KLAX Special Features

Local News Stories

Sentenced

A teen that shot a woman in the head in her home is now headed for prison. Prosecutors say 18-year-old Jeremy Carlton Kirk, Senior will almost be middle-aged by the time he is out of prison. He is charged in the drive-by shooting death of 36-year-old Annette Harris of Pineville. KLAX ABC 31 NEWS 12/6/11

Inmates Captured

Two separate escaped inmates were captured in our area over the weekend. Two Concordia Parish hunters helped authorities nab a suspect who fled Avoyelles Parish Friday in a high-speed chase. The hunters found 46-year-old Clinton Ashlock lying near a tree around noon Saturday. They told police, who eventually arrested him. In Vernon Parish, deputies captured Christopher Brent Miller early Friday. Deputies believe he was involved in both burglaries and car thefts. KLAX ABC 31 NEWS 12/5/11

Avoyelles Arrest

An Avoyells Parish correctional officer is now facing the other side of the law. 34-year-old Jaworski Toussaint of Bunkie has been arrested for bringing synthetic marijuana and other banned items with him to work, according to police. He has been charged with introduction of contraband and malfeasance. He had been on the staff since May 2010. KLAX ABC 31 NEWS 12/5/11

Rapides Fatality

State troopers say alcohol is suspected in a car crash on Turkey Creek Road, near Highway 165. The crash killed 49-year-old Bradley Cathey of Glenmora. He apparently lost control, driving his truck off the road and hitting several small trees, causing the truck to flip. He was not wearing a seat belt. KLAX ABC 31 NEWS 12/5/11

Other News of Interest

Earth’s Twin?

NASA has discovered a new planet that could be Earth’s twin. The newly discovered planet has been dubbed Kepler 22B. NASA says the planet is orbiting a star similar to our sun, and the climate is nice; on average 72 degrees. We won’t be getting there anytime soon, though. It’s about 600 light years away; that’s trillions and trillions of miles. (click picture to read NASA’s story)

Cuts to First-Class Mail to Slow Delivery in 2012

Unprecedented cuts by the cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service will slow first-class delivery next spring and, for the first time in 40 years, eliminate the chance for stamped letters to arrive the next day.

The estimated $3 billion in reductions, to be announced in broader detail later Monday, are part of a wide-ranging effort by the Postal Service to quickly trim costs and avert bankruptcy. They could slow everything from check payments to Netflix’s DVDs-by-mail, add costs to mail-order prescription drugs, and threaten the existence of newspapers and time-sensitive magazines delivered by postal carrier to far-flung suburban and rural communities. That birthday card mailed first-class to Mom also could arrive a day or two late, if people don’t plan ahead. (click picture to read more)

Honda Recall Expands

If you drive a Honda, pay attention. Honda is expanding its recall to replace the airbags in more of its cars. The air bag may deploy with too much pressure, injuring the driver. Cars affected include the popular Civic and Accord, made in the early 2000′s; certain Acura models are affected, too. Honda will notify customers by mail later this month.

KLAX ABC 31 NEWS 12/2/11