Chris Welty
KATC TV3
Lafayette, LA, United States
Contact Chris
Discover and connect with journalists and influencers around the world, save time on email research, monitor the news, and more.
| Recent: |
|
| Past: |
|
Past articles by Chris:
Getting Answers: Navigating insurance claims in the wake of Hurricane Delta
In the aftermath of Hurricane Delta, it can be overwhelming dealing with the cleanup process and figuring out how to move forward. If you have damage, part of that undertaking is dealing with your insurance company to help repair your home. KATC is Getting Answers about the claim process. Several viewers reached out to KATC saying they had no idea they would have to pay more money towards their… → Read More
Multiple burglaries reported during and after Hurricane Delta in Lafayette
Not everyone stayed inside as Hurricane Delta's winds and rain battered Acadiana. Lafayette Police say some people decided to abuse the closures and curfews by breaking into homes and businesses. KATC Investigates found instances of theft in the midst of the storm. Our investigative team uncovered at least eight reports of burglaries during and after the storm. One victim who did not want to be… → Read More
Acadiana Animal Aid receives extensive damage during Hurricane Delta
A non-profit known for saving lives is now facing new obstacles following Hurricane Delta. Acadiana Animal Aid like so many others is assessing the damage and figuring out how to move forward. The shelter's mission is "Until they all have a home." That goal is now a bit more challenging following Delta. "This really has a profound impact on our life saving ability until they are repaired," said… → Read More
Fireworks store in Lake Charles left exposed after damage from Hurricane Delta
KATC's Chris Welty visits a fireworks store in Lake Charles that was left exposed after damage from Hurricane Delta, even after damage from Hurricane Laura has yet to be repaired. → Read More
Leftover debris a concern for Lake Charles residents ahead of Delta
Leftover Laura debris is the reason why some in the Lake Charles area are evacuating ahead of delta. "it's just scary," says resident Vicki Williams. From Williams' driveway you can see the mountain of debris following Hurricane Laura. Crews recently picked up the pile in front of her home but she's still concerned. "With all of this debris out here, you could easily get killed or it could… → Read More
Getting Answers: What's next for the Mouton Statue
Lafayette Consolidated Government is hoping for healing with the proposed removal of the Alfred Mouton statue in Downtown Lafayette. Carlos Harvin, LCG's Chief of Minority Affairs said, "This is a moment of spiritual renewal. It's time to reckon with mistakes from our past and it's an opportunity for us spiritually to move forwards as one community." There are still steps to be taken before the… → Read More
Getting Answers: LPSS addresses COVID concerns and upcoming school year
The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is reporting that seven of its member schools have cases of COVID-19, including at least one case in Acadiana. Many of our viewers are asking what the school systems are doing to notify parents and what this could mean for the upcoming school year. Tonight, we're Getting Answers from the Lafayette Parish School System. As high school football… → Read More
Five injured in Downtown Lafayette shooting
Five people are in stable condition after an early morning shooting in Downtown Lafayette. Lafayette Police say the shooting happened around 2:00 in the 400 block of Jefferson Street. Three people were shot in the upper torso and two were shot in their lower torso. Four people were transported to the hospital, but the fifth person refused further medical attention. So far, no arrests have been… → Read More
How is COVID-19 impacting state's hurricane response plan?
As hurricane season nears, the Office of Emergency Preparedness is evaluating its game plan. Hurricane season officially starts on June 1, but with a disturbance in the Atlantic, many people are talking about preparing for whatever this season will bring to our area. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, several of you have asked us how COVID-19 will impact the state's response. "What we don't want to… → Read More
Local church finds a way to bring congregation together
One church is still finding a way to bring its congregation together throughout the coronavirus pandemic. → Read More
Real estate market adapts during COVID-19
It's the time of year when home sales are typically hot, but COVID-19 is having an impact on the real estate market. The Realtor Association of Acadiana plans to have a breakdown of how the coronavirus has impacted the market during the month of March by Wednesday or Thursday. While many buyers and sellers have mixed feelings right now, agents are still showing homes, but they're also changing… → Read More
Dashboard confessions amid COVID-19
Two Acadiana priests are helping some keep the faith amid the coronavirus. St. Mary Magdalen in Abbeville is taking a hint from some restaurants and now, they're offering drive-in confessions through Lent. One-by-one Friday afternoon, cars trickle in to the drive-in confessions at St. Mary Magdalen's Community Center. Father Louis Richard said, "I've heard confessions in just about every place… → Read More
Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans is about tradition and family
Along St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, Mardi Gras Day is all about tradition and family. While most people are sleeping at 3:00 in the morning, Nicholas Keelen and his family are hard at work. His main focus is prepping his food, grill and pot. "This is what it's about," Keelen said. "There's not many places in America where you can get out and do this kind of stuff in the wee hours of the… → Read More
Affordable housing community coming to North Lafayette
An affordable housing community is coming to Lafayette off North University Avenue. The Madeline Cove Project will feature 30 homes, more than 90 townhouses, a senior living complex and a commercial store front. The homes are slated to cost no more than $150,000. The project is more than just business, it's personal for one of the developers. "Just being able to see the vision so clearly in my… → Read More
Lafayette Police release 2019 crime stats
Homicides and burglaries are up in Lafayette, meanwhile other crimes are down. The Lafayette Police Department released crime stats today, comparing how the city ranked over the last two years. Last year, LPD said they received fewer calls for service and less crime was reported. Though the department is boasting a decrease in rape, robbery, assault and theft, they acknowledge there are still… → Read More
Lafayette Mayor-President closing law firms
Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory is closing his law firm, citing his new duties as Mayor-President. Originally, Guillory, who owns the firm Joshua S. Guillory, announced he was creating a new firm, the Acadiana Family Law Center. In an interview earlier this month with The Daily Advertiser about his new firm, Guillory said, "I'm the owner-operator. The responsible attorney is Brandy… → Read More
Former Iberia firefighter arrested for vehicle fire in Lafayette
A former Iberia Parish firefighter was arrested for arson in connection with a vehicle fire earlier this month. → Read More
Former CAO speaks out, questions raised about LCG transparency
Lafayette Consolidated Government's short-lived Chief Administrative Officer is raising concerns about transparency in the new administration. Beth Guidry said she was forced to resign after about a week on the job with Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory. Guidry resigned Wednesday. She and Guillory have been friends for years, but this week, she said the Mayor-President forced her out and… → Read More
Interim Lafayette Police Chief discusses future of the department
Tonight, we're learning more about Lafayette's interim police chief. Mayor-President Josh Guillory appointed Scott Morgan to the job after Toby Aguillard resigned on Monday. Morgan is a 25-year veteran of the force. Prior to his promotion, his rank was lieutenant. He's served in the traffic unit, special events section and evidence unit. Most recently, Morgan was the watch commander. "My job as… → Read More
Sheriff's Office warns of warrant scam
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office is investigating complaints of a new warrant scam. "These scammers think oh, these people have money. They've been stockpiling money for the year and now we're going to hit. I expect to see a rise in scam opportunities over the next few weeks," said David Spencer, spokesperson for the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office. Spencer said callers claim the Sheriff's… → Read More