Do you wanna see Mark Nolan get a mani-pedi?

Would I kid you?

Are you a wkyc facebook fan /friend yet?

Well, if you are not, you are missing out and definitely not connected.

As a wkyc facebook fan, you are privy to the latest news, weather, sports, breaking stories as well as 'behind the scenes' inter-workings of the newsroom, studio, control room, special tapings and all kinds of neat0 and crazy stuff that happens in the course of the day in local television news.

You have the chance to be chosen as our 'Facebook Friend of the Day' and be recognized on air.

There is soooo much more as a wkyc facebook friend.

But the BIG news this week is that Anchor woman Romona Robinson and Morning Show anchor man Mark Nolan have a little battle brewing.

Romona and Nolan are going head to head in the 'Facebook Face-off.'

If we get 25 thousand friends, Mark Nolan will hit the beauty shop with Romona. He'll enter the 'pink' Diva room and indulge in a 'mani-pedi.'

When we hit 30 thousand friends, Romona will be sporting the overalls, strap on her tool belt and fix what's ailing Nolan's 'Franken-truck.' I'm sure you've seen the 'Franken-truck.' It's Mark Nolan's prized red pickup truck which must have over 200 thousand miles on it by now. It's a staple in the channel 3 parking garage! That's for sure!

Come on folks! I want to see BOTH! Just priceless and I'm sure very entertaining!

Log on and become a friend of wkyc on facebook to stay connected and let the fun begin!

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!

Changes unveiled at WKYC-TV

I'd love to give you the skinny on some exciting changes about to happen here at Channel 3 News.

The irony of it all. I can't!

You would think the person who has her hand in just about everything....who dabbles in many tasks....wears many hats.....and keeps in contact with staffers as part of her job description would have a handle on 'things.'

Think again! An announcement was made at the station today. Our managers summoned everyone near and far for a briefing in our newsroom conference room. Everyone except yours truly.

I had to man the news assignment desk and answer phones! Someone had to do it.

I am getting bits and pieces from various folks who were in attendance. So, as not to spread false information, which never happens in tv, let me give you a place to go to find the particulars.

If there is one thing I've learned about myself, it's this! I do not know everything. BUT, if I don't know something, I usually know where to go to find the answer!!!!

Frank Macek, director extraordinaire, attended the meeting first hand. Frank has a tremendous blog, which I try to emulate as best I can in many respects (while keeping with my view 'through an assignment editor's eyes' perspective).

Log onto Frank's Blog or Eric Mansfield's Blog for details on upcoming changes here at wkyc tv!

Thanks for watching Channel 3 News and logging onto wkyc.com.

We have some exciting changes in store. Please stay with us and send us your feedback! We'd love to hear from you on what YOU WOULD like to see when you tune into Channel 3 News.

Thank you Swing by and Spray readers and fans of Channel 3 News!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(photo Courtesy wkyc.com from 2007 Race for the Cure)



Today's Hidden Gem: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure


I am proud to be affiliated with the station that is not afraid to take on and discuss the serious issues which matter to our customers. We, as a television station, have the means and the opportunity to educate and inform our viewers about so many pertinent items. Breast cancer awareness is one such topic we continue to tackle.


We have embraced this theme for many years including being one of the media sponsors for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.


Senior Health Correspondent Monica Robins as well as anchors Mark Nolan and Romona Robinson (and so many other staffers) do stories and cover events year-round connected to the race and breast cancer awareness. This year Monica, Mark and Romona again serve as local honorary co-chairpersons.


On the 3rd day of each month, we share our Friend to Friend segment where we offer breast cancer awareness facts and personalized stories from those who are battling or have conquered breast cancer.


Monica Robins is a great champion of this issue and produces story after story on a regular basis but especially during the "Three Day" as well as the "Race for the Cure"....


Monica previews the race while giving the latest facts & figures and stories of women and families affected by this illness during her 7pm Special the Friday night before the race.


Then Channel 3 has complete coverage on race day from start to finish augmented with numerous stories and live coverage on wkyc.com.



The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Cleveland affiliate was established in 1994. They hoped to provide funding, knowledge, and support to this local community regarding breast cancer and breast cancer awareness and treatments.


The Race for the Cure website says last year alone they received 22 grants which provided women and men access to mammograms, treatments, breast cancer health education and support for those affected and their families.


If there is one bright spot when talking about this deadly illness, it is that most of the funds raised in Cleveland, for the most part, stay in Cleveland helping our friends, families and neighbors. And the ultimate goal world-wide is to one day conquer this awful disease.


Clevelanders are very giving people. They do embrace cause after cause. And there are many great causes which need to be in the public eye. One is not greater than the other.


I ask you to look within and see if there is an issue near and dear to your heart which you can embrace.


Feel free to submit a comment and share your personal story giving hope to others.


Due to the timeliness of this matter, I have made the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this week's Hidden Gem.

Check out Romona Robinson's new Blog!

She's a very familiar face but new to the blogging scene!

Please be sure to visit 'Romona's Room!'

Channel 3 News Anchor Romona Robinson says from time to time she'll discuss stories seen on Channel 3 News and how they have personally touched her.

But when you visit 'Romona's Room,' you'll get insight into what Romona loves doing when she is away from the anchor desk. Her passion for Sports, especially Cleveland Cavaliers basketball for instance, is sure to come up...as well as the great kids she has spotlighted in her 'Romona's Kids' through the years .......to how she pampers her pet.....the cities she and her husband visit during their travels.....and so much more!

Make 'Romona's Room' a daily stop during your day!