5:30 LRN Newscast Nov 22

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 Homewood 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.

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

Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says your Thanksgiving dinner is expected to cost about 14 percent more this year. And the supply of turkeys is limited especially when it comes to medium to large size birds due to an outbreak of Avian Flu.

Cut 5 (08) “…the economy.”

If you’re cooking a turkey for the holiday, hopefully by now you’ve already started thawing it. And if by chance you have a microwave that can handle the size of your bird, USDA expert Kenneth King says you need to be precise about thawing times.

Cut 11 (09)  “…cook it immediately.”

If you’re thawing it in the fridge, it needs 24 hours for every four to five pounds of turkey.