PM-Newscall December 24th, 2014

The Louisiana Department of Transportation has a few resources drivers can use to check on traffic and road conditions on Louisiana roadways for their holiday travel. Eric Gill has more…

CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

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The North American Aerospace Defense Command has already started tracking Ole Saint Nick on his present delivering journey around the world. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 2 (32) “reporting”

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Many Louisianians will be hitting the roadways to visit family and loved ones this Christmas. Louisiana Department of Transportation spokesman Rodney Mallett says there are many different resources drivers can use to check on traffic and road conditions on Louisiana roadways. He says you can plan your travel through their 511LA-dot-org website…

CUT 3 (10)  “on the website”

Mallet says another resource for drivers is their “Way to Geaux” app, which is available for your smart phone. He says you won’t have to worry about constantly looking at your phone for information with this app…

CUT 4 (12)  “alternate route”

Mallett reminds motorists to be patient and courteous on the road this Christmas weekend as roadways will see increased traffic. He says drivers can also get up to date road conditions by paying attention to the message boards set up across the state…

CUT 5 (06)  “through Louisiana”

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The North American Aerospace Defense Command has already started tracking Ole Saint Nick on his equipped present delivering journey around the world. NORAD spokeswoman Major Beth Smith says making sure the skies are safe is part of their mission and they began tracking Santa in 1955 when a number for the jolly guy was misprinted in the media and instead kids were calling their center

CUT 6 (08)  “track Santa for him”

Smith says the reindeer journey looks smooth so far and they don’t anticipate there being any disturbances in St. Nick’s path this year. She says the NORAD military command is well equipped to track anything that travels in the sky including Santa…:

CUT 7 (09) “continent”

Smith says trackers can call 1-877-Hi-NORAD to inquire about Santa’s whereabouts or go to www.noradsanta.org. She says he should be arriving in Louisiana sometime tonight likely between 10 and midnight and he does know when you’re sleeping and when you’re awake…:

CUT 8 (03) “Santa will show up”

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Today on Christmas Eve by far one of the most sought after items here at the VERY last minute is a gift card. Tucker Group Financial Educator Jeanette Tucker it’s best not to rush your decision because you want to make sure you’re getting a card that will actually be used by the person you’re buying it for…:

CUT 9 (06)  “for the consumer”

Tucker says it’s always better to purchase your card directly from the vendor rather than from a rack at a grocery store. She says sometimes those cards can be drained fraudulently then returned to the rack…:

CUT 10 (05)  “invalid card”

Tucker says you should make sure the gift card is valid for 5 years and has a number on the back so consumers can call and check the balance. She says if you get a gift card for Christmas, use it up…:

cut 11 (10)  “particular vendor”

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is offering up to a $7,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the illegal killing of a black bear found in Avoyelles Parish. Spokesman Adam Einck says they were first contacted about the incident on December 5th…

cut 12 (09) “they really need”

Authorities say the bear was shot with a bullet that went through the abdomen and was dead for over a week before it was found. An examination of the 70 pound bear suggests the animal was a juvenile. Einck says anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call their Operation Game Thief hotline… (1-800-442-2511)

cut 13 (09) “Apple App Store”

The bear was found in the woods in the Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge. Einck says the LDWF is working to raise the black bear population in Louisiana. He says those efforts are increasing the hunter-black bear contacts in the wild…

cut 14 (11) “in the future”

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11:30 Newscast December 24, 2014

The Louisiana Department of Transportation has a few resources drivers can use to check on traffic and road conditions on Louisiana roadways for their holiday travel. Eric Gill has more…:
CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

Gas prices continue to drop and according to the American Automobile Association they’ve been falling for 90 straight days…the longest on record. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular in Louisiana according to AAA is $2.21 down two cents from last night and falling.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command has already started tracking Ole Saint Nick on his present delivering journey around the world. NORAD spokeswoman Major Beth Smith says making sure the skies are safe is part of their mission and they began tracking Santa in 1955 when a number for the jolly guy was misprinted in the media and instead kids were calling their center
CUT 6 (08) “track Santa for him”
She says the tradition continues and you can track St. Nick and noradsanta.org.

The annual Bonfires on the Levee takes place tonight in St. James Parish. Rhonda Lee, President of the Festival of the Bonfires, says this is a tradition in the parish dating back more than 100 years. She says, this year, 130 bonfires will be lit…:
CUT 1 (09) “along the levee”
If you plan to go, it’s recommended that you get into the area before 6PM.

 

10:30 Newscast December 24th, 2014

Many Louisianians will be hitting the roadways to visit family and loved ones this Christmas. Department of Transportation spokesman Rodney Mallett says there are many different resources drivers can use to check on traffic and road conditions in Louisiana. He says you can plan your travel through their 511LA-dot-org website…:
CUT 3 (10) “on the website”
He reminds motorists to be extra courteous this Christmas.

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s office says they got a tip that a Mr. Grinch was trying to steal Christmas so they immediately launched an investigation. Sheriff Randy Seal says they caught up with him thanks to help from his dog and put him in jail…:
CUT 11 (08) “really are a heel”
He says now the people of Washington Parish can sleep easier knowing the cuddly as a cactus suspect has been caught.

The annual Bonfires on the Levee takes place tonight in St. James Parish. Scott Carwile has more…:
CUT 2 (30) “reporting”

It’s a little chilly out this morning but State Climatologist Barry Keim says the REAL cold will move in for Christmas morning. He says you can expect temps in the 30s for present-time and Thursday highs will get into the 50s…:
CUT 6 (05) “Christmas should be”

09:30 Newscast December 24, 2014

Clean-up and recovery will take place today in Tangipahoa Parish near Amite where a tornado touched down yesterday afternoon causing damage to nearly 20 homes. Jeff McKneely, spokesperson for Tangipahoa Parish Emergency management, says thankfully no one was hurt as a result of the twister…

cut 13 (05) “severe damage”

It is reported that at least a dozen families have been displaced as a result of the tornado.

Now that we have the nasty weather conditions behind us, State Climatologist Barry Keim says we can expect to have some nice weather for Christmas in the Bayou State. He says colder temperatures are now being seen across Louisiana…

cut 4 (09) “bottom line”

But he says Christmas morning is when the real cold weather is going to settle in.

Two Louisiana movie theaters will participate in the limited release of the controversial Sony Pictures movie “The Interview”. The film’s wide release, which was scheduled Christmas Day, was cancelled by Sony after threats were made by computer hackers. Chalmette Movies in Chalmette and the Robinson Film Center in Shreveport will screen the movie beginning tomorrow.

A thief with a heart two sizes too small is behind bars after the Washington Parish Sheriff’s office got a tip that Mr. Grinch was trying to steal Christmas. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 3 (32) “reporting”

08:30 Newscast December 24, 2014

Nearly 20 homes were damaged after a tornado touched down yesterday in Tangipahoa Parish. Jeff McKneely, spokesperson for Tangipahoa Parish Emergency Management, says with the weather much better today, they’ll continue to survey the damage, but they do have a lot of property damage east of Amite…

cut 15 (05) “was destroyed”

No injuries were reported. At least a dozen families are reportedly displaced as a result of the damage from the tornado.

Tonight it’s the annual Bonfires on the Levee in St. James Parish. Rhonda Lee, President of the Festival of the Bonfires, says the popularity of the Christmas Eve bonfires has been growing steadily over the last 25 years. There are several stories about how the bonfires started in St. James Parish, but Lee says one stands out…

cut 9 (06) “little children”

They will light the bonfires around 7 o’clock tonight.

Now that the bad weather day is behind us, we can expect beautiful, yet chilly, conditions for Christmas. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 1 (27) “reporting”

Lake Charles Police say a 37-year-old man is under arrest accused of kidnapping a woman. They say a witness saw Oscar Pete of Lake Charles throw a woman into a vehicle and drive off. When the pair got to Iowa, the victim escaped the vehicle and contacted authorities. Shortly after, officers spotted Pete’s vehicle and arrested him. Pete was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center on a charge of simple kidnapping.

07:30 Newscast December 24, 2014

Today in Tangipahoa Parish clean-up and recovery will take place near Amite where a tornado touched down yesterday afternoon causing damage to nearly 20 homes. Jeff McKneely, spokesperson for Tangipahoa Parish Emergency management, says the whole incident happened really quick…

cut 14 (13) “this storm”

It is reported that at least a dozen families have been displaced as a result of the tornado. No injuries were reported.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says now that those storms are behind us we can expect to have some nice Christmas weather. He says colder temperatures are now descending upon the state with the real cold weather settling in Christmas morning…

cut 5 (09) “chilly morning”

Keim says temperatures this morning range from the upper 30s across northern parishes to about 50 degrees along the coast, but most of the state is in the 40s.

Tonight in St. James Parish it’s the annual Bonfires on the Levee. Rhonda Lee, President of the Festival of the Bonfires, expects the levees to be packed with revelers. Lee says people from all over the United States plan their Christmas vacations to check out the bonfires…

cut 8 (06) “time with us”

If you plan on attending, it’s recommended that you get into the area before 6PM.

A thief with a heart two sizes too small is behind bars after the Washington Parish Sheriff’s office got a tip that the infamous Mr. Grinch was trying to steal Christmas. Sheriff Randy Seal says they did some investigating and were able to apprehend the suspect’s dog and attach a surveillance recorder to it…

cut 10 (08) “put him in jail”

Seal says the people of Washington Parish can sleep easier now that the cuddly as a cactus suspect has been caught.

06:45 Sportscast December 24, 2014

The NFL has announced its Pro Bowl selections and two members of the New Orleans Saints have made the cut. Tight end Jimmy Graham and Guard Jahri Evans will represent the Black & Gold in the league’s annual All-Star contest. Former LSU standouts, Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams and Arizona Cardinal cornerback Patrick Peterson were also selected to the squad. The Pro Bowl will be played January 25th in Glendale, AZ.

The Saints will return to the practice field today to get ready for their season finale against Tampa Bay. Coach Sean Payton admits its disappointing to have to play a game, knowing you can’t get into the playoffs…

cut 18 (16) “….those emotions”

This is the third time since 2008 that the Black & Gold have missed the playoffs.

The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs took a 15-point lead into the locker room at half time, but couldn’t hold on as North Carolina State came from behind to win the game 73-65. Tech hit only three field goals in the final 14 minutes of the contest. Senior Raheem Appleby and junior Alex Hamilton each scored 18 as the Bulldogs’ record falls to 8-4 as they head into the Christmas break. Tech will next hit the hardwood next Monday when they host Southern Arkansas.

After a big road win Sunday against Oklahoma City, the Pelicans couldn’t keep the momentum going as they fell to the Indiana Pacers 96-84. Anthony Davis lead all scorers with 21 points and Jrue Holiday threw in 16 as the Pels fall to 14-14 on the season. The Pelicans return to the Smoothie King Center Friday to take on the defending NBA champion, San Antonio Spurs.

LSU commitment Nick Brosette has been named as the offensive player of the year in Class Three-A. Brosette rushed for 1,833 yards and had 31 total touchdowns for the UHIGH Cubs. John Curtis defensive end Bo Wallace, who is committed to Notre Dame, is the three-A defensive player of the year. Wallace had nine sacks for the Patriots this past season.

06:30 Newscast December 24, 2014

Clean-up and recovery will take place today in Tangipahoa Parish near Amite where a tornado touched down yesterday afternoon causing damage to nearly 20 homes. Jeff McKneely, spokesperson for Tangipahoa Parish Emergency management, says thankfully no one was hurt…

cut 13 (05) “severe damage”

The twister also knocked down trees and power lines, causing power outages in the area. In a statement, Governor Bobby Jindal says the state stands ready to assist the people of Tangipahoa Parish.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says now that we have the nasty conditions behind us we can expect to have some nice weather for Christmas in Louisiana. He says colder temperatures are now descending upon the state…

cut 4 (09) “bottom line”

He says Christmas morning is when the real cold weather is going to settle in with highs on Thursday in the 50s…

The annual Bonfires on the Levee takes place tonight in St. James Parish. Rhonda Lee, President of the Festival of the Bonfires, says this is a tradition in the parish dating back more than 100 years. She says, this year, 130 bonfires will be lit…

cut 7 (09) “along the levee”

Lee says the popularity of the Christmas Eve bonfires has been growing steadily over the last 25 years or so and expects the levees to be packed tonight. If you plan on heading to the Bonfires on the Levee celebration, it’s recommended that you get into the area before 6PM. The fires will be lit around 7 o’clock.

AM Newscall December 24th, 2014

Now that the bad weather day is behind us, we can expect beautiful, yet chilly, conditions for Christmas. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (27) “reporting”

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The annual Bonfires on the Levee takes place tonight in St. James Parish. Scott Carwile has more…

Cut 2 (30) “reporting”

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A thief with a heart two sizes too small is behind bars after the Washington Parish Sheriff’s office got a tip that Mr. Grinch was trying to steal Christmas. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (32) “reporting”

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State Climatologist Barry Keim says now that we have the nasty conditions behind us we can expect to have some nice weather for Christmas in Louisiana. He says colder temperatures are now descending upon the state…:

cut 4  (09)  “bottom line”

Keim says temperatures this morning range from the upper 30s across northern parishes to about 50 degrees along the coast, but most of the state is in the 40s. He says Christmas morning is when the real cold weather is going to settle in…:

Cut 5  (09)  “chilly morning”

Keim says conditions will be perfect out to open your presents by a nice warm fire on the chilly Christmas morning. He says highs on Thursday will rise up into the 50s…:

Cut 6 (05)  “just the way Christmas should be”

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The annual Bonfires on the Levee takes place tonight in St. James Parish. Rhonda Lee, President of the Festival of the Bonfires, says this is a tradition in the parish dating back more than 100 years. She says, this year, 130 bonfires will be lit…

CUT 7 (09)  “along the levee”

Lee says the popularity of the Christmas Eve bonfires has been growing steadily over the last 25 years or so. She expects the levees to be packed tonight with revelers. Lee says people from all over the United States plan their Christmas vacations to check out the bonfires…

Cut 8 (06)  “time with us” 

If you plan on heading to the Bonfires on the Levee celebration, it’s recommended that you get into the area before 6PM. The fires will be lit around 7PM. There are several stories about how the bonfires started in St. James Parish, but Lee says one stands out…

Cut 9 (06)  “little children”

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A thief with a heart two sizes too small is behind bars after the Washington Parish Sheriff’s office got a tip that Mr. Grinch was trying to steal Christmas. Sheriff Randy Seal they did some investigating and were able to apprehend the suspect’s dog and attach a surveillance recorder to it…:

Cut 10 (08) “put him in jail” 

Seal says the 56-year-old infamous Mr. Grinch was allegedly planning to take Christmas trees, ornaments, decorations and presents for children. He says now the people of Washington Parish can sleep easier now that the cuddly as a cactus suspect has been caught…:

cut 11 (08) “really are a heel”

Seal said they found Grinch hiding in the woods near Highway 62 and were able to listen in on his plans to ruin Christmas. He says they sent out this release to put smiles on faces and let citizens know there is a warm and fuzzy side cops and they don’t stink, stank stunk…:

cut 12 (05)  “Sheriff Seal”

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Clean-up and recovery will take place today in Tangipahoa Parish near Amite where a tornado touched down yesterday afternoon causing damage to nearly 20 homes. Jeff McKneely, spokesperson for Tangipahoa Parish Emergency management, says thankfully no one was hurt

Cut 13 (05)  “severe damage”

The twister also knocked down trees and power lines, causing power outages. McKneely says the whole incident happened really quick…

Cut 14 (13)  “this storm”

McKneely says with the weather much better today, they’ll continue to survey the damage, but they do have a lot of property damage east of Amite…

Cut 15  (05)  “was destroyed”

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LRN Newscast 17:30 December 23rd

East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner, Doctor Beau Clark, has determined the cause of death for a four-year-old child found in a water filled hole near his home last night. Doctor Clark says says Jassiah Clark drowned to death, with hypothermia as a contributing factor.

Severe weather has impacted much of the state today. We’ve had reports of hail across south Louisiana and portions of the northern half of the state as well. The National Weather Service says a tornado touchdowed down in Tangipahoa Parish, damaging several homes near Amite. At least one house had its roof torn off, but no injuries.

State Police say a West Monroe woman was killed this morning in a two-vehicle wreck in Ouachita Parish. Troopers say the victim, 30-year-old Jennifer Hale was ejected from her vehicle after losing control of her Nissan Versa and striking a Dodge Challenger. Hale was pronounced dead at the scene, the driver of the other vehicle had minor injuries.

A group of people in St. John Parish have a constructed a “Hands up!” bonfire on the Mississippi River West Bank. Michelle Southern reports…
cut 1 (31) “….reporting”

If you like fighting the crowds in the final hours of Christmas shopping, the Chairman of the Louisiana Tech Marketing Department Barry Babin says you can still get some great deals, since many retailers have already started their post-Christmas sales…
cut 14 (08) “they don’t like”
He says gift cards are very popular here at the last minute.