Volunteers Spell Success
November 18, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter

I spoke at the Hendersonville Salvation Army Volunteer Awards Luncheon earlier this week.

I'm always amazed by the generosity of people with their money, time and talents. Here's what I had to say:

Thank you for having me here today.

More importantly, THANK YOU for volunteering.
You have made the Asheville-Hendersonville area 12th in the nation for volunteer service in a mid-size city.

Your efforts responding to crises SPELL results in your community.
They SPELL results!

There is no doubt, spelling is NOT my strong point.
I never made it past the first or second word at spelling bees in elementary school.

In spite of the fact I can't spell well, I chose journalism as a career... first working straight out of college as a newspaper reporter.

Misspellings have landed me in trouble more than once.
Nearly 20 years ago, I wrote a story about a young girl volunteering countless hours at a hospital.
Her family members were none too happy when they read she was a candy stripper, rather than a candy striper.

Another time, I was writing about a historic site in South Carolina, Star Fort. However, I misspelled "fort" with an "a" instead of an "o." I was never invited back; go figure.

Over the years, my spelling has not improved.
But my appreciation for volunteers has.

VOLUNTEER, I can spell that.
V-O-L-U-N-T-E-E-R

V -- The V is for voice. You are the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

O -- O is for outreach. You are helping, as the Bible commands, the least, the last and the lost. You feed them; you clothe them; you witness to them.

L -- L is for love. You love people who may not have known love... and may not be capable of it. Love is the greatest of all gifts, according to the book of Corinthians.

U -- U is for unselfish. You have donated hour after hour, day after day, week after week to a cause you believe in. You ask for nothing in return, yet receive unexpected blessings for your service.

N -- N is for never failing. You show up in the rain, in the snow, in the heat, knowing the work must be done... whether folding clothes, ringing a bell, or serving food.

T -- T is for teaching. You show others the way.

E -- E is for excellence. That is what you bring to every task.

E -- The second E is for endless effort.

R -- R is for results. Your work matters and makes a difference.


I know firsthand how important a V-O-L-U-N-T-E-E-R really is.

I remember 10 years ago when I battled cancer.
Volunteers wheeled me around the hospital, as doctors tried to diagnose my condition and find the best treatment.

Volunteers with the American Cancer Society answered a toll-free hotline and directed me to care in Indiana.

Volunteers only a few years earlier raised the money that paid for the invention and perfection of the chemotherapy that saved my life.

Volunteers brought food to me in the hospital, though I often couldn't eat because I was getting chemotherapy in one arm and blood transfusions in the other.

Volunteers helped with my rehabilitation: physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Volunteers have made a difference in my life, perhaps even saving my life.

You are making a difference.
Don't forget that.

The people you help may not always say thank you.
But, I will.
and I'll spell it: T-H-A-N-K Y-O-U.

All Good Things...
November 9, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter

"All good things must come to an end" is proving a tough lesson for my 21-month-old son, Malachi.
Many children might be terrified when sitting inside a vehicle at an automatic car wash: soap bubbling, water spraying and blowers drying. Not Mally. He cries when the wash ends and it's time to drive away. He thinks the car needs "more bath," which it probably does.
Recently, at a restaurant, his portion of fried okra ran out before the rest of his meal. He melted down faster than butter on hot rolls. A bite of pie, a piece of biscuit or a taste of mac and cheese would not console. Kelly and I made a hasty exit with Mally, knowing our welcome had been worn out by shouts and tears.
On Halloween, the most frightening thing proved to be that "Trick or Treating" ended. Lying down screaming on wet concrete steps in a tiger costume assured us he was appropriately dressed as a wild animal.
In spite of Mally's tantrums, he is observing everything, developing preferences and voicing his opinions. That's a good thing I hope doesn't end.


The Kindness of Strangers
November 6, 2009
Frank Fraboni
Anchor/Reporter

I often wonder what would happen if I were thrust into an emergency. A recent story I told documented how some bystanders came to the aid of some complete strangers who had to ditch a plane in a corn field. One of the men was trapped. This young woman dragged her two children, ages 12 and 8, across the field running on foot until they reached the plane which was laying upside down. The mom and another bystander wasted no time trying to get the two men inside free before the professionals arrived. Her recollection of grabbing a crowbar and breaking the pilot's seat so he could breathe was amazing to me. Stories like hers are really worth celebrating, giving all of us reason to reflect on what we would do for complete strangers.

Buy Local
November 5, 2009
Julie Wunder
Meteorologist

I love local food. I think it's great to eat what is grown nearby. It's really cool that Asheville has been a leader in this movement and so many local restaurants embrace the idea. I've learned so much more about how to prepare it from different chefs in the Carolina Kitchen.
Today a new company came in for Carolina Kitchen. It's run by two local ladies and it's called Winter Sun Farms. They are part of Blue Ridge Food Ventures. Winter Sun Farms partners with local sustainable farms during the summer. They take fresh locally grown produce and freeze it during the summer at peak harvest. You can "subscribe" to the "farm" and get a share of the foods during the winter. They prepare the veggies and pack them in great portable containers ready for use. If you subscribe you can pick up the veggies from December to March. Its a way to get locally grown food year round.
It's a fun new idea that supports a local business and local farmers... Plus they made some really yummy dishes in the Carolina Kitchen today.
If you are interested their website is www.wintersunfarmsnc.com

Election Day
November 3, 2009
Julie Fries
News Director

News organizations work weeks before each election to be ready to bring you the results on election night. Many times, we start working on an upcoming election the day after the last election so we are prepared. We call the boards of elections in every county we cover to get sample ballots. In Western NC alone, that's at least 15 counties. Many of them now have data and ballots available online, which makes that process easier. Then we input the races, precinct numbers and candidate names into our computer system. Our art department prepares graphics and images for on air and on line. Our engineers help trouble shoot and make sure that all systems are ready.

On election night, many day shift employees work a double, coming in around 9:30am and staying until we go on air at 11pm. When the polls close, we call and check election board websites for results and input the data into our system. As soon as we have counties reporting results, we run a crawl at the bottom of your screen and send the results to our website. Reporters are out covering the candidates. Anchors and producers are here planning for the late news.

Even on off years, when there are no statewide races, there is an air of excitement about elections within the newsroom. It's an amazing process that greatly impacts other news that we will report in the coming year or years, depending on who's elected into office. According to the Buncombe County Board of Elections, more than 64,000 people are registered to vote in Asheville and only 20-25% of them are expected to actually vote in the municipal election. More people should get involved in the political process. The results can influence every aspect of our lives and our news.

Everybody's Mother
October 14, 2009
By John Le

People leave their mark on the world in many different ways.

Minnie Smith did so by sharing something special with the Asheville community. I'm talking about her delectable homemade desserts.

The 89-year old baked and sold the pies and cakes at "Picnics" on Merrimon Avenue. Minnie passed away last Friday.

It wasn't just the goodies themselves that were outstanding. When you walked into the restaurant, "The Pie Lady" had a unique "gift of gab."

She told you about her baked goods with such warmth and charm. It was hard to say no. Her son Ron, the owner of Picnics, says Minnie's message was to live each day to the fullest. Saying "yes" to dessert is one way of doing that.

She even made Rachel Ray a believer. Yummo!

Minnie baked an estimated 50 thousand pies for friends, family and customers over the years. Many folks will gather at Picnics on October 23rd to celebrate her life with a toast and a piece of pie.

As a reporter, I especially enjoy telling folks about everyday people like Minnie.

With her passion to for pastries, "The Pie Lady" made so many lives just a little sweeter.

So, what happened?
October 8, 2009
By John Le

It's the burning question everyone wants to know wherever I go.

"What did you do?"

You see, in mid September, I slipped while moving and broke my ankle. Surgery ensued, the doctor installed a plate and a few screws, and now I'm kind of a desk jockey with a boot I now call my "Shrek Foot."

During this period, the most painful part of the healing process is using crutches. First couple of weeks, I thought I was going to kill myself with those things.

Tammy Watford saw me hopping around and gave me some pointers. She and photographer Leighton Grant even adjusted my crutches which helped immensely. I feel a little better about getting around, but I'm over it already!

Wish I could have one of those "Jazzy" power chairs or something.

Thankfully, I'm about half way through my recovery and don't feel much pain. But in this short-term period of disability, I've come to appreciate something as simple as walking down the hall for a cup of coffee.

I still have to take the countless questions about what happened. So if anyone askes, just explain how I did it.

Tell 'em I injured it playing "Fantasy Football."

Sad Memories
September 22, 2009
Karen Wynne
Meteorologist/Reporter

One of the saddest stories I covered at my former TV station in Charleston, WV was the flooding death of a 20 year old woman nearly two years ago. There had been some heavy rains, but nothing like what we've recently had here. I heard the victim was on her way home from work, around midnight, when she drove onto a flooded road and got stuck. She got out of her car, and was washed away. When the waters receded, her body was found a quarter mile downstream next to a drain pipe.
My curiosity quickly kicked in. Who was she? What she drunk, high or just stupid? What in the world was she thinking driving into water like that? That night, it was my job to find out. And, the answer to my last question was: none of the above.
A call to the funeral home in charge of Kristin Kuhn's arrangements gave me some quick answers...her hometown...her old high school in a neighboring county. People at the school told me Kristen was the homecoming queen her senior year. My photographer and I visited the high school that evening. Several students were quick to tell me she was more than a pretty face, although I could tell from the yearbook photos, she had that, too. Fun, very intelligent, artsy, unique and very responsible were the words they used to describe Kristin Kuhn.
The students I talked with said if they were in her situation, tired after a day of work, so close to home, just wanting to get there, they could see themselves getting in trouble, too. Most disturbing to me, was the fact that once Kristin's car stalled in the high water, she did the right thing by leaving her vehicle to move to higher ground. But in this case, as in too many others, the water was already too high, and the current too strong for her to escape.
'Turn Around, Don't Drown' seems like such a cliche, sometimes. But there's a reason most weather-related deaths are from flooding, with most of those deaths occurring at night, in vehicles. As much as I wanted to believe many victims are 'drunk, high or just stupid.' I realize more of them are probably like Kristin, me and you... impatient to get home and see their loved ones. Please be safe on the roads during all these heavy rains!

Fried Green Tomato
September 15, 2009
Charu Kumarhia
Reporter

It's almost the end of my favorite season, summer, and I've finally
mastered the fried green tomato. One of the most popular of all
southern dishes, fried green tomatoes is a great way to use those final
fruits of your summer labor - the last tomatoes that are barely hanging
on and you're not sure what to do with them.

I remember bringing green tomatoes home as a teen, who knows where I got
them from, and my mother, a native of India, said, "Yeah, I can make
fried green tomatoes." She couldn't. She diced them and sauteed them
with a bit of oil, cumin, salt, pepper and turmeric. They weren't what
you'd expect, but they were good. Still - I've always been curious
about fried green tomatoes, and always disappointed at the heavily
battered and fried rounds you get it at most restaurants.

So this summer I experimented. I tried simply dipping slices into bread
crumbs and throwing them into a pan of hot oil. Good, but not enough
coating. Last night, though, I got it just right. I don't know why I
didn't think of this sooner because I've actually tried something very
similar with eggplant. I dipped thin circles into a beaten egg batter.
Dipped that into the bread crumbs. Then threw that into a very hot
pan of canola oil (heart healthy and can take high heat) and butter.
The result is perfectly golden, crisp and warm green tomatoes. The
crust is just right, not too heavy and you can still taste the freshness
of the green tomato inside. Maybe I was supposed to cook this more -
but it didn't taste unripe inside - it tasted warm and perfect - just
like these days that are slipping away too fast.

Friday Night Frenzy
September 2, 2009
Stan Pamfilis
Sports Director

We are two weeks into the prep football season. Two Friday Night Frenzy shows are in the books and, like the football teams, we are a work in progress.

We have had some good highlights , but sometimes haven't gotten all the scores we need. We need help from coaches and viewers to make the product even better. If you have a score and information from your game give us a call at 828-651-4563 or 1-800-288-2413. Friday nights are hectic and sometimes we can't get through to schools, so calls are very helpful.

During the Frenzy we continuously run scores on the ticker at the bottom of the screen, but understandably, some fans don't think that's enough. I am trying to run a score page at the end of the show for games we can't shoot. That's when I hope to say a little something about the games, time permitting, like we did with Swain and Franklin and other games from week 2. Sometimes if we run out of time at 11pm, I will use the info in the Saturday morning sports.

A big question I get, "Why can't you cover our games more?"

I try to pair games up so we get more bang for our buck. I can only shoot games close to the station to get ready for the MY 40 10 pm sports and get ready for the 11pm. Adam also has to get back for the 11 so his range is limited as well. The other 3 photographers cover the rest, so I try to have them get two games apiece. Our geographic coverage area is huge and we have to get back in time to put the highlights on the air. There are no hidden agendas or favoritism. It's simply a geographic issue, along with manpower.

We will continue to try to do our best, and hope you will help us out. Also if you have an interesting story idea about your team - either a player, fan, cheerleader, etc., let us know about it and we will try to do a feature. We are always looking for unique story ideas.

Blue Ridge Forever
August 21, 2009
Karen Wynne
Meteorologist/Reporter

We knew it was going to end soon enough. When photographer Todd Robbins and I learned we were going to be doing this seven month long project on land conservation, I was somewhat excited about this new adventure, and somewhat prepared to freeze. We began profiling focus areas in early January. Our first one was Hickory Nut Gorge, which included Chimney Rock State Park. One look at the huge waterfall, completely frozen, I was hooked, despite my numb hands and feet. Todd and I looked forward to our Monday shoot days, when we could hit the road, and see some spectacular scenery. In the following months, we had the opportunity to hike part of the Appalachian Trail, climb close to the top of the tallest waterfall in South Mountain State Park, view most of Western North Carolina from atop Mt. Mitchell and canoe the New River Headwaters.

In addition, we met some of the most interesting people ever! Every landowner who decided to put their land into conservation easement to protect it from development has their own unique story. There is 93 year old Dr. John Barron, who, after owning his land most of his life, decided to sell it to the state so a western entrance can be made to South Mtn State Park...the Christmas tree farmers on Pond Mountain who suddenly found out they were to inherit the multi-million dollar property, an hour before the owner died...and farmer Charles Henson who drove us up the 'ultra interstate' on his Cold Mtn. area property. The 'ultra-interstate' was actually a steep mountain road, so rocky and flooded that we needed to ride in his truck. Our news unit would have never made it. Valerie True of the Blue Ridge Forever coalition, along with land trust representatives like Cheryl Fowler of Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, helped hook us up with these special folks.

With all the interesting stories told among some of the most beautiful scenery in North Carolina, it was no surprise 'Blue Ridge Forever' was a hit with viewers! Coalition members have told us several people who watched the series decided to put their local land trusts in their wills... Awesome! So far, Blue Ridge Forever has protected 37-thousand acres of the 50-thousand acre goal it has for the end of 2010. I have no doubt that goal will be met. For me, personally, wrapping up this series is an ending and a beginning. I really want to join one of the local land trusts, along with my husband and daughter, especially for my daughter to learn more about land conservation and the environment.

For more on how you can help, watch our final Blue Ridge Forever tonight at 5:30.

Want to Help?
August 20, 2009
Julie Wunder
Meterologist

Working at the TV station gives you a special voice in the community. We get to let people know when to take an umbrella, when school may be canceled, and what roads may be closed. It's a responsibility we take very seriously.

With the current economic times, and so many of our neighbors struggling, we have taken some extra time out to try to figure out how we can use that voice in our community to help some people. We may not be able to change the situation, but every little bit helps, right?

That's why we are participating in the "Tools for Schools" school supply drive. Tomorrow, we will be LIVE on the air through the day (along with Star 104.3) at the Ingles on Tunnel road. Our task is simple-- to ask you to drop off some school supplies for our drive. If you can spare a few extra dollars, pick up a couple extra supplies this year and together we can combine them to make sure all kids in Western North Carolina have the tools they need to start this new school year.

I know I'm going to pick up a set of supplies for a student, will you?
You can bring it by the station or to the Ingles on Tunnel Road tomorrow from 6am to 7pm. I'll be there LIVE all morning helping to collect the supplies. See you then!

Summer in Asheville
August 14, 2009
Julie Wunder
Meterologist

I love summer in Asheville. Spring and Fall are pretty great too-- but summer always brings the entire region alive! Every year when the season arrives, I fall in love with these mountains all over again.
We've had a great reason to love the mountains in summer earlier this week. While the Raleigh area was dealing with 100 plus degrees and the Piedmont and the Upstate were in the 90's, we stayed in the 80's. It was still pretty hot, but compared to the heat advisories across much of the state, we got a break. Plus, with our rain this year, this summer has been especially beautiful and green. Have you noticed all of the flowers?

Summer also brings weekend festivals that highlight mountain towns and traditions. There's something for everyone from family festivals to parties & even times to celebrate our pets! There never seems to be enough time to enjoy all that this area has to offer.

If you head downtown we celebrate and enjoy the unique and local. One of my favorite things to do is head downtown and enjoy a weekend summer night in Asheville. You can expect the unexpected with street performers and music. This place is truly one of a kind.

Since I've been here, I've also learned to enjoy nature more than I ever thought I would! That's especially true in the summer. You can head to waterfalls and swimming holes. I'm always surprised and amazed at their beauty. You can pick wild blueberries and blackberries in the most scenic locations ever.

It's times like this where you can be truly grateful for these beautiful mountains we live in.

Expect the Unexpected
August 13, 2009
Courtney Ward
Reporter

One of the things I like about my job is that every day is different. I can cover a drug bust one day and a plant expansion the next. So you'd think I would have learned by now to expect the unexpected. Well, I do now after what happened to me a couple months ago.

I was in Weaverville, covering the opening of the new Super Walmart. Things were going smoothly... I was getting all the interviews I needed and by 9:30 I was sitting in the back of the live truck logging the interviews and preparing to write my script.

Then, I got a phone call from the station telling me to drop what I was doing and start heading to Henderson County because a big storm was rolling in. So my photographer, Adam, and I started heading that way, and we were almost in Henderson County when my phone rang again. This time, I was told to go back to the original plan (which was the Walmart story), and to also meet up with another crew and trade trucks. We did that... easy enough.

Once Adam and I arrived back to the station (I guess it was about 10:30 or so by that time), I started working on my Walmart story. What happened next is why I now always expect the unexpected. Eleven-thirty rolled around and I'm asked if I can anchor the noon newscast because Victoria had fallen ill. I looked at the clock, at what I was wearing, and said "Sure." Then, I hussled to read through the show's rundown in 30 minutes before making my way to the studio.

In news, anything can happen. And that is why I now always expect the unexpected.

Football Frenzy
August 11, 2009
Stan Pamfilis
Sports Director

It's almost time for another season of high school football, and that means another Football Frenzy Show.The show will run Friday, August 21 from 7pm to 8 pm on MY 40. It will be live from two endowment games, Brevard at Owen and Tuscola at Polk County.

The Frenzy is an hour preview show that looks at more than football on the field. We met a few weeks ago to come up with off-the-field story ideas for the show to go along with our previews. Some of our features include a story on the new Cherokee school and stadium. Another big topic we check out is how the economy affects the prep football scene, and we detail the new conferences which have changed the local football map. Those are just some of the things you'll see on the Football Frenzy.

The ball really got rolling on August 1st , that's when practice began. Things get a little crazy for about 3 weeks. We have to shoot 32 WNC high school football practices in a twelve day period, which means lots of calling,scheduling and, of course, driving. We start going through tapes, writing and editing the stories and get them ready for the show. Adam Kohler, a couple of photographers, yours truly and some of our news reporters like Heather Graf and John Le and our assistant news director Bryan Luhn go into defcon mode. The clock starts ticking for us to put everything together and have the show run smoothly. Of course we also have to get our regular shows done too.

It's a lot of work but we think its worth it and really helps kickoff our prep coverage in a positive way. We hope you join us as we get ready for another season of mountain football.

The First Steps are the Hardest!
August 10, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter

The old saying "the first steps are the hardest" has never been more true than with Malachi, my 18-month-old son.

When my wife, Kelly, and I adopted him from Ethiopia six months ago, he could crawl and stand but not walk. His initial steps have been filled with accidents and injuries.

The first time Mally turned loose from the sofa, he fell flat on his nose, screaming and crying. He looked like Papa Smurf for more than a week.

Face down into the sand at the beach cushioned the blow, but not his frustration.

Gradually gaining confidence and balance, Mally took off running. At daycare, he fell headfirst onto the floor. Dizzy, he got up only to fall again and again. With no less than three knots bulging on his forehead, we made our first trip to the emergency room at Mission.

I thought someone from social services might begin questioning us. Instead, we encountered nothing but kindness and a quick C-T scan. All was well... Mally has a hard head.

Getting tubes in his ears has improved his balance. Now, he runs all the time: chasing the cat, dribbling the soccer ball and extending his arms while yelling "Daddy." That has me stepping it up each day to get home as quickly as I can.

The Happiest Place on Earth!
August 3, 2009
Holly Headrick
Anchor/Reporter

When you max out on your vacation, with 150 hours sitting in the bank, and are no longer accruing more time... it's time to take a vacation, and what better place to go than the "happiest place on earth?" Six of us journeyed to Walt Disney World for eight days last week. Somehow, with a lot of help with planning from my co-workers, we managed to make it through all four theme parks at Disney. It was much more exhausting than a week of work combined, but well worth it. I quickly learned the key to Orlando is taking a day off in between the hustle and bustle and 95 degree heat of theme parks. We had a chance to visit SeaWorld and my favorite attraction there had to be the "Clyde and Seymour Show." They are sea lions that put on a great performance while eating lots of treats. I was a big fan of that. The outlet malls provided me with lots of new clothes to wear to work which is always fun. The last day we ventured to the "Typhoon Lagoon" waterpark at Disney. It has an attraction where you can swim with sharks and stingrays. I thought I was going to love this, but learned snorkeling with a decent sized shark below me wasn't exactly my thing. I found myself swimming through rather quickly and never even saw the colorful fish. I feel refreshed, and although I can't say I was super excited to come back to work after 10 days off, I do know I won't let my vacation time max out ever again.

New Jersey Forever!
July 22, 2009
Karen Wynne
Meteorologist/Reporter

Over the past six months we've taped our Blue Ridge Forever segments, I have had the chance to meet many people with some very diverse backgrounds. Many of the landowners and local land trust workers are second, third or more generation North Carolinians, so proud of their heritage and the land they are working on to protect for future generations. But, I have also met others, like the rocket scientist from Indiana, who now owns and runs Altapass Orchard along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the St. Louis school teacher who owns a conservation-friendly housing development near the Hiawassee. I felt a similar story coming on with the landowner we spoke with a couple of weeks ago.
John Humphrey owns more than 200 acres in Blue Ridge Forever's Upper French Broad River Headwaters focus area. His land contains two springs leading to Foster Creek, Mills River and the French Broad. Owning such valuable land, which also contains a rare mountain bog was interesting enough! But one other thing stood out. From his accent, it was clear to me John Humphrey did not grow up in North Carolina or anywhere in the south.
So, I asked. He answered. New Jersey. Engineer. A job transfer brought him here more than 40 years ago. He and his wife bought the land in 1968. John went on to raise 5 children, and become president of the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy. He also put nearly 200 acres of his land into conservation easement to protect it forever.
While I was getting John's story, I also noticed that Kieran and Aimee, our two land trust reps. from Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy lacked any real accent. Where were they from? "We're all from New Jersey here," they laughed.
The three reminisced about Jersey's lakes, and a special Boy Scout camp. They admitted most people picture the very unflattering turnpike and urban landscape when they hear "New Jersey." Then one of the land trust workers, I forgot who, said "That's why we do what we do. We know, first hand, what out-of-control development can do!"
Photographer Ben Mulkey and I discussed this after the shoot. What were our chances of meeting three New Jersey-ites in one day who are so passionate about protecting Western North Carolina? With these three, New Jersey's loss is North Carolina's gain!

Puppy Abuse
July 8, 2009
Joe Avary
Photographer

I never grew up in a household with dogs. I mean, we had a lab for a few days in the summer of 1989. That experiment came to an abrupt end when poor "ubu" made the decision to dig up my dad's prized azalea bushes. Bad dog! Never saw him again...

Twenty years later, I still don't see what the hype is about. I've had enough neighbors with dogs to know they are dirty, smelly, generally uncouth animals who pant and bark and drive me crazy. They leave a trail of muddy footprints and dander in their wake, and they also tend to maul small children. I know this because I've shot that story a million times. And don't even get me started on the copious amounts of feces they produce!

That said, what happened to that poor 8-week-old puppy a week and a half ago in Montford disgusts me. No living thing deserves to be chained and dragged through the streets until bloody and bewildered. The two men accused of abusing this poor puppy should thank their lucky stars that their mugshots weren't released. Anyone who does something like that should be publicly shamed for their cruel, thoughtless actions and made to clean doggy-doo from Asheville's sidewalks with their bare hands.

We visited this abused puppy at the animal shelter. I grabbed my camera and tripod, plugged my nose, and had five minutes to get pictures of her big eyes and scabbed paws. In the midst of the barking and the howling of the other caged dogs, I came to an epiphany of sorts. Dogs may be dirty, smelly, generally uncouth animals who make way too much noise and poop a lot, but does that description not apply to each and every one of us?

And the Emmy goes to...
July 6, 2009
John Le
Reporter

As you may have heard, News 13 had a banner night at the Southeast Regional Emmy Awards. As a station we won 6 awards against competition from several states.

While it's obviously quite an honor to come away with a statuette, I think it's also important to reflect on the stories that led to such high praise.

Ultimately, a great story comes down to the subject matter. I certainly take great pride in the way I write and craft them. Photographers are extremely skilled when it comes to shooting and editing them too.

But if we had nothing compelling to highlight where would we be? Without an Emmy... that's where we'd be.

So I'd like to thank the folks at the Adventure Amputee Camp in Bryson City. It's a summer camp with dozens of participants who have limb loss. Many of them have renewed confidence by going through the experience.

Doing the story helped me realized that people who lose limbs don't lose their heart. Truly inspiring to me and hopefully to our viewing audience.

So I won an Emmy with photographer Eric Sander for "Feature" but folks at the Adventure Amputee Camp deserve their share of accolades.

Don't Forget Your Hiking Shoes
July 1, 2009
Heather Graf
Reporter

Two weeks ago, as I was getting ready for work, I knew that I would most likely be doing a follow-up to the story of a teenager falling from a waterfall in Macon County. We broke the story the night before. So why I decided to wear a skirt and heels to work, I'll never know.

When photographer John Billingsley and I arrived at Glen Falls, we knew we'd have a short hike ahead of us, to get to the waterfall where the accident happened. We just underestimated how steep, or how far that hike would be.

The teen had fallen from the third waterfall, which is also the farthest away. The walk there wasn't too bad but the walk back was uphill, and I literally thought I was going to have to be rescued myself. It's sort of reporter-photographer etiquette that when you have to walk a long way, the reporter carries the photographer's tripod. It's only fair. Luckily, I had brought a pair of tennis shoes just not a change of clothes. So picture this: John and I are headed back to our car, sweating profusely. My legs and my lungs are burning, my skirt is covered in dirt, my hair is a mess, and my arms are about to fall off. Every five minutes, I make John stop to take a break. At one point, we passed a group of hikers headed to the falls, and one of them said "Oh, you're that reporter everyone's talking about in the parking lot."

I was mortified! It was rough, but eventually, we made it. I'm just glad I remembered my tennis shoes. Just think how bad it would have been if I had to hike to the waterfall in high heels!

Person of the Week
June 19, 2009
Larry Blunt
Anchor

I've been coming in early to conduct interviews for a new segment we're doing called "Person of the Week". One of the questions I'm often asked is, "what do you like best about your job". Meeting people, interesting people from all walks of life is at the top of the list. The stories these people have to tell
are compelling and often educational, inspirational and just downright amazing.

Last week it was the owner of Charlotte Street Computers, Jennifer Mayer. This amazing woman grew up in the projects; dropped out of school in 9th grade; was only able to read at an elementary school level; went on to earn an Associates Degree at AB Tech; earned a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and now owns three businesses. How in the world did she overcome so many obstacles that for many people in the same boat, would have left them with a life of struggle and under achievement?

Tonight at 6pm, you can see this week's Person of the Week. She's a teenager who takes a stand on social issues and has been honored nationally.

If you know of someone with an inspirational story to tell, someone who has had impact on our community, maybe someone who has overcome great obstacles. Let me know. Maybe it's you! Email me at
personoftheweek@wlos.com

Pool Safety
June 17, 2009
Charu Kumarhia
Reporter

We associate pools with all the best summer has to offer - friends, firing up the grill and having a summer drink to cool off. But now, my husband and I will always associate pools with something very sad - the drowning of our little puppy Spartacus.

We adopted Spartacus and his brother Maximus in February. I had never had a pet before and was reluctant. I work odd hours and wasn't sure I'd always be able to let the dogs out in the middle of the day. Pets come with vet bills and responsibility that we didn't have to deal with before. Within days, though, I fell in love with these little guys. They were funny and cute and taught me not to take anything, like new carpet or a new pair of shoes, seriously. People say pets look forward to seeing their masters, but I think I looked more forward to seeing them. Then last week I got one of the worst calls. My husband was mowing the lawn and looked up at one point and didn't see both dogs. He called for them and only one came. A sinking feeling took over and something told him to go to the pool, nothing looked out of place but under the solar blanket was little Spartacus. It was too late. We'll never know if he accidentally fell in while playing, or thought he could walk on the solar blanket. We had never thought the pool was a danger to dogs. We had thought of everything but that. A quick google search reveals that dogs drown in pools all the time.

Spartacus was the healthier brother. He was always easier to care for because he was pretty low maintenance, especially compared to his always nauseous and mischievous brother Maximus. We'll forever remember little things he did in his short 6 and half months on earth. When you think of Spartacus, please remember how dangerous pools can be. As we get into the heat of the summer and you invite friends over to enjoy yours, or go to a friend's home or a community pool, please keep an eye on children and pets. It only takes seconds to lose someone or something you love forever.

Do You Follow Me?
June 16, 2009
John Le
Reporter

Like others, I was wondering about the value of Twitter. But I've found it to be a fun tool that's actually led to a few story ideas.

When there's a big storm, you'd be amazed by how many tweets come down. I hear about storm activity as it hits the mountains. It's almost as if I can follow the weather as well as Julie Wunder (well, maybe not, afterall she's got more advanced technology and real weather knowledge!).

It's so addictive, I've been using something called TweetCall. I call a number and just voice things that I want posted!

The only downfall is that I write with alarming brevity these days (you know, 140 words or less).

You can follow me @AbsoluteLe. If you're tweeting, you know what that means.

Just so you know, I have no beef with Darcel Grimes about the number of followers we have on Twitter (okay, maybe I tried to start a "Tweet War" before, but I'm over that now!). We're both still way behind Ashton Kutcher and Shaquille O'Neal.

Follow both of us!

Taking on Twitter
June 11, 2009
Darcel Grimes
Anchor
dgrimes@wlos.com

I was leery of it when I first started. I had that sort of uncomfortable feeling that I got the first time I tried to cook a meal. What would I possibly do on Twitter? How would I ever get the real hang of it? This was definitely not for me. But, as the saying goes... slowly but surely things changed. I soon began to marvel at the wonders of this new technology. I reunited with former co-workers and friends. The tweets from others made me laugh . And, then once I started doing it, I didn't want to stop. That's when it hit me. I was hooked on Twitter. Oh, how the non-techies have fallen. But, I don't mind. I'm enjoying Twitter. We even have a little newsroom competition going. John Le wants to get more twitter followers than me. I "Absolute-Le" don't want that to happen. So If you haven't tried twitter, shoot me a tweet. If you're already on twitter, follow me, "Darcel Grimes". You might find out, like me, that you enjoy Twitter. Not to mention that you could help me beat John Le. Sorry John, you know I love you, but I want to win!

Always Wear Purple
June 11, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter

I gave the commencement speech this week to fifth graders at Glenn C. Marlow Elementary School in Mills River.

Speeches can be intimidating. I know there's an audience when I anchor the news or weather, but I don't see you. Public speeches are different. The feedback is immediate.

I'm still wondering why the principal asked me to speak.
Anyway, here's what I said in an address titled: ALWAYS WEAR PURPLE.

Fifth graders:
I realize your school colors are blue and white. But, today, I'm asking you to always wear purple.

Always wear purple!
Why would I say that?

Purple is bold.
When you think of purple, what comes to mind?

*Maybe, Barney the Dinosaur: bold -- annoying, but bold.
*When your parents think of purple, perhaps they think of the movie: "The Color Purple" ...
*or the song "Purple Rain" by Prince. Both of those are bold masterpieces in my mind.

When I think of purple, I remember a scene from the movie "Drop Dead Fred" -- not a masterpiece.
Phoebe Cates puts on a purple dress for a party, hoping to be noticed.
Fred, her imaginary friend, tells her: "Snotface, you look like a big bruise."

She was bold. He was bolder.
Purple is bold.

As you leave elementary school and head to middle school, you need to be bold.
Go into your new school with confidence... determined to do well.

Purple is bold.
Always wear purple!

Purple is also the color of courage.
Soldiers wounded in battle receive the purple heart for their courage and bravery.

You will need courage as you head to middle school.
You will be tested. You WILL be tested.

Maybe someone at school wants you to say something you shouldn't.
Perhaps someone after school will tempt you by offering you drugs or alcohol.
You need courage to say: "I won't do that; I'm better than that."

Purple is the color of courage.
Always wear purple.

Purple is also the color of embarrassment.
When we get embarrassed, our faces -- especially our cheeks -- turn purple.

All of you are going to get embarrassed in middle school. I did.
I was embarrassed by my first report card in middle school.

Two C's -- one in life science the other in pre-algebra. I had never made C's before.
That will happen to some of you, too.

You will try hard, but some subjects will be more difficult than you imagined.
You will be embarrassed to be average at something, but it's o-k if it's truly your best.

Embarrassment, though, doesn't end in middle school. It only begins.
Embarrassment is lifelong: wearing the wrong thing... saying the wrong thing... doing the wrong thing.

Over the years as a newscaster, I've been embarrassed many times.
Several years ago at News 13 I was sent to cover a tornado in a distant county.

My photographer and I stopped at a big oak tree that had fallen near a farm.
We thought this best showed the destruction of the storm.
We did a live shot for the 11 o'clock news.

After the report, a man called me laughing hysterically.
"Are you Jay Siltzer?" he asked.
"Yes," I replied, "What can I do for you?"
"You idiot," he said.
"A bulldozer pushed over that tree two weeks ago, not a storm."

He was right. I was embarrassed.
But, I had to put it behind me, make a correction and move on.

Purple is the color of embarrassment.
Always wear purple.

Purple is the color of hope.
Several organizations, including the American Cancer Society, use purple to symbolize hope.

Today, you are bringing hope to a school 7,500 miles away.
Earlier this year, my wife and I adopted our son, Malachi, from Ethiopia.

While we were there, we visited a school (The Goffa School for Success) in dire need of supplies.
The walls were bare. The chalkboards had no chalk or erasers. There were no pencils, much less paper or books.

As you walk across this stage in a few minutes, you will donate items that will help fifth graders half a world away.
Purple is the color of hope.
You are delivering hope.
Always wear purple.

If you are bold, courageous, and can overcome embarrassment while bringing hope to others, then you will be successful.

Purple is the color of success.
It is no coincidence some of the most interesting and successful people in history wore purple: Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, Jesus Christ... to name a few.
Today, I want you to be determined to be successful.

Maybe you want to be a doctor, a nurse or a physical therapist -- apply yourself in science.

Maybe you want to be an accountant, a contractor or a salesman -- study hard in math.

Maybe you want to be a teacher, a preacher or a newscaster -- learn a little bit about everything... and remember to wear purple.

Purple is bold.
Purple is courageous.
Purple is embarrassing.
Purple is hope.
Purple is success.

Fifth graders:
Always wear purple!

I Wish You Had More "Good" News
June 10, 2009
Larry Blunt
Anchor

Every now and then over the course of my career when someone recognizes me they'll say, "I wish you had more "good" news".

I usually smile and ask them, "Are you watching the whole newscast, because it's there."

This is especially the case in Western North Carolina. First we have to define what "good" news is. I believe most people would say it's news that is pleasant to watch and hear, inspiring, nice words about nice people, humorous or a story that brings attention to a worthy cause. Most larger markets, such as the one I came from in 2005, push what we in journalism call "hard" news almost to the exclusion of what broadcasters call "soft" news or "fluff". Journalists when talking amongst themselves don't refer to news as "good" or "bad". To a journalist, uncovering a scam or an abuse of authority to save you money and tax dollars, showing suspects police are looking for so the public can call in leads, making the community aware of a crime so they can take precautions, sharing a families tragedy (which often results in people wanting to help) are all "good" news stories. They're good because knowledge empowers, promotes safety, brings justice, aids those in need and more. So to those who look at most local news as negative or sensational, I would ask you to step back and try to see the "good" value.

But for those who still think that covering crime, corruption and disaster as bad. Check out these features which appear regularly on WLOS-TV News 13: Pet Pals, Never Stop Learning, Blue Ridge Forever, One Day Wunders, Absolute Le, G.I.F.T Heroes and our newest weekly report,
Person of the Week. Every Friday I have the privilege to bring you stories of amazing people who have overcome great obstacles, inspire to be better and do better and have impact in our community. These are just the regular features. There are many other "features" News 13 airs almost daily that uplift, inspire and entertain that don't have a franchise name. I know of no other station that is more balanced. There's an expression that was popular a few years ago that goes, "It's All Good". Well, I won't go that far. We're not that arrogant. But there is a lot of good in local TV news to see. On News 13 I believe you'll not only be informed, you'll be inspired and even entertained.

Just in Time!
June 9, 2009
Karen Wynne
Meteorologist/Reporter

Our live shot at the beginning of Friday's 5:00 news probably did not look rushed. I was near the French Broad River at Westfeldt park off Airport Road, doing a story about ideal water levels for whitewater rafting. Photographer John Billingsley and I had spent much of the day in Madison County, where many rafters and kayakers were celebrating the rain and enjoying the river after the last two years of drought and low water levels. John & I got a little wet. No big deal. We returned to the station to write and edit the story.

About an hour before air time, photographer Steve Wilder and I got in one of the live trucks to head to Westfeldt. We would have plenty of time to set up the camera and put up the live truck's mast to send our signal out in the field back to the station, or so we thought. About 20 minutes before we were supposed to go on, the generator on our live truck died! Now things began to get crazy. Photographer Eric Sander drove another live truck out to the park at what must have been record speed. With less than 5 minutes to go, Eric and Steve were disconnecting cables to the 'dead' live truck and hooking them up to the working truck. I made sure I was in place with scripts in one hand, microphone in the other, and made sure my ifb (earpiece) was working. Producer Tracy Horne gave me a '2 minute warning' as the photographers were still setting things up.

With less than a minute to spare, everything was connected and working, and our live shot made the air. It was over in less than 2 minutes, easily forgotten by many. But this reporter, three very fast photographers, and a producer were all breathing a huge sigh of relief! It happens often in our business... the uncertainty, deadline pressure and adrenaline rush. It's made me a more flexible person and given me some great stories to tell friends and family!

Busy Day Off
June 5, 2009
Stan Pamfilis
Sports Director

Thursday was a busy day even though I didn't get to the office. I had a meeting at 1pm with Linda Bock of the American Red Cross, and she talked to me about a great idea to raise awareness for the Red Cross and also raise money. It's a scavenger hunt called "Red October," which fittingly enough will be in October in downtown Asheville. It sounds like a lot of fun. They are giving away great prizes and hope to get one hundred four person teams. I'm sure there will be more information in the coming weeks look out for it.

I also got a chance to emcee the South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame Banquet at the DoubleTree in Biltmore. Before I could do that at 6:30, I had to make sure that a package on Owen High's softball team was done. I completed that at 1:30 am, early Thursday morning, that way I was sure Adam would have a story in house and we could complete our previews of the three mountain softball teams in the playoffs. These banquets are great for meeting new people, matching faces with stories and sometimes finding out good information you can use later. You know what they say if you're not networking, you aren't working. It was really a fun night, I got to talk a lot, and eat for free, two of my favorite things in life. You can't beat it.

We also took the cat to the vet, where she did a great impression of a mountain lion... rabies shots not her thing. Getting her out of her carrier wasn't exactly a day at the beach for the vet either. The compromise, open the carrier from the top, leave the cat in, put the needle in the backside, close up the carrier and say adios.

So when the day was over I felt like I had worked overtime, but it was all fun, except maybe going to the vet.

Go, Lady, Go!
May 28, 2009
Tammy Watford
Anchor

Whew... when I got back from McDowell County last week, I was beat!

Photographer Todd Robbins and I went to Old Fort Elementary to participate in the school's annual Field Day event. Now I don't know about you, but I use to LOVE field day. All those games. No tests. And No homework.

When arrived on campus, we saw more than 200 screaming K-2 students playing on the field.

There were sack races, the slip and slide and basketball. Even the local fire department was there.
The firefighters were using their truck to shoot water about 50 feet into the air. Of course, the kids were running through it and shouting at the top of their lungs, "This is fun! This is fun!"

I soon got caught up in all the field day festivities and had to take part myself. I chose the sponge races. You had to grab a sponge out of a water bucket, run to another bucket, squeeze the sponge dry and then back again.

I asked a couple of second graders if they would let me jump in, but nothing doing. They wouldn't give up their spot in line. Of course, who could blame them? It's a sponge race, for goodness sake. Think about the bragging rights if you win. One student even said, "You're a grown up. Why in the world do you want to play?"

Feeling a bit defeated, I went to the next group of students who were more willing to let me cut in line. So I was getting my confidence back about joining in... that is until the young man in front of me said, "Watch me lady I'll show you how it's done."

Lady? I thought, "How old do I look?"

Soon he grabbed the water filled sponge and took off and headed for the empty bucket. The teams are shouting and he's running. My heart is pounding knowing I'm next. Soon he turns around and is headed back my way, but instead of dropping the sponge in the bucket he throws it to me. Thank goodness my former field day experiences kicked in because I caught it, dumped it in the bucket and then ran like the wind. I must have impressed them with my "cat like" reflexes (remember as a kid you use to think you could do the impossible?) and great speed (I use to think I could run so fast that any minute I was going to take flight) because soon they were cheering "Go, Lady, Go!"

Hmmmm... maybe I can do the impossible and who knows I might just take flight!

"GO LADY GO!"

Go here to see Tammy at Old Fort Elementary Field Day:
http://www.wlos.com/shared/newsroom/learning/wlos_vid_337.shtml

Miles Upon Miles
May 27, 2009
Heather Graf
Reporter

So many days while out on a story, my photographer and I meet the nicest people, who ask if we have time to stop and eat lunch with them. We almost always have to politely say no, and explain to them that we need to hit the road so that we can get back to the station and get our story on the air.

Last week, we had one of those days. Photographer John Billingsley and I were working on a story about a burglary ring in Macon County.

We soon learned this would be easier said than done, and here's why:
The drive from the station to the Macon County Sheriff's office: 38 miles, about 50 minutes.
From there, we drove to the Nantahala neighborhood where the burglaries occurred....another 40 miles on a very curvy stretch of roadway....so it took us about 1 hr and 15 minutes.
After shooting the rest of our story, it was back on the road. We used a different (shorter) route back to our office in Waynesville. That drive was 75 miles, and took 1 hr, 30 minutes.
Total drive = 153 miles, 3 hrs, 35 minutes.

We would have loved to sit down and have lunch with the elderly man who tipped authorities off about the break-ins. There was just no time!

Instead, we opted for a trip to the Arby's drive-thru. Sometimes I think that news reporters and photographers keep the fast food industry in business. :)

The silver lining: we made deadline, the story turned out great, and the people whose homes and neighborhood were victimized by the burglars were SO happy we covered it. In my opinion, that makes it a very worthwhile trip.

A Busy Month
May 24, 2009
Julie Wunder
Meteorologist/Reporter

May sweeps is an important time at the TV station. It's a time period where we track our viewership very carefully so our sales staff can determine how much they charge for commercials. In this economy, that's especially important.

Since we want to get the most viewers as possible during this time period, we all work on special reports and stories to air during May. This May I had my hands full.

I started a new series called "One Day Wunders." We went up the Ashe county and tried some fresh cheese, wine tasting in an area I dubbed "North Carolina Wine Country", and we also had an adventure filled day at the US National Whitewater Center. The original idea was to just do these stories during sweeps, but they we got so much positive feedback on these stories that we are going to do them more often.

We started with locations that are out of our "viewing area", but we may now consider visiting some places around here as well. If you've been on any great day trips, let me know so we can visit there and do a "One Day Wunder!" It's turned into a really fun part of my job.

I also have been working for months on a special series to mark the 5 year anniversary of Frances and Ivan. That piece aired this past Monday. It was hard to dredge up some of the memories from the damaging and deadly storms, but I also thought it was very important. Without looking at history, we will never learn from our past. Many things have been done since the storms to keep us safer from flooding and landslides, but the work is never done. And to some extent, there is a limit to what we can do.

Thanks so much for watching these stories. I hope you enjoyed them and took away something from them. Now it's time to rest for a couple days!!

Memorial Day
May 21, 2009
Larry Blunt
Anchor

I've been invited to Emcee Asheville's Memorial Day Event on Monday, May 25th. For me, this is a particular honor. Personally I take great pride in thinking of grandfathers I've never met and family who have sacrificed with honor for America. My great, great, great, great grandfather William Blunt served in the 1st Virginia Line for seven years in the War of Revolution against Britain. My great, great grandfather Thomas Blunt fought in the civil war losing his life at Gravelly Run, Virginia just days before Lee's surrender at Appomattox. My father is retired Air Force, my brother a Marine Corps veteran, my son a veteran of the Iraq war and I proudly served four years in the Navy.

Memorial day is for those who have given their lives in War for America. I also can't help but think of those who sacrifice every day for the security and future of America, and their families whose sacrifice is often unrecognized and under appreciated. To you all I say a big, "Thank You!!"

As we remember those who have died for America, I hope no matter where you are you will take a moment of silence and remember them whether in prayer or just out of respect. Memorial day is for them. Their sacrifice, their honor, is truly remarkable. "Greater a love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Memorial day is about Love, Love of Country, Love of our fallen veterans.

Timing is Everything
May 21, 2009
Brian McCree
Production Assistant

News is unpredictable. But, your news programs usually are not. You don't have to check the TV Guide Channel during the workweek. Like clockwork, News 13 at 6 airs at 6:00 p.m.

Well, the weekend shows are a different story. Often, one scheduling abnormality or another creates havoc for those of us on the weekend shift.

Saturday, February 14: Wake Forest was hosting Florida State in what was one of the ugliest games in the ACC this year. The teams combined for 51 fouls and 34 turnovers. And it wasn't close. The Deacons had a 30-pt lead at one point and ended up winning the game 86-63. At 5:56 p.m. there was still more than 7 minutes left in the game. So, obviously, we weren't going on at 6:00 p.m. Confusion set in as to whether Raycom was going to fill until 6:30, whether we would have to condense the news or whether we would go on the air at all. Well, at about 6:20 p.m. Raycom dumped out without warning. We hit the air just around 6:22 p.m. Our entire news broadcast lasted 7 minutes and 48 seconds, contained 7 stories and just over 3 minutes of weather.

Sunday, February 22: Oscar night is always fun. We were scheduled to air at 11:30 p.m., but we actually went on at 12:05 a.m. Well, despite enduring a rather lame awards show in its entirety, at least Heath Ledger won and we got a little overtime.

And, just think, NASCAR season, with its yellow and red flags waving in all their glory, is upon us.

Stay tuned after the races.

Clueless In Kindergarten Class
May 18, 2009
Tammy Watford
Anchor/Reporter

Have you ever felt like a foreigner in your own country?

I have!

It happened when I was in Marion.

My assignment was to do a story with a class of kindergarten students who are doing their reading, writing and arithmetic in Spanish.

They can speak English fine. This special program is designed to make them bi-lingual by the 6th grade.

The only time they're taught in English is during P.E., the computer lab and the library.

Now the only Spanish I speak is from a Mexican restaurant menu, and I even have trouble with that! But I'm thinking how hard can it be to understand what they're saying? It's kindergarten, you know... colors, the alphabet, and a number or two.

RIGHT?

WRONG!

Those children were reading sentences, doing geometry and conducting school business speaking only in Spanish.

I was "clueless in kindergarten class". I had no idea what they were saying. There were no pictures in the classroom to guide me. Even the bulletin boards and the books were all in Spanish. I had nothing!

That is until the teacher, who could tell by the look on my confused face that I was lost, asked for a volunteer to help me. That's when Tinsley, a brown haired, blue eyed boy with a dazzling smile took me under his tiny wing.

He told me about the sentences they read , the difference between a rectangle and a square. He even told me when it was time to line up for lunch. And bless his little heart, he broke the rules and did it all in English.

So now when I sit down to write this story for the 6pm News, at least I can speak intelligently (in English, of course) about what I saw and heard. That way instead of "clueless" viewers will be "Mesmerized in Marion."

(Watch Tammy's report Tonight on News 13 at 6 and at 6:30 on MY40.

Wheeling Along Every Night
May 18, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter/Meteorologist

Malachi has become a game show junkie just like his dad.

He loves "Wheel of Fortune," everything from the intro, to the sound of the spinning wheel, to the letters lighting up. I'm hoping he will soon solve his first puzzle. Is that asking too much?

I'm a veteran "Wheel" watcher who longs for the days when contestants had to spend their cash on overpriced merchandise, with the remainder going on a gift certificate.

I've always liked game shows, especially the ones I watched as a kid: "To Tell the Truth," "The Joker's Wild" and "Gambit," to name a few.

Still, I'm convinced the greatest game show of all time was "Match Game." The late Gene Rayburn provided a cryptic sentence with a blank for contestants to complete in hopes of matching the celebrity panel's answers. Responses ranged from clever to absurd to risque in the quest to play Super Match for big bucks.

Mally doesn't like Match Game. We've tried watching reruns on the Game Show Network. It doesn't move fast enough for him. He prefers the pace of "The Price is Right," "Deal or No Deal" and "Wheel."

But, once Sajak signs off, so does Mally. "Jeopardy" irritates him. I have the same reaction. I don't know many of the answers and worry about people who do. Winners on Jeopardy actually paid attention in college during European History, World Literature and Chemistry. I didn't.

But, my son is paying more and more attention to television, especially game shows. Any day now I expect his first sentence to be: "Dad, I'd like to solve the puzzle."

‘Fashion Week’ at News13
May 15, 2009
Estee Jones
Sales-Promotions Coordinator

Okay, so it’s nothing remotely like New York, but twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall, employees have an opportunity to pick out the latest fashions… in News 13 logowear that is!

The logowear sale is something everyone looks forward to and is actually really important for our photographers and on-air talent because they are constantly in the community representing the station.

For a week in April & again in November, my office turns into a mini-boutique, complete with hanging samples of the newest styles for guys and girls. At some companies, logowear can be boring with everyone wearing the same old polo in the same old color, but not here. Employees have a week to peruse a 500 page catalog of golf shirts, jackets, and even backpacks! Of course, if it’s going to be worn on-air, the style must be professional and complimentary to our logo but other than that anything in the catalog is fair game. Last fall, a photographer ordered a mechanic’s uniform. I have to admit, I had my doubts, but the industrial pin-stripped shirt turned out to be a hit. It was different. I loved it. At News 13, as in the real fashion world, it pays off to go out on a limb!

End of the Recession?
May 14, 2009
Frank Fraboni
Anchor/Reporter

Good news! The recession is ending. That's the word from a few economists, including a local professor at Western Carolina University. So how in the world do they draw this conclusion? It all seems so complex. There are unemployment rates, housing starts, new orders, inventories, retail sales, same store sales, consumer spending, discretionary spending. You get the picture.

Well, Dr. Jim Smith says first time unemployment benefit claims have successfully signaled the end of the last 6 recessions. He says when the four week moving average for those claims peaks, the recessions ended in 4 to 6 weeks. Smith says that happened April 4th, therefore, the recession will end May 15th, that is if unemployment losses don't move higher. But he admits the National Bureau of Economic Research won't tell us that until probably a year after the fact. Just like when the recession started in December of 2007, it wasn't until a year later when the bureau told us we were in the recession. So the point is, if you're hoping the recession will end some time soon, don't count on it because the people who make this decision won't let us know for at least another year, even if it did end last month. Perhaps if it is the end, we'll definitely have lots of time to think about it.

Summer of Hope
May 13, 2009
Larry Blunt
Anchor

Thoughts of youth come to me this time of year. May has always been such an optimistic time. Graduation is near or at least the end of school. Summer vacation is not far behind. For young people it usually means more time to spend with friends and having fun doing the things you like to do. The sun is brighter. The days are warmer. Many working adults look forward to summer vacation and a time to get away with the family.

This summer for many families will not be what it used to be because of the recession. There are worries of finding a job, finding a more affordable place to live and not being able to afford a vacation facing tens of thousands of people. I just reported a story about a mom and her daughter who live in a homeless shelter. Shaunessy, a 12-year old honor roll student, is like any other 6th grader. She loves to laugh, loves her friends and loves her Mother. Where she lives she can't have friends over. There are no yards to play in, no movies or events to go to. Her social life is entirely what happens at school. Maybe that's why she says, "School is my home."

I can't help but wonder what Shaunessy's summer, and that of many other children is going to be like. The point of this is not to make anyone feel guilty but for those of us who are fortunate enough to weather this recession without major upheaval, to be thankful and grateful for what we have and what we are able to do. We should also be hopeful when we hear the news we're hearing lately that the worst of the recession is over. I'm hopeful most of all for Shaunessy, her mother and thousands of others who need hope in their lives. Maybe this will be the summer of hope.

Online and Loving it!
May 12, 2009
Julie Wunder
Meteorologist

I remember getting my first e-mail address at college orientation at University of Florida. My family had always had computers and had recently gotten internet access, but my own source of communication on the world wide web was an exciting idea! I would check it a couple times a week to catch up with friends from High School who went to different colleges.

It's amazing to think about how much internet communication has taken over since then. I'm typing this in an e-mail to my news director. It will be posted on our website in a blog. There's no need for paper or a conversation. I am constantly linked to e-mail and social networking as a source of communication for work and play. Plus, ever since the takeover of Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, it has become even more obvious that internet communication is truly a way of life. It keeps the ever growing and crazy world a little closer.

That's why I am embracing Twitter. If you sign up, you can follow me! I've been posting info on what's coming up on News 13 and My40 and also some behind the scenes tid-bits! All you have to do is go to Twitter.com, sign up, and search for my name.

Also, don't forget about our News 13 Facebook and Twitter pages! They are a great way for us to learn from you about what's going on in the community. Plus, we get to give you a heads up on some of the stories we are working on!

Strength in Grief
April 24, 2009
Mark Poff

As photojournalists, we have to be present at the scene to get the video we show on the air. Many times our presence isn’t welcomed by some of the people on the scene. I, personally, would rather be at a “happy” news event than a “spot” news event. A school play is much more fun to cover than a house fire. The one thing I dread more than anything is when I have to go to a funeral. But this is something we must do from time to time. We owe it to the community and the memory of the deceased. Especially when it is a public figure, such as a community leader, or someone killed “in the line of duty”, I feel that it is our obligation to cover the funeral.

Thursday, Sherrill Barber and I went to Rosman, NC to cover the funeral of Kayce Norris, a young man killed in a horrible car crash that also took the lives of 5 other people. We spoke with the family that morning and they said that they would give us an interview and would allow us to copy some photographs of Kayce. However, they asked us to refrain from being at the funeral itself. We respected their wishes and met with representatives of the family at the church, several hours before the funeral. I was expecting a less than welcoming reception when we arrived. But was taken aback by the kindness and grace of the people we talked with.

I have been a news photographer for 21 years. I have been to some of the worst scenes imaginable. I have talked to people in their darkest grief. And every single time, I’m impressed by the strength that people have in the worst moments in their lives.

Just Ask
April 23, 2009
Frank A. Fraboni
Anchor/Reporter

It's days like today that I really love my job. I set out to cover a story about a teenager arrested for bringing a gun to school. That's probably not so run of the mill to most people. But it's usually not the most visual story and there's usually limited information. When I got to the school, we drove just passed it and pulled into a driveway to turn around. That's when I noticed a car in the drive and a puppy on the porch. I thought, "Well, someone may be home who might know something about the school next door."

The woman who came to the door had children at home, one of which had gone to the school. Those children were being home-schooled now because of mom's concern for school safety. Mom was more than happy to speak with me about her concern over how a 15 year old gets a gun, an element of the story authorities refused to discuss. It never ceases to amaze me how interesting people and their stories can be, if you just ask.

Ten Years Later
April 21, 2009
Larry Blunt
Anchor

On the walls of my cubicle are mementos of my career, among them is a pin that I wore ten years ago while working as a reporter in Denver covering the Columbine High School massacre. On Monday, April 20th, I wore it during our newscasts to honor and remember the many people affected profoundly by that historic event. The memorial pin which contains 13 stars for the 12 students and a teacher who were killed and the words "never forgotten" was handed out to the hundreds of people gathered in the park by the school, and worn by many of us covering Columbine in the days and weeks following the massacre. During our newscast last night we aired a story from Denver in which a parent of one of the victims made the comment that for all the evil and sorrow we saw at Columbine, we saw a tremendous goodness and hope from people in the days that followed.

In my experience that is so true and not only for Columbine. About two weeks after Columbine I witnessed that same outpouring of love, support and resilient human spirit when the station I was working for in Denver sent me to cover unbelievable destruction and loss of life in Oklahoma City. An F-5 tornado with winds as strong as 318 mph (the strongest ever recorded in history) took the lives of 48 people and destroyed property to the tune of more than one billion dollars. I'm sure on May 3rd, you will see remembrances of that prolific event in the news as well. I'll never forget an elderly man I interviewed as he stood in the middle of what little was left of his home with tears in his eyes. He said to me, "As awful as this destruction is, if you really want to be awe struck come back here this time next year and see how God picked up the pieces."

His words sent a chill up my spine. Time and time again I have personally witnessed devastation of such magnitude that you can't help but wonder how in the world these people will recover. But for the most part they do. No matter how great the disaster and loss, whether it was caused by nature or man made, the goodness of people and strength of human spirit rise to overcome and carry on. I wish the media in general did a better job of showing that side of the story. I think it's good to look back on these events that shape our lives. While it may bring back painful memories, it is inspirational to see how people are healing, growing and even find happiness again. So as we remember events of great tragedy, we should also be reminded of what happened in the days that follow. These anniversaries help us to do that.

Gone Fishin'
April 20, 2009
Andy Coates
Photographer

Many of my fellow photographers would love the opportunity to wake up in the wee hours of the morning and take on the challenge of covering a fishing tournament in beautiful Fontana. I was born in Northern Indiana, never fished a day in my life, enjoy sleep... so I got up at 3:45 in the AM, Saturday, loaded up my seemingly extra heavy camera and batteries into my cold, wet, station-issued Subaru and began what mapquest called a 2 hour and 45 min trip to Fontana.
My assignment was to get a natural sound package which means just me, one microphone, one tripod, one camera one navigator. After I got terribly lost, a well placed park ranger guided me to the very pretty, very wet marina. Instantly, I realize that every shot I plotted in my mental storyboard would not be an option. The sun was not going to give me a gorgeous sunrise, the fishermen were not going to let a 170 pound photographer that needs to bring 30 pounds of gear (and stop every ten minutes to shoot steady video) on board their very organized boats, and it was flat out, cold and dreary.
So, I go out in a pontoon boat which sways like the center of a teeter totter as the fisherman literally fly past us in pursuit of the lucrative large and small mouth bass (yeah, there is a difference. I don't know how to tell though.) I have to have steady video, and the only option for that is to have my truly delightful pontoon captain drop me off on an island, an ISLAND. There were honestly animal tracks in the sand, TRACKS! Nothing about this seemed like what I had planned. I found myself at many different islands... with many different fishermen looking at me with a much due respect in their eye. My sunsets became my angle from island, the beauty of the land, my sound became the tranquility and the focus of these athletes.
It wasn't until the boat ride back that it all came rushing back to me, all that I had seen. The trees, the seemingly endless water, the friendships, the views, the purity the fun. I never know what story I'm going to be assigned from day to day, but I promise you... if a fishing tournament is ever on the rundown, I will volunteer... if it starts at noon.

Hiking a Piece of History
April 9, 2009
Karen Wynne
Meteorologist/Reporter

On Monday, while shooting our 'Blue Ridge Forever' series, photographer Todd Robbins and I had a chance to hike a 'piece of history.' Our focus area was the North Fork Catawba River and the Upper Linville Gorge. It's a beautiful part of Mc Dowell and Burke counties, about ten miles long and five miles wide, which includes Linville Falls, Linville Caverns and terrain which sharply drops from the Blue Ridge Mountains towards the Piedmont.

Among the spectacular scenery is part of the Overmountain Victory Trail. Todd and I hiked a small part of this 330 mile trail where patriot soldiers from Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee and Western Virginia traveled to fight and defeat British troops. The trail led to the battle of King's Mountain, one of 4-5 major turning points in the American Revolution.

Our 'hike'-if you could call it that-was not comfortable. Temperatures were dropping, winds were gusting, and we could see the incoming snow. Todd had the idea of interviewing Paul Carson with the National Park Service, while walking the trail. As Todd walked backwards, while shooting Paul and I, Tom Kenney from the Foothills Conservancy, walked behind Todd, clearing branches on the ground that would have tripped him up. Paul shared how the soldiers braved the rough terrain in pouring late Sept.-early October rain, without the comforts of down-filled coats, wool hats or a heated news vehicle close by. I realized that if these soldiers had not fought and won, we could be living under the leadership of Queen Elizabeth instead of President Obama.

The big surprise, to me, was that only 70 of the trails 330 miles are protected-open for the public to walk and enjoy. Most of the trail runs through private properties. The National Park Service and the Foothills Conservancy are working hard to convince private landowners to put their property into conservation easements-so the trail can be repaired and open to all. It's an endeavor that will take a lot of time, money and support. But the dream of folks being able to hike or bike much of the Overmountain Victory Trail is growing.

Check out Blue Ridge Forever this Friday on News 13 at 5:30pm

News, Immediately
April 7, 2009
Julie Fries
News Director

Broadcast news isn’t just for TV anymore. As the internet grows in popularity and almost every person carries their own cell phone, we have to carry our content across platforms. I’ve heard it described as producing news for 3 screens: TV, computer and the phone. This is new ground for many of us who remember when we actually used phone books to look up phone numbers. In television, immediate has always meant getting something on the air as soon as possible. However, not everyone is sitting in front of a TV waiting for us to cut in with breaking news. They may be perched in front of their computer, and most likely, they have a cell phone either attached to them, or not far away from them. That’s brought immediacy to a whole new level.

News 13’s web site has evolved over the years from basic text to still pictures to video. We have interactive elements in our web poll and feedback sections. We put almost all of our main packages online. Now, we are about to revamp our site again to make it more user friendly. We have also launched the News 13 Facebook page. It opens up a whole new audience, which is not always your typical news audience. Soon, we will also introduce mobile news, where you can get the latest News 13 news and weather on your cell phone. It’s amazing how quickly these tools are growing. I read somewhere that 2.5 billion text messages are sent everyday in the US. As a news organization, we have to change with the times so we aren’t left behind in the technology. Just as newspaper reporters are now expected to carry video cameras, TV journalists are utilizing different formats, as well. Blogs, social networking and mobile news are just some ways that we are trying to redefine immediacy in broadcast journalism.

Before the Sun Comes Up
April 3, 2009
Courtney Ward
Reporter

A little while ago someone asked me something to the effect of, "I see you in the morning and then I see you again at noon... but what do you do in between those shows?"

To answer that question let me just tell you what a typical day is like for me.

I wake up at the lovely hour of 3am! It's a good thing I'm a morning person. I put on my makeup at home because once I get to work at 4am, I get started on the story I'll present in the 6 and 6:30 half hours of the morning newscast.

On days when I'm live in the field for my morning story, I usually write my 6am script on my computer at the station before my photographer, Adam, and I have to hop in the live truck and make our way to our live shot destination. I end up writing my 6:30am script in the live truck. And that's why I do my makeup at home. Can you imagine what I'd look like trying to do makeup with the live truck's dim interior light as my sole source of lighting because it's still dark outside?

On a side note, the live truck is basically my desk on wheels. I write a majority of my scripts, for the morning and noon newscasts, with a pen and paper inside the vehicle.

Once I'm finished with the morning newscast it's time for breakfast... because you know a girl has to eat :)

It's usually somewhere around 8am or so when I start working on my story for the noon newscast. But since some businesses haven't opened yet, or some folks haven't yet arrived to work, or I'm waiting for someone to return my call for an interview, I sometimes end up playing the game, "Hurry up and Wait." And that can be a problem because I end up having about 2 hours (maybe a little more on some days) to turn my noon story.

Once I get my interview(s) done I'm hustling to log (transcribe) my interview(s), write my story, and lay down my voice tracks so that Adam has enough time to edit the package.

After my noon live shot, it's back to the live truck to write a condensed version of that story for the 12:30 half hour.

So, just know that even though you only see me for a few minutes at a time in the morning and at noon... I've been on the go since before the sun came up!

A Beagle's Tale
April 2, 2009
Tammy Watford
Anchor

When he barged into the classroom, dragging his owner behind him, the children lit up like a Christmas tree.
They were finally able to meet and touch the dog they had read and heard so much about.
His name is Keeper and he's the main character in the childrens' book "A Beagle's Tale."
It's about a dog who was abandoned and then taken in by a family who made room for him on their mountain farm.
First graders at Asheville Catholic School have read the story and are now getting kisses and autographs from the dog who went from rags to riches.
Photographer John Billingsly and I were there to do a report about the first meeting.
We watched as the rescued dog patiently took each pat on the head, tug of the ears and nose to nose greeting in stride.
It was wonderful to see the interaction and to think of how the dog went from no love to overwhelming attention in such a short time.
Keeper's story teaches us about the responsibility we have as pet owners and the unconditional love and forgiveness an animal can give... even if it isn't deserved.

This, Too, Shall Pass
April 1, 2009
Larry Blunt
Anchor

My daughter who is graduating in May from college in Kansas, called yesterday. She's getting her degree in education to teach Math and English. She was on her way to a school district job fair and was nervous so she wanted my fatherly advice. This was her third job fair. In the other two they told her the same thing, "We're not hiring, but we want to have some candidates for when we do."

I told her to be poised, be confident and be positive. Most of all, I told her to relax. At a minimum she'll make contacts, make an impression so when they do hire she'll be at the top of the list. Not long after we talked I was on the air delivering the 6pm news telling the story of an upcoming job fair to be held at AB Tech for tourism jobs, such as the Biltmore House.

I can't help but think of all the people who are in exactly the same position as my Tracy. These are times I'm sure most of us will never forget. My daughter, even with her soon-to-be college degree in Math and English education (Math and English teachers don't usually have a hard time finding work) has encountered a number of school districts in a hiring freeze. She is genuinely and understandably worried. For Tracy, I could only share faith that the right doors will open, and hope that the wrong ones will close. She's fortunate that she's in a position where the need is not as urgent as those with children to support and mortgages to pay. She also has a family to live with and support her until she finds her career. I also shared with her what my my step-mother always said to me during tough times, "This, too, shall pass."

I'm sure it didn't originate from mom, but I know that it has held true in every difficult, hurtful time in my life. This, too, shall pass. And we will be the stronger for it.

Iron Will
March 31, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter

It's never pleasant watching your child get vaccinated. Taking Mally for his latest series of injections nearly sent me over the edge. But I've seen something worse recently -- the effects of disease.

Last week, I met Martha Mason. She has lived the past 61 years in an iron lung as a result of polio. There was no vaccine in the 1940s to prevent her from getting the disease, but she's concerned too many parents today are foregoing vaccinations for their children. Martha worries that polio will make a resurgence in the United States and devastate the bodies of countless children who are not inoculated.

Martha survives in a pressurized metal tube that pumps air in and out of her lungs. Only her head is exposed; Martha can't move and requires constant care. She may well be the longest surviving American in an iron lung.

Scheduling an interview with her, Martha referred to herself as "a talking head." It an was uncomfortable moment for me. After a long pause, I said, "It's great you have sense of humor." She replied, "You have to."

In spite of her confinement, Martha graduated from high school, Gardner Webb and Wake Forest. The schools made special accommodations for her and her iron lung. She holds an honorary doctorate but insists, "I didn't earn that."

Martha has forever earned my admiration. She has written books, entertained dignitaries and remained active in the Lattimore community. More importantly, she isn't bitter about her condition, insisting "it's the only life I've got." She's made the most of it.

Martha told me she wants to meet my wife and son. I want them to meet her -- the woman in an iron lung with an iron will to live and make a difference.

(Watch Jay's special report about Martha tonight on News 13 at 5pm.)

Opening My Eyes To March Madness
March 30, 2009
John Le
Reporter

Watching the North Carolina Tar Heels play basketball is a little different to me now than it was just a couple of weeks ago.

Sometimes, I wonder if players and coaches really have an appreciation of who's rooting for them out there.

I wonder what they'd think about Dorothy "Dot" Dunn of Asheville. Dunn's in her late eighties now and she lives to catch the Heels on TV.

She graduated from Carolina in 1942 and was a guidance counselor for years at TC Roberson where she encouraged Roy Williams to pass up on a scholarship to Georgia Tech and choose Chapel Hill.

And as you may have seen in my story the other day, Dot is legally blind because of macular degeneration. She's found a way to watch anyway, using a pair of binoculars to see what she can from her armchair.

Dot can hardly make out the details of the game. Basically, all she can focus on is the score changing at the bottom of the screen.

But somehow, that's enough to feel connected to Carolina.

So when someone says they're a "fan for life," I'll always think of Dot Dunn. Because how many people would be so diligent in finding a way to follow the team she loves?

Seeing March Madness through her eyes made me realize what I've missed about the pride and tradition that's the foundation of college basketball.

Big Thanks from Dine to be Kind!
March 26, 2009
Julie Wunder
Meteorologist

One of my favorite events of the year is Animal Compassion Network's "Dine to be Kind." It's the year's biggest fundraiser for Animal Compassion Network. The concept is simple. You eat out at a participating restaurant and that restaurant donates a portion of their proceeds from that day to Animal Compassion Network. It's a win-win because the restaurant gets more business that day from the publicity and Animal Compassion Network gets donations plus a platform to talk about their cause.

I've been involved with the event since the first year it started in 2004. You've probably heard me talking about it on-air. This year "Dine to be Kind" was February 24th. Everyone was nervous because of the economy and hopeful people would still be willing to eat out for a good cause.

Good news! The final numbers are coming in, but it looks like "Dine to be Kind" raised about 15,000 dollars this year. It was under their goal of 20,000 dollars, but was about the same amount of money that they raised last year. The organizers consider it a success.

Animal Compassion Network will use the money to focus on their spaying and neutering efforts, plus find homes for adoptable animals, and help struggling pet owners. Thank you so much if you went out to "Dine to be Kind!"

Friends Reconnecting
March 24, 2009
Larry Blunt
Anchor

My colleague Sherrill Barber, recently brought us the story of two World War II veterans reunited after 63 years! They were on a plane that was shot down. After leaving the Navy, their lives got busy as they returned to different parts of the country and lost touch. They thought about each other from time to time, as well as other sailors they served with, some who did not make it home. Decades later they found each other. One of them lives here in the mountains, the other in Maine. They now travel to each others homes and appreciate the friendship forged in dangerous, hard times when they were very young men far from home. Sherill's story was very moving. I hope you had a chance to see it.

Coincidentally and remarkably, I was contacted just a few weeks ago from one of my best friends who I have not seen in 27 years. We served together in the Navy on the USS TRENTON, ported in Norfolk, Virginia. Keith is from Mississippi. I'm from Oklahoma. He found my name on the internet. When we learned we now live only four hours apart (Keith is in Raleigh) we were stunned and thrilled. He and his family are coming up to spend the weekend with me and my family in a couple of weeks. Sherrill told me that off camera, he asked the two World War II veterans why they lost touch when they obviously meant so much to each other. They told him that they were kids back then! They didn't know what they were doing. I think many of us have important people in our lives that we lose touch with because at the time we don't fully recognize what they mean to us. Sherrill's story reminds me and I hope for anyone who saw it, just how important friendships are to our lives. It's a story that also reminds us that it's never too late to reconnect with people we care about. Sherrill, thank you. Navy veterans Nic Nicholson and Irving Rainey, thank you for sharing such an amazing and personal experience.

Just Like Daddy?
March 23, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter

Kelly and I have learned over the past several days that Malachi doesn't have the same tastes as his dad in much of anything.

Two weekends ago, we traveled to Augusta, GA, for a cancer conference. On the way, Malachi was remarkably good, preferring opera music on XM. He especially liked Pavarotti, Carreras and Domingo. I'm glad he has fine taste in music. For me, though, it was rough. I've never been a big fan of the opera or symphony. I should be, so I was determined to keep The Three Tenors playing as long as I could stand them.

I made it to Columbia before switching to Brooks and Dunn. Mally cried. It was back to the opera.

The next morning at breakfast, the food was spicy. Mally loved it: the peppery biscuit and gravy... along with onion grits. I couldn't take it. The opera now seemed more palatable.

That night, after returning home, I turned on a Chicago Cubs' exhibition game. I love baseball more than any other sport. Mally doesn't.

I flipped the channel. He preferred the ACC basketball tournament. We watched Wake Forest and Maryland. Every time "the red team" scored and the Terrapin mascot jumped up and down, Mally clapped. He and I had to talk.

"Little dude," I said. "I don't like basketball. I'm 5-8, can't dribble or shoot."

But I added, "If we're going to watch this, couldn't you at least pull for the team in our state?" He was having nothing of it and cheered the Terps onto victory... watching the entire game. I couldn't believe it.

As March Madness gets in full swing, Mally and I will be the ones in the back of the sports bar pulling for "the red team," while eating hot wings and requesting Pavarotti on the juke box. That's my boy!

Live to Tell
March 19, 2009
Heather Graf
Reporter

On January 9, 2009, a landslide slammed into a house in Maggie Valley. It's a story we covered extensively on WLOS.

Bruce and Lorraine Donin were both asleep inside the home when it happened. And, if you've seen the pictures of what's left of their home, you know it's nothing short of a miracle they made it out alive.

I interviewed the Donins and their daughter, Nikki, for a special report that aired last night and tonight. It's been more than two months since the landslide, but it's a nightmare they re-live every day.

They've lost everything they owned, they have trouble sleeping and even going outside, and their lives now consist of frequent trips to the doctor to deal with their physical and emotional pain. Yet I'm blown away by this family's incredible strength.

A benefit concert for the Donins, called "Live to Tell", will take place March 29th at 4p.m. It'll be held at the White Horse in Black Mountain. For their sake, I hope it's a huge success and I hope the community gets out there and shows its support for these very brave people.

Check out the Donins' website at www.projectsafeslopes.org to find out how they're trying to make sure this never happens to anyone else!

Oops!
March 17, 2009
Larry Blunt
Anchor

OOPS! It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it gets your attention. While reporting live from an upstairs conference room at the station to promote the NC Bar Association 4ALL event, we went to black! We lost our live connection! It was only momentary. I wonder if YOU wonder what really happens when technical glitches occur. I know before I worked in television, I did!

What happened is that in order to go live in another part of the station there is a lot of cable and cords to hook up to the remote truck which sits outside. The event was a call-in program provided by lawyers offering free advice. This was the second year we provided this help to the Bar Association to aid our viewers. There were a lot of lawyers in a relatively small room, and in our effort to move around the room and show you all the activity, my poor photographer accidentally stepped on a cable, detaching it from his camera, hence we went to black. You could still hear me for a little bit because the audio cable was still attached, but you couldn't see me. Here's the part that you couldn't see. About ten minutes before going on live, we were testing equipment. A change was made with my microphone and the audio technician who sets all the levels in the studio was unaware. As a result, we ended up with a technical problem called mix-minus. What that means is that in my ear piece, I'm actually hearing every word I say, echo. So it sounds something like this, "Hi, Hi... Tammy, Tammy... I,I... Am,Am... In, In.. (you get the picture?) Trying to concentrate on WHAT you're saying and doing while maintaining a pleasant expression and demeanor when there's mix-minus in your ear, is a bit disconcerting to say the least. So between you and me... part of me (just a very small part)... was glad that live report ended, at least until that other problem was fixed. Don't get me wrong. I don't like the way it ended, going to black. But I was so glad I could no longer hear the disorienting other 'Larry' voice in my head. Four other people sprang into to action to get everything corrected, and we were able to return to our live report within about eight minutes which only goes to show the teamwork that's involved in every live report and story we do. Bringing you 6 hours of news a day, requires A LOT of people who you never see and seldom get credit for all the work they do. We can do nothing without them. Putting a newscast on the air remains as fascinating a process to me now as it did when I began in this business 26 years ago. So if you you ever see a technical glitch, believe me when I tell you there are a number of people moving as fast as the can to diagnose the issue and fix it.

Spring Break
March 17, 2009
Darcel Grimes
Anchor

It's 11:50 Friday night. With a smile on my face, I grab my purse and make a dash for the door. It is spring break and my oldest son, Johnny is home from college.
As with most parents, this has been a major transition, probably more for me than him. Last year when he entered the University of Pennsylvania, we made a deal. He would call me every day just to check in, so I wouldn't worry. Of course, his initial response was, "Every day, Mom?"
I said, "Johnny, this is not about you. It's about me. I have to learn to let go, but I need you to help me do it."
So, he agreed. And, yes, he called me every day for a couple of months. Then the calls started coming maybe once a week. But by then, I had made some progress. I was learning to let go and that's no easy task!
Now, getting back to Friday night. I rush home, just in time for my son to say, "Goodnight, Mom."
But, it's okay, because he's home. Then, Saturday rolls around. Of course, he has places to go, people to see. But, that's okay because I'm learning to let go. Sunday, we get to chat. While he is multi-tasking on the internet, he helps me set up a Twitter Account. He seems to be spending more time on the computer than he is with me, but I cherish every moment as I remind myself, "Don't cling, Mom. You must learn to let go."
But boy, this letting go stuff is really tough. So, some of you moms out there, please let me know how you did it. And, I'll let you know about the rest of my Spring Break.

Hey Anchorman!
March 13, 2009
Larry Blunt
Anchor

Hey Anchorman! Is that all you do, read the news? On-air news people, especially anchors, are often called upon to make appearances, speeches, host and emcee events in the community. It is important to get out in the community that we live in and meet viewers who allow us into their homes nightly (via television) face to face. You get to know us better and we get to hear what's on your mind and what you would like to see in our(your) newscasts. These public events are typically performed on our own personal time, not during normal working hours, and in addition to anchoring the news, producing special reports, giving editorial input to what and how news events are covered, approve scripts for air, and provide direction and constructive criticism to produce more compelling stories.

Tuesday, prior to coming to work I was keynote speaker at an event. The topic was "Media and Technology's Impact on Ethics." Here's a portion of what I said that I now share with you:

"The media isn't just made of media professionals anymore (someone who is trained and earns a living in media). Any and everyone now has the chance to be "the media" through blogging, twittering, emailing and texting and sending pictures and video from cell phone cameras. There are exciting possibilities. But as with most good things, there is a 'dark' side that needs to be considered. "Dark" may be a bit dramatic. Let me use the word 'concerning'. The medium of online and iphone communication raises ethical questions that need to be considered. The implications of right to privacy and the difference between what is "news" and what is commentary are in question, and the lines between them blurred. The fact that these blogs can be written anonymously creates a lack of accountability. The cornerstone of Professional Journalistic Ethics as listed by the Society of Professional Journalists, are; Seek Truth, Be Independent, Be accountable, Minimize Harm. I think these are great ethical principals to live by, no matter what line of work you're in. We all value freedom of speech and expression. But we as people should not allow that freedom to excuse anyone from being any less accountable, less truthful or less apt to minimize harm with the words they use in the media, whether it is a Professional Journalist or Citizen Journalist who write them.

The Graham Ministry Grows
March 12, 2009
Sherrill Barber
Reporter

Will Graham tells me that while preaching seems to run in the family, there is no guarantee that any member of the family will inherit leadership of the ministry. Will is the grandson of evangelist Billy Graham, and has his own ministry conducting what he calls “Celebrations” around the world. Will Graham and others outlined the continuing mission of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which includes preaching the Gospel through his father Franklin Graham’s “Festivals”, the Rapid Response Team which sends volunteer clergy to help disaster victims, the Training Center at the Cove, and other programs.
Will says, unlike a business, where parents can pass the ownership or leadership of a company to their children, a ministry is not owned by people. It is owned by God. He says God gave the ministry, and later the BGEA to his grandfather Billy. He says God ordained the ministry to be passed to his father, Franklin. But Will says it will not automatically pass to him, unless it is God’s will that he take that kind of leadership. Will tells me he would support someone else in that role, because it is the mission of the BGEA to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the most effective way possible.
Will also mentioned his grandfather’s humility. I have witnessed this first hand. In all of the crusades I covered, I distinctly remember Billy Graham telling people packed into the nosebleed seats and standing outside in parking lots watching big screens, they did not come to hear Billy Graham. They came to hear about God and to make a personal commitment to God that would change their lives. Billy Graham told me the ministry would always be about that message, to preach the love of Jesus. And that is the message Will gave us today, that the three preachers have the same message, and that only their hair color is different.

Finding Hope for the Future
March 11, 2009
Victoria Dunkle
Anchor

I hear so many people worrying about what tomorrow will bring. "Will we ever return to the America we knew?"
But this week, I had the chance to get a clear answer to that.
I attended the Junior Achievement of WNC Business Ethics Luncheon. It is an annual event that brings High School Students together with Business and Community leaders to tackle tough ethical questions.
This year J.A. chose "Media & Technology's Impact on Ethics." The students had to write essays on one of three questions tied to the topic. Then the students and other guests at the luncheon discussed the questions as well. The question of "whether a business has the authority to regulate internet, email, and texting practices at work" really had people talking. J.A. expanded it to ask if the same rules should apply in a school setting. And the comments from the students may have surprised you. Many understood and even argued the point of the employer or school having the right to get the most for their money or their education time. Others said employers and schools had to find a compromise to allow access in this new age of technology.
At the end of the event, one of the people who helped bring Junior Achievement to Western North Carolina decades ago said he had found hope around the tables. He said talking with these dynamic young people drove home his belief that we are better off than it may seem right now. Others pointed out that these students proved that the next generation is full of ideas, ambition, and clearly focused on success.
When we have news stories that point out teenagers who aren't making the wise choices, I wanted to make sure I shared this with you. We have some of the most promising young people in the world, right here. And we have a duty to make sure we encourage them to never let anyone steal their dreams.

First Snow
March 10, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter

The past week was hard on Malachi in terms of the weather.

Two Sundays ago leaving church, he experienced his first snowflakes. He didn't like the cold, icy drops striking his face. All the way home he grimaced much like Kermit the Frog does before "losing it" with Miss Piggy.

Kelly took Mally out in the snow last Monday. The four inches of fluffy accumulation intrigued him. He even got excited... until one of his mittens came off. The only meltdown that followed involved Malachi, not the snow. He watched the winter weather from inside the rest of the day.

I shouldn't expect Mally to like the snow. He is, after all, from Ethiopia. He has been accustomed to year-round highs of 78 degrees and lows at night in the 50s. Snow, and the freezing temperatures associated with it, must be quite a shock to his system.

So, his reaction to the unseasonably warm conditions this past weekend was no surprise. Mally wanted to spend every moment outside. One trip to the Fletcher Park wasn't enough. Riding in his stroller proved a great way to spend time with the grandparents while "people watching," "kid watching" and "dog watching." (Don't get any ideas, Mally, we already have a cat!)

I suspect this past weekend for Malachi felt much like his birthplace. I just hope being with us is feeling more like home, hot or cold outside.


Slap on the Sunscreen!
March 9, 2009
Karen Wynne
Meteorologist/Reporter

After our unseasonably warm weekend, I realized you will probably hear me say this many times in the coming months. But, for me, it's more than a cliche. You see, out of my immediate family I grew up with, I am the only one who has NOT had skin cancer.

Spending my entire childhood in South Florida, just ten minutes from the beach did not help. But even as a child, I remember Mom slathering the sunscreen on my face, shoulders and back as soon as we arrived at the beach. These days, we know you should put on sunscreen about 30 minutes before going out in the sun to get the best protection. But, back then, Mom was doing what she thought was best for me-the fair skinned, sunburn/freckle-prone child with the greenish eyes.

But, I think sunscreening my little sister was probably an afterthought for Mom. With her darker skin and deep brown eyes, my sister didn't exactly scream "skin cancer risk!" She has the identical skin/hair/eye coloring of my father. In my wedding photos, both Dad and Sis are darker than my two Hispanic bridesmaids. Mom's skin is a little lighter. But, she was still a 'tanner' not a 'burner' When she tanned, it looked great with her almost black hair and brown eyes.

So, while I got the lectures on using sunscreen, avoided long periods in the sun (it was uncomfortable for me) and used makeup with a heavy foundation from an early age, the rest of my family was living it up, often un or underprotected, in the sun. When my parents hit their 50's, they were routinely having some kind of pre-cancerous or minor skin cancers being scraped from their arms and legs. When Mom hit her late 50's, we got the big scare. A flat, round 1/8" dark area on her cheek turned out to be melanoma, which was beginning to spread. Thankfully, a wonderful doctor caught it in time, and an awesome plastic surgeon left her nearly scar-free.

My sister was not as lucky. She has an inch long scar in the middle of her forehead, after she got skin cancer around age 30. Again, early detection saved her, and a good haircut hides the scar, but, like the rest of my family, her days of basking in the sun are over. As for me, I don't know what the future holds for my 'genetically challenged' skin. But I do know, so far, sunscreen has helped. So, 'slap on the sunscreen!' It's just a little extra effort that can prevent so much pain-and medical expenses.

No Losers Here
March 6, 2009
Tammy Watford
Anchor

Young people have always gotten a bad rap regardless of the year or the generation. Even with the passing of time, it seems it never changes.
Take the late 50's for instance when teenagers listened to that music from the boy who could shake his hips.. and belt out songs like "Jail House Rock" and "Hound Dog".
It was called the "devil's music" by adults and the teens who listened to it were considered "no account". But they turned out okay, didn't they?
In the 60's it was The Beatles who influenced our youth. Boys grew long hair (how shameful) and the girls screamed and cried. Must have been a "Hard Days Night" for parents back then.
Skip to the 80's (my era) and Madonna took hold, asking papa not to preach and singing about virginity. I remember my mother turning off the television while I watched MTV. Funny, my brain never turned to mush.
Then it was Hip Hop.. and now it's Gangsta Rap. I must admit I've had to shake my head a few times, thinking about today's generation (those with too few manners, no social skills, who text every minute and don't know the value of a dollar) one day leading our country.
Well, I sure hope so because this week I've seen more than a glimmer of hope. At Waynesville Middle School, I watched while 8th graders took care of their classmates who have special needs. Every day, they volunteer to push them in their wheelchairs, help them with their school work, hold their hand and wipe their nose if necessary. They volunteer to do it every day showing compassion and love for their fellow man.
On Thursday, I watched a class of second graders from Hillandale Elementary School holds hands and laugh with senior citizens at a retirement home. I wonder what type of music they'll listen to 6 years from now?
I suppose it doesn't matter because types of music don't represent one's character. It is something we simply dance to or sing to but not necessarily march to. It doesn't represent one's character. That's a different drum, and we (the older generation) are the musicians who should set the tone. Lead by example and hope they will follow. After all it's a "A Beautiful Day," (U-2) don't let it get away.

Hang Onto Your Hats
March 5, 2009
John Le
Reporter

Every day, you could say we're like cooks in a kitchen around here. Sometimes, we have to heat things up quickly. Every once in a while, we have a story that's developing in the "crock pot" over a period of time that will be nice and juicy when it's ready. Okay... enough with the culinary comparisons.

Each of us do our part to help feed your appetite for so many hours of news, weather, and sports information. Most of our staff works diligently without ever hearing a word from viewers. But every once in awhile, we get a sense of how many people are watching out there.

Last Sunday's snow storm was apparently one of those times. I happened to be on the schedule to work on what turned out to be a frigid night. Our 6pm news was delayed by a half-hour as my poor Los Angeles Lakers lost to Phoenix on ABC. I wondered how the game might affect our viewership.

As it turns out... I wonder who WASN'T watching. Because apparently everyone and their mother saw me lose my silly fuzzy hat on TV!!

There I was, being pelted by granules of fine snow with a stiff wind that mauled me like Mike Tyson in his younger years. I think I had a script prepared, but the gusts literally took my breath away. So I scrapped the script and just described the conditions with my hand firmly keeping my prized "Elmer Fudd" hat in place.

I remember saying something about how I felt like I was dusted with powdered sugar... but the rest is a blur. Suddenly, at the end of my report you could see my hat blow off my head. That's like "sticking the landing" in gymnastics, folks. Thankfully, I recovered the cap.

I haven't heard the end of it in the days since. Okay, I expected to hear about it from my co-workers. But all week, I've bumped into people who saw that live report and laughed their behinds off. They wanna know if they actually did see my hat fly like the wind.

The answer is yes.

Yep, everybody was watching that night. Glad you could enjoy it from the comfort of home:)

On Deadline
March 4, 2009
Leigh Ann Long
Anchor/Reporter

Why is it that the reporter who travels the farthest is always in the earliest show? It’s all part of working on a deadline. As I sit here, finishing the last of my potato chips, (yes, that’s all I had to eat today) I can tell you, today was one of those days.

My photographer and I traveled up to Mitchell High School in Bakersville. We had three stories to cover and our package was in the 5pm newscast. We made it up to the school a little after noon – just in time to catch the celebration. The Lady Mountaineers were headed to Greensboro for the Western Regionals. Amidst the chaos of band members, students and athletes, we managed to find the Principal, Mark Woody. He was a great help talking with us and finding interviews.

All and all we were wrapped up a little after one and it was on to the next stop. We stopped in Spruce Pine to check on a story and then it was back to the station. We pulled in to the station a little before three (don’t forget we have a 5 o’clock deadline). I try to give my photographer an hour to edit, so I had less than an hour to caption my interviews and write my story. After that story was written, it was on to the three other stories I had to write for the six o’clock show.

And that’s how we get to the bag of potato chips. It’s a long day working under deadline, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

Getting Dressed
March 4, 2009
Julie Wunder
Meteorologist

Believe it or not, I can tell you what I wore to work August 6, 2008... or any work day really. When all eyes are on you and your co-workers, what you wear takes on extra importance. I started writing down what I wore every work day in my planner last year. I do that because otherwise I would pick out my favorite pink suit too often and forget some of the others in the closet.

You may even remember a day where two people accidentally wore very similar outfits. (I still stand by the fact that I had already worn the outfit on the air that day :-). Jay, Victoria and I try to prevent that by planning out our outfits week by week. We try to compliment each other without actually matching. Jay usually is the most organized of the three of us and plans his suits for the week on Monday. Victoria writes his plan down and we take it from there. Sometimes I'm ahead of the game and fill in the blanks with what I've set aside early in the week. Otherwise, I usually get a text from Vic about 6 at night asking for inspiration or a plan for the next morning. I go to my calendar and try to pick an outfit that I have not worn recently. It's not a perfect system... but it does keep us from all wearing brown pants suits on the same day (Yes, that happened once too!!).

I often get the question of where I shop for my work clothes. I always appreciate the compliments because I love shopping! I do most of my shopping with my Mom when I go to visit my family in Orlando. She usually gives me the thumbs up or down on an outfit. Thanks Mom! Some of my favorites are Macy's, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Dillard's, and White House Black Market. Over the years I've had a lot of luck with the Tahari brand. Happy Shopping!

Airport Duty
March 3, 2009
Russ Bowen
Anchor/Reporter

An airport story? I'll jump at the chance. Most folks probably don't know this, but I'm a former airline employee. I worked in reservations right out of college and later at a ticket counter at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Manhattan. Monday I didn't miss that job at all. Winter weather had caused flight delays all over the east coast. That meant lots of frustrated and angry passengers at Asheville Regional waiting for their flights to come in so they could depart and hopefully make connecting flights. I know what it's like to be on both sides of that counter, as a ticket agent and a passenger. I know being stuck because of weather is horrible, and being yelled at by a tired and angry mob of people is also no walk in the park. Watching these folks was only half as fun as listening. Most just wanted someone to hear them out. They knew I wasn't going to find their luggage or get their plane here faster. But, they just wanted to share their story. Sometimes I have to beg for interviews. Not this day. Everyone wanted to be on the news and let the world know what their day, or in some cases second day, of travel was like. As mad and tired as some were, most tried to find the humor in it all. There's no sense crying about something out of your control when in the end it's likely to all work out. Laugh out loud is what I always say, and that's what many of them did. My days in a polyester uniform are long gone, but, man, I can still feel the angst of people as they approach the counter, hoping you won't get yelled at and trying to smile if you do. I think I'll stick to just covering the story, it's a lot less stressful.

Winter Blows in Like a Lion
March 3, 2009
Frank Fraboni
Anchor/Reporter

If you caught the news, you probably heard that my teenager's car became a victim of the snow storm. Sunday night, she went to a friends house and a giant tree fell right on top of it. When I arrived, my first reaction was, "Oh my, that's our car under that tree!"

But after letting it sink in a few minutes, I stopped letting the financial loss bother me, and felt grateful that my child wasn't hurt. So often we're caught up in our everyday madness to spend, fund and finance the things in our life that we're blinded from recognizing the simplest and most important things. I'm a lucky man today. Lucky that tree damaged a car and not a life.

Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?
March 2, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter

Malachi has discovered Sesame Street and I've rediscovered it after more than 35 years.

A lot of things have changed. Oscar the Grouch isn't as nasty as he once was. I remember when I was a kid he would yell, "Scram, beat it and get lost!" and then retreat inside his trash can. Not anymore. Oscar has apparently enrolled in anger management or begun medication.

Big Bird's imaginary friend, Snuffy, is now real. When did that happen?

I haven't seen two of my favorite B-list characters since Mally and I began watching. The Amazing Mumford hasn't reappeared with his line "a la peanut butter sandwiches" just before a magic trick goes bad. And I haven't noticed Sherlock Hemlock, the world's greatest detective. For all I know, he could have his own CSI show.

Still, many things about Sesame Street haven't changed. Hooper's Store is still there, along with Grover, the Count, Bert and Ernie. It remains cutting-edge TV I want Mally to enjoy.

I suspect the first black child I ever saw was probably on Sesame Street. That was a big deal in the late 1960s having white and black children on the same show. Last week, I saw children of various races, youngsters with Down's Syndrome and kids in wheelchairs. That's the real world.

Something else hasn't changed about Sesame Street: the mission. Educate children in a community where people take care of each other despite their flaws and differences. Forgiveness is a second language. It's so simple.

Still, the show isn't without its appeal to adult humor. The other day, during an Elmo's World explaining the difference between "up" and "down," there were cryptic references to "the economy" and "Skylab" to illustrate "down." I couldn't help but laugh.

Sesame Street has always made me laugh. It's an escape. These days, more and more, I'm hoping Mally can tell me how to get there.

Someone's in the Kitchen with... Tammy?
February 26, 2009
Tammy Watford
Anchor

That's right this morning I shared a cooking space with 30 pre-schoolers!
Photographer Jason Garcia and I arrive at the Young Chef's Academy in Asheville to find the youngsters covered in flour and dough. So I grabbed an apron and dove right,in helping the four and five year olds spread the chicken crescent rolls onto the baking sheet.
Now I know Chef Patti, who by the way is great at organizing chaos, had talked to the youngsters about clean hands. But I think that got lost somewhere between the sneezing, runny noses and coughs that continuously echoed through the warm room.
I forced the thought of all of those germs to the back of my mind and just kept cooking.
By the time those doughy treats were pulled, pressed and patted onto the pan they looked nothing like a crescent. It was more like a plop of play dough.. but boy were the kids pleased!
While they waited for the pastries to bake they shifted their chef's hats, which stood tall on their heads and adjusted their aprons, which hung nearly to the floor.
Soon they were licking their fingers and staring at the oven, and when the smell of fresh baked bread filled the room their eyes grew wide waiting for lunch to cool.
Chef Patti slid them onto plates and placed them in front of the novice cooks. Here was something they had made with their own two hands and it was now a golden brown, begging to be eaten.
That's when the forks began to fly as they shoveled it in... barely taking time to swallow.
Just then the little girl I was sitting beside tugged on my sleeve and asked, "Aren't you going to eat yours?" as she pointed at my plate. "You worked so hard on it."
At that moment I panicked and pictured all of those little hands kneading the dough, knowing the pastry in front of me looked nothing like the one's I had helped make.
I swallowed hard and answered in a shaky voice, "Uh, sure I am."
She watched as I closed my eyes and took a big bite. Much to my surprise my mouth filled with the best tasting dough, chicken and cream cheese I've ever tasted.
"That's good!" I said.
"Yep," she replied. "That's the one I made. I added some love to my recipe. I hear it helps kill the germs."

Countdown to Spring!
February 26, 2009
Julie Wunder
Meteorologist

I don't know about you guys, but I have been looking forward to Spring for a while now. This winter we've seen temperatures below normal for much of the season. Signs of the upcoming season have been popping up all around town: the nursery commercials on TV, grocery stores putting out tents to sell plants, swim suits popping up in the mall.

Now, I know, sometimes we actually get some of our worst "winter weather" when we are officially in spring, but we are getting close. Spring starts March 20th this year. So in anticipation of the next season, I thought I'd put out an official countdown. Only 22 days until Spring!

How Early Do You Wake Up?
February 25, 2009
Victoria Dunkle
Anchor

That is easily the most common question from folks I run into at stores and restaurants. I am up at 3am, and that's when the racing begins. Thankfully, when I get to the station, our great producers have the shows nearly ready to go. Jay, Julie and I only have to go over the scripts and make a few changes.

I live and die by my cell phone alarms. They keep me from missing makeup time and microphone checks before we start the News 13 Early Edition at 5am. And yes, we do our own makeup.

Once we welcome you to the first half hour of the morning news at 5am, we are there until we hand you over to GMA at 7am sharp. I must admit there are a lot of days when we want to adopt that old Army slogan, "We do more before 9am than most people do all day."

But then we catch ourselves and realize we are just the ones who wake you up so you can do all that you have to do in your busy days.

A Week of Firsts
February 23, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter

It has been a week of firsts for Malachi, mom and dad.

There was the first trip to the local pediatrician. Overall, Mally is small, but healthy. Still, I think the vaccinations pained Kelly and me more than him. He quit crying first.

There was the first trip to the shoe store. Kelly wouldn't let me take him alone. She was afraid I would buy him a pair of wingtips much like I wear. (Are those made in baby size 4? I need to know.) Anyway, we settled for a pair of Timberlands and a pair of New Balance tennis shoes.

There was the first trip to the bank, the TV station and the dentist office -- all without incident. He's quite the politician in public.

There was the first meal from Chick-Fil-A. He loved it: small bites of nuggets and waffle fries topped off with cheesecake. I don't know what I would have done if Mally hadn't liked my favorite fast food. He will surely be "eating more chickin'."

There were other firsts for daddy: getting a hat trick of dirty diapers in one day, washing six loads of laundry in 12 hours, and stepping on Fisher-Price Little People with bare feet (ouch!). But, it's all good.

Today is my first day back at work since we adopted Malachi. I miss him terribly. Hopefully my colleagues will understand I'll be the first one out of the parking lot at 1 p.m., the end of my shift. I've got to get home; I don't want to miss any firsts.


Out in the Cold
February 20, 2009
Charu Kumarhia
Reporter

People often say to me, "I always see you out in the cold freezing!"

Or, "Why do they always stick you out there?"

I don't know if I'm out there any more than anybody other reporter, but it sometimes feels like it. That's probably because this is my least favorite time of the year. I tend to get cold really easy and don't like being out in it.

I have, however, developed ways to deal with the cold that are pretty effective. I wear special socks that hunters use and wool blend socks on top of that. Layering is only half the battle. It's also what's in the clothes(anything that is a wool blend is good). I start with long johns. I add special pants I picked up at a military surplus store for 14 bucks and then regular pants. A wool blend sweater is next. A coat or windbreaker is crucial. Anything made of down (even synthetic down) works well. I wear wool gloves inside of thinsulate gloves, and buy hot hands by the box. I also always have a scarf to block the wind from my neck.

Most importantly I wear a hat. I actually have quite a collection of wool hats. It's not an old wives tale - you will get cold faster if you don't wear a hat!!!

Doing all this may seem like an overreaction. To that I say, "Try reporting in this weather for awhile!

Layering my clothes is how I survive winter. So here's hoping for warmer days soon!

Something Special at Christ School
February 20, 2009
Adam Kohler
Sports Reporter

I just got back from talking with Christ School senior forward and recent McDonalds All-American selection Mason Plumlee. There’s a good chance you’ve seen Plumlee during our highlights or maybe you’ve read about him in the paper. Until you’ve seen him live and in person, it’s hard to tell just how special a player he really is. The same could be said for the whole Christ School team.

They’ll play just two more games this season here in Asheville. If you like good basketball, try and make it out to their conference championship game Saturday at 1:30 at Carolina Day School. With all due respect to their competition, it probably won’t be the most competitive game, but you’ll see future college superstars and possibly the best team ever assembled in Western North Carolina.

So spend an hour or two of your Saturday inside a small, packed gym, knowing you’re watching something truly special, and something that won’t last much longer. Enjoy the game, and I’ll see you there.

Together, We Can Make a Difference
February 19, 2009
Russ Bowen
Anchor/Reporter

Last year, I met one of the most remarkable people I've ever met in my life. Against all odds, Vickie Gorree said, "No," to defeat. Her cancer has never gone away. Most might argue her positive spirit and determination have been more powerful than six rounds of chemotherapy. Her story first aired on News 13 last November. She shared with us her incredible journey of survival. Vickie learned she had cancer when she was pregnant. Her number one priority continues to be that she live long enough that her daughter will be able to remember her.

The beginning of this month, we let folks know there would be a fundraiser in Cherokee to help Vicki and her family. No one ever suspected that 800 people would show up. Some who came to Granny's Restaurant know Vicki. Many only know her through the airwaves. Vicki and her family are indescribably grateful for your support and so are we. The stories we tell of real people and real problems often bring out the best in our communities and the compassionate people of Western North Carolina.

The People I Meet
February 19, 2009
Darcel Grimes
Anchor

Okay, it is Saturday and I decide to brave the crowds and head to SuperWalmart. I throw on a pair of my son's old jeans and a sweatshirt(forget the make up) and head out. I rush around the store grabbing groceries and other items. Then I head to the check out. I am determined to make this a quick trip. But, I soon learn, that's not going to happen. As I search for the shortest line, I make a new friend, a lady who tells me she has "no patience" and that she is going to find a quick check out. I reply, "I'm following you."

Well, I finally settle on a self checkout lane and she moves on. As I'm standing in line, a gentleman leans over and says, "My wife says that you are Darcel Grimes. Are you really Darcel, or are you an imitation?"

Well, considering how I am looking, I am really tempted to say I am the imitation. But, I laugh and tell the truth. And then we share a few stories on self checkout. You know the kind... it's never as easy as it looks. By then, it is time for me to check out. I struggle, but I finally make it. Then a few people wave and say Goodbye.

I wave back and wish them a Happy Valentine's Day and then think that wasn't a bad trip, after all. I met a couple of really nice folks today.

Patchy Ice
February 18, 2009
Julie Wunder
Meteorologist

You've probably heard it before. Forecasting weather in the mountains is hard. That was especially true when we had a system pulling rain into our area very early this morning.

Whenever that happens this time of year, you know it can be dicey. When I came in this morning, temperatures were my biggest concern. Did that warm air arrive overnight in time to keep our moisture all rain? Was it cold enough for ice on the roads during our morning commute?

Luckily, for most of us, it was warm enough for rain, and ice would not be a problem. At 4am, the Asheville airport was 39 degrees and the temperatures were actually going to rise through the morning (our low temperature is normally recorded around 7am). Our radar was showing patchy areas of snow and sleet, but that changed to all rain by 2am. It looked like most of us were in the clear. But in the mountains, sometimes things aren't always what they seem.

Through calls to emergency dispatchers we found there were a couple of trouble spots. Avery and Yancey Counties were our first areas of concern, with small amounts of snow and freezing rain in the highest elevations. High elevations in Jackson and Haywood Counties were also looking icy; some of the "usual suspects" like Balsam Gap had some dangerous roads.

This is where our forecasting becomes difficult. We want to let most of our viewers know the roads are wet, but not icy. But we don't want to give a false sense of security to those that face the possibility of ice. It's the perfect example of "if you don't like to the weather you have, just go to another valley!"

The decision was made during the morning to remind people of these trouble spots and encourage everyone to take it slow. It has been a while since we've had soggy roads at this time in the morning. Hopefully you got to work and school safely.

We'll be watching out for tricky roads tomorrow morning as well with a Winter Storm Watch in effect from late Wednesday through Thursday night.

The Bumpy Ride Home
February 16, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter

I've often heard the last leg of any journey is the longest. That was never more true than this past weekend for Kelly, Mally and me.

We made it from Ethiopia to Washington, D.C. without any problems, but our connecting flight to Charlotte was cancelled. I wasn't happy. Nearly 20 people were waiting in the Queen City to greet us, but we weren't there.

I dealt with one customer service representative after another, asking only to be transferred to another carrier. By the time that happened, the plane was full and had taken off. I expressed my disgust to a supervisor, who could not have cared less. He even tried to blame another airline and charge me extra! I asked to speak to his supervisor. He told me he didn't have one and that "he was in charge."

I began sarcastically addressing him as "Mr. United." He didn't like that. Veins began bulging in his neck. Could I have been held responsible if a medical condition had followed? "If you've got a problem with me, you can complain at united.com," he snapped.

I fired back, "Why would I do that? You're in charge! Wouldn't that be like complaining to your personal website?"

After much wrangling, the airline put us up in a hotel, paid for our meals and gave us a flight the next day. But, I'm still not satisfied.

I've traveled from time to time as a journalist the past 20 years. Several of my flights have been delayed or cancelled. No one at Asheville Regional, GSP, Knoxville or Atlanta has ever treated me like that. Still, I'm more convinced than ever the airline industry is broken because customer service has been lost. I feel sorry for people who must fly routinely.

Later this week, "the friendly skies" may get a little bumpy for "Mr. United." I again have internet access, my Rolodex, and, most important of all, Mr. United's real name.

These days, Mally's behavior is a lot better than Daddy's.

Check out our trip pictures:
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
Picture 4

Happy Valentines Day!
February 14, 2009
Karen Wynne
Meteorologist/Reporter

The bouquets on some of our producers' desks are stunning. Roses, tulips, and some other gorgeous flowers I couldn't identify. In my boss's office was another gorgeous bouquet, along with balloons. No doubt, love is in the air at News 13. I joked that once you've been married more than 10 years(for me, it's almost 13) flowers at work often get replaced with more romantic things - like a man who will clean out the rabbit cage, help our daughter with her homework(4th grade is NOT as easy as many think) and, sexiest of all, do most of the grocery shopping!

Seriously, though, some of the most 'behind the scenes' people of News 13 are the spouses and significant others of us WLOS employees. They understand our strange hours, the passion for what we do, and work extra hard to help raise our families, as well as possible. They are a vital part of our team. Many of us would not be here without their support! And, by the way, I still get flowers at home!

Valuable Lessons
February 12, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter

Kelly and I made our first emergency hospital visit with Malachi. I knew it would happen soon. I just thought we'd be out of Ethiopia... no such luck.

Mally was screaming, holding his ears, and we were convinced he had an ear infection. Our driver and case worker from Christian World Adoption met us at the guest house in the middle of the night and drove us to the Bole Hospital. The kindness here is overwhelming.

At the hospital, we didn't have to wait, despite dozens of people packed into the emergency area. I later learned that was probably for our safety. Many people here don't like it when Americans adopt an Ethiopian child. We received stares and strange looks walking to the pediatric area. I guess we'd better get used to it. A white couple with a black child isn't that common anywhere.

The doctor checked Mally's ears and said they were fine. It turns out he's teething and has a cold. Kelly and I felt like idiots. The doctor, though, was gracious and reassuring(but he did say my son is short - I could have done without that!). My bill: $7.

On the way out, an older woman waiting to be treated began ranting and shaking her finger at us. It was because we had adopted an Ethiopian child, not because we cut in line. In my best Southern drawl I wanted to say, "Do you have some kinda problem with me, lady?"

But starting a Holy War in the hospital was ill advised. I certainly don't want us to have to seek asylum at the U.S. Embassy here. It's the most third-world public building we've experienced. How embarrassing as an American.

The hospital visit taught us a valuable lesson - don't overreact. We can't take Mally to the hospital every time he cries. And, more importantly, we can't be surprised when, as a family, we are not accepted. Some people are still narrow minded no matter where you are.

Still, I'm reassured by the fact we are returning to the Asheville area, a place where diversity is embraced. And we will be a part of that more than ever.

Learning From the Past
February 12, 2009
Frank Fraboni
Anchor/Reporter

Ok, I'm new to the blogosphere so bare with me. I had what I considered a rare opportunity yesterday to meet Bill Cecil. He's the great grandson of George and Edith Vanderbilt. You know, the extremely wealthy but benevolent couple who built that famous house in Asheville. I enjoyed my meeting and visit to Biltmore so thoroughly, I had to share it with someone. I guess I'm just a news geek who gets jacked up about history. There's so much to see and learn there, there's just not enough time to share it all in a 1:30 TV story (or 1:50 if you go long, like I did). So I wanted to share some more of it here.

First, Bill Cecil is probably one of the nicest people I've ever met. He's arguably one of the wealthiest people this side of the Mississippi and you would never know it. He's just a darn nice guy who got equally excited sharing the story of his son's wrestling accomplishments as I do gloating about my teenage daughter's swimming and diving.

Second, that house is just so awesome. Now, I've been there before but I'm still fascinated with the whole thing. I met the museum and guest services director who's working on restoring four never before seen rooms set to open in April. They're so meticulous, they went to France where the fabric was made for the wall coverings at the turn of the century. They actually still had a fabric card with George Vanderbilt's signature in their files. Now, that's impressive. It's hard to imagine a more than 100 year old company could still have access to records like that. It kind of restores your faith in the way things were done in the olden days. Makes you wonder if maybe we couldn't learn something from the past. Have you ever had to check records with some place like the IRS? What a nightmare.

I don't know, maybe I'm a little nutty, but I like old things and enjoy meeting other people who really know stuff. My memory could never be that good, even on my best day. I picked up some really cool facts though. It took 6 years and a thousand people to build the Biltmore Estate. The home has 175-thousand square feet with 250 rooms. Only 98 of them have ever been opened to the public. The estate averages 2000 visitors a DAY, as many as 8000 on peak days. That's about a million a year. That's a lot of people fascinated with this historic landmark. Maybe they're just as nutty as me!

Personal Feelings Aside
February 11, 2009
Jacob Curtis
Photojournalist

Sometimes we are called up to report on a story on which we have personal feelings. That’s just part of the journalism business. Reporter Heather Graf and I had this experience when we were assigned to report on public reaction to the Asheville breastfeeding incident. The great thing about our job, however, is putting our feelings aside and letting the story tell itself, through the people we interview.

We went to a coffee shop in Waynesville. As a photographer, this is, to use military terminology, a "target rich environment." We used the natural sound and light to envelop our viewers in our report. The hissing of the milk steamer and the blades of the coffee roaster gave us great sound and video opportunities to make the story more authentically communicative. The essence of our profession and part of what keeps us motivated daily is to bring our viewers information that is meaningful to them on a personal level, and let the stories and the people, speak for themselves.

The Best Coke Ever
February 11, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter

Malachi is warming up to me, allowing me to hold, bathe and feed him. Fortunately, I didn't have to bribe him with a Coke.

But my own supply of Coca-Cola, brought from America, ran out on Monday. Anyone who knows me realizes I can't function in the morning without my Coke. It's a not-so-great habit I began nearly 25 years ago in college and haven't been able to break.

I ventured out from our guest house down the streets of Addis to a small store to find a Coke. I stopped at a shack with an orange canopy, held together only by rope and bamboo. The store would be condemned in America, or at least blown away in a mild thunderstorm. Yet, the storekeeper took great pride in his business. Everything was perfectly arranged and he was dressed in a suit. He greeted me in fluent English and helped me find the baby formula and supplies I needed for Mally. Preparing to pay, I asked for a Coke. He replied, "Coke comes only on Tuesday from Cairo."

It was Monday. I suppose he saw the disappointment and/or exhaustion on my face. He remarked, "New father?"

"Yes," I replied.

"Then you need a Coke," he said, pulling one from hiding beneath the counter.

"I was taking these three home for my family," he said. "But you can have this one."

His kindness is indicative of the people here. They have little, but will share even that with a stranger. I'm going back to his store, after our meeting at the U.S. Embassy, and taking him my dress outfit. We're about the same size. I hope he won't be offended. I believe he will accept it and wear it at his store.

I walked back to our room, put the baby to bed, and opened the Coke for Kelly and me. It's the best Coke I ever drank.

Onions Make Good Stories
February 10, 2009
John Le
Reporter

I enjoy reporting about people who are far more than what they seem.

Going into a story, we might have no idea what that "something" could be. Often, you'll find a gem by just talking to someone and getting to know them.

Today, I thought I'd do a story about a wacky "waver" for Liberty Tax Service on Airport Road in Arden. I've heard about this guy from a few different people. He dresses up like "Lady Liberty" and draws attention to the business. Sounds like just a story about a funny guy.

But Stephen Addison turned out to be so much more. Within minutes, I learned he's a homeless veteran staying at the ABCCM Veterans Restoration Quarters. He's also got a background in computer science and is trying to find an administrative job.

But as we all know, it's a hard time to find employment.

Stephen is the classic "onion." So many layers that reveal a story that's rich and thought-provoking. As he told me, "It's a grateful thing to get up in the morning and have a job."

So what could have been just a fun little feature about a really funny guy was at the same time a story about a man who looks at the world from a different perspective.

That's the kind of discovery that makes my day.

Breastfeeding Debate
February 10, 2009
Julie Fries
News Director

The story about a mother who says she was asked to stop breastfeeding or leave a Denny’s in Asheville has generated a lot of response from viewers. Here are a few:

Donna in Hendersonville emailed us to say, “As a female I have NO problem with women breastfeeding in public. I do however have an issue with women breastfeeding in public and NOT BEING DISCREET about it… most ladies cover up and breastfeed. I do encourage breastfeeding. It is healthier for the baby… You should rethink ever letting a female breastfeed on the news so all your viewers can see. Shame on you.”

Crystal from Fletcher sent a message saying, “Just wanting to support the lady Crystal who breastfed her child in Denny's. I think it's appalling that there are places that would be bold enough to infringe on a nursing mother's rights… I think that the establishment should look into educating its employees very soon.”

Ruth in Rutherfordton said, “That woman was NOT feeding a baby. He/she should have been weaned long ago… Many mothers with little babies do feed in public, but they have the decency to keep their breast covered with a blanket. If I had been there I would probably confronted the woman myself to cease and desist.”

C. Webb in Arden commented, “Concerning your breastfeeding story: I can't believe that baring a breast is legal in NC! We need to try and change this ridiculous law! I give many kudos to the fine and decent people at Denny's restaurant for what they did. This is NOT discrimination, it's called public nudity and indecency, which should be illegal in public!! … Yes, breastfeeding is fine in private and a lot of doctors say it is best, but do so ONLY in private, please!”

As the mother of a 20 month old, I nursed my son for 8 months. Women these days do seem to be pressured to breastfeed. The federal government even encourages women to breastfeed on the CDC website. Women who decide not to nurse often feel guilty. Those who do make the choice to nurse often find it difficult to do so without offending others. Believe me, if you nurse, there will come a time that you have to do it while you are out and about. One viewer asked why this woman didn’t go to the bathroom to nurse. I certainly wouldn’t breastfeed in a restaurant bathroom. First of all, where would you sit? On a toilet? No, thank you! Most restaurants don’t have other seating options in the restroom.

Some viewers have asked why we are covering this story at all. We have reported many stories nationwide about women who have been asked to cover up or leave. There are advocacy groups to help women understand the laws and what their rights are. Wisconsin lawmakers introduced a law just yesterday to protect breastfeeding moms. Forty states have laws that allow women to breastfeed in public, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures website. This issue has evoked strong emotional reactions from many viewers. If federal and state lawmakers feel compelled to address the issue, surely it is our duty to do so, as well, in an effort to educate and inform.

Rudy and Her Pups!
February 10, 2009
Julie Wunder
Meteorologist/Animal Lover

It's hard to believe how many cool pets we have in shelters across the mountains. Every week, a different shelter is scheduled to come in for Pet Pals to put a couple of their pets on TV. We see just about every type of pet possible - even pure breeds. I am so grateful that the station has given me the opportunity to basically showcase these dogs and cats (and sometimes parrots!). In some cases, it's their best chance to get adopted.
Last week, the Blue Ridge Humane Society came in with an adorable lab mix Mom and one of her puppies. The mom came into the shelter with her very young pups around Christmas... so she got the name Rudy (short for Rudolf.) All of her puppies are named after reindeer (Dasher, Dancer....). The one puppy we saw was SO adorable! It looked like it was part cocker spaniel. I'd like to put in a little plug for the mom, though. Most people are instantly drawn to the puppies (myself included!), but Rudy was such a sweet, kind, beautiful dog. Even the people from the shelter who were taking care of the dog commented on how special she is. She deserves a great, happy, forever home!

If you are interested in any of the Pet Pals... we put the segments online. Go to our home page and scroll down on the section that says ABC features. At the bottom, click on Pet Pals and check them all out!

How News Impacts Everyday Life
February 10, 2009
Leslie Wilder
Producer

As the the Noon Producer here at News 13, I work each day with Victoria Dunkle, Jay Siltzer, Julie Wunder and Courtney Ward. I am the person behind what they say. My day starts early at 6am. It is my job to take the local, state, world, national, business, health and entertainment news of the day from multiple sources, and condense it into one hour of news for you. I am not going to describe my day in detail, but instead tell you about how being a news producer changes the way I see the world.

It makes me more alert to possible danger for me and my children. I feel like I am on the front lines getting information from the police scanner and our reporters before first responders are even on the scene.

It makes me a better mother, because I am always reading about the latest health news, new gadgets, the best way to discipline kids and what's going on in the schools.

It also makes me sad since much of the day’s news includes tragic stories. I try to stay positive, but that is sometimes hard to do when you have to write story after story about one horrible event until someone else does something just as bad or worse, and that becomes the news of the day.

When I visit another city, I am constantly on the lookout for news and the crews covering it. I always watch to see how and if the TV stations covered the story.

I feel like I am in the know about world events, weather, business, health and the crazy buzz from Hollywood. I am always the life of the party, because I know a little bit about a whole lot of things, including totally useless trivia and a whole bunch of dumb crook stories, and, of course, all the interesting emails and letters we get daily.

I find myself listening for story ideas on the playground, at the grocery store and at church.

I can spot a misspelled sign 3 miles away.

I have dreams it is 5 minutes until air time, and I haven't written a thing.

My husband is a photographer so all we can talk about is our kids and work and what happened during the day. We are always being asked questions about what we do, the people we work with and why things are done the way they are done. My parents are asked questions everywhere they go, and they get calls about things to ask me.

I have lived here all my life, so I know the area frontwards and backwards, and can often help with story contacts. Basically, I have done this job for 15 plus years. It is in my blood, I thrive on deadlines, and could probably never do anything else because I would be bored silly just sitting behind a desk all day. Besides, where else could I crack jokes, sing, dance and speak my mind freely, except in a newsroom, where no one ever takes the 5th Amendment.

And yes, I know many things about the people who work here that the viewers always want to know. On that topic, I will plead the 5th. But don’t worry because the people you see on TV everyday will be revealing many of those tidbits about themselves right here on the “Inside News 13” blog. Stay tuned!

You Learn Something New Every Day
February 9, 2009
John Le
Reporter

The thing that makes our job unique is that we have to become "experts" in something different every day. We have to become knowledgeable enough to be able to break down information into a story that's hopefully easy to understand on the air.

Each night, you see and hear reporters deliver their main story of the day. But we're also responsible for writing other stories(anywhere from 20 to 40 seconds) that anchors read on the air.

Today, I did a package about how the economy might affect Valentine's Day.

But in between the stops that it took to get that story on the air, I also learned about all I needed to know about truffles… as in the fungus, not the chocolate. I found out they've been called the "jewel of French cuisine."

I interviewed Tom Williamson of Biltmore Farms. The Ramble development in Biltmore Forest will soon be inoculating trees so that these coveted gourmet delights will grow (That was new to me, who knew trees had to be inoculated). That would finally give us a local source of the fungi. Next month, we'll have the National Truffle Fest in Asheville!

Tom told me Martha Stewart might even be in town for that. That's "inside information" (sorry, that's terrible).

That's just an example of what makes this a fun profession. I collect a wealth of information. Much of it, I may never use. In fact, some of it I may completely forget by tomorrow. But at least for one day, I know my stuff when it comes to truffles… the fungus, not the chocolate.

And that's what makes me such a fungi.

Meeting Mally
February 9, 2009
Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter

Four hours after arriving in Ethiopia, we traveled to the orphanage to meet our 1-year-old son, Malachi.

I had envisioned I would cry when I saw him. I didn't get the chance. He burst into tears the moment I tried to pick him up, pulled out a chunk of what little hair I have, and then held out his arms for my wife, Kelly. He's been with her ever since. I know, though, there will come a time -- at least as a teenager -- when he will need me for at least two things: money and car keys.

Even though he has nothing to do with me now, he is the cutest child. I have wonderful photos of him and Kelly.

My only opportunities to hold him have been connected with bribes of Cheerios and Lance Crackers.

Tomorrow, Kelly and some other adopting moms will be meeting together. Mally and I will be left alone. At this point, I'm not beyond breaking out the Oreos and pouring Coca-Cola in his bottle. Good nutrition? Definitely not. Good parenting? Probably not. But at this point, I'll do just about anything for the first photo of Mally and me.


The Extra Details
February 6, 2009
Heather Graf
Reporter

Often times while we're covering a story, we learn so many facts and details... and then just don't have time to include all of them in the two minute story you see on television.

I ran into this dilemma on Wednesday, while covering a fatal car accident in Hendersonville.

16-year-old Travis Sain died in the accident, when he lost control of his truck and hit a tree.
It was a heartbreaking, sad story to cover...made worse by the fact that this is the third mountain teen killed in a car accident in the last two weeks.

In covering the story, photographer Joe Avary and I focused a lot on Travis' accident and how it happened, then mentioned the previous fatal accidents as well, and talked to a state trooper about the dangers of teen driving.

What we were not able to mention in our story is that motor vehicle crashes are the NUMBER ONE cause of death for teenagers. Or that 16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of ANY age.
Or the fact that the Centers For Disease Control & Prevention says 12 teens ages 16 to 19 die EVERY DAY from motor vehicle injuries. The statistics are scary.

On February 23rd, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol will kick off a campaign aimed at teaching teens about driving dangers. It's called "Drive to Live." They'll be teaching traffic safety education programs at high schools all over the state, including here in the mountains. No doubt it's a message that will hit home for our local students who are still mourning their classmates.

And Baby Makes Three
February 5, 2009

Many of you have heard me in the mornings reference that I am about to become a parent. It's true. How scary!

The adventure for my wife, Kelly, and me begins today. We leave for Ethiopia to complete the adoption of 1-year-old Malachi and bring him home.

I don't know what to expect traveling that far, much less what it will be like seeing our son for the first time. I do know this; we have so much love for someone we've seen only in photos and videos. Still, our joy meeting him will be tempered by the widespread poverty that will surround us.

Many people have known for months about the adoption. I will never be able to adequately thank our family, co-workers, friends and church family for the unending support, advice and prayers.
(Pray especially for the person who sits next to us on the 18-hour flight from Ethiopia to America! Wow!)

Our lives will never be same after this and neither will Malachi's. Kelly and I hope his adjustment will be quick and painless, but we know the coming weeks will likely be difficult and filled with adjustment.

I'll return to work in a few weeks with greater purpose in life... and a better excuse than ever for imitating Grover from “Sesame Street” during The Buzz.

The Best,

Jay Siltzer
Anchor/Reporter



Can You Do That Again?
February 4, 2009
John Le
Reporter

Most stories unfold naturally. Like a house fire or a news conference. Stuff happens and we capture it on tape.

But my story today was different.

Our mission was to get one of the fastest oyster shuckers in the South on tape. Chef Tres Hundertmark of "The Lobster Trap" just won a big competition down in Charleston for the second year in a row.

This video opportunity was set up strictly for the purpose of Chef Tres showing off his skill. Which can be good and bad.

You see, for many 1:30 stories we plan on shooting about 20 to 30 minutes of tape. This includes several interviews and footage of the story from a variety of angles to give the photographer lots of choices when he's editing later on.

Back to the Master Shucker. He had 30 oysters lined up and ready to go. Photographer Eric Sander is ready. Go!! Chef Tres is like the Tasmanian Devil, unhinging oyster after oyster. Beep, beep. His timer goes off after 1 minute.

The chef has just shucked 27 oysters in 60 seconds. He's out of breath. It's great example of the pure speed and shucksmanship that won two competitions.

Too bad it's not nearly enough for us to do the story. So after the Chef's expended all this energy, I must summon up the nerve to ask him a question that we ask our story subjects in a controlled environment.

"Uh, that was great," I exclaim. "But do you mind doing that again?"

Thankfully, Chef Tres was more than happy to shuck a couple dozen more. Of course, we don't have this luxury with most stories.

Most of the time, either you get it or you don't.

The REAL Behind The Scenes
February 3, 2009
Todd Knaperek
Graphic Artist

It’s been a little over two weeks since we went live with our Inside
News 13 blog, and the response from the general public has been
overwhelming. Many of the dedicated viewers of WLOS-TV have checked out
the various postings by our staff to get a unique inside look into the
daily workings of Western North Carolina’s News Leader.

This blog is one way viewers can experience the inner workings of a
television station, however there is another, even more in-depth way to
experience what we do on a regular basis…station tours. WLOS-TV offers
tours to the public as a way to reach out to the community that we have
been a part of for more than half a century. WLOS-TV has a
state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest in broadcast
technology and a brand new studio set, compliments of the DTV
conversion. Over the years, several groups have toured our facilities,
from Cub Scouts to Red Hats, they have all seen the inner-workings.

If you are a part of a group that would be interested to seeing the
station, there are a few things you should know prior to requesting a tour:

1. Tour groups should be at least five people and no larger than 25. We
do not offer individual tours.
2. The age and size of the group will affect the length of the tour
program, but most last between 30 minutes and an hour.
3. We invite students in 2nd grade and above as well as non-school
related groups (ages seven and older.)
4. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all
times.
5. Please schedule your tour at least four weeks in advance.
6. Tours are conducted between 9 am and 11 am and between 1 pm and 4 pm
Monday through Friday.
7. Please contact WLOS if your tour group is running late.
8. No tours are conducted during holidays.
9. Children's groups must have chaperones at all times.
10. Please give at least 48 hours notice for cancellations.
11. If a news or weather emergency arises, WLOS reserves the right to
cancel a tour.

With that, if you and your group are still interested, you can schedule
a tour by going to http://wlos.com/sections/station/tours.shtml and
filling out the information form. A representative from WLOS-TV will
contact you to set things up.

In addition to the experience of a station tour, we also offer as part
of our community outreach the ability to request an on-air talent to
speak or emcee group events. You can schedule such an event by going to
http://wlos.com/sections/station/speaker.shtml and filling out the
information form. Please request at least four weeks in advance.

See you on the tour!

Teamwork
February 3, 2009
Leighton Grant
Photographer

As a photographer at News 13, I often have people come up to me and say “you guys are the ones that do all the work”. True, when the public sees us working, it’s usually the photographer who is hauling the equipment and setting up lights.

But it’s important to know the value the reporter plays for me when we are working a story. Just like a sport, reporting in the field requires good teamwork. As a teammate, I want reporters to always be with me and see what I’m shooting at all times. Not many reporters can take video from three hours earlier and properly convey what happened in words and sound. Our reporters get out with us and start writing down words and phrases that will help tell the story. The goal should always be to have the story written at least in their heads before we get back to the station. To me, it allows the scene of what I shot to feel fresh and happening now!

The teamwork in a newsroom is the key to giving you what you deserve.

Slammed in West Asheville
February 3, 2009
John Le
Reporter

Every once in awhile, you just drive by something that looks like a potential story.

Driving down Patton Ave. in Asheville this morning, I noticed a huge crowd in front of Denny's Restaurant. The chain offered free "Grand Slam" breakfasts Tuesday. It was part of a Super Bowl promotion aimed at getting the Denny's brand back in our brains.

Boy, did it work.

Starting at 6-AM, hundreds of people crammed into the West Asheville restaurant for pancakes, eggs, sausage, and bacon. A classic Denny's item for some three decades.

And when you advertise "Free Food" you'd better be ready for an ambush. It was wild. I mean, when's the last time you saw a waiting list at Denny's.

The Denny's staff was in great spirits and seemed to relish the chance to give away food. I hope they got lots of tips in return.

As soon as I got there, I realized it was a goldmine of colorful characters. People who were downright giddy because of what they were getting (even after a couple of hours in line).

I immediately called the station to tell them that we should re-shuffle my plans. Because this was a story viewers had to see to believe.

Especially in this economy, "Free Food" was a can't miss opportunity for some folks. The offer brought people together with smiles, laughter, and delicious comfort food.

Although this day at Denny's put me in the middle of a huge crowd, I loved every minute of it.

I now think something as simple as a free Grand Slam could solve a lot of problems in the world.

Getting Up Dark and Early
February 2, 2009
Julie Wunder
Meteorologist

Good morning everyone! I wanted to share with you a little more about my day here at News 13. I get to the station dark and early (it's really not "bright" and early at that hour!). As soon as I walk in the door, it's time to get to work by looking at Mike's forecast from the night before. I add and tweak anything that needs to be changed and start making graphics for our morning shows. I also update our website, the news ticker, weatherline and closed captioning. I also have to get myself ready with hair and makeup to start doing "on-air" work. Since we switched to High Definition all of us have to spend a little more time on our hair and makeup. Our old cameras would camouflage "imperfections" that our new cameras love to highlight! At 4:45, we shoot a short weathercast that runs on our website. At 4:50 the whole morning team makes their way to the studio... It's almost time to be LIVE at 5am!

From 5 to 7 every morning Jay, Victoria and I bring you 2 hours of local news. We work hard to bring you up to date, accurate, interesting news to start off your day.

From 7 to 9am, I am on standby to do Good Morning America breaks. You will probably notice Sam Champion tossing to local weather several times during the program and I have to be ready for those updates!

Starting at 10am, I shoot Pet Pals or Carolina kitchen (depending on the day). They are both a lot of fun. In Kitchen, I get to learn how to cook... yes, still learning. In Pet Pals, I meet so many wonderful animals and people working to find those animals homes. It's a cause that's extremely close to my heart. Yes, I really do fall in love with all of the animals. And yes, it is really hard not to take them all home.

After Carolina Kitchen and Pet Pals I catch up on business... e-mails, phone calls, paperwork!

At 11:15, it's time to get ready for our full hour of news at noon. I check the forecast, make more graphics and read over any scripts I have in the show.

At 1pm my day is over and I'm starving! I usually head straight for lunch! At night, I am hopefully asleep by 8 to make sure I'm actually awake the next day instead of sleep walking through the morning!

It's a busy day, but I would not have it any other way. Staying busy is the best way to stay awake when getting up so early in the morning!

Overall, it's a privilege to be part of your morning. And as long as you go to bed early, the schedule is actually very nice. Check back here often. I plan on adding some extra information about weather, Pet Pals, and Carolina Kitchen whenever something interesting is happening.

Things Aren't Always What They Seem
January 30, 2009
Russ Bowen
Anchor/Reporter

When we heard a teacher was missing and her home looked like a crime scene, we immediately thought we had a huge, potentially national story. A horrific crime possibly based on hate and bigotry. A teacher whose fate was seriously in question. It now appears junior high school teacher Amanda Fields was not abducted and no crime whatsoever was committed. But during the 10 hours that the teacher could not be found, decisions had to be made quickly about how to report this fluid story with sensitivity. Because it was a precarious situation with so many people worried about a possible victim or a potential suspect on the loose, we went with the facts at face value.

We are skeptics in this business, as we should be since many people are not upfront with us. But we try to give every story the benefit of the doubt. In this case, we and law enforcement soon began to realize that this story wasn’t what it seemed. But because no one would go “on the record”, our reports still focused on the facts of the case. When we finally got official word that no crime was committed and the teacher acted alone, we backed off the story. This is a sad story no matter what happened. A family is likely tormented with questions and worry, law enforcement exhausted with their own worry and tireless hours of work, and we are saddened by the fact someone could be in a place that could cause them to do this.

But it's also a lesson and a reminder that when a story breaks, what it appears to be at first glance often turns out to be something very different in the end.

Super Bowl Stakes
January 30, 2009
John Le
Reporter

We think of the Super Bowl as a battle between players on the field. But when you're the Arizona Cardinals, you represent six decades of losing teams who have a stake in the big game.

Today, I interviewed Eddie McGill of Candler. He was an Enka High School star in the 1970's and a Western Carolina Catamount before being drafted by the then St. Louis Cardinals in the 10th round of the draft in 1982.

I'm no draft expert, but a tight end who can run 4.4 in the 40 yard dash would seem like a hot commodity in today's game.

Anyway, I wanted to interview Eddie about playing on one of the losingest franchises in sports over the years. They haven't won a championship since the 1940's. That's the longest drought in the NFL.

By the way, Eddie already kind of knew about losing. He won ONE game during his Enka career.

I got a lot of perspective about how overlooked they were in St. Louis (they moved to Arizona in the late 80's). When people hear that he played for the Cardinals, they ask for a baseball autograph (he didn't play for THOSE Cardinals).

But what I really got a sense of is the joy of being paid to play the game. Sure, it wasn't the huge amount of money that it is today. But his five figure salary wasn't too shabby either.

There were extra income opportunities. Once, Converse paid this back-up tight end five grand to paste stars on his shoes during a game! Imagine what the big stars make.

McGill told me stories that show how different the NFL was back then. Guys like Tootie Robbins (I love that name) used to pick up their paycheck (no direct deposit) every Tuesday. He'd cash it, and get himself a 2-liter jug of Mountain Dew and a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken and watch Soap Operas. And don't interrupt Tootie from 1-3 on a payday!

Those were the days. On Sunday, Cardinals from a different era and a different city root for the underdogs to finally win the Super Bowl. Eddie McGill is one of them.

Just saying "World Champion Cardinals" sounds strange unless you're talking baseball. I wish Arizona and Eddie all the best.

So I kinda feel guilty saying, "Go Steelers!"

Note: Watch John's story tonight at 6pm!

Blue Ridge Forever
January 30, 2009
Bryan Luhn
Assistant News Director

A couple of weeks ago, News13 launched an ambitious project called “Blue Ridge Forever”. It’s a seven-month series of reports focusing on Western North Carolina’s natural wonders… some of the most beautiful places in the state… and some of the most endangered.

The great outdoors are near and dear to the hearts of most folks in the Mountains. A few years ago, a group of land trusts and national conservancy groups got together to protect these areas for future generations. Collectively, the group is known as “Blue Ridge Forever”, and its vision is to add 50,000 acres of protected lands in Western North Carolina by the end of next year. There are 28 focus areas. Some of them, such as Grandfather Mountain, Chimney Rock, the Appalachian Trail, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, are well known. Others, like the Little Tennessee River Headwaters and Fairview Farming Community, are more obscure. But all of them face encroaching development and an uncertain future.

Our involvement in this project is two-fold. First, we want to raise awareness of the dangers these natural wonders face, and what’s being done to protect them. Second, we want to give you, the viewers, a closer look at these special places, all of which you can visit in a day. Over the next several months, Meteorologist Karen Wynne will take you to each of the 28 focus areas, showing you what’s so special about it, what’s endangering it, and how it’s being protected. Photojournalist Todd Robbins, whose work you might remember from Bob Caldwell’s “Outdoors” segments, will provide the stunning images.

It’s no secret anymore that Western North Carolina is one of the most beautiful places on earth. We hope you’ll join us on this journey each Friday on News 13 at 5:30. And please feel free to share your memories of these places with us.

If you would like more information on “Blue Ridge Forever” and its conservation vision, we’ve provided a link on our website, www.wlos.com, under “More Info”.

Do You Have a Second?
January 29, 2009

I have to say this was one of the craziest days I've ever had.

"Miller High Life" was my inspiration. Okay, that sounds funny, but hear me out. The beer company is running 1-second TV commercials during the Super Bowl this weekend.

That got me thinking about how local businesses might sell themselves in a second.

"Would you like a free plug?"

Okay, that was an easy sell.

But shooting stuff one second at a time is arduous. My photographer Jason Garcia and I swarmed 8 businesses at first and realized we had about 8 seconds that we could use on tape because of my zany idea.

I also had this concept of writing a short script in advance and doing one-second stand-ups (that means me on camera) in between these abbreviated commercial messages.

So every bit of the story would be done out in the field (as opposed to me getting back and writing it later).

Thankfully, I got help from another photographer Eric Sander who was out and about shooting with Tammy Watford. They both helped out immensely by also taking on a handful of businesses and shooting more mini-commercials that I could squeeze in.

Remember, my goal is stories of about 1:30 in length. Getting 90 businesses to fill in that time would have been great but that's pretty much impossible in one day.

I think we ended up with a couple of dozen (please don't hold me to that number!).

My favorite was a guy who simply held a sign and said "HELP!!" in his second.

As I write this, I'm still not totally sure whether a series of one-second clips will make any sense. But I have a good feeling about it as it's being edited.

It's fun running with something that folks will be talking about this Super Bowl Sunday.

And the great part is that I got the sense that business owners out there need any help they can get in these tough times. They embraced a chance to get just a few words on the air.

I also now realize the value of a second. Sometimes just a couple of words pack a lot of punch.

John Le
Reporter

Behind the Stove: Cooking in the Carolina Kitchen
January 29, 2009

Our first viewer blog question was a great one! Cheryl from Hendersonville said, “I love your new Blog, so here's your first question. Do you all get to eat all the food that is cooked in the Carolina Kitchen? And do you like it?”

Here’s our response from the Associate Producer who coordinates the Kitchen shoots with the chefs and restaurants:

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are probably our favorite days in the newsroom. Why? Carolina Kitchen tapings! Not always, but sometimes when we’re really lucky, chefs on Carolina Kitchen will leave us their goodies left over from the taping. And when they do, picture vultures swooping down on the break room - everyone rushes down the hall to check out the spread. Food, in general, doesn’t last long in any newsroom. But on Carolina Kitchen days, you’ll often see people throughout the building walking back to their desks with a plate piled high or having a cup of soup (like today).

It’s hit or miss though, depending on your cuisine preference. Sometimes you luck out and the chef brings in all your favorites. Other times, that salad or soup doesn’t strike your fancy. Such disappointment! For me, sure I have my likes and dislikes, but I’m willing to try (almost) anything once! And since these guys are pros, it’s pretty much a sure bet that anything left behind is going to be tasty. It’s a “Wunder” Julie hasn’t gained 10 pounds working with those Chefs!

The downside to all this cooking is the studio is often left smelling like fish. We do try to fan it out before the newscast so the anchors and crew aren’t left with that odor during the shows.

So how exactly do we pick our chefs? We definitely have some tried and true restaurants that seem to be viewer favorites. But mostly it just comes down to getting in touch with each other. I’ll take suggestions from anyone (that means you!). And restaurants also contact the station to set up a date. People in the newsroom even come up after eating at a great place to let me know about it. It’s all about variety, so we try to keep things interesting and keep inviting new restaurants to join us in the Carolina Kitchen.

Miranda Dotson
Associate Producer

Skywalker Meets Skaggs
January 28, 2009

Today, I interviewed an Asheville man whose YouTube video went "viral." Of course, these days that's a good thing.

Will Chatham is known across the world for playing the Star Wars theme with his banjo on the popular website YouTube. Warner Music Group claims it's a copyright infringement so the company had the video pulled from the website.

Writing this story was challenging because I wanted to weave in some "Star Wars" references. So I worked in the Death Star... A Galaxy Not Far Away... The Dark Side. I didn't want to saturate the story with references that might be too obscure for some viewers unfamiliar with the series. Not rocket science, just plain fun.

Hearing the banjo version of the theme live was quite a treat.

Chatham is just one example of the amazingly talented people I meet here in Western North Carolina.

If I were Warner Music, I'd sign this guy to a record deal instead of yanking him off the internet.

Imagine the entire "Star Wars" soundtrack with a bluegrass twist. I can see fans across the world buying the CD or downloading it on iTunes.

"Skywalker meets Skaggs."

Wish I had the know-how to produce it.

John Le
Reporter

The Search for Stories
January 28, 2009

Sometimes... they fall into your lap. Sometimes... there are almost too many stories to cover in a day or night, leaving reporters and photographers running around like chickens with our heads cut off. Other times... we end up with a lot of stories to cover, like Tuesday. While Leigh Ann was covering the Asheville City Council meeting and Russ was following the missing McDowell County teacher, I was tracking down tidbits of information in Henderson, Buncombe, Madison and McDowell Counties. We left the newsroom to check on a fire on Brevard Road which didn't turn out to be much. We then went to the Buncombe County Magistrate's Office and got information on a man charged with failing to register as a sex offender. I spent the rest of night on the phone gathering information on stories including a past shooting in Mars Hill, a shooting in McDowell County, a domestic violence situation in Henderson County that ended in two arrests and getting tips on two other stories in Buncombe County that will likely air later this week. I ended up writing just a few stories that actually aired Tuesday night, and then helped the producers with some scripts for the 10pm and 11pm shows. At the end of the day, it feels a little frustrating I didn't end up with a lead story... but sometimes covering Western North Carolina involves a lot more than just the lead story of the day.

Holly Headrick
Anchor/Reporter

Larry's Son is Back in the U.S.
January 27, 2009

At the grocery store and at church I’m frequently asked by complete strangers, 'How is your son?' It’s such a simple question, yet I am amazed. That's because more than two months ago on News 13, I shared the story of my son Nick, an Army Lieutenant home briefly from Iraq, returning to the war. Keep in mind that was more than two months ago! Not a week has gone by, usually not more than two or three days, that someone hasn't asked me about Nick. I had good news to tell those who asked recently and now I share it with everyone else. Nick's home! Well, not home as here in Western North Carolina with me and his mom. He is back on American soil, Fort Hood, Texas. No more IED attacks, suicide bombers and sniper fire, at least for another year and a half.

Last week, as we covered the funeral of another mountain marine, my heart went out to the family of Jessie Cassada and others whose lives have been cut short, and the families of all our soldiers, marines, sailors and airman serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have felt what it is like to worry, lose sleep, go into depression and cry over a loved one serving in war. I won't even pretend to imagine the feeling of losing them. May God grant you peace. Thank you for their lives and sacrifices. Families, thank you for yours.

Larry Blunt
Anchor


Come Inside News 13
January 26, 2009

We welcome you “Inside News 13” with a new blog! Many of the people involved in our newscasts will be contributing to this blog to let you know what goes on behind the scenes. You see the on air personalities every day and they will play a large role in this blog. It also takes a large crew of photographers, producers, production members, editors, and engineers to put on 32 ½ hours of news each week. Producing newscasts is a major team effort, since every person’s job is interdependent on the work of several other people.

The news cycle never ends, so someone is in the control room, newsroom and the Skywatch weather center practically all times of the day and night. Some of the morning news crews come in the night before to get ready for the 5am news. Others come in around 3 or 4am. The majority of the next shift begins at 9:30am with a story meeting where we make decisions about the top stories of the day. We assign reporters and photographers to cover stories throughout Western North Carolina based on viewer email and phone tips, news releases, emergency communications between police, fire and other first responders and often, our conversations with viewers in the community. The plan we start with in the morning frequently looks completely different from what ends up on the air, since we are always adapting to events happening throughout the day. We meet again at 2:30pm to plan for the late newscasts. But the most important part of our day is during news time, since planning and preparation don’t matter at all, if the product is not executed well.

The purpose of this blog is to let you know about the things you don’t see on the air during news time. We’ll tell you about what goes into certain decisions and interesting things that happen behind the scenes. We also encourage you to email us with blog topics. We’ll address viewer feedback and answer questions you might have about the news and the people who bring it to you. Join us “Inside News 13” to get the story behind the stories.

Julie Fries
News Director