LRN AM NEWSCALL AUGUST 25, 2017

A southwest Louisiana mother won $2 million in the Powerball. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The state Department of Education is seeking to train 500 teachers to become mentors for aspiring educators. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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Texas is bracing for the landfall of major hurricane, but Louisiana is not of the woods. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (29) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Louisiana is home to the third worse drivers in the nation, according to a report by SmartAsset. Vice President of Financial Education AJ Smith says they looked at vehicle fatalities, insurance rates, and Google searches to determine the rankings. She says the Bayou State did not fare well in any of those categories.

Cut 4  (08) “of that factor”

Smith says at 86 percent, Louisiana has the 16th lowest rate of insured drivers in the country. Smith says high rates of uninsured drivers can drive insurance costs up for other motorists. She adds a lot of Louisianans are looking up speeding tickets and parking tickets on the web, which could mean they’re accumulating tickets at higher rates.

Cut 5  (08)  “parking tickets”

Eight of the top ten states with the worst drivers are in the South. Florida and Mississippi were the only states that had worse drivers than Louisiana. Hulliberger says there was one area where Louisiana did not rank in the bottom.

Cut 6 (10) “in the country”

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A southwest Louisiana mother of four is now a millionaire after winning $2 million in the Powerball. The woman works as an assistant manager at the Tiger Mart in Lake Arthur. Store manager April Lemaire says if anyone deserves to win, it’s her.

Cut 7 (09)  “giving person”

The Tiger Mart will receive a bonus of 20-thousand dollars for selling the ticket. Lemaire says the whole community is thrilled for the winning player. The woman from Jefferson Davis Parish actually picked her own numbers, and five of them matched Wednesday night’s drawing.

Cut 8 (11) “happy for her”

Lemaire says the assistant manager plans to keep working at the convenience store. She says the lucky winner doesn’t have any plans yet for how she will spend the money, but it will likely go towards helping her kids.

Cut 9 (09)  “she actually won”

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Louisiana Department of Education is seeking to train over 500 Louisiana educators so they can serve as mentors to future teachers. Assistant Superintendent of Talent Hannah Diestsch says the Bayou State is changing the way teachers learn how to teach. She says the new method will be similar to how medical students become doctors.

Cut 10 (11) “teacher”

Diestsch says the residency takes place along with a mentor who can guide the aspiring teacher’s development and growth. She says these expert teachers will receive a one thousand dollar stipend and are selected by their school district.

Cut 11 (11) “resources”

Mentors have to be nominated by their school systems by September 8th and training will begin this fall.  The plan is to train an additional two-thousand teachers over the next two years. Dietsch says they’re looking for passionate teachers.

Cut 12 (10) “most useful”

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What will Hurricane Harvey bring to Louisiana? Stephen Carboni with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says the storm is expected to deliver Texas damaging winds and life-threatening flooding. Carboni says Louisiana is also in for wet weather.

Cut 13 (11) “storm surge”

Carboni says Cameron and Vermilion Parishes will see the minor storm surge. The state is on guard for potential flooding statewide. Carboni says large rainfall totals are expected in southwest Louisiana.

Cut 14 (10) “at this point”

The forecast track from the National Hurricane Center calls for Harvey to make landfall either Friday night or Saturday morning and then stall at the middle of the Texas coast through the weekend. Carboni says several models show Harvey will eventually turn east towards the Bayou State.

Cut 15 (12) “or storm surge”

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The Saints are set to the play the Texans in exhibition game number three. Quarterback Drew Brees is expected to get his first action of the preseason and he’s excited to finally play in a game…

Cut 16 (19) “that I’m proud of”

Veteran running back Adrian Peterson is expected to make his preseason debut as well. Brees says he’s been impressed with the future Hall of Famer during camp…

Cut 17 (15)  “right after”

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The LSU Tigers will count on a lot of young players during 2017 season. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda says his young linebackers Tyler Taylor, Patrick Queen and Jacob Phillips strive to be great…

Cut 18 (19) “love to see” 

Aranda says he’s also impressed with freshman K’Lavon Chaisson’s pass rushing abilities…

Cut 19 (23) “do that”

17:30 LRN Newscast August 24

Hurricane Harvey is intensifying as it moves towards the Texas coast for landfall on Friday night or early Saturday morning. Eric Blake, with the National Hurricane Center, says Louisiana faces the potential for 6 to 15 inches of rain, the heaviest in southwest Louisiana. He says as of right now Texas will get the worst of it.
Cut 8 (10) “storm surge
The official forecast track has Harvey heading towards Louisiana after spending the weekend along the Texas coast. Governor John Bel Edwards says the Louisiana National Guard has over a half million sandbags available and agencies are prepping for water rescues…
cut 13 (12) “…national guard”

The state Department of Education is seeking to train 500 teachers to become mentors for aspiring educators. Emelie Gunn has more…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Baton Rouge Police have charged a 20-year-old Ponchatoula man with negligent homicide for fatally shooting a 19-year-old Hammond girl as they were driving down Florida Boulevard on Tuesday. Authorities say James Seymore was playing with a hand gun, when it off, striking Briana Hornsby, who died at a local hospital.

16:45 LRN Sportscast August 24

The Saints first round picks left practice early today. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore left during individual drills, while left tackle Ryan Ramczyk exited early in team drills with the Houston Texans. Coach Sean Payton said after practice that he thought they would bounce back and be ready to play Saturday versus the Texans.

In preseason action tonight…Carolina is at Jacksonville. Jaguars first-round pick Leonard Fournette will not play because of a foot injury, but Cam Newton will make his first appearance of the preseason for the Panthers.

LSU basketball will begin conference play in 2018 by hosting Kentucky. The tigers will travel to Texas A&M and Arkansas and then come back to host Alabama on January 13th.

Louisiana Tech’s schedule was also finalized today. The Bulldogs will play 18 games against Conference USA opponents and it will start December 28th at Western Kentucky. The big nonconference games for the Dunkin Dogs are against Alabama and Texas and they’ll also host UL Lafayette at the Thomas Assembly Center.

Could Donnie Alexander become the next LSU linebacker that goes from unknown player to a high draft pick. Alexander has added about 15 pounds so he can play inside linebacker in the SEC. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda says he’s been impressed with Alexander during training camp…
cut 30 (38) “…a lot to them”
Alexander and the Tigers will take on BYU on September 2nd.

16:30 LRN Newscast August 24

The National Hurricane Center says Harvey is expected to be a Category 3 storm when it slams into the Texas coastline early Saturday. Eric Blake with the N-H-C says the storm is quickly strengthening.
cut 6 (09) “…in Texas”
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency. Edwards says this is a serious storm that everyone should take seriously.
Cut 12 (11) “in Texas”
Edwards says the biggest concern is in southwest Louisiana, where the most rainfall will happen and the greatest storm surge affects will occur, but the entire state could see high rainfall totals. He says the National Guard has over a half million sandbags available.
Twenty-five years ago today Hurricane Andrew made landfall in Florida and two days later left a path of destruction through southeast Louisiana. Former WAFB Meteorologist Mike Graham says we’ve seen bigger disasters since then from Katrina to last year’s devastating floods..:
Cut 28 (11) “weather events”

Louisiana customers who use WalMart to conduct money tranfers can use a new feature called Express Money Services. Company spokesperson Erin Hulliberger says instead of filling out paperwork at the store, you can enter the information into the WalMart app…
cut 15 (11) “…saved electronically”
She says customers will use a dedicated Express Lane at the store to complete the transaction.

LRN Newscast 15:30 August 24

The National Hurricane Center says Harvey is rapidly intensifying as it approaches the Texas coast and southwestern parishes are gearing up…
Voicer 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A third relative has been arrested in Webster Parish in the bizarre case of a seven-year-old who shot his aunt twice. The child’s grandmother, 64-year-old Cheryl Lee of Shreveport was booked on obstruction of justice as she allegedly tried to cover up the shooting. The boy’s mother and grandfater are also facing charges.

Foster Farms announces a $30 million dollar expansion and upgrade to its poultry processing plant in Farmerville. Louisiana Economic Development expects this will create 50 new jobs. Farmerville Mayor Stein Baughman says this strengthens the town’s relationship with the company..:
Cut 3 (11) “available here”
Foster Farms will receive a $500,000 Modernization Tax Credit.

Walmart says Louisiana customers can use their new Express Money Services to perform money transfers. Wamart spokesperson Erin Hulliberger says this will save shoppers time…
Cut 14 (08) “our customers”
She says customers no longer need to fill out lengthy money transfer paperwork in stores; now this work can be done at home or with the Walmart App.

LRN PM Newscall August 24

Foster Farms announces a $30 million upgrade to its Union Parish poultry processing plant. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

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Hurricane Harvey is expected to become a category three storm when it makes landfall in Texas and southwestern parishes are gearing up…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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Foster Farms in Union Parish announces a $30 million investment to expand and upgrade the poultry processing facilities in Farmerville. Louisiana Economic Development expects this will create 50 new direct jobs. Farmerville Mayor Stein Baughman says the town has a good relationship with the company.

Cut 3 (11) “available here”

The expansion will maintain the more than 1,000 existing jobs at the facility. LED estimates it will also result in an additional 42 indirect jobs for a total of more than 90 new jobs in North Louisiana. Baughman says this is huge for the town and the parish.

Cut 4  (12) “Union Parish”

Foster Farm will receive a $500,000 Modernization Tax Credit, and it’s expected the company will utilize the Industrial Tax Exemption Program. The company received financial help from the state in 2009, which helped grow the Farmerville plant to what it is today. Baughman says the town is grateful for that investment because it resulted in 1,000 jobs for the area.

Cut 5  (10)  “30 million dollars”

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The National Hurricane Center says Harvey is now a hurricane and is expected to become a Category 3 tomorrow before hitting Texas. Eric Blake with the N-H-C says the storm is quickly strengthening.

Cut 6 (09) “in Texas”

Blake says Harvey will intensify into a category three on Friday. He says the hurricane isn’t expected to move far inland, as it makes landfall early Saturday morning.

Cut 7 (08)  “southeastern Texas”

Blake says Louisiana faces the potential for 6 to 15 inches of rain, the heaviest in the southwest part of the state and some coastal flooding. He says there are lots of hazards that come along with Harvey but as of right now Texas will get the worst of it.

Cut 8 (10) “storm surge

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As Hurricane Harvey is predicted to be a category 3 hurricane by Saturday, Cameron Parish officials are preparing for the extreme amount of rain expected to hammer the southwest Louisiana coast. Ashley Buller with the parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Office says they aren’t calling for evacuations now but they are monitoring the situation closely.

Cut 9 (10)  “inundated”

Buller predicts rain to be the biggest problem with this hurricane. She says Harvey’s path is hard to predict…

Cut 10 (10) “or Thursday”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency in Louisiana as the state prepares for potential impacts from Hurricane Harvey. Extensive rainfall is the major concern as the storm is expected to linger and possibly turn towards Louisiana next week. Edwards says citizens need to prepare as well…

Cut 11 (13) “government assistance”

Edwards says this is a serious storm that everyone should take seriously.

Cut 12 (11) “in Texas”

Edwards says the biggest concern is in southwest Louisiana, where the most rainfall will happen and the greatest storm surge affects will occur, but the entire state could see high rainfall totals. He says the National Guard has over a half million sandbags available and agencies are ready to conduct water rescues…

Cut 13 (12) “national guard”

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Walmart announces Louisiana customers now have access to the Express Money Services. Walmart spokesperson Erin Hulliberger says this new feature will help shoppers save time when they’re making money transfers in stores.

Cut 14 (08) “our customers”

Hulliberger says with Express Lanes in the majority of Walmart stores, this new feature is available to all Louisiana customers. She says customers can fill out money transfer paperwork using the Walmart app.

Cut 15 (11) “saved electronically”

Hulliberger says saving receipts electronically will make future transactions even more convenient. She says customers no longer need to fill out lengthy money transfer paperwork in stores; now, this work can be done at home or on-the-go using the Walmart App..

Cut 16  (09)  “time and money”

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14:30 LRN Newscast August 24

Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency so Louisiana can put assets in place to prepare for Hurricane Harvey. Harvey is expected to intensify into a Category Three storm and strike the central Texas coast early Saturday morning. National Hurricane Center Forecaster Eric Blake says once Harvey reaches the coast it will become stationary…
cut 7 (08) “…southeastern Texas”
Edwards says the biggest concern is in southwest Louisiana, where the most rainfall will happen and the greatest storm surge affects will occur, but the entire state could see high rainfall totals. He says agencies are ready to conduct water rescues…
Cut 13 (12) “national guard”

Foster Farms is making a 30-million dollar investment into its poultry plant in Farmerville. Construction has started and it will lead to 50 more jobs. In 2009, the facility almost closed, but former Governor Bobby Jindal worked out a deal with Foster Farms to keep the plant open and Farmerville Mayor Stein Baughman says the town has been grateful ever since….
cut 5 (10) “….30 million dollars”

Walmart launches a new service for Louisiana customers who use the retail giant to perform money transfers. It’s called Express Money Services. Walmart spokesperson Erin Hulliberger says customers no longer need to fill out lengthy money transfer paperwork in stores; now, this work can be done at home or on-the-go using the Walmart App…
cut 16 (09) “…time and money”

13:30 Newscast, August 24th, 2017

Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency in Louisiana as the state prepares for potential impacts from Hurricane Harvey. Extensive rainfall is the major concern as the storm is expected to linger and possibly turn towards Louisiana next week. Edwards says citizens need to prepare:
Cut 11 (13) “government assistance”
He says this is a serious storm that everyone should take seriously.

They are getting ready in Cameron Parish. OEP spokeswoman Ashely buller says the path of Harvey is hard to predict at this point…:
Cut 10 (10) “or Thursday”

Foster Farms announces it will make a $30 million capital investment to expand and upgrade its poultry processing facilities in Farmerville. Mayor Stein Baughman says this is great for all of Union Parish…:
Cut 4 (12) “Union Parish”
The expansion will maintain the more than 1,000 existing jobs at the facility. LED estimates it will also result in an additional 42 indirect jobs for a total of more than 90 new jobs in North Louisiana.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office has ruled the death of a 53-year-old man whose body was found in the backyard of a home in an overgrown area, as a homicide. They say Dale Sands had been reported missing by the Sheriff’s Office, and officials say he was shot in the chest and head. Investigators have not yet established a motive or suspect.

 

12:30 Newscast, August 24th, 2017

We now have Hurricane Harvey. The storm in the Gulf that’s headed for the Texas coast is now producing winds of 80 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center. Eric Blake with the N-H-C says Louisiana could see up to 15 inches of rain over the next 7 days, but as of right now Texas will get the worst of Hurricane Harvey…:
Cut 8 (10) “storm surge”
Harvey is expected to make landfall late Friday or early Saturday in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The Cameron Parish OEP is bracing for the all the rain. Spokesperson Ashley Buller says no evacuations have been ordered, but they are monitoring the situation closely…:
Cut 9 (10) “inundated”
Governor John Bel Edwards is giving an update at GOHSEP at this hour.

Foster Farms announces a $30 million upgrade to its Union Parish poultry processing plant. Don Molino has more…:
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Don Molino”

The $759 million dollar Powerball jackpot was hit in Massachusetts last night, but here in Louisiana a Lake Arthur convenience store employee won $2 million after buying a ticket from her own store for the drawing.

11:40 LRN Sportscast August 24

LSU quarterback Danny Etling has taken the news in stride that he’s been named the starting QB for the season opener against BYU. Etling says when Coach Ed Orgeron broke the news, he initially joked that he needed to discuss an academic issue…
cut 17 (15) “….right after”
Etling was the presumed starter throughout the spring despite a back injury that required off-season surgery. He says the only thing on his mind during camp was that he’s got to get better…
cut 18 (13) “…focus on”
The Saints had a joint practice with the Texans in Metairie today as the two teams are getting ready for their preseason matchup on Saturday night in the Dome. Both of New Orleans first-round picks, cornerback Marshon Lattimore and tackle Ryan Ramczyk, had to leave practice. Lattimore has been dealing with a knee injury and it’s unclear why Ramczyk couldn’t finish the practice.

Louisiana Tech released its men’s basketball schedule today. The Bulldogs tip-off the 2017-18 campaign with a home game against UT Tyler on November 10th. Tech will play in a tournament in Cancun. One game will be against George Mason. Tech will also travel to Alabama on November 29th and Texas on December 16th, while hosting the Cajuns on December 22nd.

Not only does Shreveport mayor Ollie Tyler want to build a 30-million dollar sports complex for an NBA minor league team for the New Orleans Pelicans, she’s also proposing a training camp practice facility for the Saints.