Whirlwind week for Cleveland Cavaliers

Last week's news swirled around dozens of riveting breaking news stories. This week's focal point appears to have one main theme: Will LeBron stay or go? Ok, there are a few other things going on this week:

• St Emeric's Church closes --final church to close
• 'Twilight' opens
• Wimbledon
• Russell Branyan traded

But the rest of the news pales in comparison to what's on everyone's mind in Cleveland and world-wide: What will LeBron James do once the July 1, 2010 12:01 a.m. deadline hits?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are also in the midst of interviewing candidates for their head coaching job.

The Cleveland Indians are home with hopes of starting a long winning streak.

Let's go back to Russell Branyan. We are like a family in the Channel 3 Newsroom, which does not exclude all of my 'big' and 'younger' brothers teasing me! So while Russell 'the muscle' Branyan was a Cleveland Indian, every time he'd strike out, Matt would take a sticky note with a K and post it in front of me! Spanks not only kidded me about Russell BUT Kerry Wood as well. When Branyan was finally traded, the Facebook harassment began!

I'm very lucky to have many 'big' and 'baby' brothers watching over me--especially over the last 17 months!! You know who you are and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Luv you all!

At the end of the week, most Clevelanders will be taking a long weekend as the 4th of July holiday hits....including the Cleveland Orchestra concert on Public Square Thursday, July 1 at 9:00 p.m.

The weather is supposed to be superb....Cleveland Rocks!

As an assignment editor, even with the heavy hitting news in store, it should be a fairly easy week because wkyc has 'the best' sports department in town. I can not even begin to gush over Jim Donovan, Yak, Dave Chudowsky, Brian Crane, Lynn, Matt Hein, and the entire STO team, who I am sure will kick major booty following the LeBron James story from start to finish....as well as their continuing coverage of 'my' Cleveland Indians!

Affiliates will be sending crews from Chicago, New York and anyone else courting LeBron...we will be sure to stake out every place imaginable to get the story first, before anyone else, and get MORE for our viewers.

Sit back, enjoy the whirlwind ride, and be sure YOU tune into wkyc and wkyc.com for the breaking news on the Cavs new coach and where LeBron winds up!

Extraordinary week of news

The amount of extraordinary news we covered this week is just one of the many reasons I adore what I do and where I do it.

And thankfully so, it quickly eased me back into some sort of rhythm after a blissful week of vacation!

Let's see. The 1st day back brought follow up coverage of yet another house explosion, which occurred in Concord, Ohio. Quite frightening how all of these houses are going up in flames. Fortunately, the family was not home at the time. And what's worse--on the scanners, we hear time and time again "gas leak" or "smell of gas" never knowing if the call out will turn into a house that goes boom.

Tuesday started out swiftly as I sent a crew to a car chase which ended with the suspect car taking out some parked cars, an RTA bus shelter injuring 2 people, a phone pole and tree. And of course, the suspect ran from the scene. Go figure!

Ashford Thompson's trial wrapped up which lead to Holly Miktarian granting Romona Robinson a one-on-one exclusive sit down interview to share her feelings and memories of her husband, Josh, who was gunned down by Thompson during a normal traffic stop. The incident happened nearly two years ago and Miktarian's killer was just sentenced to death.

For some crazy reason, I promised one of my cameramen (Randy) and one of our top editors (Matt) that I'd bake them cupcakes. Whatever possessed me and how we even got on the subject still escapes me! But I was not about to go back on my promise....so while I watched the USA win in World Cup Soccer I whipped up nearly 60 cupcakes for the gang --yellow with chocolate frosting and chocolate with chocolate frosting. I must admit, well worth baking on a 94 degree day!

Thankfully we had the extra boost of sugar because Wednesday seemed to be the busiest day with a 5.0 earthquake that rattled northeast Ohio, as well as many portions of the US and Canada.

Then we got yet another round of severe weather, General Petraeus took the reins, and of course continuing coverage of LeBron Watch and World Cup Soccer!

We've had a local soldier die and an injured marine brought back to the US.

And just as one fallen officer's suspect gets sentenced, we remember the 10 year anniversary of the death of Officer Wayne Leon. Dick Russ had a nice sit down interview with his wife, Grace, on this anniversary remembrance.

If you did not think there could be any more news, sit tight people.

It's already been a year --that fateful day when we lost the King of Pop and an endearing 'angel.' The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum hosts a huge Michael Jackson remembrance weekend while Michael's father Joe not only made the trek to Cleveland BUT to the Channel 3 Studios.

I can not recall a week so chock full of news.

That's what we do! Have a great weekend everyone!

Fabulous 1st day back

I could not have asked for a better 1st day back after an excellent vacation!

I walked in and one of my favorite interns, Kelsey Fisher, was sitting up at the news assignment desk! What a treat! Kelsey just graduated and is heading back to L.A. to take the west coast by storm! After Kelsey interned for wkyc, she made the leap and had a terrific internship with 'Scrubs' and 'Cougar Town.'

I wish her well and hope she calls often with updates! She's my bud!

Then Howard, my assistant news director, reenacted an awards presentation giving me my Emmy award and my Press Club award. How thrilling! It's always an honor to be nominated and possibly win but an even bigger honor when you believe in your heart of hearts that you did your absolute best work.

I really did a lot of leg work and background research for Eric Mansfield on his Project AED series. When I was done, I felt I had contributed so much. I was humbled and honored to be part of the group who took home honors.

Then Mike O'Mara and I won a 2nd place Press Club award for our W. 89th murders story. I know, very sad, but we really blew the competition out of the water with this story from the get go. Again, so nice to be recognized when you gave it your all.

It's always a team effort with any award.

Many wkyc'ers won awards over the weekend. I tip my hat to all of my colleagues who took home honors from both awards ceremonies and raise my glass to everyone nominated and winning! Kudos to you all!!

Here's a rundown:

Carrie Young won for Channel 3 News at 6, 11/3/09 --Evening Newscast Market 1-20

Project AED, Continuing Coverage:

Romona Robinson

Eric Mansfield

Monica Robins

Rita Andolsen

Me

Kim Wendel

Hardball Cash, Business/Consumer:

Tom Meyer

Sarah Montgomery

To the Moon: Ohio's Journey, Documentary --Jeff Reidel

On Camera Talent Anchor for Weather --Betsy Kling

STO took home a number of honors as well!

Indians on Deck, Sports Program:

Mike Bachmann

Steve Warren

Al Pawlowski

Senior PGA Championship Preview, Sports Special:

John Zaccardelli

Jim Donovan

Jimmy Hanlin

Greg Golya

Joseph Von Enck

Ian Zeigler

Patrick Kilkenney

And during Friday Night's Press Club Awards--

John Demjanjuk's deportation, General News, Dick Russ and Mike Greene

West 89th murders, Spot News, Mike O'Mara and me

Click the link if you'd like to take a look at all of the 2010 Emmy Award winners.

And for the 2010 Press Club Award winners, CLICK HERE!

Catapulting into vacation

What a wonderful way to jump into vacation--the Cleveland Indians have been on fire!

Winning the last couple of games with exciting come back wins. Could not have written this script any better!

A few absolutely amazing weeks of breaking news, breaking sports and some down right fantastic stories across the board ...yet again, could not have planned it even with my organizational skills!

Swing By and Spray will be taking a little hiatus.....have had a few days here and there but honestly, the last time I had a long stretch of time off was for my Uncle's death and then back in October 2009 for Mom's death.

I am thankful and quite blessed to get this opportunity to try and enjoy the 1st real vacation I have had in at least 1/2 a dozen years.

The news will continue so please continue tuning into wkyc and wkyc.com.......Facebook and Twitter......keep your ear on breaking news alerts.....and when I get back, we will know who from wkyc received a 2010 Emmy Award (ceremony is Saturday, June 19th) and a Press Club Award (ceremony is Friday, June 18th).

Stay well, be safe, and enjoy each day as if it's your last! Surround yourself with loving family and friends and never take anyone for granted! Cheers!

Izzo watch

As usual the wkyc sports department kicked some major booty.....from the very inception where they received Intel where and when Dan Gilbert and Tom Izzo would be for a special meeting until they both left the state of Ohio --far ahead of the rest!

It all began unfolding about the time I arrived into work....and that's where our crews were dispatched for the rest of their shifts.

Kudos and a big round of applause to: Jim Donovan, Yak, Dave Chudowsky, Lynn Olszowy, Brian Crane, Dan Medsker, and Mark Smilor for the hard work they put in to get the story covered better than any station in town!

Basically we were on location of the big, secret meeting, both airports where each prospective player arrived and then departed .....and Donovan and Yak were in touch non-stop with their contacts.

The excitement in the newsroom fueled the entire shift....and seeing the final product on the air proved yet again how wonderful the wkyc sports department remains!

Good job everyone!

Both players left Ohio and word is this weekend or beginning of next week is when we should definitively know Izzo's answer.

Ohio Tornadoes 2010

WOW! That's all I can say! I've been off for the last 3.5 days where tornado after tornado pummelled the state of Ohio.



Tuesday, as I come back, there are only 2 real stories left with this continuing coverage story--tonight, seniors graduate amidst the fact that their school was obliterated and the cleanup continues along with so many who want to help all of the tornado victims.


One of the class leaders and Valedictorian, Katie Krantz, lost her father in the storms...a true inspiration to all of us. Everyone is clamoring to cover this strong young lady's story.


As soon as I arrived into work, I was informed we would be sending the satellite truck yet again toward Toledo for the big graduation.



I assigned crews and off they went as quickly as they could to cover this story which has now become a national story followed by NBC NewsChannel, CNN, and FOX among others.



Because we sent the sat truck, I needed to book windows for our 6pm, 7pm and 11pm news shows......I sent scripts to the networks from our packages and kept in contact with the network folks about video, etc...



Always and exciting time when dealing with NBC or CNN......



Our crews all weekend long into this week have excelled at their crafts covering this mammoth news story.....hats off to everyone and and big kudos!!!

The news machine continues cranking

Awesome stretch for news--hard news, breaking news, and some fabulous local features, kicker type stories!

Thursday night we had a big fire that broke out in the old lumber company in Medina.....everything came together perfectly!

I sent my camera man /truck operator Dan Medsker in his truck.....he arrived on scene of a fire still burning out of control. Old joke that many 'old timers' including the infamous Ed Verba used to say --'if it's really a good fire worth covering, it will still be burning when I get there!'

Dan shot the fire, some sound, established a signal and had already fed back the story in time for the 11pm news show! Funny how news comes together.

I had written the web story when it first broke out and attached a new picture as well as the video he sent back.

Love it!


Then Friday--another great news day.....tragedy inter-mixed with jubilation.

On one hand a little boy drowned in an Akron pond--awful story heading into the summer.....we covered it and reported it on our news shows.


Later Friday night, the highly anticipated Spelling Bee winner was crowned --and low and behold, she was the little girl from North Royalton, Ohio! Whew!

Anamika Veeramani outlasted everyone else and took home top honors! Again, it seemed it was the 2nd night in a row the entire newsroom was watching a television monitor cheering on the local girl.....and through each word, the cheers went up at various cubicles and watching stations!

What a hoot!

Though it is very difficult to watch television during the course of a shift, when a potential lead story or story in your show is unfolding before your eyes on tv, all eyes are watching!

And when she won, the entire newsroom burst into cheers for the little girl from Ohio who finally brought home a championship!!!

Perfect place to watch the 'perfect game'

It was indescribable.

The Cleveland Indians-Detroit Tigers game was whizzing by...and by the 7th inning, it was still a no-no.

Situations like these, I am rooting for my Tribe to somehow muster up enough power, energy to at least get on the board....

But when you are watching something like this with 'the' Jim Donovan, wkyc sports anchor and radio voice of the Cleveland Browns, it's enjoyable whatever the outcome.

AND, the fact that Armando Galarraga's perfect game/no hitter went until batter #27 --holy!

So, in the midst of the work day, it's true the entire newsroom took time out to watch the 8th and 9th innings. Even those who have no interest whatsoever in baseball, Cleveland Indians' baseball or sports in general were on the edge of their seats.

I told Producer Carrie, 'You may have a new lead sweetie, stay tuned!'

Listening to Jim Donovan --PRICELESS!

For the final batter, the newsroom went wild --screaming and flailing arms....not many other businesses you can actually do that, that's for sure!!

I can't believe I am actually saying this but the Indians were no hit for all intense purposes.....Umpire Jim Joyce blew the call at 1st on little Jason Donald's infield hit.....and we were ALL upset for Armando Galarraga. That kid pitched a perfect game, should have got the call and exhibited amazing grace and soft spokenness after the game.

The day at work perfect in so many respects --work was awesome.....got all my work done and soooo much more, including tons of web stuff since we have a few of the web folks on vacation...but more importantly watching a Perfect Game with the best darn sportscaster in the world!

P-E-R-F-E-C-T!

LeBron & Larry King go head to head

The busy holiday is over, and by the looks of things, it appears this will be a super busy month!

Again, the minute I arrived into work, the news mill began cranking out "breaking news."

One of my contacts from CNN called and then emailed me saying they are working very hard to get us the entire transcript from Larry King's one-on-one with our very own LeBron James! He said he is also working on getting us some video clips.

If indeed they can assist us on this, a ready made great story for all of our shows.

And poof--my CNN buddy came through just a few short minutes later by emailing me the entire transcript and some video.....

Our Sports Director had also been working on getting video......so this will play in news and sports.....

Interesting reading to say the least! It's great to have the upper hand on a story ....and though the other stations who were CNN affiliates eventually got this, it's also HOW you play it and WHO you have reporting it.

Our Web Master touched base with CNN to see what and how much we could put on our website. That is the 'right' thing to do. The 'wrong' thing is what all the other local stations apparently did--they put the entire transcript on line and that was a no-no. CNN did have restrictions they set down. We followed their rules to a tee.

Since wkyc has the best sports anchor in town with Jim Donovan, it's a no brainer how this will be reported.

If this story regarding LeBron and will he stay or go is unfolding before us, fire breaks out at Streetsboro High School. Another big story to conquer, and we sure did it right.

Not only did we cover this story from top to bottom, but one of our staffers has a child who goes to the school and kept giving us updates and they became available to her.....

The nature of the news business, it can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone and you just have to be ready!

News does not stop for holidays!

Don't believe for a single minute that the news stops on holidays.

I've found in my long career (because I am quite old!) that the news revs up on the holidays...we've had some of the most tragic events such as officers being shot and killed, drownings, and firework deaths during the summer holidays.

Well, Memorial Day appears to be no different.

Though no one died, the news never stopped from the minute I walked in until I left.

Rain, flash flooding, then more flooding out in Geauga County, a bomb scare at the Cleveland -Euclid border as old weaponry and ammunition were found at a house which called into action the Cleveland bomb squad, and then to top off the day, a huge raging fire in Chardon where a few buildings were destroyed but all of the miniature horses were saved.

Nope, every day brings different excitement for an assignment editor. You never know what the day will bring, how the day will shape up and what adventure the news desk ride will take but you just have to be ready and willing to embrace it and kick a little booty!