globalwarming.house.gov/spillcam 

CLICK THE LINK ABOVE TO VIEW LIVE FEED OF GULF OIL SPILL

 

 

 

 

LSP RELEASE LABOR DAY STATS

Posted September 8, 2010

                           

 

THE TOTALS ARE IN, AND THEY INDICATE ROADWAYS IN LOUISIANA WERE A BIT SAFER TO TRAVEL OVER THE LABOR DAY WEEKEND COMPARED TO LAST YEAR --- SGT JAMES ANDERSON SAYS IN THE TROOP D AREA 16 CITATIONS WERE ISSUED FOR DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED WHILE ACROSS LOUISIANA, OVER 175 THOUSAND TICKETS WERE ISSUED FOR D-W-I... NO FATALITY CRASHES WERE REPORTED OVER THE THREE DAY HOLIDAY.

 

 

 

 

4 LOUISIANA NATIVES IN PLANE CRASH NEAR VEGAS

Posted September 7, 2010

                           

 

A SMALL PLANE THAT RAN INTO TROUBLE AFTER TAKING OFF MONDAY MORNING FROM HENDERSON EXECUTIVE AIRPORT NEAR LAS VEGAS NEVADA CRASHED, KILLING A LOUISIANA MAN AND INJURING THREE OTHER RESIDENTS OF THE STATE…..THE PLANE WENT DOWN ABOUT 8 A.M. IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. KATC-TV REPORTS THE PILOT, 45 YEAR OLD DOUGLAS TOUCHET OF ERATH DIED IN THE ACCIDENT WHILE HIS WIFE SUFFERED CRITICAL INJURIES…..RANDALL AND TAMIKA SAVOY OF CATAHOULA WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED….THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD IS INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH.

 

 

 

 

VEHICLE OF INTEREST NAMED IN LAKE CHARLES MURDERS
September 6, 2010

 

THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS SEARCHING FOR A 2000 BLUE FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH MISSISSIPPI LICENSE PLATE NUMBER LCE 755 IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEATHS OF FOUR PEOPLE FOUND INSIDE A LAKE CHARLES A MOBILE HOME , MONDAY MORNING. THE GRUESOME DISCOVERY WAS MADE SHORTLY AFTER 10AM AT FAIRVIEW NORTH MOBILE HOME PARK ON HIGHWAY 14 AT TOM HEBERT RD. THE MOTHER OF ONE OF THE SUSPECT VICTIMS HAD GONE TO THE HOME TO CHECK ON HER DAUGHTER AFTER NOT HEARING FROM HER FOR A FEW DAYS. SHERIFF TONY MANCUSO SAYS WHEN THE WOMAN OPENED THE DOOR SHE SAW A BODY ON THE FLOOR, THEN BACKED OUT OF THE HOME AND CALLED 911. THE VICTIMS ARE DESCRIBED AS TWO MEN AND TWO WOMEN. THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS SAID TO HAVE FREQUENTED THE MOBILE HOME AND SHERIFF MANCUSO SAYS ANYONE WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE VEHICLES WHEREABOUTS, OR ANYONE ASSOCIATED WITH IT, IS ASKED TO CONTACT THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE AT 491-3605 OR CRIMESTOPPERS AT 439-2222.

 

NEW DETAILS ON FOUR BODIES FOUND IN LAKE CHARLES MOBILE HOME
September 6, 2010

 

THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS FOUR BODIES WERE FOUND IN A MOBILE HOME IN FAIRVIEW MOBILE ESTATES ON HIGHWAY 14 AT TOM HEBERT ROAD, SHORTLY AFTER 10 MONDAY MORNING. ITS WAS THE MOTHER OF THE MOBILE HOME'S OWNER THAT CALLED 9-1-1 AFTER GOING TO THE HOME TO CHECK ON HER DAUGHTER. SHERRIF TONY MANCUSO SAYS THEY'RE NOW WORKING WITH THE MOTHER TO DETERMINE IF HER DAUGHTER IS INSIDE AND WHO THE OTHER VICTIMS MAY BE. INVESTIGATORS WILL BE TAKING FINGER PRINTS FROM THE VICTIMS THEN RUNNING THEM THROUGH THE AFIS SYSTEM AT THEIR OFFICE. IF NO MATCH TURNS UP THERE, THE FINGERPRINTS WILL BE TURNED OVER TO THE FBI FOR ANALYSIS IN THEIR SYSTEM. SHERIFF MANCUSO SAYS DUE TO THE MAGNITUDE OF THE CASE, THE FBI AND LAKE CHARLES POLICE HAVE OFFERED ASSISTANCE WITH THE INVESTIGATION. THE CALCASIEU CORONERS OFFICE IS ASSISTING DETECTIVE IN DETERMINING WHETHER THE CASE IS A MURDER/SUICIDE OR QUADRUPLE HOMICIDE, BUT FOR NOW SHERIFF MANCUSO SAYS, "WE'RE TREATING IT AS A HOMICE. WE HAVE FOUR DEAD BODIES WITH INJURIES AND WE'RE GOING TO TREAT IT AS A HOMICIDE UNTIL WE CAN PROVE DIFFERENTLY." 

 

CAMERON PARISH HEALTH UNIT REOPENS

Posted September 3, 2010

                           

 

The following is a press release from the Department of Health and Hospitals:

 

The Cameron Parish Health Unit has Reopened

 

BATON ROUGE —Two years after suffering extensive damage and being shut down following Hurricane Ike, the Cameron Parish Health Unit is back in business. This morning the facility reopened at its original location, 107 Recreation Center Lane in Cameron.

 

“The reopening of the Cameron Parish Health Unit will increase the frequency of public health services delivered to local citizens within their parish,” said Dr. Bertrand Foch, Department of Health and Hospitals Office of Public Health Region 5 Medical Director.  “The citizens of Cameron Parish should be extremely proud to have such a beautiful facility to receive the many services that are provided by the DHH Office of Public Health.”

 

Prior to Hurricane Ike, the Cameron Parish Health unit had approximately 2,073 client visits each year. Louisiana’s parish health units play an important role in the local communities, providing numerous valuable services, including immunizations, tuberculosis treatment and surveillance, sexually transmitted disease services, pregnancy testing, family planning and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition services.

 

During reconstruction of the Cameron Parish Health Unit, services were provided at temporary field clinics in Grand Lake and Hackberry. Both of these locations are now closed. Over the past two years, these temporary clinics had 2,161 client visits.

 

The Cameron Parish Health Unit is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. For appointments or information about services, call 337-775-5368.

 

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about DHH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov.

-end-

 

 

OIL RIG EXPLOSION
September 2, 2010

ANOTHER OIL RIG HAS EXPLODED IN THE GULF OF MEXICO SOME 80 MILES SOUTH OF VERMILION BAY. THE COAST GUARD SAYS ALL 13 PEOPLE ARE ACCOUNTED FOR AND ONE PERSON IS INJURED. THE BLAST HAPPENED ABOUT 9 THIS MORNING. RESCUE CREWS FROM NEW ORLEANS AND HOUSTON ARE EN ROUTE TO THE SCENE. THE OIL RIG IS OWNED BY MARINER ENERGY, A LEADING INDEPENDENT OIL AND GAS EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION COMPANY IN THE GULF. IT IS NOT KNOWN AT THIS TIME IF THERE IS ANY OIL LEAKING FROM THE RIG.

CPSO DEPUTIES NET ARRESTS IN 3 ROBBERIES

Posted September 2, 2010

                           

 

DETECTIVES AND DEPUTIES WITH THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAVE BEEN STAYING BUSY AS THEY’VE NETTED ARRESTS IN THREE SEPARATE ROBBERIES ACROSS THE PARISH -- THE FIRST IS IN LAKE CHARLES -- TWO TEENS ARE ACCUSED OF BREAKING INTO A BUSINESS ON BROAD STREET AND STEALING SEVERAL ITEMS INCLUDING A MOTORCYCLE AND AIR RIFLE -- BOND FOR 18 YR OLD JAMON HORN  AND A 15 YR OLD JUVENILE IS SET AT 5 THOUSAND DOLLARS....

 

MOVING INTO VINTON DEPUTIES SAY TWO MEN THERE BROKE INTO A NEIGHBOR'S SHED AND STOLE POWER TOOLS AND GAS CANS --- BOND FOR 30 YEAR OLD JAMES VINCENT AND 17 YR OLD TOMMY RUSH  IS SET AT 15 THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH.....

 

 AND LASTLY A LAKE CHARLES MAN IS ARRESTED FOR STEALING MAG TIRES AND A PLAYSTATION THREE FROM A MOBILE HOME....GEORGE SLAN THE THIRD WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY MONDAY ON VARIOUS THEFT AND BURGLARY RELATED CHARGES. BOND IS 7,500.

 

 

 

 

  

SHRIMPING VIOLATIONS LEAD TO FEDERAL CHARGES
September 1, 2010

 

 THE LA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES HAS ANNOUNCED 17 PEOPLE FROM CALCASIEU AND CAMERON PARISHES HAVE PLEAD GUILTY TO CATCHING OVER THEIR LEGAL LIMIT OF SHRIMP. AGENTS WITH THE U-S FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICES OFFICE SERVED NOTICES TO THE SUSPECTS, FOUR FROM HACKBERRY, 12 FROM SULPHUR, AND ONE FROM STARKS, TO APPEAR BEFORE THE U-S MAGISTRATE IN LAKE CHARLES. SENTENCES RANGED FROM NEARLY THREE-THOUSAND DOLLARS TO TEN DAYS IN THE CAMERON PARISH JAIL. THE INVESTIGATION INTO SHRIMPING ACTIVITY AT THE SABINE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FOLLOWED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHERMEN USING CAST NETS TO CATCH LARGE AMOUNTS OF SHRIMP AND SELLING THEM COMMERCIALLY.

 

 

SECOND AMENDMENT HOLIDAY
August 31, 2010

 

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE LA DEPT. OF REVENUE:

 

 

BATON ROUGE - Hunters and campers can save money this weekend on a wide range of supplies including firearms, ammunition, hunting knives and certain clothing items.  The 2010 Second Amendment Weekend Sales Tax Holiday takes place Friday, September 3, through Sunday, September 5.

 

During these three days, eligible items are exempt from all state and local sales taxes in Louisiana.  The exemption applies to purchases for individual use.  It does not apply to business purchases.

 

Eligible items include:

 

·         Accessories designed to be used for hunting;

·         Shotguns, rifles, pistols, revolvers, or other handguns;

·         Ammunition intended to be fired from a gun or firearm is eligible;

·         Animal feed for consumption by game which can be legally hunted;

·         Apparel such as safety gear, camouflage clothing, jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, face masks and thermal underwear for use while hunting;

·         Off-road vehicles such as all terrain vehicles designed for hunting. The exemption does not apply to golf carts, bikes, motorcycles, tractors, or motor vehicles which may be legally driven on highways.

 

For the full list of eligible items and special provisions of this sales tax holiday, visit www.revenue.louisiana.gov/secondamendment.

 

 

JUDGE ORDERS LIQUOR LICENSE FOR STRIP CLUB

Posted August 31, 2010

                           

 

DESPITE OPPOSITION BY CALCASIEU PARISH POLICE JURORS, A JUDGE HAS ORDERED THEY ISSUE A LIQUOR LICENSE TO A VINTON STRIP CLUB --- THE GENTLEMEN'S CLUB ON LA 109 SOUTH HAD APPLIED FOR THE PERMIT BUT JURORS DENIED THE REQUEST.....A JUDGE YESTERDAY SAID THE CLUB HAS MET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS AND OVERRULED THE   JURORS DECISION ....JURORS ARE EXPECTED TAKE THEIR ARGUMENT TO A STATE LEVEL AND WILL FURTHER DISCUSS THEIR NEXT MOVE AT A MEETING THIS THURSDAY....

SULPHUR MAN ARRESTED FOR CHILD MOLESTATION
August 30, 2010

SULPHUR POLICE SAY, 27-YEAR-OLD CHRISTOPHER LEE REED, OF EAST BURTON ST., WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY OVER THE WEEKEND ON CHARGES OF MOLESTATION A JUVENILE. FEW DETAILS ABOUT THE CRIME HAVE BEEN RELEASED. REED WAS BOOKED INTO THE SULPHUR CITY JAIL.

 

 

I-10 SHUT DOWN

Posted August 30, 2010

                           

THERE IS SOME MAJOR DELAYS ALONG INTERSTATE 10 JUST ACROSS THE TEXAS STATE LINE -- THE JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS I - 10 JUST WEST OF BEAUMONT IS CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS DUE TO AN 18-WHEELER THAT IS LEAKING ISOBUTENE….TRAFFIC IS BEING DIVERTED -- IF YOUR GOING TOWARDS THE HOUSTON AREA FROM SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA  YOU'LL HAVE TO GO HWY 90 OR 365..... AND IF YOU ARE TRAVELING EASTBOUND ON I-10 YOU'LL HAVE TO GET OFF IN WINNIE AND GO AROUND BEAUMONT...WE'RE TOLD CLEAN UP COULD LAST UNTIL TUESDAY MORNING....STAY TUNED TO KYKZ 96 FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON THIS CHEMICAL SPILL…

 

DERIDDER MOM WHOSE SON KILLED IS SENTENCED

Posted August 27, 2010

                           

 

21 YEAR OLD HOLLY BREWER WAS SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON FOR A CHARGE OF SECOND DEGREE CRUELTY TO A JUVENILE --- BREWER'S BOYFRIEND, JEFFERY DENBY WAS CONVICTED AND SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR THE 2009 DEATH OF HER 18 MONTH OLD SON JOHN THOMAS ANTHONY BREWER --- THE JUDGE SAID IT WAS BREWER'S NEGLIGENCE IN PROTECTING HER CHILD THAT WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN HIS DEATH....

 

 

 

CPSO ARREST SULPHUR MAN FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Posted August 26, 2010

                           

A SULPHUR MAN IS BEHIND BARS ON A 125 THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY --- 26 YEAR OLD ERIC YOUNG WAS ARRESTED AFTER A LENGTHY INVESTIGATION BY THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE VICE DIVISION AND THE INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN TASK FORCE... DETECTIVES SEARCHED YOUNG'S HOME AND FOUND HIS COMPUTER CONTAINED SEVERAL CHILD PORNOGRAPHIC IMAGES....

 

 

 

 

FORMER LA SENATOR GUILTY OF FEDERAL CHARGES

Posted August 24, 2010

                           

 FORMER STATE SENATOR CHARLES JONES OF MONROE HAS BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF FEDERAL CHARGES OF INCOME TAX EVASION AND FILING FALSE TAX RETURNS -- THE JURY REACHED IT'S VERDICT MONDAY IN SHREVEPORT AFTER THREE HOURS OF DELIBERATIONS.....JONES ENGAGED IN A SCHEME TO AVOID REPORTING ABOUT 750 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN INCOME HE RECEIVED IN HIS LAW PRACTICE.....THE FORMER LAWMAKER FACES A MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 11 YEARS IN PRISON AND 300 THOUSAND DOLLARS IN FINES WHEN SENTENCED FOR THE CHARGES...

 

 

 

LPB TO AIR RITA AND KATRINA DOCUMENTARY

Posted August 23, 2010

                           

IT'S ALMOST BEEN 5 YEARS SINCE HURRICANES RITA AND KATRINA MADE THEIR MARKS ON LOUISIANA -- IN A SPECIAL DOCUMENTARY , LOUISIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING WILL AIR THE STORIES OF 6 SURVIVORS FROM ACROSS THE STATE AND SHOW THEIR PROGRESS THAT'S BEEN MADE REBUILDING FOLLOWING THE STORMS – “WASHING AWAY : AFTER THE STORMS”  WILL BE FEATURED WEDNESDAY AT 8 PM ON LPB...

 

BOATING ACCIDENT KILLS LC MAN

Posted August 23, 2010

                           

 A LAKE CHARLES MAN, KILLED IN A TRAGIC BOATING ACCIDENT ON THE WEST FORK OF THE CALCASIEU RIVER WILL BE LAID TO REST THIS WEEK --- FUNERAL SERVICES FOR 37 YEAR OLD MICHAEL DIMAS WILL BE HELD THIS THURSDAY AT THE SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH IN   CREOLE --- DIMAS WAS ON A PONTOON BOAT WITH FRIENDS SATURDAY AFTERNOON, WHEN HE FELL OVERBOARD AND GOT CAUGHT IN THE BOAT'S MOTOR....AUTHORITIES SAY ALCOHOL WAS NOT A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT....

 

 

REWARD OFFERED FOR ARREST OF “BAYOU BANDIT”

Posted August 23, 2010

                           

A MAN WHO'S BEEN TAGGED AS THE "BAYOU BANDIT" REMAINS AT LARGE AND NOW THE FBI IS  OFFERING 20 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO HIS ARREST....THE MAN IS ACCUSED OF ROBBING BANKS IN SULPHUR, CROWLEY, RAYNE, JENNINGS AND 7 OTHER BANKS ACROSS THE COUNTRY --- THE BAYOU BANDIT IS DESCRIBED AS A WHITE MAN, AVERAGE BUILD, STANDING 5 FOOT 10 TO 6 FOOT TALL....AUTHORITIES SAY HE GOES INTO A BANK, PRESENTS THE TELLER WITH A NOTE AND DEMANDS MONEY… THE ROBBER OFTEN WEARS A BASEBALL CAP,  DARK SUNGLASSES AND A T-SHIRT…

 

 

CAMERON PARISH MAN ARRESTED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Posted August 20, 2010

                           

LOUISIANA STATE POLICE ARRESTED 22 YEAR OLD JOHNATHAN SPIVEY OF HACKBERRY YESTERDAY, FOLLOWING A 4 MONTH INVESTIGATION.... A SEARCH WARRANT WAS EXECUTED IN MAY AND HIS COMPUTERS WERE SEIZED FOR FORENSIC ANALYSIS....THE RESULTS CAME BACK AND REVEALED THAT CHILD PORNOGRAPHY WAS PRESENT ON SPIVEY'S COMPUTER -- BOND IS SET AT 40 THOUSAND DOLLARS.....

 

 

 

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM OVER

Posted August 19, 2010

                           

Operation Iraqi Freedom came to an end Wednesday as the last full convoy of U.S. combat troops left Iraq. The Army's 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team crossed the Iraq-Kuwait border shortly before 9 p.m. Eastern time. The withdrawal brings to a close the combat phase of the seven-and-half-year war that overthrew Saddam Hussein. More than 44-hundred American service members died in the conflict. Fifty-six-thousand American troops remain behind in Iraq, most of them to train Iraqi forces. President Obama aims to have all U.S. troops out of the country by the end of next year.

 

Here are some of the major events in the war in Iraq:

 

March 20th, 2003. The military invasion of Iraq began during the administration of President George W. Bush. An estimated 40 other nations joined the U.S. in the undertaking.

 

April 9th, 2003. Baghdad fell, bringing an end to the 24-year rule of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Later, the multinational coalition that invaded Iraq established a provisional Iraqi government known as the Coalition Provisional Authority.

 

May 1st, 2003. President George W. Bush delivered his "Mission Accomplished" speech aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. In the speech, Bush effectively declared victory in the conflict, based on the defeat of Iraq's conventional forces during the military invasion. He acknowledged that pockets of resistance remained and that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was still at large.

 

December 13th, 2003. Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was captured by coalition forces on a farm near Tikrit.

 

April, 2004. Widespread prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib was revealed. Photos of U.S. military personnel abusing Iraqi prisoners sparked international outrage.

 

November, 2004. Iraqi insurgents engaged coalition forces in Fallujah. The 46-day battle has been described by the military as the heaviest urban combat in which they had been involved since the battle of Hue [[ WHAY ]] in Vietnam.

 

January 31st, 2005. The Iraqi Transitional Government was elected and charged with drafting a permanent Iraqi constitution.

 

May, 2005. Suicide bombers hit across Iraq, making May the bloodiest month since the invasion. Insurgent attacks continued to increase throughout 2005.

 

October 15th, 2005. The new Iraqi constitution was ratified in a referendum.

 

November, 2005. Eight U.S. Marines allegedly killed 24 Iraqi civilians in Haditha, including ten women and children. Four officers were eventually also charged with dereliction of duty in the incident.

 

December, 2005. An Iraqi national assembly was elected.

 

February 22nd, 2006. An attack on the al-Askari Mosque in Samarra triggered a new level of sectarian violence. The United Nations described the environment in Iraq as akin to a civil war.

 

May 20th, 2006. The current government of Iraq took office, succeeding the Iraqi Transitional Government.

 

December 30th, 2006. Deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was hanged after being found guilty of crimes against humanity by an Iraqi court. The trial took a year.

 

January 23rd, 2007. President George W. Bush announced a surge of more than 20-thousand troops.

 

September 14th, 2007. President George W. Bush backed limited withdrawal of troops.

 

April 8th, 2008. Commander David Petraeus told Congress troop withdrawals should be delayed. The general said, quote, "we haven't seen any lights at the end of the tunnel."

 

December 4th, 2008. The Iraqi government approved the U.S.-Iraq Status of Forces Agreement. The accord called for withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraqi cities by June 30th, 2009. It also provided that all U.S. forces would be out of Iraq by December 31st, 2011.

 

January 1st, 2009. The U.S. gave control of Saddam Hussein's former presidential palace to the Iraqi government. The U.S. also handed over control of the portion of Baghdad known as the Green Zone,

 

January 31st, 2009. Iraqi provincial elections were held amid violence.

 

February 27th, 2009. President Barack Obama announced the U.S. combat mission in Iraq would end by August 31st, 2010. Obama said a transitional force of 50-thousand troops may remain in Iraq until the end of 2011.

 

April 9th, 2009. Tens of thousands of Iraqis protested in Baghdad on the sixth anniversary of the fall of the city. 

 

June 29th, 2009. U.S. forces withdrew from Baghdad.

 

August 2nd, 2010. President Obama confirmed that U.S. military operations will end by August 31st, 2010.

 

August 18th, 2010. The last military vehicle in the convoy of the Army's 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team crossed the Iraq-Kuwait border shortly before 9 p.m. Eastern Time. However, an Obama administration official said the combat mission would continue until August 31st. About 56-thousand American forces remain in Iraq to assist in counterterrorism and the ongoing training of Iraqi security forces. 

 

August 31st, 2010. Combat operations are to officially end with a ceremony involving U.S. and Iraqi officials.

 

 

JENNINGS POLICE CHIEF STEPPING DOWN?

Posted August 19, 2010

                           

JENNINGS   POLICE CHIEF JOHNNY LASSITER IS REPORTEDLY STEPPING DOWN --- A NEWS PAPER IN JEFF DAVIS PARISH SAYS LASSITER IS SLATED TO DEMOTE HIMSELF TO HIS PREVIOUS RANK OF LIEUTENANT... HE SERVED AS POLICE CHIEF FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS BUT HAS BEEN WITH THE JENNINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR 14 YEARS...THE MOVE COMES AMID CRITICISM AND FEARS OF RESIDENTS OVER THE UNSOLVED MURDERS OF 8 WOMEN IN JEFF DAVIS PARISH..... A FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT IS EXPECTED TO BE MADE TOMORROW MORNING....

 

 

CRASH ON I-10 SENDS WOMAN INTO PREMATURE LABOR

Posted August 18, 2010

                           

A LAKE AREA MOTHER GIVES BIRTH TO HER BABY 4 MONTHS PREMATURE FOLLOWING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON INTERSTATE 10 --- STATE POLICE SAY THE WOMAN WAS RUSHED INTO AN EMERGENCY C-SECTION AT AN AREA HOPSITAL -- AT LAST CHECK SHE WAS LISTED IN STABLE CONDITION, AND THE BABY IN SERIOUS CONDITION...THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED YESTERDAY AFTERNOON NEAR THE CHLOE EXIT -- WHEN THE CAR THEY WERE IN -- REAR ENDED AN 18-WHEELER….

 

 

BODY FOUND AT SULPHUR WALMART

Posted August 17, 2010

                           

SULPHUR POLICE CONTINUE THEIR INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEATH OF A MAN, WHO'S BODY WAS FOUND INSIDE HIS TRUCK PARKED AT WAL-MART ON CITIES SERVICE HWY -- POLICE CHIEF CHRIS ABRAHAMS SAYS AROUND 5 PM MONDAY, A CUSTOMER WALKING OUT OF THE STORE NOTICED BLOOD DRIPPING FROM THE VEHICLE AND NOTIFIED WAL-MART'S MANAGER WHO CALLED THE POLICE... DETECTIVES SAY AT THIS TIME, IT'S UNCLEAR AS TO IF THIS IS A SUICIDE OR A HOMICIDE AND THEY HAVE YET TO RELEASE THE MAN'S IDENTITY.......MORE INFORMATION SHOULD BE AVAILABLE LATER TODAY WHEN THE CALCASIEU CORONER'S OFFICE PERFORMS THE AUTOPSY....

 

NEW DRIVING LAWS CAUSING CONFUSION FOR MOTORISTS
August 16, 2010

 

WHO CAN TALK ON THE PHONE AND WHAT'S THE LATEST ON TEXTING? THAT'S THE BIG QUESTIONS GOING AROUND THE STATE TODAY AS DRIVERS ATTEMPT TO DECIPHER NEW LAWS THAT WENT INTO AFFECT OVER THE WEEKEND. LOUISIANA STATE POLICE WILL BE FOCUSING EFFORTS OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE LEGISLATION THAT MAKES TEXT MESSAGING A PRIMARY OFFENSE AND DEEMING IT ILLEGAL FOR DRIVERS 17 AND YOUNGER TO TALK ON A CELL PHONE WHILE BEHIND THE WHEEL. WE'LL HAVE MORE ON THE NEW LAWS AND WHAT THEY MEAN TO YOU, IN TUESDAY'S HELP ME RHONDA.

 

LOUISIANA STUDENTS POST BEST TEST SCORES IN YEARS

Posted August 16, 2010

                           

4TH, 8TH, 10TH AND 11TH GRADERS IN LOUISIANA HAVE POSTED THE BEST TEST SCORES IN SEVERAL YEARS -- THAT'S ACCORDING TO THE LATEST REPORT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION -- THE PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS ADVANCING TO THE NEXT GRADE IS THE HIGHEST SINCE STANDARDS WERE RAISED IN 2004 AND 2006... COLLECTIVELY, THE PERCENTAGE OF 4TH AND 8TH GRADERS EARNING PROMOTION ROSE BY NEARLY THREE POINTS FROM LAST YEAR ... 10TH AND 11TH GRADERS ALSO SHOWED SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS…THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HAS RELEASED THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY OF THE STATEWIDE RESULTS AFTER SPRING AND SUMMER TESTING….

 

Percentage of 4th and 8th Grade Students Earning Promotion

Spring 2008-2009	Spring/Summer 2008-2009	Spring 2009-2010	Spring/Summer 2009-2010
74%	81.4%	73%	83.2%

 

Percentage of Students in All Grades and Subjects Scoring Basic and Above

Spring 2008-2009	Spring/Summer 2008-2009	Spring 2009-2010	Spring/Summer 2009-2010
64%	65%	65%	66%

 

 

OPERATION BACK TO SCHOOL
August 13, 2010

 

CALCASIEU PARISH STUDENTS WILL RETURN TO THE CLASSROOM NEXT WEEK ... SO  THE LAKE CHARLES POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARE JOINING FORCES WITH THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR OPERATION BACK TO SCHOOL. ON TUESDAY, THEY'LL BE OUT IN LOCAL SCHOOL ZONES ACROSS LAKE CHARLES ISSUING FLIERS TO MOTORISTS TO REMIND THEM OF SCHOOL ZONE LAWS, AND TO WATCH FOR CHILDREN. CLASSES IN CALCASIEU PARISH BEGIN ON WEDNESDAY.

 

SULPHUR MAN ARRESTED FOR ALTERING RX

Posted August 12, 2010

                           

 CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES ARREST A SULPHUR MAN FOR ALTERING A PRESCRIPTION --- 35 YEAR OLD JONATHAN LASAGE ALLEGEDLY ADDED HYRDOCODONE TO A PRESCRIPTION ORDERED BY A LOCAL DOCTOR….WHEN LASAGE WENT TO PICK UP THE ALTERED PRESCRIPTION YESTERDAY AFTERNOON, HE WAS ARRESTED CHARGED WITH OBTAINING CDS BY FRAUD…BOND IS SET AT 5 THOUSAND DOLLARS….

 

 

PRESIDENTIAL INVITATION TO LA FESTIVAL SEASON
August 12, 2010

LT GOVERNOR SCOTT ANGELLE HAS EXTENDED AN INVITATION TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA  TO ATTEND THE 75TH ANNUAL LA SHRIMP AND PETROLEUM FESTIVAL IN MORGAN CITY. ANGELLE SAYS, IN LIGHT OF THE EXPLOSION OF THE DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL RIG AND THE SUBSEQUENT EFFECTS ON THE PEOPLE, ENVIRONMENT, AND ECONOMY OF THE STATE ... THOSE MOST AFFECTED SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED AND HONORED FOR THEIR EFFORTS. THE FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE SEPTEMBER 2ND THRU THE 6TH. NO WORD YET ON WHETHER PRESIDENT OBAMA WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE.

 

 

PASTOREK STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF SEAN O'KEEFE
August 11, 2010

 

PRESS RELEASE ISSUE BY LA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 

Baton Rouge, La. -- Inquiries, concern and good wishes regarding the well-being of Sean O'Keefe and his son, Kevin, have been pouring into my office from around the state and country. Therefore, acting as spokesperson on behalf of Sean O'Keefe and his family, I would like to issue the following statement:

 

"During this time of tragedy, our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Senator Ted Stevens. His passing is a profound loss to Sean, both personally and professionally, as well as to the O'Keefe family.

 

We will remember him for his long-standing commitment and service to our country and the loving example he set as a husband, a father and a friend. Sean truly admired the work of Senator Stevens on behalf of the people of Alaska and the United States.

 

Sean, Kevin and our family also mourn the loss of their other travel companions, and we send their loved ones our most sincere condolences . 

 

As for Sean and Kevin, their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening and we are confident they will have a full recovery. While we are deeply saddened by the losses of Sean's friends and colleagues, we are grateful Sean and Kevin will have the opportunity to return home to our family.

 

Laura is holding up well. She has visited with both Sean and Kevin at the hospital, was heartened by seeing them and has communicated with both of them. Laura is very encouraged by the excellent medical attention they are getting and is particularly grateful for the valiant and heroic efforts that were made to rescue the passengers. She appreciates the outpouring of support that they have received and asks that we continue praying for all those who have been affected by this tragedy.

 

Considering that this is a time of grief and recovery for the O'Keefe family and others, only written statements will be issued, and no request s for press availability will be honored at this time. Therefore, we ask that the family's privacy be respected during this trying time."

 

A LAKE CHARLES MAN IS ARRESTED FOR DR SHOPPING

Posted August 11, 2010

                           

 THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS DEPUTIES ARRESTED 27 YEAR OLD DANIEL CLEMONS AFTER A TWO WEEK INVESTIGATION REVEALED HE WAS GOING TO DIFFERENT EMERGENCY ROOMS, TO GET PRESCRIPTIONS FOR HYDROCODONE --- IN JUST ONE YEAR, CLEMONS HAD MADE 50 TRIPS TO THE E.R... CLEMONS WAS CHARGED WITH 12 COUNTS OF DOCTOR SHOPPING.... BOND IS SET AT 50 THOUSAND DOLLARS......

 

 

STORM IN THE GULF HALTS BP’S EFFORTS

Posted August 11, 2010

 

 

 WITH JUST 50 FEET LEFT TO PERMANENTLY PUT AN END TO THE BP DISASTER IN THE GULF -- FEDERAL OFFICIALS HAD TO TEMPORARILY CALL OFF THEIR EFFORTS AS A STORM APPEARS TO BE ON TRACK TO HIT THE SPILL SIGHT --- NATIONAL INCIDENT COMMANDER THAD ALLEN SAYS CREWS WERE WITHIN 50 FEET OF THEIR TARGET WHEN DRILLING WAS SUSPENDED YESTERDAY.....ALLEN SAYS THE DRILLING WILL BE ON HOLD FOR ANOTHER 4 TO 7 DAYS......

 

 

 

ABANDONED TRAILER FIRE
August 10, 2010

 

AN INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY INTO A LATE NIGHT HOUSE FIRE ON 6TH AVENUE. LAKE CHARLES FIREFIGHTERS RESPONDED TO THE CALL SHORTLY AFTER 10 LAST NIGHT. WHEN CREWS ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AN ABANDONED TRAILER WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. OFFICIALS BELIEVE FOUL PLAY MAY BE INVOLVED. 

 

TEENS ARRESTED IN MOSS BLUFF BURGLARIES
August 9, 2010

 

THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS THREE JUVENILES HAVE ADMITTED THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN SEVERAL BURGLARIES IN THE CRAWFORD DRIVE/PARK ROAD AREA OF MOSS BLUFF. DETECTIVES SAY  A HOMEOWNER NOTICED THE TEENS ENTER A NEIGHBORS WORK TRUCK AND STEAL ITEMS BEFORE LEAVING THE SCENE ON BICYCLES. THE THREE SUSPECTS, TWO 15-YEAR-OLD BOYS AND ONE 16-YEAR-OLD, WERE BOOKED INTO THE JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER. ANYONE IN THAT AREA WHO'S VEHICLE WAS BURGLARIZED THURSDAY NIGHT, IS ASKED TO CONTACT DETECTIVE DARRELL FONTENOT AT 491-3625 TO REPORT THE INCIDENT.

 

 

N.O. SAINTS FANS MOURN THE LOSS OF A LEGEND

Posted August 9, 2010

                           

 

HE'S BEEN CALLED THE FATHER OF THE SAINTS…. 87 YEAR OLD DAVID DIXON DIED YESTERDAY FROM FAILING HEALTH ISSUES....DIXON'S TIRELESS EFFORTS TO BRING PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL TO THE BIG EASY -- LEAD TO THE CREATION OF WHAT'S NOW KNOWN AS THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS --- THE ICONIC SPORTS CATALYST IS ALSO CREDITED WITH SPEARHEADING THE DRIVE THAT LEAD TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUPERDOME --- WHICH TODAY CELEBRATES IT'S 35TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY...

 

CAUSE OF DEATH RELEASED IN JEFF DAVIS INVESTIGATION
August 6, 2010

 

21-YEAR-OLD JAYCE RYAN DUPUIS DIED OF A SINGLE GUNSHOT WOUND. THAT'S THE WORD FROM THE JEFF DAVIS CORONER'S OFFICE WHO SAYS DUPUIS' DEATH REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOLLOWING AN AUTOPSY BY CALCASIEU CORONER, DR TERRY WELKE. DUPUIS BODY WAS FOUND ABOUT A HALF-MILE FROM HIS HOME THURSDAY AFTERNOON. SEARCH TEAMS FROM SEVERAL LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES HAD BEEN SCOURING THE AREA, SINCE DUPUIS DISAPPEARANCE EARLY SUNDAY MORNING. 

 

JDSO INVESTIGATE DUPUIS MURDER

Posted August 6, 2010

                           

 

 

THE SEARCH FOR A MISSING JENNINGS MAN HAS TURNED INTO A MURDER INVESTIGATION -- YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AN ALLEN PARISH SEARCH CREW FOUND THE BODY OF 21 YEAR OLD JAYCE RYAN DUPUIS JUST ABOUT HALF A MILE FROM HIS HOME --- CHIEF DEPUTY LARRY DUPUIS SAYS AFTER GETTING THE AUTOPSY REPORT FROM THE CALCASIEU CORONER'S OFFICE, THEY ARE HANDLING THE CASE AS A HOMICIDE...DEPUTY DUPUIS SAYS A WEAPON WAS INVOLVED IN THE MURDER, BUT COULDN'T PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS AS THE INVESTIGATION IS ON GOING..

 

 

ASSISTANT DA IN CALCASIEU PARISH DIES

Posted August 6, 2010

 

 

ASSISTANT CALCASIEU PARISH DISTRICT ATTORNEY PAUL REGGIE DIED YESTERDAY AFTERNOON IN A CRASH ON INTERSTATE 49 JUST NORTH OF NATCHIOTCHES.....REGGIE IS BELIEVED TO HAVE SUFFERED A MASSIVE HEART ATTACK WHILE BEHIND THE WHEEL......HE WAS JUST 47 YEARS OLD AND LEAVES BEHIND A WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN.....

 

 

 

BODY FOUND IN JENNINGS
August 5, 2010

 

KYKZ 96 HAS LEARNED A BODY HAS BEEN FOUND IN JENNINGS. THERE'S NO WORD YET IF THE DISCOVERY IS LINKED TO THE DISAPPEARANCE OF 21-YEAR-OLD JAYCE RYAN DUPUIS, WHO WAS LAST SEEN AROUND 1:30 SUNDAY MORNING. WE WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THIS STORY AND BRING YOU MORE INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.

 

LC WOMAN SENTENCED FOR 2008 FATAL CRASH

Posted August 5, 2010

 

 

 

JUDGE WILFORD CARTER HAS SENTENCED ANGELA OSPIUK TO 12 YEARS BEHIND BARS FOR VEHICULAR HOMICIDE --- YOU MAY REMEMBER IN 2008, THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS 5 YEAR OLD GARRET VICE AND HIS MOTHER WERE TRAVELING HOME TO VINTON FROM LAKE CHARLES ON THE I-210 BRIDGE WHEN THEY WERE INVOLVED IN A 4 CAR PILE UP CAUSED BY OSIPUK WHO WAS DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE. THE TODDLER DIED FROM THE CRASH....OSIPUK PLEADED GUILTY TO FIRST OFFENSE D-W-I -- VEHICULAR HOMICIDE AND 6 COUNTS OF VEHICULAR INJURING....... WITH GOOD BEHAVIOR...OSIPUK COULD BE PAROLED IN JUST 6 YEARS....

SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MISSING JENNINGS MAN
August 4, 2010

 

THE JEFF DAVIS SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS INVESTIGATIVE LEADS IN THE SEARCH FOR A MISSING JENNINGS MAN HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED. YESTERDAY, SEARCH TEAMS FROM EIGHT LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ASSISTED WITH INTENSE AIR, GROUND AND WATER SEARCHES FOR 21-YEAR-OLD JAYCE RYAN DUPUIS, WHO WAS LAST SEEN AROUND 1:30 SUNDAY MORNING. CHIEF DEPUTY, LARRY DUPUIS URGES ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON HIS WHEREABOUTS TO CONTACT AUTHORITIES AT 337-824-3850.

 

 

JENNINGS POLICE OFFICER UNDER INVESTIGATION

Posted August 4, 2010

 

 

THE JEFF DAVIS SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS CONTINUING THEIR INVESTIGATION INTO A JENNINGS POLICE OFFICER -- JOLYNNE CARTER IS ON PAID ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE AFTER SHE ALLEGEDLY SHOT HER GUN TWICE DURING A DOMESTIC DISPUTE WITH HER HUSBAND -- THE COUPLE WAS TAKEN TO THE POLICE STATION BUT NEITHER WERE CHARGED....NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED…

 

 

WESTLAKE MAN CHARGED WITH SEXUAL BATTERY
August 3, 2010

 

40-YEAR-OLD RICHARD HOLLYFIELD OF WESTLAKE IS ACCUSED OF HAVING INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL CONTACT WITH TWO GIRLS, AGES 10 AND 12. HOLLYFIELD WAS AN ACQUAINTANCE OF THE VICTIMS FAMILY AND THE INCIDENT ALLEGEDLY OCCURED AT A HOME IN SULPHUR, LAST WEEK. HE'S CHARGED WITH 2 COUNTS OF SEXUAL BATTERY AND 2 COUNTS OF INDECENT BEHAVIOR WITH JUVENILES. BOND IS SET AT 50-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

 

6 TEENAGERS DROWN IN RED RIVER

Posted August 3, 2010

 

 

AUTHORITIES SAY SIX PEOPLE, AGES 13 TO 18 DROWN MONDAY EVENING IN THE RED RIVER AT SHREVEPORT....OFFICIALS SAY THE TEENS WHO DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO SWIM, WERE WADING IN SHALLOW WATER WHEN ONE FELL INTO AN 18 FOOT SINKHOLE.....THE OTHER TEENAGERS FOLLOWED IN AFTER HIM -- IN WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE A TRAGIC RESCUE ATTEMPT.... ONE TEENAGER WAS RESCUED BY A BYSTANDER....THE BODIES OF THOSE WHO DROWN HAVE BEEN RECOVERED AND FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE PENDING...

 

 

 

 

MAN JUMPS OFF SABINE RIVER BRIDGE

Posted August 2, 2010

 

 

A 21 YEAR OLD MAN FROM ORANGE JUMPED OFF THE SABINE RIVER BRIDGE ON THE LOUISIANA/TEXAS BORDER YESTERDAY MORNING AND LIVED TO TELL THE STORY --- ORANGE POLICE SAY WILLIAM STEVENS WAS THREATENING TO KILL HIMSELF BY LEAPING OFF THE BRIDGE AND IN THE MIDDLE OF TALKS WITH NEGOTIATORS, ACTUALLY JUMPED....STEVENS FELL APPROXIMATELY 125 FEET TO THE WATER AND WAS RESCUED BY OFFICERS...VINTON POLICE AND LOUISIANA STATE POLICE WERE AMONG THE RESPONDING AGENCIES.....STEVENS IS CURRENTLY IN A BEAUMONT HOSPITAL FOR PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT....

OVERPASS ATTACKS ON I-10
July 29, 2010

LAKE CHARLES POLICE ARE WARNING LOCAL MOTORISTS ABOUT RECENT ACTIVITY ON I-10 THAT COULD POSE A HAZARD FOR DRIVERS. TWO NIGHTS THIS WEEK, HEAVY OBJECTS HAVE BEEN DROPPED FROM THE 171 OVERPASS ONTO VEHICLES TRAVELING ON I-10. BOTH INCIDENTS HAVE CAUSED HEAVY DAMAGE, BUT LUCKILY, SO FAR NO ONE HAS BEEN INJURED. POLICE SAY ONE OF THE DRIVERS DID GET A LOOK AT THE TWO PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE... BUT THE ONLY DESCRIPTION THEY WERE ABLE TO GIVE WAS YOUNG BLACK MALES. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CONTACT LAKE CHARLES POLICE AT 491-1311.

 

ENTERGY ANNOUNCES INCREASE IN FEES

Posted July 29, 2010

 

 

ENTERGY CUSTOMERS WILL SOON BE PAYING A LITTLE EXTRA FOR THEIR SERVICES -- ACCORDING TO ENTERGY SPOKESWOMAN SHELIA POUNDERS - THE NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION REQUIRES THE COMPANY TO HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF FUNDS AVAILABLE TO DECOMMISSION NUCLEAR FACILITIES ONCE THEIR USEFUL LIFESPAN IS EXPIRED -- AS A RESULT OF THIS NOTIFICATION BY THE NRC, ENTERGY IS IMPLEMENTING A A SLIGHT INCREASE IN BILLING TO HELP GAIN FUNDING TO DECOMMISSION THEIR NUCLEAR PLANT IN ST FRANCISVILLE...POUNDERS SAYS THEY WILL ADD 60 CENTS TO EVERY 1,000 KILOWATT HOURS...SHE SAYS ON AVERAGE, CUSTOMERS ONLY USE AROUND 1,000 KWH A MONTH, SO THE INCREASE SHOULDN'T ADD TOO MUCH TO THEIR MONTHLY BILLS....

LAKE CHARLES MURDER SUSPECT NOW IN CUSTODY
July 28, 2010

LAKE CHARLES POLICE SAY 22-YEAR-OLD COBY QUINTON CEASER IS NOW IN CUSTODY. CEASAR IS CHARGED WITH SECOND DEGREE MURDER IN THE OVERNIGHT SHOOTING DEATH OF 41-YEAR-OLD PATRICK MYLES. THE SHOOTING OCCURED IN THE 600 BLOCK OF DIXY DRIVE AROUND MIDNIGHT. CEASAR WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY IN A HOME ON DIXY DRIVE, NOT FAR FROM THE MURDER SCENE, SHORTLY AFTER NOON TODAY. BOND IS SET AT 200-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

 

LCPD INVESTIGATE FATAL SHOOTING

Posted July 28, 2010

 

 

 

Coby Quinton Ceaser…Picture provided by LCPD

 

LAKE CHARLES POLICE HAVE IDENTIFIED THE VICTIM FROM AN OVERNIGHT SHOOTING ON DIXY DRIVE AS 41 YEAR OLD PATRICK MYLES...OFFICERS SAY THEY BELIEVE 22 YEAR OLD COBY QUINTON CEASER SHOT MYLES SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT AND A SECOND DEGREE MURDER ARREST WARRANT HAS BEEN ISSUED.....CEASER IS CONSIDERED TO BE ARMED AND DANGEROUS AND IF ANYONE HAS INFORMATION ON HIS WHEREABOUTS YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL LAKE CHARLES POLICE AT 491-1311...

 

CELL PHONE PICTURES LAND SULPHUR MAN BEHIND BARS
July 27, 2010

 

THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS 34-YEAR-OLD PINKNEY PITTMAN III, OF SULPHUR, WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY OVER THE WEEKEND FOR TAKING PICTURES OF JUVENILE GIRLS IN THEIR BATHING SUITS. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE PITTMAN WAS ATTENDING A GATHERING AT A HOUSE IN LAKE CHARLES. WHEN QUESTIONED BY DETECTIVES, PITTMAN ALLEGEDLY ADMITTED THE PICTURES WERE TAKEN FOR SEXUAL PURPOSES. PITTMAN WAS BOOKED INTO THE CALCASIEU CORRECTIONAL CENTER ON THREE COUNTS OF INDECENT BEHAVIOR WITH A JUVENILE. HIS BOND WAS SET AT THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS.

 

GOOD NEWS FOR GULF COAST FISHERMEN

Posted July 27, 2010

 

 

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES SAYS IT’S POSSIBLE THAT COMMERCIAL FISHING IN AREAS EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER COULD REOPEN AS SOON AS THIS WEEK. DWF ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR FISHERIES RANDY PAUSINA SAYS EXTENSIVE TESTING HAS SHOWN NO INDICATIONS THAT ANY SEAFOOD CAUGHT IN LOUISIANA WATERS IS CONTAMINATED BY THE BP OIL SPILL. THE U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION SAYS THEY WILL EXPEDITE TESTING OF GULF SEAFOOD SAMPLES BY BRINGING IN 14 LABS TO CONDUCT TESTS. 

 

SULPHUR MAN ATTEMPTS BURGLARY AT CHURCH SCHOOL
July 26, 2010

A SULPHUR MAN FACES SEVERAL CHARGES INCLUDING BURGLARY, CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, AND RESISTING AN OFFICER AFTER GETTING CAUGHT IN THE ACT... ALLEGEDLY ATTEMPTING TO BURGLARIZE A CHURCH SCHOOL. WHEN CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO AN ALARM ON PICARD ROAD IN SULPHUR, A MAN INSIDE THE BUILDING FLED ON FOOT ACROSS A PARKING LOT. 30-YEAR-OLD DON ALEXANDER WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY A SHORT TIME LATER. BOND IS SET AT FIVE-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

 

NEW DETAILS INTO THE DEATH OF A MARINE FROM LA

Posted July 26, 2010

 

 

THERE'S NEW DETAILS INTO THE DEATH OF A MARINE FROM LOUISIANA -- ACCORDING TO THE PENTAGON -- 23 YEAR OLD CORPORAL JOE WRIGHTSMAN OF JONESBORO DIED AFTER BEING SWEPT AWAY BY STRONG CURRENTS IN THE HELMAND RIVER....WRIGHTSMAN WAS ASSIGNED TO THE THIRD BATTALION, THIRD MARINE REGIMENT OUT OF HAWAII AND WAS IN AFGHANISTAN FOR A SEVEN MONTH DEPLOYMENT....

 

 

BACK TO SCHOOL TAX DEDUCTION
July 23, 2010

 

LOUISIANA FAMILIES ARE REMINDED TO HOLD ONTO RECEIPTS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL ITEMS, THEY MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A TAX DEDUCTION. THE LA SCHOOL TUITION AND EXPENSE DEDUCTION APPLIES TO 50-PERCENT OF THE COST OF ELIGIBLE ITEMS  UP TO $5,000 PER STUDENT. HOME SCHOOLING EXPENSES ARE ELIGIBLE AS WELL. FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE.

 

SULPHUR CITY COUNCIL CALLS SPECIAL MEETING
July 23, 2010

THE SULPHUR CITY COUNCIL HAS CALLED A SPECIAL MEETING FOR 9 TOMORROW MORNING. MAYOR CHRIS DUNCAN WILL INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE DECLARING A PUBLIC EMERGENCY FOR TROPICAL STORM BONNIE. THE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE IN SULPHUR CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON NORTH HUNTINGTON STREET.

 

SWLA GEARS UP FOR TS BONNIE

Posted July 23, 2010

 

 

STATE OF EMERGENCIES HAVE BEEN DECLARED IN BOTH CALCASIEU AND CAMERON PARISHES AS TROPICAL STORM BONNIE MOVES TOWARDS THE GULF OF MEXICO --- CAMERON PARISH O-E-P DIRECTOR CLIFTON HEBERT TELLS KYKZ 96 THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IS MORE OR LESS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE TO HAVE RESOURCES AVAILABLE SHOULD THEY BE NEEDED... HEBERT SAYS THEY ARE NOT CALLING FOR ANY EVACUATIONS AT THIS TIME BUT THEY ARE URGING CAMERON RESIDENTS ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT LIVE IN THE LOW LYING AREAS OR IN MOBILE HOMES TO MONITOR THE WEATHER CLOSELY.

 

 

 

LAWSUIT FILED IN HOLIDAY INN RAPE CASE
July 22, 2010

 

KYKZ 96 HAS LEARNED A LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED IN THE CASE OF A HOLIDAY INN EMPLOYEE WHO RAPED A HOTEL GUEST BACK IN JUNE. DETRICK PETTIGREW IS A REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, BUT LAKE CHARLES ATTORNEY, RON RICHARD SAYS THAT DIDN'T STOP THE HOLIDAY INN ON LAKE STREET FROM HIRING HIM AND THEREFORE GIVING HIM ACCESS TO HOTEL GUESTS... ONE OF WHICH HE ALLEGEDLY ATTACKED, BRUTALLY RAPED, AND HELD CAPTIVE IN HER HOTEL ROOM FOR TWO AND A HALF HOURS. THE LAWSUIT LISTS SEVERAL DEFENDANTS INCLUDING INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS, THE OWNER OF THE HOLIDAY INN, AND DANIEL PETTIGREW. THREE LAKE CHARLES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GROUPS ARE ALSO NAMED IN THE SUIT.

 

CCAP FINGER IMAGING

Posted July 22, 2010

 

The following is a press release from the Louisiana Department of Social Services:

 

DCFS announces July 25 deadline for finger imaging for Child Care Assistance Program
TOTS expected to save millions, improve record-keeping, reduce fraud and safeguard children

BATON ROUGE - This Sunday, July 25, is the deadline for all parents and caregivers of children in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to undergo finger-imaging for TOTS (Tracking of Time Services), an electronic time and attendance process that is expected to help keep children safe, cut down on fraud and provide efficient and more accurate payments to child care facilities.

"To ensure that child care payments to a child care provider are made on behalf of a child, parents and caregivers enrolled in CCAP must undergo finger-imaging for TOTS by this Sunday," said DCFS Secretary Ruth Johnson. "It is important for parents and caregivers to understand that finger-imaging is not a finger print; only the numeric code created from scanning the finger will be kept on file."

DCFS will not share the numeric codes created from the finger image with any other state or federal agency.

TOTS begins statewide on August 1. The statewide launch is an expansion of a Lafayette-area pilot program that began in July. CCAP participants in the Lafayette area were finger imaged in June and do not need to be imaged again.

Parents of children enrolled in CCAP, which provides assistance to help pay for child care while parents work or attend school or training, and parents and caregivers of children in OCS programs that pay for child care are required to participate in TOTS.

A list of locations where finger imaging is taking place is available at  www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/TOTS.

TOTS uses a finger imaging device and software. Parents and caregivers, or up to three household designees, will simply place a finger on the device, which measures physical characteristics and converts them into an identifying numeric code, to check the child into and out of care. Child care centers will only receive CCAP payments for children who are checked in and out of the center using the TOTS system.

"TOTS helps parents, providers and taxpayers by keeping accurate records of the time that children spend in their child care centers, ensuring timely and accurate payments and improving safety by ensuring that only authorized individuals are allowed to drop off and pick up children from day care," said Johnson.

Parents, caregivers and household designees will be required to check each child into and out of child care each day, adding an additional measure of ensuring that only those authorized to pick up a child from a care center do so.

Finger imaging devices will be installed at all Class A child care centers, all Class M child care centers licensed by the Department of Defense and family child day care homes that accept CCAP payment.

School child care programs and care provided in the child's home will use an Interactive Voice Response to track children's attendance. Parents will use the Interactive Voice Response to check the child in out and out of care via a dedicated phone line.

All finger imaging devices will be provided and installed at no cost to child care centers, but centers will need a phone line and Internet connection. Programs using the Interactive Voice Response system will need a phone line.

TOTS will allow DCFS to pay CCAP invoices weekly, instead of the current monthly schedule, resulting in prompter payments to providers. Additionally, all attendance will be submitted to DCFS electronically and child care providers will no longer be required to submit paper invoices, reducing the chance of fraud.

In May, meetings to inform child care providers about how TOTS will work were held in Lafayette, Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, Thibodaux, the Northshore and New Orleans.

Parents and caregivers required to participate in TOTS were notified of the process and continue to receive additional communication as the program's start date approaches.

Funding for TOTS comes from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment act. The initiative is expected to cost $2.6 million a year and reap much more than that in savings.

"Currently, Oklahoma and Indiana are the only other states operating a similar child care time and attendance program," said Johnson. "Oklahoma reported savings of $10 million in the first year; we expect to see similar results in Louisiana."

DCFS is using the projected first year savings to help cover projected budget shortfalls, while continuing to fund core programs that serve children and families.

From July 2008 to June 2009, more than 39,000 Louisiana children participated in CCAP each month, and payments to child care providers totaled $112.2 million for the twelve month period.

While Oklahoma and Indiana require parents to use a card swipe program to check children in and out of care, Louisiana will be the first to use a finger scan.

"Using a biometric finger scan for Louisiana's program will give us more reliable results," said Johnson. "Additionally, parents will not be required to bring anything, like a card, with them to their child care center and will ensure that only those authorized to check children in and out of care are doing so."

More about the TOTS program can be found at www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/TOTS.

###

 

 

LOUISIANA RALLIES FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY
July 21, 2010

 

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE POURED INTO THE LAFAYETTE CAJUN DOME WEDNESDAY MORNING TO SHOW THEIR OPPOSITION TO THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATIONS MORATORIUM ON OFFSHORE DRILLING.  GOVERNOR BOBBY JINDAL ADDRESSED THE CROWD AT THE "RALLY FOR ECONOMIC SURVIVAL" ... SAYING ITS TIME TO SEND A CLEAR MESSAGE TO WASHINGTON D-C "END THE ARBITRARY MORATORIUM SO THOUSANDS OF LOUISIANIAN'S CAN GO BACK TO WORK." THE STATE RISKS LOSING MORE THAN 20-THOUSAND EXISTING AND POTENTIAL NEW JOBS OVER 12 TO 18 MONTHS IF THE MORATORIUM CONTINUES.

 

TONY HAYWARD LEAVING BP?

Posted July 21, 2010

 

 

 

A BRITISH NEWSPAPER IS REPORTING BP CHIEF EXECUTIVE TONY HAYWARD IS EXPECTED TO RESIGN FROM THE COMPANY IF THE OIL WELL IN THE GULF OF MEXICO IS SUCCESSFULLY SEALED BY OCTOBER -- IT'S REPORTED HAYWARD'S EXIT COULD BE ANNOUNCED ALONG SIDE A NEW STRATEGY BEING WORKED OUT TO DEFEND BP FROM ANY ATTEMPTED BUY OUTS FROM OTHER PETROLEUM COMPANIES....HAYWARD WAS HEAVILY CRITICIZED AFTER SAYING HE WANTED HIS LIFE BACK IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING THE DEEPWATER HORIZON TRAGEDY THAT KILLED 11 WORKERS AND SPARKED THE LARGEST OIL SPILL IN U.S. HISTORY

 

SERIAL BANK ROBBER STRIKES AGAIN

Posted July 20, 2010

 

 

 

A SERIAL BANK ROBBER REMAINS AT LARGE AND MAY HAVE STRUCK AGAIN -- THIS TIME....550 MILES AWAY FROM HIS LAST KNOWN ROBBERY IN RAYNE...AUTHORITIES SAY A WHITE MALE THAT ROBBED A BANK IN PAULS VALLEY OKLAHOMA SATURDAY -- STRONGLY RESEMBLES THE MAN WHO ATTEMPTED TO STEAL FROM A BANK IN CROWLEY AND SUCCESSFULLY ROBBED BANKS IN SULPHUR, JENNINGS, AND RAYNE.. THE MAN APPEARS TO BE WEARING THE SAME PAIR OF SUNGLASSES AND BASEBALL CAP THAT'S SEEN IN THE SURVEILLANCE FOOTAGE COLLECTED FROM ALL OF THE BANKS...IF ANYONE HAS INFORMATION ON HIS IDENTITY OR WHEREABOUTS YOUR ASKED TO CONTACT POLICE.... 

 

LC PRIEST SERIOUSLY INJURED AT GYM

Posted July 19, 2010

 

 

A LAKE CHARLES PRIEST IS SAID TO BE MAKING PROGRESS IN HIS RECOVERY FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT AT A LOCAL GYM -- ACCORDING TO LA FITNESS, FATHER WAYNE LEBLEU OF CHRIST OF THE KING CHURCH, WAS NOT A MEMBER OF THE GYM AND WAS TAKING A TOUR OF THE FACILITIES AROUND 11 O'CLOCK THURSDAY NIGHT WHEN HE WAS FOUND IN THE STEAM ROOM UNRESPONSIVE....OFFICIALS WITH LA FITNESS SAY IT'S UNCLEAR AS TO EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED HOWEVER THEIR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIM AND HIS FAMILY....THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE INCIDENT IS ON GOING.  A WEBSITE HAS BEEN SET UP FOR THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW FATHER LEBLEU'S RECOVERY. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION. 

 

SULPHUR MAN ARRESTED FOR RAPING A TEEN

Posted July 16, 2010

 

 

THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS 36 YR OLD TOBY VINCENT WAS ARRESTED LAST FRIDAY AFTER THEY RECEIVED A TIP FROM A 16 YR OLD FAMILY MEMBER THAT SAID HE HAD INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL CONTACT WITH HER AND CHOKED HER FROM FEBRUARY TO JUNE... WHEN QUESTIONED, VINCENT CONFIRMED SOME OF THE ALLEGATIONS....HE'S CHARGED WITH FORCIBLE RAPE, SEXUAL BATTERY AND CRUELTY TO A JUVENILE BOND IS SET AT 750 THOUSAND DOLLARS   

 

 

IT LOOKS LIKE BP IS GOING GREEN

Posted July 15, 2010

 

 

BRITISH PETROLEUM HAS PURCHASED UNITS OF VERENIUM THAT FOCUS ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OF BIO FUELS -- THE OIL GIANT IS PAYING 93.8 MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE UNITS LOCATED IN JENNINGS, LOUISIANA AND SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA...KYKZ 96 SPOKE WITH VERENIUM VICE PRESIDENT OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS KELLY LINDENBLOOM, WHO TELLS US THE SALE WILL BE EFFECTIVE WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS....VERENIUM WILL RETAIN IT'S COMMERCIAL ENZYME BUSINESS....

 

 

FOUR ARRESTED IN SULPHUR METH LAB

July 14, 2010

 

WE NOW KNOW THE NAMES OF FOUR PEOPLE ARRESTED FOR A SULPHUR METH LAB. AROUND 10 TUESDAY NIGHT, SULPHUR POLICE RESPONDED TO A CALL AT CROSSROADS ECONOMY SUITES TO INVESTIGATE AN ODD SMELL COMING FROM A ROOM. ONCE INSIDE, OFFICERS SAY THEY LOCATED A CLANDESTINE LAB. 24-YEAR-OLD MARVIN LEE HARRIS, 23-YEAR-OLD BRIAN MOAK, 23-YEAR-OLD GARY DALE WILLIAMS, AND 25-YEAR-OLD CRYSTAL ANN LANGLEY, ALL OF DEQUINCY, WERE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON CHARGES OF MANUFACTURING A CLANDESTINE LAB, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHANELIA AND POSSESSION OF CDS SCHEDULE II DRUGS. BOND ON MOAK, WILLIAMS, AND HARRIS WAS SET AT $25,500. LANGLEY'S BOND WAS SET AT $26,500.

 

 BOTH LANES OF I-10 W CLOSED AT BRIDGE

Posted July 14, 2010

 

 A LAST MINUTE CLOSURE OF BOTH LANES ON THE WESTBOUND SIDE OF THE I-10 BRIDGE HAS CAUSED SOME UNEXPECTED DETOURS FOR MANY MOTORIST WHO TRAVEL THAT ROUTE DAILY -- KYKZ 96 CONTACTED BOBBY HENNIGAN WITH THE TRANSPORTATION OFFICE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT PROMPTED THE SUDDEN CLOSURE – HENNIGAN SAYS LAST NIGHT OFFICIALS FOUND A LOOSE METAL JOINT THAT HOLDS TWO SLABS OF THE BRIDGE TOGETHER – HENNIGAN SAYS IT’S NOT A STRUCTURAL PROBLEM BUT IT NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED IN A TIMELY MANNER TO ENSURE SAFETY AND PREVENT ANY ACCIDENTS.. HE SAYS IF THE BRACKET WERE TO LOOSEN ANY MORE IT COULD PUNCTURE A TIRE OR CAUSE A WRECK.

 

DOTD TO CELEBRATE PROJECT COMPLETION
July 13, 2010

HIGHWAY 171 IS NOW FOUR-LANES FROM LAKE CHARLES ALL THE WAY TO SHREVEPORT. A NUMBER OF LOCAL AND STATE REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ON HAND FOR A COMPLETION CEREMONY HOSTED BY THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEVELOPMENT. THE CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 2PM WEDNESDAY, AT THE LIFE CHURCH SANCTUARY IN MANY. THE 173-MILE PROJECT COST A TOTAL OF 615-MILLION DOLLARS.

 

BENEFIT TO BE HELD FOR LAFAYETTE FAMILY

Posted July 13, 2010

 

 

 

SAMMY KERSHAW AND JAMIE BERGERON WILL HEADLINE A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR A GRIEVING LAFAYETTE FAMILY WHO LOST A DAUGHTER IN SOUTH AFRICA TO A DRUNK DRIVER....24 YEAR OLD NICOLE MURPHY AND HER BROTHER, 19 YEAR OLD BRIAN MURPHY, HAD TRAVELED TO SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE WORLD CUP WHEN THEY WERE WALKING TO THEIR CONDO AND STRUCK BY A SUSPECTED DRUNK DRIVER EARLIER THIS WEEK.....NICOLE WAS KILLED, AND BRIAN SUFFERED SEVERE HEAD TRAUMA AND REMAINS IN A MEDICALLY INDUCED COMA IN SOUTH AFRICA -- WE'RE TOLD IT WILL COST OVER 300 THOUSAND DOLLARS TO HAVE BRIAN TRANSPORTED BACK TO LOUISIANA -- THE CONCERT TO BENEFIT THE MURPHY FAMILY WILL BE HELD JULY 20TH IN LAFAYETTE -- TICKETS ARE 35 DOLLARS A PEICE....

 

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED FOR LAKE AREA TODDLER
July 12, 2010

 

TWO-YEAR-OLD RICK GUILLORY, JR. WILL BE LAID TO REST WEDNESDAY. HE'S THE TODDLER THAT DROWNED IN A MOSS BLUFF SWIMMING POOL, FRIDAY EVENING, AFTER WANDERING AWAY FROM A BIRTHDAY PARTY. FAMILY MEMBERS PERFORMED CPR UNTIL EMERGENCY RESPONDERS ARRIVED ON THE SCENE. GUILLORY DIED IN A LAKE CHARLES HOSPITAL SATURDAY AFTERNOON. KING'S FUNERAL HOME SAYS VISITATION FOR GUILLORY WILL BEGIN AT 8AM WEDNESDAY AT NEW COVENANT BAPTIST CHURCH ON 12TH STREET, WITH FUNERAL SERVICES GETTING UNDERWAY AT 11AM. 

 

 

 

 LC WOMAN ARRESTED FOR MOLESTATION

Posted July 12, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

BOND HAS BEEN SET AT 400 THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR A LAKE CHARLES WOMAN CHARGED WITH 10 COUNTS OF SEXUAL BATTERY, AND 10 COUNTS OF MOLESTATION OF A JUVENILE --- 36 YR OLD LORI LEMASNEY WAS ARRESTED LAST THURSDAY, AFTER AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED SHE MOLESTED TWO GIRLS WHEN SHE WAS TRUSTED TO BABYSIT THEM -- THESE INCIDENTS HAPPENED DURING THE SUMMERS OF 2000 AND 2001 WHEN THE CHILDREN WERE 6 AND 7 YEARS OLD..... DETECTIVES SAY DURING QUESTIONING, LEMASNEY CONFIRMED THE ALLEGATIONS....

 

 

 

 ROLLER COASTER ACCIDENT AT DIXIE LANDIN’ KILLS ONE

Posted July 12, 2010

 

 

A LAFAYETTE WOMAN WAS KILLED IN A ROLLER COASTER ACCIDENT AT THE DIXIE LANDIN' AMUSEMENT PARK IN BATON ROUGE NEAR BLUE BAYOU --- THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE IS INVESTIGATING THE INCIDENT BUT AS OF LATE SUNDAY, INSPECTORS HAD NOT LOCATED ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE COASTER, CALLED THE "XTREME".....21 YEAR OLD LINDSAY ZENO DROPPED 30 FEET FROM THE SPINNING COASTER, WHILE IT WAS IN MOTION YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AND WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD ABOUT AN HOUR LATER....

 

CPSO RELEASES SKETCH OF RAPE SUSPECT
July 9, 2010

 

THE SEARCH CONTINUES FOR A MAN SUSPECTED OF RAPING A WOMAN AT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT ON HIGHWAY 14. IT HAPPENED AROUND 3AM, JUNE 4TH, AS THE WOMAN WAS LOCKING UP THE RESTAURANT FOR THE NIGHT. THE SUSPECT IS DESCRIBED AS A BLACK MALE IN HIS 30'S; MEDIUM BUILD AND HEIGHT; POSSIBLY HAVING FACIAL HAIR. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE AT 491-3605 OR CRIMESTOPPERS AT 439-2222.

 

BANK ROBBER REMAINS AT LARGE

Posted July 9, 2010

 

 A MAN WHO ROBBED A WHITNEY BANK IN SULPHUR BACK IN APRIL IS NOW BELIEVED TO HAVE HIT 2 OTHER BANKS IN ACADIA PARISH --- THE MAN SLIPPED A NOTE TO A TELLER AT THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK, DEMANDING CASH BUT THEN LEFT THE BRANCH EMPTY HANDED.... JUST ABOUT 30 MINUTES LATER, THE SUSPECT WENT INTO A BANK IN RAYNE, USED THE SAME NOTE AND THIS TIME GOT AWAY WITH THE MONEY...POLICE SAY THE SUSPECT FROM SULPHUR, STRONGLY RESEMBLES THE ROBBER FROM RAYNE AND IT’S LIKELY HE'S ONE IN THE SAME...ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CONTACT THE RAYNE POLICE DEPARTMENT AT (337) 334-4215.....

 

CPSO SEARCHING FOR BURGLARY SUSPECT
July 8, 2010

 

THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE NEEDS YOUR HELP IDENTIFYING A BURGLARY SUSPECT. INVESTIGATORS SAY IT APPEARS A WHITE MALE GOT INTO CARLYSS WATER WORKS, DISTRICT 9, LAST WEEK, BY UNSCREWING THE OUTER METAL WALL AND PEELING BACK THE TIN. AFTER GETTING INSIDE HE PRIED OPEN THE COKE MACHINE AND TOOK AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT OF CASH AND CHANGE. THE MAN IS BELIEVED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR NUMEROUS BURGLARIES THROUGH-OUT THE SULPHUR AREA. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON HIS IDENTITY OR WHEREABOUTS IS ASKED TO CONTACT AUTHORITIES AT 494-4552 OR CRIMESTOPPERS AT 439-2222.

 

VESSEL OF OPPORTUNITY TRAINING

Posted July 8, 2010

 

 

 

A FREE VESSEL OF OPPORTUNITY TRAINING COURSE IS BEING OFFERED IN CAMERON PARISH – THE CLASS WILL ADDRESS ISSUES ON RESPONSE ACTIVITIES IN RELATION TO THE BP OIL SPILL, ASSISTING WILDLIFE & RESCUE AND DEPLOYING CONTAINMENT BOOM…THE TRAINING COURSES WILL BE HELD AT THE CAMERON SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE ON JULY 14TH AND 15TH – CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED SO THOSE INTERESTED NEED TO PRE-REGISTER BY CALLING 775-7048

 

 

 

CALCASIEU MOSQUITO POPULATIONS ON THE RISE
July 7, 2010

 

HURRICANE ALEX IS BEING BLAMED FOR A RISE IN MOSQUITO POPULATIONS. THE CALCASIEU PARISH POLICE JURY RELEASED A STATEMENT, WEDNESDAY, SAYING WHILE ALEX DID NOT PRODUCE SEVERE WEATHER FOR THE PARISH THE STORM DID PRODUCE TIDES ESTIMATED TO BE 3 FEET ABOVE NORMAL, IMPACTING LOCAL MARSHES. CALCASIEU PARISH MOSQUITO CONTROL ESTIMATES MOSQUITO POPULATIONS WILL INCREASE QUICKLY THROUGH-OUT THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEK AND INTO THE WEEKEND. SALT-MARSH MOSQUITOS ARE AGGRESSIVE DAYTIME BITERS THAT ARE NOT AFFECTED BY NIGHT TIME SPRAYING. JOIN US FOR THURSDAY'S HELP ME RHONDA FOR TIPS ON AVOIDING BEING BITTEN.

 

OIL SIGHTING 20 MILES OFF CAMERON COAST

Posted July 7, 2010

 

 

 

OFFICIALS WITH THE CAMERON PARISH OFFICE OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SAY THAT OIL HAS BEEN SPOTTED 20 MILES OFF THE COAST OF CAMERON -- KYKZ 96 SPOKE WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ERNEST BROUSSARD JUNIOR WHO SAYS ASSESSMENT TEAMS HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED TO THAT AREA TO DETERMINE THE SIZE, MOVEMENT, AND EXACT LOCATION OF THE OIL. BROUSSARD SAYS THE STORM ALEX IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PUSHING SOME OF THE OIL CLOSER TO OUR AREA. ONCE AGAIN, THE AMOUNT OF OIL THAT HAS BEEN SIGHTED OFF THE COAST HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED. KYKZ 96 WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THIS DEVELOPING STORY AND BRING YOU MORE DETAILS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE….IN THE MEANTIME THE CAMERON PARISH OFFICE OF EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IS ASKING ANYONE WHO MAY SEE OIL IN THE WATER NEAR THE COAST TO CALL THEM AT (337) 775-7048 WITH THE COORDINATES.

 

AUTO/PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT CLAIMS LIFE OF LAKE CHARLES WOMAN
July 6, 2010

 

LAKE CHARLES POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A FATAL ACCIDENT AT THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 14 AND 8TH STREET. IT HAPPPENED SHORTLY BEFORE 1:30 MONDAY MORNING. WHEN POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE THEY LEARNED 22-YEAR-OLD TANA BALDWIN OF NORTH BLAKE STREET WALKED INTO THE PATH OF A 2001 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER DRIVEN BY 19-YEAR-OLD KYLE PHILLIPS OF IOWA. BALDWIN WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT A LOCAL HOSPITAL LATER THAT MORNING. TOXICOLOGY REPORTS ON BALDWIN AND PHILLIPS ARE PENDING. NO ARRESTS HAVE BEEN MADE.

 

JENNINGS WOMAN KILLED IN A TRAGIC ACCIDENT

Posted July 6, 2010

 

 

 

THE JEFF DAVIS SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS INVESTIGATING THE DEATH OF A WOMAN, WHO'S BODY WAS FOUND MONDAY MORNING IN A CAR SUBMERGED IN LAKE NEZPIQUE IN JENNINGS – SHERIFF RICKY EDWARDS TELLS KYKZ 96 THE DRIVER OF THE CAR, 23 YEAR OLD EDWIN EVANS SWAM TO SHORE AS THE VEHICLE SANK LEAVING A PASSENGER INSIDE…..EDWARDS SAYS WITNESSES JUMPED INTO RESCUE 43 YEAR OLD RHONDA ISTRE TUCKER BUT WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE CAR UNDERWATER….EVANS IS CHARGED WITH VEHICULAR HOMICIDE…

 

 

LIQUIDATION SALE AT LAKEFRONT HOTEL
July 2, 2010

 

IF YOU'RE IN NEED OF SOME FURNITURE, BUT CAN'T AFFORD A HEFTY PRICE TAG, HAVE WE GOT SOME GOOD NEWS FOR YOU. PINNACLE ENTERTAINMENT IS HOLDING A GIANT LIQUIDATION SALE AT THE LAKEFRONT HOTEL, ON N. LAKESHORE DRIVE, BEGINNING THURSDAY, JULY 8TH. FURNISHINGS FROM 250 GUEST ROOMS AND SUITES WILL BE UP FOR GRABS AT GARAGE SALE PRICES. THE SALE WILL CONTINUE  FOR 30 DAYS WITH EVERYTHING FROM TV'S AND GAME TABLES TO SINKS AND TOILETS AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS. TO VIEW SALE  ITEMS CLICK HERE.

 

4^th OF JULY SAFETY

Posted July 2, 2010

 

 AS WE ARE COMING UP ON THE FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY, LOUISIANA STATE POLICE SAY THEY WILL BEEF UP PATROLS FOR A NO REFUSAL WEEKEND....THAT MEANS IF A DRIVER IS SUSPECTED OF BEING IMPAIRED AND REFUSES TO TAKE A BREATHALYZER TEST, THE TROOPER WILL CALL A JUDGE TO GET A WARRANT FOR A SAMPLE OF BLOOD TO TEST FOR ALCOHOL AND NARCOTICS... SGT JAMES ANDERSON ENCOURAGES MOTORIST TO KEEP SAFETY IN MIND BY NEVER GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL INTOXICATED. ANDERSON SAYS IF YOU ARE ON THE ROADS AND SUSPECT ANOTHER DRIVER OF BEING IMPAIRED, YOU CAN REPORT THAT VEHICLE TO STATE POLICE FROM YOUR CELL PHONE BY DIALING * L-S-P ( * 577 )

 

…AND FROM ALL OF US HERE AT KYKZ 96.1, HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

 

A 4 HOUR STAND OFF IN LC COMES TO AN END

Posted July 1, 2010

 

 CRISIS NEGOTIATORS AND CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES WERE IN FOR SOME TENSE MOMENTS THIS MORNING DURING A FOUR HOUR STAND OFF WITH A MAN ARMED WITH A GUN --- ACCORDING TO CPSO SPOKESWOMAN KIM MYERS -- THE SUICIDAL MAN HAD BARRICADED HIMSELF INSIDE HIS HOME ON PACKING HOUSE ROAD IN LAKE CHARLES AROUND 4 THIS MORNING, THREATENING TO KILL ANY DEPUTY THAT TRIED TO ADVANCED ON HIM... SHORTLY AFTER 8 O'CLOCK THE MAN WAS SAFELY REMOVED FROM THE HOUSE AND BROUGHT TO AN AREA HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT..

 

 

NO CAP FOR BP
June 30, 2010

 

BP COULD BE LOOKING AT A MUCH LARGER BILL FROM THE U.S. GOVERNMENT SOON FOR ITS MASSIVE OIL SPILL IN THE GULF OF MEXICO. A SENATE COMMITTEE HAS VOTED TO ELIMINATE A CAP ON THE AMOUNT OF LIABILITY OIL COMPANIES WOULD FACE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM OIL SPILLS, AND HAS MADE IT RETROACTIVE TO APRIL 15TH, 2010, FIVE DAYS BEFORE THE CURRENT BP SPILL BEGAN. THE LEGISLATION ALSO INCREASES BOTH CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR THE OIL INDUSTRY IF FOUND GUILTY OF ILLEGAL PRACTICES AND TIES THE MONETARY DAMAGES TO THE RATE OF INFLATION. CURRENTLY OIL COMPANY LIABILITIES ARE CAPPED AT 75-MILLION DOLLARS WHEN IT COMES TO COMPENSATING LOCAL COMMUNITIES FOR DAMAGES CAUSED BY OFFSHORE SPILLS.  

 

A LAKE CHARLES MAN IS CONVICTED OF TWO RAPES IN 2007

Posted June 28, 2010

 

 

A LAKE CHARLES MAN IS FACING SOME SERIOUS JAIL TIME FOR HIS ATTACK ON TWO WOMEN --- 32 YEAR OLD MARCUS ANDERSON WAS FOUND GUILTY BY A STATE DISTRICT COURT FRIDAY ON TWO COUNTS OF FORCIBLE RAPE AND TWO COUNTS OF AGGRAVATED BURGLARY -- IN OCTOBER OF 2007 -- ANDERSON BROKE INTO AN APARTMENT SHARED BY TWO WOMEN AND RAPED THEM .....HE COULD GET 40 YEARS FOR EACH RAPE CHARGE AND 30 YEARS FOR EACH BURGLARY CHARGE. SENTENCING IS SET FOR JULY 2ND...

 

CEREAL RECALL
June 25, 2010

 

KELLOGG HAS ANNOUNCED A RECALL AFFECTING 28 MILLION BOXES OF APPLE JACKS, CORN POPS, FROOT LOOPS, AND HONEY SMACKS CEREALS. THE COMPANY SAYS THE PRODUCTS TASTE AND SMELL DIFFERENTLY THAN THEY SHOULD. IT WARNS THAT SOME PEOPLE MAY EXPERIENCE NAUSEA AND DIARRHEA AFTER EATING THE PRODUCTS.

 

RAINWATER TAPPED FOR COMMISSIONER OF ADMINISTRATION
June 25, 2010

 

A FORMER LAKE CHARLES CITY OFFICIAL IS SET TO TAKE OVER ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL JOBS IN STATE GOVERNMENT. GOVERNOR BOBBY JINDAL'S OFFICE ANNOUNCED FRIDAY THAT PAUL RAINWATER HAS BEEN TAPPED TO FILL THE SEAT OF COMMISSIONER OF ADMINISTRATION, ANGELLE DAVIS WHO RESIGNED THE POST JUST DAYS AFTER THE END OF THE 2010 LEGISLATIVE SESSION. DAVIS'S RESIGNATION IS EFFECTIVE IN AUGUST. SHE HAS BEEN IN THE POSITION SINCE GOVERNOR JINDAL TOOK OFFICE IN 2008. RAINWATER SERVED AS THE CHEIF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF LAKE CHARLES FROM 2000-2006.

 

UPDATE – THREE YEAR OLD DIES FROM DROWNING INCIDENT

Posted June 25, 2010

 

 

THERE'S A TRAGIC UPDATE TO THE STORY OF A THREE YEAR OLD WHO NEARLY DROWNED EARLIER THIS WEEK AT THE FIFTH AVENUE APARTMENTS --- ACCORDING TO REPORTS, THE LITTLE BOY DIED IN A HOSPITAL....THE CHILD WAS PLAYING WITH HIS SIBLINGS OUTSIDE WHEN HE FELL INTO THE POOL AT THE APARTMENT COMPLEX, A NEIGHBOR RESCUED HIM FROM THE WATER AND HE WAS RUSHED TO THE HOSPITAL....

 

 

 

SECRET SERVICE INITIATES INVESTIGATION INTO LOCAL COUNTERFEIT BILLS
June 24, 2010

 

ONE WOMAN IS BEHIND BARS AND MORE ARRESTS ARE EXPECTED IN THE INVESTIGATION INTO COUNTERFEIT MONEY TURNING UP AT LOCAL CONVENIENCE STORES. THE BEAUREGARD SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS 33-YEAR-OLD MELISSA METCALF WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY THIS WEEK AT HER RAGLEY HOME. HER BOND HAS BEEN SET AT 10-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

 

CRIB RECALL
June 24, 2010

 

SOME TWO MILLION BABY CRIBS ARE BEING RECALLED BY THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION. MOST OF THEM ARE THE DROP-SIDE CRIBS THAT THE AGENCY SAYS CAN ENTRAP AN INFANT, OR CAUSE SUFFOCATION OR A FALL. SO FAR, THERE ARE 16 INSTANCES OF BABIES BECOMING ENSNARED BETWEEN THE DROPPED SIDE AND THE REST OF THE CRIB. THE RECALL AFFECTS SEVEN CRIB COMPANIES. THOSE ARE CHILDCRAFT, WHICH HAS GONE OUT OF BUSINESS, EVENFLO, DELTA ENTERPRISE, JARDINE, LAJOBI, MILLION DOLLAR BABY, AND SIMMONS JUVENILE PRODUCTS.

 

 

TWO TX MEN ARE ARRESTED FOR ROBBING A DEQUINCY BUSINESS

Posted June 30, 2010

 

 CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES SAY 59 YR OLD JAMES PARKER AND 48 YR OLD MCALVIN JONES JUNIOR, BOTH OF PORT ARTHURTEXAS. WERE ARRESTED OVER THE WEEKEND AFTER BEING CAUGHT WITH A STOLEN TRAILER --- THE TWO MEN WENT TO A BUSINESS ON AIR PARK DRIVE, IN DEQUINCY, HOOKED A 20 FOOT TRAILER TO THEIR TRUCK, AND -- LEFT -- MOMENTS LATER DEPUTIES CAUGHT UP WITH THE TRUCK ON HWY 12 AND ARRESTED PARKER AND JONES --- BOTH MEN WERE BOOKED INTO THE CALCASIEU CORRECTIONAL CENTER ...

 

 

 

TRAFFIC MOVING AGAIN ON 210
June 29, 2010

 

THE I-210 BRIDGE WAS SHUT DOWN FOR ABOUT TWO HOURS TUESDAY AFTERNOON AS NEGOTIATORS WITH THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE ATTEMPTED TO SPEAK WITH A MAN THREATENING TO JUMP. SHORTLY AFTER 5PM TUESDAY, CPSO ANNOUNCED THE MAN HAD BEEN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AND LANES WERE RE-OPENING TO TRAFFIC. MOTORISTS BETWEEN SULPHUR AND LAKE CHARLES STILL EXPERIENCED LONG DELAYS DUE TO THE EXTREME CONGESTION CREATED WHEN ALL TRAFFIC WAS DIVERTED TO I-10.

 

MCNEESE UNVEILS NEW PROGRAM

Posted June 29, 2010

 

 

OFFICIALS WITH MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY HELD A CEREMONY YESTERDAY TO SIGN THE CHARTER FOR THE SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA ENTREPRENEURIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER -- OR FOR SHORT -- SEED -- THE SEED CENTER WILL BE LOCATED BEHIND THE MSU POLICE STATION AND HOUSE FACILITIES FOR DEVELOPING BUSINESSES AND WILL INCLUDE CLASSROOMS AND FACULTY OFFICES --- CONSTRUCTION ON THE 3 STORY, 50 THOUSAND SQUARE FOOT BUILDING IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

 

 

 

 

 LAFANETTE SENTENCING

Posted June 24, 2010

 

 

IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER MARCUS LAFANETTE ADMITTED TO HAVING ORAL SEX WITH A 15 YEAR OLD STUDENT AT LAGRANGEHIGH SCHOOL AND TODAY HE WILL BE SENTENCED --- LAFANETTE PLEAD GUILTY TO CARNAL KNOWLEDGE OF A JUVENILE AND COULD BE GET 10 YEARS IN PRISON AND A 5,000  DOLLAR FINE...

 

TWO ARRESTED FOR CRUELTY TO A JUVENILE
June 23, 2010

 

A WESTLAKE COUPLE IS CHARGED WITH 2ND DEGREE CRUELTY TO A JUVENILE AFTER A TWO-YEAR-OLD GIRL IS BROUGHT TO THE HOSPITAL WITH A FRACTURE TO HER RIGHT THIGH BONE. THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS IT HAPPENED WHILE THE TODDLER WAS IN THE CARE OF HER MOTHER'S BOYFRIEND, 24-YEAR-OLD BRYAN MCGUESS. THE GIRL'S MOTHER, 22-YEAR-OLD AMANDA TULLOS IS THE ONE THAT SOUGHT MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR THE CHILD, BUT THEN ALLEGEDLY LIED TO DETECTIVES ABOUT HOW THE INJURY OCCURED. THE CHILD AND HER 2-MONTH-OLD SIBLING HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE HOME AND PLACED IN FOSTER CARE. BOND ON MCGUESS HAS BEEN SET AT 100-THOUSAND DOLLARS. BOND ON TULLOS AT 50-THOUSAND.

 

SWLA TO BE FEATURED ON CMT
June 23, 2010

 

JIMMY BUFFET, KENNY CHESNEY, AND ZAC BROWN ARE AMONG THE COUNTRY MUSIC STARS APPEARING IN A CONCERT BENEFITTING

 THE GULF COAST. A PORTION OF THE SHOW WILL AIR LIVE ON CMT AT 7PM, JULY 1ST. YOU'LL BE ABLE TO CATCH SCENES FROM RIGHT HERE IN SWLA WHEN THE CONCERT ENCORES ON CMT JULY 2ND AT 6PM, JULY 3RD AT 8:30AM, JULY 4TH AT 1PM, AND JULY 5TH AT 10:30AM. THE SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU SAYS CREWS FILMED ALONG THE CREOLE NATURE TRAIL ALL-AMERICAN ROAD IN CALCASIEU AND CAMERON PARISHES, SATURDAY. THEY ALSO GOT VIDEO OF SHRIMPERS WITH THEIR CATCH AT THE CAMERON FISHERIES AND TOURISTS CATCHING SPECKLED TROUT ON CALCASIEU LAKE, AS WELL AS AREAS IN DOWNTOWN LAKE CHARLES.

 

FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS MORATORIUM ON OFFSHORE DRILLING 
June 22, 2010

 

A FEDERAL JUDGE HAS RULED AGAINST PRESIDENT OBAMA'S SIX-MONTH MORATORIUM ON DEEPWATER OIL AND NATURAL GAS DRILLING IN THE GULF OF MEXICO. THE WHITE HOUSE IMPLEMENTED THE BAN LAST MONTH AFTER THE COLLAPSE OF THE DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL RIG THAT CAUSED AN ONGOING SPILL. MORE THAN A DOZEN OFFSHORE SERVICE COMPANIES HAD SUED TO REVERSE THE DRILLING BAN. THEY CONTEND THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT PROVEN CURRENT DEEPWATER DRILLING OPERATIONS POSE A THREAT. THE COMPANIES ALSO SAY THE SIX-MONTH BAN COULD SLOW ECONOMIC RECOVERY FROM THE SPILL, IN THE GULF REGION. THE WHITE HOUSE SAYS IT WILL IMMEDIATELY APPEAL THE COURT'S DECISION. 

 

 BREWER PLEADS GUILTY

Posted June 22, 2010

 

 

HOLLY BREWER HAS PLEAD GUILTY TO ACCESSORY AFTER THE FACT TO SECOND DEGREE CHILD CRUELTY --- THE 21 YEAR OLD ADMITTED SHE KNEW THERE WAS ABUSE AT HOME AND WAS ARRESTED A MONTH AFTER HER 18 MONTH OLD SON JOHN THOMAS BREWER WAS KILLED AT THE HANDS OF HER BOYFRIEND, JEFFERY DENBY......BREWER WILL BE SENTENCED ON AUGUST 26TH…..DENBY WAS CONVICTED OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER IN MAY AND IS CURRENTLY SERVING A LIFE SENTENCE….

 

 

3 PEOPLE ARRESTED FOR DWI

Posted June 21, 2010

 

 

THE RESULTS ARE IN FROM A D-W-I CHECKPOINT HELD OVER THE WEEKEND ---

THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS 680 VEHICLES PASSED THROUGH THE CHECKPOINT SET UP ON NAPOLEON STREET IN SULPHUR --- 5 FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS WERE ADMINISTERED AND 3 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED FOR DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED....THE CHECKPOINT WAS FUNDED BY PROJECT KNOW...

 

 

BREAKING NEWS – BODIES FOUND IN SULPHUR

Posted June 18, 2010

 

 

SULPHUR POLICE OFFICERS ARE AT HOME AT 1005 WEST VERDINE STREET WHERE WE ARE TOLD TWO BODIES HAVE BEEN FOUND – ONE IS OF A FEMALE, AND OTHER A MALE….THERE’S NO WORD YET AS TO THE IDENTITIES OF THE DECEASED OR HOW THEY DIED….CONTINUE TO MONITOR KYKZ.COM AS WE WILL  POST MORE INFORMATION ONCE IT IS AVAILABLE….

 

 

UPDATE: SOUTH LAKE CHARLES MURDER

Posted June 18, 2010

 

 

THE ROOMMATE OF 53 YEAR OLD ALDWIN SMITH HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH HIS MURDER --- CALCASIEU PARISH SHERIFF'S DETECTIVES SAY 37 YEAR OLD WILFORD EDWARDS WAS ARRESTED AROUND 6 O'CLOCK THIS MORNING AS A PERSON OF INTEREST AND AFTER AN INTERVIEW, HE WAS CHARGED WITH SECOND DEGREE MURDER.....EDWARDS IS ACCUSED OF FATALLY SHOOTING SMITH SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT, AFTER AN ALTERCATION AT THEIR HOME ON PREDIUM STREET....

CPSO INVESTIGATING SOUTH LAKE CHARLES MURDER
June 18, 2010

A 53-YEAR-OLD LAKE CHARLES MAN IS DEAD FOLLOWING AN ALTERCATION AT HIS SOUTH LAKE CHARLES HOME. SHERIFF TONY MANCUSO SAYS IT HAPPENED SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT ON PERDIUM ROAD, JUST SOUTH OF MCNEESE STREET, IN LAKE CHARLES. DETECTIVES ARE NOT YET RELEASING THE CAUSE OF DEATH FOR THE VICTIM, ALDWIN SMITH, BUT THEY DO HAVE A PERSON OF INTEREST IN CUSTODY. MANCUSO SAYS THE SUSPECT WAS ARRESTED AROUND 6 FRIDAY MORNING. DETECTIVES ARE CURRENTLY INTERVIEWING THAT PERSON AND SEVERAL OTHERS WHO WERE AT THE HOME AT THE TIME OF THE MURDER. WE WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THIS STORY AND BRING YOU MORE INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SEARCHING FOR LC OFFICE SPACE
June 17, 2010 

THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS WOULD LIKE TO LOCATE A COMMUNITY-BASED OUTPATIENT CLINIC IN LAKE CHARLES IF THEY CAN FIND OFFICE SPACE THAT MEETS THEIR SPECIFICATIONS. MAYOR RANDY ROACH SAYS ITS A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL VETERANS AND THE LAKE AREA. HERE'S THE INFORMATION ON WHAT IS NEEDED:

*RENTABLE SPACE THAT MUST YIELD 22,232 NET USABLE SQUARE FEET, AVAILABLE FOR USE BY THE TENANT FOR PERSONNEL, FURNISHINGS, AND EQUIPMENT TO PROVIDE PRIMARY CARE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE TO LOCAL VETERANS.

*LOCATED WITHIN A FIVE MILE RADIUS OF A 24/7 MEDICAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT; NO MORE THAN FIVE MILES FROM INTERSTATE 10 OR INTERSTATE 210; AND NO MORE THAN TWO BLOCKS FROM A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ROUTE.

*THE LEASE TERM IS FOR 10 YEARS WITH FIVE OPTION YEARS, AND THE SPACE MUST BE READY FOR OCCUPANCY BY JULY OF 2011.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION RECEIVED BY THE VETERANS AFFAIRS IN ALEXANDRIA ON JULY 14TH, NO LATER THAT 4:30 P.M., CENTRAL TIME:

*THE BUILDING NAME AND ADDRESS
*RENTABLE SQUARE FEET AND RENTABLE RATE PER SQUARE FOOT
*METHOD OF MEASUREMENT USED TO DETERMINE THE RENATBLE SQUARE FOOT
*AND, COMMON AREA FACTOR(S) FOR AVAILABLE SPACE BY FLOOR, IF APPLICABLE.

THIS INFORMATION SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO: VA MEDICAL CENTER (502/90C), P.O. BOX 69004, ALEXANDRIA, LA 71306-9004, ATTENTION: LONEST BONTON, JR CONTRACTING OFFICER. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CALL OR EMAIL LONEST BONTON, JR, AT (318)473-0010 OR TOLL FREE AT (800) 835-8387, EXTENSION 2234 OR EMAIL: Lonest.Bonton@va.gov 
 

 

 

6 MONTH MORATORIUM UPHELD

Posted June 16, 2010

 

 

20 MEMBERS OF THE GULF COAST CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION MET WITH U.S. INTERIOR SECRETARY KEN SALAZAR WEDNESDAY, IN HOPES TO CHANGE THE GOVERNMENT'S MIND ON THE 6 MONTH MORATORIUM ON DEEP-WATER DRILLING IN THE GULF..... --- SALAZAR SAYS THE MORATORIUM WILL NOT BE LIFTED UNTIL SAFETY CAN BE ASSURED….LAWMAKERS ALONG THE GULF COAST ARE ARGUING THAT THE MORATORIUM WILL FORCE THOUSANDS OF OFFSHORE WORKERS TO BE WITHOUT WORK, ONLY ADDING TO THE DEVASTATING ECONOMIC IMPACTS ON STATES EFFECTED BY THE MASSIVE OIL SPILL...

 

LCPD SEARCHING FOR BATON ROUGE WOMAN

Posted June 16, 2010

 

 

LAKE CHARLES POLICE ARE WORKING WITH EAST BATON ROUGE AUTHORITIES TO LOCATE A WOMAN WHO'S BELIEVED TO HAVE GONE MISSING IN THE LAKE CHARLES AREA --- 40 YEAR OLD RACHEL GARRIBOT IS DESCRIBED AS A WHITE WOMAN, WITH LONG DARK BROWN HAIR AND BLUE EYES...WE ARE TOLD GARRIBOT SUFFERS FROM A MEDICAL CONDITION AND WAS LAST SEEN WEARING BLUE JEANS AND A T-SHIRT....ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL 491-1311

LOSING THE WAR
June 16, 2010

GOVERNOR BOBBY JINDAL SAYS THE MASSIVE SPILL OF CRUDE OIL IN THE GULF OF MEXICO IS A "WAR" IN SAVING A WAY OF LIFE FOR LOUISIANA RESIDENTS, AND AT THIS TIME,THE GOVERNOR SAYS, "WE ARE NOT WINNING THIS WAR." DURING A PRESS CONFERENCE IN GRAND ISLE TUESDAY, JINDAL SAID "FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION" IN THE BATTLE TO KEEP THE SPILL OUT OF THE STATE'S FRAGILE MARSHLANDS. THE GOVERNOR SAYS HE'S TOLD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THAT TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE AND HAS ASKED THAT REGULATIONS BE RELAXED SO OIL CAN BE STOPPED FROM REACHING MORE MARSHES AND MARSHES ALREADY AFFECTED BY OIL CAN BE REFURBISHED.

 

BIG NEWS OUT OF THE STATE GAMING CONTROL BOARD MEETING
June 15, 2010

A GAMING LICENSE ONCE HELD BY PINNACLE ENTERTAINMENT IS NOW UP FOR GRABS. THAT'S THE WORD FROM THE STATE GAMING CONTROL BOARD MEETING IN BATON ROUGE. MEMBERS AGREED TO BEGIN ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE FINAL GAMING LICENSE IN THE LAKE AREA. PINNACLE ENTERTAINMENT RETURNED THE LICENSE WHEN THEY DECIDED TO SCRAP THE SUGAR CANE BAY PROJECT. THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS SEPTEMBER 23RD. 

 

STORAGE SHED IN LC CATCHES FIRE

Posted June 15, 2010

 

 

THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES THIS MORNING INTO A FIRE AT A STORAGEBUILDING LOCATED BEHIND A HOME ON 2028 WILLOWICK STREET.... CAPTAIN JEREMY LEBLANC WITH THE LAKE CHARLES FIRE DEPARTMENT SAYS THEY RECEIVED THE CALL AROUND 9:22 YESTERDAY MORNING AND WITHIN MINUTES FOUR FIRE CREWS ARRIVED ON THE SCENE. LEBLANC SAYS NO ONE WAS INJURED AND THE HOME ONLY SUFFERED MINOR HEAT DAMAGE..

 

INFORMATION SOUGHT IN LAKE CHARLES HOMICIDE
June 14, 2010

 

THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS SEARCHING FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN AN EARLY MORNING SHOOTING THAT CLAIMED THE LIFE OF A 22-YEAR-OLD LAKE CHARLES MAN. IT HAPPENED AROUND 3:30 MONDAY MORNING AT A MOBILE HOME PARK ON AVENUE D, NEAR SOWELA TECHNICAL COLLEGE. WHEN DEPUTIES ARRIVED ON THE SCENE THEY FOUND THE BODY OF BRANDON DICKS LYING ON THE GROUND OUTSIDE A MOBILE HOME. DICKS HAD BEEN SHOT MULTIPLE TIMES. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL CRIMESTOPPERS AT 439-2222.

 

 

BP OFFICIALS TO VISIT CAMERON PARISH

Posted June 14, 2010

 

 

OFFICIALS WITH BP WILL BE IN CAMERON PARISH TOMORROW FOR AN OPEN HOUSE EXPO -- THE CAMERON O-E-P SAYS BP WILL ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN RELATION TO THE OIL SPILL AND PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION ON VOLUNTEERING FOR CLEAN UP AND THE VESSEL OF OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM   ... ALSO THERE WILL BE OFFICIALS ON HAND TO GO OVER THE PROCESS OF HOW TO FILE CLAIMS SHOULD THAT BECOME NECESSARY IN CAMERON PARISH... THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE CREOLE FIRE STATION, AT 5:30 TUESDAY AFTERNOON...

 

ELTON MAN DIES IN ONE-VEHICLE CRASH
June 11, 2010

 

AN ELTON MAN IS DEAD FOLLOWING A ONE-VEHICLE ACCIDENT EAST OF LAKE CHARLES. LOUISIANA STATE POLICE SAY, 22-YEAR-OLD JUSTIN KEITH STEWART WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON HWY 14 WEST OF HWY 397 AROUND 10 THURSDAY NIGHT, WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF HIS VEHICLE AND LEFT THE ROADWAY, ENTERING A DITCH. INVESTIGATORS SAY THE 2002 FORD STRUCK A CULVERT AND BEGAN OVERTURNING. STEWART, WHO WAS NOT WEARING A SEATBELT AT THE TIME OF THE CRASH WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. STANDARD TOXICOLOGY TESTS ARE PENDING.

 

 

NEW DETAILS INTO A RAPE INVESTIGATION IN LAKE CHARLES

Posted June 11, 2010

 

 

THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES INTO THE RAPE OF A FEMALE EMPLOYEE AT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT ON HWY 14 IN LAKE CHARLES --- THE CALCASIEU PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE SAYS DETECTIVES HAVE LEARNED THE SUSPECT WHO ALLEGEDLY RAPED THE VICTIM LAST FRIDAY MORNING MAY BE OF LATIN OR CUBAN DESCENT..

 

 

 

THE MALE IS DESCRIBED AS BEING IN HIS 30'S WITH A MEDIUM BUILD AND HEIGHT.......ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL DETECTIVE MICHAEL PRIMEAUX AT 491-3782

 

WCCH EMPLOYEE UNDER INVESTIGATION

Posted June 11, 2010

 

 

A MAINTENANCE DIRECTOR AT WEST CAL CAM HOSPITAL IS ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE AS THE INVESTIGATION INTO HIS ALLEGED MISHANDLING OF HAZARDOUS WASTE CONTINUES --- 59 YR OLD GARRY LEE GLASS WAS ARRESTED AFTER HE EMPLOYEES SAY HE TOLD THEM TO EMPTY SEVERAL PACKAGES OF STERIS 20, A STERILANT CONCENTRATE INTO SULPHUR CITY STORM DRAINS....GLASS IS CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, WHICH IS A FELONY CHARGE, AND FACES UP TO 10 YEARS IN JAIL IF CONVICTED..

 

 

 

COURT OF APPEAL UPHOLDS PEGUES SENTENCING FOR MANSLAUGHTER

Posted June 10, 2010

 

 

SAYING HE WAS DENIED A FAIR TRIAL, AND FORTY YEARS IS TOO EXCESSIVE OF A PUNISHMENT -- DANIEL PEGUES SPENT YESTERDAY IN THE 3RD CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS HOPING TO HAVE HIS SENTENCE FOR  MANSLAUGHTER  THROWN OUT OR REDUCED --- PEGUES WAS FOUND GUILTY IN JANUARY OF 2009 FOR THE SHOOTING DEATH OFF DUTY CALCASIEU PARISH SHERIFF'S DEPUTY ALAN INZER..... THE COURT DECIDED TO DROP A ROBBERY CHARGE AGAINST PEGUES BUT DETERMINED HE WOULD COMPLETE THE MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 40 YEARS BEHIND BARS FOR THE MANSLAUGHTER CONVICTION.

CPSO SEARCHING FOR RAPE SUSPECT
June 9, 2010

 

THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS SEARCHING FOR A SUSPECT IN AN ALLEGED RAPE AT A FAST FOOD RESTAURANT ON HIGHWAY 14. AROUND 3:00 A.M. JUNE 4TH, CPSO WAS DISPATCHED TO THE RESTAURANT IN REGARDS TO AN ALARM CALL. WHEN DEPUTIES ARRIVED, THEY FOUND THE BACK DOOR SLIGHTLY OPEN AND HEARD SOMEONE CRYING INSIDE. ONCE INSIDE, DEPUTIES FOUND A FEMALE EMPLOYEE IN THE OFFICE. SHE STATED SHE HAD BEEN RAPED. THE EMPLOYEE SAYS SHE LOCKED UP THE RESTAURANT AND WAS LEAVING, WHEN SHE WAS APPROACHED BY A BLACK MAN CONCEALING HIS FACE AND ARMED WITH A KNIFE. HE FORCED HER TO THE BACK OF THE RESTAURANT AND RAPED HER, THEN FORCED HER BACK INSIDE THE RESTAURANT AND DEMANDED HER TO OPEN THE SAFE. THE ALARM WENT OFF CAUSING HIM TO FLEE THE SCENE, LEAVING HER INSIDE. THE UNIDENTIFIED BLACK MALE IS DESCRIBED AS BEING IN HIS 30'S; MEDIUM BUILD AND HEIGHT; POSSIBLY HAVING FACIAL HAIR; AND WEARING BLACK/DARK COLORED CLOTHING. THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS RELEASED THE ABOVE PHOTOS FROM SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL 491-3782.  

 

COURT OF APPEAL UPHOLDS PEGUES SENTENCING FOR MANSLAUGHTER

Posted June 10, 2010

 

 

SAYING HE WAS DENIED A FAIR TRIAL, AND FORTY YEARS IS TOO EXCESSIVE OF A PUNISHMENT -- DANIEL PEGUES SPENT YESTERDAY IN THE 3RD CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS HOPING TO HAVE HIS SENTENCE FOR   MANSLAUGHTER THROWN OUT OR REDUCED --- PEGUES WAS FOUND GUILTY IN JANUARY OF 2009 FOR THE SHOOTING DEATH OFF DUTY CALCASIEU PARISH SHERIFF'S DEPUTY ALAN INZER..... THE COURT DECIDED TO DROP A ROBBERY CHARGE AGAINST PEGUES BUT DETERMINED HE WOULD COMPLETE THE MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 40 YEARS BEHIND BARS FOR THE MANSLAUGHTER CONVICTION.

 

 

 

BEAUREGARD PARISH JURORS ASKED TO CONSIDER BANNING K-2

Posted June 09, 2010

 

 

JURORS IN BEAUREGARD PARISH HAVE BEEN ASKED TO CONSIDER BANNING THE SALE OF A POPULAR INCENSE --- RODNEY TILLEY, DIRECTOR OF THE DERIDDER ADDICTIVE DISORDERS CLINIC PROPOSED THE BAN YESTERDAY ON K-2 , WHICH WHEN SMOKED GIVES A SIMILAR EFFECT TO BEING HIGH ON MARIJUANA... K-2 IS CURRENTLY LEGAL IN THE STATE OF LOUISIANA AND IS SOLD AT GAS STATIONS AND CONVENIENCE STORES.... KYKZ 96 CONTACTED TILLEY FOR AN INTERVIEW, HOWEVER HE DECLINED TO COMMENT..... 

 

NEW DETAILS IN FATAL SHOOTING
June 8, 2010

 

A FIGHT OVER A BICYCLE ENDED WITH ONE MAN DEAD AND TWO OTHERS FACING SOME SERIOUS CHARGES. IT HAPPENED SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY IN THE 1600 BLOCK OF OPELOUSAS STREET. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, TWO GROUPS WERE INVOLVED IN THE ALTERCATION WHEN TWO MEN LEFT ONLY TO RETURN MOMENTS LATER WITH A GUN. 43-YEAR-OLD ROY EDWARD WYATT, OF LAKE CHARLES, WAS FATALLY SHOT. SHORTLY BEFORE 3AM MONDAY, 30-YEAR-OLD DARREN MORGAN, OF LAKE CHARLES, CALLED POLICE TO TURN HIMSELF IN FOR HIS INVOLVEMENT. AN ARREST WARRANT HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR MORGAN'S BROTHER, 29-YEAR-OLD JASON MORGAN. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL LAKE CHARLES POLICE AT 491-1311.

 

WESTLAKE MAN ARRESTED FOR VIDEO VOYEURISM
June 8, 2010

 

A WESTLAKE MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR VIDEO VOYEURISM INVOLVING A 16-YEAR-OLD FAMILY MEMBER. AROUND 11:30 MONDAY NIGHT, THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE RESPONDED TO A CALL FROM THE GIRLS' PARENTS WHO SAID THE TEEN WAS VISITING THE FAMILY MEMBERS HOME IN WESTLAKE WHEN SHE OPENED A BATHROOM CABINET AND FOUND A VIDEO RECORDING DEVICE CONTAINING VIDEO OF HER IN THE SHOWER. VICE DETECTIVES QUESTIONED THE FAMILY MEMBER, 27-YEAR-OLD MICHAEL MURPHY. MURPHY ALLEGEDLY CONFIRMED THE ALLEGATIONS. HE WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY EARLY TUESDAY MORNING. BOND HAS BEEN SET AT 20-THOUSAND DOLLARS.

 

DEADLY SHOOTING IN LAKE  CHARLES

Posted June 08, 2010

 

 

LAKE CHARLES POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A LATE NIGHT FATAL SHOOTING ON OPELOUSAS STREET... ACCORDING TO REPORTS, TWO PEOPLE DROVE BY IN A BLACK EL CAMINO AND FIRED SHOTS AT AN UNIDENTIFIED BLACK MAN.....THE MAN DIED AS A RESULT OF HIS INJURIES...

 

JANE PAULEY TO VISIT LAKE CHARLES

Posted June 07, 2010

 

 

  JANE PAULEY, WHO CO-HOSTED THE TODAY SHOW ON NBC FOR 13 YEARS, IS SLATED TO VISIT THE LAKE AREA IN THE FALL ... PAULEY IS NAMED AS THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR THE WOMEN'S COMMISSION CONFERENCE THAT'LL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 21ST..... PAULEY HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS AWARDS INCLUDING THE WALTER CRONKITE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM....

 

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION ON CITY GROWTH
June 4, 2010

 

THE LAKE CHARLES CITY COUNCIL WILL HOLD A "ROUND TABLE" DISCUSSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 5:30PM AGENDA MEETING, TUESDAY. THE PURPOSE OF THE ROUND TABLE IS TO DISCUSS IDEAS ON CITY GROWTH, ANNEXATION, AND CONSTRUCTIVE TOPICS THAT WOULD HELP IMPROVE AND GROW THE CITY. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THE MEETING.

 

DOWNTOWN AT SUNDOWN MOVED INSIDE
June 4, 2010

 

DUE TO A STRONG THREAT OF RAIN, DOWNTOWN AT SUNDOWN FESTIVITIES ARE BEING MOVED INSIDE THE LAKE CHARLES CIVIC CENTER EXHIBITION HALL. THE CITY OF LAKE CHARLES AND THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES COUNCIL OF SWLA MADE THE ANNOUNCMENT EARLIER TODAY. THE FREE CONCERT FEATURING STATIC, AND ALL OTHER FESTIVITIES, ARE GOING ON FROM 6-9PM, AS SCHEDULED.

 

 

SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH PREACHER INDICTED

Posted June 04, 2010

 

 

 

 

CALCASIEU PARISH GRAND JURORS YESTERDAY INDICTED A BAPTIST PASTOR ON 2 CHARGES OF AGGRAVATED BATTERY -- 46 YR OLD BARRY THOMAS, WHO IS THE MINISTER FOR SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH IN LAKE CHARLES, ALLEGEDLY FIRED 14 BULLETS INTO A MOSS BLUFF HOME, in 2009 INJURING TWO PEOPLE.... IF CONVICTED OF BOTH CHARGES THOMAS FACES UP TO 20 YEARS BEHIND BARS...

 

HOME RUN FOR LOCAL ECONOMY
June 3, 2010

 

IN AN UNPRECEDENTED 20-1 VOTE, THE LOUISIANA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AGREED TO KEEP THE FAST PITCH 56 GIRLS STATE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT IN SULPHUR FOR ANOTHER FOUR YEARS, INSTEAD OF THE USUAL TWO-YEAR COMMITMENT. THE DECISION WAS MADE  WEDNESDAY AT THE ORGANIZATION'S ANNUAL BID DAY IN BATON ROUGE. THE AVERAGE ATTENDANCE AT THE TOURNAMENT IS AROUND 18-THOUSAND PEOPLE WITH A 3-MILLION DOLLAR ANNUAL IMPACT ON CALCASIEU PARISH. 

 

LAWMAKERS IN BATON ROUGE ADVANCE TWO CLOSELY WATCHED BILLS

Posted June 3, 2010

 

 

 

 

TWO HIGHLY PUBLICIZED BILLS HAVE ADVANCED BY LOUISIANA LAW MAKERS --- FIRST , THE BILL THAT WOULD REQUIRE RANDOM DRUG SCREENING FOR WELFARE RECIPIENTS BARELY SKIMMED THROUGH THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE ON A 4 TO 3 VOTE....THE MEASURE BY REP. JOHN LABRUZZO WOULD SUBJECT 20 PERCENT OF THOSE WHO RECEIVE CASH WELFARE BENEFITS FROM THE STATE TO BE DRUG TESTED....IF THEY FAIL THE SCREENING, THEY WOULD HAVE TO GO INTO REHAB OR LOSE THEIR BENEFITS.....THE LEGISLATION NOW MOVES TO THE FULL SENATE FOR DEBATE

 

ANOTHER BILL BEING CLOSELY WATCHED WOULD UPGRADE TEXTING WHILE DRIVING IN LOUISIANA TO A PRIMARY OFFENSE --- THAT MEANS A POLICE OFFICER COULD STOP A MOTORIST FOR TEXTING BEHIND THE WHEEL -- THE BILL GAINED FINAL PASSAGE ON A 69-22 VOTE AND NOW HEADS TO GOV. JINDAL'S DESK...

 

TESTING EMERGENCY RESPONSE CAPABILITIES
June 2, 2010

 

EMERGENCY RESPONDERS WILL BE TESTING THEIR CAPABILITIES IN THE LAKE AREA, THURSDAY. THE CALCASIEU OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, THE CALCASIEU PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE, AND THE SWLA MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE EXERCISES BEGINNING AT 7 THURSDAY MORNING. THE PUBLIC MAY NOTICE SMOKE, SIMULATED FIRE, AND EXPLOSIONS. THE EXERCISE SHOULD BE COMPLETE BY MID-AFTERNOON.

 

RESULTS OF MEMORIAL DAY DETAILS
June 2, 2010

 

THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS RELEASED RESULTS OF TWO DWI CHECKPOINTS AND A ROVING DWI DETAIL OVER THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND. THE FIRST CHECKPOINT WAS HELD SUNDAY IN THE 1500 BLOCK OF COUNTRY CLUB ROAD. THE SECOND, WAS HELD MONDAY IN THE 2900 BLOCK OF WESTWOOD ROAD IN WESTLAKE, AND THE ROVING DETAIL WAS HELD ACROSS THE PARISH ON MONDAY. IN ALL, A TOTAL OF NEARLY 3-THOUSAND VEHICLES WERE CHECKED, 21 FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS WERE ADMINISTERED, AND 8 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED FOR IMPAIRED DRIVING. ANOTHER CHECKPOINT IS SCHEDULED FOR THIS WEEKEND, AT AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION IN THE PARISH.

 

ROUND TWO: RACE TO THE TOP

Posted June 2, 2010

 

 

 

 LOUISIANA IS GETTING BACK INTO THE RUNNING FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S RACE TO THE TOP GRANT --- THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION HAS SENT IN THE STATE'S APPLICATION FOR ROUND TWO OF THE COMPETITIVE EDUCATION GRANT....AFTER ROUND ONE, 3.4 BILLION DOLLARS IS STILL UP FOR GRABS TO STATES THAT MEET THE FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES....LOUISIANA WAS AMONG THE FINAL STATES SELECTED FOR ROUND ONE HOWEVER FELL SLIGHTLY SHORT OF REACHING THE GOALS...

 

 

CIRCLE-K ROBBERY
June 1, 2010

 

SULPHUR POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A ROBBERY AT THE CIRCLE-K ON RUTH STREET. IT HAPPENED SHORTLY BEFORE 2 TUESDAY MORNING. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, A BLACK MALE WALKED INTO THE STORE WEARING A TOWEL OVER HIS HEAD WITH HOLES FOR HIS EYES. THE SUSPECT HAD SOCKS ON HIS HANDS AND WAS HOLDING WHAT APPEARED TO BE A BROWN BROOM HANDLE. HE DEMANDED THE CLERK TO FILL A CIRCLE-K BAG WITH MONEY AND KEEP HIS HEAD DOWN, THEN FLED THE SCENE WITH AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT OF CASH. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CALL 527-4550.

 

6 MONTH MORATORIUM UPHELD

Posted June 16, 2010

 

 

20 MEMBERS OF THE GULF COAST CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION MET WITH U.S. INTERIOR SECRETARY KEN SALAZAR WEDNESDAY, IN HOPES TO CHANGE THE GOVERNMENT'S MIND ON THE 6 MONTH MORATORIUM ON DEEP-WATER DRILLING IN THE GULF..... --- SALAZAR SAYS THE MORATORIUM WILL NOT BE LIFTED UNTIL SAFETY CAN BE ASSURED….LAWMAKERS ALONG THE GULF COAST ARE ARGUING THAT THE MORATORIUM WILL FORCE MILLIONS OF OFFSHORE WORKERS TO BE WITHOUT WORK, ONLY ADDING TO THE DEVASTATING ECONOMIC IMPACTS ON STATES EFFECTED BY THE MASSIVE OIL SPILL...

 BP OFFICIALS TO VISIT CAMERON PARISH  

 

 

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT GEAR UP FOR A BUSY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Posted May 28, 2010

 

 

 

 LOUISIANA STATE POLICE TROOP D IS WORKING TO ENSURE THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IS SAFE FOR MOTORIST......STATE POLICE SERGEANT JAMES ANDERSON SAYS TROOPERS WILL BE OUT IN FULL FORCE FOR A NO REFUSAL WEEKEND.....ANDERSON SAYS IF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER STOPS A MOTORIST FOR IMPAIRED DRIVING AND THAT DRIVER REFUSES TO TAKE A TEST, THE OFFICER WILL CONTACT A JUDGE TO ISSUE A WARRANT TO OBTAIN A BLOOD SAMPLE ON THE SUBJECT….ANDERSON ALSO REMINDS MOTORIST TO CLICK IT OR TICKET AS ADDITIONAL TROOPERS ARE ON THE ROADWAYS LOOKING FOR THOSE NOT WEARING THEIR SEATBELTS…….ALSO CALCASIEU SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES ARE DOING THEIR PART TO KEEP IMPAIRED DRIVERS OFF THE ROADS – KIM MYERS WITH THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE SAYS THEY WILL CONDUCT TWO DWI CHECKPOINTS OVER THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND….THE CHECKPOINTS TARGET DRIVERS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR NARCOTICS.

 

DENBY SENTENCED TO LIFE BEHIND BARS
May 27, 2010

 

IT'S OFFICIAL, JEFFERY DENBY WILL SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE BEHIND BARS FOR THE BEATING DEATH OF HIS GIRLFRIEND'S 18-MONTH-OLD SON, LAST SUMMER. A FORMAL SENTENCING HEARING WAS HELD THIS AFTERNOON IN BEAUREGARD PARISH COURT, HOWEVER THE FIRST DEGREE MURDER CHARGE DENBY WAS CONVICTED ON LAST WEEK, CARRIES A MANDATORY LIFE SENTENCE WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF PROBATION OR PAROLE.

 

JEFFERY DENBY TO BE SENTENCED

Posted May 27, 2010

 

 

 

 

 THE DERIDDER MAN FOUND GUILTY OF BEATING HIS GIRLFRIEND'S SON TO DEATH WILL BE SENTENCED TODAY….JEFFERY DENBY WAS FOUND GUILTY LAST WEEK BY JURORS FOR FIRST DEGREE MURDER IN THE DEATH OF 18 MONTH OLD JOHN THOMAS BREWER....THE JUDGE COULD SENTENCE DENBY TO THE MAXIMUM OF LIFE IN PRISON...MEANWHILE, THE TODDLER'S MOTHER REMAINS BEHIND BARS CHARGED WITH ACCESSORY AFTER THE FACT TO MURDER....HOLLY BREWER IS ACCUSED OF LYING TO THE POLICE AND MEDICAL PERSONNEL ABOUT HOW HER SON SUSTAINED MULTIPLE INJURIES...HER TRIAL IS SET FOR NEXT MONTH.

 

HEAVY WINDS CAUSE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL
May 26, 2010

 

 

 

SOME SCARY MOMENTS IN WESTLAKE, WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, AS STRONG WINDS TORE THROUGH THE HIGH SCHOOL, SENDING SOME BASKETBALL PLAYERS RUNNING FOR COVER. IT HAPPENED AROUND 4:15 PM AND CHARLENE CHAISSON WITH THE CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD SAYS AROUND 30 PEOPLE WERE INSIDE THE GYM WHEN THE ROOF WAS RIPPED OFF. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED. WESTLAKE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARE ON THE SCENE SURVEYING THE DAMAGE. CHAISSON SAYS THE ROOF LANDED ON SOME VEHICLES IN THE PARKING LOT. WE'RE ALSO GETTING WORD OF EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE PRESS BOX ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, AS WELL AS THE FIELD HOUSE. KYKZ 96 WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THIS STORY AND BRING YOU MORE INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE. 

 

LAKE CHARLES MAN FOUND MURDERED AT HIS HOME

Posted May 26, 2010

 

 

 

 

 DETECTIVES WITH THE CALCASIEU PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE ARE INVESTIGATING THE DEATH OF 36 YR OLD PAUL EDWARD LEE.....DEPUTIES SAY THEY ARRIVED AT LEE'S MOBILE HOME ON HWY 14 IN LAKE CHARLES, AROUND 5:45 YESTERDAY AFTERNOON WHEN THEY FOUND HIS BODY LAYING ON THE FRONT DOOR STEPS...PRELIMINARY RESULTS INDICATE, LEE SUFFERED FROM SEVERE HEAD TRAUMA HOWEVER THE CALCASIEU CORONER'S OFFICE IS CONDUCTING AN AUTOPSY AND WE'LL BRING YOU THEIR RESULTS AS SOON AS THEY ARE MADE PUBLIC....

 

LAKE CHARLES MAN CHARGED IN GRANDMOTHER'S MURDER
May 25, 2010

 

 A 16-MONTH INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEATH OF A RAGLEY WOMAN COMES TO AN END WITH THE ARREST OF HER GRANDSON. BACK IN FEBRUARY OF 2009, A RELATIVE FOUND THE BODY OF 71-YEAR-OLD HELEN WEBB IN THE GARAGE OF HER TOPSY ROAD HOME. WEBB HAD DIED OF BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA TO THE HEAD. THIS WEEK, CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S INVESTIGATORS CHARGED HER GRANDSON, 32-YEAR-OLD CARL WEBB, WITH THE CRIME. CARL WEBB HAS BEEN INCARCERATED AT THE CALCASIEU CORRECTIONAL CENTER SINCE MARCH OF 2009 ON UNRELATED CHARGES OF BURGLARY, FELONY CARRYING OF AN ILLEGAL WEAPON, AND FOUR COUNTS OF ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF STOLEN FIRE ARMS. HE'S CURRENTLY BEING HELD WITHOUT BOND FOR FIRST DEGREE MURDER.

 

MAN STEALS MONEY FROM DONATION JAR IN BEAUREGARD PARISH

Posted May 25, 2010

 

 

 POLICE IN BEAUREGARD PARISH ARE SEARCHING FOR A MAN CAUGHT ON VIDEOTAPE, STEALING MONEY FROM THE FAMILY WHO LOST THEIR FOUR CHILDREN IN A FATAL HOUSE FIRE....OFFICERS SAY THE ROBBER, DIPPED HIS HAND INTO A DONATION JAR SET ON THE COUNTER AT THE LAKEVIEW STORE IN LONGVILLE AND PULLED OUT THE CASH THAT WAS TO HELP MICHAEL AND AMY LEBLEU... THE LEBLEU'S LOST THEIR FOUR DAUGHTERS WHEN THEIR HOME CAUGHT FIRE ON MAY 11TH.. IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THE ROBBERY, YOU ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THE BEAUREGARD PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE...

 

A CALCASIEU PARISH TEACHER IS ARRESTED AT SCHOOL FOR DRUGS

Posted May 24, 2010

 

 

 

 

 A PRE-K TEACHER FROM FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN LAKE CHARLES WAS ARRESTED FRIDAY AFTER AN INVESTIGATION TURNED UP SEVERAL DIFFERENT PRESCIPTION PAIN KILLERS.... 38 YR OLD KELLY FONTENOT REPORTEDLY HAD THE PILLS IN HER PURSE, WHICH WAS FOUND IN HER CLASSROOM....DEPUTIES WITH THE CALCASIEU PARISH SHERIFF'S ARRESTED FONTENOT ON A TOTAL OF 6 DRUG RELATED CHARGES, INCLUDING -- POSSESSION OF CDS 3, AND CDS 4 --- POSSESSION OF CDS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY, AND OBTAINING ILLEGAL PRESCRIPTION PAIN PILLS BY FRAUD.....FONTENOT HAS SINCE BONDED OUT OF THE CALCASIEU CORRECTIONAL CENTER...

 

DENBY GUILTY IN TODDLER'S DEATH
May 21, 2010

 

IT TOOK A BEAUREGARD PARISH JURY LESS THAN THREE HOURS TO RETURN A VERDICT AGAINST JEFFERY DENBY. THE DERIDDER MAN WAS CONVICTED, FRIDAY AFTERNOON, OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER IN THE DEATH OF HIS GIRLFRIEND'S 18-MONTH-OLD SON, JOHN THOMAS BREWER. THE VERDICT CARRIES A MANDATORY LIFE SENTENCE. THE TODDLER'S MOTHER REMAINS BEHIND BARS FOR SECOND DEGREE CRUELTY TO A JUVENILE. HER TRIAL IS SET FOR JUNE 21ST.

 

OIL SPREADS FURTHER WEST ON LOUISIANA’S COAST

Posted May 21, 2010

 

 

 

 

globalwarming.house.gov/spillcam 

CLICK THE LINK ABOVE TO VIEW LIVE FEED

 

 OIL FROM THE APRIL 20^TH DEEPWATER HORIZON CATASTROPHE THAT SET OFF A YET-TO-BE STOPPED MAJOR LEAK OF OIL IN THE GULF OF MEXICO IS MAKING LANDFALL FURTHER WEST ALONG THE BARRIER ISLANDS OF THE LOUISIANA COASTLINE. GOVERNOR BOBBY JINDAL WAS ON HAND THURSDAY AS OFFICIALS WATCHED THE OIL LAPPING AT THE SHORES OF ELMER’S ISLAND IN GRAND ISLE. JINDAL SAID IT WAS YET MORE PROOF OF THE URGENCY THAT DREDGING NEEDS TO GET UNDERWAY IMMEDIATELY TO CONSTRUCT A SIX FOOT HIGH, 86 MILE LONG SAND BARRIER TO KEEP THE OIL OUT OF THE STATE’S FRAGILE MARSHES AND WETLANDS.

 

 

 

LA SOLIDER KILLED IN MIDDLE EAST

Posted May 20, 2010

 

 

 

 

A U.S SOLIDER FROM NORTHERN LOUISIANA WAS AMONG THE FIVE KILLED IN YESTERDAY'S SUICIDE BOMBING IN AFGHANISTAN.... THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CONFIRMED THAT 24 YR OLD ARMY SPECIALIST JOSHUA TOMLISON OF DUBBERLY WAS KILLED IN KABUL WHEN ENEMY FORCES ATTACKED THEIR CONVOY WITH A VAN LOADED WITH EXPLOSIVE DEVICES...

 

 

PINNACLE GIVES HARRAH’S TO LAKE CHARLES

Posted May 20, 2010

 

 

FOR YEARS NOW, THE OLD HARRAH'S PROPERTY BY THE I - 10 BRIDGE HAS BEEN AN EYE SORE TO THE LAKE AREA COMMUNITY BUT THAT SHOULDN'T BE THE CASE FOR MUCH LONGER, AS OFFICIALS WITH PINNACLE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCED LAST NIGHT, THEY ARE GIVING THE PROPERTY BACK TO THE CITY OF LAKE CHARLES......PINNACLE’S CEO SAID THEY COULD POSSIBLY REMODEL THE OLD HOTEL AND REOPEN IT FOR BUSINESS OR AT THEIR OWN COST, DEMOLISH THE BUILDING AND CLEAN THE GROUNDS....

LA DRIVER’S LICENSE FEE PASSES HOUSE PANEL

Posted May 19, 2010

 

 

 

 

IN BATON ROUGE THIS AFTERNOON, LAWMAKERS IN THE HOUSE PANEL APPROVED A REPEAL OF THE RECENTLY IMPOSED 15 DOLLAR PRICE HIKE ON LOUISIANA DRIVER'S LICENSE -- LEGISLATORS IN FAVOR OF THE MEASURE, SAY THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO APPROVE SUCH A FEE INCREASE AND ARGUED THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY GAVE NO FAIR WARNING TO MOTORIST...SENATE BILL 407 NOW GOES TO THE HOUSE FLOOR FOR FURTHER DEBATE...

 

 

BON VOYAGE U.S.S ORLECK

Posted May 19, 2010

 

 

THE U.S.S ORLECK HAS LEFT ORANGE TEXAS AND IS EN ROUTE TO LAKE CHARLES --- OFFICIALS SAY THE WORLD WAR TWO NAVY DESTROYER SHIP SHOULD BE DOCKED AT THE OLD TEXACO BULK STATION ON ENTERPRISE BOULEVARD BY TOMORROW AFTERNOON......THE SHIP IS EXPECTED TO OPEN AS A MUSEUM ON THE LAKE FRONT WITHIN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS...

 

BRENT YOUNG NAMED CPSO "2009 DEPUTY OF THE YEAR"
May 19, 2010

 

BRENT YOUNG HAS BEEN NAMED "2009 DEPUTY OF THE YEAR," FOR THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE. YOUNG, WHO WORKS IN THE INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION RECEIVED THE AWARD AT THE CPSO ANNUAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BANQUET. THE FOLLOWING DEPUTIES WERE ALSO AWARDED FOR OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DIVISIONS.

 

MELISSA MARENO - ENFORCEMENT DIVISION

BRENT YOUNG - INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION

TRISHA CUROL - PROGRAMS DIVISION

ROGER THOMAS - FINANCIAL DIVISION

JOANNIE WILLIAMS - CIVIL DIVISION

LEANNE SUCHANEK - SPECIAL SERVICES DIVISION

DAVID DAVENPORT - CORRECTIONAL DIVISION

DAN HERMAN - LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTERS 

 

TERESA VARINO OF THE FLEET DIVISION WAS CHOSEN AS "SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR." THE "ERIC BELLARD PRIDE AWARD" WAS AWARDED TO CARL LANHAM.

 

 

 

 

CYBERBULLYING ONE STEP CLOSER TO BECOMING A CRIME IN LOUISIANA
May 19, 2010

 

ITS ALREADY CLEARED THE FULL HOUSE, NOW A SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED A BILL THAT WOULD PUNISH CYBERBULLIES. THE LEGISLATION IS AIMED AT PROTECTING ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 17 FROM BEING HARRASSED ON SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES OR CELL PHONES. THE MEASURE WAS AMENDED TO SAY THE BULLYING MUST BE MALICIOUS AND WILLFUL IN NATURE TO BE CONSIDERED A CRIME PUNISHABLE BY UP TO ONE YEAR IN JAIL. 

 

OPENING STATEMENTS IN DENBY MURDER TRIAL
May 19, 2010

 

AFTER TWO DAYS OF INTERVIEWS, 12 JURORS AND TWO ALTERNATES HAVE BEEN SEATED IN THE FIRST-DEGREE MURDER TRIAL OF JEFFERY DENBY. DENBY IS ACCUSED OF KILLING HIS GIRLFRIEND'S 18-MONTH-OLD SON, LAST SUMMER. TRIAL IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AT 9:30 WEDNESDAY MORNING. DENBY FACES LIFE IN PRISON IF CONVICTED IN THE DEATH OF JOHN THOMAS ANTHONY BREWER. THE TODDLER'S MOTHER, HOLLY BREWER REMAINS JAILED FOR SECOND DEGREE CRUELTY TO A JUVENILE. HER TRIAL IS SET FOR JUNE 21ST.  

 

LC WOMAN KILLED IN EVANGELINE PARISH

Posted May 18, 2010

 

 

 

 

STATE POLICE SAY A LAKE CHARLES WOMAN WAS KILLED LATE FRIDAY NIGHT WHILE WALKING ALONG A HIGHWAY IN EVANGELINE PARISH....ACCORDING TO TROOPERS, A VEHICLE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER CAR ON H WY 7-57 -- WHEN IT STRUCK 20 YEAR OLD DEMEISHA ARCENEAUX.....A FOUR YEAR OLD WAS WAKING WITH ARCENEAUX AT THE TIME AND SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES....POLICE SAY CHARGES ARE PENDING...

 

MURDER SUSPECT ARRESTED IN DEQUINCY

Posted May 18, 2010

 

 

A MAN WANTED IN MISSISSIPPI FOR MURDER IS AWAITING EXTRADITION FROM BEAUREGARD PARISH.... DEPUTIES ARRESTED 21 YR OLD DOUGLAS WAYNE JONES YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AFTER RECEIVING A TIP THAT HE WAS AT A HOME IN DEQUINCY....JONES WILL BE ESCORTED BACK TO LAFAYETTE COUNTY MISSISIPPI WHERE HE'LL FACE CHARGES OF MURDER AND SEXUAL BATTERY...  

 

PUTTING MONEY BEHIND THE FIGHT AGAINST GUN CRIME
May 17, 2010

 

 

THE FOLLOWING IS FROM A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF LA

 

  The United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana and the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force announce the availability of approximately $100,642 for grants.  Of that amount, approximately $90,578 will be designated for grants under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Initiative to fund new and/or current comprehensive gun crime reduction strategies and/or gang violence reduction strategies.  Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is designed to combat gun violence by establishing partnerships among local, state and federal entities to implement a multi-faceted strategy to deter and punish gun violence.  PSN is a nationwide commitment to reduce violent crime by networking local programs that target gun crime, and providing those programs with the tools and resources they need to succeed.  The Anti-Gang Initiative is designed to enhance PSN task force efforts to combat gangs by building on effective PSN strategies and partnerships. 

        Single or multi-grantee grants will be considered within the total authorized funds of approximately $90,578 and will be awarded to community programs within the Western District of Louisiana that address: 

        (1)     Gang prevention and enforcement;

        (2)     Gun violence prevention, community outreach, and education; 

        (3)     Enforcement, adjudication, and supervision programs; or

        (4)     Other innovative, related projects. 

 

The goal of this grant program is to create a comprehensive, strategic approach to effectively reduce local gun and gang violence.   

        The following types of organizations are eligible to submit a proposal applying for grants for 2010 funding:

        (1)     Non-profit organizations;

       

        (2)             Units of state and local government.  Units of state and local government are considered to be:

 

                (a)             Parishes; and,

                (b)             Special units designated by law to exercise governmental functions, excluding school boards.  This includes tribal governments that     exercise law enforcement functions. 

        Grants cannot be made for gun-lock distributions, gun buy-back programs, air-time to run certain national public service announcements, or for payments to cooperating witnesses and informants.

        Grant proposals must be submitted to the  U. S. Attorney's Office,  ATTN:  PSN Grant Competition, 800 Lafayette Street, Suite 2200, Lafayette, Louisiana 70501, no later than 5:00 p.m. (CDT) on Wednesday, May 26, 2010. 

     

        Interested applicants may contact Lisa Alwert, PSN Paralegal, U. S. Attorney’s Office at (337) 262-6618 or 1-800-676-6992 for additional information. Please also visit the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/law/programs/projectsafe.html as well as www.psn.gov and http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/psn.html for more particulars on these grants.

 

 

DEADLINE TO FILE 2009 STATE TAXES

Posted May 17, 2010

 

 

 

 BECAUSE MAY 15^TH FELL ON A SATURDAY, THIS YEAR’S DEADLINE FOR FILING YOUR 2009 STATE INCOME TAX RETURN HAS BEEN MOVED BACK TO TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT. DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SPOKESMAN, BYRON HENDERSON SAYS THE FASTEST AND EASIEST WAY TO FILE YOUR STATE TAX RETURN IN ON THE INTERNET AT LOUISIANA FILE ONLINE…THAT FEATURE IS FREE AND IT’S LOCATED ON THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE……CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO ACCESS THE PROGRAM….

 

 www.revenue.louisiana.gov/sections/eservices/LAFileOnline.aspx

 

 

DONATIONS FOR LEBLEU FAMILY

Posted May 17, 2010

 

 

 

A CLOTHING DRIVE WILL BE HELD TO HELP A RAGLEY FAMILY INVOLVED IN LAST WEEK’S FATAL HOUSE FIRE….COUSHATTA CASINO RESORT WILL BE ACCEPTING CLOTHES TOMORROW FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM FOR MICHAEL AND AMY LEBLEU AND THEIR ONLY CHILD TO SURVIVE THE FIRE, 3 YEAR OLD – MICHAEL JUNIOR… MEANWHILE THE STATE FIRE MARSHALL’S OFFICE IS STILL INVESTIGATING WHAT CAUSED LAST TUESDAY’S FIRE THAT KILLED FOUR YOUNG GIRLS…

 

CLOTHING SIZES ARE…

 

MEN’S PANTS SIZE 38 WAIST AND 2X SHIRTS

WOMEN’S 3-4X OR 22/24W

CHILD’S 3T  

8-9 SHOES

 

CAMERON PARISH HOLDS FIRST-EVER DUI CHECKPOINT
May 14, 2010

 

THE CAMERON SHERIFF'S OFFICE WILL MAKE HISTORY FRIDAY NIGHT WHEN THEY HOLD THE PARISH'S FIRST-EVER DUI CHECKPOINT. THE INCREASED EFFORT TO TAKE DRUNK DRIVERS OFF THE ROADS IS BEING MADE POSSIBLE BY A GRANT TO THE CAMERON PARISH POLICE JURY. NEARLY 80-THOUSAND DOLLARS OF THE 330-THOUSAND DOLLAR GRANT HAS BEEN USED TO PAY OVERTIME FOR DEPUTIES AND PURCHASE EQUIPMENT. LAST MONTH, CAMERON PARISH DEPUTIES WORKED ALONGSIDE THEIR CALCASIEU PARISH COUNTERPARTS TO TRAIN FOR THE NEW AND POSSIBLY LIFE-SAVING EVENT. THE CHECKPOINT WILL BE HELD FROM 6:30 TO MIDNIGHT AT AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION IN THE PARISH.

 

LOUISIANA EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN ACT FAILS IN HOUSE

Posted May 14, 2010

 

 

 

A BILL THAT WOULD CREATE EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN WHO DO THE SAME WORK AS MEN WAS DEFEATED YESTERDAY IN THE HOUSE --- THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME SINCE 2005, THE HOUSE REJECTED THE MEASURE....THE BILL'S CREATOR, BARBARA NORTON SAID THE LEGISLATION, CALLED LOUISIANA EQUAL PAY FOR WOMEN ACT, WAS PROPOSED BECAUSE WOMEN'S PAY IN LOUISIANA IS MUCH LOWER THAN THAT OF MEN'S....LOUISIANA RANKS LAST IN THE NATION FOR FEMALE PAY, BUT CRITICS SAY IT HAS MORE TO DO WITH GEOGRAPHICAL AND COST OF LIVING ISSUES......

 

 

LC TEEN CHARGED WITH HIT AND RUN

Posted May 14, 2010

 

 

 

A LAKE CHARLES TEENAGER IS ARRESTED FOR A HIT AND RUN --- 17 YEAR OLD JAMISON TERREL MITCHELL ALLEGEDLY DROVE THROUGH A FENCE IN A STOLEN VEHICLE, THEN RAN FROM POLICE... MITCHELL IS CHARGED WITH DRIVING WITHOUT A LICENSE, RESISTING AN OFFICER, POSSESSION OF STOLEN VEHICLE AND HIT AND RUN...

 

 

NEW DETAILS IN BODIES RECENTLY DISCOVERED IN BEAUREGARD PARISH
May 13, 2010

 

A BODY FOUND ALONG THE RAILROAD TRACKS IN MERRYVILLE, MAY 9TH, HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS 43-YEAR-OLD WILLIAM HARDESTY OF NEDERLAND, TX. HARDESTY'S CAR WAS FOUND A SHORT DISTANCE FROM THE BODY, HOWEVER, NO IDENTIFICATION WAS LOCATED AT THE SCENE PROMPTING POLICE TO RELY ON FINGERPRINTS FOR CONFIRMATION. INITIAL AUTOPSY RESULTS SHOW HARDESTY DIED OF NATURAL CAUSES AND NO FOUL PLAY IS SUSPECTED. THERE'S ALSO NEW INFORMATION ABOUT A BODY FOUND IN DERIDDER, LAST MONTH. INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM LSU THIS WEEK HAS INDICATED THE REMAINS ARE THAT OF A BLACK MALE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 45 AND 60 AND THE BODY MAY HAVE BEEN AT THE LOCATION IT WAS FOUND FOR 3 OR 4 YEARS. SHERIFF RICKY MOSES SAY THE IDENTIFICATION PROCESS IS ONGOING WITH LOCAL AGENCIES FORWARDING DENTAL RECORDS OF MISSING INDIVIDUALS WHO FIT THE PROFILE.

 

 

 

 

ACCOUNT OPENED FOR VICTIMS OF TRAGIC FIRE
May 12, 2010

 

NEW DETAILS IN A TRAGIC HOUSE FIRE THAT CLAIMED THE LIVES OF FOUR CHILDREN. THE STATE FIRE MARSHALL'S OFFICE SAYS A MOTHER AND FIVE CHILDREN WERE ASLEEP IN THE HOME ON FELICE CUTOFF ROAD WHEN THE FIRE BROKE OUT AROUND 10:30 TUESDAY NIGHT. THE MOTHER, AMY LEBLEU WAS AWAKEN TO THE SMELL OF SMOKE AND WAS ABLE TO ESCAPE WITH HER THREE-YEAR-OLD SON WHO WAS SLEEPING IN THE BED WITH HER, BUT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESCUE THE OTHER CHILDREN WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. 11-YEAR-OLD TWINS KAMRYN AND KEILEY LBLEU ALONG WITH THEIR SISTERS 8-YEAR-OLD KASSANDRA AND 18-MONTH-OLD ADRIENNE, DIED OF SMOKE INHALATION. THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS ONGOING. AN ACCOUNT HAS BEEN SET UP FOR THE FAMILY AT CAMERON STATE BANK. JUST ASK FOR THE MICHAEL AND AMY LEBLEU BENEFIT ACCOUNT.

 

 

FIRE IN RAGLEY KILLS 4 CHILDREN
May 12, 2010

A HOUSE FIRE IN RAGLEY HAS CLAIMED THE LIVES OF 4 CHILDREN. BEAUREGARD PARISH SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES SAY THE FIRE BROKE OUT AROUND 10:30 LAST NIGHT AT HOME ON FELICE CUT OFF ROAD. DEPUTIES SAY THE MOTHER AND HER THREE YEAR OLD SON WERE ABLE TO ESCAPE THE BLAZE.  HOWEVER THE MOTHER SUSTAINED SECOND DEGREE BURNS TO HER FACE AND ARMS AFTER SHE TRIED TO GO BACK INSIDE THE HOUSE TO SAVE HER OTHER FOUR CHILDREN WHO WERE STILL ASLEEP...ACCORDING TO DEPUTIES, THE CHILDREN INCLUDE A SET OF TWIN GIRLS AGES 11, AN 8 YEAR OLD AND 1 YEAR OLD....ALL FOUR DIED OF SMOKE INHALATION. AN INVESTIGATION INTO WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE REMAINS ONGOING.

CPSB APPROVES BUDGET PROPOSAL
May 12, 2010

 

SOME 105 TEACHING POSITIONS ACROSS CALCASIEU PARISH ARE ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK AS SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS LAST NIGHT APPROVED 1.8 MILLION DOLLARS IN BUDGET CUTS FOR THE 2010-2011 FISCAL YEAR...SPARED IN THE MEETING LAST NIGHT, MEMBERS DECIDED TO KEEP TRANSPORTATION TO LAKE CHARLES BOSTON LEARNING ACADEMY....TO SEE THE FULL LIST OF ITEMS BEING CUT FROM THE BUDGET, CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING  LINK..

 http://www.cpsb.org/publications/board_agenda/budget/GFReductions2010-11.pdf

 

 TRAFFIC TROUBLES ON I-10
May 11, 2010

 

MAJOR TRAFFIC HEADACHES ON I-10 EASTBOUND TUESDAY AFTER TWO ACCIDENTS INVOLVING 18-WHEELERS. THE FIRST ONE HAPPENED TUESDAY MORNING WHEN A TRUCK FLIPPED OVER NEAR THE SHATTUCK STREET EXIT. CREWS HAVE BEEN ON THE SCENE FOR SEVERAL HOURS ATTEMPTING TO MOVE THE TRUCK AND DEBRIS FROM THE ROADWAY. TUESDAY AFTERNOON THINGS ONLY GOT WORSE WHEN AN 18-WHEELER CRASHED WITH A DUMP TRUCK NEAR THE ENTERPRISE BOULEVARD EXIT. THERE'S NO WORD YET ON WHEN EITHER ACCIDENT WILL BE CLEARED.

 

 

BODY FOUND IN BEAUREGARD PARISH

Posted May 11, 2010

 

 

 

THE BODY OF A MAN BELIEVED TO BE FROM TEXAS WAS FOUND EARLY SUNDAY MORNING NEAR THE RAILROAD TRACKS JUST WEST OF MERRYVILLE....BEAUREGARD PARISH SHERIFF RICKY MOSES SAYS A VEHICLE FOUND NEAR BY REGISTERED TO A RESIDENT IN NEDERLAND ....THE CALCASIEU PARISH CORONER'S OFFICE SAYS AUTOPSY RESULTS INDICATE THE MAN DIED OF NATURAL CAUSES AND NO FOUL PLAY IS SUSPECTED....HIS NAME HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED PENDING NEXT OF KIN NOTIFICATION....

 

CPSB DISCUSSES BUDGET PROPOSAL

Posted May 11, 2010

 

 

CALCASIEU PARISH SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET THIS AFTERNOON TO VOTE ON THE LATEST BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR THE 2010 - 2011 FISCAL YEAR....IF OFFICIALS APPROVE THE 1.8 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET CUTS, SOME 105 TEACHERS ACROSS CALCASIEU PARISH COULD BE LAID OFF...... THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 4:45 THIS AFTERNOON AT THE SCHOOL BOARD HEADQUARTERS ON BROAD STREET...

 

BANK ROBBERS ARRESTED IN LAKE CHARLES
May 10, 2010

 

LAKE CHARLES POLICE AND MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL FBI ARE HOLDING A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS THE CAPTURES OF TWO BANK ROBBERS. THE FIRST, 33-YEAR-OLD DEANDRIAN LATROY DENTLY OF HOUSTON WAS WANTED FOR A BANK ROBBERY IN TEXAS. ACCORDING TO BOOK-IN LOGS HE WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY FRIDAY AFTERNOON AT THE MELROSE MOTEL ON BROAD STREET. THE SECOND BANK ROBBERY HAPPENED IN LAKE CHARLES. 36-YEAR-OLD BYRON CHARLES LAFLEUR OF LAKE CHARLES WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY LATE FRIDAY NIGHT FOR THE ROBBERY OF THE CAMERON STATE BANK AT THE CORNER OF RYAN AND ALAMO STREETS. POLICE SAY LAFLEUR ENTERED THE BANK, LAST WEEK, AND DEMANDED MONEY FROM THE TELLERS BEFORE GETTING AWAY WITH AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT OF CASH.

 

DUMP TRUCK ACCIDENT LEAVES SULPHUR HOMES IN THE DARK
MAY 10, 2010

 

SULPHUR POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A DUMP TRUCK ACCIDENT THAT LEFT SOME HOMES WITHOUT POWER. ACCORDING TO REPORTS, AROUND 12:30 MONDAY AFTERNOON, THE DUMP TRUCK WAS TRAVELING WEST ON HIGHWAY 90 EAST WITH THE TRUCK BED IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION, CAUSING IT TO STRIKE POWERLINES AND PULL DOWN SEVERAL LIGHT POLES. SULPHUR POLICE HAVE BLOCKED HIGHWAY 90 EAST FROM BEGLIS PARKWAY TO POST OAK ROAD DUE TO THE DOWNED POLES. ENTERGY IS ON THE SCENE AND WORKING TO RESTORE POWER AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. RESIDENTS ARE ASKED TO AVOID THE AREA.

 

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE EXPECTED TO RISE

Posted May 07, 2010

 

STATE FARM HAS BEEN GIVEN THE APPROVAL TO INCREASE THE RATES OF HOMEOWNERS COVERAGE IN LOUISIANA --- COASTAL AREAS VULNERABLE TO HURRICANES WILL BE BEARING MUCH OF THE BRUNT....ACCORDING TO INSURANCE COMMISSIONER JIM DONELON, NEW ORLEANS WILL SEE A 17.7 % INCREASE IN HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE, WHILE RATES ARE EXPECTED TO RISE BY 22.5% IN THE LAKE CHARLES AREA...

 

LOUISIANA GRAD ACT GOES TO FULL SENATE

Posted May 07, 2010

 

 

A BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW STEEPERCOLLEGE TUITION INCREASES HAS PASSED IT'S FIRST LEGISLATIVE HURDLE IN BATON ROUGE.... THE MEASURE CALLED, LOUISIANA GRAD ACT WOULD ALLOW SCHOOLS TO RAISE WHAT THEY CHARGE FOR STUDENTS IF THE COLLEGES MEET CERTAIN PERFORMANCE STANDARDS SUCH AS IMPROVING THEIR GRADUATION RATE....THE BILL NOW MOVES TO THE HOUSE BUDGET COMMITTEE...

 

CPPJ BAN DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES

Posted May 07, 2010

 

CALCASIEU PARISH POLICE JURORS HAVE BANNED DOOR TO DOOR SOLICITING --- THE BAN ADOPTED YESTERDAY BY JURORS APPLIES TO CHURCHES, SCHOOL GROUPS AND NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS....THE BAN IS BEING ENFORCED AFTER A RISE IN COMPLAINTS IN THE PARISH...

CPPJ BAN DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES

Posted May 07, 2010

 

IF YOUR WEEKEND PLANS INCLUDE HAVING A FEW DRINKS, BE SURE YOU HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER -- THE CALCASIEU SHERIFF'S OFFICE WILL BE HOLDING A DWI CHECKPOINT TOMORROW AT AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION IN THE PARISH ....THE CHECKPOINT IS FUNDED BY PROJECT KNOW, WHICH TARGETS UNDERAGE DRINKING....

 

 

SEARCH FOR BANK ROBBER CONTINUES
May 6, 2010

 

 

LAKE CHARLES POLICE CONTINUE THEIR SEARCH FOR A SUSPECT IN THE ROBBERY OF CAMERON STATE BANK ON THE CORNER OF RYAN AND ALAMO. SGT. MARK KRAUS SAYS THE MAN ENTERED THE BANK AROUND 10:30 WEDNESDAY MORNING AND HANDED THE TELLER A NOTE DEMANDING MONEY. THE TELLER COMPLIED AND THE SUSPECT WAS LAST SEEN LEAVING THE BUILDING ON FOOT WITH AN UNDISCLOSED AMOUNT OF CASH. POLICE HAVE RELEASED THE FOLLOWING SURVEILLANCE PHOTO OF THE SUSPECT. HE'S DESCRIBED AS A WELL-DRESSED BLACK MALE. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS ASKED TO CONTACT LAKE CHARLES POLICE AT 491-1311 OR CRIMESTOPPERS.

 

 

 

VINTON POLICE ARREST WOMAN IN RASH OF HOME ROBBERIES

Posted May 06, 2010

 

 

 

A STARKS WOMAN IS BEHIND BARS ON A 115 THOUSAND DOLLAR BOND FOR ALLEGEDLY ROBBING THREE HOMES IN THE VINTON AREA --- POLICE SAY CHRYSTAL GORE'S MOST RECENT ROBBERY WAS TUESDAY MORNING AT A HOME ON WEST STREET IN VINTON WHERE SHE TOOK VARIOUS ITEMS INCLUDING A WALLET....GORE WAS CAUGHT JUST HOURS LATER TRYING TO USE THE CREDIT CARD AT A DOLLAR STORE --- SHE WAS ARRESTED FOR FORGERY, THEFT, UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A CREDIT CARD AND POSSESSION OF COCAINE..... DEPUTIES AT THE CALCASIEU CORRECTIONAL CENTER SAY GORE IS NO STRANGER TO THEM AS SHE'S BEEN ARRESTED SOME 34 TIMES IN THE PAST 5 YEARS.....  

 

WILLIE NELSON CANCELS LAKE CHARLES CONCERT

Posted May 06, 2010

 

 

MUSIC LEGEND WILLIE NELSON HAS BEEN FORCED TO CANCEL HIS CONCERT THAT WAS TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK AT L'AUBERGE DU LAC IN LAKE CHARLES DUE TO A TORN ROTATOR CUFF IN HIS SHOULDER.....THE CASINO AND RESORT SAYS THEY ARE WORKING TO SCHEDULE ANOTHER CONCERT DATE AND THAT TICKETS WILL BE FULLY REFUNDED...

 

 

2010 LOUISIANA HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS TAX HOLIDAY
May 5, 2010

 

GET READY TO SAVE MONEY ON HURRICANE SUPPLIES. THE 2010 LOUISIANA HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY IS SCHEDULED FOR MAY 29-30 DURING THE TWO DAYS SHOPPERS CAN PURCHASE EVERYTHING FROM BATTERIES TO GAS TANKS, AND EVEN PORTABLE GENERATORS, FREE FROM THE FOUR-PERCENT STATE SALES TAX. THE EXEMPTION IS GOOD ON THE FIRST 15-HUNDRED DOLLARS OF THE SALES PRICES. HERE IS A COMPLETE LIST OF QUALIFIED ITEMS:

*SELF-POWERED LIGHT SOURCES, SUCH AS FLASHLIGHTS AND CANDLES

*PORTABLE SELF-POWERED RADIOS, TWO-WAY RADIOS AND WEATHERBAND RADIOS

*TARPAULINS OR OTHER FLEXIBLE WATERPROOF SHEETING

*GROUND ANCHOR SYSTEMS OR TIE-DOWN KITS

*GAS OR DIESEL FUEL TANKS

*BATTERIES -AAA, AA, C, D, 6-VOLT, OR 9-VOLT (AUTO AND BOAT BATTERIES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE)

*CELLULAR PHONE BATTERIES AND CHARGERS

*NON-ELECTRIC FOOD STORAGE COOLERS

*PORTABLE GENERATORS

*STORM SHUTTER DEVICES - MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED, RATED, AND MARKETED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PREVENTING WINDOW DAMAGE FROM STORMS.

*CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

*BLUE ICE PRODUCTS

 

 

JOHNSON & JOHNSON INVESTIGATED FOR UNSANITARY CONDITIONS
May 4, 2010

 

INSPECTORS WITH THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION FOUND UNSANITARY CONDITIONS IN AT LEAST ONE JOHNSON & JOHNSON LAB FOLLOWING LAST WEEK'S RECALL OF WIDELY USED CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS. AN FDA REPORT FAULTS THE COMPANY FOR THICK DUST AND GRIME ON CERTAIN EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS TAPE COVERED PIPES AT THE FORT WASHINGTON, PA FACILITY. THE FDA HAS URGED CUSTOMERS TO STOP USING 40 LIQUID PRODUCTS, INCLUDING CHILDREN'S TYLENOL, MOTRIN, BENADRYL, AND ZYRTEC.

 

 

 

JINDAL: “BP’S EFFORTS IN THE GULF HAVE FAILED”

Posted May 04, 2010

 

 

GOVERNOR BOBBY JINDAL SAYS BRITISH PETROLEUM OFFICIALS HAVE TOLD HIM THEIR EFFORTS TO CONTAIN THE MASSIVE SPILL OF CRUDE OIL IN THE GULF OF MEXICO HAVE FAILED THUS FAR. JINDAL SAYS STATE AND PARISH OFFICIALS HAVE DEVELOPED THEIR OWN PLANS FOR KEEPING THE HUGE OIL SLICK OF LOUISIANA MARSHLAND. THE GOVERNOR SAYS DETAILED PLANS FOR PROTECTING WETLANDS IN ST. BERNARD AND PLAQUEMINES PARISHES HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE COAST GUARD AND BP.

 

 

THE GULF OIL SPILL HAS POLITICAL IMPACT IN BATON ROUGE

Posted May 04, 2010

 

 

THE IMPACT OF THE OIL SPILL IS BEING FELT ALL THE WAY IN BATON ROUGE AS SENATORS IN THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE ARE BEING URGED TO HOLD BACK ON BILLS THAT ARE NOT OF CRITICAL IMPORTANCE THIS YEAR --- SENATE PRESIDENT JOEL CHAISSON (SHASS-AWN) SAYS THE STATE'S CRISIS WITH THE GULF OIL SPILL AND BUDGET DEFICITS, PUT NON-ESSENTIAL BILLS IN A LOW ORDER OF IMPORTANCE....CHAISSON, WHO IS A DEMOCRAT ALSO IS ASKING TO TEMPORARILY HALT ACTION ON BILLS BACKED BY THE JINDAL ADMINISTRATION SAYING THE GOVERNOR AND HIS STAFF ARE CONSUMED WITH DEALING WITH THE MASSIVE OIL SLICK....

 

"VESSEL OF OPPORTUNITY"
Posted May 3, 2010

 

ALL BOATERS, INCLUDING FISHERMEN, WHO ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING WITH OIL SPILL CLEAN-UP CAN BECOME PART OF A PROGRAM CALLED, "VESSEL OF OPPORTUNITY." UNDER THE PROGRAM, OPERATORS OF MANY TYPES OF VESSELS THROUGHOUT THE GULF COAST ARE USING THEIR BOATS IN A VARIETY OF CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES INCLUDING, TRANSPORTING SUPPLIES, PERFORMING WILDLIFE RESCUE, AND TOWING AND DEPLOYING BOOMS. FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU CAN CALL THE BP HOTLINE AT 1-281-366-5511.

   

 

NOAA SUSPENDS FISHING IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

Posted May 03, 2010

 

 

A LARGE PART OF THE GULF OF MEXICO IS NOW OFF LIMITS FOR COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FISHING THANKS TO A MASSIVE OIL SLICK CAUSED BY A DRILLING RIG EXPLOSION. THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT YESTERDAY. THE AREA AFFECTED SPANS THE COAST FORM THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER DELTA IN LOUISIANA TO PENSACOLABAY, FLORIDA. INTERRUPTIONS OF COMMERCIAL FISHING IN LOUISIANA ALONE COULD COST THE INDUSTRY AS MUCH AS 2 AND A HALF BILLION DOLLARS.

 

 

 

 

 

A LOCAL PLANT IS ACCUSED OF ILLEGAL LOCKING OUT EMPLOYEES

Posted May 03, 2010

 

 

AFTER WEEKS OF NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN LYONDELL EQUISTAR AND THE LOCAL UNION, OVER 100 EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN LOCKED OUT OF THE FACILITY...KEN FUGATE, BUSINESS MANAGER OF INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 407 SAYS LYONDELLBASELL ILLEGALLY LOCKED THE WORKERS BEFORE THEIR CONTRACT EXPIRED ON APRIL 30^TH...FUGATE SAYS ACCORDING TO THE LANGUAGE USED IN THEIR CONTRACT AND THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS ACT, LYONDELL ILLEGALLY LOCKED THE EMPLOYEES OUT TWO HOURS BEFORE THEIR CONTRACTS EXPIRED.... WORKERS HAVE NOW SET UP WHAT IS BEING CALLED AN INFORMATION PICKET LINE OUTSIDE OF LYONDELL FACILITIES ....KYKZ 96 CONTACTED MEDIA RELATIONS SPOKESMAN DAVID HARPOLE WITH LYONDELLBASSELL WHO DECLINED TO COMMENT AT THIS TIME...

 

 

CITY OF SULPHUR WATER ORDINANCE

Posted April 30, 2010

 

 

 

The following is a news release from the City of Sulphur:

Mayor Chris Duncan would like to remind residents that the peak months for water usage are May – September of each year.  As set forth in our Water Conservation Ordinance, the schedule for outside watering during these peak months is as follows:

·            Odd numbered addresses water on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays

·            Even numbered addresses water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays

·            The designated times for lawn watering are from midnight to 2:00 p.m.

·            There is no watering on Monday, however exceptions are allowed for hand-watering, newly planted sod, landscaping and ground cover (30 day exemption) and businesses that require water to operate, such as plant nurseries and commercial car washes

According to Mayor Duncan, "The citizens of Sulphur have always cooperated with the City's request to conserve water in an effort to alleviate pressure problems.  He feels this year will be no different.  We hope everyone follows this program, but there are some consequences for those who do not.  Fines can range from $50 to $500 depending on the number of offenses."

Mayor Duncan stated, "Water usage records reflect that during peak periods, the City's water plants have an increased production from 3 million gallons of water a day to 7 million gallons per day.  The resulting low water pressure is a major threat to fire-fighting efforts and could increase the risk of contamination of our water system.  So, we ask everyone to be part of the solution…..conserve water."

 

 

SAWMILL FIRE IN DEQUINCY

Posted April 30, 2010

 

 

 

SMOKE CONTINUES TO FILL THE AIR IN DEQUINCY AFTER A SAWMILL CAUGHT FIRE YESTERDAY AFTERNOON --- OFFICIALS WITH THE WARD 6 FIRE DEPARTMENT SAYS ALL THE FLAMES ARE EXTINGUISHED HOWEVER THE SMELL OF SMOKE WILL LINGER FOR A FEW DAYS...THE FIRE WAS REPORTEDLY STARTED WHEN SOME MEN WERE CUTTING METAL AND WOOD, AND THE EMBERS SPARKED A FIRE FROM THE SAWDUST.... 

 

 

MASSIVE OIL SLICK SPREADS TO LA COAST

Posted April 30, 2010

 

 

 

A GIANT OIL SLICK IN THE GULF OF MEXICO CONTINUES TO SPREAD AFTER THE FIRST TRACES OF CRUDE CAME ASHORE OVERNIGHT ALONG THE LOUISIANA COAST…THE SLICK THREATENING THE COASTLINES OF FOUR STATES HAS PROMPTED THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO ANNOUNCE THAT NO DOMESTIC DRILLING IN NEW AREAS WILL BE ALLOWED UNTIL THERE’S BEEN A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE MASSIVE OIL SPILL….THE OIL BEGAN SPEWING INTO THE WATER LAST WEEK WHEN THE DEEPWATER HORIZON CAUGHT FIRE, EXPLODED AND SANK KILLING 11 WORKERS… LOUISIANA GOVERNOR BOBBY JINDAL HAS DECLARED A STATE OF EMERGENCY.

 

 

"OPERATION TIGER CLAW"
Posted April 27, 2010

 

10 PEOPLE ARE BEHIND BARS AND POLICE ARE SEARCHING FOR FOUR OTHERS, ALL IN CONNECTION WITH A 14-MONTH INVESTIGATION, DUBBED "OPERATION TIGER CLAW." ACTING ON TIPS FROM CITY COUNCIL AND CONCERNED RESIDENTS, MEMBERS OF THE COMBINED ANTI-DRUG TASK FORCE BEGAN AN EXHAUSTIVE INVESTIGATION INTO DRUG ACTIVITY IN DEQUINCY LEADING TO THE MAJOR BUST ON MONDAY. AMONG THOSE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY WAS 35-YEAR-OLD TERRY HOLMES. DETECTIVES CALL HIM THE RING LEADER AND MAIN CRACK COCAINE SUPPLIER IN THE DEQUINCY AREA. HIS BOND HAS BEEN SET AT $500,000.

 

IOWA SOLDIER TO BE HONORED
Posted April 27, 2010

 

AN IOWA SOLDIER KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT AT A FAMILY MEMBERS HOME IN TEXAS IS AMONG THOSE BEING HONORED AT THE SENATE MILITARY DAY ON CAPITOL HILL, TUESDAY. 24-YEAR-OLD CORPORAL BRYAN MECHE SERVED AS AN IOWA POLICE OFFICER AND WAS A NATIONAL GUARD VETERAN. THE SOLDIER'S FAMILIES HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND THE CEREMONY, WHICH INCLUDES A BALLOON RELEASE ON THE CAPITOL STEPS AND RESOLUTIONS HONORING EACH SOLDIER WILL BE READ IN THE SENATE CHAMBER.

 

NEW DETAILS SURFACE IN OFFSHORE OIL RIG EXPLOSION

Posted April 23, 2010

 

 

 

ELEVEN WORKERS MISSING AFTER AN OIL RIG EXPLOSION OFF THE LOUISIANA COAST MAY HAVE BEEN TRAPPED ON THE VESSEL. THAT’S ACCORDING TO TRANSOCEAN VICE PRESIDENT ADRIAN ROSE AFTER SURVIVORS INDICATE THE 11 WORKERS WERE ON THE DRILLING PLATFORM WHEN THE DEEPWATER HORIZON EXPLODED LATE TUESDAY NIGHT. MEANWHILE AN INVESTIGATION IS UNDERWAY WITH THE COAST GUARD AS TO WHY IT TOOK THREE HOURS TO SEND HELP. A NEARBY OIL RIG SAYS THEY CALLED THE COAST GUARD WHEN THE TRANSOCEAN VESSEL EXPLODED AND THREE HOURS LATER HELP ARRIVED.  OFFICIALS WITH THE COAST GUARD SAYS THEY ARE LOOKING INTO THAT THREE HOUR WINDOW TO SEE WHAT TOOK PLACE.  

  

 

 

 

NEW PRESIDENT FOR MSU TO BE NAMED TODAY

Posted April 23, 2010

 

 

 

A NEW PRESIDENT FOR MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY WILL BE NAMED LATER TODAY -- INTERVIEWS BETWEEN JEANNE DABOVAL AND PHILIP WILLIAMS ARE UNDERWAY IN BATON ROUGE AND UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA SYSTEM BOARD SUPERVISORS HAVE SAID THEY WILL NAME A REPLACEMENT FOR RETIRING PRESIDENT ROBERT HEBERT THIS AFTERNOON....DABOVAL IS CURRENTLY THE VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS FOR M-S-U AND WILLIAMS IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO IN ALABAMA....

 

 

 

 

NEW DETAILS INTO A GRIZZLY FIND IN BEAUREGARD PARISH

Posted April 23, 2010

 

 

 

A HUMAN SKULL AND VARIOUS OTHER BONES APPEAR TO BE THE REMAINS OF A MAN, BELIEVED TO BE UNDER THE AGE OF 50 -- THAT'S THE FINDINGS FROM FORENSIC TEAMS WHO ARE INVESTIGATING THE REMAINS FOUND JUST WEST OF BUTLER ROAD IN DERIDDER -- BEAUREGARD PARISH OFFICIALS SAY THEY ARE GOING THROUGH MISSING PERSONS REPORTS IN HOPES OF IDENTIFYING THE BONES....OFFICIALS SAY AT THIS TIME NO FOUL PLAY IS INDICATED.

 

BILL WILL REQUIRE YEARLY TEACHER EVALUATIONS
Posted April 19, 2010
THE LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS IS OPPOSING A BILL THAT WOULD REQUIRE YEARLY TEACHER EVALUATIONS. HALF OF THE SCORE WOULD BE BASED ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE ON STANDARDIZED TESTS, WHICH THE ASSOCIATION SAID DIFFERS ACCORDING TO STUDENT NEEDS AND ABILITIES. REPRESENTATIVE FRANK HOFFMAN IS SPONSORING THE BILL AND SAID SOCIO-ECONOMIC BACKGROUND AND DISABILITIES WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT DURING THE EVALUATION.

SULPHUR CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
Posted April 19, 2010
THE SULPHUR CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HOLDING A SPECIAL MEETING THIS AFTERNOON. SOME ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE GREG BELFOUR AS ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY. THE POSITIONS OF CITY ATTORNEY AND FINANCE DIRECTOR ARE STILL OPEN. NEWLY ELECTED MAYOR CHRIS DUNCAN WILL ALSO INTRODUCE NEXT FISCAL YEAR'S BUDGET OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES, WHICH GOES INTO AFFECT JULY FIRST.

FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL THIS WEEKEND
Posted April 19, 2010
LAFAYETTE'S FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL GETS UNDER WAY THIS WEEKEND. THIS YEAR'S EVENT WILL HAVE AN INCREASED FOCUS ON CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES. AND TO HELP ATTENDEES KEEP UP WITH THE EXTENSIVE MUSIC LINE-UP, OFFICIALS PLAN TO OFFER A FREE I-PHONE APP. THE FESTIVAL IN DOWNTOWN LAFAYETTE RUNS FROM THURSDAY TO SUNDAY.

TODAY IS THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING
Posted April 19, 2010
TODAY MARKS THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BOMBING OF THE MURRAH FEDERAL BUIDLING IN OKLAHOMA CITY. ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-EIGHT PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND MORE THAN SIX HUNDRED WERE INJURED IN 1995. ARMY VETERAN TIMOTHY MCVEIGH EXPRESSED ANTI-AMERICAN SENTIMENTS WHEN HE WAS CAPTURED AND FOUND GUILTY OF PLANTING A VAN FILLED WITH EXPLOSIVES IN THE BUILDING'S UNDERGROUND PARKING LOT. HE WAS EXECUTED IN 2001 AND HIS ACCOMPLISE TERRY NICHOLS REMAINS IN A MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON IN COLORADO WHERE HE IS SERVING MULTIPLE LIFE SENTENCES.

LOUISIANA SLOW TO RESPOND TO CENSUS
Posted April 14, 2010
THE LATEST DATA SHOWS ABOUT FIFTY-NINE PERCENT OF HOUSEHOLDS STATEWIDE HAVE RETURNED THEIR CENSUS FORMS. THIS IS WELL BELOW THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF SIXTY-SEVEN PERCENT. CENSUS WORKERS WILL BEGIN GOING DOOR TO DOOR NEXT MONTH TO COLLECT FORMS. THE CENSUS INFORMATION DETERMINES HOW FEDERAL FUNDS ARE ALLOCATED AND A STATES NUMBER OF CONGRESSIONAL SEATS.

GEYMANN AGAINST ENHANCED LICENSES
Posted April 13, 2010
REPRESENTATIVE BRETT GEYMANN OF MOSS BLUFF IS ASKING THE HOUSE NOT TO PASS A MANDATE, THAT IMPLEMENTS NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR DRIVER'S LICENSES. THE NEW LICENSES WOULD CONTAIN COMPUTER CHIPS AND FACE RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY WOULD BE ABLE TO READ THE PICTURES GEYMANN AND OTHER LAWMAKERS CITED NOT ONLY COST, BUT ALSO THE POSSIBILITY OF IDENTITY THEFT. SUPPORTERS SAY THE CARDS HELP PREVENT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM OBTAINING FRAUDULENT IDENTIFICATION.

SEX OFFENDER LEGISLATION UP FOR VOTES
Posted April 13, 2010
A SERIES OF BILLS MEANT TO STREGHTHEN LAWS AGAINST SEX OFFENDERS IS MOVING THROUGH THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTAIVES. SOME OF THE LAWS INCLUDES, TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR HABITUAL OFFENDERS AND INTERNET SOLICITATION OF A MINOR. A NEW LAW WOULD ALLOW INVESTIGATORS TO GET ADMINISRATIVE SUBPOENAS WHEN INVESTIGATIVE SEX OFFENSES INVOLVING CHILDREN THROUGH THE USE OF A COMPUTER.

ESCAPED AVOYELLES PARISH PRISONERS CAUGHT
Posted April 13, 2010
U-S MARSHALS IN MIAMI, FLORIDA ANNOUNCED THIS MORNING, THAT THEY HAVE CAPTURED THREE INMATES WHO ESCAPED FROM AN AVOYELLES PARISH PRISON IN MARCH. QUENTIN TRUEHILL, KENTRELL JOHNSON AND PETER HUGHES WERE ARRESTED MONDAY IN A MIAMI MOTEL. MARSHALS ALSO FOUND A BLOODY KNIFE IN A TRUCK THAT THE THREE ALLEGEDLY STOLE. INVESTIGATORS ARE STILL TRYING TO DETERMINE TO SOURCE OF THE BLOOD.

LOUISIANA SLOW TO RESPOND TO CENSUS
Posted April 14, 2010
THE LATEST DATA SHOWS ABOUT FIFTY-NINE PERCENT OF HOUSEHOLDS STATEWIDE HAVE RETURNED THEIR CENSUS FORMS. THIS IS WELL BELOW THE NATIONAL AVERAGE OF SIXTY-SEVEN PERCENT. CENSUS WORKERS WILL BEGIN GOING DOOR TO DOOR NEXT MONTH TO COLLECT FORMS. THE CENSUS INFORMATION DETERMINES HOW FEDERAL FUNDS ARE ALLOCATED AND A STATES NUMBER OF CONGRESSIONAL SEATS.

SMALL DROPS IN JOBLESS CLAIMS
Posted April 14, 2010
THE LATEST STATE UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS SHOW A SMALL DROP IN CLAIMS. FOR THE WEEK ENDING APRIL THIRD, INITIAL CLAIMS FOR BENEFITS DROPPED FROM FOUR THOUSAND ONE TWENTY TO THREE THOUSAND SIX EIGHTY NINE. THE NUMBER OF CONTINUED UNEMPLOYMENT PAYMENTS ALSO DROPPED FROM FIFTY-EIGHT THOUSAND TWO FIFTY-NINE TO FIFTY-SEVEN THOUSAND NINETY-TWO.

LLOYD PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Posted April 14, 2010
A MCNEESE STATE PITCHER HAS BEEN NAMED PLAYER OF THE WEEK BY THE LOUISIANA SPORTSWRITERS ASSOCIATION. JUNIOR RIGHT HANDER DUSTIN LLOYD SHARES THE DESIGNATION WITH SOUTHEASTERN'S BROCK HEBERT. LLOYD EARNED THE TITLE AFTER THE COWBOYS WON THE FIRST OF A THREE GAME SERIES AGAINST SAM HOUSTON STATE. HE ALLOWED ONE RUN ON EIGHT HITS, NO WALKS AND HAD SEVEN STRIKEOUTS.

SMALL DROPS IN JOBLESS CLAIMS
Posted April 14, 2010
THE LATEST STATE UNEMPLOYMENT NUMBERS SHOW A SMALL DROP IN CLAIMS. FOR THE WEEK ENDING APRIL THIRD, INITIAL CLAIMS FOR BENEFITS DROPPED FROM FOUR THOUSAND ONE TWENTY TO THREE THOUSAND SIX EIGHTY NINE. THE NUMBER OF CONTINUED UNEMPLOYMENT PAYMENTS ALSO DROPPED FROM FIFTY-EIGHT THOUSAND TWO FIFTY-NINE TO FIFTY-SEVEN THOUSAND NINETY-TWO.

LLOYD PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Posted April 14, 2010
A MCNEESE STATE PITCHER HAS BEEN NAMED PLAYER OF THE WEEK BY THE LOUISIANA SPORTSWRITERS ASSOCIATION. JUNIOR RIGHT HANDER DUSTIN LLOYD SHARES THE DESIGNATION WITH SOUTHEASTERN'S BROCK HEBERT. LLOYD EARNED THE TITLE AFTER THE COWBOYS WON THE FIRST OF A THREE GAME SERIES AGAINST SAM HOUSTON STATE. HE ALLOWED ONE RUN ON EIGHT HITS, NO WALKS AND HAD SEVEN STRIKEOUTS.