PREVIEW: Jessica's Choices: Death or Deaf

You WON'T want to miss a two-part series Monica Robins has been working on about a young woman who has been through so much already.

She has had 20 surgeries to remove various tumors caused by her medical condition.

You can hear Jessica's story Thursday and Friday on Channel 3 News at 11pm. Please tune in.

Overheated Fuser

One of the 'hazards' of being an assignment editor.

Like clockwork, no matter what time I get into work, what day of the week it is, the printer I need to use is 'down' for the count!

My day would not be complete without one fix-up trip to a printer.

I'll get my normal de-briefing from my predecessor, update my assignment sheet, and then go to print my materials for our editorial meeting. . . a n d N O T H I N G!

As I get closer and closer to the printer, I see blinking lights and every once in a while, hear an ominous drone coming from the machine.

I have become pretty proficient at clearing each section of the printer, finding every nook and cranny where a piece of paper can get stuck....pulling out those mangled sheets of paper. You have to try and get the system back on track, without burning your fingers!

Finally, we have lift off. I've printed with success. Such beautiful music to my ears!

I'd love to share a great tip I've learned: when all else fails, and all the jammed paper is out, TURN THE PRINTER OFF AND BACK ON!!

Welcome to the electronic, computer age folks!

Malpractice Mess

We are in the midst of 'sweeps' mania. Remember to be sure to tune into Channel 3 News at 6pm for our month long series on '30 Days, 30 Ways to Save.' Tuesday Monica Robins will share how to save by making your own baby food. Wednesday, Chris Tye will give tips on keeping your electric bill in check.

Tuesday at 11pm, we have a special report on how people can track your every move by your cell phone.

And be sure to tune in to Tom Meyer's story Wednesday at 11pm about a Malpractice Mess. A story you won't want to miss!

Hits close to home

(Photo Courtesy: WKYC)


Working on the news assignment desk (and as many years as I have), you are bound to have your work and home life collide now and then. Unfortunately, there are more collisions than I'd like to recall.

Thankfully, back in December 2006, my family had forewarned me that my Mother had fallen and they had called an ambulance. Sure enough, while I was still on the phone with them, I heard the EMS squad dispatched to my home.

Many years ago, back in the old Channel 3 Building at 6th and Rockwell, a call came over the scanner for an accident at East 127th and Woodland. I remember it as if it were yesterday. I sent a cameraman, Mark Saksa, to check out the accident. When he arrived on scene, he said that it appeared the victim may have had a medical emergency which caused his car to strike a pole. Moments after Mark reported in, I got a phone call from my Mother that my Uncle Tommy had been in an accident and it did not look good. I left work and yes, it was my Uncle who was the victim of this deadly crash.

Yesterday, I saw an ad on television which reminded me of yet another such incident, which so far, is having a much better outcome.

As a tour guide at Hiram College, I had the privilege of meeting prospective students and their families and imparting my experiences and knowledge of the College on them.

One such family I had the honor of meeting was the Humphreys/Pruitt Family.

Ahmad Pruitt and his family came up to Hiram to take a tour, check out the lay of the land, and learn more about the College. We hit it off immediately. They were one of the most charming families I have ever met. That was back in the mid 80's and I am honored to say that I can STILL call them friends!

You can imagine how horrified I was hearing that Officer Aric Pruitt had been severely injured in a police chase back in August, 2007.

Fortunately, Aric's strong spirit coupled with the abundant support of family and friends has been the driving force behind Aric's amazing recovery.

Aric Pruitt's comeback and continued hard work is depicted in a new public service pictorial for MetroHealth's Wall of Hope. Mr. Humphreys shares his story and thanks the MetroHealth Hospital staff and cutting edge medical advances for saving his son's life.

As a news person, you try keeping a little distance between the story at hand and your personal feelings. However, in instances such as these, it's nearly impossible to stay impartial. Each time that ad comes on tv now, I get a lump in my throat and a feeling of pride for such a wonderful family battling back from adversity. I'm humbled and honored to know and have been touched by an amazing family!

Smashing Success!

An exciting day here at Channel 3! Audio Euphoria performed in the debut of our 'Live on Lakeside' Concert Series.

Every Friday between 5am and 7am, 'Live on Lakeside' will highlight local bands, singers, musicians from our area.

If you are in a band or know of a band which just knocks your socks off, check out the 'Live on Lakeside' application and join in on all the fun!

Visit the 'Live on Lakeside' section of wkyc.com for information on the bands, videos of the bands' performances each Friday morning, band background info and future events.

If you're a member of Facebook, log on and join the 'Live on Lakeside' group! Same thing for MySpace folks!

Would love to hear your thoughts on 'Live on Lakeside' as we start this new venture in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame city!

Keep Rockin'!

Live on Lakeside

'Live on Lakeside' kicks off Friday, April 25th on Channel 3 News Today. Each Friday we will showcase Live, Local Acts on our newly constructed 'Live on Lakeside' stage which the Art and Engineering Departments have been building all week.

Tune in for the latest cutting edge local bands, and you really never know WHO may be popping in on Mark and Abby and the gang.

This Rock and Roll Hall of Fame City attracts the biggest acts to town each summer. Will one of them drop in on Channel 3 News Today?

After the show, you can log onto wkyc.com and hear the exclusive songs in their entirety as well as learning more about the bands.

Tune into 'Live on Lakeside' each Friday morning on Channel 3 News Today and start your weekend off rockin'!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Hiram, Ohio!

Whoever said 'good things come in small packages' was on the money with this week's Hidden Gem.

You can pinpoint Hiram Village at that section of Portage County where Rte 82 and Rte 700 meet.

Only 0.9 square miles, but it packs a punch! This small parcel of land contributes so much to the richness of northeast Ohio every single day. The home to Hiram College, which serves up an excellent liberal arts education to thousands of students from all over the world every year. These students, in turn, head back out into their various communities and make a noticeable difference in society.

Most of you may know Hiram's most famous resident, James A. Garfield. Garfield met his wife, Hiram native Lucretia Rudolph, while living in the area. Garfield taught at the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (later to become Hiram College) and a short time later became the president of Hiram College. That was, of course, before he became President of the United States of America in 1881.

Hiram College maintains its small college charm while stepping into the 21st century. Over the last 15 years, Hiram has constructed a state-of-the-art Science Center, Library, amazing Sports and Recreation Complex, the Hiram Inn, as well as renovating various other buildings and dorms on campus. There is a completely new dorm in the works as well. Much of the recent success and growth of Hiram College over the last five years can be attributed to President Tom Chema.

Chema has been a positive, driving force in any project he has been involved with, including the mastermind and development of the entire Gateway Project including Progressive Field and Q Arena.

There is yet another very exciting venture currently in the works in Hiram, Ohio. A new and improved Play Park is being built behind the Hiram Municipal Building across from the Police and Fire Departments, just adjacent to the Hiram Historical Society House.

This Play Park, which will be called the Joan and Elmer Jagow Play Park, was conceived with the vision of giving the community children a safe, fun place to grow up and play together.

Elmer Jagow was one of the most loved and respected Hiram College Presidents. His term ran from 1966 all the way to 1985. He amazed everyone by his knack for knowing every student, every faculty member, everyone by face and name. He never once turned a student away who wanted to speak with him.

One way you can assist in building this Play Park is by purchasing a commemorative brick. Bricks must be purchased by April 28th in order to be in place for the July 4th dedication celebration. Anyone interested in 'paving the way to a child's dream' can visit hiram4th.com and click on Jagow Play Park Section.

I hope you have enjoyed hearing about my latest Hidden Gem as much as I enjoyed imparting this information! If I've peaked your curiosity at all, please take the relaxing ride and see for yourself how wonderful this week's Hidden Gem really is!

(Artist rendering courtesy: Hiram Historical Society and Gametime.com)

(Hiram College Library)

May Sweeps

Tomorrow kicks off our May 'Sweeps' period. In television news, 'sweeps' is the time of the year when the competition is fiercer than usual, every second of every newscast is precisely mapped out, and each television station pulls out all the stops. There is extra-special programming, often-times more investigative reports or longer, in-depth reports.

I have to admit, here at Channel 3 News, we treat every day of the year as if it were 'sweeps.' We work just as hard during non-sweep months as we do in the thick of a ratings book. We effort original, thought-provoking stories to teach, inform, and entertain our customers every day of the year. Some days we succeed, and I guess, some days we may not.

However, May 'sweeps' officially kicks off tomorrow and runs through May 21st. There are four major 'sweeps' months: February, May, July, and November (some say October is a minor 'sweeps' month as well).

During these months, networks and local affiliates hope to boost television ratings and attract new viewers, especially in a specified demographic, in order to regulate the fees set for advertisers.

There is a lot more to the whole 'sweeps' phenomenon than I can do justice. It's a very precise process. It involves stats, strategy, and some guesswork as to what your viewers like seeing the most. It reminds me of the game of baseball, where there seems to be a stat for just about everything. You have the ratings for each local show that airs during the course of a day. Then you have the Monday thru Friday ratings, the weekend ratings and the ratings Monday thru Sunday. Then each show is broken down minute by minute so you can get a gauge as to what kind of stories the audience likes. If there is a spike (either down or up) at a certain time of a show, you see what aired during that time to get an idea of what your audience really enjoys.

I've babbled on long enough on the semantics of 'sweeps.'

We here at Channel 3 News have been working for months to bring our viewers the most interesting and informative stories during May. Please click on the attached links to get a sneak peek into what we have in store. Monica Robins shares her in-depth story on her interview with a courageous woman coming back after having acid thrown at her by her attacker.

All of our reporters will help you save money in our "30 Days, 30 Ways to Save"Series.

Sit back, relax, and get ready for a great 'May Sweeps' from us to you!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=luhZDwUc6tw

www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2KfQou8jr4&feature=user

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX2ALBNCWxc&feature=related

Earth Day 2008

What an absolutely beautiful Earth Day, 2008!

Sunny, blue skies as far as the eye can see! We could not have orchestrated this any better had we tried!

There have been a slew of Earth Day events all over town for the last couple of days. Information on how to be more conscious of our surroundings, how to live a healthier lifestyle, and ultimately preserve the future of this planet - not only for us but for future generations, has been streaming 24/7 on the world wide web, television, newspapers, periodicals-- everywhere!

Some things are out of our control. But if we CAN make a difference and help our future cause, we should take the initiative.

Web Producer, Kim Wendel, has a great story on our website about how environmental problems in the 60's in Cleveland may have "triggered" the Earth Day Movement.

Channel 3 News and wkyc.com is the best place to get Earth Day information as well as Go Green details.

We kicked off "Go Green" on Channel 3 News Today. We hope to share ideas and stories each day which our customers can use to make the transformation into a "Go Green" society and lifestyle.

Tune in every morning and be sure to visit the "Go Green" section on our website, wkyc.com, where you can find new tips and helpful information.

Stay with Channel 3 News and wkyc.com as we travel through this magnificent journey together to make this world a better place and "Go Green!"

Far from over, folks

Once down by 8, then up 53-40 at the half, the Cleveland Cavaliers made playoff history by beating the Washington Wizards by their largest one-sided victory margin. This looks to be a heart-tugging, nail-biting series.

Though it seemed the Cavs dominated for much of this game, you have to admit, Washington won't go quietly.

You knew that when Haywood pushed LeBron to the ground during a basket attempt in the third quarter and was immediately ejected from the game for a hard foul.

Washington still has a lot of fight left in them and is banking on working their wizardry the rest of this series. But it has been a complete team effort from every single member of the Cleveland Cavaliers which has been the recipe for victory so far!

Stay with wkyc.com and the Channel 3 Sports team of Jim Donovan, Joe Brown, and Dave Chudowsky for the most comprehensive coverage of the Cavs-Wizards Playoff Series.

The search continues for Amanda Berry

(photo courtesy: WKYC)

Today marks a somber anniversary. Amanda Berry was last seen 5 years ago around W 105 and Lorain in Cleveland, Ohio.

As an assignment editor, this is the kind of story you hope has a quick, positive resolution. As time goes by, hope fades a little more with every passing day, but not totally.

Most stories you wind up doing once, and that's it. They are over. Not these kind. This story will never be over until Amanda is found and safely brought home.

Every time a body is found, you access your Rolodex of the mind paging through all the pending missing persons cases. You keep in contact on a regular basis with the authorities. You also keep tabs with the family.

Deep down inside you wish for a family reunion, regardless the circumstances.

The strong faith of family and friends, and even strangers, touches everyone familiar with this story. Family keep the dream alive and continue honoring Amanda by commemorating each birthday, anniversary, and all other special occasions with yellow ribbons, posted pictures, periodic vigils.

The FBI continue updating their photo on what Amanda would look like year after year after year with their photo enhancement process.

I can not even imagine what family and friends must endure each day. To have someone here and the next moment gone, but missing. At least when someone passes, there is closure through heartbreak.

As another year passes, I can only hope for the family's sake that 365 days from now we will not be gathered. We will not be commemorating another year gone by with no answers. I hope that within the next year, the family of Amanda Berry will get closure of some kind and their questions and prayers answered.

The Chipotle got me!

I have never even eaten at the Kent Chipotle, but it got me!

OK, not quite as dramatic as I make it. One of my co-workers was hit by the food poison bug after indulging in the Kent Chipotle menu. Hence, I am manning the ship for a while!

I have often thought of this very issue. When I am sitting at a restaurant out with family or friends laughing at funny stories, discussing the topic of the day, what IS going on in the back room where our food is being made?

WHO is making the food? Did they clean themselves let alone every item they use to cook and serve our meals?

Are the ingredients and morsels fresh? How long has the food been there?

Does the restaurant get regular inspections?

Are any of the servers ill OR have they had contact with anyone not up to snuff?

We sure do take a lot for granted. We rely on so many others in the course of a day to assist us. True, no man is an island. But, there are so many unknown variables and risks that affect us as we inch through the day. Think about it and be careful out there!

Cavaliers 93, Wizards 86

I'm gonna say 'jinx' first before I give out the next stat!

79 percent of the teams that win game 1 in a 7 game series win the series. See, I had to say 'jinx!'

LeBron started off slow but then lead the charge with 32 points. If you saw any of the game, LeBron's acrobatics stole the show.

It was a great team effort. Wally Szczerbiak got the ball rolling with a great three pointer toward the beginning of the game. Then you had the tallest player on the team, Z, passing the ball off to LeBron rather than taking the shot himself. Every player had a hand in this win.

There was definitely more going on out on the floor than just a basketball game. The Cavs had taken 6 straight post season games from the Wizards up 'til today. Washington came into town determined to save face. There has been trash talking going on back and forth for weeks, even on Gilbert Arenas Blog. At the end of the first half, both teams should be commended for keeping their cool when emotions started rising. Both benches stayed put. That's what is supposed to happen.

As a fan, it was a great game! As an announcer, apparently it was a great game as well. They kept gushing over how this is the greatest game one they have seen in 24 years! It had great offense tandem with some well calculated defense. The game from the get go, no matter which way the score went, was a one possession game until the very end!

The Cavs proved WHY they lead the league in 4th quarter come back wins.

We have a long road ahead. But, at least for tonight, we can bask in win #1.

Onto game #2, Monday night at Quicken Loans Arena.

Stay with Channel 3 Sports and wkyc.com for the most comprehensive coverage!

Go Cavs!

Cleveland, Rise Up!

It's that time again! NBA Playoff Fever is upon us and the Cleveland Cavaliers are in the thick of things! Have you caught the fever?

The 2008 NBA Playoffs begin Saturday, April 19th at Quicken Loans Arena between our own beloved Cleveland Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards. Tip-off is 12:30pm.

This series is best of seven. Click on the attached link for Playoff Information and your complete guide to Rise Up!

As it looks now, the Cavs will be at home for games 1, 2, 5, 7.

Game 1 -Saturday, April 19th in Cleveland, 12:30pm on ESPN

Game 2 -Monday, April 21st in Cleveland, 7pm on TNT

Game 3 -Thursday, April 24th, at Washington, 8pm on TNT

Game 4 - Sunday, April 27th at Washington, 1pm on ABC

Games, 5, 6, 7 if necessary

Game 5 - Wednesday, April 30th in Cleveland, time TBA

Game 6 - Friday, May 2nd at Washington, time TBA

Game 7 - Sunday, May 4th at Cleveland, time TBA

If you don't have a ticket to the game, you can still be part of the fun with Fan Fest. Fan Fest takes place on Gateway Plaza two and a half hours prior to tip-off. Cleveland Cavalier Legends from days of yore will be on hand signing autographs...the Cavalier Girls and Scream Team will perform....there will be free interactive basketball games....contests....prizes....and so much more!

Hit your favorite sports bar or just throw your own Cleveland Cavaliers Party! Do it up right!

Stay with wkyc.com and our Channel 3 Sports Team of Jim Donovan, Dave Chudowsky, and Joe Brown as well as the entire Channel 3 Team for the most up-to-date Cavaliers Playoff Coverage!

Wear your Cavs Colors! Show your Cavs Spirt and GO CAVS!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: The Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland!

Today kicks off the 29th year of the Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland. This year's theme is "A Tribute to American Classics." Ten days of the world's best jazz performers and contributors confabbing right here in Cleveland, Ohio. You can already hear the music in the air!

If you are a music lover, you're in heaven year round living in Cleveland. The best acts come into town. The home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Dozens of venues which, oftentimes, have live acts performing simultaneously. And, now the annual Tri-C JazzFest kicks off at 5pm with a festive parade, lead by the Shaw High School Marching Band, at Tower City and Public Square. Festivities continue at the Corner Alley with live music showcasing some of the best acts around. But it does not end there. At 8pm, the party moves to the House of Blues with Jazz meets Hip-Hop, Part 6.

Our festival is recognized as a paramount education jazzfest around the globe. Not only does it assemble the greatest acts in the world but offers clinics, workshops, forums, and other hands-on FREE educational programs throughout the 10-day event.

Musical icons such as Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Marvin Gaye will be showcased and celebrated for their groundbreaking contributions.

Local powerhouses will be highlighted as well such as Evelyn Wright, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, The Ernie Krivda Trio, and musical legend Eddie Baccus, Sr., just to name a few of the many performing over the next ten days.

Click the attached link for a full list of performers as well as details on how to get tickets or where the events are happening!

8-time Grammy award winner Natalie Cole goes back to her roots for one powerful evening, Friday, April 25th at the Allen Theatre.

Whether you are a musician or a connoisseur of music, please make your way to one of the events at the 29th Annual JazzFest Cleveland, this week's Hidden Gem! And have fun!

(photo by Videographer, Dan Keefe, courtesy WKYC of the kick-off parade on Public Square)

Akron-Canton News discontinued

WKYC-TV General Manager, Brooke Spectorsky, today announced that the Akron-Canton News, which was developed as a partnership between WKYC and Time-Warner Cable, will be discontinued on May 30th, 2008, due to economic conditions.

He also announced, however, that the Akron-Canton News Bureau will remain open and WKYC Channel 3 News will increase its coverage of the Akron-Canton area.

History in the making

Royalty has arrived. The start of a history-making week in the US. What an honor that Pope Benedict XVI would want to spend his 81st birthday here, in the United States of America.

Quite the fanfare for just one man. But he is a true leader. An icon. More influential than any one president or king or queen. He has influence over every single Catholic in the entire world and continues his shepherding mission every day.

Once the special report came on this morning, I was absolutely riveted for the next forty-five minutes. Usually, I can tear myself away from the boob tube. But not this time. It was ground-breaking, historical, inspirational and something special to be a part of in such turbulent times.

Pope Benedict made a few short remarks. Though short, very poignant and statements we were all taught, but many people have forgotten or refuse to live by. The Pope appears truly excited to be on this venture. He is very happy to be in the United States. He will be here for the next 6 days meeting with the United States Bishops this evening, then saying Mass at various locations such as Nationals Park, St Patrick's Cathedral, and Yankee Stadium. He will also be speaking at the UN, which should be a wonderful process to follow.

A heartwarming moment during this morning's gathering was when the congregation broke out in 'happy birthday' and Pope Benedict's smile warmed the entire crowd.

A wonderful time, a wonderful moment. We need more of these wonderful moments in today's times.

Channel 3 News and wkyc.com will be bringing our viewers the latest on Pope Benedict's visit to the United States. We already have done stories and have content on our web site with locals who will be traveling to see and even meet the Pope. We have a team of bloggers, including JCU President Rev. Robert J. Niehoff S.J., who will daily update us all on their travels and experience on this pilgrimage. Stay with Channel 3 News and wkyc.com for the latest and most comprehensive coverage of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States.

A great honor

Congratulations WKYC!

News Director Rita Andolsen announced that WKYC won a regional Edward R. Murrow award for "Overall Excellence." The winning entry included stories we have done on SuccessTech, The Painesville train derailment, the Jessie Davis case, our Home Made Series, Race for the Cure specials, the Officer West Funeral, TSA theft, Blvd of Broken Dreams, CSU Death and our 7pm Newscast the day after the Virginia Tech Shootings.

These stories should be in the archive section of wkyc.com if anyone would like to take a gander.

Such an honor! Edward R. Murrow is one of the most, if not THE most renowned and influential figures in Broadcasting.

This award is a true testament to the hard work every single employee here at Channel 3 News puts into their craft on a daily basis.

I have to admit, at times I am cynical about 'certain' awards. Definitely NOT this one. This is quite an honor!


It does seem like there is an award for just about everything and anything. What many do not realize is that TV awards are different from Sports Awards or other honors.

If a player leads the league in homeruns, rbi's and batting average, he wins the Triple Crown.

If you want a chance at winning an Emmy or Press Club, you have to physically enter the particular story. You have to fill out an application, submit a fee (which for Emmy Awards can run anywhere from 75 dollars upwards of 150 dollars per entry), dub down a copy of the story, and submit the entire package by a due date. Sometimes if feels as if you are "buying into a chance" to win an award.

Then, the whole screening process. Oftentimes, its just a group of 3 fellow broadcasters in a different city with a few pizzas sitting around a DVD player watching story after story after story for hours. The fate of whether you win or lose is in the hands of 3 folks who may or may not have good news judgement.

I do believe being honored for a job well done is essential! I do believe in some awards! I have 6 emmy awards and at least 8 press club awards myself. It's the nature of the biz to want to attain something tangible. At times though, I think it makes the folks around prouder than the recipient!

For me, going home after a job well done, exhausted, knowing you pummelled the competition is award enough!

Prepare you, not scare you

So much for a quiet Friday!

We had severe weather. Throughout the night there were tornado warnings issued for various counties starting in Marion..then Richland...Crawford...coming closer to Ashland, Huron, Medina, and Lorain counties.

Our meteorologists must inform our customers about the latest weather warnings, watches and information 24/7. That could be in the form of a live cut-in or by crawling information on your television screen....wkyc.com has constant updates....and you can even get information on your PDA or cell phone.

We were airing the Miss USA pageant LIVE with Donny and Marie Osmond when the stormy weather began crisscrossing northeast Ohio.

Our weather woman, Betsy Kling, was receiving continuous reports from the National Weather Service as well as our Doppler Radar. When she received a new warning, she informed our Director Frank Macek, who then rounded up the Control Room and Studio Crew to get into place to do a live cut-in.

Betsy was on the air for much of Friday night, pre-empting much of the Miss USA Pageant. Since the show was live on NBC, there is little chance of re-playing it. There is a lot of red tape to get permission and the rights from NBC and frankly, after speaking with our Programming Manager, more than likely that will not happen.

As a television station, it is our obligation to alert our viewers and customers of extreme severe weather. Betsy believed many customers in our viewing audience were in danger. Her role as a meteorologist is to get the most current information out to our viewers as fast as possible. The best way to do that is through the Internet and live cut-ins. The normal rule of thumb for cut-ins is when there is pending danger and a new warning. Each situation must be assessed. Our News Director does not want us to continually cut in without new information. The most embarrassing situation is when you keep saying the same thing over and over and over again. That is counter-productive and ultimately LOSES viewers.

As a viewer, if you are not in the middle of the storm or it is not heading your way, you don't care. Very understandable. That is what everyone was saying Friday night. None of our callers were experiencing any bad weather. And other viewers were saying if you ARE in the storm, you have already gone to your basement or safer ground. Another very valid point. Our viewers are pretty savvy. Many believed we were regurgitating the same information over and again. And worst of all, there was a local girl in the pageant and I think just about every member of her family called Channel 3 News because they could not see her compete.

I even spoke to our news director and programming manager, who were on opposite sides of our viewing area, and neither one of them was experiencing any bad weather.

I was flooded with HUNDREDS of complaint calls. Thankfully, my comrades Chris Tye, who was anchoring Friday night, and Carrie Young, who was producing the 11pm show, helped me field complaint after complaint. In a situation like that, all you can do is continuously answer the phones, explain WHY we are on the air, apologize, and take the viewers information to relay to your supervisor (if they ask for the complaint to be passed along).

If we have information available on when the pre-empted show will be re-run, we can give that out as well.

As an assignment editor, I also have to dispatch crews out to cover the severe weather and make calls to gather information over the phone to disseminate to my producer and weather people. However, you have a catch-22.

I, again, was alone on the news desk. It is very hard to work Monday thru Friday alone with so much happening. Working M-F is worlds apart from working an overnight or the weekends, when working alone is kinda manageable.

So, answering hundreds of phone calls made it hard to make the necessary calls to gather information, but I did it! And unfortunately, every agency I called had absolutely NOTHING going on. No severe weather, no damage, no flooding. In times like these, it is very difficult to enhance and give fresh tidbits to our weather woman to relay on our air. Oftentimes, they like us to get what you call a "phoner." A phoner is when someone calls in and speaks LIVE during our cut-in to give their point of view or what they are seeing. We do phoners during weather situations, breaking news, even breaking Sports. However, in this situation, since I could not track down any problems, none of the agencies I spoke with wanted to do phoners with us.

I had all of my camera crews searching for weather. I even had one of them in the thick of Lorain and Medina Counties ALL NIGHT. All he could come up with was some rain and a little wind.

We have to alert our viewers, whether they like it or not. But on nights such as these when the warnings are there but they are not producing anything tangible locally, it is no picnic on the news assignment desk or being an assignment editor. Thank goodness the night is finally over! Have a good weekend everyone and stay dry!

New Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

A new weekly feature beginning today is an idea I’ve been courting for years! A project near and dear to my heart which never materialized until now because I was missing the appropriate venue. What a better vessel than my personal work blog!

Being a true Cleveland girl, I just love Northeast Ohio. Don’t get me wrong. I love traveling and have some pretty amazing cities already on my passport with many more hopefully ahead of me! But you can have the New York’s and the LA’s. Just give me Cleveland, Ohio. I’m amazed at the ignorance of some travelers I run into who have never been to Cleveland but have something negative to say about it. I challenge them to make the trek and promise they won’t be disappointed!

In 'Hidden Gems' I will showcase a different 'gem' each week. I characterize 'gem' as being a place, location, or event in Northeast Ohio which contributes to the eclectic yet traditional ambiance of this city. It may be well-known or it may be something that only neighborhood folks cherish. Obviously many of my 'hidden gems' have touched me personally in some way. However, I’d love to hear from my readers with other 'hidden gems' around town! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic tour around Northeast Ohio!

My first 'Hidden Gem' is near and dear to my heart, OUR LADY OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

I have lived in this Parish my entire life. We attended grade school here. My Mother was the Parish secretary for many years. I'm a Cantor and Choir Member. Regardless of my tie, I truly believe it is the prettiest church in town! I am honored to call our Pastor, Father Gary, friend. He's one heck of a guy. A great priest. When disgruntled Catholics leave the church or have negative things to say, I wish they would attend a Father Gary Mass & all that would change! It all began a long time ago when Father James Cummins, just back from serving in World War I, was asked to start a new parish. After being on the front line and seeing some awful happenings, he dedicated this parish to Mary, Our Lady of Peace, back on September 11, 1919.

The very first Mass was celebrated in the billiard room of the old Luna Park at East 110th and Woodland Avenue. Worshippers used park benches as makeshift pews.

The temporary church frame was up in time for Easter, 1920. In May of 1923, the "new" church was ready for use.

Our current church at the corner of East 126th and Shaker Blvd was begun in 1949 and finished in 1951. It truly is breath taking! When you enter and get a glimpse of the stained glass, the thousands of hand painted tiles, the sculptures, the marble, and every little nuance, you are blown away.

The old church was re-named "Cummins Hall" in honor of our first Pastor who organized our parish in the first place. It is the hall attached to Our Lady of Peace Elementary School.

Our Lady of Peace School gives the neighborhood kids a faith-filled education, regardless of their religion, and prepares them for life. Most, if not all of our kids, go onto top ranking high schools and college. They become pillars in the community. We are proud to say it all begins in grade K! The school kids take it upon themselves to help local and national causes as well. The kids have raised lots of money for fellow Catholic Churches needing assistance in Central America and around the world as well as local charities right back here in the Cleveland area.

UPCOMING EVENT:

This Sunday, April 13th, OLP is holding their annual Run For Peace. This event raises money which will be used for scholarships for Our Lady of Peace Elementary School students. Put on your running OR walking shoes, and join us at the corner of East 126th and Buckingham Avenue Sunday morning for a good cause! The race begins at 9am. It goes about three miles to Benedictine High School and back. Refreshments will be served in the school gym after the run. Hope to see you there! Any questions, feel free to call the Church Rectory at 216.421.4211.

This 'Hidden Gem' is one special piece of Cleveland's history. Hopefully you have enjoyed this first hand look and will make a special visit yourself one day!

Did he or didn't he?

There are still so many unknowns in the infamous Flats school bus ax story.

Investigators continue overturning every stone. I imagine, one day we will get to the truth.

With a story such as this, with finger pointing and denial, all we can do is continue digging, speaking with authorities, and report updates from all sides (so as not to implicate one side or the other).

When the accident occurred Monday morning, there were many scenarios on 'what may have happened.' One thrown out at our story editorial meeting was 'what if one of the kids on board actually precipitated the crash in the first place?'

Well, now there are claims, all unsubstantiated at this time, that 'hero boy ' actually caused the crash and then tried to right the situation.

You can be rest assured that our reporters will stay on the case until we get the hard questions answered:

1. Who really owns the plain white bus?
2. Why wasn't the school's bus used?
3. Who did the bus driver work for at the time of the accident?
4. Who caused the accident?
5. When will the official-types release answers to our hard questions?

Stay with Channel 3 News and logged onto WKYC.COM for the latest breaking details on this strange story!

The search is on for student hero

Just another hectic day on the news desk.

Today, however, brought with it a bigger challenge.

I am manning the mother ship solo.

Definitely not impossible, and oftentimes a bit more productive. I use both computers...and take over the entire work area. Not everything gets done, but you focus on the necessary tasks at hand, and hope that nothing falls through the cracks.

Adding to the complexity, our lead story, the Flats school bus accident, has many sidebar components happening simultaneously, all at different locations.

We were lucky today, we actually had crews and reporters to staff each assignment.

A reporter/camera combo covered the school press conference, which started 25 minutes late causing some tense moments back at the ranch. Our crews came through making it back in time. They usually do!

A reporter/camera combo obtained information from the company owner as well as feedback from the bus driver's neighbors.

A reporter/camera combo spoke with school mates of the "hero" student who ultimately brought the bus to rest.

Everyone in town efforts a glimpse and first hand account of what happened from the 'hero' student himself! That's where one of my night reporters and 2 crews were dispatched.

Another local agency has a mug shot of the bus driver from a previous offense. We must get the picture. I send a cameraman in a live truck hoping that even if he gets stuck in rush hour traffic, he has the capability of feeding back what we need before airtime.

Finally, a big black limo pulls up at 'hero kid's' house. Some Network is jetting him off to be on one of the Wednesday morning early shows. We are in place should he speak!

And yet another crew hanging out at Hopkins International Airport, for one last chance to get the boy in demand before he lifts off to his next destination. And again, my crews came through!

The moment we have all been waiting for, 'hero student' emerges and speaks. We get our first glimpse as well as a little wild sound with the most sought after child in Cleveland.

4 reporters, 6 camera crews later (just TODAY!), we have lift off! You can be sure there will be much more to this story and we will have the latest for you on Channel 3 News and at wkyc.com!

Gib Shanley calling hours and funeral details released

Steven Ripepi, President of A. Ripepi and Sons Funeral Homes, has released the following details on behalf of the Shanley Family.

Calling hours will be Friday, April 11th at 18149 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights from 2pm to 4pm and then 6pm to 9pm.

The Memorial Mass will be Saturday, April 12th at 11am at Our Lady of Angels Church located at 3644 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland.

The family will have a private interment.

Click the attached link for the latest Gib Shanley stories on WKYC.COM.

True Broadcasting Legend, Gib Shanley, dead at 76

76-year-old Gib Shanley has passed away. I can not imagine that anyone does not know who Gib is and the impact he has had on Cleveland Television. If you do not, he was one of the 'true television personalities' who helped mold Cleveland Television Broadcasting and Sports in this town for almost half a century.

In 1961, Shanley came on scene and took Cleveland Broadcasting and Sports to the next level!

He broadcast Cleveland Browns and Ohio State Games when he worked for WGAR AM-1420. He continued play-by-play for the Browns through 1984. He proudly wore his 1964 NFL Championship ring. He worked at WEWS, which is where I had the honor and good fortune to meet and work with the Gibber. Though a rookie in the business, I knew then and there this man was the true fabric of what broadcasting was all about. WHY I yearned to be in this business. Stern, opinionated, professional, a bit daunting, yet I wanted to be around him to learn from the master! I was quite lucky to have such mentors as Gib, Dorothy Fuldheim, Nev Chandler, Don Webster, Fred Griffith, the list is really endless!

If you thought his knowledge and opinions ended with sports, think again! In 1979, he was in the national spotlight after burning an Iranian Flag at WEWS during an 11pm newscast. This occurred during the Hostage Crisis in Iran and was in response to the public displaying of the Iranian Flag and the burning of an American Flag by Ayatollah Khomeini supporters in New York. He went onto work at WUAB for a while. After 'official' retirement, he still dabbled in the business doing commentaries, lending his expertise, giving interviews on occasion, and continuing to be the television icon he was and always will be.

Many of today's broadcasters, though sharp, polished, and well-educated in their craft, miss the mark of being a true legend such as the likes of Gib Shanley. I believe those days are gone for good.

Deservedly, Emmy award winning Shanley was inducted into the Ohio Broadcasters' Hall of Fame in 1991.

He had been ill for a while. He finally succumbed to complications from pneumonia. Shanley is survived by 2 sons, 2 daughters, and 6 grandchildren.

For more wonderful stories about and old time pictures of Gib Shanley, click on the Cleveland Seniors website!

To see the Gibber in action, click on the next few 'You Tube' Videos:

Gib and Don Webster

Catch Five promo

Good luck, not goodbye

(photo by Mac Mahaffee)


Today, one of my videographers, my esteemed colleague shot his final story, at least for WKYC.


Mike Harris, seen in this photo with Health Anchor Monica Robins and Special Projects Producer Susan Moses, is moving on to the next phase of his career.


He is heading across the street to run the whole show.

Instead of going out to shoot the stories, he will be leading the charge for everyone who shoots and edits the stories. It is a wonderful advancement for his career! He has been a rock of Gibraltar while here at WKYC. He is a jack of all trades. Excellent videographer, editor, satellite truck operator, macgyver, and on and on!

He always found himself in the thick of things because of his talent, his energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to do anything and try anything once!

All of his experience in the field has lead him to this next chapter in his life.

When Mike was on the case, covering a story, trucking a live shot, flying in Chopper 3, or traveling on the road, we were in good hands.

He'd be the first one to shoot back a photo from his cell phone the minute he arrived on a breaking news scene.

Or shoot back a photo even if it was not breaking news. He found pleasure in taunting me with this picture from Fenway Park during the 2007 Playoffs! Actually, he knew he'd make me smile knowing my love of baseball and Boston. He was just including me in the 'playoff fever!'

It is definitely not good bye, but good luck, my man!

S(econd) T(hird) O(utfield)

Ok, so you think I've gone crazy. And you're wondering what cryptic code is behind the title?


Stop thinking so hard. I have gone crazy. No real hidden meaning, just a cute play on letters and words reminding me that many of the STO people are back in the houuuse!


SPORTSTIME OHIO operates out of the WKYC Digital Broadcast Center at East 13th and Lakeside Avenue. They launched on March 12, 2006 and went to 24/7 broadcasting on April 1, 2008.


The Dolan family owns STO, and operates it as a business venture separate from the Cleveland Indians Team. Initially they aired Cleveland Indians games and were the cable television home of the Cleveland Browns. Now they offer continuous programming selections ranging from the Indians and Browns to high school sports, golf, outdoors, boxing, wrestling, CSU, and so many other varying topics.


Because they operate 24/7 year-round, there are always STO folks in house. However, when baseball season (the best season of the year) is in full swing, the activity picks up and so does the population of Channel 3. Good luck finding a parking spot!


It's great seeing Rick Manning, Al Pawlowski, or Bruce Drennan roaming around the building in between their on-air hits.


What a rush and proud moment to walk down the corridor and see both control rooms filled with employees putting on two live shows at the very same time. A great feat!


The great programming and milestones accomplished in the short time it has been in existence is a true testament to the team work and camaraderie between STO and WKYC. A great business venture which hopefully will last for many years to come!

The ties that bind

I've found when we meet someone, our paths usually cross again. It may not be immediately. It may be dozens of years down the road, but they cross again.

Tuesday night, this became a harsh reality for one of our reporters.

We were just doing what we do. We were following up on reports of a very serious crash in Nimishillen, Ohio. We tracked down the information. An Akron Canton Newsroom crew shot the scene. The webmaster way ahead of the pack on getting the story on our website. And we were the ONLY station to air the story Tuesday evening.

As usual with any story, you continue digging and updating with the latest details.

In the course of our quest for new information, we found that Channel 3 News reporter Paul Thomas had done a story last summer with one of the fatality victims.

Stephen Ellenberger died in this crash. 67-year-old Julius Weidinger was also killed in the accident.

Last August Ellenberger rescued a neighbor who was trapped under a nine-hundred pound table. Ellenberger lifted the table off 77-year-old Roy Burwell.

The Burwells were indebted to Stephen for his efforts last summer and are now grieving for this tragic loss.

Real life and the world of news is often stranger and more tragic than fiction.

One class act

Little did I know when I clamored to get this picture signed many years ago that I would be working side-by-side one day with this living legend! Scott always was and always will be on the cutting edge of news, and life in general. He truly is a connoisseur of knowledge. He's a consummate professional who goes the extra mile to get a story. He not only wins the story but gives each one a very different twist.

His journey through life is one adventure after another.

His journalism career began as a cub reporter for the Detroit News. We are sure glad his path made its way to Cleveland! His journalistic prowess has earned him at least 14 Emmy Awards, that I know of!

He became king of Cleveland Television in the 1980's as host of 'AM Cleveland.'

His precision as a producer allowed him to scoop the competition, while with 'A Current Affair,' on such stories as the Oklahoma City Bombing and the O.J. Simpson murder trial. His free-lance work has landed jobs for NBC Nightly News and the Today Show, ABC, CBS, FOX, CNN, GMA, Dateline, 20/20, the Forensic Files, MSNBC, The Food Network, A&E.......the list is endless. His assignments as well as passion for life have taken him all over the world to amazing exotic places!

Scott is no stranger to the entertainment business. He plays one mean guitar!

Whenever I had a story at the Rock Hall or anything entertainment oriented for the 11pm news, Scott was the man to send!

He's no stranger to Carnegie Hall, covering one of his favorite groups, '1964, The Tribute.' He's toured with The New Christy Minstrels and played with Glen Campbell, Chuck Mangione, and Michael Bolton.

He can add 'movie star' to his repertoire. He hobnobbed with Burt Reynolds playing a rookie policeman in 'Sharky's Machine' and has also made the acquaintance of two James Bonds, Leno, Seinfeld and Courtney Cox.

Scott Newell filed his last official report for WKYC Monday night covering a story near and dear to his heart (and mine!), the Cleveland Indians. He has been a mentor to me on the job and an inspiration as well off the clock. His compassion toward and help with my Mother as she recuperates from an extended hospital stay leaves me speechless. Words can not express our gratitude and thanks. I'm hopeful Scott Newell will surface again periodically on Channel 3 lending his expertise and professionalism to our product, as he has done throughout his career here.