Today marks the 13^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina making landfall, and official recognitions across the state are… notably sparse. 1833 deaths have been attributed to the Hurricane both in its natural, and manmade disasters. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says the lack of statewide remembrances isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it indicates people are moving on from the tragedy.

Cut 7 (10) “…your life.”

This November voters will get to decide whether or not ex-cons will have a five year waiting period before they’ll be allowed to pursue a public office. The constitutional amendment, brought by Metairie Senator Conrad Appel, is the second such effort in the last two years. Appel say’s the Bayou State is no stranger to crooks in office, and that needs to change.

Cut 9 (10) “…than that”

The Bayou State looks to grow agricultural tourism after the Lieutenant Governor took a trip to Iowa. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (33) ”I’m Connor Ferrill” 

Heres commodities

13 years ago on this date, Hurricane Katrina slammed into southeast Louisiana killing 18-hundred people in the region and leaving much of New Orleans under water. The storm’s fierce winds, combined with flooding made it difficult to communicate. Mike Steele, spokesperson with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says they now have a more secure communication network…
cut 5 (08) “….that was established”
The 4748 days since that fateful moment has left an indelible mark on the Pelican State, particularly Southeast Louisiana. Publisher of the Gambit Weekly Clancy DuBos says it’s hard to forget…
Cut 6 (10) “…tremendous loss”
Earlier this morning, there’s was a wreath laying ceremony at the Katrina Memorial in new Orleans.

The Mississippi legislature has approved legislation that creates a lottery in the Magnolia state. Chief Legislative economist Greg Albrecht says once Mississippi begins selling lottery tickets, it’s less likely Mississippi residents will buy lottery tickets in Lousiaina, which means less money for our state…
cut 14 (12) “….do that”
At least 35-percent of all lottery proceeds are transferred to the state treasury and the state constitution says that money must go to K-through-12 education.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser met with Iowa officials to discuss how the Bayou State can promote agri-tourism. Nungesser says if the weather permits, tourists like spending time outdoors and agri-tourism can take advantage of that desire…
cut 11 (06) “…capitalize on that”

Mississippi’s legislature has approved its own state lottery, which could put a dent in Louisiana’s education revenue. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Forbes has named the city of Kenner as the best place to retire in Louisiana and Lafayette would be the second best place to retire in the state. Among the pros for Kenner, low serious crime rate, while Forbes says Lafayette has good air quality and doctors per capita are near the national average.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser went to Iowa with State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain to learn how Louisiana can do a better job promoting agri-tourism….
Cut 10 (12) “…within reason“
Nungesser says the state already has a partnership with Luckett Farms near St. Francisville. Luckett Farms plans opening a corn maze next month and give the public an opportunity to pick their own vegetables and flowers.

A new eight-million dollar Delta Community College campus will be constructed in Ruston and anchor the city’s planned technology park. Louisiana Community and Technical College System President Monty Sullivan says the facility will help produce high-skilled workers for area businesses….
cut 9 (09) “….north central Louisiana”
Sullivan says construction will begin next year and be completed in 2020.

It was 13 years ago today when Hurricane Katrina made landfall near Buras, Louisiana as a Category 3 storm. It remains one of the deadliest and costliest storms in US history. It also taught many valuable lessons for emergency management officials. Mike Steele is with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness….
cut 6 (07) “…that’s available”
Steele says communication is much more improved during disasters since Katrina.

A state lotto is coming to Mississippi after it was approved by their state legislature. It’s expected to take about a year before it gets going, but legislative chief economist Greg Albrecht says it could result in fewer Louisiana Lottery sales, which means less money for the state treasury…
cut 15 (10) “…through 12”
35-percent of Louisiana lottery revenues goes to the state treasury, which is then used for public education.

The Bayou State looks to grow agricultural tourism after the Lieutenant Governor took a trip to Iowa. Connor Ferrill has the story.
Cut 2 (32) ”I’m Connor Ferrill”

You can lease the historic Bailey Hotel in Bunkie for one-dollar a month for the next two years. There is a catch, the person who leases the 110-year-old building must have a business plan that includes how they would renovate the property. The Bailey has been closed since 2001 and Real Estate agent Robert Burke says it does not have to come back as a hotel.

Mississippi’s legislature has approved a state lottery that could end up taking a bite out of Louisiana lottery revenues that fund K-12 education. Louisiana Legislative Chief Economist Greg Albrecht says after Texas approved it’s lotto, Louisiana’s finances took a hit….
cut 13 (09) “…in half”
The Louisiana Lottery has transferred over three-point-five billion dollars to the state treasury since Louisiana lottery operations began in 1991.

A new eight-million dollar Delta Community College campus is coming to Ruston. President of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Monty Sullivan says it means more trained workers for the area.
Cut 7 (09) “…interstate 20 corridor.”
Delta Chancellor Dennis Epps says the campus will attract high-tech jobs to the region.

On the 13th anniversary of one of the worst natural disasters in history, Kevin Barnhart speaks with Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson, Mike Steele on how Hurricane Katrina changed emergency management planning.
Voicer 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Attorney Ron Austin tells a New Orleans TV station that he’s planning to sue Brad Pitt’s “Make It Right” foundation, because the homes the movie actor helped build in the Lower Ninth Ward after Katrina are falling apart. Make It Right never responded to WWL-TV’s calls seeking comment.

Today marks the 13th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which slammed into southeast Louisiana as a Category three storm, killing over 1,000 people along the Gulf Coast and leaving much of the New Orleans area under water for days. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson, Mike Steele, says Katrina was a milestone event for emergency planners.
Cut 4 (07) “…strategies for recovery.”

State officials have announced that Louisiana Delta Community College plan to build a brand new campus in Ruston. Louisiana Community and Technical College System President Monty Sullivan says the eight-million dollar campus will provide future employees with high-tech skills….
cut 8 (10) “…well beyond that”
Construction is expected to be complete in 2020.

Mississippi’s legislature has approved its own state lottery, which could put a dent in Louisiana’s education revenue. Matt Doyle has more.
Voicer 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Dangerous synthetic marijuana is being distributed in southwest Louisiana. Acadian Ambulance reports they have transported 45 people to the hospital after ingesting synthetic marijuana the left the user in an unconscious state quickly. Lake Charles Police say synthetic marijuana labled as Bubblegum and Gumbo could be sending citizens to local hospitals.

13 years ago on this date, Hurricane Katrina slammed into southeast Louisiana killing 18-hundred people in the region and leaving much of New Orleans under water. The storm’s fierce winds, combined with flooding made it difficult to communicate. Mike Steele, spokesperson with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says they now have a more secure communication network…
cut 5 (08) “….that was established”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser visited the Hawkeye state to learn how Iowa promotes agri-tourism. Nungesser says there’s some interesting possibilities for Louisiana…
cut 12 (11) “….organge trees”
Nungesser says Luckett Farms near St. Francisville will open a corn maze in September that will also give the public the opportunity to pick their own vegetables and flowers.

The Mississippi legislature has approved legislation that creates a lottery in the Magnolia state. Chief Legislative economist Greg Albrecht says once Mississippi begins selling lottery tickets, it’s less likely Mississippi residents will buy lottery tickets in Lousiaina, which means less money for our state…
cut 14 (12) “….do that”
At least 35-percent of all lottery proceeds are transferred to the state treasury and the state constitution says that money must go to K-through-12 education.

On the 13^th anniversary of one of the worst natural disasters in history, Kevin Barnhart speaks with Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson, Mike Steele on how Hurricane Katrina changed emergency management planning.

Cut 1 (28)  “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

__________________________________

The Bayou State looks to grow agricultural tourism after the Lieutenant Governor took a trip to Iowa. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 2 (33) ”I’m Connor Ferrill” 

__________________________________

Mississippi’s legislature has approved its own state lottery, which could put a dent in Louisiana’s education revenue. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

__________________________________

Today marks the 13^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which slammed into southeast Louisiana as a Category three storm, killing over 1,000 people along the Gulf Coast and leaving much of the New Orleans area under water for days. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson, Mike Steele, says Katrina was a milestone event for emergency planners.

Cut 4 (07) “…strategies for recovery.”

Steele says one of the biggest changes was the establishment of LWIN Radio Network, which was needed because of the communications breakdown that crippled first responders during the storm and the aftermath.

Cut 5 (08) “…that was established”

Steele says just about every phase of emergency management & planning changed as a result of Katrina.

Cut 6 (07) “…technology that’s available.”

_____________________________________________

The city of Ruston will see a new campus of Delta Community College as the state is putting $8 million into the project.  President of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Monty Sullivan says the excitement for the project is high in the area as it means more potential workers for jobs in the area.

Cut 7 (09) “…interstate 20 corridor.”

Sullivan says the facility will house tools needed to prepare its students for the local workforce.

Cut 8 (10)  “…well beyond that.”

Sullivan adds the demand is high for skilled workers from area businesses.

Cut 9 (09)  “…north central Louisiana.”

_________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser made a trip to Iowa with Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain for a tour of the Ag Expo. Iowa has some of the strongest Ag tourism in the country and Nungesser says the goal is to learn from them…

Cut 10 (12)   “…within reason“

Nungesser says as they expand agricultural tourism the target audience is one you would not expect: Millennials…

Cut 11 (10) “…capitalize on that” 

The Lieutenant Governor is implementing new strategies to grow the industry but says there are lots of opportunity for staycations already…

Cut 12 (11) “…orange trees”

__________________________________

Mississippi’s Legislature has approved a state lottery that will likely end up taking a bite out of Louisiana’s lottery’s that help fund K-12 education. The legislation is backed by Mississippi’s governor, and state legislators who hope to use it for infrastructure funds. Legislative Fiscal Office Chief Economist Greg Albrecht says after Texas approved its lotto in 1991, Louisiana’s finances took a hit.

Cut 13 (09) “…in half.”

Louisiana approved its lottery in 1990.

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, who backs the move, suspects it could lead to his state pilfering nearly 15 million dollars in tax revenue from Louisiana. Albrecht says one thing is for certain, Mississippi residents will be less likely to buy a ticket in Louisiana.

Cut 14 (12) “…do that”

If the state were to lose cash, it couldn’t just write it off, as the money would be coming out of a constitutionally protected education fund that has mandated funding levels. Albrecht says the lotto brings in a ton of money every year.

Cut 15 (10) “…through 12”

If signed by the governor, it’s estimated it would take at least a year for the rival lotto to get up and running.

________________________________________

There’s certainly a curiosity factor heading into Sunday’s season opener between LSU and Miami. Graduate transfer Joe Burrow is set to make his first collegiate start for the Tigers. Hurricanes Coach Mark Richt does have a scouting report on the former Ohio State signal caller…

Cut 16 (20) “.       for that” 

Miami will have the edge when it comes to experience at the quarterback position, Malik Rosier is in his fifth year on campus and was the starter for the Hurricanes last season. Richt likes how Rosier is developing…

Cut 17 (22)  ”           replace that” 

Cut 18 (15) “…on Saturday

Napier has not named a starting quarterback for Saturday, it will be either Andre Nunez or Levi Lewis. The coach says both guys will play…

Cut 19 (24) “           football team”