Shreveport Bossier News, first from Karen Hopkins

Shreveport historical buildings bulldozed for parking lots.

2010-03-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

Shreveport's skyline attracts visitors and big time movie business, but what you see could slowly disappear. People are bulldozing historical buildings downtown, one after the other. No law protects these treasures from the past. Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins discovered a group is fighting back to preserve Shreveport history.

You may remember the old Nanking building. It was about 100 years old. Now it’s gone. A parking lot has replaced it. About a dozen old buildings have been torn down in recent years. These two structures on Milam Street across from the courthouse could go next. The facades people gaze at from the Robinson film center---also at risk of demolition. “I hate to go downtown and see block after block where there was once six buildings and now there are two. The thing to remember is you cannot rebuild history," Neil Johnson of Shreveport Historic Preservation society.

History is not always protected by law in Shreveport. Owners have the right to demolish their property.
Many can't afford to renovate and putting in a parking lot is profitable. “Many people don't come downtown, and don't notice we've got a brand new vacant lot here. A parking lot. "21:35 i just see shreveport's heritage disappearing," Conway Link, Vice President of Shreveport Historic Preservation Society says.

“One of the reasons the film and production business is so prominent in Shreveport these days is because we have this inventory of interesting looking buildings that make good sets,” Don Shea, Executive Director Downtown Development Authority says.

“I saw my downtown deteriorating and wanted to do something about it," Sarah Wilkerson President of Shreveport Historic Preservation Society says.

People are taking action. The historic district committee will start a commission to watch over Shreveport’s treasured buildings. The plan will add tax incentives for people to invest and establish a law to delay demolitions.

“A whole line of buildings that each has a 100 years in this town gives that whole block a spirit,” Johnson says.

Economy hurts home that cares for sick children, families

2010-03-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

Imagine having a sick child, and dealing with thousands in medical bills at the same time.
As the health care debate rages on in Washington, people in Shreveport are taking action, helping children with cystic fibrosis.

A fundraiser at the fairgrounds today will benefit the Hilman House. The center helps families afford lifesaving treatment.

The Hilman House relies on donations to support cystic fibrosis patients, but tough times have money tight and people fighting to keep services. Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with a mother who says the home keeps her child alive.

Meet 3-year-old Kolten. While he looks like any happy kid, he suffers from an incurable, genetic disease.
Cystic fibrosis causes his tiny body to make thick mucus that could keep him from breathing.
“You just want to give him the best childhood, when he's sick and constantly in the hospital having blood drawn. Like most children, he's always got a smile on his face even when he's in the hospital," mom Rebecca Simms says.

The Simms family drives from the Ruston area to visit doctors in Shreveport every month.
Everyone stays at the Hilman House. It's a homelike place for CF patients and their families to live and eat for free, while undergoing treatment in Shreveport.

Families like the Simms, also get help from the center with bills not covered by health insurance.
On average, cystic fibrosis patients pay $10,000 to $250,000 a year in medical costs. “If we didn't have places like the Hilman House, you'd have to pay a hotel. Some people don't have the money. We'd have to miss a doctor’s appointment because we can't afford to come," dad Steven Simms says. “It has kept him alive. “I've got my home away from home. We could go there refresh, take baths, eat, anything we needed," Rebecca Simms says.

About 200 volunteers, like Scott Boswell, help run the Hilman house. The center relies solely on donations. Boswell says the economy has corporate giving down. They're organizing more fundraisers to keep help here. “I've been fortunate to do things in my life to help, help out." Boswell says your support could gives kids like Kolten a chance.

Anyone can donate or volunteer at the Hilman House. Visit its website for how to help.
http://www.hilmanhouse.org/WaysToHelp.htm

Banning Energy Drinks for Kids

2010-03-21T16:36:00.001-07:00

Children are gulping down energy drinks, to manage demanding schedules: like school, sports and homework. But doctors say, each sip brings dangerous health risks. Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins joins us now live in the studio to tell us about, an effort to keep the "high caffeine cans" out of the hands of kids.

This energy drink has three times the amount of caffeine than this can of soda. Your kid has the right to buy this without you even knowing it but that could change.

With names like Crunk, Rip It and Monster, kids are drinking them to get high on caffeine. They're doing it, to get a boost at school or on the court. “It makes you more powerful, have more energy.”

If you read the label, there's two main ingredients sugar and caffeine. One serving has double the kick of coffee. Pediatrician Neera Chhabra says that’s a lot, especially for a kid. “It’s more detrimental to children because their systems are more sensitive. Caffeine does effect the absorption of calcium which could decrease bone mass at a time when they are growing and trying to deposit calcium into their bones. Children may replace caffeine drinks for milk so they don't get the calcium they need in addition to loosing it."

Too much caffeine can make children irritable, cause anxiety and insomnia. Drinking while playing sports can lead to severe dehydration. Chhabra says Australian researchers found even more risks. “They have gone as far as saying it could affect the growing brain. The brain is growing until at least 16.”

For children under 16, Louisiana State Sen. Robert Adley wants to ban the sale of energy drinks. The bill would make it illegal for storeowners, like Ronnie Toney, to knowingly allow kids to buy the beverages. “If they make it illegal for me to sell it to kids, kids are going to come in to try to buy it. When I sell it, they will try to write me a ticket." That ticket, could cost him up to $500 under the proposed legislation.

In 2008, Kentucky, Maine and Michigan tried to ban energy drinks for kids. None of the bills passed. Other countries have been more successful. The French government banned Red Bull after the death of an 18-year-old athlete who drank four cans at a game. Denmark and Norway have also outlawed Red Bull.

Energy drinks became popular in Asia long before they reached the US. Japan began making the beverages in 1962. The first drink to reach the US was "jolt cola" in the 1980s. Then Red Bull hit the shelves in the US in 1997.

Pastor speaks about church controversy.

2010-03-18T19:18:00.001-07:00

When people tithe at their church, they trust it's in the right hands. However, for nearly two years, there's been controversy over money at one Shreveport’s most beloved and historic churches.

The pastor of Little Union Baptist Church, C.E. McLain is speaking out only on Nbc 6 news, hoping to set the record straight. Reporter Karen Hopkins did some investigating and sat down with McLain.
Karen what did he tell you?

Pastor McLain says people are envious of the power of the pastor. A former church member argues he just wanted to see the financial records. The drama came down to a vote. Should McLain stay as pastor?

“You are saddened to see this because it was so unnecessary but you also know people feed on this drama,” McLain says. “You have friends against friends, family members against family members; everybody chooses sides and nobody really wins,” former church member Carl Pierson says.

The battle at Little Union Baptist Church in Shreveport started nearly two years ago.
Former church member Carl Pierson says a group became suspicious after some bills were not paid on time. “We never missed a bill,” McLain says.

Pierson wasn't convinced. He and ten others wrote a petition asking for financial records.
State law gives church members the right to view them. McLain says he was caught in the middle.
“I was told by members who didn't want their records exposed that they would sue if I gave the records. I don't want anyone seeing what I contribute or I would be so embarrassed pastor.”

“I think that was a way to make excuses for not giving us the records,” Pierson says. A Caddo parish judge ordered McLain to hand over the information. McLain says the church could not find all documents dating back to 2000. Next the judge called for an election.Church members would decide if McLain stays.
An outside court appointed panel counted the votes. McLain came out on top. “Now that it’s over how do you feel? Relieved. There is no sense of joy and happiness because the church has been fractured and divided under my watch,” McLain says. “I think the good Lord spoke and he said that enough was enough and he wanted Rev. McLain to remain there, and we're through with it, it's over,” Pierson says.

But anyone. At any church can take note. “The church is also a business people pay into it,” Pierson says. “The congregation needs to be kept abreast more than maybe she wants to know,” McLain says.

Little Union formed more than a century ago in 1892, and played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke there in 1962.

Veterans take shot at Hollywood.

2010-03-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Veterans are coming home from war and ending up unemployed in a tough economy.
Some are taking a shot at another action packed career, Hollywood. Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins found how the film industry is putting American heroes in the spotlight.

“The whole time I was gone that's what I thought about. I love my wife. My son was my buddy and that's all that was on my mind when they took me was I may not see my son again.” Paul Murray says he was kidnapped by Iraqi soldiers during desert storm. He was a prisoner of war for a couple days before escaping. Coming home wasn't easy. “It takes some adjusting. It took me a good two years to adjust back to being in a civilian mode.”

Many military people have trouble transitioning, especially into the workforce. The national unemployment rate last year for young Iraq and Afghanistan veterans hit 21.1 percent. “It's depressing; you fall into a slump trying to find work in what you've trained for and not being able to do that you stare at the walls a lot. Their training in weapons, tactics there's not many careers that you can really come back to.” Former police officer Dave Valle knows how hard it is. An injury took him off the job. “Becoming disabled, I found my way into the film industry.

He partnered with Murray who owns a local shooting range. The pair started Tac One Ops 6 months ago.
The nonprofit helps people with law enforcement and military training use those skills on the big screen. 18 people in Shreveport have signed up. The latest role--playing extra officers in Nick Cage's new movie, Drive Angry. “So the vets that really enjoy military service, there's a way to use that knowledge and training. If you're on a set and simulating a battle that happened they’re getting to do what they're trained to do and what they like doing.”

Veterans can advise movie makers how to handle explosives. Others are trained to make blank bullets and teach actors how to shoot them safely. Even shooting blanks can cause a lot of damage.

Valle says vets can make up to $300 a day on set. While the business in Shreveport has been busy,
it’s not always steady. “I hope it keeps going.” So does the community. Murray says a Shreveport veteran who owns a uniform company donated thousands of officer outfits to keep Tac One in action.

The group has other vets signed up to be body guards for the stars of Twilight when they visit New Orleans. Anyone with law enforcement background can get involved with Tac One.
Visit the website for more information:
http://www.taconeops.com/

Facebook could help fix flooding.

2010-03-15T19:45:00.001-07:00

No one wants to wake up to water rushing inside their home. Internet technology could help solve some flooding problems here in the Arklatex. Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins discovered how Facebook's playing a role to prevent devastating disasters.

Imagine walking home to this, water damage. Susan Thomas is one of many Shreveport homeowners who have dealt with flooding. For years the city, parish, levee board and LSU have researched the problem separately. Now all are coming together, forming the Caddo Parish Stormwater Partnership.
“We're trying to work outside the box.” It starts online. Caddo parish commissioner Matthew Linn says social networking will help the group come up with plan to eliminate flooding for the next century. “Principally the citizens who have suffered from flooding can look at everything we've done and put their two bits in."

Once the Facebook site is ready, anyone can report water troubles. Red River Watershed researchers will compare the data to previous records. “If some homeowner documents minute by minute, hour by hour flooding in their neighborhood, that could provide data not available without their help." Red River Watershed assistant, Amanda Lewis says.

After all information is organized, engineering students will find ways to fix flooding in Caddo parish.
Linn says the University of Iowa designs solutions for the entire Mississippi flood plain. The planning is a senior project, at no cost to taxpayers. “If they're qualified to do the Mississippi flood basin, they're qualified to do bayou Pierre. Those are the people we'll be looking for to help us with these issues," Linn says.

Help means a lot to people like Thomas. She's dealt with two floods in two years.

The plan is gaining speed. The levee board has already endorsed it, the Caddo commission will vote on Thursday. The Facebook page could launch within a month.

High school coach faces charges of touching girls.

2010-03-03T19:10:00.001-08:00

A high school coach accused of having sexual relations with underage girls, is facing a Caddo parish judge. Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins listened to a woman testify that the coach seduced her inside a school office.

“I can't explain to you the feeling that comes over my body whenever I hear something that's not true about him, because I know him.” Bree Helmick played on Greg Frazier's softball team at Shreveport’s Southwood High school. The coach was arrested three years ago, charged with sexually touching underage girls. If convicted, he could spend up to 15 years behind bars.

“The allegations are Mr. Frazier has molested multiple girls, but it’s up to the jury to determine if any of that is true,” Assistant District Attorney Hugo Holland says.

Frazier’s ex wife testified she was a sophomore cheerleader at Parkway High school in the 1980s, when she caught his eye. She says what started as flirting, kissing and touching at school lead to much more. She told the judge, she had sex with coach Frazier on the high school football field when she was just 15 years old.
“I feel as strongly about this as any other case, where the state believes that children have been molested,” Holland says.

Helmick is standing behind her coach. “It makes me very mad because I played for him. He is an amazing coach, guy. He has never done anything inappropriate or touched me.”

Frazier's ex wife said in court, she divorced him after discovering he was having sex with another high school girl. Frazier denies having any inappropriate relations with underage students.

Frazier's trial could last for a few more days. Holland says the coach could face more charges for having sexual relations with underage students.

Plan to save GM jobs.

2010-02-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

The drive to save hundreds of Shreveport General Motors jobs is speeding up.

Wednesday the automaker announced the Hummer brand sale to a Chinese company failed. Workers hoped the deal would keep our facility open longer. GM says Shreveport’s plant could close in the coming months.

Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins joins us live in the studio, with more on a plan to not only save jobs, but boost our local economy as well.

There's a lot we can do with the plant if GM leaves. Leaders say some creative options could keep work for hundreds of families here in Shreveport.

“I got to go where life says I got to go." General Motors worker Jo Gates knows the end of the line is near. The Hummer sale to a Chinese company failed. Demand for Shreveport’s other brands, the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado, is down. GM says the plant will close no later than June 2012. “June 2012 will come quickly."

Leaders are preparing. This morning, Caddo parish attorney Charles Grubb participated in a conference call held by the Louisiana secretary of economic development. Grubb says state leaders are strategizing ways to keep jobs in Shreveport after GM pulls out. “The bottom line is we are all optimistic that other uses will be found for this plant."

The plant is owned by Motors Liquidation, after the automaker filed bankruptcy. Grubb says the liquidation company has a government obligation, to help find a new tenant. “Whatever we need to do to get other uses for plant."

The uses range from any manufacturing, not just auto.
Grubb says one large company could use the facility or several businesses. “That plant has a lot of things going for it." Like location, it's close to rail access, and interstate highways.
The parish says it could even offer tax incentives to lure business
And save jobs; about 970 people work at the plant, according to
United auto workers president Doug Ebey. “It's going to affect their families. Neighborhoods, you'll see signs going up for sale. People's houses and property values will go down."

Gates say she's already leaving Shreveport, to transfer to an Indiana plant. “I want to stay with GM."

Not just GM employees are affected. About 450 people work for six local auto industry suppliers. 30 percent of their business was with Hummer. The Shreveport supplier union president says no word on any layoffs yet.

General Motors has a long history in Shreveport. Back in 1970 Caddo parish donated the land where the plant was built. Then twenty years later in 1990, the parish donated more land for the plant's expansion, and 7 years ago, in 2003, Shreveport GM started building hummer.

GM Hummer Deal Fails, Shreveport workers react

2010-02-24T16:08:00.001-08:00

General Motors’ attempt to sell its Hummer brand to a Chinese "heavy equipment maker" fell through. GM and the Chinese company, ended talks today after it failed to get final approval from the Chinese government.

Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins joins us live with how this will affect hundreds of workers in Shreveport.

Shreveport's United Auto Workers president Doug Ebey says a number of GM workers could get laid off in the coming weeks, but not due to the Hummer deal falling through.

Instead, because demand for Shreveport’s other brands, the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado is down. Shreveport already stopped making Hummer in January.
About 970 people work at our plant.

GM told Nbc 6 its figuring out on a plan for workforce reduction. Ebey says he’s not sure how many people could lose their jobs or even when. "We've been trying to put pressure on GM and Detroit to tell us something, give us something definite to tell our people because people's lives are at stake here," Ebey says.

“We're somber anytime a place closes your heart goes out to family friends,” GM worker Jo Gates says.

Ebey says Shreveport workers can apply to transfer to other GM plants that are increasing production.

GM says it has no plans to bring a new brand to Shreveport. The company told Nbc 6 Shreveport’s plant is scheduled to close no later than June 2012.

More women suit up as police.

2010-02-22T15:46:00.001-08:00

Shreveport police is training 22 new officers. Chief Henry Whitehorn addressed the new recruits today.
The academy will last until June. These officers will undergo rigorous training, from sharp shooting to physical fitness.

The job of policing the streets can be strenuous and dangerous. Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins discovered more women are "taking that risk" to keep you safe.

The guns, danger and action: policing the streets was once seen as a male-dominated profession.
Now, when you call for help, there's a good chance a woman will come to your rescue. Sgt. Laura Sorrells is one of 98 lady officers for the Shreveport police department. She joined 17 years ago. She says more women are suiting up these days. “The economy has a role to play, but with the new era of females coming out the mindset is different."

Shreveport has highest percentage of female officers in the Arklatex.
18 percent of SPD cops are women. More than double the percentage of Texarkana Texas (7%) and Bossier City (6%), even higher than Dallas (16%).

Some women who ride in these cars, don't stick with the job. Since 2007, 33 percent of women SPD hired have left, for many reasons. “The mother instinct: a lot of them might be mothers and they see crimes against children It's hard to get rid of the nightmares," Sorrells says.

Women can do any job on the police force. Physical fitness requirements are determined by age and gender. “I know others are larger. I can definitely hold my own. You have to use your brain. It's not just physical strength," new recruit Heather Boucher says. “You just have to prepare yourself to come in like everyone else and get the job done," new recruit Tiffany Reynolds says.

Heather Boucher and Tiffany Reynolds are the two newest recruits. Spd's history of female officers started in 1977. Assistant chief of police Cheryl Jeter holds the second highest rank in the department. She joined in 1981. “The ones who came before me set the precedent," Sorrells says--that anyone can rise to the top, regardless of race or gender.

Spd says it’s looking for more qualified applications to sign up. The next Shreveport police academy starts in July. You can apply now. The deadline is March 8th. Visit the department at 1234 Texas Ave, Shreveport to pick up an application.

Doctors click iphones to diagnose patients

2010-02-18T19:41:00.001-08:00

Cell phones are being used for more than just talking.
Doctors are now using iPhones to help diagnose patients. But is the practice safe?
Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins found why doctors say this technology can improve your medical care.

When you walk in to see your doctor, don't be offended if he pulls out a cell phone. Apple reports 70 percent of doctors use iPhones. The handheld is part of your treatment, with more than 1,500 medical applications. “It's really good to look on there. I'm a new patient and if he's not familiar with me he can look in just one second," Red River parish resident Jack Huckabee says.

With just a click, Dr. Steen Trawick checks drug interactions, making sure the medicine he prescribes won't harm the patient. “We've always had information in books to cross check but that would take forever."
If you call your doctor in pain, Trawick says some physicians can access your medical history right away, in their pocket. “I can click patient on the phone and pull of a lab chest x-ray." If a phone gets into the wrong hands, Trawick says patients’ personal information is always protected by password.

“I think the reason this has exploded in the last few years is because the iPhone has become a ubiquitous tool." Dr. Mark Platt speaks at national Apple conventions about how doctors incorporate iPhones.

As the Asst. Dean of Students at LSU medical school in Shreveport, he's bringing the technology to the classroom, with interactive anatomy diagrams and video lectures.

Lsu physician assistant student Shannon Spaw uses her handheld as a reference to diagnose patients.
She compares healthy and abnormal images. “Having a reference to bring graphical images and written text to be sure of their decision is clearly going to save lives,” Platt says.

Platt says Lsu medical school in Shreveport is researching new iphone applications to incorporate into the curriculum for medical students next fall.

Animals end up in crowded cages.

2010-02-17T19:20:00.001-08:00

Animals without a home are ending up in crowded cages. A local parish shelter says the overcrowding is putting helpless puppies at risk of infection and disease. Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins found action to improve conditions and what you can do to help.

This dog is too violent to share a cage. The majority of stray puppies live huddled together in one kennel. The Caddo parish animal shelter is about 20 years old. An outdated ventilation system leaves germs in the air, this puppy could breathe in helplessly. “It's our job to provide a voice for those who can't speak for themselves."

Director Matthew Pepper says while the shelter meets all state sanitation requirements, that's not good enough. Disease spreads easily through close contact, "hacking cough, running nose, discharge in eyes."

Giving each animal more space isn't an option. The Caddo parish animal shelter stays more than full-- at 200 percent capacity. “We have a capacity issue. We are looking seriously at. We will have to make decisions in the near future on how we will address that issue."

Caddo administrator Woody Wilson says the animal control budget has no money to expand.
May 1st. people can vote on a $25 million bond issue for parish wide improvements. If the bond is approved, the commission could dedicate money for a new shelter. “We are listening to what the community is saying. We have a lot of animal activists groups."

Pepper says the staff is doing everything to give these animals hope.
In the past two years, adoptions have increased 64 percent and euthanasia has dropped 15 percent.
"They are living creatures. We have an obligation to protect them."

Investing in a new shelter, Pepper says, will give more animals a chance at a healthy life and an opportunity to become someone's best friend.

Anyone can adopt a new animal friend. The shelter keeps on average, about 200 pets.
Nbc 6 looked into the costs of building a new shelter. The figure reaches the millions.
Desoto parish is building one for $3 million. Memphis, Tennessee is spending $9 million.

If adopting a pet is something you decide to do, there's a non-profit group that can help you spay and neuter your animal at a low cost. Robinson's Rescue in Shreveport wants to reduce or eliminate euthanasia. The group would like the parish to build a new animal shelter and have the rescue located next door. That way people could adopt and neuter in one location.

Shreveport General Motors plant loses work.

2010-02-16T20:11:00.001-08:00

Shreveport's General Motors plant will shut down for an extra two weeks. The plant manager, Michael Dulaney, tells Nbc 6 the reason is because demand for the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon is down.

The two additional weeks are for May 3rd and May 10th. Workers will receive supplemental pay during the shutdown.

"We understand the plant is struggling and has to do what it can to catch up with inventory," GM worker James Ford says.

"I didn't think about it because I've been here long enough to know that could change," GM worker Shirley Hunter says.

Dulaney says if more people start buying Shreveport made trucks the plant could increase production.

Parish turns away 100 jobs over community concerns

2010-02-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

“I'm upset we turned away 100 jobs and I don't understand it," Caddo commission president John Escude says. Outrage is brewing over a decision to pass up economic development at a time when many people are searching for work. A trucking company wanted to drive in business. But Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with people who say the deal was too dangerous.

“Someone could fall asleep at the wheel and come barreling through here." Gaysha Triggs doesn’t want a major trucking company down the street from her son's daycare. She says the road's too narrow for semis. One accident could cost lives. “We have accidents there all the time. We don't know what material they would bring in, whether it's explosive."

Quality Transport moves cement and liquid petroleum. The Baton Rouge company wanted to buy 35 acres off Woolworth road in Caddo parish. The expansion would bring a hundred jobs, in trucking, mechanic and administrate positions.

"Of course I want jobs, but this is not the place for them." Caddo parish commissioner Ken Epperson introduced a plan to block any industrial company from building on the site, near daycares and churches.
The commission approved the ordinance in a close vote. “The parish itself is in good fiscal shape, but that doesn't mean our citizens are. People are out there hurting, struggling, having hard times,” Escude says.

“I'm not going to put a business where it's incompatible for the residents. There's no way I will do that."
Instead, Epperson says he'll work to turn the site into a park, giving these children a safe place to play, while attracting families to live and pay property taxes here.

The trucking company will not be able to build at another Caddo location. Leaders say the parish doesn’t have another site big enough for sale.

Historic Snow Storm

2010-02-15T22:33:00.001-08:00

Shreveport gets most snow in about ten years!

State cuts medical services for veterans.

2010-02-15T20:48:00.001-08:00

The people, who put their lives on the line for the safety of our country, are losing medical services because of Louisiana state budget cuts. But a battle is brewing to keep the care our veterans say they so desperately need.

Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with people outraged over putting a price on our veterans' lives.

“How can you put money over lives?" Nikki Hayward says state budget cuts could put her best friend's life at risk. Ruth stone is one of 147 residents at the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans home.
She served 21 years active duty army. After suffering a double stroke, she has no voice.
“That could be me in there, and then I’d be looking to someone else to talk for me."

Louisiana faces nearly a billion dollar budget shortfall.
A state streamlining committee looked at the efficiency of all agencies and made recommendations on cuts. In response, the Department of Veterans Affairs eliminated in house pharmacies and nurse practitioners in the state's 5 veteran homes to save $1.5 million. “The family members are concerned of all the changes, the pharmacy is a big issue,” Northwest Louisiana War Veterans home administrator Byron Hines says.

The pharmacy closed last week. The shelves are already empty. If veterans need emergency medication, they'll have to order from a local pharmacy at a high price. “For Ruth it's not too bad, but for others it could be devastating. They might not have the money."

The home will lay off its only nurse practitioner Friday. Thirty-three nurses will remain, but
the practitioner has more training and can diagnose problems before it’s too late. “If it's eroded with budget cuts, who is going to look out for her? I can't."

Caddo parish commissioner Ken Epperson wants to send a resolution to the governor and legislators opposing the cuts. The budget isn't final. Lawmakers could restore funding. “Veterans should be the last ones to cut. We can find some other means instead of cutting services for our veterans."

Hayward says these veterans have already given up a lot and shouldn't have to sacrifice more.
“Lord knows there's enough people in here who have lost limbs."

The Northwest Louisiana War Veterans home opened in April of 2007. The nursing home has 156 beds. Veterans pay about $16,644 a month to stay.

Hayward writes:
"Wow what a great job you did on the editing, and the filming, and everything!!! Thank you, thank you for Ruth, thank you for all the patients, all the staff, all the patients' families, and for all those vets who may end up in this facility in the future!!! Fantastic job by Karen and Shane, AND Michelle!!

Bollywood Film Festival at Robinson

2010-02-11T07:31:00.000-08:00

The Louisiana Bollywood Film Festival kicks off this Saturday at the Robinson Film
Center.

The two week event will feature Indian movies...

Saturday night I went to the kickoff party with friends and my family who came from Cincinnati to visit. We danced to Indian music and met wonderful people! Many women wore beautiful saris, in turquoise, red, purple. I enjoyed the cultural experience in Shreveport!...so did my cousin and uncle!

If you haven't visited the Robinson, you're missing out. We're lucky to have such a neat center in Shreveport.

http://www.robinsonfilmcenter.org/

The Louisiana Bollywood Film Festival will be held at The Robinson Film Center February 13-February 21. Film selections for the festival range from the biggest hit in the history of the Indian film industry (1975's Sholay) to more recent films like A Wednesday!, Water, and The Namesake. The festival will also feature an opening night reception on Saturday, February 13 at 7:00 PM. The opening night reception will include authentic Indian cuisine, Bollywood music provided by DJ Abid Nazeer, and clips from the festival films. Dress is evening casual or Indian attire. Reception tickets are $50 each and are now on-sale at The Robinson Film Center or by calling (318) 797-5179 (credit card only if ordering by phone).

For a full listing of film programs and showtimes, click the "Showtimes" tab below. Normal Robinson Film Center ticket prices apply.

Most energy efficient building in the South, coming to Shreveport

2010-02-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

An Arklatex city is developing the most energy efficient building in the south. Architects say the masterpiece will attract thousands of visitors, boosting the local economy.

In tonight’s Arklatex Green Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins discovered how the green building could renew a community.

Shattered glass, it looks like an abandoned high rise without much hope. Bobby Walker passes it every day. “I have no idea what the city plans to do with this building.”

A major transformation. The building will become the greenest, most energy efficient, in the entire south.

It will house the Community Renewal training center. People from around the world will stay there, and learn strategies to improve communities by reducing crime and poverty. “People from all over the world will come here to see what's been done in Shreveport."

Lead architect Kim Mitchell says the makeover will cost $70 million.
Tax credits could cover $54 million, the rest of the funding comes through donations. Mitchell says construction could start within a year. “It's Shreveport growing its own corporate head quarters for a new industry."

The hybrid green building will use a combo of solar, geothermal, and wind. The power generated will lower its energy bill 60 percent. “Community Renewal is about renewing the community, which means being sustainable."

A filtration system will recycle all water used for showers and even hand washing.
The building will collect rain to water plants. And on the roof, a garden will grow food and teach urban agriculture. “I think you have to set an example for everybody and Shreveport is taking the initiative. Maybe other little cities in Louisiana could do the same thing," Walker says.

Mitchell says the green investment will benefit, everyday people like walker, by attracting thousands to spend time and money in Shreveport.

The petroleum company donated the tower to Shreveport. The city had to remove asbestos first, about a year ago.

"Art a la Carte" visit Artspace!

2010-02-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

Neat exhibit at Artspace. You can check out "Art a la Carte" until March 6th.
The show features what regular people can do, creatively, away from their usual jobs and home-life and volunteer duties -- "off the menu," so to say.
Shreveport, renowned artist Bill Joyce, juried the show.

Also..on the same floor with us at Artspace, there's a marvelous tribute to overcoming the Depression. Lucienne Simon got it together, and she called it "Harbingers of Hope in Hard Times."

I enjoy visiting art shows. It helps keep life in perspective and can challenge you to look at the world in a different perspective. Go support artspace! Do something different. Reach outside your box! -Karen

Bossier to open multi-million dollar fire station.

2010-02-09T14:42:00.001-08:00

The Bossier City riverfront attracts thousands each day to casinos and the boardwalk. Now the city, struggling with a major budget shortfall, is investing millions to keep you safe. Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins joins us live from the new Bossier City fire station.

The station is high tech, and take the largest in Bossier City. It’s a huge improvement from the old station. The fire chief says it could save lives.

Fire driver Matt Lauterbach rushes to help people in need. He knows firsthand, the trauma of a family emergency. “I lost my mom when I was 22. This is the same fire department that worked on her. After I saw what these guys did, I said I got to be part of this force."

He now works at the busiest station in Bossier City. Built in 1957, it's nearly 60 years old. Times have changed. The station answered 300 more calls last year, compared to ten years ago. "We make a lot of responses to the casinos you've got thousands of people each week in there."

To keep up, Bossier City will replace the old facility. The new fire station number 6 cost $3.5 million.
Although Bossier faces budget shortfalls, the money came from casino taxes. The city uses the revenue only for building projects.

The old garage was too small, Chief Sammy Halpen points out the new one can fit a ladder truck to reach people in high rise casinos. “One bad event could affect thousands of lives in one building. We have those. We have to be prepared for that."

The city also invested in this high tech filtration system. It removes toxins brought in from fire trucks.
“They don't have to inhale anything harmful."

This is Bossier's first fire station with pole. “I like the tradition behind it, I think it's cool."
Fire driver Chris Dison says a station is like a home, he lives there while waiting for calls. "We're like family" The family will move from tight sleeping quarters to individual rooms, and from a cramped kitchen to a spacious one. “We're going to do the job no matter where we work."

The firefighters will move in here by the end of the month. It's location, near I-20 and the parkway makes it easy for firefighters to help other departments during major emergencies. The city says having this new station will attract other businesses to build in Bossier.

Another new, state of the art, fire station is already in the works. Station number 5, along Swan lake road should be complete by next year. A bond issue funded the construction of the station to keep up with the growth of cyber innovation.

People fight for city cash

2010-02-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

People are fighting for city cash. Shreveport has $2.2 million up for grabs in unspent bond money. The city council held a meeting tonight to give citizens a voice.

Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with another group, scrambling to save a historic church from destruction.

St. Paul United Methodist church is the oldest African American church in Shreveport. It was established in 1865 shortly after the end of slavery.
Chairman Alvin Kirk say a flooding problem could wash away history. "If you don't know where you've come from, it's hard for you to plan where you're going."

Just steps from this historic church, is this drainage ditch, with heavy rains, it overflows into the church. Kirk says the drainage build-up started in the 1990s, after the construction of I-49 changed the way water flows. Water has poured into church basement three times. “There was mold, mildew in the air. We had to strip everything out of there."

City engineer Ron Norwood says Shreveport spent $145,000 to build a concrete flood wall and pump outside the church. Kirk says the repairs did nothing to stop high water. “In May of 2008, we had five feet of water in the church.”

“It's just a question of how far do you want to go to fix a drainage problem, how much money do you want to spend?" Norwood says an option is build a holding pond to divert the water. That could cost millions.

Kirk presented his case to city council. Shreveport has $2.2 million in unspent bond money. Kirk wants the leaders to invest in saving a landmark. “The foundation is getting weaker and weaker. It would be crushing to so many of the members."

Mayor Glover says, the city should use $300,000 of the unspent bond cash, for drainage projects. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church could receive some of that money.

Glover would like to spend the rest of the money on other city repairs.Government plaza has a leak problem. Glover wants to spend $1.3 million to fix the roof and replace the air conditioning,
$600,000 would go to renovate Riverview hall.

Super Bowl and Domestic Violence

2010-02-07T19:53:00.001-08:00

Homer officer cleared in shooting

2010-02-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

Centaur Float Loading! Mardi Gras

2010-02-07T19:50:00.000-08:00

There's more Mardi Gras fun next weekend. Friday, I'm going to the Krewe of Highland Bal, Saturday the Gemini parade and on Valentines day...Krewe of Highland parade!
Busy weekend of...good times! Come out and enjoy!

-Karen

Woman found dead inside parked car

2010-02-03T20:55:00.001-08:00

Shreveport police are searching for a killer tonight.

A woman was found dead inside her car parked in the cedar grove neighborhood.
Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins joins us live from the crime scene with more details on this gruesome discovery.

Police are not releasing the name of the woman killed yet. We have learned she was an active leader in the Shreveport community. She worked for a local non-profit.

People in the Wyngate area say they don’t feel safe at home, with a shooter on the loose.

“This guy's on the run right now we don't know if he's hiding in some bushes around here or what," Jazzmine Mcduffey says.

Shreveport officers say around 6:30 tonight on Wyngate boulevard, adriver saw an SUV stopped in the middle of the road facing the wrong direction. The person got out to check and found a woman dead inside. “An adult woman, suffered at least one gunshot wound to the upper body," Cpl. Bill Goodin.

If someone heard a gunshot, police say no one called to report it. "We can't like it, I didn't even hear a gunshot,” resident Quince Hallman says.

Detectives have taped up the crime scene and blocked off the streets.
Stephanie Jones was trying to reach her mom. “It made me nervous because I couldn't get down there. It's not a good feeling very uncomfortable. I don't like it but this is the only place she can live. She has to stay here a while.”

A crowd of curious neighbors gathered. People watched investigators hunt for a killer, just steps from their homes. “Is somebody going to be patrolling over here because I have three kids. I want to know that me and my kids are going to be safe, that somebody's going to be watching out for us.

“We're conducting neighborhood canvasses, with patrol officers and detectives as well, going door to door out here,” Cpl. Bill Goodin.

Parish could ban backpacks in schools.

2010-02-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

A "heated debate" over a local school district trying to ban backpacks for thousands of students.

This, after Shreveport police arrested a 10-year old boy for taking a handgun to school in his backpack. It happened at Westwood elementary two weeks ago. Police took the weapon after another student alerted a counselor about the gun. The student is suspended, pending an on-going investigation.

Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins found that incident could affect what your child is allowed to carry to school.

9-year-old Jaylen Collins packs his backpack every night. Next year he might have to leave it at home. The Caddo parish school board is looking into banning most backpacks, after a child recently brought a gun to school, hidden in a bag. Last year, 3 students brought guns to school disguised in backpacks. “I care about our children, employees, their safety. Something's got to be done, any baby could have been killed that day,” Bell says.

School board member Dottie Bell wants to allow only clear or see through backpacks for all students in Caddo parish, starting next year. The board will have to approve the plan.
“If we do clear backpacks, what about students who participate in cheerleading? They have bags for that. Are we going to make them carry clear ones?" Bonita Crawford says.
“I think see through back packs are a tool we can use. There is nothing wrong with see through back packs," Roy Murray says.

“Where do we draw the line? Anyone with an inclination to do something illegally will find a way to do it," Barry Rachal says.

“I don't know if it will work. Do they do it in other districts?"Charlotte Crawley says.

In Louisiana, Jefferson and Sabine parishes require clear backpacks, as well as, one school in east Baton Rouge parish. We found no studies showing if see through bags reduce violence.

“I really don't want people to see all things personal to me." Collins says if he hears of another child with something dangerous inside a backpack, he knows what to do. “Tell a grownup.”

The school board will vote on whether to ban most backpacks in two weeks.
The board is also looking into a plan to add more counseling to teach students how to resolve conflicts.

SPD can’t hire stimulus officers.

2010-02-01T15:21:00.001-08:00

Shreveport police department is supposed to get a cut of federal stimulus money to bring in more than 20 additional officers. But as Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins found out, there is a catch that could prevent the city from seeing any money at all.

Officer Kimberly Washington does her best to answer calls for help. "We need more officers on the streets." Shreveport is about a 100 officers short for a city its size, according to a 2008 manpower study. “If it were one of my family members, and we don't have enough officers on the streets, if something happens it could be dramatic if another officer is handling another issue.”

Shreveport wants to add 27 new officers. The city was awarded stimulus cash to hire them. But, as of now, it can't use the money. “In order to apply for the grant funding we got to get back to our baseline,” assistant to the chief Duane Huddleston says.

The baseline is the number of police Shreveport must have. SPD needs 18 more cops before its eligible to hire with stimulus money. Assistant to the chief Duane Huddleston says keeping enough cops on the streets is tough.
“Between now and August how many people are going to leave? We don't know, so we're always looking for others to fill those holes."

The department holds two academies each year. Huddleston hopes enough qualified recruits will sign-up. The city has three years to take advantage of the federal funding. “We can normally extend that if we show a good faith effort that we've done everything we can to hire."

The stimulus pays for officers salaries and equipment, but the city will have to pay about $40,000 for each car. If the city can't afford new cars officers will share.

Huddleston says the most important thing is putting more officers, like Washington, on the streets to reduce crime and improve emergency response time.

The stimulus grant covers salaries for three years.
After that, the city picks up the tab. Shreveport has no payment plan yet.

Symphony Tonight!

2010-01-30T09:54:00.000-08:00

The Shreveport symphony is back after a year and a half hiatus. I'm excited to see the

"Tchaikovsky Spectacular" tonight.

Come show your support for our local musicians!

http://www.shreveportsymphony.com/

Update: The symphony was amazing.

The musicians played with energy, passion and emotion! A sold out crowd welcomed the talent back with pride!

I appreciate their dedication to the arts and their ability to create such beauty that touches the soul.

You need to catch the next performances!
March 05, 2010 Cirque de la Symphonie
May 15, 2010 A Keyboard Extravaganza

95-year-old man patrols the streets.

2010-01-29T15:21:00.000-08:00

We all want to feel safe at home, but the economy has forced some Arklatex police departments to cut jobs.

Bossier City police had to lay off six new recruits this year because of a major budget shortfall. The Bossier sheriff’s office says it's watching expenses and not hiring as many deputies

While police departments are trying to do more with less, a group of people you might not expect are suiting up to fight crime: hundreds of retired men. Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins rode along with one volunteer who's nearly 100 years old!!!

Officers help people all the time. But it's not every day a man like Frank Elliot comes to your rescue. He's 95 years old and still patrolling the streets for the Bossier parish sheriff's office. “I enjoy it and I enjoy the boys."

The boys are retired men over 50. The Posse program began in 1995 as a way for citizens to help fight crime. Elliot's one of the first volunteers. “It gives me something to do. I wouldn't have enough to keep me busy."

He wears a uniform and rides with another Posse member two times a month. Elliot doesn't carry a gun or make arrests. The team just watches out for homeowners. If Elliot sees a problem. He'll call a deputy to the scene. “I had one flag me down that had domestic trouble. I called somebody else in."

About 250 people volunteer. They get in cars each day to keep an eye out for crime. “The posse works with patrol, and they form a team that's helpful with the reduction of crime," Ed Baswell says.

Crime in Bossier parish has decreased the past three years. Bossier sheriff public information officer Ed Baswell gives some credit to people like Elliot.
“He is a remarkable man. He lives in a house he built. He takes care of 49 acres of property."

“I don't worry anymore. That will shorten your life. You get to moping and you'll go downhill." Elliot says that's his secret to living a long and active life.

Cities stop giving pay raises.

2010-01-28T15:35:00.001-08:00

Unemployment, higher prices and an uncertain economic future have all of us keeping a watchful eye on our spending. Some are cutting back even more because many employers have stopped giving raises.

City workers on both sides of the state line in Texarkana and Bossier City will see no pay increase this year. Shreveport employees haven't had a raise in two years.

Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins found one leader taking a stand for these middle class families and even getting a little dirty in the process.

Mounds of trash! Otis Peoples and Kenneth Ferguson pick up it to support their families. They say the load is getting heavier. It’s the second year with no pay raise and rising costs are piling up. “Me and my wife put everything together. We can make it work for us," Ferguson says. “With the economy and shape it is in, it makes things tight." Peoples says.

So tight, many families are spending less. Less spending generates fewer sales tax dollars and a loss of revenue the city depends on. “Sales tax revenue is way down and that's where revenue comes from,” city council chairwoman Joyce Bowman says.
Unlike other Arklatex cities, Shreveport laid no one off. “I'm thankful I have a job,” Ferguson says.

If the economy picks up, these workers could get a raise. “If our sales tax revenue comes in looking better than it did, we'll be in a position to do that."
City council chairwoman Joyce Bowman put on a vest, rolled away bins and took a ride. “This has been a humbling experience for me to walk a mile in their shoes." She says we sometimes take for granted, the hard work of these city workers."

In April, council will take a look at the budget again. If sales tax revenue is high, Bowman says she'll fight to give workers a raise.

Arklatex business lays off dozens.

2010-01-27T15:42:00.000-08:00

Many people are struggling to find work after an Arklatex business laid off dozens of employees.

Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with one woman, who like so many, is out of a job and devastated.

“I was just shocked. I'm still in shock. I could not believe it, when I talk about it." Goldie Hall is now unemployed. She lost her job at Sam’s club. The company laid off around 10,000 workers nationwide: 40 in Shreveport and Texarkana stores. Hall was one of them.

Sam’s Club released a statement saying, "We do not make these decisions lightly, and know that this is a difficult development…"
“They do not care about hourly workers, and our families. How this will affect us,” Hall says.

Sam’s has hired another company to give out samples inside the store. Anyone, even former Sam’s workers can apply for those jobs. “Everything is part time. I'd lose seniority and have to start over at minimum wage."

Hall joins others in our area actively looking for jobs but can't find work as unemployment continues to rise. “It's like my dreams have been shattered, my granddaughter’s dreams have been shattered."

Hall worked at Sams 22 years. The 54-year-old was saving money to send her granddaughter to a leadership camp for future doctors. “Now that's out, her dream, that's ok."

Hall says, Sam’s club workers laid off will get severance pay. The amount depends upon years of employment.

Water Sewer system in dire need of repairs.

2010-01-26T17:11:00.001-08:00

Shreveport must upgrade, or face millions in fines, plus trouble for homeowners.

Imagine having raw sewage backing-up into your home or not having water to shower.

Without some major investments in Shreveport’s water sewer system, people could certainly experience that kind of trouble, and some folks already have.
Plus, if the city does not make some expensive upgrades soon, leaders say, it could face millions of dollars in fines.
Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins, joins us now live from government plaza, where officials are looking for some cash to keep Shreveport’s water safe.

We all want to have water to drink when we need it. Leaders say we’ll have to pay to fix major faults before people have to deal with problems at home.

A muddy mess. Dorothy Black has to look at it in her own front yard. Freezing temperatures burst her water line. Crews just repaired her driveway. “I hope that it does not happen to me anymore. I hope I don't have to go through this anymore."

More homeowners like Black could see problems.
Shreveport's water-sewer system is in dire need of repair.
“We have pipes collapsing on a daily basis."

Assistant city engineer Barbara Featherston says about half of the sewer pipes are more than 50 years old. She warns breaks could overflow this raw feces into homes, or in the streets. “It has bacteria, something you don't want kids to play in."

Exposed waste is an EPA violation, and Featherston says Shreveport is in trouble. “Basically the EPA said you have more violations than we would like to see.”
The EPA can order Shreveport to fix old pipes, or pay, “millions of dollars in fines."

Featherston says the sewer infrastructure needs a $200 million investment over 12 years. The city's water system could use $150 million to replace old pipes that break easily, especially in cold weather. “We need to try to get folks to understand that this is really a serious issue that we need to address."

Before it's too late, and people like, black have to deal with the problem at home. "Water was sitting in my driveway, just a pool of water."

Mayor Cedric Glover wants to have a bond election this fall.
So you, the voters, can decide if we should borrow money to fix our water sewer system.

Digital Technology could prevent flooding.

2010-01-26T08:15:00.001-08:00

Storms last fall caused damage for our region and hundreds of homeowners.

Taking pictures with digital cameras is one way of capturing life's special moments. Now, that technology is helping engineers create life-saving plans to minimize the damage from flooding.

You might remember the tremendous effort by the National Guard and local law enforcement, to protect homeowners from high waters. Now, the focus is on "preventing" another disaster.

Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins found the digital plan could save taxpayer dollars and give homeowners some peace of mind.

Stacks of sandbags, three feet high. Debbie Hewko can see them every day from her yard, a daily reminder of the floods last fall.
Her house is steps from the Red Chute levy in Bossier parish. The waters rose so high, she evacuated her entire family. “It was traumatic because you can lose everything over night."

The fear is real for hundreds of homeowners. Digital photography, recently used technology for the Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments, could help find ways to minimize the damage.

For three days in November, photographers shot aerial photos of Caddo and Bossier parishes. "Extremely detailed images."
So detailed, they show even water you can't see. "It detect areas turned into marshlands."

Executive director Kent Rogers says by seeing the path of the flood, engineers can design plans to divert water away from homes and businesses.
The photos show how high the water came up over these sandbags and which part of the levee engineers should build up.

“A lot of these homes would have been underwater. By telling how we can raise the levees, we can protect the homes,” Rogers says.

A plan Hewko says she can live with -- one that keeps her family and others safe.

Taking the aerial photos cost about $250,000. Rogers says, the federal government paid for 80 percent, while local oil and gas companies covered the rest, in order to have access to the images.

The Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments is organizing the flooding photos. The association works with our local governments. It helps plan transportation and regional development projects.

Tornado Aftermath

2010-01-21T22:40:00.000-08:00

A tornado touched down in Waskom Texas. The twister rips apart a home, the woman inside survives.

Krewe of Highland Goes Green!!!!!!

2010-01-20T14:59:00.000-08:00

Many of us will catch some beads this Mardi Gras season. But when the parade's over, the decorations often end up in the trash.

In tonight’s Arklatex Green, Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins discovered how you can recycle your party favors and celebrate at the same time.

“We've been Mardi Gras since the very beginning!” Kathy Melancon is a Mardi Gras queen. This year her Krewe has a new theme: Highland Goes Green. “When we chose the theme we got into planning."

The plan is to help our environment and save cash.
It starts with recycling beads. The krewe has collected donated necklaces. But the Melancon’s have a personal collection. “My son never wanted to part with some. It's best to give them back to the community.”

Melancon says an average family of four throws out about a $1,000 worth of beads. By recycling, it cuts the cost in half and it's still a good time.

You'll find the recycling theme at the Highland bal. The krewe is saving hundreds of dollars by reusing decorations, and so are the guests.
“We're hoping people pull things out of the closet. we have Elvis coming wearing that costume."

Melancon says it's fun to recycle, and even trendy. “I'm hoping people will get on the bandwagon and start recycling beads."

You can still donate your old beads to the Krewe of Highland. Drop them off at Columbia Cafe, that's on the corner of Kings and Creswell.
http://www.columbiacafe.com/

On a personal note.....I am going to the Krewe of Highland bal AND recycling my GREEN sequenced PROM dress!!!

Ministry helps people in revolutionary way.

2010-01-19T20:12:00.000-08:00

More people are out of a job during these tough economic times and have trouble supporting their families.

Now a local group is reaching out to take care of people in a revolutionary way.

Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins discovered how its touching people who have nearly lost everything.

“It’s just like your heart left and went to the pit of your stomach. All you can do is cry, pray and hope." Michael Hood and Cheryl Blair are unemployed. They live together in a van. Both say they never imagined they would end up homeless. “I pray. I have to hold on to God. If I didn't, I’d be living in hell."

“People carry around huge needs we don't know about so it helps us as an organization to connect them." So Cassie Hammett started the Hubb ministry in Shreveport about two years ago.

Volunteers feed people each week. But this year, the hubb is going beyond basic needs. “It is revolutionary because it's one on one.” Under the new "remedy" program, a volunteer adopts someone in need, like hood. The sponsor provides a bag of supplies each month, but most importantly, forms a personal relationship. “We believe life change happens when you have a support system a group of people behind you rallying around you and saying this is the right decision this is what you need to do. “

Hammett says now is the time to help. Louisiana's poverty rate is higher than Arkansas, Texas and the national average.

To get involved visit the Hub’s website:
http://thehubministry.com/

Trusted company throws social security numbers in dumpster

2010-01-18T21:30:00.000-08:00

Most of us trust our banks with our personal information, but an NBC 6 investigation found an Arklatex finance company throwing account statements, with social security numbers in a dumpster!

Watch the video to see me do some digging. I have a reputation in our newsroom for "not being afraid to dive into things!"

Who knew? Bossier City police say banks can throw your personal information in the trash. It's not a crime. You might want to ask your finance companies how it disposes of personal information. Most shred documents and will have a certificate of destruction as proof.

Shreveport remembers Martin Luther King Jr.

2010-01-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight I enjoyed learning about Martin Luther King Jr. in the Shreveport area. History fascinates me. It’s sad that people can harbor so much hatred. On a positive note, amazing people like Dr. King can inspire good and most importantly, action.

Here's the story...

His speech, “I have a dream, inspired an entire nation to change and reject hatred and racism. Today our nation honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with some local civil rights icons who knew Dr. King and of the steps he took in Shreveport to fight racism.

Shreveport pastor C.E. McClain was just 13 when he first saw Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “He maintained eye contact. It could be chilling when his eyes turned to you.”

Dr. King spoke twice in Shreveport: in 1958 at Galilee Baptist church and then 4 years later at the historic Little Union Baptist church. “He said some things about our town that were not very flattering, that we were the sickest city in America, the second most racist city.”

Shreveport historian Willie Burton says in 1963, activists organized a peaceful walk. “Here young black wanted to march." But the police commissioner, George D'artois, would not allow it. So instead, Little Union held a prayer service. “That's when the horses came up the steps and got him in the back of the collar and drug him out.”

Pastor McClain is referring Dr. Harry Blake, a prominent local pastor and civil rights legend. “People all down the street had to get out of the way because of the police brutality.”

The violence outraged students at Booker T. Washington. Classes marched in protest. Burton says, police tear gassed and beat students.

Decades later dr. King's legacy lives on. We have a black president, mayor, police chief.”

Hello Readers!

2010-01-17T15:31:00.000-08:00

I want to expand my blog and tell you a little about upcoming events with a personal twist.

Mardi Gras Season coming up!

I am an Ohio native. Last year was my first Mardi Gras experience. I dressed up in a sequenced gown for the Krewe of Centaur bal and enjoyed the celebration. I think Mardi Gras is a wonderful cultural, southern event. The bals are filled with impressive decorations, each table themed differently. The presentations of princesses and captains are entertaining and unique. The parades are a blast. I love being outside and enjoying good times, while meeting interesting people.

This year I'm excited to attend the Krewe of Highland Bal. My cousin Angelina, practically my sister, and Uncle John, like a father to me, are coming from Cincinnati as guests. Both are from up north and are pumped to experience the Shreveport! Over the past year, I've gotten to know the "port city" well. I'm always impressed by the warm people and its charm. "Laissez les bon temps rouler!"

DATES to remember: Centaur Parade Feb. 6th, Gemini Feb. 13th, Highland Feb 14th.

Homeless fill up shelters, trying to escape the cold

2010-01-05T22:19:00.000-08:00

Local shelters need your help to keep people warm during this winter storm. Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with people literally trying to survive by escaping the dangerous cold.

“I'd much rather be here than out there when it's freezing,"
Christopher Dees says. With the freezing, dangerous, temperatures, the Shreveport Bossier Rescue Mission and Salvation Army shelters are filling up. Both centers expect dozens of more people to come in over the next few days.
“A lot of people are coming in now have disabilities. They come in without coats and freezing," Pete Carnes says.

Local shelters are setting up rows of cots to give people a warm place to stay. “We started with 18 now we have 40 cots.” If more shelter is needed, the Red Cross will set up warming centers at local churches or schools. "We're not going to turn anyone away in this type of weather." KC Kilpatrick Stone says.

“Having a warm place is really great. I got a lot of friends living on the street they tell me every day how cold it is and how much of a blessing it is to be here," Dees says.

Because outside, each winter homeless people die on the streets from the cold, suffering from frostbite or hypothermia. “I believe it is a true blessing we can provide places like this for people less fortunate with no place to go.”

The Rescue Mission needs more blankets, pillow cases, to keep people warm. You can donate by dropping items off here at 901 McNeil Street. Or you can pledge money online at this link: http://www.sbrescuemission.com/donate.php

Drunk Driver gets life in prison for killing high school student

2010-01-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

http://arklatexhomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=89492

“That boy sat on the windshield for hours and bled to death, wide awake, and that man gets life in prison?!" A Caddo parish judge sentenced Jimmy Ray White to life in prison. White drove drunk and ran into a Shreveport high school student who was on the side of the road, with friends, trying to help a stranded woman.

Tonight a teen who witnessed the devastating accident is speaking out. Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins found he's still searching for closure after seeing his friend get killed before his very own eyes.

“I couldn't believe it, it was hard to believe." Tray Cummings and his friend, 15-year-old Adam Klingensmith, were standing on the side of the road trying to help a woman fix her car. That's when the unthinkable happened. “By the time I turned around, all I heard was a big boom and I couldn't find Adam anywhere."

A drunk driver named Jimmy Ray White hit Klingensmith and drove with the teen's body across his windshield before dumping him along the road, leaving him for dead. “It was scary it could have been either one of us."

Two years after the tragic accident, White was sentenced today to spend the rest of his life behind bars. White is a habitual felony offender with three prior convictions. “I don't want to talk about it. That man doesn't deserve to go to prison. He deserves torture.” Klingensmith was the boy next door for Charles Cummings. He watched him grow up. “It's emotional. He was a good boy. It didn’t have to happen to him."

“He was just goofy he liked to joke a lot. If you need a friend he was always there." Now he's gone. “They lost a good boy."

Cummings says don't take the people you love for granted. "We miss him."

Klingensmith was a freshman at Byrd high school in Shreveport when he died.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T21:21:00.001-08:00

New Management at GM gives workers hope.

2009-12-16T22:40:00.000-08:00

You, the American taxpayers own 60 percent of General Motors after the government bailed out the automaker.

Now new leadership is determined to turn GM around. CEO Fritz Henderson stepped down and Ed Whitacre, the former ATT CEO, is taking charge.

Workers at GM Shreveport say and hope this new direction could save their jobs. Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins toured the plant and discovered how it’s changing to become more competitive.

Jimmy Patterson knows trucks. He's worked on the line at Shreveport GM for nearly 29 years. “I helped set up this plant when it first came here.” Since then, the company has struggled with sinking auto sales followed by bankruptcy. “We have to change with them and be competitive with other manufacturers.”

That's the plan of new GM CEO Ed Whitacre “Ed Whitacre has demonstrated a lot of transparency,” and that means paying more attention to workers like Wanda Grahm. “I am the quality control person.”

Now she'll give more feedback to managers, all to improve the product. “The factor we play in becoming more profitable is building the world’s best small pickup trucks,” Michael Dulaney says.

Another focus is becoming more efficient. Starting January the plant will cut its energy bill 20 percent by moving employees from a 5 day work week, to 4 days with longer hours. “I love the idea of switching to four days a week because it gives you extra time to spend with your family.”

Plant manager Michael Delaney says one of Whitacre’s first moves as CEO, was reversing the decision to sell the Opel brand. That gives him hope, Shreveport’s scheduled date to close, June 2012, could change. “If we can pick up sales, if the economy turns around if our quality improves we get more demand who knows what gm may look at between now and 2012.”

Holiday drinks can turn deadly...

2009-12-08T21:49:00.000-08:00

Local law enforcement is targeting two crimes tonight that often rise during the holidays.

Shreveport police and City Marshal deputies rounded up people wanted for stealing and drunk driving. The officers handcuffed and went after repeat offenders. "We concentrate on the DWIs because it makes the streets safer. When you're driving around with your family and somebody next to you is drunk they may cause an accident," Deputy Dennis Buckingham says more people steal around Christmas, trying to provide gifts, and some people end up drinking and driving after holiday parties.

But police say think before you get behind the wheel this Christmas season. Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with people who made the choice to drink and drive and it changed their lives forever.

“I was at the age of 19," and Bridget Rutherford had everything going for her. She was a good student, with lots of friends. “Well they're doing it and nothing is happening to them, they're under age and not getting in trouble."

So Rutherford made a choice to have a drink. “I said well as long as I don't drive nothing can happen to me I can't get a ticket or DWI. That's what she thought, until the night she got into a car with a friend who was too drunk to drive. “We hit the median and flipped eight times. At the age of 19, I learned firsthand the damaging effects of a lifetime one night can have.”
Her scars remind her every day. “You can reach your finger over my arm and feel two metal plates and 13 screws.”
She broke 17 bones. After 19 days in a coma, she had to learn how to walk, talk and even how to swallow food again. But she lost her sense of taste and smell forever. “So when I walk by the roses and take a big whiff I’m just pretending. I enjoy food because of the visual appearance, not because of the taste or flavor because I don't have that.”

“When I woke up there was a whole new life for me."
Ron Fletcher woke up paralyzed one night after he drank and got behind the wheel. “The stupid decision I made took away so many things in my life that I enjoy doing.”

Fletcher says he is grateful his mistake did not involve any other people on the road. In the US, every 45 minutes someone dies from an alcohol related crash, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

It’s all about making good decisions. If you are going to drink, give your keys to a friend. Make a plan before the party starts to have a designated driver.

If you do decide to drink at your holiday party, here are some tips to stay safe.
Sometimes it's hard to tell how much alcohol is in your cup. So, drink water in between cocktails. Or choose drinks with ice. Never go to a party on an empty stomach. Food helps slow down the absorption of alcohol. Also, snack throughout the evening. Stick to one kind of alcohol. Say no to drinks made with dark liquors that contain more toxic chemicals. Bar tenders say the clearer your drink, the fewer problems you'll have the next morning.

Family of man killed in domestic argument speaks

2009-12-07T19:59:00.000-08:00

The family of a man stabbed to death during a fight with his ex-girlfriend is speaking out tonight.

Early this morning, Shreveport police rushed to the 2900 block of Hattie Street. Officers found 38-year-old Johnny Washington inside his ex-girlfriend's house, suffering from a stab wound. He later died at LSU-Health Sciences Center.

Washington's family says the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship were there. Tonight, they shared their story only with Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins.

“Now I lost my baby brother. That's a hurting feeling and can't nobody bring him back,” Sherry Elie says.

Her brother, 38- year-old Johnny Washington is gone, after a relationship with an ex-girlfriend turned sour. "The whole thing is that he left her." And then, a major warning sign. “You told me yesterday you were going to stab my brother. I got back and said stop telling me what you're going to do to my brother,” Brenda Austin Washington says.

Shreveport police say Washington and his ex girlfriend got into an argument inside her house, that's when she stabbed him. “I feel miserable right now, Lord forgive me in Jesus’ name."
Police interviewed the woman who stabbed Washington. Detectives released her after finding no criminal wrong doing. The district attorney will review the case and decide whether to file charges.

“I didn't know it would get serious until she took it to the next level,” Crystal Sanders says. Before that, Washington’s fiancé says the relationship involved stalking, and name calling; 74 percent of Americans know someone struggling with domestic abuse.

"Don't take nothing lightly," Elie says. Because about 4 people are killed each day by an intimate partner nationwide.

"He wasn't a bad man, we didn't get along, be we were there for each other no matter what," Washington’s daughter says. “He always put a smile on everybody's face,” Willie Washington says. But tonight, its tears.

Washington's story isn't the only domestic dispute that turned deadly this weekend. Friday an argument led to a fight in the 4000 block of Golf Links Blvd. Shreveport police say 35-year-old Jarvis Taylor died from a stab wound. Detectives interviewed the woman but filed no criminal charges.

During the holiday season, domestic violence tends to escalate. Experts say it’s a time with stress runs high in most families. If you see any warning signs, report it to police or seek counseling.

The More you Give, the more you Get.

2009-12-06T21:32:00.000-08:00

Always have faith no matter what tragedy comes your way. Learn firsthand from this Haughton family:

New center to help homeless veterans

2009-12-06T19:06:00.000-08:00

An Arklatex city is reaching out to veterans who
put their lives on the line for our freedoms but ended up homeless.

This afternoon in Shreveport’s Volunteers of America opened the doors to the new Veterans Transitional living home. It has 56 beds and vets can stay for up to a year. "I got sidetracked. There's a lot of homeless vets out there now. Many don't have anywhere to go. Many got on drugs and alcohol," homeless vet Leonard Townsend says.

While there, vets are eligible for mental health treatments, job placement and substance abuse courses. Veterans will start moving in this January.

Louisiana has the second highest rate of homeless veterans in the nation. Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with two veterans who say after serving in the military they were left without a home.

“I took a lot of pride in my job" Leonard Townsend joined the military right out of high school. “i joined the army December 1, 1981.” But years later, when he left the army, he says he couldn't adjust. “Being in the military you pretty much have one way of doing things and it's totally different than being in society. Once you step foot in society, you have to readjust and if you can’t readjust you're left out.”

And Townsend was left out. He's one of 260,000 homeless vets nationwide. “It all happened after I got out of the military. It was hard to find a job, things just didn't work.”

Uncle Sam drafted Joe, who doesn’t want to show his face on TV. The Vietnam war was raging. Joe was just 18. “My being so young, I didn't get a chance to see my daughter being born. The Red Cross had to locate me. I flew home for 30 days, and that was it. I had to go back to panama.
It destroyed my marriage totally. I'm divorced. I never got a chance to be a father, a husband. I was upset.”

Joe says his anger disabled him; 45 percent of homeless vets suffer from mental illness. And one out of three people you see living on the streets, served our country.
“We all deserve to be recognized for putting our life on the line for our country.”

As for Townsend, things are looking up. He went through a veterans affairs program and Monday will move into his own apartment. “I know I’m going straight ahead, just look forward to the future.”

Townsend just sent this email:
Hi Karen ! I was very pleased with our interview. It has recieved alot of good feedback. Thanks, you did a really great job and you really made things easy for me . I am proud to have had this chance to do this and the subject is one that should be addressed, because there are so many without and the program is really a suscess for all of us that participate, and it provides us with structure to adjust in time, and society awaits. Don't stop here, keep up the good work you have the perfect demeaner, and resorces for such a touchy subject. I also commend the cameraman he was aswell. Thanks so much.
Leonard Townsend

US Army Veteran

Mechanical problem shuts down GM

2009-12-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

A major breakdown at Shreveport General Motors will shut the plant next week.

The plant manager says the machine that makes truck body parts broke. It will take a week to repair.

The plant will reopen a week earlier this January to make up for the loss of production.

Beware of Holiday Scams!

2009-12-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

While you're looking for the perfect gift this holiday season, thieves are looking for the perfect target, which could be you.

Police say Christmas crooks are trying to take advantage of your hard earned money and holiday cheer. One Arklatex woman just got caught up in a scam that started with an email.
As NBC 6 reporter Karen Hopkins explains, this lady has a serious warning, asking people to be on the lookout.

"Be careful on common websites." Sarah from Bossier City wants to remain anonymous. Wednesday she got a suspicious email. "It was actually requesting money to be sent to myself in a different country."

She says a thief hacked into her email, and sent this message to all her friends: saying, “I made a trip to the UK and misplaced my passport. I'm out of cash can you loan me some funds?

"It actually included an address where the money was to be sent." But no money was sent. The crook accidentally forwarded the email to Sarah herself. "He didn't know he was sending it to me."
“During the holiday season it's unfortunate there is a certain segment of the criminal population looking to prey on good folks out there who have money to spend,” Cpl. Bill Goodin says.

If you're shopping online, don't do it on a public computer, it’s easier for crooks to steal your personal information.
Police say some criminals advertise discount luxury gifts, you pay, but nothing comes in the mail. Or, holiday e-cards, after you click, spyware loads into your computer to steal your identity.

Other crooks pose as a charity, taking advantage of holiday generosity. “If you're going to give to a charity, that's great, but make sure you know it’s 115 percent legitimate,” Goodin says.

Because falling for a scam will cost you. "When I went home and logged into my email account, every email I had ever saved had been wiped out." Sarah says now she has a stronger password to break.

Police say if you suspect a scam, call and report it.
If someone steals your personal information, close any accounts you believe the crooks accessed. You should also call to place a fraud alert on your credit report.

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
It’s a federal agency that alerts law enforcement nationwide of the scam.

Family of boy injured by shotgun speaks

2009-12-04T14:03:00.000-08:00

http://arklatexhomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=85981

A family is in tears tonight after their teenage boy had a hunting accident with a 12 gage shotgun.

Wednesday, the Bossier sheriff's office rushed to the 300 block of Country Forest in Haughton to save 15-year-old Christopher White.

Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with the injured boy's father who is grateful his son is alive tonight.

“I didn't want him to go. I wanted to go before he did. I was scared.” Randell White was scared his 15-year-old son Christopher, wouldn't make it, after a hunting accident with a 12 gage shotgun.

“I heard a gun shot and saw Chris on his knees.” Friend Jason Macon says they were hunting in the yard, when Christopher walked up, the boy with the shotgun was startled and accidentally shot his friend.

“One of the kids ran into the house and said call 911 my son has been shot."

“I know I’m mean to my brother sometimes. When he got shot, I felt I was going to lose him,” sister Shaiyena White says.

Thankfully Christopher survived, but the shotgun shell hit his groin. Dad says he might not be able to have children and will spend the next few weeks in the hospital. “He kept saying this was an accident.”

An accident, White says children and parents can learn from. “Kids need to be supervised at all times with firearms."

The boys say the shotgun came from another child's home.
"Don't think the safety is on, like many people do. He still got shot,” friend Matthew Miles says. “Be cautious, don't play around. Be serious when guns are around,” Macon says playing around, almost took Christopher’s life.

The boys were hunting without adult supervision. Louisiana law requires children under 16 to hunt with someone over 18. All people under 60-years-old are required to have a basic hunting license.

When the accident happened, the boys say they were hunting squirrel.
Squirrel season started October 3 and ends February 28th.

Visit this link for Hunter Education course information:

http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/hunting/education/standardcourselisting/

Budget cuts could hurt animals

2009-12-02T22:58:00.001-08:00

Bossier city budget cuts could affect hundreds of helpless animals.

Bossier animal control holds pet adoptions for dogs and cats every Saturday. But next year, the center says it will not have the money to pay one employee to run the event.

The Saturday adoptions, give about 60 animals a home each month.

"Finding homes for these animals is important. Nobody likes putting animals down,” Mark Natale says.

Shelter workers say you can save any of these animals lives.
The center is open for adoption Monday through Friday from 10am to 4pm.

Next year, the city will look at its finances to determine if it can hold some Saturday adoptions again.

Shreveport GM to increase production

2009-12-02T22:57:00.001-08:00

We want to tell you about some good news for local General Motors workers.

The Shreveport GM manager says the economy is picking up and that means more work for our plant. Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins has how the positive news will affect families this holiday season.

“Positive news is always good news." GM worker Gary Pilhorn knows all about the bad times. After a New York plant sold, Pilhorn moved to Shreveport. "Next GM is filing bankruptcy," and as the automaker struggled, Pilhorn was laid off for ten months. He just got back in august. “It's real tough, I’m still struggling to get back, getting so far in debt, trying to catch up."

Now he'll get that chance. Shreveport GM is calling all workers back a week early after Christmas break. Plant manager Michael Dulaney says more people are buying cars, and that means more hours of pay for Pilhorn. “Always good to have your money coming in."

So far the automaker says our plant will close by June 2012.
“It’s scheduled to close by June 2012, if the economy picks up maybe we'll keep building trucks," Pilhorn says.

Because building these trucks, Pilhorn says supports his family and daughter Elizabeth. But it’s not just his household, Shreveport GM means a lot to our local economy.

The GM holiday shutdown starts December 24th. Dulaney says workers will return a week early on January 11th. The next scheduled close is the first two weeks of February. But Dulaney says if demand is up, the plant could stay open.

Bossier to lay off 60 people

2009-12-02T22:55:00.002-08:00

In an on-going debate between Bossier City and its workers, a decision was finally made today, about the city's budget. Just this evening, the Bossier City council voted to pass the 2010 budget, putting 60 employees out of work.

City to lay off 60 people...total of 80 positions cut (20 vacant)

The city council approved its budget to lay off workers from nearly every department, including police and fire. Leaders made that difficult decision because of a $6. 5 million budget shortfall. Many of the employees laid off, have families and aren't sure how' they'll pay the bills this holiday season.

“I’m not sure how I am going to find another job in this competitive economy. I’ve tried, but I have not had any luck yet,” Doris Sanders says.
“The biggest struggle is explaining this to my children. They don’t understand what getting laid off means. They ask why mommy isn’t going back to work,” Tabitha Michaelson says.

Those employees work in city offices. They say the layoffs will affect the quality of services we all depend on including public safety. Their last day of work is December 31st.

Here’s a breakdown of the job cuts: 6 police, 20 fire and 34 city department jobs.

Airman reacts to Obama's speech

2009-12-02T22:55:00.001-08:00

Thousands of military families live right here in the Arklatex. Many watched the President’s speech tonight, knowing his decision could mean they are heading overseas.

Nbc 6, reporter Karen Hopkins, spoke with a local woman who's preparing to ship out when duty calls.

“There’s always a chance I could deploy." Rachel Roldan is a senior airman at Barksdale air force base. Tonight she listened to President Obama's call for 30,000 more troops in Afghanistan. She could be one of them. "I have a little bit of fear, but we have the training to be safe and meet our objectives."

Roldan knows all about accomplishing missions. During a deployment in Qatar, she supplied aircrafts to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting the war on terror. “He referenced 911, how we were one nation."

After September 11th, Roldan joined operation noble eagle. She helped do surveilance over our skies, making sure no one could attack our nation by air.
“Many people get wrapped up in politics." Politics aside,
Roldan says Obama's speech is about protecting our freedoms. “He has some great points. He talks about meeting our objectives.”

In the meantime, Roldan says we all should support our troops anyway we can. “People put in long hours, leave their families. This is the holiday season, with people at home with their wives and husbands gone."
It’s a sacrifice Roldan says she's proud to make.

Budget cuts could end Sex Ed for teens

2009-11-30T20:34:00.001-08:00

"Sex," an issue many parents of teenagers have trouble talking to their kids about. Now, a local program that teaches hundreds of young people pregnancy prevention could close and put people out of work.

Nbc 6, reporter Karen Hopkins, spoke with teens fighting to save what they call a life saving program.

Sophomore Rahji Baskerville knows a thing or two about sex.
In Caddo parish, 20 percent of babies are born to moms under 19 years old; one is his friend. “He had sex with one girl and had twins, she was only 14. He felt like it was the biggest mistake of his life.”

But these children are learning to make good decisions in the becoming a responsible teen or Bart program. It teaches pregnancy prevention. “Most people can't talk to parents about stuff like that, but our teachers they're open," student Le'sheedeonia Prude said.

One of those teachers is Lakeshia Mosley. She knows from experience. When she was just 15, she became pregnant. “There's a misconception that it's easy. It's not easy. If I had to do it all over again, I wish there was programs like this available to me."

The Bart program meets three times a week from 5 to 7 at night.
It started two years ago, and out of the 400 children that have gone through, Mosley said just two became pregnant. “We feel comfortable and we can listen and get good advice."

But that could change. With state budget cuts, the Bart program is scheduled to end December 31st. “We need to keep the program, it really helps us," Prude says.

If the Bart program ends, it would put the people who run it out of a job. “This is how I feed my family, how I keep my lights on, pay my mortgage, it would be devastating,” Mosley says.

The Bart director says there's still a chance to get last minute state funding. It’s also seeking private donations. The program cost about $115,000 per year to run.

A Better Shreveport plans bike path

2009-11-30T20:32:00.000-08:00

There could be more opportunities to ditch the gas guzzler for a more scenic route.

A nonprofit group called “A Better Shreveport is working on a new bike path. The mile route would go through a forested area, from East Washington street, to Stoner Ave. Bikers could ride to three schools along the route and two city parks.

"There’s not a lot of biking options in Shreveport. Many people are disappointed they can't bike around," Loren Demerath says.

A Better Shreveport says the path could increase property values and even reduce crime. The group is looking for federal and state grants to pay for the project.

To get involved with A Better Shreveport, visit its blog:
http://abettershreveport.blogspot.com/

Shreveport man gives thanks for miracle

2009-11-26T21:37:00.000-08:00

Almost a month ago, a tornado ripped off the steeple of First United Methodist church in downtown Shreveport. The steeple crushed a car, but the driver inside survived.

That driver, Michael Williams, says it's a miracle he survived. This Thanksgiving he's grateful just to be alive.

Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with Williams on a Thanksgiving Day like no other before.

"I've been given the gift of human kindness, so much love and prayer." And now on Thanksgiving Day, Michael Williams wants to give thanks. "I've been given a new pair of glasses and I view the world and people differently."

Everything changed for Williams on October 29th. Tornado winds snapped a massive church steeple in downtown Shreveport. The 25,000 pound steeple crushed his car. "The decision was made that I would survive; so that was a huge miracle."

And another miracle, Williams says came next. “It's not just what happened on the 29th, it's the story after the story,"
The story picks up with family, friends and even strangers showing support any way they can. But at the same time, becoming part of a rare, unbelievable story. “People have connected with each other because they have seen a miracle happen.

Williams’ story has touched people around the nation, but especially here in Shreveport, where all you have to do is look up to remember a miracle.
“It’s a possible tragic moment that turned out good. It’s a really good ending where people all rallied together to support someone."

And there's also a lesson for anyone watching, Williams says don't take the little things for granted. “Waking up in the morning, being with Judy, still being here."

Still, Williams has to recover. His body is working to heal multiple broken bones, the most severe, a vertebrae in his back. He'll have to learn how to walk, even how to use his hands again. Meanwhile, he'll have plenty of time to think. “Why am I still here? What am I supposed to do? I can tell you this it's going to be really good." By next Thanksgiving, Williams says he can only imagine where he'll be.

My thoughts: Michael Williams is really awesome. I asked him one question and he just poured out his heart. He's really in touch and sees life for what it is. His wife Judy is so lovely too!

Swat team takes over school

2009-11-24T18:45:00.000-08:00

An elite law enforcement team took over local school today. Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins witnessed an extraordinary mission to keep kids safe.

It’s a hostage situation at a school, but don't worry it’s just practice.

Mom Stepanie has a child at St. Josephs school, but her husband is an agent on Shreveport SWAT team. Monday, officers practiced worst case scenarios, like a child bringing a gun to school. Negotiators make sure the kids get out safe and sound.
"If you don't know what to do, something bad could happen,” student Francisco Cimoncini says.

Spd has all the gear, from ballistic vests to bullet proof shields all to keep kids safe. “If somebody got hurt that would be really bad," student Ashley Bergeroe says.

Because just last Friday, and nearly every day, the classroom is full of students. And these days, anything could happen. “He works around school to keep us safe.” Student Morgan Feliciano says her dad's also a man in uniform. And that's what these officers say motivates them: keeping children, sometimes even their own safe.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed my day at St. Josephs! It was great talking with parents and the SWAT team. I really have an appreciation for law enforcement! Officers put their lives on the line for us all the time. It's neat to see what goes into SWAT training. But always remember, all the action is to save lives someday!!!

Man to spend life in prison for shooting police officer in face.

2009-11-24T18:44:00.000-08:00

http://arklatexhomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=84811

A Caddo parish judge sentenced a man to 58 years in prison today for shooting a police officer in the face.

In January of 2008 Shreveport officer John Madjerick pulled over 27-year-old Lucien Trammel during a routine traffic stop. After Trammel resisted questioning and a fight broke out, Madjerick says Trammel shot him in the face. About four months ago, a jury found Trammel guilty of the crime.

Officer Madjerick and his wife say, it has been, a long and extremely, emotional journey. Nbc 6, reporter Karen Hopkins, got a chance to speak with the couple outside the courthouse.

“He was shot but it's something the whole family goes though," Krista Madjerick says. And Monday was the latest step in the healing process. Officer John Maderick and wife Krista walked inside the Caddo parish courthouse for sentencing and some closure. “I'm just glad it’s over."

But you can still see the scar on Madjerick's face. Two years ago, Lucien Trammel shot him while on duty: a nightmare for his family. “Relationship wise, we appreciate each other more, we don't sweat the small stuff,” Krista says.

In July, a Caddo parish jury found Trammel guilty of attempted first degree murder. While he faced 33 to 100 years in prison, district court judge Leon Emmanuel sentenced Trammel to 58 years hard labor, with no option of probation or suspended sentence. “We believe that for the circumstances his sentence was excessive,” Trammel’s lawyer Anthony Hollis says.

But judge Emanuel justified his sentencing, by saying Trammel carelessly shot and severely injured a police officer and showed no remorse in court.

While cameras were not allowed inside the courthouse, we sat inside. Judge Emmanuel said Trammel has a history of mental health and behavioral problems. He called him, a product of a failed community, “I know it’s tough out there. I’m out policing every day, but people have to be responsible for their actions,” Madjerick says.

And keeping people in line is still Madjerick's job. He got back on the streets just eight months after the shooting.

We tried to speak with Trammel's family members but they were too emotional to talk. Trammel has the right to appeal his sentence, within thirty days.

Get into the holiday spirit!

2009-11-20T22:44:00.001-08:00

Celebrate Highland: A Holiday Home Tour returns in December! On December 5 and 6, the holidays will be celebrated in a distinctly Highland way and you're invited to participate! The very popular holiday home tour returns with a Saturday night candlelight tour and a Sunday afternoon tour of architectural gems throughout the Highland and Fairfield Historic Districts.

Celebrate Highland: A Holiday Home Tour, will kick off Saturday evening at 5 p.m. at the Noel Mansion at 555 Herndon with complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres. Visitors can choose to leave their cars at the Noel United Methodist Church parking lot and take the free shuttle to the houses on the tour or drive using a provided map.

On Sunday, the tour will begin at the beautiful Randle T. Moore Center at 3101 Fairfield Avenue at 1 p.m. Coffee, cookies and live music will be provided. The free shuttle will run from the Moore Center to the homes and a map will be provided for those who chose to drive. The tour allows a glimpse into Highland's multiple architectural styles: Four Square, Tudor, Bungalow, Mediterranean; even a 1920s-era grocery store will be on the tour!

Be aware that DIFFERENT homes will be on the tour Saturday and Sunday so to see all that Celebrate Highland has to offer, you will want to purchase the two-day tour pass available on line at www.celebratehighland.com or by calling 318-221-5629. Special thanks go to tour sponsors John David Stewart of ISA/Stewart Insurance, Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau and Republic National Distributing Company. Their sponsorship dollars and support will help make the 2009 home tour the best ever.

Presented by the Highland Restoration Association.

Saturday, December 5, 5-9:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 6, 1-5:00 p.m.

Parish to start program for troubled children

2009-11-20T22:42:00.000-08:00

http://arklatexhomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=84491

Each year, thousands of children get into trouble with the law and face serious consequences. But what if you could change how these kids think?

Nbc 6 news reporter Karen Hopkins found a new technique coming to a local parish that could help lots of children get back on track.

Derrick Thompson says as a child, he got into trouble, especially at school.
“I terrorized the classroom, pushing chairs and tables out of the way." He says he grew up in a single parent home, without a lot of guidance and attention. "I never knew how to adjust so I just acted out.”

Now Thompson along with 18 Volunteers for Youth Justice are learning how to help children before it’s too late. About 40 kids go through the Caddo parish juvenile court system each month.

This January, the parish plans to require all offenders take the Facts of Life course. The eight week program teaches how behavior affects happiness.
Dr. Douglas Ramm developed the Facts of Life in 2002. It centers around ten core values that children should try to enhance, from companionship to freedom.

Caddo parish juvenile court judge Paul Young says the program shows results. The Westmoreland county juvenile justice system in Pennsylvania started the Facts of Life 5 years ago. Today the number of children incarcerated has decreased 40 percent.

Young says the program could pay for itself by keeping children out of detention centers. It costs $10,000 dollars a year to keep one child at the detention center. Young hopes this new program will save not just taxpayer dollars, but lives.

The program would cost $100,000 to fund. The Caddo parish commission and state Office of Juvenile Justice would split the cost. Judge Young says both support the program, but still have to approve the funding before classes start this January.

Former Stockwell Principal Speaks Out

2009-11-19T23:04:00.000-08:00

http://arklatexhomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=84421

An award winning, elementary school principal who retired after a DWI arrest, is speaking out tonight only on NBC 6. Reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with the former educator who says, anyone can learn from his story.

“It’s a terrible feeling that you've worked so hard for your entire life to get to a certain point and then one silly decision you might make can jeopardize the whole thing." Tim Thompson dedicated 30 years of his life to the Bossier parish school system. But just last month, he retired, after a DWI arrest. “I certainly expect to be vindicated for all charges. “

“Our whole family was heartbroken and it was so difficult because we felt like everything was swept underneath us," wife Kay Thompson says.

As a principal and teacher, Thompson says his story is a life lesson about consequences that come from the choices we make. But also, learning how to pass a challenging test. “We got cards, phone, calls; people make the difference during tough times,” Kay Thompson says.

But now things are slowing down, and Thompson has time to look at his legacy: the principal of the year, and the leader of the highest rated school in Bossier parish. "We really believe everything happens for a purpose and there is a bigger plan."
And that plan, Thompson says could lead him back to school. He says he's considering working for a private charter school.

Mr. Thompson was arrested about two months ago. He is facing charges of DWI, littering, open container and speeding. His court date is pending.

My thoughts: Tim and his wife Kay are wonderful people. I really enjoyed talking with both of them. It's special to see Tim's passion for education. I think we can all remember teachers who inspired us. I remember my 7th grade teacher who really believed in me. I had a talk show called, "KH Talk." She loved it and always told me to reach for the stars! I still think of her!

I wish the best to the Thompson family!

Two shot outside apartment complex

2009-11-18T21:20:00.000-08:00

http://arklatexhomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=84291

Bossier City police are searching for a person who shot two people outside an apartment complex.

It started at the Scott street apartments around 8pm. Authorities say two men were shot there, but one man ran a few blocks away to Green Street.
Both were shot in the chest, but their injuries are described as non-life threatening.

Officers are investigating the motive of this crime. This is not the first shooting at the Scott street apartments. Police say a few months ago, someone was shot in the foot.

My thoughts: I don't understand the violence. Luckily both men shot, police say have non life threatening wounds. Life is too precious. Always remember that! Especially on the bad days.

Bossier Arts Council to protest funding cut

2009-11-16T22:08:00.000-08:00

If you support the arts in Bossier City, you might want to show it at tomorrow's city council meeting (3pm Bossier Civic Center).

The city is proposing a $55,000 cut to the Bossier Arts council...all because of that $6 million budget shortfall.

We spoke with the Arts Executive Director Kelly Warner. She says the council would have to slash services many enjoy...like a summer camp for kids, theater shows, or money for art teachers.

Tomorrow wear red at the council meeting to support the arts!

http://sites.bossierarts.org/main/

Fema to start inspecting storm damage

2009-11-16T22:05:00.000-08:00

Here's what I learned tonight, if you have flood or storm damage...document it. There's a chance the federal government could reimburse you OR offer you no interest long term loans.

http://arklatexhomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=84042

The recent flooding and tornadoes have severely damaged hundreds of homes in our area. Many families say they simply cannot afford the costly repairs during these tough economic times. Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins found out how the government can help these folks weather the financial storm.

William Goode Jr. says he's still cleaning up from the storm. Water crept inside his Shreveport apartment, destroying his carpet, clothes, shoes. He says insurance just won't cover it, and he can't afford to replace everything. "We already threw lots away.”

People with flood damage should document everything.
The Caddo Bossier office of homeland security says there's a chance the government will reimburse homeowners. Tuesday and Wednesday Fema teams will survey destruction at about 700 homes in our area.
The map shows the majority of Fema's stops will be Shreveport, then on to Bossier City where a tornado ripped through.

Don Weathersby says he has insurance, but he'll still have to pay about four thousand dollars. Fema inspectors will look at, those out of pocket expenses homeowners paid, and if a family lost income because the storm prevented them from working.

The Caddo Bossier office of homeland security says in about a month the government will announce if homeowners in our area are eligible for cash or a no interest long term loan. At that point people can fill out an application for help.

For questions on relief contact the Caddo Bossier office of homeland security at 425-5351.

Princeton Elementary Veterans Day

2009-11-11T21:30:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful time at Princeton Elementary! The school held a wonderful veterans day celebration. It was great to see family members teach students about serving our country. Thanks to everyone at the school for showing me around!

http://arklatexhomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=83231

Some veterans went back to school today to teach the next generation about our freedoms. Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins visited Princeton Elementary, just outside Haughton, where military folks brought history to life.

Students at Princeton elementary learned lessons about our freedoms today from people they never thought of as teachers, like grandma.

Children embraced special guests who have served our country, like Beverly Debouver. She was one of few women air force mechanics in the 1970s. Vietnam vet Jim Hunter came to share his stories with grandson Gary. “It feels good because you can actually say that one of your family members was fighting for other people.”

Children also learned about the flag hands on. “I said what do those stripes stand for? They said the 13 original colonies. That was correct," St. Rep. Henry Burns says.

Take pride in being American and remember those who fight for the freedoms we all enjoy. That's what these children learned at school today.

Slow Money Movement: What do you Think?

2009-11-10T16:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33829197/ns/us_news-giving/

Tasch said he wants to build and test the concept of something he calls "nurture capital" — a healthier and more sustainable alternative to venture capital for funding new businesses. It's time, he says, to shorten the distance between investors and their investments. It's also time, he says, to create new economic models that deliver a return but that also put community, soil fertility and the environment at the bottom line.

That's where the concept of "slow money" comes in. What if the money you invested stayed within 50 miles of where you currently live and was committed to local merchants and growers who put at least 50 percent of their profits back into the community? "What if, instead of making a double-digit return on a fast-money transaction that exploited Third World villagers and pumped up corporate profits artificially," Tasch says, "you could get a steady 2 percent to 3 percent return on money that dramatically improved the quality of life in your own neighborhood?

Families of Bossier City officers protest job cuts.

2009-11-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

http://arklatexhomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=83022

Bossier City council must decide whether to cut 80 fire and police positions. But tonight, family members of these officers are outraged. Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins talked with a mother who says she's fighting to save her son's job.

Mom Susan McClain's holding her pride and joy, her only son. She says as a child, he always knew he'd be a police officer someday. "When he was a little, we would get the cars, trucks and always one would be a little police car."

And sure enough, McClain's son joined the Bossier City police department about four months ago. But now, his childhood dream, mom says has a harsh new reality. Bossier City plans to lay off 40 officers and her son is on that list. “We are going to still have a good Christmas, but the stress he'll be under as a family man, a husband, will be tough. But we'll make it through as a family."

McClain says it’s not just about the people who work at the departments. It could affect you, if you call for help. “Even with the tornados, these guys are out there 24/7, even saving my own home."

And it definitely hits home for Carrie Moore. Her husband's also a Bossier officer who could lose his job. She says now they're making new financial plans and even job hunting..together. “We're a team. As a wife, it affects me just as much as my husband."

You can show your support for the Bossier fire and police department on Facebook. Search for the group “Save our Bossier City Police and Firefighters” has nearly 4,000 members.

Highland Jazz and Blues Fest This Weekend!!!

2009-11-09T18:57:00.000-08:00

http://www.highlandjazzandblues.org/Highland_Jazz_and_Blues_Festival/The_Music.html

Come enjoy some Jazz and a good time!

Come See Camelot...I am!

2009-11-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

http://www.thestrandtheatre.com/index.php?src=events&srctype=detail&category=Show%20Schedule&refno=172

Come out and support the arts and the Strand! It's a beautiful theater.

Camelot
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Rediscover the grandeur of one of history's greatest love stories in Lerner and Loewe's timeless masterpiece, Camelot. Set in a land where honor and chivalry reign, Camelot follows the love triangle of King Arthur, his Queen Guenevere and the young Lancelot. With one of Broadway's most enchanting scores, Camelot is the definitive musical theatre fable. Recapture a golden time for one brief shining moment, at the Strand.

SPD could save thousands by hiring Bossier officers

2009-11-09T18:11:00.000-08:00

http://arklatexhomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=82912

The city of Shreveport hopes to save hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars by hiring fully trained officers from a nearby city. As NBC 6 reporter Karen Hopkins found, it could help prevent deadly crimes.

Cora Savannah's husband of nearly 30 years was stabbed to death about 4 years ago. “We went to school together, grew up together.” But in an instant, he was gone. “The pain you can't describe. I couldn't eat, sleep, my heart was so empty. I was thinking this is a dream.

But now, she's facing reality as an advocate against crime.
Savannah says Shreveport needs more officers on the streets. It could save lives. “It could be your family. We need more officers walking the streets, knocking on doors and saying we are here to serve and protect."

Spd says it’s a challenge keeping officers, due to retirement and people quitting. By February, it will have more than 20 open officer positions to fill.

But Spd says it could hire a handful of officer right away, from across the river, if Bossier City decides to lay off 40 police officers. “I feel for anyone in that situation. I have never been laid off but it's got to be a horrible feeling." Spd Asst. Chief Wayne Smith says.

Well here's the good news. Spd says it hopes to give jobs to as many officers as possible. If the department hires 20 Bossier officers, it would save Shreveport more than $130,000 in training.

Bossier City is training 5 new recruits right now. If the budget cuts pass, it will not hire the officers. Bossier has spent more than $101,000 in training and benefits for those five recruits.