Spike will air a special episode of its hit TV show “Bar Rescue” on Sunday, featuring Denham Spring’s own Big Mike’s. But veteran bar consultant and host John Taffer didn’t step in because the bar was failing, he helped owner Mike O’Neal reopen after his business was devastated by the August flood. O’Neal says they have no idea how long it would have taken them to rebuild on their own….:
Cut 3 (11) “unrecoverable”
Big Mike’s episode of “Bar Rescue” airs Sunday night at 9 on Spike.

Most of the state could see some nasty weather beginning today, into tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm will start in the Shreveport and Monroe areas on Friday and will shift towards southeast Louisiana on Saturday…:
Cut 8 (10) “on it”

A 24-year-old Jena woman has been arrested for allegedly running over her boyfriend with a truck then punching an EMT. Cpl. Wade Bourgeois with the Alexandria Police Department says at around 7 p.m. last night authorities responded to a call of a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle. He says when the ambulance came to take the victim to the hospital…:
Cut 6 (11) “the eye”
Alana Joy was charged with Aggravated Second Degree Battery, Battery of an Emergency Services Worker, and DWI.

Abita Springs becomes the first Louisiana city to commit to 100 percent renewable energy. Mayor Greg Lemons says renewable energy, in particular solar energy, just makes sense from an economic and environmental standpoint…:
Cut 10 (12) “Abita Springs”

A cold front entering Louisiana brings in the chance for severe weather today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the majority of the Bayou State faces the threat of tornadoes, hail and damaging winds.
Cut 7 (11) “south”

Keim says the front is relatively slow moving but it won’t bring much cold air with it.

Spike will air a special episode of its hit TV show “Bar Rescue” on Sunday, featuring Denham Spring’s own Big Mike’s. But veteran bar consultant and host John Taffer didn’t step in because the bar was failing, he helped owner Mike O’Neal reopen after his business was devastated by the August flood. O’Neal says they have no idea how long it would have taken them to rebuild on their own.
Cut 3 (11) “unrecoverable”

Abita Springs becomes the first Louisiana city to commit to 100 percent renewable energy. Mayor Greg Lemons says they’re looking to install electric vehicle charges in town. He says it’s the town’s goal to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. He says they’re trying to achieve a balance of environmental ethics and good business.
Cut 12 (12) “best we can”

The Department of Transportation confirms the Jimmie Davis Bridge project is moving forward without delay. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the old Jimmie Davis Bridge will be converted into a pedestrian walkway to connect the Clyde Fant Parkway to the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway. Mallett says a date for construction to begin on both structures has not been set because public meetings have yet to be scheduled.
Cut 15 (09) “public meetings”

Energy companies are showing more interest in deepwater drilling, as evidenced by an uptick in bidding for spots in the Gulf. A lease sale in New Orleans drew 163 bids from 28 companies. President of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association Chris John says hopes to see more job creation as projects get up and running in the Gulf….:
Cut 6 (11) “are created”

The Department of Transportation confirms the Jimmie Davis Bridge project between Shreveport and Bossier City is moving forward without delay. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett who says there was some confusion about what was going on, but all things are a go. He says there have been reports of a toll, but it is too early to determine if one will be installed…:
Cut 14 (09) “maintain it”

The first town in Louisiana to commit to 100 percent renewable energy is Abita Springs. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The Black and Gold fan base has strong feelings about the report that Saints coach Sean Payton met with former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, who is also a Heisman Trophy winner. Ian Rapaport with the NFL Network said Payton and Manziel had breakfast together during Super Bowl week. Manziel is infamous for having major off-field issues and he did not play in the NFL last season..

Oil and gas officials say there is encouraging news for the struggling industry as a Gulf oil drilling lease sale in New Orleans drew 163 bids from 28 companies. President of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association Chris John says there’s a lot that contributes to the uptick in optimism…:
Cut 5 (08) “to roll back”
He says the $275 million garnered at the least sale for over 900-thousand acres is significantly higher than they saw last March.

A cold front approaches Louisiana bringing the possibility for severe weather today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s slow moving and won’t bring much cool air with it…:
Cut 9 (08) “like that”
He says there is slight potential for severe weather and up to two to three inches of rain on Friday and Saturday combined.

The Department of Transportation confirms the Jimmie Davis Bridge project is moving forward without delay. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Abita Springs becomes the first Louisiana city to commit to 100 percent renewable energy. Mayor Greg Lemons says one of the first steps they took is to replace old lighting in the Town Hall with low energy lights, and there is much more planned…:
Cut 11 (10) “list stations”

A trade association representing the oil industry says there’s an increased interest in Gulf oil drilling. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Most of the state could see some nasty weather beginning today, into tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the storm will start in the Shreveport and Monroe areas on Friday and will shift towards southeastern Louisiana on Saturday….:
Cut 8 (10) “on it”

The defense began its case Thursday in the trial of one of two Marksville deputies accused in the murder of a 6-year-old boy. The ex-girlfriend of the child’s father took the stand for the attorneys of Derrick Stafford and gave testimony that contradicted some of Christopher Few’s side of the story. The prosecution argues that the deputies were in no danger when the opened fire on Few’s vehicle. The defense, who has not yet rested, says Few lead the cops on a high speed chase which.

There is no delay in plans to move forward with the construction of a four lane bridge and converting the current Jimmie Davis Bridge into a pedestrian cross over in Shreveport and Bossier City. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says there was some confusion, as the original proposal was to rehab the original bridge…:
Cut 13 (11) “lane bridge”
He says there have been reports of a toll, but it is too early to determine if one will be installed.

Today Governor John Bel Edwards will speak at the 2017 Health Summit at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge.

A cold front approaches Louisiana bringing the possibility for severe weather today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says most of the state is under the threat of tornadoes, hail and damaging winds..:
Cut 7 (11) “south”
He says Sunday looks to be the pick day of the weekend with mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies and highs in the mid 80s.

Energy companies are showing more interest in deepwater drilling, as evidenced by an uptick in bidding for spots in the Gulf. President of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association Chris John says the sale price of $275 million for over 900-thousand acres is significantly higher than they saw last March….:
Cut 4 (08) “last year”
He says a lease sale in New Orleans drew 163 bids from 28 companies.

Abita Springs becomes the first Louisiana city to commit to 100 percent renewable energy. Mayor Greg Lemons says renewable energy, in particular solar energy, just makes sense from an economic and environmental standpoint…:
Cut 10 (12) “Abita Springs”
He says it’s the town’s goal to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.

It’s the final day in a career that has lasted 37 years. State Police Colonel Mike Edmonson is retiring. Maj. Kevin Reeves, who commands a state police quick reaction force, will start the interim job Saturday.

Lt. Shawn Anderson, the fallen East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy, has been laid to rest. His wife Becky Anderson told mourners about the day they met and how the Lieutenant loved his job and coworkers.

Cut 15 (11) “brothers in SWAT”

Anderson was fatally shot last Saturday while investigating a reported rape.

A wounded Crowley police officer is back home after being treated for a gunshot wound he incurred responding to a call where 41-year-old Katina Stevens was reportedly found dead at the scene. A suspect later died after exchanging gunfire with the officer, killing his K9. Master Trooper Brooks David with State Police says it’s a tragedy the dog was killed.

Cut 5 (05) “his partner”

Licenses have been revoked and funding terminated for Kidzone Preschool in Mandeville after a toddler wandered out of the play yard and into traffic. The child was walking toward the highway when a concerned driver picked him up and took him back to the day care. No one at the learning center knew the 3-year-old was missing until the driver brought him back.

The Walker Police Sergeant accused of hanging a noose in the squad room has resigned. Capt. John Sharp says the resignation comes ahead of the city council meeting where the allegations against the officer would be discussed.

Cut 9 (10) “be necessary”

The noose was discovered on February 24, and the sergeant was later suspended for three days without pay.

A trade association representing the oil industry says there’s an increased interest in Gulf oil drilling. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The first town in Louisiana to commit to 100 percent renewable energy is Abita Springs. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Department of Transportation confirms the Jimmie Davis Bridge project is moving forward without delay. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Energy companies are showing more interest in deepwater drilling, as evidenced by an uptick in bidding for spots in the Gulf. A lease sale in New Orleans drew 163 bids from 28 companies. President of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association Chris John says the sale price of $275 million for over 900-thousand acres is significantly higher than they saw last March.

Cut 4  (08) “last year”

Oil prices are seeing a slow uptick, as oil is trading at just over $48 a barrel in the US. But John says that’s not the only factor in the industry. He says a lot plays into the increased sense of optimism among oil and gas companies.

Cut 5  (08)  “to roll back”

Coastal cities in Louisiana have seen job loss as a result of the slowdown in drilling. But John hopes to see more job creation as these projects get up and running in the Gulf. He says one new job in the industry can cause a ripple effect for more hires.

Cut 6 (11) “are created”

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A cold front approaches Louisiana bringing the possibility for severe weather today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says most of the state is under the threat of tornadoes, hail and damaging winds.

Cut 7 (11)  “south”

Keim says the storm will start in the Shreveport and Monroe areas on Friday and will shift towards southeastern Louisiana on Saturday.

Cut 8 (10) “on it”

Keim says the front is relatively slow moving but it won’t bring much cold air with it.

Cut 9 (08)  “like that”

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Abita Springs becomes the first Louisiana city to commit to 100 percent renewable energy. Mayor Greg Lemons says renewable energy, in particular solar energy, just makes sense from an economic and environmental standpoint.

Cut 10 (12) “Abita Springs”

Lemons says achieving this goal is like eating an elephant, you take one bite at a time. He says one of the first steps the city has taken is replacing old lighting in the Town Hall with low energy lights and replacing old window seals and insulations to cut energy costs by 20 percent. But he says they have a long way to go.

Cut 11 (10) “list stations”

Lemons says they’re also looking at installing electric vehicle charges in town. He says it’s the town’s goal to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. He says they’re trying to achieve a balance of environmental ethics and good business.

Cut 12 (12) “best we can”

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There is no delay in plans to move forward with the construction of a four lane bridge and converting the current Jimmie Davis Bridge into a pedestrian cross over in Shreveport and Bossier City.  That’s the word from DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett who says there was some confusion, as the original proposal was to rehab the original bridge.

Cut 13 (11) “lane bridge”

The new bridge will be constructed to the north of the pedestrian bridge. Mallett says they are in the process of undergoing an environmental assessment and creating new designs for both bridges. He says there have been reports of a toll, but it is too early to determine if one will be installed.

Cut 14 (09) “maintain it”

The old Jimmie Davis Bridge that will be converted into a pedestrian walkway will connect the Clyde Fant Parkway to the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway. Mallett says a date for construction to begin on both structures has not been set because public meetings have yet to be scheduled to get community input.

Cut 15 (09) “public meetings”

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The 4th ranked LSU Baseball team begins a three-game series against Florida tonight in Gainesville. The Tigers swept Georgia last weekend to begin SEC play, while the 11th ranked Gators were swept by Auburn. Junior right-hander Alex Lange starts on the mound tonight for LSU and knows Florida will be ready to play tonight…

Cut 16 (14) “they got”

The last time LSU went to Gainesville, Florida swpet the Tigers in a three-game series in 2014. Lange says it’s never easy playing on the road in the Southeastern Conference…

Cut 17 (18)  “to it”

The pitching match-up for tonight is Lange versus Florida right-hander Alex Faedo. Both are considered top prospects in this year’s Major League Baseball draft. LSU right fielder Greg Deichmann says runs will probably be at a premium tonight…

Cut 18 (09)      “…be a blowout“

Fallen East Baton Rouge Deputy Lt. Shawn Anderson has been laid to rest. Mourners gathered to say their final goodbyes, and his wife Becky Anderson spoke about his love for his two children, but says the family will do their best to carry on without him.

Cut 16 (08) “some rain”

Anderson was fatally shot last Saturday while confronting a rape suspect in Baton Rouge.

The Walker Police Sergeant accused of hanging a noose in the department’s squad room has resigned. Capt. John Sharp says the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the February 24 incident, and it will be up to the DA to decide whether or not to file criminal charges.

Cut 10 (11) “of people”

One of the victims in the Crowley shooting has been identified as 41-year-old Katina Stevens. Her cousin, Johnathan LaFleur, told the Advocate he and some friends were watching the news at Stevens house when a man knocked on the door and shot her. That’s when police showed up and exchanged fire, resulting in the death of the suspect and a police K9 and wounding one of the officers. The officer has been released from the hospital after being treated for a gunshot wound to the thigh.

Louisiana is seeing more people move out than in, according to the latest census data. Demographer Greg Rigamer says more people left New Orleans for other cities for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. He blames the lack of high paying jobs.

Cut 7 (09) “people want”

He says East Baton Rouge Parish remains the largest in the state with nearly 450-thousand residents.