LRN AM Newscall September 13 ###New lead-in for Voicer 2###

Amazon is muscling it’s way into the Christmas tree game this November. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission wants to do more about drug impaired driving. Kevin Barnhart reports two-thirds of the blood samples that the State Police Crime Lab analyzes contains at least one drug to go along with alcohol….

Cut 2 (28) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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A nonprofit group based in Louisiana is headed for the Carolinas to help those in the path of Hurricane Florence.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Amazon is set to start shipping seven foot tall Christmas trees come November, in a bid to take over yet another market. A North Carolina Frasier will run customers about 115 bucks, a hefty markup, and will be shipped to your house within ten days of being cut down, but Allen parish Christmas Tree seller Gray Anderson says that takes the fun out of getting a real tree.

Cut 4 (10) “…a tree”

Amazon says the trees will be shipped without water in a standard box, and should survive the trip just fine.

Anderson says instead of sending your money to Seattle based Amazon, spend it in your own community.

Cut 5 (06) “…the community”

Amazon began shipping three foot trees last year, and its estimated only 1 to 2 percent of the 27 million trees sold nationwide were sold online.

He says local farms and sellers tend to put more than just Christmas trees on display, and often turn Christmas tree locations into options for a good night of entertainment. Anderson says he hopes Louisianans will support local families with their purchase.

Cut 6 (06) “…also”‘

Amazon says they won’t haul it off for dumping or recycling. They do come with the standard 30 day return policy.

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Direct flights to Austin and Orlando begin Thursday from Baton Rouge’s Metro airport through airliner Via Air, in a first for the regional location. Baton Rouge Metro Airport Spokesperson Jim Caldwell says Via Air has a great reputation, and offers competitive pricing.

Cut 7 (09) “…good service”

The Austin flights are bound to pack in businessman on their way to one of America’s fastest growing cities, but Caldwell says Austin isn’t just for work, it’s for play as well.

Cut 8 (10)  “…music”

The Orlando location will give Baton Rouge residents easy access to Disney and Universal Studios, but Caldwell says it’s also a great starting point for other central Florida destinations.

Cut 9 (08  “we well.”

Orlando flights are on Mondays and Thursdays, and Austin flights are on Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

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The Governor’s Task Force on DWI recently met to discusss a number of ways to eliminate impaired driving throughout the state.  It was the first such meeting since the task force was reinstated by Gov. John Bel Edwards through an executive order in February.  Lisa Freeman, Director of Louisiana Highway Safety, says they are tackling drivers on the road while under the influence of drugs.

Cut 10 (09)   “…that’s what’s alarming.“

Freeman says the task force is taking various steps to spearhead the issue.

Cut 11 (09)“…result in fatalities”

Freeman adds that an important tool to combat the dangers of drug influence is education, not only of drives, buy law enforcement.

Cut 12 (10) “…top of things.”

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As Hurricane Florence makes its way closer to the Carolinas, a group of Louisiana residents is traveling toward the areas expected to be impacted the hardest by the massive storm, ready to lend a helping hand in the aftermath.  Todd Terrell, founder of the United Cajun Navy, says they have a crew en route with boats and supplies to South Carolina.

Cut 13 (06) “…tonight in Columbia.”

Terrell says the group will be working with area first responders, assisting in water rescues for those that did not get out of Florence’s path.

Cut 14 (06) “…the flooding is.”

Terrell says although the group is known for its water rescues, it does so much more during emergencies.

Cut 15 (07) “…just boat recues.”

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LSU and Auburn renew their rivalry this Saturday at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers Fightings won a wild game over the War Eagles last season as LSU rallied back from 20 points down to win 23-20. Auburn coach Gus Malzahn says his guys have not forgotten about that bitter defeat…

Cut 16 (20) “ low time” 

Malzahn says he’s impressed with LSU linebacker Devin White…

Cut 17 (20)  “our league” 

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ULM will take its 2-0 record to College Station on Saturday to take on Texas A&M. The Aggies nearly upset second ranked Clemson last weekend and Warhawks Coach Matt Viator is impressed with what Coach Jimbo Fisher has done during his first season in Aggie land…

Cut 18 (18) “…that front” 

The Warhawks are coming off a big road win at Southern Miss. Viator says his team played well, but there’s still room for improvement…

Cut 19 (18) “  better at” 

It was ULM’s defense that won the game over Southern Miss at the end. Viator says it was good to see for a unit that’s been working hard…

Cut 20 (19) “ adversity” 

4:30 PM Newscast

The National Hurricane Center gives a broad area of low pressure in the central Gulf of Mexico a high chance of developing into a tropical depression before it makes landfall on the south Texas coast. Roger Erickson, with the National Weather Service, says models indicate a Texas landfall, but the potential tropical depression or storm could bring south Louisiana more rain

Cut 14 (09) “…this week”

A LaFourche Parish Council member was arrested after violating a protective order filed against him by another councilman for the second time in four months. 51-year-old James Bourgeois Sr. had been ordered to stay clear of Jerry LaFont after a fist fight broke out at a council meeting back in April. Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Brennan Matherne says its politics.

cut 9 (11) “…for this”

 

Louisiana receives  a seven- million dollar grant to build a new veterans cemetery in Jennings that’s set to break ground November 1st. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland says currently, southwest Louisiana families have to drive at least 80 miles to the nearest veterans cemetery.
Cut 3 (08) “…Leesville” 

A new report says Louisiana is ranked eighth in obesity for the age group between 10 and 17.  CEO of Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach says when it comes to obesity among youth, he recommends healthier eating options in schools as well as the increased importance of PE and recess.

Cut 7 (10) “…help as well.

530PM LRN News

Louisiana has an obesity problem, and the latest numbers show it’s on the rise.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

The mayor of Kenner has rescinded his original order banning the cities recreational department and booster club from purchasing Nike products. This in the wake of national attention paid to the decision that likely would have come under legal challenge. Mayor Ben Kahn stated he did not want city money used for political reasons after Nike named activist Colin Kaepernick as the face of a new campaign. Zahn says he made the decision after input from city lawyers.

A LaFourche Parish Council member was arrested after violating a protective order filed against him by another councilman for the second time in four months. 51-year-old James Bourgeois Sr. had been ordered to stay clear of Jerry LaFont after a fist fight broke out at a council meeting back in April. which is how Bourgeois got his first violation.  Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Brennan Matherne he got busted when…

Cut 10 (10) “order”

It’s made for an awkward situation for the two who have to run into each other twice a month. The restraining order bars Bourgeois from coming within 50 yards of LaFont, except for council meetings, where the two must enter through separate doors.

The National Hurricane Center gives a broad area of low pressure in the central Gulf of Mexico a high chance of developing into a tropical depression before it makes landfall on the south Texas coast. Roger Erickson, with the National Weather Service.

Cut 12 (05)   “of year” 

3:30 PM Newscast

A LaFourche Parish Councilman was arrested after violating a restraining order… against another councilman.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  
Eleven law enforcement officers from various parishes are taking part in a new sniper school hosted by the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.   The forty hour course is for designated marksmen involved in situations involving active shooters, hostages and barricades.  They will also receive training in shooting moving targets, sniper deployment, maintaining data books, and range estimation.

A new report says Louisiana has the sixth highest adult obesity rate in the nation as 36-percent of the adult population is obese, up 23-percent in 2000 and 12-percent in 1990.  The state is also ranked eighth in obesity for the age group between 10 and 17.  CEO of Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach says the state needs to do better to encourage healthier lifestyles.

Cut 6 (13) “…will go down.”

The National Hurricane Center gives a broad area of low pressure in the central Gulf of Mexico a high chance of developing into a tropical depression before it makes landfall on the south Texas coast. Roger Erickson, with the National Weather Service, says it’s unlikely this tropical disturbance can ramp up quickly into a hurricane, but the system is moving into an area that will allow for the shower activity to become better organized

Cut 13 (06) “tropical development”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

12th ranked LSU is listed as a 10.5 point underdog in their Top 25 matchup with the 7th ranked Auburn Tigers. LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow has confidence his guys can get the job done in Jordan-Hare Stadium…
cut 18 (15) “…get rolled”
LSU is looking for its first win at Auburn since 2012.

The Ragin Cajuns are in Starkville for matchup against 16th ranked Mississippi State. UL Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says the Bulldogs have a good combination of talent and depth in the first front seven on defense…
cut 20 (15) “…really well”
Kick off is at 6:30.

Saints Coach Sean Payton said today that wide receiver Cameron Meredith was inactive for the season opener because he still needs more reps in practice. New Orleans signed the free agent pass catcher after he missed the 2017 season with an ACL. Payton says Meredith is healthy and they are just trying to get him up to speed.

The Baltimore Ravens have put former Louisiana Tech running back Kenneth Dixon on injured reserve. Dixon scored a touchdown in Baltimore’s season opening win over the Bills, but also hurt his knee. The Ravens can bring Dixon back after Week 8 of the regular season.

Baseball America ranks this year’s recruiting class at LSU as the best in the nation. It’s the fourth time the Tigers have received the number one designation since 2007. The 16-member class contains seven players that have been chosen in the Major League Baseball draft. Vanderbilt finished second in the ranking, Florida fifth and Texas A-and-M is seventh.

230PM LRN News

The National Hurricane Center gives a broad area of low pressure in the central Gulf of Mexico a high chance of developing into a tropical depression before it makes landfall on the south Texas coast. Roger Erickson, with the National Weather Service, says rain chances for south Louisiana will increase on Friday and Saturday…

Cut 12 (05)   “of year” 

Louisiana receives  a seven- million dollar grant to build a new veterans cemetery in Jennings that’s set to break ground November 1st. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland says  the grounds, located just behind the Jennings veteran’s home, will feature a walkway that cuts through the land, landscaping, fountains, and a notable landmark.

 

Cut 4 (09) “…beautiful”

 

The grounds will serve nearly 37,600 veterans.

 

A new report says Louisiana has the sixth highest adult obesity rate in the nation as 36-percent of the adult population is obese, up 23-percent in 2000 and 12-percent in 1990.  The state is also ranked eighth in obesity for the age group between 10 and 17.  CEO of Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach says WIC is an example that government policies that can be implemented to improve health.

Cut 8 (09) “…board has improved.”

A LaFourche Parish Council member was arrested after violating a protective order filed against him by another councilman for the second time in four months. 51-year-old James Bourgeois Sr. had been ordered to stay clear of Jerry LaFont after a fist fight broke out at a council meeting back in April. Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Brennan Matherne says Bourgeois ran into LaFont at a restaurant Tuesday night, and decided to stay.

Cut 11 (07)“…was there”

LRN PM Newscall September 12

Louisiana has an obesity problem, and the latest numbers show it’s on the rise.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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A LaFourche Parish Councilman was arrested after violating a restraining order… against another councilman.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

1:30 LRN Newscast September 12

Louisiana has the sixth highest adult obesity rate in the nation as 36% of the adult population is obese.  That’s up from 12% in 1990.  The state is also ranked eighth in obesity for the age group between 10 and 17.  CEO of Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach says when it comes to obesity among youth, he recommends healthier eating options in schools as well as the increased importance of PE and recess.

Cut 7 (10) “…help as well.

A LaFourche Parish Council member was arrested after violating a protective order filed against him by another councilman for the second time in four months. The restraining order bars 51-year-old James Bourgeois Sr. from coming within 50 yards of Jerry LaFont, except for meetings where the two must enter through separate doors, which is how Bourgeois got his first violation. Lafourche Parish Sheriffs Spokesperson Brennan Matherene says the second violate came when…

Cut 10 (10) “order”

The VA has awarded Louisiana a 7.2 million dollar grant to building a new veterans cemetery in Jennings that’s set to break ground November 1st.  Southwest Louisiana has a rich military history, and used to be the site of an airbase in Lake Charles that closed in 1995. Louisiana VA Secretary Joey Strickland says Louisiana in particular is a magnet for those who’ve served our country in the armed forces.
Cut 5 (05)  “…small state.” 

Be on the lookout for seven escapees from the Madison Parish Detention Center. It is not known at this time which direction they traveled in, if they were picked up by someone in a vehicle or if they are still on foot in the area. Madison Parish Sheriffs Department is asking for the public’s help, and says call 911 if you see any suspicious people in the area. Do not try to confront them yourself.

12:30 LRN Newscast September 12

A new reports ranks Louisiana as having the sixth highest adult obesity rate at 36-percent. CEO of Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach says the state needs to do better to encourage healthier lifestyles.
Cut 6 (13) “…will go down.”
Auerbach says when it comes to obesity among youth, he recommends healthier eating options in schools as well as the increased importance of PE and recess.

A LaFourche Parish council member was arrested after violating a protective order filed against him by another councilman. 51-year-old James Bourgeois Sr. had been ordered to stay 50 feet away from Jerry LaFont after a fist fight broke out at a council meeting back in April.
cut 9 (11) “…for this”
That’s LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office Lt. Brennan Matherne who says Bourgeois violated the order when he entered a restaurant where Lafont was present.

Two groups are now forecasting that the end of oil is coming, with the shift beginning in the next five years, but LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott is skeptical. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

11:30 LRN Newscast

The presidents of the Orleans and Jefferson Parish medical societies have begun a push to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products in Louisiana to 21 years. Smoking Cessation Trust CEO Mike Rodgers is a co-sponsor of a letter sent to lawmakers and Rogers says by raising the age, it could reduce the millions spent every year on health care costs associated with smoking…
cut 8 (12) “….a toxic substance”
There are six states where you have to be 21 to buy a pack of smokes.

The National Hurricane Center says a tropical wave in the southern Gulf has a medium chance for further development as it moves into the Western Gulf. State Climatologist Barry Keim….
cut 13 (11) “…become Joyce”
If Joyce does form, a landfall is more likely on the Texas coast than in Louisiana.

Westwego police say an alleged rape victim used her teeth and a coffee table on her attacker. Lt. Eric Orlando says the woman bit down on the assailant’s genitals and then used a coffee table to fend off an attack with a knife….
cut 11 (12) “….to her”
Orlando says the victim eventually fled the home and they arrested 54-year-old John Patton on various charges, including second-degree rape.

Louisiana is the recepient of a seven-million dollar federal grant that will result in the construction of a new veterans cemetery in Jennings. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland says currently Southwest Louisiana families have to drive at least 80 miles to find the nearest veterans cemetery.
Cut 3 (08) “…leesville”
Groundbreaking is set for November 1st.