Demjanjuk's Deportation

The never-ending story... and I say that with no disrespect, just stating a fact.

In my recollection, there are really no other local stories lasting as long with so many twists and turns, garnering such international interest as the John Demjanjuk story--other than maybe 'missing people' stories (such as Tiffany Papesh, Amy Mihaljevic, Gina DeJesus, Amanda Berry).

Demjanjuk's story began over thirty years ago, and though it is far from over, reached another turning point milestone Monday.

Mr. Demjanjuk boarded a plane with his 'escorts' consisting of Federal Agents and medical personnel Monday evening at Burke Lakefront Airport. By 720pm, he had taken off more than likely never to see Northeast Ohio and his home in Seven Hills again.

He arrived in Germany early this morning and is just waiting for the next chapter of his life to begin...Demjanjuk sat in his wheelchair receiving oxygen as the arrest warrant was read to him.

89-year-old Demjanjuk has been accused of being an accessory to murder for over 29,000 people as a Nazi camp guard in Poland.


I can honestly say that I have worked with the three men in town who know everything about this case, have dissected it, and have shared remarkable stories over the years.

I have had the distinct honor to have worked with Ted Henry, Paul Orlousky, and Dick Russ.

I in no way want to slight any other reporters and anchors in town who have covered this story. But, in my opinion, Ted, Orlo and Dick continue to be the authorities, the go-to guys.

This story is far from over.

It may be closer to nearing the end, but it still has some life.

Honestly, I haven't a clue as to how this will finish out and don't even want to make an educated guess. I do know for a fact that Channel 3 News and wkyc.com will continue following this story and providing the latest, most up-to-date details with our customers.

Stay tuned........

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: News Anchorman Ted Henry

Legendary news icon, Ted Henry, announced his retirement yesterday after 44 years in broadcasting.

This action, well deserved, could toss Cleveland television into a tizzy! We'll see what this chess move spurs next?!?!

The days of working in the same geographic area or at the same shop an entire career are gone. He's a fortunate man to have achieved such a feat.

We strive for longevity and perfection, among other admirable attributes. However, in today's times, especially in media, where staffs are getting cut in half, younger-cheaper employees are being hired to replace the experienced veteran, unfortunately duration and quality greatly suffer.

Back to the man of the hour.

Ted Henry has always been one of my mentors. His mastery of this business, mind boggling. His knowledge of pretty much every topic, astounding. His work ethic, unyielding. And his story assignments over the last 44 years--priceless.

When I first started at Channel 5 so many years ago, Ted's welcoming smile and hefty laugh could only draw you to his side. He never spoke down to anyone or made anyone feel inferior in any way, shape or form.

Once you sat down with him and held a conversation, you were entranced by his wealth of knowledge.

He never put on airs. What you saw was what you got. Pure honesty! He'd sit in the newsroom in his jeans, top siders, glasses, sucker in his mouth, pencil behind his ear pounding out scripts. He may not want anyone to know this, but what the heck. He'd oftentimes walk around the newsroom in his socks!

We had much in common --religion, spirituality, family, truth, travel, and just the 'love' of Cleveland. Ted could be THE biggest cheerleader for this city.

His delivery engaged the viewer and was far from dry and boring. At times, made you chuckle! I have to be honest, I don't really remember the story but he had a way with words. He and Wilma Smith were on set together and as he read his scripts for a story with his animated expression, this phrase came out: "and that's a big 'BUT' Wilma!!" I still laugh to this day!!!

A dear friend reminded me of yet another funny anecdote. Ted and Wilma were on set reading rivaling huge pumpkin stories. Wilma read hers and Ted was next. As they came out of Wilma's story, Ted said, "wait 'til you see mine, it's huge!"

The repoire between Ted and Wilma did not go unnoticed by our youth. It even rubbed off on my nieces and nephew. My sister was working on a school project and was using a video camera. The kids were doing great things so she started shooting them. At one point, my oldest niece Sara (who has since become a member of the media --a published author and writer for a local trade magazine) was pretending to be on the news desk anchoring a news show. At the end of her presentation, she said 'back to you Ted, back to you Wilma!"

Henry's inquisitiveness and quest for exploration & the truth made him a top notch reporter/anchor. Constantly asking the tough questions, he got to the bottom of each story and scored some amazing interviews.

He actually writes and researches his own stories and goes out on assignment.

Observing him up on the news set, I always thought his smooth delivery and finesse with live interviews put him in the category with the national anchormen, the likes of Jennings, Rather, Brokaw...

There were certain stories he really owned. Ironically, the hottest story today, John Demjanjuk, is one of those such stories. Ted actually traveled to Israel numerous times with Videographer Rich Geyser covering the war crimes trials of Demjanjuk over the years. They were witnesses to the Berlin Wall coming down and traveled the world covering various Papal trips and religion-oriented stories among so many others over his 38 years.

He was no stranger to domestic travel. He and Videographer Tommy Livingston headed to Chicago last year for the hot button Medical Mart story. They went to North Dakota covering wheat farmers...treks to Washington and covered the Pope's visit to St. Louis.

No matter which photographer got the privileged opportunity to cover a story with Ted, they knew they were lucky and witnessing a master.

Ted's news series 'Wednesday's Child' focused on children needing adoption in this area. He has made and continues making a difference in the community with his compassion, honesty, and charity work. Henry helped actualize the 'Home for the Holidays Campaign' which supported two groups near and dear to his heart, Transitional Housing and New Life Community.

I really could go on and on regarding this wonderful human being. He IS a tremendous man. I am honored and privileged to have been able to work with him, to learn from his expertise and to be able to call him friend.

His exit from Cleveland television is a loss for this market. However, just having Ted Henry in the world is a gain for humankind.

I wish he and his wife Jody well as they travel around the world pursuing their quest for truth, and continue discovering facets of their spirituality as they enhance their knowledge of others' cultures and lifestyles.

If you have ever seen a newscast with Ted Henry, you too, will see why I am honoring him and spotlighting him as this week's Hidden Gem!

Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Dick Feagler

On occasion I'll deem a real live person one of my Hidden Gems.

It's rare. They must be exemplary subjects standing alone up on their pedestal.

Right off the bat, I can see Feagler scrutinizing my words in disbelief with that half-cocked grin on his face.

He never thought of himself, at least while I worked with him, as anything but common.

But those who know him think otherwise.

At least, I do, and this is my column so I will give you my spin.

Dick Feagler wrote his last regular column for the Plain Dealer 3 weeks ago. If you read between the lines, they phrased it 'last regular column' which leads me to believe that IF there is a hot button topic or they really need a seasoned veteran to tackle a serious issue, they've left the door open to call on Uncle Dick!

That phrase gives me a slight glimmer of hope that many out there still realize Feagler's command of his craft--being an exquisite wordsmith.

I spoke briefly with Dick a few weeks ago and, over the phone, could tell he is the same wonderful man I worked with years ago. His memory, attentiveness, and sheer honestly shine through, not to mention his wonderful wit!

I've been extremely lucky or blessed, whatever you'd like to call it, in my career thus far. Instead of learning about the 'broadcasting' business solely out of a book and getting a small sample through the obligatory newsroom internship (which I had as well), I had true-to-life role models who taught me everything I know.

I worked side by side with the likes of Dorothy Fuldheim, Ted Henry, Fred Griffith, Nev Chandler, Don Webster, Gib Shanley, Wilma Smith, Leon Bibb, Jenny Crimm, Lou Maglio, Judd Hambrick, Connie Dieken....my contemporaries of Jim Donovan, Tim White, Romona Robinson....and so many spectacular others too numerous to mention. Oftentimes, the people behind the scenes were just as invaluable to my growth as the on-air personalities. The experience I ascertained from directors and producers through the years is priceless. I've worked with the best including Bill 'Dad' Wiedenmann, Don Mertens, Jane Temple, Terry Moir, Kathy Williams, Dick Moore.....and again, this list twists and turns forever.

But, let's get back to the man of the hour, Mr. Dick Feagler.

I was awestruck the first time I met Mr. Feagler. I'd been a huge fan and realized his great talent. It's always awkward at first to work in the trenches with someone you idolize, at least for me!

However, that first day I realized that Feagler was 'real people.' He said it like it was, just as in his columns. He was welcoming, pleasant, helpful and a real stitch. I absolutely adored when he would vault into one of his stories--all true--autobiographical, and that's what made them so entertaining.

He was not too keen on playing the co-anchor role, however, I think he handled himself very well in that position. Part of the challenge is understanding and dissecting the news for the viewer, and he flawlessly and effortlessly accomplished that task.

Feagler embodies true journalism, integrity, and the heart and soul of the newspaper and television business, which whether we want to believe it or not, is gone forever.

Just because 'it' is gone does not mean individuals can not still vie for those high standards. Feagler, as long as he continues in this business in some way shape or form, will keep the hope alive. I'd like to believe that I, too, with my experience and history will continue keeping the dream alive!

Feagler began 45 years ago and never looked back. He forged ahead day by day just doing his job, yet making history every step of the way. He has seen the bulk of Cleveland's greatest political headlines involving Carl and Louis Stokes, Ralph Perk, Dennis Kucinich, and Michael White.... to the serious and often embarrassing issues surrounding the Cleveland Public Schools-which reared Feagler himself being a graduate of John Adams. He has gone up and down the scale talking religion, sex, teen pregnancy, any and every topic under the sun. There was never a storyline he was afraid to tackle.

Feagler said to me, 'it was time.' I guess I am not tearing up too much because I know Feagler. He still has many stories to tell, articles to write, numerous young minds to mold and influence. We can tune in to WVIZ and hear him touch on pertinent hot topics. He's not gone. We may have to look a little harder to find him, but he is definitely NOT gone.

For those of you familiar with Feagler, you know why I chose him as this week's Hidden Gem.

For those of you living under a rock not being familiar with or having the pleasure of ever reading one of his columns or books, pick up just one of his articles and then, you too, will see why Dick Feagler is this week's Hidden Gem!!