PM LRN Newscall Nov 22

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says your Thanksgiving dinner is going to cost more, probably enough to notice. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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Louisiana Christmas tree farmers are hopeful for a profitable season and a Washington Parish farmer says there’s plenty to choose from. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says your Thanksgiving is expected to cost about 14 percent more this year.

Cut 3 (07) “…sixteen point seven.” 

Strain says prices of everything from flour to canned corn to butter and cranberry sauce are higher. He says this year the supply of turkeys is also smaller.

Cut 4 (08)  “…medium range.” 

Strain says the turkey supply was badly hit by an outbreak of Avian Flu.

Cut 5 (08) “…the economy.”

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If you’re looking for a fresh-cut Christmas tree, they are plentiful in Louisiana this year, that’s according to Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish.  Steele says while growers have faced an increase in supply and fuel costs you’ll save if you buy your tree locally.

Cut 6 (07)  “…the lots.”

Steele says the dry weather this fall did not affect the Christmas trees ready for sale, because they are most vulnerable as a seedling.

Cut 7 (07)  “…no trouble.”

And depending on if you’re looking for a full tree or you prefer one that’s more open, Steele says there’s plenty to choose from this year.

Cut 8 (09)  “…into the tree.“

Steele says sales have been brisk so far and he’s hopeful for a profitable season.

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With Thanksgiving Day two days away, getting that frozen turkey thawed is a top priority for the chef in your household. USDA expert Kenneth King says there are a few tips for cooks to follow when it comes to thawing and cooking.

Cut 9 (07)  “…of turkey.” 

Experts say to thaw the turkey breast side up with the wrapper unopened. And it’s vital the fridge be forty degrees or below.

King says if you are using the cold water method it’s a bit more work because you have to change the water every 30 minutes. You should thaw the breast turkey side down, with enough cold water to completely cover the turkey.

Cut 10 (05) “…after thawing.” 

And if you have a microwave that can handle a big bird, King says you need to be very precise about thawing times.

Cut 11 (09)  “…cook it immediately.”

King says it actually is possible to cook a frozen turkey, but you have to cook it fifty percent longer than if it was thawed. King says a turkey that was thawed in the fridge can stay in the fridge for one to two days before cooking

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State Police says a 16-year-old who ran a stop sign in Lake Charles died in a fiery crash last night. Trooper Derek Senegal says Philip Conner of Holmwood was traveling south of Highway 397 when he collided with a mid-size S-U-V

Cut 12 (10) “…GMC Acadia.” 

Senegal says after impact both vehicles traveled off the roadway and Conner’s vehicle became engulfed in flames

Cut 13 (07) “…dead at the scene”  

Conner was a student at St. Louis Catholic High School, where he played soccer for the Saints. Senegal says the investigation continues into why he didn’t stop at the stop sign

Cut 14 (08)   “…ever applied.” 

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Cut 15 (09) “…UAB”

Cut  16 (12)  “…no doubt”