get their loved one some roses. Matt Doyle has the lowdown on how much time you have left…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

_________________________________________

Boudin, coffee, and cane syrup help make up the latest craft beer offering from Acadiana-based Bayou Teche Brewing.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

 Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

___________________________________________

Louisiana State Police troopers arrest one of their own in a child porn investigation. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart. 

____________________________________________

You’ve got less than 24 hours until Valentine’s day so heads up procrastinators you are running out of time to buy your loved one some roses.

Before you sign up for some express delivery, or fly by and pick up the standard dozen red roses, President of the Louisiana Florists Association Samantha Bates says consider mixing things up a bit.

Cut 4 (11) “…dozen.”

She says this year the industry has seen a lot of interest in pinks, purples, and reds mixed together.

And love doesn’t come cheap, so what’s it going to cost to pick up the standard twelve rose bouquet this year from a Louisiana florist?

Cut 5 (05)  “…thirty.”

Bates says don’t wait until the day of to buy roses as most florists will be out of stock by 12-2 PM tomorrow. Also, if you’re planning on having them delivered to a loved one’s office, do it now.

Cut 6 (09) “…frequent”

_____________________________

Acadiana-based Bayou Teche Brewing is releasing a limited edition beer called Cajun Breakfast Stout.  Brewery founder Karlos Knott says breakfast stouts that capture the flavors of bacon, maple syrup, and donuts are a growing trend among breweries, but Bayou Teche is for a different vibe.

Cut 7 (05) “…in the beer.”

Knott says brewers utilize Steen’s cane syrup, boudin made with ground pork, rice, onion, green peppers, and Cajun spices and seasoning, as well as organic coffee from Art’s Coffee Roasters.

Cut 8 (13) “…with some sweetness.”

The beer will be available first at a launch party this weekend at the brewery, followed by a launch across the state.  Bayou Teche is no stranger to unique flavors and Knott says the consumers’ demand for new flavors never stops.

Cut 9 (12) “…add to them.″

____________________

A DeSoto Parish deputy is killed in a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 84.  Just before 8 AM on Wednesday, troopers responded to the collision between a 2008 Jeep Cherokee and an unmarked Ford Crown Victoria.  Trooper Brent Hardy…

Cut 10 (10) “…of the crash.”

The crash happened west of LA Highway 3248.  Toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis.  Hardy says the Jeep driven by 33-year-old Richard Wimer of Stonewall was entering a curve while traveling east on US Highway 84 while at the same time, the unmarked patrol unit was traveling westbound.

Cut 11 (11) “…and Mr. Wimer’s.”

Deputy Richardson-Below was properly restrained and was pronounced dead on the scene.  Wimer, who was unrestrained, received moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Hardy says seeing an officer killed on Louisiana roadways adds an extra layer of tragedy to the situation for first responders.

Cut 12 (11) “…to DeSoto Parish”

Hardy reminds drivers to use caution when driving in inclement weather and says state law allows law enforcement to ticket those driving too fast for road conditions.  Deputy Richardson-Below was 43 years old.

_____________________________________

LSU is now offering free MMR vaccines to those considered to be at high risk of contracting mumps, including tennis players, fraternity and sorority members, the Tiger Band, and others.

LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says the vaccine is crucial because on rare occasions infections can lead to the development of severe complications.

Cut 13 (10) “…deficits.”

“High risk” groups also include students who have been in contact with an infected person and students who have not had both of their MMR shots.

Unlike some shots, it takes two rounds for the MMR vaccine to be fully effective. Lopez says getting the vaccines isn’t fool-proof, but it’s close.

Cut 14 (10) “…protective”

He adds being vaccinated can also reduce the severity of the virus.

One student has already been quarantined in their on-campus apartment. Lopez says if you feel you’re coming down with flu-like symptoms and are an LSU student, stay away from others, and…

Cut 15 (12) “provider.”

The university is reporting 12 confirmed cases so far.

__________________________________________

Louisiana Tech men’s basketball looks to end its first two-game losing streak of the season tonight when the Bulldogs host F-I-U at the Thomas Assembly Center at 6:30 PM. Coach Eric Konkol’s team dropped two games on the road last week to Western Kentucky on Thursday and Marshall on Saturday

Cut 16  (16)  …next time”  

Tech’s record in Conference USA play fell to 8-and-4 after the two losses. They are in a three-way tie for third place and one of the teams they are tied with is F-I-U. Konkol says his players understand the importance of tonight’s game…

Cut 17  (15) “of the year” 

The Panthers have won three in a row heading into tonight’s game in Ruston. Konkol says FIU head coach Jeremy Ballard has the Panthers playing well on both ends of the court…

cut 18  (17) ” nice job”   

_____________________________________________

cut 19 (09)  do it”  

cut 20 (12) “ playing great”    

Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone sat down with Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana this morning in a rare public interview where he opined about his quest to unseat Governor Edwards.  Rispone’s connection to GOP mega-donor Lane Grigsby was the basis of many Edwards attacks, with the Governor even calling Rispone Grigsby’s “puppet”. Rispone called Grigbys’ influence a media exaggeration.
Cut 14 (09) “…personally”

Rispone has ruled out any further attempts to run for office.

Louisiana native Dr. Courtney Phillips has been chosen as Louisiana’s new health secretary. She’s been the head of the Texas health department since October 2018.  Governor John Bel Edwards made the announcement of the appointment via a tweet on Wednesday afternoon.   The position became vacant with the retirement of Dr. Rebekah Gee.

A drive-by shooting in Iberia Parish leaves an 8-year-old child in critical condition in a Baton Rouge hospital.  26-year-old Jonas Hawk of Jeanerette is accused of firing at least four shots at a group of 15.  Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Wendall Raborn says the child’s uncle, who was among the group, had a connection to the suspect that may have been the motive behind the shooting.
Cut 4 (08) “…long ongoing dispute.”
The suspect was arrested with 30 minutes.
Three teens have been arrested for the murder of 20-year-old Adrian Carradine of Bossier City, including a high school basketball star. Bossier City Police spokesperson Traci Landry says their investigation began Monday night when an officer patrolling a neighborhood saw gunfire coming from a vehicle

Cut 6 (09) “…into custody”

18-year-old Raymond Henry of Bossier City a 15-year-old female and 19-year-old Otis Smith, a senior on the Bossier High basketball team, were arrested.