Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Anniversary WKYC!

I've been honored to be part of the WKYC family for the last 18 years.

And today, I am not only beaming about being part of this team, but I am proud that WKYC is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

I like writing my own stories and putting my personalized spin on these entries.

Today I defer to wkyc.com. They have a splendid article about the history of wkyc with some video look backs.

Sit back and enjoy wkyc.com's trek down memory lane.

Have a great weekend, everyone.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems



Today's Hidden Gem: Northeast Ohio Ghosts


What a better time to scare up this subject matter than on the eve of Halloween.


Yep, I do believe in ghosts. I know this topic matter is quite subjective and every single person on this earth probably has their own take, their own feelings, their own beliefs or non-beliefs, and their own experiences.


We have 'friendly' ghosts in our home. We've heard them. My Mom has seen them. My niece has been visited by these unexpected boarders.


My time as a student at Hiram College further confirms this belief. James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States as well as teacher and president of the college has a rich tie to the supernatural. There are many stories surrounding the Garfield's. James and his wife Lucretia lived in the 'Garfield House.'


After they moved on, left Ohio, and ultimately passed, the different occupants who progressively inhabited the 'Garfield House' each felt their spirit and heard them walking about--more so Lucretia.


Residents believe it must be Lucretia because of her attention to detail and tidiness. The house was kept up impeccably well --even when people were not around!


Others have shared that Garfield predicted his own death, identified his murderer and the way he was to die......after many conferences with his deceased father.


James A. Garfield continues his antics today at his burial place of Lakeview Cemetery, which is also believed to have ghosts scurrying about continuously.


I've just touched on a few instances. There are so many interesting 'ghost stories' in Northeast Ohio such as the story behind Franklin Castle....Squire's Castle...the USS Cod.....


For more ghostly stories, take a look at wkyc.com's ghost coverage and the Haunted Cleveland website.


The list is endless which is why my 'Halloween' Hidden Gem encompasses our Northeast Ohio Ghosts.


You never know when a visiting spirit may be lurking over YOUR shoulder-- when you least expect it!


Have a safe and happy Halloween everyone!!!! I hope you get more treats than tricks!!!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Dangerous & Legal: A New High


(photo Courtesy wkyc.com)

Hey folks,

I was having one heck of a time sharing and attaching video to this entry from YouTube. However, we have one blockbuster of a story that will be airing Thursday night at 11pm.

Tom Meyer has quite an eye-opening report that you will not want to miss. Must See TV: 'Dangerous & Legal: A New High.'

Since I was experiencing technical difficulties, feel free to log onto YouTube at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I-RfdDubtw

OR if you are a Facebook/Myspace subscriber, just log on and go to the wkyc page to see the promo.

See you Thursday night at 11!!!!!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Gremlins

I can not believe how gremlins have overtaken my computer!

Is this a Halloween prank?

One of my daily rituals is going through all of my email that has accumulated since I last logged in to the system. That usually takes at least 2 hours even though I have only been gone 15 hours.

Today, after being off the weekend, I log in to see that I have over 500 NEW email.

What is frustrating and quite disheartening is that email is popping up from October 11th, 12th, and the entire week of the 13th. However, I worked last week. I waded through all of my email last week on a regular basis.

How in the world can I be getting releases from October 11th?

This will come back to bite me in the butt one day when I am expecting a very important, very pressing release or 911 tape or something time sensitive....and it comes 2 weeks later! Chock up getting scooped to the gremlins in my computer!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, October 24, 2008

Missed it by that much....

I knew it was going to be one of those days that needed to be orchestrated perfectly!

A busy news day. National City Bank being sold to PNC would have been enough to make it a substantial news day. We also had Michelle Obama speaking in Akron.....Sarah Palin visiting Ohio....the Kafaru sentencing phase continuing.....Euclid Corridor's opening weekend....Friday Night Fever week 10.....just the tip of the iceberg.

I really thought I had it all covered. And, for the most part, I did.

On these days, there are stories you MUST cover. There are stories you should cover. There are stories you would like to cover. And there are stories that you are thankful you do not really have to cover because there are not enough crews to go around or minutes in the shows....

A friend of mine emailed me a few weeks ago about an event going on today with the South Euclid-Lyndhurst School District. Fortunately, Kim Wheeler has been tracking this story and did a story earlier in the week on this topic. However, I still really, really wanted to send a camera crew.

It's a helpless, frustrating feeling when you know you should be there, you want to be there, it's a story that affects a number of people and should be covered but there is absolutely nothing you can do. Your hands are completely tied.

Looking back, the day thus far has been a huge success with everything we've been able to cover and share with our customers.

But there's always that one story you can not get to that leaves an empty feeling in the pit of your stomach.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems


(Photograph Courtesy WKYC Videographer Dan Keefe)



Today's Hidden Gem: George Shuba & his photography


Cleveland truly deserves the honor of being called the birthplace of Rock and Roll and host city for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.


One of the men who played a key role during this historic musical evolution was and still is George Shuba, 'the Grandfather of Rock and Roll Photography.'


Shuba spoke to a captive audience at the Rock Hall Wednesday night as part of their Rock and Roll Night school series where he highlighted some of his photographs taken over the years, discussed his book 'Cleveland Rocks: The Birthplace of Rock and Roll,' and met with the crowd afterward for a book signing.


Shuba currently has his own exhibit on display at the Rock Hall. The exhibition was organized by Jon Jicha and runs through January 4, 2009.


The Cleveland Rocks exhibition highlights the photographs Shuba took between 1964 and 1970, starting with true royalty, The Beatles! Shuba shared how an assignment from WHK radio really got the ball rolling. It gave him his big break and allowed him to shoot The Beatles arriving in Cleveland in 1964.


And the rest is history! Shuba believes he has taken over 6,600 photographs of musical artists and their performances with his ties to not only WHK but WIXY, WKYC, various record labels, and his stint with the Upbeat Show! A sampling of the artists include The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Who, Aretha Franklin, Jim Morrison, Smokey Robinson....


Make a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to see Shuba's exhibition and, you too, will see why George Shuba and his photography is this week's Hidden Gem!

It's a world gone mad

Today is the quintessential day every assignment editor loves!

Aside from the fact that there was fresh food when I walked in (pasta, healthy salad and Pat Halsey's sweet potato pie), there was news oozing from every angle.

From the minute I clocked in, non-stop.

Before I even arrived, the busy day was in full swing with Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates (and Nightly News anchors) in our neck of the woods. Brian Williams and NBC folk were in town to cover McCain & Palin. We were fortunate to have Brian Williams live during our 7pm show. John McCain and Sarah Palin were visiting Green, Ohio.

We had a horrible double fatal crash in Lorain County. A story you can not ignore. First order of business was to send Chris Tye and Craig Roberson and Brian Johnson out to cover this tragedy. We were also able to send up our Chopper to augment our video.

The news, the tips, the spot news never stopped. Every 5 minutes we had legitimate calls: Aurora High School locked down after a student made threats.....Newbury Schools being investigated for reports of a teacher threatened.....another report of a student making threats at Rootstown Elementary and similar reports out in Massillon. It's a world gone mad!

When I have the chopper up, I MUST keep track of it at all times. That's essential. Required. We need to keep a log of who is flying, who is shooting, when they leave, where they are in their journey every 10 minutes and when they arrive to their location. Then when they start heading back, if they have to land for fuel and when they land. The big boss must be notified of all of the above. We can not lose sight or track of our chopper.

Besides the new items of interest, I was tracking stories covered previous to my arrival. I was fortunate enough to get updates on the Wickliffe HAZMAT....the Dentist murder sentence....and a few new accidents.

In the midst of this mania, still try to log the competition at 5pm and 6pm....continually add stories to update wkyc.com....submit more election day story ideas and logistical suggestions for the big day AND suggest other enterprising story ideas!!

It's quite the privilege to work in a newsroom on a news desk. The first chance I got for coming up for air was 7 and 1/2 hours after I arrived! Exhilarating! Time flies when you are covering the news, chasing down stories, gathering information and web-bing!

Pinch me!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Channel 3 alumni continue to make a difference

I'd first like to raise a glass to all of my co-workers here at Channel 3, Metromix, and SportsTime Ohio!! You could not ask for a greater group of people to work with day after day, side by side!

I'd also like to raise a glass to all of my former co-workers who, over the years, have gone onto new opportunities and have continued the professional excellence which they possessed here at Channel 3!

I have worked with hundreds (if not thousands) of the greatest people you could ever want to know. Some characters in the bunch, but that kept the stories lively and made for the most outrageous occurrences!

I don't want to slight anyone on their fabulous accomplishments by not mentioning them all! My former co-workers continue racking up awards, honors, momentous milestones every day...


However, I'd like to highlight and single out one of them whom I recently ran across!


A big shout out and kudos to Gary Detman! Gary used to be one of our top notch producers here at Channel 3 News! No nonsense producer who knew what he wanted and buzzed ahead to get it done!


Gary Detman was just nominated for an Emmy award by the Suncoast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Gary works at WTLV/WJXX down in Jacksonville, Florida. He was nominated in the Documentary-Historical Category for '50 Years on Channel 12.'


When going around the room asking for top of mind memories about Gary, everyone had something nice (or funny) to share!

Gary was always buzzing about his beautiful wife and little tike! He would do anything for his bambino. In fact, he never missed an opening night at the Circus! Even if he were working, he'd 'convince' or 'bribe' producer Dan Stadler to booth the end of his show so he could make the beginning of the Circus!!

He was big into sports....and played 2nd base for the Channel 3 All-Stars. Now, I'd like to say he played a mean 2nd base.....but some things are better left unsaid!

We were all named 'Dude!'

It was interesting to see which T-Shirt Gary would walk in wearing every day.....

And, though he WAS a very popular guy that people wanted to be around.....I think the Cheetos in his locker were a bigger draw!!!


Congratulations, Gary, on your nomination! Continue kicking a little booty!!!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Do YOU know who has the best Halloween display?

(Euclid Hts Blvd, Cleveland Heights)


I'm looking for those ghouls and goblins who have transformed the outside of their home into a horrifying haunted habitat!


Is that YOU? Your neighbor? Your entire neighborhood?


Feel free to send me an email with the complete address of your mystifying mansion which we, hopefully, can air during our 11pm news shows through Halloween. Email to dfink@wkyc.com.


Or send pictures you've snapped yourself of your hallowed haunt to webmaster@wkyc.com.


Happy haunting!!!!!

Friday, October 17, 2008

That year it was Tim White

Many of you probably already have heard the news....

On hiatus or not...I had to pop on the nearest computer and share the following:

http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=98751


Once I speak with my friend, I'll share more.


I do want to impart a quick story which sums it all up. My Uncle Johnny, who has since passed, was in the Air Force. He knew my Mother's love of the air, the military, and the like. Many years ago, he gave her a poster of the US Air Force Thunderbirds. At a local air show, Mom took the poster in hopes of getting it signed by whomever was on site down at Burke Lakefront Airport. The PR person took the poster and promised it would be signed by whomever was on location.

I promised a short story.

Mom never got the poster back, signed or unsigned.

When I was sharing the story with Tim White, he seemed genuinely concerned. Next thing I know, shortly before Christmas, Tim White had gotten a USAF Thunderbirds Poster, had it framed and personally signed by the current Thunderbirds at the time addressed to my Mother.

Someone always makes Mom cry on Christmas. That year it was Tim White.

Monday, October 13, 2008

SBAS 'banging on the drum all day!'

Ok, calm down everyone! In the words of Todd Rundgren, "I don't want to work, I just want to bang on the drum all day!"

Swing by and spray will be on hiatus a few days......even though the news never stops!!!!

Talk to you soon and keep rockin'!!

The 'art' of Joe and Lance

(Katie the Wonderdog artwork by Joe Wood)


I can not do justice in this entry to two co-workers who are leaving Channel 3.

But, I'd like to acknowledge them, thank them, and wish them well.
Luck and happiness overflowing to Joe Wood and Lance Deevers.

Two of THE BEST and absolutely most talented Graphic Artists, Art gurus, mister do-it-alls who I have ever met!

Talk about winning the 'Mr. Nice' award--both of them are over the top!


When you think of art, you think of drawings or pictures and the like. But in television, the Art Department does so much more. They do (or at least did) our graphics, special art which would air on tv across the board --news, sports, weather, and even specials such as race for the cure, baseball playoffs, or whatever poppped up....but then, they would design our station clothing (Lance designed my favorite t-shirt which is a gray tee with a cute peacock and it says wkyc-hd Cleveland). They would construct different sets for the plethora of shows we air, reconstruct the studios when we have a set change, decorate the sets at the holidays, do any painting around the station, design handouts and fliers which on-air personalities may distribute at personal appearances....the list is endless. I have just touched the tip of the iceburg.



I've known Lance the entire time he has worked here at Channel 3, which has been maybe 12 years. He always had a smile on his face, always willing to help you out if he could...never heard him say a bad thing about anyone. What an asset to have on your team. The art department is situated in the balcony above the newsroom. A real treat to look up and be able to wave or say a daily hello to Lance and the folks up there! On one occasion, Lance had to toss a tape down to me....I caught it with a little ballet move which he will not let me live down to this day!

(photo of picture by Jim Kegelmyer)

Then there is Joe Wood! I've known Joe longer. Joe has been at the station almost 30 years. A true genius. He's been given a wonderful gift from God. Joe would also do everything mentioned above and so much more. However, two of Joe's trademarks which I am saddened to see go are his 'going away' cards and court room drawings.

(photo of picture by Jim Kegelmyer)

Used to be whenever someone was retiring or leaving the station, they knew they would get a one-of-a-kind Joe Wood 'going away card!' Each card topped the last encompassing the true essence of the person depicted in the card. The irony of it all!


And Joe also would scurry off to court for huge Federal Court cases....I'm amazed and in awe at his court room renderings.

I will miss seeing them on a daily basis around the newsroom. I can only hope that we can keep in touch. I told Joe, if I have any big occasions coming up, I will request one of his famous cards!!


Good luck, much happiness and success in your new endeavors, and please know that you both are loved and thought of often!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems



Today's Hidden Gem: The West Side Market

Not hidden and certainly not new, opening back in 1840 across from the current location. It is deemed the oldest indoor-outdoor market place. The West Side Market was just designated by the American Planning Association's 'Great Places in America program' as one of 10 Great Public Spaces for 2008. Criteria included 'its functionality as a neighborhood gathering place and fresh food market, its engaging atmosphere, and its role as an anchor in the community stimulating nearby commercial and residential activity.'

Believe it or not, many people have NOT had the experience or pleasure of visiting the West Side Market located at West 25th and Lorain in Cleveland, Ohio.

A slice of Cleveland Americana yet Old World all wrapped into one!

A piece of history.

You walk in and immediately know this visit will become a weekly ritual, if only for the delicious savory aromas swirling about.

Year round each holiday brings the mad dash to the Market for holiday fares specific to that religion, to that nationality, to that celebration.

I've been fortunate to have exposure to the West Side Market my entire life. And because of that I took a wonderful course in college.

My Freshman Colloquium class read 'To Market To Market' by Joanne Lewis. This book focused on the charm and history of the West Side Market. We would read about a stand, a family and the history behind it and then go for a visit! I thought, if this is what college is all about, it's not half bad!

Each stand has its own unique story oftentimes depicting the family nationality. Each family has a rich history overflowing with pride.

On one occasion, our class loaded up on extremely ethnic fares we'd never had before. We stored all the food in our professor's fridge and freezer until our dinner party. She just about passed out when she opened her freezer to find a few baby rabbits resting peacefully.

If you have not been to the West Side Market, you must go. You WILL find something that's pleasing to your palate. Outside stands overflow with freshly grown fruits and vegetables. Buyer beware: pack your own bags and pick your own produce! There are some vendors who will not give you the healthy food you see out front. They sneakily pack your bag with wilting, bruised foodstuffs.

When you enter the inner sanctum, the aromas intoxicate you.

You must stop by every stand and have a little taste of the cheeses and dairy items, the meats and poultry, pastries, pierogies and fresh sauerkraut, pastas, homemade breads and peanut butter, smoked items, and spices galore along with so much other food from various nationalities. They have a fish market. Grab a tasty kobasi sandwich to munch on while you aimlessly wander the aisles!

Please make a trip to the West Side Market soon. They are open Monday (7-4), Wednesday (7-4), Friday and Saturday (7-6). Just follow your nose and, you too, will see why The West Side Market is this week's Hidden Gem!

'Breaking news'

There are many media outlets who use the term 'breaking news' quite loosely.

I've seen other stations come on at 4/5/6 with the bells and whistles and the 'breaking news' banner for a story which actually occurred at 1030am!

Today, there was legitimate 'breaking news.'

We've been following the Lamidi Kafaru trial from the beginning. In fact, for me, it seems like only yesterday when I heard the fateful call over the scanners of an officer shot and heard Officer Owens speaking on his portable radio.

Well, today, the jury came back with a verdict. It's been a long waiting game. Not just for the media but the families involved, the defense, the prosecution and the Cleveland Police brother/sisterhood.

Throughout the day, when we are not in the courtroom, we make periodic checks to the bailiff and the prosecutor. Sure enough, today the big call came. The jury reached a verdict around 330pm and that is when all wheels were set into motion. I dispatched our night reporter Dave Summers and Craig Roberson initially. As backup for our team coverage, I sent Paul Thomas and Mark Smilor (who had to grab and take the pool gear in order to plug in and record the court proceedings. Another station was the pool camera). Then I sent Dan Medsker to run the live truck.

Everyone in the newsroom who needed to be notified including our web folks were notified in Danielle fashion where I stand up and project to anyone in earshot that there is a verdict and here is who I am sending. It may be primitive but it is quick, to the point, faster than a memo or email and gets the job done!!

Again, we wait. From the time we were notified, it took about an hour and a half to assemble everyone in the courtroom and start proceedings.

The jury convicted Kafaru of aggravated murder (guilty on 2 of the 3 aggravated murder charges). He is eligible to receive the death penalty. This story is far from over but another chapter has been recorded today.

So, in reality, by the time our news show started, this WAS breaking news because it had just happened. The fresh information had just been released. Our crews in the field were feverishly working to gather all the information and sound they could, edit it in the field, and turn it around to use during the live shots within our live shows.

And, hence, a correct use of the term 'breaking news!'

Monday, October 6, 2008

Shaping up to be 'newsworthy' week

This is the kind of week where you know you will have stories galore. The cupboard is definitely NOT bare!

The challenge is making our story look different from the competition. Our seasoned reporters always come through with their innovative, interesting presentations.

I'm not giving away any trade secrets. No brainer stories we SHOULD be following this week include progress reports & fallout from the economy bail out....the Presidential debate.....visits from Obama & Biden and then McCain & Palin....the Kafaru trial jury deliberations.....and the innerbelt bridge lane reductions and controlled testing. I can not believe it has already been a year, but the Successtech school shooting anniversary is Friday.

Our Sports Department has a busy week ahead as well with Mark Shapiro speaking to the media....the Cavs 1st home preseason game....high school Friday Night Fever continuing.....and then our lovable Browns preparing to conquer the rest of their season (don't forget the baseball Playoffs in full swing).

In order to make it all work, we just have to possess impeccable communication skills, plan each move to a tee, be ready for the UN-expected , and unlock my magical creativity bin when something falls through! Today, for instance, I 'thought' I had an extra crew available. Not so. Though the schedule read one thing, reality posed something else (never trust a schedule)!!! You just drop back ten and punt (and cross your fingers). Creativity and the ability to roll with the punches makes the world go round!!!!!

Here's to one heck of a week ahead!!!!!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Thank you, Cleveland!


As 'Swing by and spray' reported first Thursday evening, the Cleveland Foodbank and Channel 3 Food Drive surpassed all expectations!

The Foodbank people say they believe this was the largest one-day food drive in this area!

The final tally stands at over 10,000 pounds of food collected along with $4000. Foodbank personnel estimate that figure equalling between 21,000 and 23,000 meals for those in need in Northeast Ohio.

I've said this in previous 'Hidden Gem' features but it needs repeating. Clevelanders have the biggest hearts and are most charitable, even in supposed rough economic times!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Those two words just don't seem to encapsulate the genuine feeling, but it is heartfelt.

Cleveland IS the best city in the world! I am so very proud to live here with such wonderful people!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems


Today's Hidden Gem: The Woollybear Festival


Dick Goddard may be our competitor at newstime. But he is one heck of a guy who has done so much for the Cleveland area.

When you hear the name Dick Goddard, you think of his mastery of the weather.....his passion to help our 4 legged friends as a staunch animal activist.....being the statistician for the Cleveland Browns since 1966.....AND, the world famous Woollybear Festival!

Sunday, October 5th is the 36th annual Woollybear Festival in Vermilion, Ohio.

Goddard's love of animals and the weather and his vision to share both with children kicked off what has become the largest one day festival in Ohio. It has been said that Goddard used the Woollybear to get an idea of what kind of winter Clevelanders had in store! First held in Birmingham, Ohio back in 1973....moving to Vermilion, Ohio in 1981.

The Woollybear Festival is truly a day-long event for the entire family. Events kick off bright and early at 9am. There are multiple bands playing throughout the day, delicious food, craft booths, the kids' foot race, woollybear costume judging leading up to the ever-popular Woollybear Parade. The parade kicks off at 1:30pm and usually lasts for a few hours. The parade participants include FOX 8 celebrities, over 15 marching bands, over 2000 musicians, home-made floats, old-time cars, animals, hayrides, clowns, and so much more!

If you are looking for something to do with your family Sunday, look no further. Make the trek to lovely Vermilion, Ohio. You, too, will see why The Woollybear Festival is this week's Hidden Gem!



(Some information courtesy the official Woollybear website)

Food Drive day!


9:25pm THIS JUST IN!!!!
You are hearing it here first, folks! The Cleveland Foodbank folks have tallied and weighed all of the food collected during today's food drive. Drum roll please: More than 10,000 pounds of food was collected and over $2500 dollars raised...which will supply over 17,000 meals to the folks of Northeast Ohio! The Foodbank says today's event exceeded all expectations. We have no one to thank but YOU, the kind, giving people of Northeast Ohio! We here at Channel 3 thank you from the bottom of our hearts! You came through once again!
5:30pm It's here! It has been a smashing success all day long from the 5:30am kickoff outside of the Channel 3 Studios!

We still have a few hours to go (at this writing) but I do want to thank all of our viewers who have stopped by to drop off canned goods or money.

I had a blast working the food drive between 2pm and 3pm. What a hoot! It was really a great time meeting some of our customers and hearing their stories! There are so many caring Clevelanders who pulled up to offer their help with this great cause. And it was fun being able to spend quality time with some of my co-workers 'away from my post.'

The weather has held up beautifully. Later in the day the chill started creeping up (chasing a few of my fellow on-air comrades who shall remain nameless back inside)!!!!

Such a festive day inside and out. It would be great if they were all like this.

And then right around 515pm, BFD blues band started wowing the audience with their rockin' style! A great addition to our afternoon craziness--jammin' while we work!!!!

Please tune into our 6pm and 7pm news shows tonight for live interviews, reports and progress reports on the Cleveland Foodbank and WKYC food drive.

Stay tuned for updates and thanks again for all of your help and support on this great cause!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

The news found me


I did not ask for it, but Tuesday morning, the news found me!

We have a saying on the news desk: "Don't become a factsheet!" A factsheet is just another name for our computer information sheets.

I 'sort of' became part of a factsheet regarding the news of the day.

The rains came Tuesday morning. At least in my neck of the woods. Yet other folks did not see a spot of rain. From Cleveland's east side to Shaker, Cleveland Heights, University Hts., South Euclid, Beachwood, the skies opened and pummelled residents for almost 2 straight hours without letting up.

It would have been the perfect lazy day to just lounge around --had the water in my backyard not been up to my calves. I had to take my little squeegee and make sure the sewer drain was not blocked and help the water along a bit.

Unfortunately, the overflow of water seeped down into our basement. Another story in and of itself!

The cleanup effort morphed into an all day and all night project, which is still not over!

We checked with a neighbor who was traveling out and about and he, too, was surrounded by high waters, cars floating in high water, cars flipped over on the highway...


Always in news mode, I grabbed my camera to try and capture the moment. Unfortunately, the rain was coming down too hard to be able to take pictures without ruining my phone or camera. I was able to take pictures and even a short motion picture of the inside collateral damage. The movie and pictures can be found on our favorite social utility outlet, Facebook.


Sure enough, I click on the news and poof --we have video of a man who had to be rescued from his car on Woodland Avenue. I have to say, living what I had to live through all day, I thought there would be much more video from the day's crazy storm. But, again, some folks did not see a single rain drop and those lucky others are still drying out!