News for Friday 100413
By Dave Graichen
The state is preparing for whatever Tropical Storm Karen may bring our way. State Climatologist Barry Keim says warm sea surface temperatures are feeding Karen's intensity, but other weather factors are working to diminish it. The National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service predict Karen will become a hurricane later today, but will likely lose strength before coming ashore, somewhere between Plaquemines Parish and the Florida panhandle. Keim advises southeast Louisiana be prepared for a Category One hurricane.
The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is keeping a close eye on this storm. GOHSEP Director Kevin Davis is encouraging you to listen to advisories as we head into the weekend and check your emergency supplies and review your emergency plans.
You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new ALERT FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the new Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other important information at www.getagameplan.org.
The early voting period for the October 19th election begins tomorrow morning. Early voting will go from tomorrow until Saturday October 12th, from 8:30 AM to Six PM, excluding Sunday. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says citizens who want to vote early, may do so in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. Voters in 49 parishes have various items from tax propositions that are on the ballot for the October 19th election. The biggest item is the 5th Congressional district election, which impacts 24 parishes in the state.
The Wildest Show in the South is back as the Angola Prison Rodeo kicks off this weekend. Cathy Fontenot is the assistant warden of programming at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. She says this is
probably the most unusual and unique event you might ever attend. Fontenot says people from all over the world come to Angola to catch one of the October Sunday rodeos and enjoy music from inmate bands and the famous offender-made arts and crafts. She says tickets for this Sunday's rodeo are almost sold out and they expect over 13,000 people to attend.
The state Department of Revenue is reaching out to delinquent taxpayers to remind them there's a tax amnesty going on. From now 'til November 23rd, those behind on state taxes can get caught up, with no penalty fees and pay only half the accrued interest. LDR executive counsel Jason Decuir says the goal is to collect $200-million by then. He cannot say how much they've brought in so far..:
One of the most famous houses in Louisiana is hitting the auction block. The Cook-Taylor House aka the "Steel Magnolia House" in Natchitoches is being sold to the highest bidder on October 26th. Auctioneer Barbara Bonnette says owner Christina Landry has been operating the house as a bed and breakfast.
Tenth ranked LSU will look for a bounce back performance tomorrow night against the Mississippi State Bulldogs. LSU has won 13 straight over the Bulldogs. 1999 was the last time State beat the Tigers and that was in Starkville. The Bulldogs home stadium seats 55-thousand, but it gets loud with all of those Cowbells.