Collection:LPB

Genre: News, Public Affairs

Place Covered: Vinton, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2005-09-30

Duration: 00:09:14

Subjects: Hurricane Rita, 2005 | Hurricanes | Natural Disasters | Disaster response and recovery | Hurricane damage | Blanco, Kathleen Babineaux, 1942- | United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency

Contributors:

• Ekings, Robyn Host
• Whinham, Charlie Host
• Whinham, Charlie Producer
• Woods, Virnado Photographer
• Douglas, Karen Interviewee
• Riggins, David Interviewee
• Babin, Earl Interviewee
• Blanco, Kathleen Interviewee
• Brown, Kelvin Interviewee
• Brown, Rhonda Interviewee
• Chesson, Macie Interviewee
• Chester, Perri Interviewee
• Monceaux, A.J. Interviewee
• Pikus, Carolyn Interviewee

This segment from the September 30, 2005, episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features Charlie Whinham’s visit to Vinton in Calcasieu Parish to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Rita. On Monday, September 26, Whinham talks to Vinton Councilwoman Karen Douglas, Vinton Mayor David Riggins, and RV park owner Earl Babin about the town’s dire need for ice, water, and food. He also follows Governor Kathleen Blanco as she tours the damage and promises to send aid. Whinham then talks to Vinton residents Kelvin Brown and Rhonda Brown about why they returned to town before the officials gave the all clear and their disappointment that Governor Blanco urged them to evacuate again until the town’s services are back up and running. On Wednesday, September 28, Whinham talks to residents Perri Chester, A.J. Monceaux, and Carolyn Pikus as they pick up their newly arrived FEMA rations of water, ice, and food. He also reports that officials are still deciding when it will be safe for residents to return home. Hosts: Robyn Ekings and Charlie Whinham