AM Newscall January 10,2017

Many plants were affected by this weekend’s freeze and Emelie Gunn has tips on how to treat the damaged plants…

CUT 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The staff of the Louisiana Board of Regents is recommending several changes to the TOPS scholarship program that will need legislative approval. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Clean-up officially begins today for the old Charity Hospital building in New Orleans after being abandoned since Hurricane Katrina. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palmero”

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The cold weather over the weekend damaged many plants and it has some wondering what to do next. LSU AgCenter Horticulturist Dan Gill recommends waiting a while to see if the plant is actually dead, even if it appears to have damage.

cut 4  (10) “seven days”

Gill says once you determine if parts of your plant have been damaged, it’s time to prune the affected areas, but tropical plants should be treated differently than woody plants. He says with the herbaceous tropical plants, remove oozy, mushy, and foul smelling damaged tissue.

Cut 5  (11)  “not sprouting”

Gill says a technique to immediately determine if a woody plant is damaged, is to scratch the bark with your thumb nail and if the tissue is green, it’s still alive and if it’s brown underneath, it’s dead. He also says do not get discouraged if a covered a plant and still received damage…

Cut 6 (10) “tropical again”

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The staff of the Louisiana Board of Regents is proposing several changes to the TOPS scholarship program. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says the board is reviewing their report, and the final recommendations will be made in February. He says they are looking at a variety of ways to change how the scholarship is awarded, after the state failed to fully fund the program for the first time this year.

CUT 7 (09)  “at LSU”

The report also suggests freshmen TOPS recipients would have 80-percent of their total tuition covered, sophomores 90-percent and juniors and seniors 100-percent. Rallo says another proposed change would require TOPS students to take 30 credit hours a year, rather than 24. He says the goal of the switch would be to encourage students to graduate more quickly. He says currently less than 40-percent of TOPS students graduate in 4 years.

Cut 8 (11) “a paycheck”

Rallo says they are also looking into selling the naming rights of the scholarship program. He says TOPS students are the state’s best and brightest, and companies may be willing to help fund those students’ education.

Cut 9 (12)  “to come in”

The proposals come after cuts to higher ed and TOPS meant scholarship recipients were forced to pay more than 50-percent of their spring semester tuition. Any changes to the program would not take effect until 2018, and it will need legislative approval.

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The clean-up process for Charity Hospital in New Orleans begins today. The historic building has been out of commission since Hurricane Katrina. LSU Health New Orleans Health Care Services Division Director of Facility Planning Jerry Jones says this project will cost over 6.4 million dollars. He says everything inside the building has been there since 2005.

Cut 10 (10) “that’s moveable”

The process is expected to take around 180 days. Jones says all the equipment is rusted and not usable, so it will have to be stripped and used as scrap metal.

cut 11 (09) “disposed of”

The facilities contain asbestos, mold, chemicals, and other hazardous materials and the building is not safe for immediate occupancy. Jones says FEMA will pay for the cleanup. He says they’ve been waiting to finally clean out the facility for over 10 years.

cut 12 (09) “reuse”

It’s unclear what will happen with the 78 year old structure once it’s cleaned out.

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A 39-year-old Pierre Part man has been arrested for allegedly accidently texting an Assumption Parish Sheriff’s deputy about a potential drug deal. Commander Lonny Cavalier says on Friday night, Dwayne Hebert sent a text stating his crystal meth product was ready for delivery.

Cut 13 (09) “arrested him”

Cavalier says no bond has been set for Hebert. He says Hebert was also arrested with two firearms along with the crystal meth.

cut 14 (10) “substances”

Cavalier says Hebert was arrested with two firearms along with the crystal meth. He says this really is an unusual case.

Cut 15 (08) “his part”

17:30 Newscast January 9,2017

In north Louisiana, law enforcement from around the state gave an update on the shooting and injuring of LDWF Senior Agent Tyler Wheeler. Michelle Southern reports…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A Pierre Part man has been arrested after allegedly accidentally texting an Assumption Parish Sheriff’s deputy about a potential drug deal. 39-year-old Dwayne Paul Hebert was met by authorities at a location where he planned to sell crystal meth. Heber was arrested with two firearms along with the drug. He was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, resisting an officer and other charges.

 
The race to become the state’s next elected State Treasurer is underway as Covington Representative John Schroder becomes the first person to announce he’s a candidate for the job. The election takes place in October. The other big election is the New Orleans mayoral race, so Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Big Easy voters will playa major role in this race…

cut 7 (07) “…term limited”
Dubos anticipates a lot of candidates running for State Treasurer.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested two people after allegations were made that children in their care tested positive for drugs. Captain Tommy Carnline says the complaint originally came in from the Department of Children and Family Services in regards in a November incident..:
cut 12 (10) “for the parents”

Carnline says 19-year-old Stephan Deshon Matthews and 22-year-old Katie Meshell Bordelon each face 2nd degree cruelty to juveniles…:

15:30 Newscast January 9,2017

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent is now in stable condition after being shot multiple times in Morehouse Parish on Saturday. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson says 25-year-old Tyler Wheeler cannot speak yet and officials are working to determine what happened when Wheeler encountered 31-year-old Amethyst Baird of Monroe on Hwy 165.
Cut (09) “side of the road.”

Baird has been arrested and charged with one count of attempted first degree murder of a police officer and 34-year-old Jeremy Gullette has been charged with accessory after the fact.

A 39-year-old Pierre Part man was arrested after allegedly accidentally texting an Assumption Parish Sheriff’s deputy about a drug deal. Authorities met Dwayne Paul Hebert at a location where Hebert planned to sell crystal meth.Hebert was book on possession if methamphetamine with intent to distribute, resisting an officer along with other charges.

 

Governor John Bel Edwards plans to return to Washington next month to secure more federal dollars for flood recovery. Edwards says since the historic flooding in August, he visited D.C. five times to advocate for more funds, but the state is still 2 billion dollars short of a full recovery.
Cut 3 (12) “recovery efforts.”

The race for state treasurer is now kicking off, just as we got over a historic election cycle last month. Today, Covington Rep. John Schroder announced he’s running for the potion vacated by John Kennedy, who was elected as a U.S. Senator. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says the Republican lawmaker is likely the first of many to enter the race.
Cut 6 (11) “fiscal posture.”
The special election will occur in October.

13:30 Newscast, January 9th, 2017

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent who was shot multiple times in Morehouse Parish is in stable condition. State Police Col. Mike Edmonson says it’s a miracle that 25-year-old Tyler Wheeler is doing so well, after being shot in the head, neck, and arm early Saturday morning…:
Cut 9 (11) “in control”
31-year-old Amethyst Baird of Monroe is charged with the crime, but Edmonson says there are still a lot of unknowns.

Governor John Bel Edwards announces he plans to go back to Washington in February to secure more federal funds for flood recovery. He says the already approved more than $1.5 billion is great, but does not cover flood victims who had flood insurance…:
CUT 4 (09) “housing recovery alone”
He says Louisiana is still $2 billion short for a full, robust recovery.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says two people are behind bars amid allegations children in their care tested positive for drugs. Captain Tommy Carnline says the complaint originally came in from the Department of Children and Family Services in regards in a November incident..:
CUT 12 (10) “for the parents”
Carnline says 19-year-old Stephan Deshon Matthews and 22-year-old Katie Meshell Bordelon each face 2nd degree cruelty to juveniles.

Did you know that the tradition of filling king cakes with fruits or cream cheese is out of Mississippi?…:
CUT 27 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

 

12:30 Newscast, January 9th, 2017

Law enforcement and other officials from around the state gave an update today on the shooting and injuring of LDWF Senior Agent Tyler Wheeler. The incident happened around 2am on Saturday in Morehouse, and charged with allegedly shooting Wheeler multiple times is 31-year-old Amethyst Baird of Monroe, LA. LDWF Captain Rick Owens says they do not know how Wheeler came in contact with the suspect…:
CUT 26 (09) “any call”
Wheeler is listed in stable condition at University Health in Shreveport.

Today, Covington Representative John Schroder announced his candidacy for state treasurer – the spot now up for grabs as John Kennedy heads to serve as our US Senator. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says this race is wide open and it’s hard to predict the direction it will take…:
Cut 8 (07) “be a front runner”
The special election to replace Kennedy won’t occur until October.

Governor John Bel Edwards is heading back to Washington next month to seek more federal assistance for Louisiana’s flood recovery. Halen Doughty has more…:
CUT 1 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

AAA says the national average price for gas has increased to the highest level since June, but Louisiana is still listed on the top 10 of cheapest markets in the country this week. The statewide average stands at $2.18, up over 12 cents from the prior month.

 

11:30 Newscast, January 9th, 2017

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s going to go back to Washington in February to continue efforts to get more flood aid to Louisiana for the devastating March and August 2016 events. Edwards says helping homeowners isn’t the only flood recovery need in the state…:
Cut 5 (11) “to Congress”
So far, Congress has allocated $1.6 billion for Louisiana’s flood recovery.

We just got over a historic election cycle, but there is another big race kicking off in Louisiana for state treasurer as John Kennedy exits for US Senate. Today, Covington Representative John Schroder announced his candidacy for the job. Political Analyst Clancy Dubos says the Republican lawmaker is likely the first of many to get into this race:
CUT 6 (11) “fiscal posture”

The Transportation Task Force put together by the governor releases its final report and it calls for $700 million more a year to improve roads and bridges. Don Molino has more…:
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

Governor Edwards is in Ouachita Parish at this hour taking part in a news conference on the shooting and injuring of LDWF Senior Agent Tyler Wheeler. An arrest has been made in connection with the Saturday Morehouse incident; 31-year-old Amethyst Baird of Monroe is charged with Attempted First Degree Murder. Wheeler is listed in stable condition.

 

09:30 Newscast, January 9th, 2017

Gov. John Bel Edwards’ task force on transportation releases its final report on how best to overhaul the state’s roads and bridges. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says Louisiana needs to invest $700 million dollars more a year into transportation; and how to make that happen will surely spark lengthy discussions…:
CUT 12 (09) “conditions”
He says recommendations on how to come up with the extra revenue have included a gas tax increase; among other things.

Two Monroe residents are in custody after authorities say one allegedly shot and injured a Wildlife and Fisheries agent, while another assisted. Senior Agent Tyler Wheeler was conducting a vehicle stop in Morehouse Parish, when he was shot several times in the line of duty, allegedly by 31-year-old Amethyst Baird who’s been charged with the crime. Wheeler is in stable condition.

Governor John Bel Edwards sent a letter to Congress urging federal lawmakers not to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Halen Doughty has more:
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King Cake season is in full swing, and a lot of people don’t know that the filled Mardi Gras pastry is actually a Mississippi tradition. It all started with Paul’s Pastry Shop out of Picayune in 1972. Sherri Thigpen is the current owner and says they had some learning to do…:
cut 4 (10) “dough recipe”

 

08:30 Newscast, January 9th, 2017

The Affordable Care Act debate rages on. US Senator Bill Cassidy has a proposal before Congress that would let states choose whether or not to keep Obamacare…:
cut 14 (10) “other states”
Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Rebekah Gee admits ACA premiums are high, but she is adamant that the Medicaid expansion has been a godsend…:
Cut 15 (08) “gotten care”
Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to Congress urging national leaders not to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

State law enforcement officials are holding a news conference this morning to discuss the shooting and injuring of LDWF Senior Agent Tyler Wheeler; and the collaborate efforts from multiple agencies. Wheeler was shot multiple times allegedly by 31-year-old Amethyst Baird of Monroe who is charged with Attempted First Degree Murder of a Police Officer.

King Cake season is in full swing, and a lot of people don’t know that the filled Mardi Gras pastry is actually a Mississippi tradition. Jeff Palermo reports…:
CUT 1 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Northeast Louisiana could have some good economic news on the horizon as Monroe is a top contender for a new Graphic Packaging facility. Senior Manager of Corporate Communications, Sue Appleyard, says She says they’re excited about the possibility of bringing this new state of the art facility to Ouachita Parish…:
Cut 9 (07) “stay there”

 

07:30 Newscast, January 9th, 2017

The Transportation Task Force put together by the governor releases its final report and it calls for $700 million more a year to improve roads and bridges. Don Molino has more…
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Don Molino”

A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with the shooting and injuring of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Senior Agent Tyler Wheeler early Saturday morning in Morehouse Parish. 31-year-old Amethyst Baird of Monroe is charged with one count of Attempted 1st Degree Murder of a Police Officer. 34-year-old Jeremy Gullette of Monroe is charged with one count of Accessory After the Fact. Wheeler is in stable condition.

Monroe is a top contender for a new Graphic Packaging facility. Senior Manager of Corporate Communications, Sue Appleyard, says while they are still looking at other potential locations, the company reached a conceptual agreement with the local union to build the facility in northeast Louisiana..:
CUT 7 (08) “works out”
Appleyard says this new 70-million facility will be Graphic Packaging’s first brand new plant in 10 years.

A lot of people don’t know that the filled king cake is actually a Mississippi Carnival tradition. Paul’s Pastry Shop owner Sherri Thigpen says their Picayune shop was already known for making birthday cakes, wedding cakes and even cheese breads that were filled, so they developed a similar recipe for the king cakes…:
Cut 5 (11) “over cream cheese”
She says to her knowledge they offer the largest selection of king cake flavors in the nation.

 

06:45 Sportscast, January 9th, 2017

It’s National Championship Day as Alabama and Coach Nick Saban take on the Clemson Tigers tonight in Tampa. Over the past two seasons they’re the two top programs in the nation. The undefeated Crimson Tide is 28-1 and winners of 26 straight games, and the Tigers are 27-2 and trying to complete their second consecutive 14-1 season. Alabama won its 16th title and the fourth in the Saban Era last January. This morning former LSU Coach Les Miles will appear on the Mike and Mike radio show to give his take on the match-up.

In the NFL, last night Green Bay Quarterback Aaron Rodgers overcame a sluggish start and finished the rout of the Giants with four touchdown passes including a 42 yard Hail Mary at the end of the first half in the Packers 38-13 win. Green Bay will face Dallas in the divisional round. Also this weekend Atlanta hosts Seattle, Houston is at New England and Pittsburgh is at Kansas City.

LSU basketball fans who braved the cold to see the Tigers on Saturday afternoon in the Maravich Center saw Mississippi State warm up the nets quickly on the way to a 95-78 over the Bayou Bengals. The loss drops the Tigers’ record to 1-2 in the SEC, and 9-5 overall — and will hit the hardwood again on Wednesday when they visit Texas A&M.

The ULM men’s basketball team could not overcome a 12-point halftime deficit on Saturday night as they fell to in-state rival UL-Lafayette 69-60 inside the Cajundome.

Texas-San Antonio beat Louisiana Tech 69-68 on Saturday night. Erik McCree led the Bulldogs with 23 points.

Yesterday Tulane men’s fell to Memphis 80-59; and the women lost to Temple 86-71.

The LSU Lady Tigers had a nice one on Sunday rallying to beat Arkansas on the road, 53-52.

Today Grambling hosts Alcorn State, and Southern is at Jackson State.

In the NBA, The New Orleans Pelicans began a 5 game road stint Saturday and fell to Boston 108-117. The Pels travel to take on the Knicks today at 6:30.