A Warp-Speed Friday March 30, 2007

Good Friday morning! Hope your day’s off to a great start.. What a nice morning, plenty of sunshine and warm air. A very good way to say so long to the month of March.

It was a fairly crazy (in a controlled kind of way) early morning in the newsroom. Our small team of producers and reporters were in overdrive, trying to keep up with breaking news story after breaking news story. From a shooting in Lockland to a violent robbery in Bond Hill.. then around 9:30 a log truck collided with a car in Adams County sending logs on top of the car. We have a crew on the way, but it appears 3 people have been trapped by the logs. Be sure to stay with us for an update on that story a little later today.

As you can imagine, I don’t have as much time as I’d like to blog this morning. But I’ll be back at it next week. Until then, be sure to enjoy some good basketball this weekend (NCAA Final Four) and get your Reds gear out because Opening Day will come and go before you know it!

Thanks for stopping by our Breakfast Blogs and have a great day.

Crooked Contacts & One Tough Hound March 29, 2007

Hi folks. Hope this Thursday morning finds you doing well. We ran a story this morning about a court case in Warren County. Since I like dogs (by the way our dogs, Vivi and Buddy, say hello.. they’re spending this week with Jesse’s folks who have a fenced-in backyard!).. Anyway.. Since I like dogs I have to tell you about part of the case in Warren County you won’t likely here, but that I find pretty amazing.

Here’s the story we ran this morning on News 5 Today:
A MAN ACCUSED OF SHOOTING UP *HALF-A-DOZEN POLICE CRUISERS* GOES ON TRIAL TODAY IN WARREN COUNTY.
SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES AND POLICE IN HAMILTON TWONSHIP SAY AFTER SHOOTING AT LAW ENFORCERS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE.. *LINDSAY WILLIAMS* ESCAPED BY STEALING A CRUISER..
AFTER A CHASE THROUGH THREE COUNTIES, WILLIAMS WAS EVENTUALLY ARRESTED..
HE WILL BE TRIED ON OVER 15 CRIMINAL CHARGES.. INCLUDING SHOOTING AT POLICE.

It’s a fairly crazy situation to begin with, but when I read the case notes there was something else that jumped out at me. Check out this bit of information put out shortly by Warren County’s Sheriff’s Department after Williams was arrested:

“A total of six Sheriff’s Office and Hamilton Township Police Department cruisers were significantly damaged by the gunfire. Hamilton Township’s Canine (Perro) was trapped in his handler’s cruiser during the entire incident. Even though the cruiser was shot several times with a high-powered round, the dog was not injured.”

Can you believe that the dog (Perro) escaped unscathed? Wow! That’s one tough animal. Good for Perro and good for all the law enforcers who managed to bring Lindsay Williams to justice.

That’s just one of the many stories that raised my eyebrow this morning. Speaking of eyebrows, one my contacts about drove me nuts today during the news. For some reason, my left contact made it seem like a tiny piece of sandpaper had become stuck on my cornea. After doing what I could during commercial breaks I finally took it out after the newscast and discovered I’d put it in the wrong way at 2 a.m. That was no good. After a quick flip of the contact all was well with the world.

And that’s about that. Can’t think of much else at the moment.. Need to run to work on some radio news segments and the Fastcast. Adios for now and thanks for visiting our Breakfast Blogs.

At Least Opening Day Looks Nice March 28, 2007

Good Wednesday morning. Another busy morning in the News 5 newsroom. It’s even busier than normal for our morning team because Lisa is taking a few well-deserved days off. It’s spring break, so I’m quite certain she and her family will be having fun – just the way it should be.

What a messy start to the day weather-wise, but despite the rain at least the air outside is mild (mid 60’s). Just one of those good old-fashioned spring days. Great news about the Reds’ Opening Day. Right now, Eric Green says look for sunny skies and temps (again) in the mid-60’s. While that could change, how sweet would it be to have decent – and not freezing – weather to kick off a new baseball season!

Can’t think of too much else at the moment. Let’s make a pact and not let today’s gloomy skies suck the air out of the room. I’m thinking it’ll be a good day to do a little reading or maybe watch a movie. But first things first – the Fastcast is calling as are radio headlines! Back to work. First, a big thank you for visiting our Breakfast Blogs.

Search For Missing Woman Continues March 26, 2007

Hello on this Monday morning. Boy, did the weekend fly by? From the beautiful weather (too warm for March??) to a visit with family to all the good college basketball action, there was just a lot going on.

Luckily, spring breaks are starting to happen for area kids. Hopefully they’ll head out and play all day long!

A couple of stories to watch this morning. One involves a woman named Alisha Jackson. Cincinnati Police say she drove to work on Saturday but never showed up. There’s serious concern about her whereabouts and her safety. Police are asking for help as the continue their efforts to find Alisha.

Also, did you hear the story about William Turner? Early yesterday authorities say he ended up trying to hide from them in a pond. Here’s what we know.. A Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy pulled the 32 year-old Turner over for a traffic violation. The stop wasin Whitewater Township. The deputy apparently noticed a stolen cash register in Turner’s car. During the arrest, Turner’s accused of hitting the deputy, running off and then stealing a van. He later crashed the van in Ross Township. After a search, deputies and police in Colerain Township found Turner in a pond. He was promptly taken into custody.. Got all that?! Whew..

Those are just a couple of the stories we’re following. Be sure to find out the latest today on News 5 At Noon and then tonight at 5. Until then, have a great day and thanks for visiting our Breakfast Blogs.

Didn’t See That One Coming March 23, 2007

Good morning folks. Not much time to post this morning b/c we have teacher of the week shoot coming up.

What a day yesterday was.. Aside from all the general news of the day, I found myself truly shocked by the news that Tubby Smith had decided to leave my favorite college basketball team, the Kentucky Wildcats. During the vast tenure of Tubby’s tenure as UK’s coach I supported his every move. But admittedly, the last couple of years have been very un-Kentucky-like. Then things just seemed to spiral downhill quickly during the last two months. But I honestly thought Coach would be back at the helm next year with a revised coaching staff. I was fine with that prospect because I do realize that Kentucky fans have ridiculously high expectation and because I figured Tubby would be able to turn things around. That’s why my jaw almost hit the floor when I heard that he was leaving UK to become the head man at Minnesota. Wow.. Didn’t see that one coming.

I know I spend way too much time thinking about a bunch of college basketball players, but it truly is in my blood. I grew up bleeding blue. I can’t tell you how many backyard baskets I made with an imaginary clock ticking down to give the ‘Cats yet another national title. And heck, I didn’t even go to school there! I graduated from Western Kentucky University (a fine school, mind you). But my folks are UK grads, and my Dad grew up in Lexington during the 1940’s and 50’s when the won a record 129 straight home basketball games. Can you imagine? So am I obsessive? Probably. But as a Kentuckians all I can say is it is what it is.

I wish Tubby the very best. I hope he wins the Big Ten next year. I’ll be rooting for him. Meanwhile, I’ll be like the rest of the Kentucky faithful, waiting and wondering who will be able to fill Tubby’s shoes.

That’s all for this Friday morning. Hope you have a great rest of your day and an even better weekend. Enjoy the warm-up and stay safe!

Cliched, I Know.. But Spring Has Sprung! March 21, 2007

Hello on this Wednesday. Hope all is well in your world. A terrific day shaping up in the Queen City. This is the first full day of spring and it appears as though Mother Nature got the memo!
Nice warm air, sunshine, a threat of a shower or two.. Just like spring..

Sorry for making this post so short, but I have to run to do a couple radio news reports for 55KRC and other stations. Wow. Our newsroom does know how to stay busy!!

Thanks for swinging by the Breakfast Blogs. Hope you have a great rest of your Wednesday.

Families Need Help After Bus Crash March 19, 2007

Good Monday morning.. Hope your day’s off to a great start. Kind of dreary out, but Eric Green says spring starts tomorrow and we might end the week in the 70s. Sounds good to me!

I sure hope tonight’s benefit in Dry Ridge for Jacob Clise and Cody Shively generates some much-needed money. Their families are probably feeling swamped by medical bills. In case you don’t know, they’re 2 of the children injured in the January school bus crash in Grant County. While Jacob’s recovering at home, Cody’s still in the hospital. If you can stop by, tonight’s fundraiser is at the Dry Ridge Pizza Hut from 5-9.

On a much, much less serious note.. I’m down but not out. My favorite ballclub, the Kentucky Wildcats got drilled by a dominant (pains me to write that) team from Kansas U. With all the grumblings at UK it’ll be interesting to see what happens during the next few weeks in Lexington.

What a game between OSU and Xavier. Wow! I wish both teams could have won. I’ve never met Justin Cage but what a warrior. I know he probably feels terribly about missing the second of 2 free throws to put the game away. But those are the breaks. I think he, and the rest of the X team, handled themselves with class all the way. Congrats to both teams.

Congratulations to Tim Mullen for being named this week’s Warm 98/Great American Financial Teacher of the Week! We were able to surprise Mr. Mullen last week in his classroom at Quebec Heights Elementary School. He works with students who have special needs and seems to have an incredible amount of patience! Very cool.

With that I’d best sign off. Thanks as always for stopping by our Breakfast Blogs.

Gray Skies.. Perfect College Hoops Weather March 15, 2007

Good Thursday morning.. Hope your day’s off to a great start. Things are hopping in the News 5 newsroom despite the murky weather outside.

If you have a second, why not click on the “Vote For Your Top 5” link in the upper right corner of our (Ch. 5) homepage. My colleagues are working on the following stories (you can choose 5 that might make it to air tonight at 5!):

1.Cincinnati sex offender law could be forcing predators into suburban communities
2.Man accused in shooting of two West Chester police officers tries to get charges thrown out
3.Butler County commissioners discuss possible changes for children services
4.Where is your grocery money going? Chiquita admits paying terrorist group in Columbia for protection
5.Accused terrorist admits being mastermind to dozens of terror plots, including 9/11
6.Xavier, Ohio State prepare for first-round games in NCAA tourney: Ken Broo is live in Lexington
7.Mom fights uphill battle to protect 2-year-old’s credit history after SSN stolen from Anthem
8.Caught on tape: Teens steal fireworks, set it off, sparks brush fire
9.Competency hearing for woman who admits drowning three children in bathtub
10.UC medical students learn where they will be residents

What else? Today begins the official Madness of March! I hope like hey that my Kentucky Wildcats can make some noise (by at least beating Villanova). I think whichever team survives to Rd. 2 will get waxed by a very, very strong Kansas team. And trust me, I don’t like the Jayhawks one bit. In addition to Kansas, the big guns are the teams that look the best to me: North Caroline (not too happy about the Tar Heels, either), Florida, Memphis, Georgetown, and Ohio State. I can’t wait to get home and watch some hoops. Who will pull off the big upset today.. You know there’ll be at least one in the mix. That’s what makes college hoops so great.

That’s all I know at the moment. Hope you’re able to stay safe and dry!

High Temps and Even Higher Gas Prices March 13, 2007

Hello on this amazingly warm Tuesday. There’s a nice hazy sunshine hovering over the Queen City. Since it’s the middle of March I recognize how lucky we are to be surrounded by warm air! Unfortunately, the forecast for the coming weekend including a threat of wet snow. Not so nice..
Hope your Monday was a good one. I was dragging yesterday b/c of the time change. It’s tough to spring forward when you barely get enough sleep anyway.

Yesterday afternoon was a bit crazy in the Dykes’ household. First, our older dog Vivi hacked up a rawhide chip toy (a little too much information, right?). Then after cleaning that mess up I had to take our puppy, Buddy, to the vet because one of his paws is swollen. We bought some pricey dog/foot shampoo which we hope will take care of the problem (believed to be some kind of fungus). The trouble is that it could take 3-6 weeks to return his paw to normal. Ugh..

What about the skyrocketing gas prices. That seemed like a subtle change. Two weeks ago I didn’t mind paying somewhere between $2.15 to $2.30. I wasn’t thrilled, but that didn’t seem terribly unreasonable (though you shouldn’t get me started about how we should be using some of those monster oil company profits to develop more efficient alternative fuels). Now we’re back to $2.55-$2.60 and we soon might pay $3 for a gallon of regular unleaded?? Are you kidding me? Someone needs to have the political will to elucidate a vision for America that will ween us off a resource that’s so expensive to produce, and one that creates all sorts of geopolitical issues that keep leading us from one corner into another. Maybe that’s a gripe for another day, but the sooner we figure it out the better.

With that I’m signing off. Enjoy today because you don’t get too many 70-degree days in March!

From March Madness To Maddening & Lingering Questions March 12, 2007

Good Monday morning. This is a short post because my day is just about done, and I’m just about zonked! As I get older I find that springing forward is not as easy on my old body as it once was.

Hope you had a nice weekend. I watched lots and lots of basketball. I was with some friends on Friday when my beloved UK Wildcats found a rather unique way to lose. I don’t know if you saw the game, but I like the sportswriters who say UK “snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.” It was rather hard to believe. But I still have hope. The ‘Cats play Friday night against Villanova in the NCAA Tournament. Anything can happen, right? Congrats also to Xavier, Miami, Eastern KY, OSU.. A lot of folks in and around Greater Cincinnati will have a team to root for.

What a wild and awful night in West Chester on Friday. Thank goodness the two police officers who were hit by bullets after trying to make a routine traffic stop are going to be okay. Be sure to stay with News 5 for updates as we try to find out why the traffic stop turned so violent.

With that I’m going to sign off and go take a nap! Take care and thanks for visiting our Breakfast Blogs.