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Saints Defeat Steelers

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Saints Defeat Steelers

PITTSBURGH (AP) - The standings say the New Orleans Saints are in first place. For once, it looked that way on the field too.

Drew Brees peppered the end zone with footballs. The defense harassed Ben Roethlisberger into costly mistakes. Head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan exchanged words on the sideline.

Just another day at work for the volatile NFC South leaders, even Sunday's 35-32 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers upped New Orleans' record to a mediocre 5-7.

"It's not time to reflect," Brees said. "We're full steam ahead. We have four regular season games here that are going to determine our season."

Judging by its best four quarters in a month, New Orleans finally appears ready make a move. Six days and 1,100 miles removed from an ugly home loss to Baltimore, the Saints appeared reborn. Brees threw five touchdowns for the ninth time in his career. Kenny Stills caught five passes for a career-high 162 yards and a score as New Orleans ended a three-game losing streak by restoring a little bit of respectability to the worst division in the league.

The Steelers (7-5) kept New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham in check with no catches, but it hardly mattered. Brees worked Pittsburgh's secondary over anyway. Ben Watson, Marques Colston, Erik Lorig and Nick Toon hauled in touchdowns as New Orleans romped.

"The ball just happened to go other places today," Brees said. "There were great matchups and we were able to make big plays in the passing game, so it was just one of those crazy games where for whatever reason, he didn't get a catch."

Watson, Lorig and Toon hadn't been in the end zone all season. It changed during a 25-minute stretch in which the Saints turned a 6-0 deficit into a 35-16 lead. Signs of life from one of the NFL's most embattled defenses helped. The Saints picked off Roethlisberger twice and Brees converted both miscues into scores.

It hardly mattered that Payton and Ryan had a heated exchange in the third quarter when New Orleans was forced to call time-out because the defense had 12 players on the field. Consider it the cost of doing business.

"That's just me being fired up," Payton said.

There was plenty to get excited about on a day the Saints controlled nearly from start to finish as they ended a three-game losing streak. A couple of cosmetic touchdowns by the Steelers in the final 3 minutes made the score much closer than the reality.

"As long as I've been here, we never lost three games in a row, especially at home, so this was a big win today," linebacker Junior Galette said. "We entered this game professionally and went out there and did the job."

Ben Roethlisberger passed for 435 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions for the Steelers. Le'Veon Bell caught eight passes for a career-high 159 yards and also added 95 yards and a touchdown on the ground, but Pittsburgh was never really in it over the final three quarters.

Pittsburgh opted to focus on Graham, often double-covering one of the NFL's biggest weapons. No biggie. Brees completed 19 of 27 passes to nine different receivers Mark Ingram ran for 122 yards as the Saints effectively counterpunched with touchdowns while the Steelers piled up field goals.

"Offensively, defensive and on special teams, we can play with the best teams in the league," Ingram said. "As long as we don't hurt ourselves, we can win football games."

The passes that Roethlisberger zipped so crisply to open receivers during while throwing for an NFL-record 12 touchdown passes in his last two home starts sailed high and out of reach and occasionally into the arms of New Orleans defenders. Roethlisberger's problems started early and were exacerbated when he smacked his right hand off the helmet of Saints linebacker Curtis Lofton late in the first quarter.

New Orleans defensive end Cameron Jordan tipped a pass by Roethlisberger early in the third quarter and caught it for his first career interception to give the Saints the ball at the Pittsburgh 15. It took Brees two plays to hit Toon for an 11-yard score to make it 21-6. The Steelers responded with a 13-play, 83-yard drive that ended with Bell sprinting around left end for his third score of the year.

Pittsburgh's momentum lasted 2:31, or the time it took New Orleans to go 89 yards. Stills covered the last 69 all by himself, badly beating Pittsburgh cornerback Ike Taylor on a double move. He raced across the goal line to make it 28-16 and Brees completed his best day of the season with a 3-yard lob to Colston.

NOTES: Steelers DE Brett Keisel left in the third quarter with a triceps injury and did not return. ... Graham was also held without a catch in a Week 7 loss to Detroit. ... Pittsburgh fell to 6-2 after its bye week under coach Mike Tomlin. ... The Saints host Carolina next Sunday while the Steelers travel to Cincinnati.




Saints Defeat Steelers

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Saints Defeat Steelers

PITTSBURGH (AP) - The standings say the New Orleans Saints are in first place. For once, it looked that way on the field too.

Drew Brees peppered the end zone with footballs. The defense harassed Ben Roethlisberger into costly mistakes. Head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan exchanged words on the sideline.

Just another day at work for the volatile NFC South leaders, even Sunday's 35-32 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers upped New Orleans' record to a mediocre 5-7.

"It's not time to reflect," Brees said. "We're full steam ahead. We have four regular season games here that are going to determine our season."

Judging by its best four quarters in a month, New Orleans finally appears ready make a move. Six days and 1,100 miles removed from an ugly home loss to Baltimore, the Saints appeared reborn. Brees threw five touchdowns for the ninth time in his career. Kenny Stills caught five passes for a career-high 162 yards and a score as New Orleans ended a three-game losing streak by restoring a little bit of respectability to the worst division in the league.

The Steelers (7-5) kept New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham in check with no catches, but it hardly mattered. Brees worked Pittsburgh's secondary over anyway. Ben Watson, Marques Colston, Erik Lorig and Nick Toon hauled in touchdowns as New Orleans romped.

"The ball just happened to go other places today," Brees said. "There were great matchups and we were able to make big plays in the passing game, so it was just one of those crazy games where for whatever reason, he didn't get a catch."

Watson, Lorig and Toon hadn't been in the end zone all season. It changed during a 25-minute stretch in which the Saints turned a 6-0 deficit into a 35-16 lead. Signs of life from one of the NFL's most embattled defenses helped. The Saints picked off Roethlisberger twice and Brees converted both miscues into scores.

It hardly mattered that Payton and Ryan had a heated exchange in the third quarter when New Orleans was forced to call time-out because the defense had 12 players on the field. Consider it the cost of doing business.

"That's just me being fired up," Payton said.

There was plenty to get excited about on a day the Saints controlled nearly from start to finish as they ended a three-game losing streak. A couple of cosmetic touchdowns by the Steelers in the final 3 minutes made the score much closer than the reality.

"As long as I've been here, we never lost three games in a row, especially at home, so this was a big win today," linebacker Junior Galette said. "We entered this game professionally and went out there and did the job."

Ben Roethlisberger passed for 435 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions for the Steelers. Le'Veon Bell caught eight passes for a career-high 159 yards and also added 95 yards and a touchdown on the ground, but Pittsburgh was never really in it over the final three quarters.

Pittsburgh opted to focus on Graham, often double-covering one of the NFL's biggest weapons. No biggie. Brees completed 19 of 27 passes to nine different receivers Mark Ingram ran for 122 yards as the Saints effectively counterpunched with touchdowns while the Steelers piled up field goals.

"Offensively, defensive and on special teams, we can play with the best teams in the league," Ingram said. "As long as we don't hurt ourselves, we can win football games."

The passes that Roethlisberger zipped so crisply to open receivers during while throwing for an NFL-record 12 touchdown passes in his last two home starts sailed high and out of reach and occasionally into the arms of New Orleans defenders. Roethlisberger's problems started early and were exacerbated when he smacked his right hand off the helmet of Saints linebacker Curtis Lofton late in the first quarter.

New Orleans defensive end Cameron Jordan tipped a pass by Roethlisberger early in the third quarter and caught it for his first career interception to give the Saints the ball at the Pittsburgh 15. It took Brees two plays to hit Toon for an 11-yard score to make it 21-6. The Steelers responded with a 13-play, 83-yard drive that ended with Bell sprinting around left end for his third score of the year.

Pittsburgh's momentum lasted 2:31, or the time it took New Orleans to go 89 yards. Stills covered the last 69 all by himself, badly beating Pittsburgh cornerback Ike Taylor on a double move. He raced across the goal line to make it 28-16 and Brees completed his best day of the season with a 3-yard lob to Colston.

NOTES: Steelers DE Brett Keisel left in the third quarter with a triceps injury and did not return. ... Graham was also held without a catch in a Week 7 loss to Detroit. ... Pittsburgh fell to 6-2 after its bye week under coach Mike Tomlin. ... The Saints host Carolina next Sunday while the Steelers travel to Cincinnati.



Husband person of interest in wife's stabbing

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Husband person of interest in wife's stabbing

A Marksville woman was found stabbed to death early Sunday evening.

Deputies with the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff Office say 46-year-old Laura J. Williams was found dead in her home around 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

When investigators arrived at her home, located in the 400 block of Starlight Baptist Church Rd. north of Marksville, preliminary reports say Williams was the victim of an apparent stabbing.

Deputies have reason to believe they have a person of interest in the Homicide of Laura Williams, her husband, 48-year-old Dennis Williams.

Dennis Williams is described as a black male, 6'1", 220 lbs, and was last seen wearing a blue button down shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts or coming into contact with Dennis Williams is urged to call the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff's Office at 318-253-4000 or their local Police Department immediately.

 



Acadiana Kickoff Tour: St. Martinville Tigers

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St. Martinville Tigers

2017 Record: 6-4

How it Happened: How much is experience worth to a team? Well for St. Martinville football it turns out quite a lot. The tigers will return nine players from their starting defense last season, with ten returning starters on offense. If consistency breeds results, the purple and gold have a lot to look forward to this season.

One of those returning starters will be Tigers all-district senior quarterback Markavon Williams. Williams has led St. Martinville at quarterback since midway through his sophomore season.

Joining Williams in the experience category will be two-time all-district running back Travien Benjamin, who ran for 1700 yards in 2017 with 22 touchdowns. Benjamin also earned an all-state honorable mention for his play last season.

Both players will join a veteran offensive line that returns all of its starters from a year ago. On defense junior strong safety Bailey Mitchell is one of the few underclassmen able to secure a starting spot on head coach Vincent Derouen’s experience-laden team.

The post Acadiana Kickoff Tour: St. Martinville Tigers appeared first on KATC.com.

Acadiana Kickoff Tour: Cecilia Bulldgos

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Cecilia Bulldogs

2017 Record: 8-5

How it Happened: After a slow start, Cecilia football rattled off 8-straight wins making a run to the state quarterfinals.

No question the Bulldogs lost some very good players off of last year’s district 5 championship team. A team that reached the state quarterfinals in class 4A. But in many areas, the Bulldogs might actually be better in 2018.

Cecilia brings back three members of its 2017 defensive line — including senior defensive end Dellison Allen. Allen earned first team all-district and all-state second team honors last season.

On offense, senior wideout Lance Wlliams will take over Kaleb Carter’s role as the team’s number one receiver.  Williams is described by his coaches as a swiss army knife — able to fill in wherever’s needed. A role many of his teammates will have to fill as well as the Bulldogs have just six returning starters from 2017.

The post Acadiana Kickoff Tour: Cecilia Bulldgos appeared first on KATC.com.

Latest Louisiana news, sports, business and entertainment at 3:20 a.m. CDT

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ALLIGATOR VIOLATIONS

2 cited for alleged alligator violations in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Two men have been cited for alleged alligator violations in Louisiana.

Enforcement agents for the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries say 59-year-old Barry Pedigo, of Pensacola, Florida, and 28-year-old Logan Madere, of Westwego, Louisiana, were cited for possessing an alligator during a closed season.

Agents received information about an alligator being illegally harvested at Burns Point Park in St. Mary Parish. After investigating, agents learned that Pedigo captured an alligator by hand. Pedigo was bit multiple times and was treated at Lafayette General Hospital.

Madere then killed the alligator, which was 4-feet-8 inches (1.2 meters) long.

Illegally harvesting an alligator brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. The men may also face civil restitution totaling about $375 for the replacement value of the alligator.

BLACK LIVES MATTER SUED

Court: Dismissal of cop’s Black Lives Matter lawsuit is just

(Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com)

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A federal appeals court says a Louisiana court rightly dismissed a deputy’s lawsuit accusing Black Lives Matter and several leaders of inciting violence that led to a deadly 2016 attack on law enforcement officers.

The Advocate reports a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans unanimously supported the lower court’s ruling Wednesday. A judge found last year that the lawsuit failed to state a plausible claim for relief.

The suit doesn’t name the officer but its description of the plaintiff matches East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas Tullier, who was critically wounded by 29-year-old Gavin Long. Long killed three law enforcement officers and was later gunned down by authorities.

The attack occurred less than two weeks after a white Baton Rouge officer killed 37-year-old black man Alton Sterling during a struggle.

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WOMAN BURNED

Judge orders distant jurors for retrial in burning case

(Information from: The Commercial Dispatch, http://www.cdispatch.com)

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Jurors in the retrial of a man charged with killing a woman by setting her on fire will come from northeast Mississippi.

The Commercial Dispatch reports Panola County Circuit Judge Gerald Chatham is ordering 300 potential jurors called in Oktibbeha (awk-TIHB’-ee-hah) County.

Jurors would travel to Panola County once selected, where the retrial of Quinton Tellis is supposed to begin Sept. 24. Out-of-county jurors are being used because of wide publicity.

Tellis has pleaded not guilty to capital murder in the death of Jessica Chambers. Jurors from southwest Mississippi’s Pike County couldn’t reach a verdict in October.

Prosecutors say Tellis torched Chambers and her car in 2014. Firefighters found a smoldering Chambers walking near the car.

Tellis is also charged with murder in a 2016 stabbing in Monroe, Louisiana.

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FRATERNITY PLEDGE DEATH-LAWSUIT

Parents of LSU fraternity pledge sue after son’s death

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The parents of a Louisiana State University freshman who died of alcohol intoxication after an alleged fraternity hazing ritual have filed a $25 million federal lawsuit against the university board, the fraternity and several fraternity members.

Stephen and Rae Ann Gruver’s lawsuit on behalf of, Maxwell Gruver, of Roswell, Georgia, was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge. Defendants include Phi Delta Theta fraternity and students already facing criminal charges in the 18-year-old Gruver’s death last September.

The suit claims LSU responds with “deliberate indifference” to allegations of fraternity hazing. It says Phi Delta has a “history of dangerous misconduct.”

LSU declined immediate comment.

Phi Delta Theta declined comment on the suit but, in an online statement, said an ongoing review has resulted in new programs and policies.

ELMER’S ISLAND AIRSTRIP

Airstrip planned at Louisiana wildlife refuge

GRAND ISLE, La. (AP) — Louisiana and a local government plan to open an airstrip on a state wildlife refuge near the state’s only inhabited barrier island.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Grand Isle Independent Levee District signed an agreement Thursday for the levee district to operate Grand Isle Airport at Elmer’s Island.

There used to be a sand airstrip on the 2½-mile-long (4-kilometers) sandy spit.

A news release says Thursday’s agreement calls for developing an aircraft hangar, an aircraft ramp and tie down, fuel tanks, fueling area and an area for a terminal building.

Gov. John Bel Edwards says it will increase public use and recreation at the refuge.

Department Secretary Jack Montoucet says it also will provide his workers easier access to the state fisheries research lab and oyster hatchery on Grand Isle.

LOUISIANA ROADS-GUN DISPUTE

Louisiana bars banks from $600M deal because of gun policies

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana officials have blocked two of the nation’s largest banks from involvement in a $600 million road financing plan because they have policies restricting gun sales by their commercial customers.

In a narrow 7-6 vote, the State Bond Commission refused to allow Citigroup and Bank of America to participate in the interstate highway financing work.

The effort to ban the banking giants from the road deal was led by Attorney General Jeff Landry and Treasurer John Schroder and opposed by Gov. John Bel Edwards’ administration.

Those pushing to exclude Bank of America and Citigroup from the financial work said by enacting firearm restriction policies for their corporate customers, the banks were violating Second Amendment rights.

Opponents said the move exceeded the commission’s authority and would force Louisiana into costly litigation.

AP-US-MAYORAL-CANDIDATE-THREATENED

Police, FBI investigate threat against mayoral candidate

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) — Federal and state authorities are investigating after a black mayoral candidate in Shreveport, Louisiana, said he was threatened with lynching if he didn’t drop out of the race.

Louisiana State Police trooper Glenn Younger told the Shreveport Times on Thursday an investigation was opened after Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson said he received the anonymous threat.

At a news conference, Jackson said an envelope containing the threat inside was left at his home. He showed a piece of paper depicting his face on top of a head in a noose with the word “Rope” below.

Under the image, Jackson was called a racial slur and urged to stop trying to remove a Confederate monument from the grounds of a local courthouse.

Shreveport is about 330 miles northwest of New Orleans.

FLOODING-POWER COSTS

Utility wants lost revenue from 2016 Louisiana flooding

(Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com)

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A major electric utility wants to recover nearly $6 million in revenue lost in the flooding in Louisiana in 2016.

The Advocate of Baton Rouge reported that Entergy has asked Louisiana regulators to allow it to impose a surcharge on the bills of nearly 468,000 customers in 20 parishes even if they never missed a payment.

The surcharge would recover the amounts not collected because of state orders to not shut off the lights or assess late fees on people flooded out of their homes.

More than 20 inches of rain fell over two days starting Aug. 12, 2016. Several rivers and bayous backed water into about 109,000 homes and 6,000 businesses.

The Public Service Commission prevented utilities from disconnecting service for nonpayment because of the flooding.

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Here is the latest Louisiana news from The Associated Press at 1:40 a.m. CDT

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BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Two men have been cited for alleged alligator violations in Louisiana. Enforcement agents for the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries say 59-year-old Barry Pedigo, of Pensacola, Florida, and 28-year-old Logan Madere, of Westwego, Louisiana, were cited for possessing an alligator during a closed season. Agents received information about an alligator being illegally harvested at Burns Point Park in St. Mary Parish.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A federal appeals court says a Louisiana court rightly dismissed a deputy’s lawsuit accusing Black Lives Matter and several leaders of inciting violence that led to a deadly 2016 attack on law enforcement officers. The Advocate reports a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans on Wednesday unanimously supported the lower court’s ruling Wednesday. A judge found last year that the lawsuit failed to state a plausible claim for relief.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Jurors in the retrial of a man charged with killing a woman by setting her on fire will come from a northeast Mississippi county. The Commercial Dispatch reports Panola County Circuit Judge Gerald Chatham is ordering 300 potential jurors to be called in Oktibbeha County, home to Mississippi State University. Jurors would travel to Panola County once selected, where the retrial of Quinton Tellis is supposed to begin Sept. 24.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The parents of a Louisiana State University freshman who died of alcohol intoxication after an alleged fraternity hazing ritual have filed a $25 million federal lawsuit against the university board, the fraternity and several of the fraternity’s members. Stephen and Rae Ann Gruver’s lawsuit on behalf of their son, Maxwell Gruver of Roswell, Georgia, was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge.

The post Here is the latest Louisiana news from The Associated Press at 1:40 a.m. CDT appeared first on KATC.com.

Here is the latest Gulf Coast Conference sports news from The Associated Press

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BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — LSU coach Ed Orgeron enters his second full season needing numerous unproven players to perform well to keep the Tigers competitive in 2018. The biggest questions are on offense, where there will be a new quarterback, a new running back tandem and inexperienced receivers vying for big roles. LSU opens its season against Miami in Dallas on Sept. 2.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — NFL teams keep working to find new ways to keep players cool during the sweltering days of training camp, especially in the wake of the heat-related death of Korey Stringer in 2001 and the death of a Maryland offensive lineman in June. Tennessee debuted cooling benches in Nashville, while the New Orleans Saints combat the muggy heat in Louisiana with a refrigerated trailer. Both the Titans and Saints now can chill out during practice, which is better both for safety and a more effective workout.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama and Nick Saban begin the quest for their sixth national title as college football’s ultimate power couple with many of the same old challenges _ and lots of new faces. The Crimson Tide must replace a bounty of NFL talent, especially on defense. What’s new: six assistant coaches, both coordinators, pretty much the entire secondary and a quarterback battle between Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa that has made national headlines. Alabama opens Sept. 1 against Louisville in Orlando, Florida.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama is planning extensive renovations to Bryant-Denny Stadium and Coleman Coliseum, reducing capacity at both venues but adding premium seating. The university announced the plans Thursday, including a 10-year, $600 million fund-raising campaign.

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — The big question facing Auburn is no longer whether the Tigers can beat rivals Georgia and Alabama. They answered that emphatically last November, wresting the Southeastern Conference Western Division title from the rival Crimson Tide. The next goals are winning an SEC title and January bowl game. Auburn opens Sept. 1 against Washington in Atlanta.

NEW YORK (AP) — WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder says he will challenge Tyson Fury to a fight if Fury beats Francesco Pianeta. Showtime Sports president Stephen Espinoza says the fight is virtually a done deal. The fight could happen in November.

The post Here is the latest Gulf Coast Conference sports news from The Associated Press appeared first on KATC.com.


Here is the latest Louisiana news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

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BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Two men have been cited for alleged alligator violations in Louisiana. Enforcement agents for the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries say 59-year-old Barry Pedigo, of Pensacola, Florida, and 28-year-old Logan Madere, of Westwego, Louisiana, were cited for possessing an alligator during a closed season. Agents received information about an alligator being illegally harvested at Burns Point Park in St. Mary Parish.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A federal appeals court says a Louisiana court rightly dismissed a deputy’s lawsuit accusing Black Lives Matter and several leaders of inciting violence that led to a deadly 2016 attack on law enforcement officers. The Advocate reports a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans on Wednesday unanimously supported the lower court’s ruling Wednesday. A judge found last year that the lawsuit failed to state a plausible claim for relief.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — Jurors in the retrial of a man charged with killing a woman by setting her on fire will come from a northeast Mississippi county. The Commercial Dispatch reports Panola County Circuit Judge Gerald Chatham is ordering 300 potential jurors to be called in Oktibbeha County, home to Mississippi State University. Jurors would travel to Panola County once selected, where the retrial of Quinton Tellis is supposed to begin Sept. 24.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The parents of a Louisiana State University freshman who died of alcohol intoxication after an alleged fraternity hazing ritual have filed a $25 million federal lawsuit against the university board, the fraternity and several of the fraternity’s members. Stephen and Rae Ann Gruver’s lawsuit on behalf of their son, Maxwell Gruver of Roswell, Georgia, was filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge.

The post Here is the latest Louisiana news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT appeared first on KATC.com.

Airstrip planned at Louisiana wildlife refuge

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GRAND ISLE, La. (AP) — Louisiana and a local government plan to open an airstrip on a state wildlife refuge near the state’s only inhabited barrier island.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Grand Isle Independent Levee District signed an agreement Thursday for the levee district to operate Grand Isle Airport at Elmer’s Island.

There used to be a sand airstrip on the 2½-mile-long (4-kilometers) sandy spit.

A news release says Thursday’s agreement calls for developing an aircraft hangar, an aircraft ramp and tie down, fuel tanks, fueling area and an area for a terminal building.

Gov. John Bel Edwards says it will increase public use and recreation at the refuge.

Department Secretary Jack Montoucet says it also will provide his workers easier access to the state fisheries research lab and oyster hatchery on Grand Isle.

The post Airstrip planned at Louisiana wildlife refuge appeared first on KATC.com.

2 cited for alleged alligator violations in Louisiana

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BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Two men have been cited for alleged alligator violations in Louisiana.

Enforcement agents for the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries say 59-year-old Barry Pedigo, of Pensacola, Florida, and 28-year-old Logan Madere, of Westwego, Louisiana, were cited for possessing an alligator during a closed season.

Agents received information about an alligator being illegally harvested at Burns Point Park in St. Mary Parish. After investigating, agents learned that Pedigo captured an alligator by hand. Pedigo was bit multiple times and was treated at Lafayette General Hospital.

Madere then killed the alligator, which was 4-feet-8 inches (1.2 meters) long.

Illegally harvesting an alligator brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. The men may also face civil restitution totaling about $375 for the replacement value of the alligator.

The post 2 cited for alleged alligator violations in Louisiana appeared first on KATC.com.

LDWF agents cite two men for illegal possession of an alligator in St. Mary Parish

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Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited two men for allegedly being in possession an alligator during a closed season.

59-year-old Barry Pedigo of Pensacola, Florida and 28-year-old Logan Madere of Westwego were cited on August 15 in St. Mary Parish.

Agents say that Pedigo captured the 4 foot 8-inch alligator by hand at Burns Point Park in St. Mary. In the process of capturing the animal, agents say Pedigo was bitten several times. The alligator was then allegedly killed by Madere.

Pedigo was taken to Lafayette General Hospital and was treated for moderate injuries, according to agents.

LDWF says that harvesting an alligator during a closed season can bring a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Both Pedigo and Madere could face restitution totaling $375.80 for replacement of the alligator.

The post LDWF agents cite two men for illegal possession of an alligator in St. Mary Parish appeared first on KATC.com.

KATC Investigates: Officer arrested for domestic violence carrying gun despite court order

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A police officer is still on the force tonight and carrying his service weapon despite a court order stemming for a domestic violence case prohibiting him from possessing a firearm.

According to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Resiem Fredericks on July 19 on a domestic violence abuse strangulation charge.  According to court documents obtained by KATC, a district judge held a Gwen’s Law hearing for Fredericks the next day. The judge set Fredericks’ bond at $5,000.  As a condition of that bond, the judge ordered Fredericks not to use or possess firearms.

KATC spoke with Basile police chief Allen Ivory, Jr., who said Fredericks was cleared to return to work.  Ivory also said he was told there was no Gwen’s Law hearing in connection with the case, and that Fredericks is still carrying his service weapon while on duty.

KATC attempted to contact Fredericks’ lawyer, Elbert Guillory, but our call went unanswered.

The post KATC Investigates: Officer arrested for domestic violence carrying gun despite court order appeared first on KATC.com.

Iberia Crime Stoppers asking for help solving homicide

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Iberia Crime Stoppers is asking for any help in identifying the person responsible for a murder on Corrine Street in New Iberia.

Iberia Parish Crime Stoppers says that on June 27th a little after 9:00 pm, deputies heard gunshots in the area of Corrine Street. and Lombard Street in New Iberia.

After investigating the area, the body of Toussaint Johnson was located in the 600 block of Corrine Street. Johnson was shot multiple times for unknown reasons. Deputies immediately began life-saving efforts, but Johnson did not survive his injuries.

Iberia Crime Stoppers is asking for any help in identifying the person responsible for Johnson’s death.

Submit your anonymous tips to www.p3tips.com

The post Iberia Crime Stoppers asking for help solving homicide appeared first on KATC.com.

Priest named in Pennsylvania grand jury report transferred to Lafayette in the 90s

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A former priest whose name was found this week in the extensive Pennsylvania grand jury report on allegations of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests in the state of Pennsylvania was transferred to the Diocese of Lafayette in the 1990s, according to Blue Rolfes, spokeswoman for the Diocese of Lafayette.

Father John Bostwick came to the Diocese of Lafayette in 1992 at the invitation of then-Bishop Harry Flynn after receiving permission from the Diocese of Richmond to minister outside the diocese. At the time, he had been serving in the Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Flynn and  Bostwick had become friends while both were at Mount Saint Mary’s University and Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, Rolfes says.

The Acadia Advocate reports Bostwick received permission after having refused psychological counseling under the recommendation of Bishop Walter Sullivan of the Diocese of Richmond. Bostwick came to Lafayette three years later, the report states.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Harrisburg tells The Advocate the reason Sullivan recommended counseling isn’t clear. He also says he doesn’t know why Bostwick received permission to minister outside Richmond.

In 1996, fours years after Bostwick was transferred to Lafayette, then-Bishop Edward O’Donnell was made aware of a sex abuse allegation against Bostwick that took place in the early 1980s in the Diocese of Harrisburg. (The Advocate reports Bostwick was accused of sexually abusing two teenage boys, one from 1980 to 1982 and the other in the summer of 1987.) At the time, Bostwick was serving as administrator of the Church of the Assumption in Franklin. Upon learning of the allegation, O’Donnell immediately “removed Bostwick from priestly duties in the Diocese of Lafayette and notified parishioners,” according to Rolfes.

O’Donnell is said to have notified Bostwick that he was to return to the Diocese of Richmond to face the allegation. It’s unclear if Bostwick did so.

Despite an invitation from O’Donnell for any other victims to come forward, no complaints against Bostwick were ever made by anyone in the Diocese of Lafayette, Rolfes says.

The Diocese of Lafayette still has not released the names of 15 priests with credible accusations.

Officials with the Harrisburg diocese tell The Advocate Bostwick is still alive, but his whereabouts are unknown.

The post Priest named in Pennsylvania grand jury report transferred to Lafayette in the 90s appeared first on KATC.com.


VPSB assigns committee to Puyau investigation

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The Vermilion Parish School Board has formed a committee to investigate complaints against Superintendent Jerome Puyau. Last week, the board put Puyau on administrative leave pending that investigation.

“Mr. David Dupuis, Mr. Jean, and Kathy– they are going to look into the information, see what’s valid, make sure the people are willing to come forward with the complaint, and put everything together. A hearing officer has been selected; that’s per policy,” Board President Stacy Landry said.

David Dupuis and Jean Broussard are both members of the school board. Kathy Boudreaux is a member of the district’s legal and risk management team. Attorney Ed Abell will serve as a hearing officer if a grievance is filed. The board also voted to have a legal counsel on standby if Puyau sues, or they need extra advice.

“If we would happen to need legal counsel, which a couple of weeks ago we needed a lot, and we didn’t have anybody. Now, we do have Kathy on board. I would like the motion to read if we do need assistance from Hammonds and Seals. It would have to be only our legal counsel or the board president to seek it,” Landry said.

KATC attained a list of complaints read at last week’s special meeting. Among the complaints on the list, Puyau “acts as a CEO and not an instructional leader” and that he is a “micromanager.” Landry said that all formal complaints are due by Friday at 5 p.m.

The board president and members of the new committee declined to comment after the meeting. The superintendent also said he is not ready to comment.

The post VPSB assigns committee to Puyau investigation appeared first on KATC.com.

Woman and pet dog die in Lafayette apartment fire

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UPDATE: A woman and her pet dog died on Thursday after a fire at a Lafayette apartment complex.

A 911 caller reported heavy smoke coming from a unit located at the Bayou Oaks Apartments on Feu Follet Road.

Lafayette firefighters say when they arrived on the scene smoke was billowing out of a downstairs apartment.

According to a spokesperson for the Lafayette Fire Department, firefighters immediately began search and rescue operations while simultaneously extinguishing the fire.

Firefighters found 70-year-old Sandra Alsbrook unconscious inside the home. She received immediate medical care and was taken to the hospital where she later died.

The spokesperson says Alsbrook lived in the apartment with her husband. The couple’s pet dog also died in the fire. Alsbrook’s husband was not home at the time of the fire.

Fire investigators have determined that the fire was started by an unattended pot of grease on the stove. The kitchen received moderate damage. The adjacent apartments sustained light smoke damage.

The fire was brought under control within ten minutes.

The post Woman and pet dog die in Lafayette apartment fire appeared first on KATC.com.

St. Martin Parish working on 7 major drainage projects to mitigate backflooding

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Two years after the historic flood, work continues on seven major projects across Saint Martin Parish.

Back water flooding from the Bayous Vermilion and Teche caused flooding in much of the parish.

Some residents accessible only by boat and parish officials were forced to open floodgates along a canal connecting the bayous to alleviate flooding.

A few months later voter approved a $20 million dollar bond for a full revamp of the parish’s major bayou drainage systems.

Parish leaders are working to get to work done before the next major rain event.

“In 2016 the amount of water that found its way to St. Martin was the equivalent to taking Lake Pontchartrain, and putting it in a big barrel and dumping it in St. Martin Parish one time, then doing it a second time, and then putting half of Lake Pontchartrain in that barrel and dumping it,” said St. Martin Parish President Chester Cedars.

The major problem for St. Martin Parish is not flash flooding but backwater flooding.

“It collects and accumulates as the result of problems that might be not only in your parish but in other parishes and other areas that prevents the free flow and free drainage of water,” explained Cedars.

St. Martinville resident Monica Bridges says backwater flooding has damaged her home four times since August of 2016.

She says she voted for the $20 million dollar bond as a necessity.

“Well, every time it rains I get paranoid because I think we’re gonna get rain in our house again,” said Bridges.

In addition to the bonds the parish is receiving federal and state grants, spending at least $30 million dollars on seven major long term drainage projects.

Two of those projects are awaiting permit approval by the Army Corps of Engineers.

“There’s a great deal of design, a great deal of survey work that has to go into the project. Monumental task, that’s why it takes several years to complete these major drainage projects,” said Cedars.

“It’s very important that they get it done, because not only our home, but there’s a bunch of people in that neighborhood, and I’m pretty sure a lot of people in St. Martin Parish (who) are worried about their homes. And, I’m pretty sure they’re ready to have something done with the drainage,” said Bridges.

The post St. Martin Parish working on 7 major drainage projects to mitigate backflooding appeared first on KATC.com.

Cajundome facing major financial shortfalls

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The Cajundome is operating at a deficit of more than $425,000 this fiscal year.

Since the Dome opened in 1985, its received money almost every year from the city of Lafayette. Now, that money is dwindling.

The Cajundome is owned by UL who has an intergovernmental agreement with Lafayette Consolidated Government in case of budget shortfalls.

With less and less money coming into the Dome, Director Greg Davis is looking for ways to generate more revenue.

Davis said promoters look closely at both Louisiana’s and Lafayette’s economies.

“It’s causing promoters to think that the market is not strong enough for the major touring live entertainment events,” said Davis.

Despite its recent renovation, the Cajundome is not seeing as many events come its way. Without events, there’s no revenue.

“If we don’t get the event activity, if we don’t sell the tickets and get people in the building, then we don’t have the opportunity to make the money and we don’t make budget,” Davis said.

The Dome self-generates nearly 95% of its budget. Public records obtained by KATC going back the last five years show the Dome has consistently operated at a loss.

When there is a shortfall, LCG has an agreement to subsidize the budget.

“In the agreement, the City of Lafayette has agreed to subsidize the Cajundome up to $500,000 of operating subsidizes to help cover the operating deficit,” said Davis.

Since the Dome opened in 1985, the city has subsidized the Dome by nearly $12 million. The $500,000 the Dome is supposed to receive has been cut. In recent years, the city has given the Dome $396,000. That amount will drop to $372,000 next fiscal year.

“As a result, we are having to downsize the operation,” Davis said. “We have eliminated about eight positions from the operations of the Cajundome. As we go into next fiscal year, we will be able to recover from the operating deficit we’re facing this fiscal year.”

Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux said one of his goals is for the Cajundome to become self-sustained.

“We’re happy to provide funding when we can,” said Robideaux. “I think most folks know the parish is limited on what resources we can provide. The city is still providing the supplement. It is my intention to keep that going.”

Robideaux believes the internal management of the Dome can focus on how to bring in more revenue, but if the Cajundome Commission feels otherwise, he’s open to exploring options.

“If bringing in an outside agency to manage the facility is something that would help make it self-sufficient, certainly, we should have that conversation,” Robideaux said.

Davis is optimistic the Dome will “make it out of this.”

As reported, Davis is set to retire in October. Long-time Cajundome employee Pam DeVille is set to take over as interim director.

The post Cajundome facing major financial shortfalls appeared first on KATC.com.

The 68th annual Delcambre Shrimp Festival continues tonight

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The 68th annual Delcambre Shrimp Festival continues tonight in the Town of Delcambre.

The festival officially kicked off on Wednesday, August 15 and will continue its five days of fun until Sunday, August 19.

KATC’s Dave Baker was LIVE in Delcambre with more details on the festival and all things shrimp.

On Friday, the concessions and street fair open at 6:30 pm. Ride bracelets are on sale for $25.

Live music will be provided by Ole Whiskey Revival, Dustin Sonnier, and Josh Ward.

Admission to the festival is $10.

The Festival will continue on Saturday morning with the All day Fais-do-do and the Shrimp Cook-off beginning at 9:00 am. The day’s events include Fireman water fights, fair rides and music provided by Krossfyre, Leroy Thomas, Jaryd Lane & The Parish with Allie Colleen, and Tracy Byrd.

For a list of events for Friday, Saturday and Sunday visit shrimpfestival.net

The post The 68th annual Delcambre Shrimp Festival continues tonight appeared first on KATC.com.

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