Athens MidDay: Featured Stories & Blogs

REPORTER BLOG: An "Explosive" Day in the Life of a Reporter

2009-11-13T16:26:00.012-05:00

By Pat Henderson
ph199906@ohio.edu
pbhenderson.com

How it all began
The day started out just like any other. We had the morning news meeting, made some coffee and started reporting the news. I was assigned to cover a bomb threat that had been made to Baker University Center at Ohio University, and, as terrible as it sounds, I was really excited. It was something really timely and could potentially have a big impact on the community. I got my gear in order and headed out to dig up the facts.

Chasing down the story
I was having some difficulties from the very start. The news release about the situation and the email alerts student and faculty had been receiving were pretty vague. They stated that there was a potential threat to the student center for Tuesday the 10th but that operations of the building would not change.

My goal was to find out what kind of threat it was, how the threat was delivered, and what they were doing to keep students, faculty and staff safe. Unfortunately- finding out what was actually going on proved a lot harder than I thought.

Why won’t anyone talk to me?
The Chief of Police at the Ohio University Police Department, who was the media contact for the situation, was in meetings all morning and was not available for comment. This made getting to the root of the story a little more difficult- but I was determined to find out what was going on with this threat.

So I took my equipment and went to Baker Center to try and talk to administrators for the building or even university administration. I tried to talk to the director of Baker Center, the assistant director of Baker Center, and the Dean of Students for Ohio University … none of them would talk to me. They all told me I needed to talk to Ohio University Communications and Marketing.

And my expedition continued
Next I called communications and marketing. They told me that I would have to talk to the Chief of Police at OUPD. I was slightly aggravated that I was getting the run-around from everyone I was talking to, so I made it clear that the chief was not available and that no one would speak to me. Communications and marketing was my last resort. The woman on the phone was incredibly nice and told me she would try to find someone and call me back.

About 10 minutes passed and by this time I was starting to get a little worried because the newscast was coming closer and closer. So, I trekked to Scott Quad to talk to someone from OU Communications and Marketing. When I got there- they were very nice, but they told me that, unfortunately, they couldn’t help me. Awesome.

Crunch time
I was getting shut down at every turn, but I was determined to get SOMEONE to talk to me. It was 11:15 and I still had nothing – the show was going on air in 45 minutes and I had yet to get any new information or talk to anyone on camera. I was going to make this happen.

After begging about 15 students to talk to me on camera about what was going on and their reaction to the situation, a really nice girl talked to me and expressed her concern. It was great. Then, after I thanked her and she went on her way, I discovered that my video camera was not working properly. The audio didn’t record.

Now it’s really crunch time
I ran back to the station – literally ran – and got a new camera. I hustled down to the street, stopped another 10 students asking them to talk to me and, finally, got someone to talk. The interview was great! I was so happy to finally have something to work with. Although I didn’t have much new information, at least I had something.

I ran back up to the station, wrote my story, and started editing. It was 11:55 and one of the producers turns to me and says – what are you still doing here? I had assumed I was reporting live from the newsroom, but I was wrong. I was reporting from the studio, two floors up.

Show time
I ran as fast as I could up the stairs, got hooked up to the microphone and went on the air. The story was a success. I may not have reached all my goals from the beginning of the day, but when you’re working in the news business things almost never turn out how you expected. The threat ended up being a bomb threat and nothing ever came of it. The university took the proper precautions and is now investigating to find out who may have done it. Looking back on it - it’s just another day in the life of being a TV news reporter.

REPORTER BLOG: Dynamite Duo

2009-11-13T14:24:00.032-05:00

Kelly Brennan
kb213206@ohio.edu

As a reporter, you have to get your story. There are thirty minutes to fill for a newscast and you can’t show up empty handed. So when a story falls through and you’ve got nothing, that’s no excuse or reason to turn around and go home.

Katie Boyer (web reporter) and I set out to get a story for the Tuesday newscast. We had three ideas in mind that we made calls about and we were waiting for our calls to be returned in order to begin interviews. Well, five hours and many more phone calls later we thought we were going to be scrambling to find a last minute story.

At 3:00p.m. I got a phone call from a teacher in Athens I was trying to contact. He said we could meet him in fifteen minutes, so we hurried on our way. When we got there and started talking to him it appeared he completely misunderstood the reason for our interview, and he basically had no opinion or point of view on the story topic.

We were crashing and burning in every direction.

Never Give Up, Never Surrender
“We can’t give up. This is news we’re covering! News is everywhere!” I kept repeating this to myself as Katie and I drove around listening to Michael Jackson, hoping the King of Pop would keep our spirits up. We were ready to blow up with frustration.

I finally had my first logical thought in hours (insert lightbulb above head): What’s a news team without the newsroom? I figured we should call into the newsroom and ask if anyone heard of breaking news in the area.

Twitter updates informed one of our reporters that the Columbus Bomb Squad was on scene in Dover Township. Now if only Katie and I knew where to go then we could cover this story!

Finding Our Way
We drove through the Plains and into Chauncey on a whim just hoping we would see a bomb squad truck to point us in the right direction. I stopped at the first gas station to ask around, and I ended up being in the right place at the right time. A woman was in line purchasing cigarettes when I overheard her explain to the cashier that she couldn’t pick her dog up from her mother’s house because the road was blocked off for three miles.

I asked her if I could follow her to the street and she gladly agreed. She wanted to try one more time to convince the fire department to let her through the road so she could get the dog.

Follow the Dirt Road
When we arrived at the bottom of the hill, we parked next to a swamp on a dirt road and tried to get access closer the scene. There was no hope for anyone getting down the road though. It turned out that about 2,000 sticks of dynamite were found in an abandoned building in Dover Twp. At the time though no one knew how serious the situation was. It turned out that the dynamite wasn’t active because it had been there for so long.

Ironically, the case of dynamite in the abandoned building described how we felt that day. Katie and I felt like we were standing on a case of dynamite ourselves, ready to burst any second if we didn't find a story to cover.

Lessons learned: Don’t give up, talk to community members for information, trust your news team and follow breaking news! And oh yeah, if you find a case of dynamite, make sure you run...just in case.

Athens MidDay reports on the dynamite found in Dover Twp.

REPORTER BLOG: There Is No News!

2009-11-12T17:06:00.009-05:00

Katie Boyer
kb213806@ohio.edu

Sometimes, even when covering the news is one’s job, finding a story is not always easy. This week, I ran into my first situation of not being able to track down a story. My day started off much like any other. I grabbed my camera, notepad and cell phone and I was off to work. I had story ideas filtering through my head; Christmas programs for the less fortunate, bus safety precautions with daylight savings time, and even how the university is distributing money for student health care. The ideas were not the problem, it was finding a way to put them to work.

The Runaround
So here I am, sitting in the newsroom, making phone call after phone call.

“Can I call you back?”
“Today really isn’t good for me.”
“Let me see if I can get you to someone who may be able to help.”

The responses were all sounding the same, and the callbacks were not happening. I was beginning to think that my reporting was going nowhere, but then, the silver lining. Finally, I had heard back, and a story was in progress. The school bus safety story seemed to have taken off, so my partner and I headed to a local elementary school to get some parent reaction to the idea of their children commuting during evening hours.

Another Roadblock
However, the road blocks were not yet finished. We got to the school, met with one of the teachers, and when everything seemed to be going so well, it happened. Our story was going to focus on the concerns these parents have with their children having to walk to and from the bus stop in the dark. The teacher told us that school policy only permitted a driver to drop off a student if the parent was there waiting for them. So, our story that we thought was going to have promise, fizzled out right in front of us. How could we write a story about parental reaction when there is none? Once again, another dead end.

Now We Panic?
So here we are, stuck in the middle of The Plains, with no story. So what does a good journalist do? Panic? Of course not! We stopped at a local gas station to regroup. First things first, we called back to the newsroom, surely something had to be happening somewhere in the Athens area. That’s when it happened, and the wonderful world of news fell into place.

The "Real" Silver Lining
It turned out, a breaking story about explosive equipment was happening less than ten minutes from our location. We were finding out the known details while we were on our way, and within minutes, we were at a road block where several volunteer firefighters had traffic at a standstill. Gathering information was not easy, especially with so little available, but having the story from a firsthand perspective was such an incredible advantage.

The Columbus Bomb Squad and the Chauncey Fire Department were called to Dover Township to handle about 2,000 sticks of dynamite. The old dynamite was found in an abandoned concrete building off Carr Bailey Road just outside of Chauncey. The local volunteer firefighters blocked off the road at approximately 2:00 in the afternoon, around the same time we were out hunting for our story.

Finding the News
We found out that a student at Athens High School told his principal that he found the dynamite inside the building while walking through the woods. The principal immediately contacted the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. After seeing the sticks of dynamite coming out of old, worn boxes, police called for backup to secure the scene and asked that the Columbus Bomb Squad come down to assist them.

Nineteen boxes of explosives were found in the building, each containing around 100 sticks of dynamite. The building off Carr Bailey Road is said to be an old mining area. The writing on the boxes contained the same information as the dynamite approved by U.S.Bureau of Mines. Information was released Tuesday that the building was designed to house explosives, and that over time, it was never fully cleared out.

Moral of the Story
So, a day that I thought was going to be news-less, ended up giving me a strong story with a tremendous amount of importance to locals. I guess the moral of the story is that news is somewhat like New York City, even when the days seem to be uneventful, something is always going on and the news never sleeps.

REPORTER BLOG: Flying LIVE by the Seat of My Pants

2009-11-12T13:16:00.012-05:00

Brian Boesch
bb216106@ohio.edu

“Live at Baker Center, I’m Brian Boesch.”

Then, it was over. A morning of hard work and stress ended with a successful live report from Baker Center about the building’s bomb scare. The first 'live from the field' report in years for Athens MidDay.

I have been involved with Athens MidDay for a few months now, but it was my first live report from outside the building. Going into the assignment, I didn’t expect it to be any different. In reality, I entered a new world of broadcast journalism.

Take a look at the finished product below. Fortunately, I think we hid the stress fairly well during the one-minute report. However, the final hour leading up to the newscast was a roller coaster ride.

Athens MidDay's Brian Boesch reports live from Baker Center on Tuesday's edition.

Finishing the Story
At 11 in the morning, exactly one hour before Athens MidDay’s opening music hits, I was interviewing Ohio University Police Chief Andrew Powers. He had most of the information I needed, so I had to write most of the story after speaking with him.

By 11:10, I was making my way across campus, heading back to the station. At this point, I was still not sure if we would be able to go live from Baker. Once I returned, I heard mixed answers.

I had my story written by 11:30, and Mary Rogus, the executive producer, decided to take a chance and have me go to Baker. There was no guarantee that the set-up would work, but the technical crew was confident. So, we decided to give it a shot.

Heading to Baker
I began editing my video for the story, but Mary said to head to Baker and get ready. Once I arrived, I helped the crew with the assembly of the camera. There were so many cords and monitors and knobs. I give all the technical crew members a great deal of credit. To get that whole set-up functioning in such a short time (about 15 minutes in the field, but a couple of hours back at the station!) was amazing.

But it wasn’t a smooth assembly. My audio levels were not registering back at the station until about five minutes before the newscast. Until that audio meter jumped around 11:55, I was very nervous. Fortunately it did, and we were about to take the air.

The five minutes leading up to my live shot were filled with re-reading my story and shooing away a few friends who saw me in front of a camera and, as a result, wanted to ask me about it.

It seemed like those five minutes only took about 20 seconds. Then, Dan Lannon, one of the members of the tech crew, said, “We’re on.”

That meant was that I was on the air live—-in one minute.

The Finished Product
I am normally pretty calm when on air, but this was different. As I’ve explained before, reporting is tough, but I am normally comfortable with the on-air work. This time, though, the conditions were much different. I could not hear what they were saying back at the studio. There were people walking all around me. I was out of my comfort level.

The next two minutes were a blur. I got through the story well, and I was happy with the performance right when I finished. However, I didn’t get a real chance to critique my work until watching the cast when I returned. Other than a bit of a long pause before my story started, it was a success in my opinion.

Mary and the rest of the Athens MidDay staff were happy, too, and the meeting after the newscast was a happy one.

The story was a great souvenir to take from this day in its own right. But I also learned the amount of work and stress that comes with every live shot in the journalistic world. Next time you watch a newscast and you see a reporter live in the field, you will understand the process. It may not seem to be stressful, but it is. It is also the most rewarding thing I have done for Athens MidDay.

Veterans Day History and Support

2009-11-12T08:08:00.012-05:00

By Craig Reck
cr203606@ohio.edu

Day of Remembrance
Across the country, November 11 is the day for citizens to honor those veterans who have fought for the United States. This somber occasion is meant for reflection and appreciation, but veterans did not always have their own holiday.

The First Veterans Day
One year after the end of World War I, President Woodrow Wilson inaugurated the first Veterans Day. Then known as Armistice Day, the observance was meant to honor all veterans who served their country in "The Great War."

This federal holiday is very time specific. Initial observance begins at the eleventh hour of the eleventh month of the year. This time, according to Congress, "marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals."

A veteran himself, President Dwight D. Eisenhower later changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. The belief was that "Armistice" was too specific to WWI and "Veteran" would include those recently returned soldiers from World War II like President Eisenhower.

Support for Veterans in 2009
This year's Veteran's Day seemed a little more somber after the recent tragedy at Fort Hood. As Nelsonville VFW Post Commander Mike Jonas said, "it strikes a different tone, there's a lot of sorrow...that was a real shock to all of us."

Like his predecessors, President Obama walked among the graves at Arlington Cemetery on November 11. More importantly, the president signed an executive order urging the employment of veterans by federal offices days before.

The President is not alone in his support of veterans. His Secretary of Veteran Affairs, Eric Shineski, has rallied for veterans' benefits since his appointment nine months ago. A veteran himself, Shineski has expanded coverage for veterans disabled from Agent Orange. He's now pushing for an increased budget for his department and a solution to the more than 130,000 homeless veterans.

Community Involvement
Shineski expects it will take five years to accomplish his goals. In that time, communities can assist their local veterans. There are some national volunteer organizations, but those looking for a more personal effort can simply contact their local VFW or American Legion Post. There are six VFWand two American Legion Posts within 20 miles of the city of Athens.

For volunteer ideas, check out the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

Explosives Found in Dover Township

2009-11-10T09:45:00.014-05:00

Katie Boyer
kb213806@ohio.edu

The Columbus Bomb Squad and the Chauncey Fire Department were called to Dover Township on Monday afternoon to handle about 2,000 sticks of dynamite. The old dynamite was found in an abandoned concrete building off Carr Bailey Road just outside of Chauncey.

Blocked Off
Local volunteer firefighters blocked off the road at the intersection of Carr Bailey and Big Bailey Roads at approximately 2:00 in the afternoon. The roads were closed on both ends of Carr Bailey, and that they were only allowing locals to enter the area.

A student at Athens High School informed Principal Mike Meek that he found the dynamite inside the building while walking through the woods. Meek immediately contacted Detective Jack Taylor of the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. Taylor brought the student along to point out exactly where the building was and where the explosives were found.

After seeing the sticks of dynamite coming out of old, worn boxes, he called for backup to secure the scene and asked that the Columbus Bomb Squad come down to assist them.

Lots of Dynamite
Nineteen boxes of explosives were found in the building, each containing around 100 sticks of dynamite. The building off Carr Bailey Road is said to be an old mining area. The writing on the boxes contained the same information as the dynamite approved by U.S.Bureau of Mines. Information was released Tuesday that the building was designed to house explosives, and that over time, it was never fully cleared out.

Local Reaction
While waiting for the fire chief department, a local resident stopped to speak with the firefighters, and he told us that the owner of the building knew the dynamite was there. He said the owner purchased the land about five years ago, but that the dynamite had been there for around 50 years.

Another passerby was on her way to pick up her children from her mother’s house, but the firefighters would not let her pass through. She was concerned for the safety of her children, and was unsure of why the roads were blockaded at all. We explained to her what little information we knew, and she told us that there are several old concrete buildings on Carr Bailey, but that she had no idea any of them contained explosive materials.

After talking to several locals who were trying to travel on Carr Bailey, few seemed concerned about the explosives. Many seemed to know that the dynamite had been there for years and were not concerned that any type of explosion would result because of the age of the dynamite.

Not Dangerous
When the bomb squad arrived, they determined that the explosives were not active, but they did proceed to burn all the dynamite within the building to secure the area. The explosives appeared to have originated from Pennsylvania, but their exact age is not known. Detective Taylor did say though that the sticks appeared to be very old.

About three hours after the road was blocked off, Chief Dan Brown said the building was cleared out. "At this time they're currently burning, they put diesel on the dynamite found in the building. They're currently burning it off so once it gets burned off and everythings secure it'll be cleaned up and we'll be done."

Chief Dan Brown updates information on the explosives.

There is no official word on who the property owner is, and what he knew about the dynamite.

Struggling Food Pantries Need More Donations During Holidays

2009-11-09T09:51:00.022-05:00

By Jessica Neidhard
jn149706@ohio.edu

The holiday season is a time for giving, but for the organizations that provide food to southeastern Ohio's neediest, the season of giving is even more crucial.

"It's a crisis we're in," said Marilyn Sloan, manager of the Southeast Ohio Regional Food Center.

That crisis has gotten even worse as the downturn in the economy forced more and more people to ask for food just to get through the week.

The weak economy's affect on the food center is two-fold. Not only are more families asking for food, but even people who would normally donate can't afford to anymore.

The food center is then met with an increased demand and a dwindling supply.

Southeast Ohio Regional Food Center Manager Marilyn Sloan discusses the increased demand for food in Athens County.

That food center, part of the Hocking-Athens-Perry Community Action, provides boxes of pancake mix, fresh fruit, peanut butter and meat to more than 28,000 people in Athens County alone. The center also serves food to another nine Appalachian counties.

The People Who Suffer

Since the downturn of the economy Sloan said in addition to more people needing assistance, the types of people have changed.

"We've gotten people who need help but say they've never needed food stamps or any assistance before, and they're embarrassed that they can't provide for their families," she said.

Marilyn Sloan explains how people wait to ask for food assistance.

Sloan said that some days her job is heartbreaking, especially when she meets with clients at their home.

"I had one family that literally had scraps of food in their home," she said. "I opened the refrigerator and it had some milk and eggs and the pantry only had three cans of pork and beans, and this is a family that has three children."

Even worse, she added is that the people who haven't lost their jobs don't understand the problems happening to their own neighbors.

"If you haven't lost your job, if you can provide for your family, you have no idea how real this problem is around here," she said.

Messages of Hope

Despite the overwhelming number of families needing help, Sloan said she tries to remain hopeful by sending emails to one person she knows she can make a difference.

"Every morning before I come in to work I send an email to President Obama asking him, challenging him to come to Southeast Ohio, see how people are suffering," she said.

Sloan admitted that although she hasn't heard a response yet, she believes someday he will answer her pleas.

In the meantime Sloan is working with Katie Couric and the CBS evening news producers to interview struggling families in the area for a winter show. She said she hopes the show will help people understand the problems in Southeast Ohio and encourage them to donate food and money.

As of now, Sloan said the segment about Southeast Ohio is scheduled to air December or January.

Marilyn Sloan talks about challenging local officials to volunteer in food pantries.

REPORTER BLOG: The Halloween Assignment

2009-11-06T16:03:00.020-05:00

Max Resnik
mr253506@ohio.edu

Excitement, anxiety, wonder and enthusiasm could all qualify as feelings when I woke Saturday morning. It was October 31, the day of Halloween. It is safe to say that I was not the only student at Ohio University who felt all of these emotions that morning.

It is the ultimate block party—a time when students come together and put studies on the backburner to have a truly memorable time. I knew that I would not be participating in the Halloween celebrations in the capacity that I have in the past. I would not be dressing up in my typical Halloween garb. (By typical I mean that I choose to dress as a famous female character each year. i.e. Dorothy from Wizard of Oz)

Costumed Students, Guests from out of town, and Locals line Court Street

The Beginning
Craig Reck, my fellow reporter in arms, met me at the Court Street BP at 5:30 in the evening. Donned in a suit to cover the serious, police and arrest side of the story, I saw Bert from Sesame Street—camera case draped over the left shoulder and a tripod under his right arm—approaching me with a big smile. I could tell Craig was excited. In his finest portrayal of Bert, Craig could not wait to get started on the feature story angle. Neither could I.

Court Street was just beginning to see some costumed students, out of town guests, and locals. The stages were filled with band equipment and rock n’ rollers ready to create the intensely fun atmosphere Athens, Ohio provides for Halloween each year.

One of the first bands takes stage

Opportunities for B-Roll
For television viewers who do not know what B-Roll is, broadcast journalists use this term to describe the elements of video a viewer watches while a voice tells the story of what is going on. B-Roll is used throughout newscasts to allow the viewer (you) to see exactly what we are describing.

Needless to say, the opportunities for B-Roll during Halloween are amazing. What qualifies as B-Roll though? Can you be more specific? Journalists like Craig and I need to look for the best video and sounds to present the viewer with. It is our hope that our writing and videotaping of a story can allow for the viewer to think he or she was there and part of the story.

In order to do so, we must begin our stories with the best video and best sound that we can offer. In the case of reporting on Halloween, people in costume, police presence including those on horseback, on foot and on bicycles, and quite frankly, drunken behavior all qualify as B-Roll.

My Angle
My angle for the Halloween story was to cover the police side of things. This side of the story entailed getting B-Roll of officers walking their beats and riding their beats whether on horseback or by bicycle.

My story for Athens MidDay

Pulling from a handful of county-wide and local agencies, police were, outnumbered by the thousands, and worked hard to create a safe and fun environment for all participants in the Halloween bash. Accompanying police, were dozens of paramedics loaded with first aid materials and emergency vehicles ready to help injured participants.

The police showed respect for the students’ fun and most students showed respect for police efforts. I found this to be very encouraging because of the shadow cast by Ohio University’s last huge block party—Spring’s annual Palmer Fest in which police, their horses and firefighters battled a two-story blaze and raucous, uncivilized students.

In the End
Upon finishing my assignment and gathering enough B-Roll and interviews about safety and Halloween crime, I had enough material to run an entire newscast on Halloween. Any time a journalist can say that, it is great. It means he or she has done everything in their power to give the viewer the best possible understanding of the story. It means that a journalist can at least hope that the viewer will feel as though he or she had been there and seen the action first hand.

Additionally, I realized that being a journalist means sacrificing for the public’s knowledge. I turned initial apprehension about my assignment into what I now view as my most successful story for Athens MidDay. I am proud of both my efforts and my ability to put the craziness of Halloween aside to report on a story that supplied its own unique fun.

External Link:
To see what Halloween was like for Craig. Check out his blog.

REPORTER BLOG: Happy Halloween!

2009-11-06T11:20:00.013-05:00

By Craig Reck
cr203606@ohio.edu

Halloween in Athens
For those of you who don't know, Halloween in Athens is a major event. The Saturday night block party attracts costumed crazies from all around the country, and has done so for the past several decades. I've never been a big fan of the holiday, but my time in Athens has brought out the child in me.

Costume Creativity
If I'm going to dress up for Halloween, then I'm going to do it right. Years past, I have rocked the Napoleon Dynamite wig and glasses and the sorority girl bag and boots. This year, it was time to include the roommates. All seven of us made our own Sesame Street costumes, but the "Street Team" would have to wait because I had work to do.

Thursday Newsroom
The Thursday before Halloween I volunteered to cover the festivites and report a feature package. Nobody understood why I would give up a night of mischief to lug a camera and tripod around Court Street. Allow me to explain.

Reporting in Costume
I enjoy acting, but my reporting responsibilities limit my availability. Halloween is the one night when all closeted actors parade around town acting like someone else. If I'm able to look like Bert from Sesame Street while interviewing people for the news, I'm going to accept that offer.

The job did not even take that long. A few hours walking around Court Street provided ample audio and video to use in a story. As strange as it might sound, those hours reporting were the highlight of my Halloween. It was like being on a safari and trying to capture that one great photo of a lion and her cubs.

Even after my colleague Max Resnik and I stopped reporting for the night, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Everywhere I walked I saw wacky costumes begging to be on camera. As my roommates and I took our turn strutting up and down Court Street, I still thought about different angles and shooting locations.

Halloween Sights and Sounds

Holiday Calling
Engulfed in Athens' biggest celebration of the year, and all I could think about was reporting. That has to mean something. If I'm worried about audio levels and video framing on a holiday, then I must be passionate about journalism. Now if I could do this for a living, I would be happy, even if it means taking off the foam nose.

REPORTER BLOG: "I got your back, literally."

2009-11-05T11:32:00.018-05:00

Kelly Brennan
kb213206@ohio.edu

When you’re the only female on a staff, sometimes you feel like you have to “role with the big dogs” so to speak. Well, that is exactly what I tried to do. It’s difficult to keep up with the guys physically, especially when I’m a whopping 4-foot-11 inches!

I went with the sports crew (myself and 3 other guys) to Ironton High School to interview Bob Lutz. Lutz is the head football coach who just broke the record number of high school wins to become Ohio’s all-time winningest coach. It’s an incredible honor for a man to be a part of one school for 40 years and to have only one losing record.

Photo courtesy of Herald Dispatch.

One Painful Move
Before the interview began, we had to set up equipment for about 45 minutes. This is the time when the heavy lifting gets done by the guys. Our lighting and camera equipment is too difficult for me to carry, but I feel like I can’t stand there and watch them do all the work. So naturally I hopped on board and started lifting.

My dad always taught me to “lift with your legs and not your back.” I sure could’ve used that advice on Tuesday. After bending down to lift a c-stand (used for lighting), I didn’t quite make it back to a standing position. In one swift movement, I yanked the c-stand with my back and felt the painful “pop” in my lower back. As I fell backward, Matt (photographer) ran to my side and grabbed my back saying “I got your back,” pun fully intended!

Needless to say, I had tears rolling down my cheeks during the interviews that night. With spasms and knife-jabbing pain down my leg, the car ride home felt like eternity. It was another six days before I found out that I have a slipped disc in my lower back.

Daily Struggles
Daily tasks are not easy for me. I struggle to even put on my socks. So as I returned to work this week to report for news, I knew I was going to have to rely on others tremendously.

Working Through the Pain
Athens MidDay reporter Pat Henderson and I set off to work on a story about Halloween in Athens. Thank goodness for teamwork, because I could barely carry my purse. Pat sure “had my back” the entire day. We set off on foot to Court Street hoping to speak with business owners about precautions they took for Halloween and what problems they experienced during the block party.

We walked, and we walked, and we walked a little bit more. After talking with bar and shop owners in twelve separate businesses, we had no interviews on camera. Every employee we spoke with would not talk on camera either because they were uncomfortable or they didn’t think they had much to say.

The clock kept ticking and our frustration was growing, almost as quickly as the pain in my back. It was time for a break, and my couch at home was calling my name! One turn off Court Street and we were headed for food and rest. It was short lived, but much needed.

In thirty minutes we were back to work. Pat and I talked with residents living on Palmer Street who witnessed a couch fire during Halloween. When we talked to Dan Kollecker, a junior at Ohio University, he told us in a very animated way about one arrest he saw happen on Palmer.

Dan Kollecker witnessed someone resisting arrest.

Bonding with Porch Furniture
We talked with Dan for awhile on his front porch, and he entertained us with the “emotional bond” he has with his porch furniture. One of the porch couches is actually a bench taken from a minivan. It’s old and dirty, but Dan is adamant about protecting his beloved car seat.

The interview continued and my back pain started rapid firing throughout my entire lower back. I needed to get off my feet and rest again. I guess you could say that the dirty old car seat I first frowned at began to look quite appealing. Desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures, but I managed to get back home without relying on Dan's car seat for a rest!

I was really glad that I could rely on my Athens MidDay colleagues, though. They truly gave new meaning to the phrase, "I got your back".

Palmer Residents to put Porch Furniture Lockdown

2009-11-05T10:46:00.040-05:00

Kelly Brennan
Kb213206@ohio.edu

From Halloween to spring fests, Ohio University has had its fair share of off-campus visitors over the years. The events often referred to by locals as “block parties,” come with costs, and we’re not just talking costs for city clean up.

Residents on Palmer Street witnessed another couch fire on the sidewalk last weekend. Andrea Otto, Ohio University junior, says “it doesn’t make [me] feel unsafe, it’s just that people are stupid.”

Dan Kollecker also lives on Palmer and saw at least one arrest. He says someone jumped over a porch and was tackled by police officers, but this person did not start the fire.

Dan Kollecker witnessed one man get arrested on Palmer Street.

Speculations about the Cause
Police haven't arrested anyone for starting the fire, but Palmer residents like Andrea and Dan are not afraid to speculate.

Andrea Otto, OU junior, says the fire was probably started by an OU student.

While Andrea and her housemates believe an OU student started the fire simply because students have more access to porch furniture, Dan says it was probably a visitor to campus because they’re “just here for a good time and here to party.”

Palmer Street resident Dan Kollecker believes the couch fire was started by a visitor to Athens.

Helpful Residents
Although arrests were down only two from last year’s fifty-three, Mayor Paul Wiehl says Halloween was fairly calm. Students on Palmer Street cleaned up remains from the couch fire and Wiehl praises them for their actions, “Kudos to the anonymous students that cleaned up Palmer Street on Sunday. There were various city employees very impressed with the results.”

Mayor Paul Wiehl appreciates the efforts by OU students who cleaned up Palmer Street.

Precautions for Palmer Street

Spring quarter means more block parties for Athens, and students on Palmer Ave. are apprehensive about Palmerfest. Andrea knows her house will "be on lockdown" for the fest because she witnessed first hand how events can get out of control.

While Andrea takes precautions for her house, Dan is worried about his porch furniture. His housemates have an emotional bond with a bench from a minivan that serves as a couch on their front porch. "We might have to put that in the basement for Palmerfest," Dan says. "I'm not letting my carseat get burned up."

Palmer residents will take precautions for the next block party on their street.

Andrea and Dan both agree that the possible costs of broken furniture won't keep them from enjoying the block party, but they are worried about people coming onto their porches and stealing stuff. Still, Dan is philosophical about it, noting that if someone's going to set something on fire, he'd rather they steal the item off his porch first, "It would be a bigger problem if a fire or something happened directly in front of my house," says Dan. For now though, these students are hoping to enjoy fire-free block parties in the future.

REPORTER BLOG: Abandoned Mine Safety Concerns in Athens County

2009-11-01T18:33:00.024-05:00

Katie Boyer
kb213806@ohio.edu

I had the opportunity to attend an open forum at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to listen in on what is being done in Athens County to reclaim old coal mine land. With the Appalachian Regional Commission holding its new energy conference in town, I thought the discussion would be about how to clean up the mines to help the area go green. However, that was not case. This meeting was more than just closing a mine for the green initiative, it was about keeping the people in Athens County safe.

The first speaker showed the audience several videos and a map of Ohio, with the biggest portion of the southeastern area colored in pink and red. He told us that the colored area showed the counties in Ohio having problems with abandoned mine land. When I read over the meeting agenda, I assumed that abandoned mine land was referring to some of the mines in the area that have been closed for decades. Again, I discovered there was much more to the problem.

What is AML?
Abandoned mine land has been a longstanding problem in Ohio, especially in the 28-county Southeast Ohio region. Abandoned mine lands are those lands, waters, and surrounding watershed areas that have been contaminated or scarred by closed coal, ore and mineral mining operations.

After listening to the representatives from different areas in Appalachia, I realized that the safety of the people is the top priority of both the state and federal levels of the AML program. The program, at both levels, provides funding to help complete reclamation projects throughout the state.

At the meeting, most projects were near very high traffic areas or residential homes, especially those homes with children. It was obvious that safety concerns were at the top of the list, and a few of those concerns were addressed at the meeting. However, I wanted to get more information to make people aware of what safety issues are at stake, and what this program is trying to accomplish for Athens County.

Abandoned mine lands (AMLs) present serious threats to people's health and the environment. Addressing the problem of AML impacts is becoming more important because of the risks of accidents and injuries. There are as many as 500,000 abandoned mines in our nation.

AML story that aired on Athens MidDay Wednesday, October 28, 2009.

Health Concerns
There are many concerns related to health. Our nation has seen a growth in population which in turn, has created a higher demand for outdoor recreation on both public and private lands. Recreation areas, national by-ways, and campground facilities on public lands are often located in very near AML sites. The use of ATVs at AML sites brings risks of dangerous shafts and the chance of exposure to contaminants in the soil, water and air. Recreational fishing can also be a problem near AML sites. Polluted waters may contaminate already decreased fish populations.

Environmental Degradation
Typical environmental problems from AML sites include: contaminated/acidic surface and ground water and stockpiled waste rock. Surface runoff can move silt and debris down-stream, eventually leading to stream clogging. Sedimentation is caused by the blockage of the stream and can potentially cause flooding of roads and residences and pose a danger to the public.

Water Pollution
Highly acidic water that is rich in metals, known as AMD, is a very serious problem in many abandoned mines. Abandoned mines can produce AMD for more than 100 years which poses significant risks to surface water and ground water. AMD can lower the pH levels of surrounding surface water, making it corrosive and unable to support most forms of aquatic life and vegetation. People also could be affected by consuming water and fish with a high metal content.

What Is Being Done
Cleanup efforts are currently underway on the federal and state levels. Significant attention is being focused on potential future uses of the lands, as well as the economic, environmental, and social benefits that reuse can provide. The program has reclaimed almost 240,000 acres of land with hazardous coal-related problems. Safety and environmental hazards have been eliminated on almost 315,000 acres containing coal or non-coal problems. Almost 8,000 emergencies have also been addressed. The AML program is nowhere near completion, but plans to continue working hard to ensure that these areas are safe for both the people and for the environment. ODNR has also provided a Citizen's Guide with more information regarding AML in the state, and here in Athens.

REPORTER BLOG: The Oz of Athens... Greener than I Thought

2009-10-30T15:43:00.008-04:00

by Pat Henderson
ph199906@ohio.edu

Athens, Ohio
The small college town in the middle of Athens County has more greenery per square foot than almost any place I know. In fact, I’ve even heard it referred to as the Oz of Athens County, but for this reporter – it just got greener.

As I was covering the Appalachian Regional Commission conference at Ohio University, I got the chance to follow Governor Strickland and State Representative Debbie Phillips around town. The places they went were gems that I never would have encountered had it not been for this event.

Green Energy Abound
Unbeknownst to me, Athens County – and specifically the city of Athens – is a leader in the development of green energy. Ohio University, along with several local companies, is a leader in the development of green technology. There are three big producers right in Athens City: Global Cooling, Third Sun Solar and Wind Power, and Sun Power.

Global Cooling
We got to tag along on the Governor’s tour of the facilities at Global Cooling. The technology researchers are developing there is beyond anything I’ve ever seen. Their showcase product was a research refrigerator that created a below zero temperature using minimal electricity. It was so cool, literally!

Third Sun Solar and Wind Power & Sun Power
Unfortunately I was not able to tour Third Sun Solar and Wind Power or Sun Power. I had to leave before those tours were given, but I still got a great perspective into what is going on in Athens involving the new “green” sector. I did some research on both companies and they are doing great things!

Green Energy in Education in Southeast Ohio
Little did I know - Ohio University has been doing a lot involving green energy and green technology. While at the conference, the Governor named OU a “center of excellence” for energy and the environment. Some of the current research at the university involves the production and delivery of energy and fuels, as well as the monitoring and control of the air and water pollution that results from fuel production.

The Hocking College Energy Institute is a new education facility being built at the Logan branch of Hocking College. The institute location was one stop on Strickland’s tour of Southeastern Ohio. It will further technology and education in all areas of renewable energy – including solar, wind, bio-fuels and biomass.

The Governor
This was my first time interviewing the Governor of Ohio, and he is actually a really cool guy. The first thing he said when he came in the room was, “So they only hire good looking people here?” It’s good to know he has a sense of humor.

It was great to see how he interacted with people in the community and his interest in the technology showcased.

The Product
After learning all of this new information about Athens and it’s “green” side, the end product ended up really nice. I was online reporter for the day and, due to more effects of the “sick season,” I was moved to another position for the day and didn’t end up reporting on the story; however, Athens MidDay reporter Brian Boesch did get to do a story for television. I hope that Athens can keep it’s green image and remain the “Oz” of Athens County for years to come.

Athens MidDay reporter Brian Boesch's television story

REPORTER BLOG: Athens County Historical Society & Museum

2009-10-30T14:36:00.027-04:00

Max Resnik
mr253506@ohio.edu

When Jessica Neidhard, my Athens MidDayreporting partner, told me that we were going to cover the Athens County Historical Society and Museum, I was pretty excited. I thought, there should definitely be some nice historical pieces in a town that dates back to the founding of the Northwest Terriroty. Then I asked where it was. She told me that it was on Court Street right by the old Blue Gator restaurant.

Surprised, I of course asked, “There’s a museum there?” And she said that there in fact was. Slammed between two bars, I began to wonder how many other people had just walked by the museum’s front without taking the time to merely peek inside.

I thought that I had seen it before. Of course, I could not say for sure because my mind still could not get over the fact that I was stunned to find out the Athens County Historical Society and Museum was located on Court Street.

When we headed out I really didn’t know what to expect. I wondered how many artifacts it had and if there were exhibits. I wondered how big it was and if it gets a lot of visitors. I wondered who worked there and how it was run. I pondered all of these things, and I wondered, how many other people would ask these questions?

Say Hello to the Curator
Heather Reed knows all about the Athens Historical Society and Museum. That is because she’s the museum’s curator. The young woman, smart and full of spunk, really gave Jessica and I her time as we shared a dialogue about the museum, its history, and its place in Athens.

Heather Reed, Museum Curator

Heather wanted to make one message very clear to both Jessica and me. It was also a message that she wanted us to share with the Athens community:

This is your museum so come take advantage of it.

The museum is more than just a few artifacts and a couple of exhibits. The families who make up Athens county, and the ones that have made up Athens county for decades, can research their family’s ancestry at the museum. Even more, they can come look for artifacts that belonged to their family from a century ago.

I found this to be incredible. Heather displayed a deep passion for both her work and the community. It can be something to take note of when considering how the economic state of affairs has hurt our region.

Volunteerism at the Athens Historical Society and Museum
When we met Thomas Burcher I was very excited. Positioned as obituary clerk, Thomas is responsible for updating what is quite literally the book of the dead. His job is to read the local papers and to cut out the obituaries. He then organizes them by name and the name’s origins. So some names are in the German file while others might lie in the English file.

Thomas taught us some very interesting things. He noted that most of the surnames found in Athens are German, English and Dutch. There are some Slavic names and Grecian names as well, but the majority hail from Germany and Britain.

Educational Programming
The area that I chose to focus on for my MidDay web article was the opportunities at the museum for local schools. Fit with a handful of programs, which can vary by season or year, students from the area have the opportunity to get a hands-on experience handling thousands of artifacts.

The museum's programs are running now. Nearly 1,000 students make it to the museum each year.

It is rare to find such a museum that will allow its patrons this opportunity. Most museums are guarded like banks, using surveillance cameras, heat sensors and alarms when someone gets too close to an exhibit or piece.

Go to the Museum!
If you are at all interested in the museum, then you should go check it out. There is nothing to hold you back from a great hands-on experience in a place that might just be a short walk from home.

External Links
To get more information on volunteering at the museum and to see what the museum has to offer, check out these links:
About the Museum
Genealogy
History of the museum
Board and Staff
Become a Volunteer

A New Look for Athens County History

2009-10-26T09:55:00.033-04:00

Max Resnik
mr253506@ohio.edu

The Athens County Historical Society and Museum is currently undergoing a $225,000 renovation that will add an elevator to make transportation of artifacts easier. With over 40,000 items, the Museum located at 65 N. Court Street serves the community by providing hands-on exhibits for everyone.

Heather Reed, Museum Curator

Meet the Curator
Some of the artifacts that line the walls of the historical museum date back to the founding of the Northwest Territory. Unlike most museums that watch over their pieces with cameras, heat sensors, and alarms, the sign on the window to the museum says "Please touch."

Something for the Kids
Among the visitors each year are nearly 1,000 students from local schools. The museum provides students and teachers with educational tours and hands-on work that teach the history of Athens. Museum Curator Heather Reed believes the tangible exhibits are the most fun and interesting way that they can teach the students.

Get Educated at the Museum

The programs currently offered to students include History Detectives, Medicine in Athens County, Civil War Battles, Exhibit Scavenger Hunt and Westward!. Westward! and the Exhibit Scavenger Hunt are open to kids in grades K-12. History Detectives and Medicine in Athens County are offered to kids in grades K-8, and Civil Wars Battles is recommended for students in grades 6-12.

Teachers can go to the Education Page on The Athens County Historical Society and Museum website to get a more detailed look into what each program offers, and the programs the museum is planning for the future. Teachers can also seek funding through a website application if help is needed to get students to the museum. Each program has pre-visit packets that provide students and teachers with a preview into the museum and also contain post-visit PowerPoint presentations for the classroom.

Reed says there is more to the museum than meets the eye.

The historical society and museum also has opportunities for locals to volunteer at the museum. Volunteers help create and set up exhibits, organize records in the library and help move artifacts from storage.

Click and Learn

To get more information on volunteering at the museum and to see what the museum has to offer, check out these links:
About the Museum
Genealogy
History of the museum
Board and Staff
Become a Volunteer

REPORTER BLOG: A Reporter’s Observations on a Drug Raid

2009-10-25T20:06:00.016-04:00

Brian Boesch
Bb216106@ohio.edu

I have reported on many aspects of the local Athens community during my time with Athens MidDay. This past Wednesday, I received an assignment that triggered some playful jealousy on the part of my colleagues and strong nervousness from yours truly.

I was going on a drug raid.

For about five hours, Athens MidDay reporter Craig Reck and I had a chance to follow Lieutenant Bryan Cooper as he and about 40 other officers from 11 different agencies teamed up to fight heroin use in the Athens area.

There is no way I could sum up the entire experience into one word, one blog or one story. It was intriguing, eerie, eye-opening, informative and emotional, sometimes all at once.

My final product on the story is available here. Other publications, such as the Athens Messenger and NBC-4 in Columbus, covered the event as well. But “Operation Busted Balloon” (what a great name, by the way) deserves some more coverage.

A Few (of the Many) Observations
I could talk to someone for hours about this day. The five hours taught me so much about law enforcement, Southeastern Ohio and society as a whole.

Here are just some of the many thoughts that went through my mind during the journey:

• I had never been in the backseat of a police car until Wednesday. Craig and I sat in the back as we drove out to Glouster. It was a surreal experience. There is a barrier in front of you, fencing in front of the windows, and holes where the locks used to be. What an eerie feeling.

• Everyone has an opinion on the police, and many people (myself included) get nervous around them. But I must say that every cop we encountered was personable and willing to talk with Craig and I. Lieutenant Cooper even treated us to a soda as we were heading back home.

• The operation, which had been planned for about two months, was executed with intense caution. In the middle of our time with the raid, we waited for about a half-hour at the State Highway Patrol building as almost everyone involved in the process discussed the plan for the next raid.

• I now know why some people want to become law enforcement officials, whether with a sheriff’s office, the State Highway Patrol, or the FBI. The day flew by, and there was never a dull moment.

However, the most lasting memories from the raid came during the two arrests I witnessed.

When Emotions Enter Reporting
I have never been arrested. In fact, I have only been pulled over once in my life. So my encounters with the police are few and far between.

However, on this day, I saw cops put handcuffs on two people. Talk about a culture shock.

When I saw both of these people, my naturally sympathetic nature took over. These two men had not done anything to me, and they looked innocent enough.

Not only did I see two people in handcuffs, but I saw the family of one of these men watching it unfold. The man said, “Go tell mom,” and, "Love you, babe," as he was walking away.

I know the effects and the issues associated with heroin. This website does a great job of detailing them. I understand that what these people were supposedly doing is terrible.

But still, I do not know the whole story. I do not know these men’s backgrounds.

If anything, by going through this experience, I feel a little differently about the world. When I saw both of these men, I never would have guessed that they could be taking part in dangerous, illegal activity.

Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover
The phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” certainly applies to my experiences during the drug raid.

Police officers often look intimidating and emotionless when, in reality, they can be animated, captivating people. On the flip side, those who seem harmless may actually be taking part in activities that could be quite harmful.

The pot of gold at the end of this journalistic rainbow? Always be open to new knowledge and new experiences. And this is not a journalism-only lesson. Everyone should, at the very least, consider this approach. It helped make a drug raid a valuable lesson for this young, aspiring journalist.

REPORTER BLOG: Cops and...Journalists?

2009-10-23T11:07:00.014-04:00

By Craig Reck
cr203606@ohio.edu

Slow News Day...Not!
This past Wednesday, my colleague Brian Boesch and I were assigned to report for Thursday's newscast. The only problem was that there was no hard news to report. Those events that might be newsworthy certainly were not capable of being a lead story. This all changed with one simple call to the Athens County Sheriff's Department.

Operation Busted Balloon
The Athens County Sheriff's Department was going live with a multi-agency operation that was several months in the making. They invited Athens MidDay to cover the story as it happened. This was HUGE! Most crime-related stories are reported after they happen. We were going to see the action as it broke and, more importantly, we were going to record it on video.

Cops Make Me Nervous
Before I start gushing wth all the exciting details and reflections on what the experience taught me, I have to admit that cops make me nervous. It's not a fear of handguns, police dogs or aviator sunglasses, but more of a deep respect for authority to the point of intimidation. These people are trusted with the security of the community and I'm just some guy who enjoys learning about new stories. We're at two different ends of the spectrum.

Similarities
Turns out, I was wrong. After a day driving around with Lt. Cooper of the Sheriff's Department, I realized that police officers and journalists are quite similar. Now I don't know many journalists with handguns strapped to their belts, but the methods behind both professions are very much alike.

Lt. Cooper said that he enjoys how his job description changes every day. One day he might answer a missing person call in The Plains and the next day he's busting heroin dealers in Millfield. The same desire for variety attracted me to journalism. Rather than sit in a cubicle, I could be interviewing the mayor about budget cuts.

It's human interaction that keeps Lt. Cooper and me returning to our jobs. Even on a bad day, one good conversation can make everything alright. We're all social beings by nature, so why not be paid to interact with our fellow humans?

Lt. Cooper mentioned his salary. The amount doesn't matter, but his attitude about it does, because money is not the reason he wears the badge. The same goes for me and journalism. If I were interested in making enough money to buy a fancy car and a mansion, I would have studied business or engineering. Both Lt. Cooper and I work for the satisfaction of providing a service to the community.

Sights and Sounds of Operation Busted Balloon

Cooperation
When we set out for a day of special response teams busting heroin dealers, I did not expect to be so caught up in the similarities of police work and reporting. My anxiety around authority figures did not improve, but the communication between the Athens County Sheriff's Department and Athens MidDay sure did.

Spending the day in a car with someone allows for plenty of time to form an honest opinion about him. At the end of the day, the Sheriff's Department had a better idea of the people who report on their efforts, and we had a better understanding of local law enforcement. I'm not saying that the two organizations are now in cahoots, but an open dialogue between the two will lead to more accurate reporting for viewers. It's a win-win!

Riding Along on a Drug Raid

2009-10-22T11:29:00.022-04:00

Brian Boesch
bb216106@ohio.edu

“Operation Busted Balloon” is over, and it was a success for local law enforcement agencies.

But what exactly did the operation do? It targeted all known heroin users and dealers in and around the Athens area. The operation focused on small towns such as Chauncey, Glouster and Jacksonville.

It was a grab bag of law enforcement with 11 agencies and more than 40 officers participating. But they all came together as one Wednesday morning. Take a look back at some video from the drug raid.

Athens MidDay reporter Brian Boesch gives you a brief overview of the sights and sounds from Wednesday's police raid.

Operation Busted Balloon Background
Before this operation could get off the ground, significant coordination was needed. According to Lieutenant Bryan Cooper of the Athens’ Sheriff Office, the organization took two months. One of the biggest hurdles was finding a date that worked for all 11agencies' busy schedules--that date was October 21.

These are the law enforcement agencies associated with “Operation Busted Balloon":

• Athens Sheriff Office
• Adult Parole Authority
• State Highway Patrol
• State Highway Patrol’s Special Response Team
• Jacksonville Police Department
• Glouster Police Department
• Municipal Court Probation
• Ohio Department of Public Safety
• Southeast Ohio Regional Jail
• Ohio Department of National Resources
• United States Marshalls

To bring about the best possible results, some groundwork was necessary before the big day. Various cops would ask people in the communities about the suspects. Where do they spend their time? What time are they at home? Where do they get gas or groceries? The approach was simple: the more information, the better.

They also organized “controlled buys". The cops would send an informant (who could be a random person from the town or a police officer working undercover) to buy from a person suspected of dealing drugs.

“We’ve prepared 18 arrest warrants for those people who our guys have bought drugs from,” Athens County Sheriff Patrick Kelly said.

“Without informants, we couldn’t do our jobs,” Cooper said.

The Standard Procedure
The day began early for the people involved--the “Balloon Busters” were out before the sun was up. While the original plan was to focus on heroin users and sellers, the day started with the capture of the inamte who escaped the Morgan County Jail. He was thought to be around the Athens area, and the officers found him before the morning ended.

Then, the original business of the day began. The group had set out to find a certain number of people, so they went after them one at a time. At times, certain groups would split up and either look for different people at the same time or the same person at different places. The cops made highly calculated moves and kept in constant contact with each other.

“The goal is to get as many and as much as we can,” Cooper said about yesterday’s efforts.

“They are just trying to get money to get a fix, and I understand their point,” Kelly said. "I understand where they’re at when the demons come calling, but the Sheriff’s office is gonna come calling. We’re gonna put an end to this. We’re gonna start saving lives.”

Athens County Sheriff Patrick Kelly talks about the goals of Operation Busted Balloon.

Athens MidDay reporter Craig Reck and I were a part of one "call." This particular raid involved multiple stages, and we did not even see the whole thing because of the long process. It involved a man who had sold heroin to an informant.

The entire group met up at the State Highway Patrol office to plot out their plan. After about 30 minutes of coordination, a group of cops went to the man’s house.

Once they arrived, several of the cops asked that he come to the door because they had a search warrant. However, the man was not home. This is where the secondary details come into play. A few officers drove around the Glouster area to find the man. Sure enough, the cops’ knowledge of the suspect paid off, and he was brought back to his home about 20 minutes after we arrived.

The officers spoke with him until we left, and details of his status were not available at the time of this publication.

By the time we left around 5 p.m., seven people had been found and arrested on at least one felony, and the operation was going to continue into the evening.

A Reflection of the Day’s Events
After much of the day was over, the results were very positive, according to the people involved. This is the first raid of this magnitude attempted around the Athens area.

“We’ve never really done anything like this, with so many agencies involved,” Cooper said. “I’m very pleased."

“It’s a great success,” Kelly said. “I’m very proud of every one of the officers that came out here.”

Kelly hopes that the public will support the officers in similar endeavors in the future.

Athens County Sheriff Patrick Kelly hopes for the support from the public.

Federal Hocking Discusses Schools Closing

2009-10-21T10:41:00.019-04:00

Katie Boyer
kb213806@ohio.edu

The Federal Hocking School District is in the process of making a decision that could result in the closing of both Coolville and Amesville Elementary Schools. Board members met Wednesday evening to discuss multiple agenda items, including the recommendation from Superintendent Jim Patsey about what he feels should be done regarding the elementary schools.

Superintendent's Recommendation
The board requested a recommendation from Patsey at the last board meeting, and because he feels strongly about the issue, he was more than happy to provide the board with his thoughts. His recommendation was simple, the schools should not close. Not only did the superintendent say he wanted the schools to remain open, he provided a list of twelve reasons why:

1. Research indicates that students learn better in smaller schools.

2. The Governor’s two year biennium budget shows the amount of state money the district will receive. The Governor is making every attempt to hold the schools harmless when looking at making additional budget cuts.

3. The five year financial forecast will have or nearly have a positive balance and in no one year will the district spend more than it takes in.

4. The district has an approximate 1.2 million dollar balance. Some have said that this is the largest in the history of Federal Hocking.

5. Some parents would open enroll their students to other school districts.

6. Some parents of students open enrolling to Federal Hocking would no longer bring their students there, especially if they live close to the borders of the district. They can get their children to Amesville or Coolville but it may very well be a greater hardship to transport them to Stewart, where a new elementary school would be built.

7. It is unlikely that the district could immediately sell the two elementary buildings which would mean additional expense for utilities and maintenance.

8. By far the majority of parents and staff are opposed to closing the two buildings.

9. There would be transportation issues as a result of the number of square miles that make up the district.

10. Both Amesville and Coolville Elementary schools are an integral part of the towns’ local economies. In these times of economic woes, closing the two buildings would have a devastating effect on local businesses.

11. Real estate value would drop in both Amesville and Coolville. Some have even indicated that they would appeal the tax value of their homes if the schools close.

12. Both buildings are still in relatively good condition.

Patsey also said that if the buildings do in fact close, there is no going back. He said although the district is in fiscal emergency, administrators have created a plan that has worked to save money. Patsey said the community, board, administration and staff should all be congratulated for their work to turn the finances around, and he again focused attention on the fact that it was accomplished without closing the two elementary schools.

Board Members' Reaction
After his recommendation, board members had an opportunity to discuss the issue of closing the schools. The discussion kept coming back to the Ohio Schools Facility Commission and its partnership with Federal Hocking. If the board decided to close the schools and build a new school onto the high school/middle school complex in Stewart, the state would provide much of the funding.

The members talked about how they could raise the local share of 1.1 million dollars with a levy. Patsey again mentioned that with the economy in a recession, it would be extremely difficult to get a levy passed. However, board member Dan Dailey said he understood why the community did not want the schools to close, but he said it would be hard to pass up building a brand new school for the next generations for only 1.1 million dollars. The board did not focus on the possibility of renovating the two existing school which would bring less state money and cost more than six million dollars in local share.

Deadline for Decision
The board decided unanimously to wait until the first next year to make the final decision. The Ohio Schools Facility Commission must have a decision by the end of January. The board hopes to get more information about how much savings there would be in both keeping the schools open, compared with closing them in favor of one campus. The next board meeting will be November 18th at the Federal Hocking Middle School and it is open to the public.

Free Holiday Parking May Move to City Garage

2009-10-20T09:37:00.024-04:00

Katie Boyer
kb213806@ohio.edu

This holiday season you may have to drive into the city garage to find the traditional free parking Uptown. The Athens Uptown Business Association (AUBA) voiced concerns to City Council regarding the parking situation in the Uptown area during the holiday season. City Council usually bags the meters on Court Street so holiday shoppers can park for free. However, this year, in response to AUBA concerns Council has proposed keeping parking on Court Street as paid meters, but making the two-hour parking spaces in the city parking garage free.

AUBA President Josh Thomas explains why the change is a good idea.

AUBA President Josh Thomas says this change will be beneficial to both customers and businesses in the Uptown area. He says that the problem with the free parking on Court Street is too often the spots are taken by employees, leaving few places for customers to park. Thomas also said free parking in the garage will bring more attention to it, saying the parking garage is not utilized enough.

Official Word
City Councilwoman Chris Knisely introduced the proposal that would change free parking from Court Street to the two-hour parking meters on the first level of the garage. Knisely said the concern was brought to their attention by AUBA, but other business owners and Uptown shoppers are not as comfortable with the proposed changes.

Community Reaction

Business owner Frank McDermott says he does not think the change is necessary.

Frank McDermott, owner of the Blue Eagle is not as supportive of the proposed parking changes. “I’m surprised to hear it. It’s too bad because it’s been a useful thing for us. I mean it’s helpful for people wanting to shop Uptown to have that added perk of not having to pay the meters.”

Uptown shopper Craig Dickelman says he does not like the idea of the change in parking.

Craig Dickelman, an uptown consumer, has similar concerns. “People are people. I think if you have the ability to park at the business you want to shop then you’re going to have better opportunity for that business owner to make money.”

Although some are concerned about the proposed change, others say it won’t be much of an issue. Both business owners and consumers said that although the change might be a bit of an inconvenience, people will still park on Court Street. McDermott also mentioned that if a person wants to park on Court Street, they will drop a few quarters in the slot to do so.

The ordinance was introduced Monday night, but during the city council meeting it seemed that not everyone was convinced. City Councilwoman Nancy Bain proposed that the ordinance be changed to be in effect for this year only. Council also didn't have information on how many spaces will be available, but Knisely did say the city would lose less money by making the change to having free parking in the garage.

Ordinance Details
Knisely said last year in December the revenue from the parking garage was approximately $2,300, whereas the Court Street revenue was $8,300. She also stressed that the free parking will only be permitted in the two-hour parking areas (the first two levels), and the garage will still be enforcing the two-hour time restrictions on parking.

The ordinance has only been through one reading, and the second reading will take place on November 2nd at 7:30 p.m. at the City Council Building. Councilwoman Knisely said she will have more details regarding the ordinance at the next meeting.

REPORTER BLOG: Stop Assuming Already

2009-10-19T18:21:00.023-04:00

Max Resnik
mr253506@ohio.edu

Monday’s report should have been an assignment to simply get to know my community better. Given the story idea, I expected to be successful because I had done virtually the same topic for a different area of Athens County just days prior. I assumed members of the Nelsonville business community would be just as receptive to questions about how road construction affects business as the business community members in The Plains. That was not at all the case. I also figured I'd be in Nelsonville merely an hour, return to the newsroom, pick my interview segments, write the story, and still have time to enjoy an easy morning prior to the noon newscast.

What I assumed was not at all the reality that I discovered on this assignment. The Nelsonville business owners were just as friendly as those in The Plains, and they were just as inviting.

Were they as receptive to the questions I posed to them?
Yes and no.

Is that a knock on the people of Nelsonville?
Absolutely not.

My experience led me to infer that the situation in Nelsonville is perhaps more dire for the businesses there than the ODOT construction taking place in The Plains. An end is in sight for the people living and working just off Route 33 on your way out of Athens. For business owners in Nelsonville, construction has not even begun.

What I Learned
Business owners in Nelsonville do believe business will be affected. From even the shortest responses to the questions I asked, a gas station employee, the managers of a car dealership and a windshield replacement company, all agree that only certain businesses would be affected by the new 33 bypass.

Who is going to be affected? According to Caroline Prudich of Fruth's Pharmacy it's the specialty shops and perhaps the restaurants.

My Time in Nelsonville
As I mentioned earlier, I assumed I'd be in Nelsonville for about an hour or so. In actuality, I was there for about four hours. I surveyed business after business in search of something that every journalist looks for: the perfect interview segment--what we call the 'soundbite'. You’re sure when you have it and you’re sure when you don’t. At times I felt like Tom Hanks in Castaway, and for what seemed to be an inordinate amount of time, I searched for my SOT (sound on tape).

“It couldn’t get worse than it already is,” blurted the manager of one of the used car lots in Nelsonville. It was a great byte. It also came after explaining to me that he did not want to do an interview and that he figured no other car lot operators, as he termed them, would. I told him that he was my third stop at a Nelsonville used car lot.

So I hit the used car lots. I also hit two local restaurants, a furniture store, a glass company, two gas stations, a pharmacy, a grocery store and hardware store. If you’re a journalist you know exactly what I am talking about here.

In the end
It is clear; once again as I have written before, assumption will never work in this journalism business. It is certain that I will go after the same fundamental stories many times in my career and I could perhaps serve to report on the cause and effect of construction on business again this year.

It is also clear that I need to adapt. Perhaps if I had posed my questions differently, I could have gotten some responses worth noting. Perhaps it was just the fact it was a Monday and Mondays are, well, Mondays.

As a result of this experience, I understand the necessity of leaving judgments and notions at the door. Each time I go out for a story there is something unique. Whether that uniqueness lies in the people I get to interact with or the setting around my camera, I can appreciate the little nuances that come with every story. I have to. I’m a journalist.

Related Links:
State Route 682 Construction Info
New State Route 33 Bypass Info

Stories on Athens area construction:
Athens MidDay Web Story
From The Athens News
682 Construction Story from The Athens Messenger

Issue 2 Overview

2009-10-19T09:36:00.008-04:00

By Craig Reck
cr203606@ohio.edu

The Debate
General Election in the state of Ohio is less than a month away. From now until November 3, different politicians and special interest groups will sway voters' minds. Here's a brief look at the different organizations involved with Issue 2.

The Issue
If passed, Issue 2 will create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. The board of 10 governor-appointed officials will oversee animal treatment and establish standards for farmers throughout the state of Ohio.

Opponents
The Humane Society of the United States is possibly the strongest opponent of Issue 2. The HSUS is not just worried about the well-being of abandoned pets. This national organization is focused on the humane treatment of animals throughout the U.S.

The HSUS worries that the regulations made from Issue 2 would favor large, commerical businesses while smaller, family farms would struggle. The organization believes that "big agriculture" is more concerned with attaining power than the humane treatment of livestock. The HSUS has it's own idea for livestock regulations.

The Ohio Environmental Council is also opposed to Issue 2, but not quite as vehemently. The OEC believes that standards need to be established, but a constitutional amendment is not the way to do it. If agricultural change happens in the state of Ohio, the OEC wants it done differently.

J.B. King of King Family Farms speaks on farming regulations

Local farmers are generally opposed to the issue, as well. A recurring problem among those farmers Athens MidDay interviewed is the need for a regulatory board. J.B. King of King Family Farms says, "We all, as farmers, should know what's right and wrong...there shouldn't be any issue." Considering the power the General Assembley's veto power over the regulatory board, Marjie Shews of Shews' Orchard says, "If that's true, is the board any good at all? I'm not sure."

Marjie Shew of Shew's Orchards discusses the regulatory board

Supporters
The Ohio Farmer's Bureau is the biggest proponent of Issue 2. The bureau believes that it is time for a change in the state's agricultural workings. The regulations implemented by the issue would ensure the safety and treatment of caged livestock while improving the quality of foods produced. Regarding smaller farms, the bureau says that local produce is still offered in grocery stores.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland lends his name to Issue 2 support. He has supported the bill since June and recently rallied for it in Columbus. But the governor is not the only public figure speaking out for Issue 2. Ohio State University President Gordon Gee publicly endorses it, as well.

Know the Issue
Regardless of who supports or opposes the proposed Constitutional amendment, the facts are what's important. Here is a copy of the final text version of the issue. Make sure to be well informed when arriving at the polls on November 3.

REPORTER BLOG: No "I" in Team

2009-10-16T15:35:00.027-04:00

by: Kelly Brennan
kb213206@ohio.edu

Welcome to the newsroom where the news never quits and neither do we. So if we can’t quit, then how do we get a day off? What if someone gets sick with the dreaded swine flu? Well let me introduce you to how the people in a newsroom handle life: we’re a team. Our reporters the past two weeks have exemplified the fact that we’re in this together. If one person goes down, someone else steps up, no questions asked.

I saw this “team relationship” at a new level when I went to the Plains City Volunteer Fire Department. Craig Reck (reporter) and I went to talk to the firefighters to find out how the economy is affecting the number of volunteers at their station. Although their numbers aren’t as high as years past, what we learned that day was truly inspiring.

The Plains City Volunteer Fire Department

We talked to Lieutenant Jim Llewellyn and firefighter Jason Benton who both expressed their love for the people of this city and their reasons for volunteering. Their families were huge influences on their getting involved in this field.

Lt. Llewellyn on his family's history with the fire department

Learning on the Job
For this interview, I was shooting with the small camera while Craig handled the questions and main interaction. As an observer, I noticed how these men took their time to explain to Craig some of the different tools they use in their jobs. Everything was so new and interesting to Craig and me, and it was nice that the guys were excited to teach us.

Lt. Llewellyn and Firefighter Benton showing Craig the equipment

It’s easy to see these men love what they do. It doesn’t matter that they don’t get a paycheck at the end of the week or that the dangerous job doesn’t provide benefits. These men and women of the department represent what a lot of people take for granted. The willingness to serve others at no benefit to youself has become lost with all the materialism in today's society.

Lt. Llewellyn talked about his family and young children and how they look up to him. I noticed in his office that the marker board on the wall says “I love Daddy” in scribbled handwriting. It’s evident that those kids admire their Dad, and Craig and I left that day with our own admiration as well.

One part of the firetruck

Game Time
So this volunteer team is kind of like our team. When someone can’t do their duty, another person steps up to help. Reporters, anchors, producers and everyone else rely on each other to build a newscast. If you’re unfamiliar with how the newsroom operates, you should check it out sometime. Everyone plays an important role. The mayhem at “game-time” is thrilling. People run around printing scripts and making sure everyone knows of the recent changes made to the newscast. There’s an adrenaline rush, just like the firefighters have when they receive a call.

When the call is received by the fire department or the clock strikes noon, it’s “game-time” for the team, and everyone knows their job and they get it done.

REPORTER BLOG: Surviving the “Sick Season”

2009-10-16T13:14:00.012-04:00

By Pat Henderson
ph199906@ohio.edu

For me, the fall and winter months have become known as the “sick season,” and for good reason. We all get sick at one time or another. Heck, even I get sick – but I think it always boils down to a certain time of the year when it seems like EVERYONE is getting sick.

This week just happened to be one of those times. It’s as if we’re in the height of the season and there’s no turning back.

Who Opened Pandora's 'Sick' Box?
The week started off strong, with only a few members of our staff feeling a little cold coming on, but by the time Tuesday rolled around it seemed like someone opened Pandora’s Box.

I know being sick is out of anyone’s control – but when you have a small newsroom staff, it’s hard to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level when you are missing four staff members. The stress can eat away at you, but I think everyone in our newsroom kept their cool. We handled the situation very well. We managed to get the newscasts on the air without any major errors as if we were at full staff.

Jobs #1 & 2
Everyone in the newsroom had to step up to the challenge and lend a helping hand. I came in Tuesday and ended up transitioning jobs three times and executing two. I entered the newsroom as the online reporter for the day, but the television reporter (who I would go out on a story with and help shoot video) was sick and had no voice, so I said I would switch places with her. I was then television reporter. No biggie.

Job #3
Then – after the morning meeting, the sick call-offs started rolling in and my online reporter became associate producer. But now she was really sick herself and was in need of some rest, so she ended up going home for the day. I was really glad she did because she was able to get better and come back after a few days off ready to go. In the meantime – I was the new associate producer.

We executed the show with minimal snags, and I was then responsible for continuing my job as television reporter. This is where the difficulty began.

Back to Job #2
My assignment was a local response to Ohio Ballot Issue #3: the Casino Initiative. Since we had been so short staffed earlier in the day, I didn’t have time to go out into the community and interview people until later in the evening and let me tell you… it was like pulling teeth.

I stood in the Kroger parking lot for quite some time trying to get people to talk to me and give me their opinion about issue #3 and I couldn’t get anyone to talk to me about the issue. After 45 minutes of failed attempts it started to get dark so I moved my inquisition to the Athens Community Center where the only activity going on was open gym. I managed to get a few people to talk to me about the issue, most of which would not go on camera, but it was a step in the right direction!! After another 45 minutes of seeking people out, I eventually managed to get two people to talk to me and they had really great opinions on the topic.

Kristin Eberts on Issue #3

Melissa Holland on Issue #3

Getting It on the Air
The creation process the next day was a little difficult because a lack of extra video to put with my voice, but I ended up using a few full screen graphic charts to help depict the story.

It may have been stressful at the time, but looking back I think it was a great learning experience. I think being able to create the product we did with so many people sick really showed our true commitment to delivering news to the community. I am proud to say that I have survived a week of the “sick season.” Now let’s just hope we don’t get a swine flu outbreak!

REPORTER BLOG: Working with the Police

2009-10-15T16:25:00.019-04:00

Katie Boyer
kb213806@ohio.edu

As a journalist, I go into work everyday with an open mind. I may be covering the latest school levy, or maybe a new coffee shop opening Uptown. We are constantly faced with the continuous change of what is newsworthy.

In Athens, viewers are concerned with local issues like the environment, the university and the well-being of their children. In a small Appalachian town, local news makes up the biggest part of our everyday newscasts. However, there are those times that something happens in the area that gets immediate attention, and that is death. This week, I went out on my first news story that involved the death of a person. Having time to reflect on my experience, I have learned a tremendous amount about how death impacts the media world, and how it is handled by authorities.

Partnering with Police
I have a job like everyone else. I get up every morning, get ready for work, put my time in and come home. Now don’t get me wrong, my job is different than most, but nonetheless, it is my job.

Police officers also have a job that demands a tremendous amount of time and dedication. As a new journalist, I was slightly concerned about how my experience with the police would go. Public information is just that, public, but it is often difficult to get, especially when it comes to a death that's still under investigation. So I put on my journalism cap and made the phone call. To my overwhelming surprise, I was invited to come to the police station right away. I grabbed my camera and tripod, and off I went to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

Lieutenant Bryan Cooper talks about the facts on the investigation.

The Importance of Getting the Facts
Lieutenant Bryan Cooper was the man who met me at the door, just the man I was looking to see. As I was setting up my camera, I thanked Lt. Cooper for meeting with me on such short notice, and let him know that I appreciated his time. He told me that it was not a problem and that he respected me as a journalist for making sure to get the facts straight right away. I nodded my head and smiled. But then, he commented on how important it is in such a small community to verify the facts, because hearsay is the start to rumors which can then cause an uproar.

The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I had just heard about the death only an hour before we met in the Athens Messenger. But after reading it in the paper, I had heard several different stories from people walking by on my way to the sheriff’s office. All I knew was that a man was found dead in front of a home. I did not go in with any preconceived notion of what may have happened, all I wanted was to know the truth.

Official Word
Lieutenant Cooper gave me all the information on the case, down to the last page of the police report. As I was packing up, I was confident that my story had the right information that would provide for a strong story to let the public know exactly what the police know. I knew the man’s age, address, where he was the night before, who he was with, and who the police were still seeking for questioning.

My job at the police station was done, but as I was packing up, Lt. Cooper was speaking to an investigator in the office about another newsworthy incident. He saw the curiosity in my eye and immediately offered to fill me in on what was happening on the other case. I not only left with the information I needed for my story, but also, additional information just by being observant, and by having a source who was willing to go above and beyond what was asked of him.

Lieutenant Cooper talks about the possible witness statements and what they are still looking for.

Great Sources
I know I am constantly going to be faced with people who are easy to speak with, and those who are difficult. I also know that the job comes with many challenges, but I am also aware of the feeling of success I get when I see my story on air. Lieutenant Cooper was a great source. He gave me everything I needed, plus additional information. He made it a point to say that the media is a huge help to them because we are able to get the official word and put it out to people in the community. I realized how important it is to continue to develop good professional relationships with members of the community, whether they are a police officer or a city council member, or even a frequent visitor of a local coffee shop. When people know that our work is based solely on fact, and that we as journalists strive to provide them with the latest information, they too begin to respect our work, and our jobs. Having the opportunity to cover stories of all kinds of stories has given me a broader understanding and respect for the Athens community, and I hope that only grows during my career.

REPORTER BLOG: Join a Reporter on a Typical Day

2009-10-15T14:08:00.025-04:00

Brian Boesch
bb216106@ohio.edu

There is no such thing as a typical day in the newsroom at Athens MidDay. In fact, I’m pretty sure there is no such thing as a typical day in the world of journalism.

After my experience with Athens MidDay and WXTQ-FM/WATH-AM Radio here in Athens, I now believe that being a reporter is the most hectic job in the profession.

This past Monday, I was the "same day" reporter for MidDay. As the "same day" reporter, my responsibility was to report, write and edit a one-minute story for the beginning of the newscast. I had about three hours to work with. Let me take you through the Monday morning journey that eventually (and barely) led to a story about a case of bacterial meningitis at Ohio University.

A freshman named Charlie Wulf had been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, a rare and possibly fatal disease, over the weekend. My job was to get the university’s reaction to the situation.

Every morning, all MidDay team members arrive at 8:30 to begin their day. By 9 a.m., we have a morning meeting to figure out the direction that our newscast will go. During that meeting, I received my story and began the three-hour process.

The Early Research
9:14 a.m.—I began researching the situation and trying to figure out which Ohio University official I wanted to interview. There were two original possibilities: Ryan Lombardi, the Dean of Students, and Kent Smith, the Vice President of Student Affairs. I decided to focus on Lombardi first.

9:21 a.m.—I called Lombardi’s office and was told that he would be out for the day. However, the secretary informed me that Jennifer Hall-Jones, the assistant dean, would possibly be willing to speak with me. I decided to wait for that possibility and focus my immediate attention on the video for the story.

Out in the Field
9:32 a.m.—After a little bit more research, I went to James Hall, which is about a 10-minute walk from the newsroom. Once there, I shot video of the building and students walking on West Green. During the time away from the newsroom, I constantly worry about the interview. There is never a guarantee that someone will call you back, and some sort of interview sound is almost essential.

10:06 a.m.—For more video and a possible interview, I went to the Hudson Health Center. As I was about to pack up my camera and go inside, I heard my phone. A woman named Megan was on the line. Apparently, Lombardi’s secretary called over to Megan, Kent Smith’s secretary, and basically arranged an interview for me. Smith would be a great person to talk about the story, so I thankfully accepted the interview.

10:18 a.m.—I arrived at Cutler Hall for the interview, and Megan informed me that I would have to wait a few minutes. I didn’t care. I had some time to relax and brainstorm what I would write for my story--the script.

10:38 a.m.—I was still waiting, but Megan kept me updated on Smith’s status (he was in a meeting before I arrived). Megan was a soothing and helpful piece to this story’s journey, which is not always what you get out in the field. She is a big reason this story turned out so well.

10:42 a.m.—The sound of Smith’s door opening immediately caught my attention. After a sigh of relief, I headed into his office. The interview went well, and I was gone within ten minutes. Smith was easy to work with and gave me a few great answers. I even talked a little football with him as I was packing up.

10:54 a.m.—As I was walking back to the newsroom, MidDay producer Ed Zelaski calls me to make sure that everything is going well. We are a team here at Athens MidDay.

Writing and Editing
11:00 a.m.—One hour until we hit the air, and I was back in the newsroom writing my story. A television story is written differently than a newspaper article or even a radio story, so I’m still new at the whole process. While it did take me a little bit of time, I finished it within 20 minutes.

11:21 a.m.—I was trying to get my story cleared so that I can edit it, but the executive producer Sally Ann Cruikshank was working on some other aspects of the newscast, which is common with so many people needing assistance. After about ten minutes, I received the OK and started editing. But time was running out because my story was at the top of the cast.

The Finished Product
11:48 a.m.—With 12 minutes to spare, I turned in my tape. It was done! However, my job is not quite done, yet. I will have to do a live shot in the newsroom introducing and concluding my 45-second story. I quickly prepared myself for being on-air (tighten the tie, clean off the shirt, comb the hair, etc.). I was ready to go just seconds before the opening music hit and the show began.

12:01 p.m.—Three hours of hard, stressful work culminates in about one minute of on-air glory. Everything ran smoothly, and I lead off the newscast well. You can take a look at the finished product below.

Athens MidDay reporter Brian Boesch discusses a case of bacterial meningitis on the campus of Ohio University.

12:04 p.m.—I am finally able to soak in a successful morning of reporting by watching the rest of the newscast and by hearing compliments in the critique following the show.

A reporter has a tough and sometimes thankless job. However, there are very few moments that are as satisfying as the one I had at 12:04 p.m. Monday. The story ran, people liked it and it was of interest to the audience. In the journalism world, that’s not how it always works, so I have to soak it in. Who knows how tomorrow’s day will go.

REPORTER BLOG: VOSOT, A 45 Second Stresser

2009-10-09T12:50:00.014-04:00

By Craig Reck
cr203606@ohio.edu

A Brief Lesson in TV Reporting
In the wonderful world of television news, there is a magical way of presenting the news story format known to us as a VOSOT. This roughly 45-second clip of video and interview sound seems like a simple matter of sorts.

Now that's usually correct, but it wouldn't be any fun without the occasional complication - an editing glitch here, some writer's block there. But what happens when Murphy's Law kicks in and you have to be on air in an hour to deliver 45 seconds of news? Allow me to explain.

Assignment Essentials
During our morning news meeting, I was assigned to follow-up the Cold Stone Creamery robbery that happened the day before. I just needed to mosey on down to the ice cream shop to find someone willing to talk on camera.

The most important part of a VOSOT is the SOT--that stands for Sound On Tape which is part of an on camera interview we call a soundbite. Without the sound bite, it's just a measly VO (that means Voice Over--video that an anchor or reporter reads over) that anybody can do. That SOT is what the reporter strives for. But even if nobody would talk on camera, I still had the fail safe of WOUB's Newswatch videotape from the Athens Police Department press conference the day before. Great!

Before I left, I checked with Newswatch about the unedited videotape. No one knew where it was. No worries, there was still the edited video and sound they used for the newscast. I skipped watching it and headed out for Cold Stone.

Cold Stone Cold Shoulder

The place was empty. Apparently nobody buys ice cream at 10:30 in the morning. I approached the gentleman behind the counter and asked him about the person who worked during the robbery. He told me that he was the one. Terrific! Now a few quick questions and I'll be on my way.

Wrong. The store's owner instructed his employees not to talk about the crime. That's fair. A few shots of people walking by the store front would make adequate video, then I needed to get back to the station. I still had to write a script, edit a video and find that soundbite from the news conference.

Back in the Newsroom
Welcome back, Craig, the original videotape from the news conference is no where to be found. Panic! Wait, this is no reason to panic. I just shot some video, so there's no shortage of picturees. But where's the SOT? Oh, it's not on a tape. Instead, the soundbite is saved on the news server and I needed to run up to the sixth floor to ask the engineers for help.

Before I did that though, I had to write the story. We already had most of the information, so I just needed to add what the Cold Stone employee told me to the top of the story. No time to proofread though, because I had to run up and down three flights of stairs a few times to coordinate the transfer of this 20-second soundbite to tape. By now, it's past 11 o' clock and I just realized that I'm still wearing my heavy sweater.

Down to the Wire
I finally had a moment to catch my breath, but all the edit booths were full. Aahhh! It was time to give the sports editor the boot. Lucky for me, it was Brian Boesch and his editing was ahead of schedule. Now I just needed to throw together a few video clips of the storefront, a close-up of the sign and a shot of the back alley from the Newswatch tape. As I finished, Dan Lannon dropped off the SOT from the Athens Police news conference. Fifteen minutes to air, I can do this.

I added the SOT, ran the tape up to control and stepped into the studio. With more than five minutes until air, I breathed a sigh of relief and prepared to deliver the Cold Stone update. But wait, I was going to be in front of the green screen and the collared shirt under my sweater was green. What happens in front of the green screen is everything green is replaced electronically with a graphic for my story--including my nice shirt collar had I left the shirt on! Duh! Needless to say, I looked like a bum on camera. At least my story made it to air.

Thanks, News Team
When all the news has been read and the credits roll, one realizes that producing a half-hour newscast is more than the different parts that make it up. Everyone from Executive Producer to Web Reporter pull together to provide the final product. As frantic as I may have been for the three hour rush of VOSOT Reporter, I would have never completed my assignment alone. So the next time a brief news clip comes up, think about how much effort went in to those 45 seconds.

The Final VOSOT Product of the Day's Effort

SR 682 Construction Causes Stress

2009-10-08T09:33:00.020-04:00

by Pat Henderson

The resurfacing and widening of SR 682 is causing stress to Plains' residents - both mental and financial - since construction began in last spring. Residents who commute through The Plains complain about traffic and local businesses notice a difference in the number of customers who come through the door.

Business Owners Speak Out
"It has not been very conducive to our business," says Joann Wolfe, the general manager of the Valero gas station on 682, "because it's just the traffic patterns and people having to wait and they're not happy about it so we've definitely lost some business."

Wolfe says she thinks the construction has really affected her business. She says people stop in less and the construction equipment is blocking the entrance to her store.

Joann Wolfe, General Manager of Valero talks about SR682 construction

On the other hand, William Johnson says he doesn't think the construction has affected his upholstery business at all. He says it is the economy that is doing him in. He has had to downsize and split his shop into two, renting the front out to an antique store to survive the hard times. He says his business has actually done pretty well in the second half of 2009, since the construction began. "We're just a few hundred dollars short of doing what we did the first six months of the year. So we're really ahead of the first part of the year."

William Johnson, Owner of Johnson's Upholstery thinks it's the economy hurting business

ODOT Responds
Ohio Department of Transportation representative David Rose said in an interview that there isn't much ODOT can do. "The biggest thing we always try to do is make sure proper access is provided. Unfortunately, as human nature, no one likes traffic. If someone doesn't want to be inconvenienced then there's not much ODOT can do."

When, Why and How Much?
Construction takes place from 7:00a.m. to 7:00p.m. - some night work may be required but only non-power operated equipment may be used.

The Ohio Department of Transportation says this will be better for residents and businesses in The Plains in the long run. Their website states: "State Route 682 provides a link from US 33 north of Athens to the west side of Athens, making it a cut-through route. Existing traffic levels through The Plains have outgrown the two-lane highway making it a safety priority."

The project was commissioned in March of 2009 and is estimated to cost a little over $3 million. The construction is being done by the Shelly and Sands construction company.

Project Overview:
The project includes widening and resurfacing 1.25 miles of roadway on SR 682 through The Plains to construct a two-way left turn lane. There will be some realignment of roads attached to the state route and existing storm sewers are being reconstructed.

When Will It End?
The project is expected to be finished in September of 2010, but ODOT representative Rose says it may be finished earlier if construction remains on schedule.

Video montage of construction along SR 682

Local Fire Departments say Be Fire Smart!

2009-10-07T10:16:00.019-04:00

by Kelly Brennan
kb213206@ohio.edu

Material items can be replaced, lives cannot. Local fire fighters want you to protect yourself, protect your family and most importantly remember that you can prevent most fires in your home. The Plains Volunteer Fire Department receives calls to fires that could easily have been prevented. Because of the volume of these calls, firefighter Jason Benton wants people to know the simple steps to staying safe.

Firefighter Jason Benton on checking your home

According to firesafety.gov, about 3,000 people lose their lives in residential fires each year. About 2/3 of home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms or without smoke alarms that work. These deaths can be prevented and Lieutenant Jim Llewellyn advises parents to take the fire prevention steps not only for themselves, but more importantly for their children.

Lieutenant Jim Llewellyn on smoke detectors

When Fire Strikes
Even though the precautionary steps can be taken, that does not make fires completely avoidable. Fires happen, and when they do families need to be prepared to take action. With small fires, Llewellyn advises to use a fire extinguisher. If you cannot contain the small fire, escape quickly. Upstairs bedrooms should have rope ladders so that children and adults can climb out the window if needed. When smoke detectors go off, do not search for the fire - just get out. In addition to smoke detectors, Llewellyn says homes should have fire extinguishers.

Lieutenant Jim Llewellyn on fire extinguishers

Fire prevention tips
1. Don't leave cooking food unattended in the kitchen or outside on the grill
2. Change smoke detector batteries every six months
3. Have at least one fire extinguisher in the home
4. Keep children away from the stove and from electrical outlets
5. Blow out candles when not in the room

Your life and the lives of your family are the most important. Local fire departments want you to educate your children on fire safety, and do not be afraid to contact them for more safety and prevention tips.

Love for the Learning Community

2009-10-05T09:36:00.024-04:00

Max Resnik
mr253506@ohio.edu

The Ohio University Board of Trustees and President Roderick McDavis are giving special attention to the use of Residential Learning Communities on campus. The program has been creating networks between students to make studying easier. The hope is that students can cooperate with each other to become successful. On Friday the Board of Trustees met to discuss a variety of issues concerning students, faculty and staff including the future of RLC's.

A History of the Residential Learning Community

What began as a simple concept of learning for first year college students has quickly expanded in the ten years since its creation. The learning communities began in the fall quarter of the 1999-2000 school year with two pilot communities and 40 students.

Since the fall of 1999 learning communities have expanded to 142 communities with nearly 2,200 students participating.

The learning communities have received a great deal of attention from the university in recent years as grants from the 1804 Club have helped to keep the program alive and growing each year. The 1804 Club is one of Ohio University's largest fund raisers and contributes millions of dollars each year to OU.

The learning communities have also been given high praise from Ohio University President Roderick McDavis, who is a huge supporter of the program. To show the success of the program, McDavis highlighted increases in both retention rates and GPA of students over the last ten years.

One student discusses his learning community experience

Residential Learning Community Objectives

The success and growth of the Residential Learning Communities at Ohio University is based on the following goals.
1. Create learning-based peer networks
2. Improve the academic success of first year students
3. Improve student retention from the freshman to sophomore year
4. Increase student satisfaction with Ohio University
5. Increase student factulty interaction outside the classroom

RLC Love

One student's comedic view of what the learning community can offer.

President McDavis wanted board and audience members to see first-hand success of the Residential Learning Communities or RLC's as they as are called, and the president also wanted to insure their place on campus for the next ten years. The Board of Trustees agreed with the success the learning community has given the students at Ohio University and guaranteed their place on campus in the future.

Additionally, prospective students are encouraged to check out the RLC's by going to the Ohio University website.

External Links

Ohio.edu/students
Residential Learning Communities
Peer Mentors within the RLC
OU Board of Trustees

REPORTER BLOG: Elementary Challenges

2009-10-02T16:18:00.012-04:00

Pat Henderson

Earlier this week I went to Coolville and Amesville Elementary schools to cover the possible consolidation of the two schools. I figured it might be a bit of a challenge to get school administrators to talk about touchy subjects, such as budget cuts and parental concerns, but to my surprise – it wasn’t the administration that I had trouble with.

The superintendent was very willing to share any information he had. We got all the information we needed and I was really glad that we were getting things done in a timely fashion – but then the problems started rolling in.

Now We Need Video
The challenge came as we were looking for video to go with the story. I had thought that we would just take video of kids around the school, in class and on the playground – but that idea was shut down when the superintendent told me I couldn’t shoot video of any of the students, for legal reasons. I definitely understand the issues with shooting kids (with a camera, of course).

So there I was, in the school, kids running all around, trying to think of how I could get some eye catching video without actually revealing any of the kids' identities. Now, let me just tell you something. You try taking a camera into an elementary school, explaining to the kids that you have a camera because you are from the news, then trying not to reveal their identity. It’s impossible.

The problem with the situation is KIDS WANT TO BE ON TV. I was trying to shoot some video of the playground and kids playing from far away – that way you couldn’t tell who they were. However, this plan was quickly foiled when a strapping young lad with curly blonde hair decided to scream “LOOK! IT’S THE NEWS!” Then literally every single child on that playground stormed the camera. Yes. Stormed.

Now I don’t know about you, but I can barely handle my 2 little cousins let alone 50 – 100 elementary school students dying to get their 15 seconds of fame on the local PBS station. I think I heard more reasons why these kids should be famous and why they deserve to be on the news than I have had days in my life.

Getting Creative
I ended up going into the school stairwell, on the 3rd floor and shot video of the entire playground through a window so that the children didn’t know I was there. The video was a bit blurry because I was shooting through glass, but it actually worked out because you really couldn’t tell who anyone was. It was just blurry enough. =)

So – that leads me to how I actually got my video. I ended up getting pretty creative with it and decided that since I couldn’t really have many shots with kids that I would need to step it up. I used a lot of design principles – such as rule of thirds, extreme close up and vantage point – and thought that my video ended up really working in my story. My favorite shots were the ones shot from what my photographer and I called the “midget view.” (Just a low vantage point that represented the student’s perspective).

In the end, I was really proud of the work I had accomplished. There were some challenges along the way, but I was able to make it through and I think the product ended up really well. It was definitely a learning experience! Check out the story below.

Possible school consolidation story on Athens MidDay

REPORTER BLOG: The Ties that Bind

2009-10-02T15:10:00.012-04:00

Max Resnik
Mr253506@ohio.edu

You find out your story is about education. Certainly it’s an interesting topic considering the state of affairs that our country finds itself in. Education sits on the back burner like chores to a child as we combat health care, wars overseas and peace in the Middle East. That’s part of the reason why, when I first read the background information to my story on Nelsonville York High School’s Ohio Graduation Test scores, I was almost saddened.

To me, it was just another school community in rural, poor southeast Ohio that was having trouble. And why wouldn't I think that? Are these preconceived notions unreasonable? Jobs are hard to come by, Nelsonville’s city council is in a fight to keep businesses, and state funding is nearly impossible to come by. Yet, as I would find out almost immediately, something greater and more important is going on in the Nelsoville-York school district.

Sense of Community
From the moment I walked through the school’s doors something was different. Greeted with hand shakes, smiles and looks of curiosity, school administrators and teachers acted as if I’d been there before. To the reader it might sound normal that all of these cordial greetings happened, but many times for a journalist this is simply not the case. Armed with a silver metal box carrying my camera—which weighs the shoulder down like a set of golf clubs, a tripod neatly folded under my arm, and dressed in my reporter’s garb, I was pleasantly surprised to see how willing everyone was to talk me.

As part of the media, it can sometimes be impossible to go into a community where you have no ties. Not only do you play the part of 'them' in the “us versus them” model, not only are you a stranger, but you are there to discuss something negative that concerns what quite literally is the community’s future.

Cynthia Winner, Director of Curriculum

Understanding My Bias
I was lucky. What I encountered in searching for my answers about how Nelsonville York could rectify its low OGT scores was something more than the trite “plan of action.” What I found in my search was more than any individual. Fulfilling an idealistic view of what community can become, the parents and administrators displayed a passionate and prideful view, not only of the Nelsonville community, but the school that had failed according to the Ohio Department of Education.

But how is this beneficial to the reporter? How is this event any more special than being greeted with a smile at the coffee shop around the corner? It serves as reminders of what a journalist can do wrong in the field. The preconceived notions I spoke of earlier have the ability to make a journalist closed-minded, anxious and flat-out wrong. Having those notions erased and realizing that your own thought process has been thrown off track, serves to make you a better journalist.

Journalists, as we gather information about the stories we cover, must leave whatever predetermined feelings we have at home. We cannot act as though we have a grasp on any topic just because we may have covered it in the past. Being a part of the journalism profession is a special thing. It is one of a few professions that is actively engaged in every demographic, every class status and every socioeconomic group. That is why we must read, view and listen to as many different people, from different corners of the regions we cover, to get a true understanding of what life is like for an individual in the area a journalist covers.

REPORTER BLOG: Humble Volunteers Make Interviewing Difficult

2009-10-02T14:27:00.011-04:00

By Craig Reck
cr203606@ohio.edu

Some people become excited when they see a news camera. It has something to do with being where the news is happening. Then to be asked to talk on camera and be a part of the news, well that’s something to tell your friends and family about.

But not everyone takes to the camera like a duck to water. Some people shy away from the camera. Witnesses, bystanders and spectators alike seem to freeze up when a camera arrives. This leaves the journalist in a tight situation. Interviews are crucial to reporting, but what happens when nobody wants to talk?

The Volunteers
I found myself in this situation last Saturday, September 26. Fellow MidDay reporter Jessica Neidhard and I were covering a local development organization. Rural Action services Athens County with sustainability workshops and green-inspired activities. The organization is fueled by a small paid staff, paying members and volunteers from several service organizations like Americorp.

Our story focused on the Americorp VISTA volunteers who were leaving Rural Action. To commemorate 15 years of VISTA service, Rural Action threw a huge party with catering from Casa Nueva and music from local bands Rattletrap and the Bob Stewart Band. With such a grandiose event, it should be easy to talk to a couple former volunteers.

Wrong. The volunteers reminisced with each other and avoided the camera. They hugged. They smiled. They stayed away from me. No worries. A charming (and finely dressed, I might add) reporter should be able to coax an interview out of somebody. Wrong. They all looked around at each other waiting for someone to step up. There was nothing but murmurs and mumblings. Then they recommended someone for the job. She declined as well.

Shy About Their Good Work
Here’s what I still do not understand. These volunteers were not random people on the street who I was hounding for an answer to healthcare reform. These were people who basically gave their lives to Athens County for one, two, sometimes three years. In return they received small allowances to live on and hardly any thanks. These people established programs that affect Athens residents without them even knowing it.

So why wouldn’t the volunteers want to share their stories? I wanted to report on the VISTAs and share their stories, but they didn’t want to share any of their stories in the first place. It was a good thing the party lasted a few hours.

Finally, someone volunteered to talk in front of the camera. Megan Cameron was a nice woman and a great interview. I did not ask her anything too personal so I didn't scare her off. She smiled while speaking about her VISTA experience, she laughed at my intentionally bad jokes and, best of all, she said some great things on camera. Afterwards, I thanked her and told her to tell her friends that the interview was painless. She agreed, but no other volunteers agreed to talk on camera.

Megan Cameron talks about her VISTA experience

Journalists as Outsiders
Jessica and I lucked out when some of the former VISTAS stood in front of the party to share stories. Time to record! The people who would not talk on camera were talking in front of a large group. Besides confusing me, this action taught me something. These volunteers were a part of a tightly knit community. Talking to them was like talking to family. If some goober in a tie with a camera wanted to talk to me during a family reunion, I would be timid as well.

The story turned out fine and made it to air, but that’s not what matters. In the middle of a reporting assignment, I learned a bigger lesson. Reporters, no matter how friendly, are considered outsiders first. We might aspire to be a part of peoples’ lives, but ultimately we are there to document their lives. This makes me feel like I am in the business for the wrong reasons. I genuinely enjoy the human connection. If it appears superficial to those I interact with, then they need to look past the business.

REPORTER BLOG: Nelsonville-York’s Confident Community

2009-10-02T14:01:00.013-04:00

Brian Boesch
bb216106@ohio.edu

Grades tend to define a student’s worth in school. Every year, the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT) does the same for schools, but we found that grades aren't everything.

This year, Nelsonville-York City Schools did not earn a grade that the OGT deemed “adequate.” Of the 10 categories tested, students at Nelsonville-York High School only met four of the required passing rates.

As a result, the school must offer students a chance to go to another school (Wellston High School). But you would never guess this is the case based on the pride and the confidence that faculty and parents alike have for NYHS.

Orange and Brown Pride
Cynthia Winner, the Director of Curriculum at the high school, confidently said that no student will drop the orange and brown of Nelsonville-York for the blue and gold of Wellston. And this wasn’t a wishy-washy, politically correct statement to shield her employer’s problems. She believed in her statement and her school district.

“It's such a strong community,” Winner said. “It's very tight-knit school-community. I think the parents believe in the schools. They know this is a bump in the road that we will rectify.”

Nelsonville-York's Director of Curriculum Cynthia Winner talks about the close community in Buchtel

To Stay or Go?
The story hit home for me. During middle school, I attended a public school in the northeastern part of Ohio, and this school district did not have great test scores. My family and I considered the other options and ultimately decided that a school 45 minutes from my home was better for my future.

However, the standardized test scores did not play into the decision. The reasoning for a new school had to do with the surroundings. I felt like the new school offered more as a community.

That's the difference between my old school and the Nelsonville-York school district. Athens MidDay reporter Max Resnik and I spoke with at least 10 school officials at both the high school and the middle school, and there was no concern about losing students. The main goal ahead for the school is improving the education, no matter who is at the school.

But the true sign of a school community tackling a problem with all hands on deck is support from the parents. Many parents were not willing to solve the problems at my old school, so they (and mine) went elsewhere.

That’s not the case in Buchtel.

Max and I spoke with Melanie Wheeler, a parent of a senior at the high school. She is actively involved with the school community and is an aide at the junior high school. She has been around the community for a long time, and, quite frankly, has very little to gain from defending the district without truly believing it.

"It just seems like the people that I went to school with are still here, and their kids are going to school here," Wheeler said. "I don't think that test scores are going to be something that drives people away."

Athens MidDay reporter Max Resnik talks with Nelsonville-York parent Melanie Wheeler about the tight-knit school community

I have been to the high school for a few sporting events, such as a football and a basketball game. The signs of community jumped out at me during these events.

But the mark of a true educational community is a unified approach during a tough time. Not only does Nelsonville-York have that, but it has its priorities straight. Teachers, administrators and students are going to focus on learning, not test-taking.

In the end, school is not all about standardized tests, multiple choice results, and national percentiles. It’s about the people you encounter and the experiences you face.

I made the right choice seven years ago, and it was to leave. In Buchtel, it looks like Buckeyes want to remain Buckeyes, and I can see why.

REPORTER BLOG: Camera Apprehension

2009-10-01T11:41:00.017-04:00

Katie Boyer
kb213806@ohio.edu

This week’s story gave me an entirely new perspective on apprehension to being on television. After working on several stories, I have seen different reactions to being asked to step in front of the camera. Talking about swine flu, everyone has something to say. Talking about recycling practices in Athens, some are passionate, some would rather not say. However, this story gave me an interesting view on why people do not like to be put in the spotlight, and in some cases, why they do.

Innocent Excitement
As I walked onto the playground at Amesville Elementary, I took a step back into my childhood, remembering the days when my worries consisted of nothing more than who I would swing with, or when the next game of tag would begin. However, my walk down memory lane was cut short as hoards of three foot tall children came running at me like I was some sort of a celebrity. Mind you, it was not me they were after, it was their five seconds of fame. Less than 60 seconds on the playground, and we were surrounded by dozens of students, jumping up and down for our attention.

"Where are you from?"
"Are you the news?"
"Can I be on TV?"
"HI MOM!!! HI GRANDMA!!!"
"Is that thing on?"

Let me tell you, it caught me extremely off guard. As a new journalist, it was interesting to see how children are when put in the spotlight. However, as a journalist, we have ethical rules and laws that we must abide by. The school provides a form at the beginning of the school year, one sheet among the bundle those students bring home on that first day of school. The sheet gives parents the opportunity to prevent their students from being exposed in photos or on video. Therefore, we, as journalists, must be very cautious about any video we shoot of these young students.

So here I am, standing in the middle of all these students, being very careful about where the lens is pointing. Instead of pushing the issue with students all around me, I decided it may be best to move into the building, to shoot from a safe distance.

Adult Apprehension
With plenty of video recorded, it was time for us to head out to speak with parents of children affected by the possible consolidation of the Amesville and Coolville Elementary Schools. This was when the realization hit me. We tried to speak with several parents who were in the school either picking up sick children or visiting for volunteer activities. No one wanted to be on camera. It was interesting to me that parents have a strong view regarding their children’s safety and well-being, but they aren’t willing to go on television to talk about it.

So then the question came to my mind, when is it that people change from that child who wants the spotlight, to the adult that prefers to stay behind the scenes? As a journalist, we constantly have to battle to get information, especially when people are not easily available or willing to speak on camera. When people are younger, they have nothing holding them to society’s pressures. Kids do not have to worry about what the neighbors will say because they are children, and we all know kids say the darnedest things. But as a person reaches an age that their opinions are constantly being judged and picked apart, they are more likely to decide to keep their opinions to themselves.

I think its interesting though that people are not willing to have a voice, especially when that voice might have a huge impact on people who are unsure about an issue. The experience was really interesting, and a lot of fun. Evidently, from the looks of the overwhelming on screen talent at the elementary school, Amesville has many future journalists in its student body.

Click here for more information on the story about the possible consolidation of Amesville and Coolville Elementary Schools.

Local Elementary Schools May Consolidate

2009-10-01T10:22:00.030-04:00

Katie Boyer
kb213806@ohio.edu

A budget crunch in the Federal Hocking School district could lead to the closing of two elementary schools in favor of a K-12 campus complex. Parents of students at both Amesville and Coolville Elementary are concerned about the possible consolidation in the coming years. The Federal Hocking School Board is holding several meetings to hear what the communities think about the idea. Then it will decide on whether to close the district’s two elementary schools in favor of a single school complex, or pursue another option.

Jim Patsey, Federal Hocking Superintendent, talks about the district's financial problems.

Parents' Concerns
Many parents are concerned about having students from kindergarten to seniors in high school, all riding together on the same bus. They are also concerned about longer bus rides and a shift in time of their school day. Jim Patsey, Federal Hocking Superintendent, wants to make sure those parents are aware that this is not the only option for the schools.

Patsey explains that this is not a problem that happened overnight. Patsey says the district has lost between 500 and 600 students in the last 12 or 13 years. He says that losing that number of students has decreased the district's state funding.

The Ohio Department of Education bases funding on the number of students, and with a large number of those students leaving the district, the funding has gone way down for Federal Hocking, making it difficult for the district to keep the three buildings open.

Dollar$ and $en$e
Two years ago, the district went into fiscal emergency and was projected to be $1.8 million in debt at end of fiscal year 2008. The school has eliminated 68 positions over the seven years that Patsey has been superintendent to make up the budget deficit. In 2009, the school board had to cut $300,000, which is when the idea to close the two buildings in favor of one complex first hatched.

Federal Hocking Superintendent Jim Patsey explains this process will not be decided quickly, and many options are still on the table.

The Federal Hocking School Board called in the Ohio School Facilities Commission to see what it could do to help the district become financially stable. The commission gave the board two options. The first option was to renovate all three buildings, to bring them up to state standards. If this option is chosen, the commission noted the state will pay for 85% of the renovations, and the other 15% will be paid for locally, which would be about six million dollars.

The other option is to close both Amesville and Coolville Elementary Schools, and renovate the middle and high schools to accommodate K-12 all in one location. This option also would be funded 85% by the state, and 15% locally, which would be about $1.17 million.

Other Options
Patsey said it is important for the public to know that closing the schools is by no means the only option. He says the board does not have to partner with the Ohio School Facilities Commission. The school realistically has four options.

Option 1: Partner with OSFC, renovate all three buildings in district.

Option 2: Partner with OSFC, close both elementary schools, renovate high school to accommodate K-12.

Option 3: Not partner with OSFC and still close both elementary schools.

Option 4: Not do anything.

On October 6th, the board will meet to vote on going ahead with the partnership with the Ohio School Facility Commission. The meeting is not to vote on closing the schools, only to decide the first step in moving the district forward. Patsey says if the board does in fact decide to partner with the OSFC, then there will most likely be a bond issue on the ballot in May of 2010.

Patsey says that overwhelmingly, people at the pervious meetings want the buildings to remain open. He says that the board must decide when the buildings should close. The superintendent says he personally thinks the buildings are still in good shape and that the board should keep them open as long as they can.

REPORTER BLOG: Swine flu...AHHH!

2009-10-01T08:53:00.017-04:00

by Kelly Brennan
kb213206@ohio.edu

photo courtesy of Carr/AP, www.nydailynews.com

I'm not going lie, I was apprehensive about the interview. I knew I needed to get the information and provide the necessary facts for viewers, but I also considered how much I wanted to put myself at risk.

On Monday I received word that three cases of Influenza A were confirmed on campus, so I set out to get student reaction. Most reporters would say that I “lucked out” with the interview, because when I arrived outside of Hudson Health Center, the first guy I talked to was a confirmed Influenza A case. So yes, as a reporter I got lucky because I was able to talk with a student directly affected by the biggest health concern in Athens; yet I couldn’t get my mind off the fact that I shouldn’t have close contact with him. Ultimately, I don’t want to get sick either--you can’t blame a person for that, right?

Clearing Confusion
The story included information about Influenza A and H1N1. I was hoping the story would clear up any confusion about these terms, and I’m glad it did because even the student was confused about what he had.
He told me he was confirmed as a “Swine Flu A” case, which actually is incorrect. “Influenza A” is the correct term, and his cultures are being sent to be tested for H1N1.

It’s funny how much attention this topic gets but yet people (including myself) are still confused. Just how much of a problem is this? Should we really be taking more precautions and wearing mouth/nose masks? I'm definitely not one to support wearing a mask…not unless H1N1 is confirmed as a widespread disease on campus. Gosh I hope that doesn’t happen, especially since I can barely afford cough drops right now!

Since there is so much confusion with Influenza A versus H1N1, I knew I needed someone from the university to clear things up. I turned to Ryan Lombardi, Dean of Students. His job is to be the communicator between the university and the students, so what better person than him to clear up the confusion?

Meeting the Dean of Students
When I got to his office he was busy on the phone-I knew it was an important call because he has always been on time when I meet with him. After waiting about 20 minutes, Dean Lombardi and I finally got to chat. It turns out that he was on the phone with a student’s mother whose daughter was diagnosed with Influenza A. It’s great to see the communication and relationship he has with members of this university; because he spoke with her, he now could give correct information to not only me, but everyone else on campus.

I interviewed him and asked the questions I prepared beforehand, but it was the conversation we had off camera that made me realize just how personable he is. Don’t get me wrong, he comes off personable on camera as well, but while I was in his office he treated me with so much respect—he listened to what I had to say and he was willing to be in contact with me with any further information that may arise about this issue.

For a reporter, this is considered a great interviewee. Not only was he willing to speak on camera, but he was willing to put me on his contact list as someone needing to receive the information first. He definitely realizes the power of the media. The ability to inform mass audiences via video is an important tool, especially with issues as hot as this. Dean Lombardi made my job a lot easier that day!

I know that not every interviewee will be as willing to go on camera and answer all questions with full information, but it’s nice to have those days when people like Dean Lombardi recognize that the media is here to inform! Check out my story below and see what you think.

Probable swine flu story for Athens MidDay

Local Organization Thanks Dozens of Volunteers

2009-09-28T09:26:00.016-04:00

Jessica Neidhard
jn149706@ohio.edu

It was a night to celebrate with music, food and friends.

Dozens of volunteers from Rural Action gathered at the Eclipse Company Store in The Plains to say goodbye--and celebrate--15 years of service from hundreds of VISTA volunteers.

VISTA volunteers from AmeriCorps will no longer serve Rural Action. Instead they will be working for other organizations around the country.

Rural Action Executive Director Michelle Decker said that although the organization is losing volunteers, it will continue projects to improve sustainability across Southeast Ohio.

The Party

Still, Saturday night was a time for celebration and gratitude.

The evening started with music from The Bob Stewart Band as volunteers and guests arrived. Along one wall was a timeline listing every VISTA volunteer since 1994. There were also photos over the years and a even a mock photo booth where volunteers could take pictures together.

Decker and other Rural Action staff gave out t-shirts during a VISTA game where the audience called out called out answers to questions about the local and national VISTA programs.

Shared Experiences

Former and current VISTA volunteers shared stories of their experiences working on Rural Action projects to improve Appalachia-like planting trees and starting up local farmers' markets.

Most volunteers work for Rural Action for only a year before moving on to another organization but some stayed on two or more years.

Colin Donahue volunteered for two years right after college and said his time at Rural Action was a blessing.

"I got to work for an organization that really helps people and makes a difference," Donahue said.

After serving as a VISTA volunteer some still continued to help the area in other ways like Athens County Commissioner Mark Sullivan.

He served as a VISTA volunteer from 1994 to 1996 working on a new office for Rural Action.

"Though the pay was terrible," Sullivan said. "I enjoyed getting up and going to work each and every day knowing that I, and my fellow VISTAs were making a difference in people's lives and the communities they lived in."

The Reasons and Effects of the Athens Water Hike

2009-09-24T11:48:00.021-04:00

Brian Boesch
bb216106@ohio.edu

The city of Athens has the legal right to increase the fees required to hook into its water and sewer system, Athens County Common Please Judge Michael Ward ruled this week. There will be a hearing Nov. 17 to decide how much money can be added to the original fees.

The debate began in 2008 when Les Cornwell, the developer who controls Cornwell Realty, filed a lawsuit against the proposed increase. He filed suit after getting a bill for his property, Palmer Place of Athens, well above his normal hook-up water bill.

The money needed has nothing to do with an increase in the volume of water used. Instead, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency told the city that it has to upgrade its water and sewer set-ups.

"It's about a circa-1950 structure there that's been retrofitted a couple times at different technologies," Athens mayor Paul Wiehl said in his weekly news conference Wednesday afternoon. "So we have to anticipate that things are going to cost more and we're going to have to fix them."

Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl discusses the necessary changes to Athens' water and sewer systems

Is Personnel an "Impact" Cost?
The argument in the Cornwell lawsuit is with the reasoning behind the increased water hook-up fees. There was no significant difference in the volume of water used at Palmer Place when Cornwell received the higher bill, according to the Athens News.

However, the city is citing increased personnel costs for future repair as the reason for higher water and sewer hook-up bills.

"Increased cost in terms of personnel, which usually, if you really look at it, is the larger portion of operation, is always going up," Wiehl said.

Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl discusses the personnel costs associated with the water and sewer systems repairs

How the Increased Prices Affect Developers and Buyers
With the economy already struggling, one concern is the effect the water hook-up cost increase will have on development in Athens.

Mayor Wiehl thinks that the challenges for finding available land will deter development more than any water hike.

"It's a fairly small piece of the puzzle," Wiehl said. "It depends on the house you build."

As for buyers and renters, Wiehl says the extra price may eventually be the buyers' or renters' responsibility.

Athens Mayor Paul Wiehl talks about the ramifications for buyers and renters

Les Cornwell and his lawyer Gerald Mollica were unavailable for comment.

Excited About Saving Energy

2009-09-23T10:27:00.032-04:00

Max E. Resnik
mr253506@ohio.edu

Athens locals gathered by the dozens at Athens Community Center last night to discuss energy saving costs and inititatives to help the community go green.

The Panelists

Six presentations were given last night in an effort to inform community members about how they can make their home green, what costs include, and where residents of Athens can go to seek grants and state funding. Participants included the Sierra Club, Councilmember Elahu Gosney who represented the Residential Solar Energy Inititative, Athens Gas Aggregation Ballot Inititavtive, Ohio University's Energy Profile, Rural Action and AEP.

The Sierra Club presented audience members with the challenge to understand myths about energy saving initiatives. The club also provided the audience with interactive slides to better understand their message.

The Sierra Club's Ideas

"Business as Usual"

For the Sierra Club, the United States has been practicing "business as usual" when it comes to combating global warming issues. Representatives say business as usual can no longer be the status quo.

U.S. Trends

Business as usual will not be the norm for at least one Athens community member. Seth Crouser has a firm belief in how individuals should manage the energy that they have. He attended the meeting with his roommate in the hope of convincing his landlord to take advatage of the opportunities Athens has for going green. Crouser and his roommate would like their home become energy efficient by using solar panels

Seth Crouser's passion for energy conservation

For more information on each panelist and their proposals, check out these links.

Sierra Club
Residential Solar Energy Initiative
Athens Gas Aggregation Ballot Initiative
Ohio University's Energy Profile
Rural Action
AEP

Businesses Recycle, But Look to City for More

2009-09-22T09:45:00.025-04:00

By Craig Reck
cr203606@ohio.edu

The future of Athens' businesses could be much greener with the help of Athens City Council. Most of the bars and restaurants uptown frequented by Ohio University students produce heaps of waste daily. However, much of the waste is glass bottles and cardboard boxes that can be easily recycled.

Athens Uptown Business Association Chairman Thomas explains the uptown problem

Uptown Recycling
Andrew Shooker of the Ohio Enviornmental Protection Agency says that 22 million pounds of waste go to landfills a year, and half of it comes from homes and businesses. Approximately 60% of that half is recyclable material. With that fact in mind, the Athens Uptown Business Association wants to better the recycling outlets for stores around Court Street. Currently, they leave their recyclables on the curb.

This method may seem sufficient, but Josh Thomas, Chairman of the Athens Uptown Business Association, says there could be a better way. "Almost all the members of our business association would like to see the trash and recycling system get better, in one way or another," says Thomas.

City Council Help
For the past three years, the AUBA's approximately 40 members have been working with Athens City Council to find a better recycling method uptown.

AUBA Chairman Josh Thomas explains uptown's biggest concern

Councilmember Elahu Gosney says that curbside pickups can be difficult uptown. "There are things we can do better. We could do things to expand what we collect and how we collect it; long term change," says Gosney. Earlier this year, City Council proposed a centralized recycling center for Court Street Businesses. This would help businesses like Casa Nueva that leave large amounts of recyclables on the curb over night.

Resolution?

Chairman Thomas says that he is optimistic about the progress that is being made, but he realizes that a change this large will not happen over night. Until a plan is finalized, both Thomas and Councilmember Gosney say that the best way to improve recycling uptown is through education awareness.

AUBA Chairman says that improvements will take time

Recycling Tips
To help with uptown's recycling problem, the city of Athens' offers tips for recyclers. To find the various recyling centers for everything from batteries to furniture in your area, use the EPA's database.

Hudson Could Overflow During Possible Flu Outbreak

2009-09-21T09:44:00.026-04:00

By Pat Henderson
ph199906@ohio.edu

For the last two weeks students going to Hudson Health Center were turned away. Health administrators told Athens MidDay they just didn't have the staff to take care of all the patients. Now many students are asking what this could mean if there is a flu outbreak?

Interim Director of the health center, Jackie Legg, says the Unversity and Hudson are working together on a plan for a potential H1N1 outbreak. Legg says the current staffing situation is circumstantial and things should improve as the quarter goes on, as early as Monday.

The Long Wait
Athens MidDay reporter Jessica Neidhard conducted a field observation at Hudson during the second week of classes. She talked to several students who had been waiting for over an hour. One student waited for two hours to get a prescription for her asthma.

"I could have driven to Marietta and back. Had an appointment there and came back in the time I was sitting there," says fifth year Kerri Conway. "Hudson's always been really iffy. I never choose to go here, but if I have to I will." Conway says she doesn't think Hudson could handle a potential H1N1 outbreak.

Student Kerri Conway speaking about her visit to Hudson

At the end of week two of fall quarter, there were only three providers available to help students which is why the health center had to turn students away.

"When you have X number of providers you know how many patients you can see in a certain time frame," Legg says. Hudson Health Center lost three of seven doctors and nurses this month because of illness, surgery and a military call-up.

What if the Flu Hits?
Interrim director Legg says that if there were a large-scale flu outbreak like the one at Washington State University, Hudson could be overwhelmed.

Jackie Legg speaking about staffing and H1N1

A Plan for H1N1
Hudson administration and Ohio University have been working together on a plan to address the needs of faculty and students in the case of a potential outbreak. One proposed policy is controlling the flow of students into the health center. If students display flu symptoms, they will be directed to a separate waiting room.

Students with the flu will receive instructions and be asked to isolate themselves from others. The University has a website designated for the distribution of information on the H1N1 virus.

Jackie Legg speaking about university plans

Sick students will also receive alternate plans for class work.

"Students are going to be told not to go back to class until they are fever free without treatment," Legg says. "So that might have them be out of class for 4 to 5 days." The provost is working with faculty on developing ways of getting work to students who are sick.

Abigail Clem on her visit to Hudson

Griffen Weisberg on his visit to Hudson

Christine Fram her visit to Hudson

Hudson Health Center expected to be back up to full staff by Monday. Calls to the Health Center to confirm that were not returned Monday morning.

New Green Program Saves You Money

2009-09-16T09:50:00.036-04:00

Jessica Neidhard
jn149706@ohio.edu

Representatives from the Ohio Treasury are kicking off a listening tour Wednesday night at the Nelsonville Public Library to inform the public about Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link), a new green program that helps people save money while conserving energy.

How ECO-Link Can Help You

Through the ECO-Link program, homeowners are able to receive a three-percent interest rate reduction
on qualifying bank loans for five years. Homeowners can also qualify for federal tax credits and other rebates for making energy-efficient improvements, said Stuart Osborne, Southeast Ohio Regional Community Affairs Director for the Treasurer's Office.

"This program is basically about informing Ohioans about how to make their homes more energy efficient and reward them for that effort," Osborne said.

The ECO-Link Listening Tour

Although the program was announced last week, the listening tour is designed to meet people all across Ohio and explain how they make improvements to their home to save energy costs, but also how to qualify for the tax credits, he said.

The nine city tour features different panelists at each location who will answer questions and explain the best ways homeowners can lower their energy costs between 10 and 20 percent, he said.

Stuart Osborne explains who will be on the panel.

Some of those improvements include installing high-efficiency windows and doors or insulating your water heater.

"Another goal of the project is to boost Ohio's economy because (ECO-Link) would create more green, sustainable jobs," he said.

Making the Program Work Across the State

Although the tour will stop in several larger cities, Osborne said the ECO-Link program is for all Ohioans--not just those living in the big cities.

"While people in the city might have higher energy costs, ECO-Link is designed to help everyone save money, no matter where they are living in the state," he said.

Stuart Osborne explains why the tour is kicking off in Nelsonville.

The discussion begins Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Nelsonville Public Library, located at 95 W. Washington Street.

View Larger Map

How To Protect Your Family From H1N1

2009-09-09T13:46:00.019-04:00

Katie Boyer
kb213806@ohio.edu

While parents see their children off to school with all the proper tools they need to succeed, new items are on this years’ list of necessities. Not only are parents needing to purchase pencils, pens, and paper, they are finding items like disinfecting wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer and hand soap. With the threat of the H1N1 virus becoming greater with fall in full bloom, the community is doing their part to help make the children in Athens County safe and prepared for a possible outbreak.

Chuck Hammer, Athens County Health Department Administrator, urges parents to make sure their children are taking care of themselves by getting a seasonal flu vaccine, keeping up healthy habits, having a responsible diet and getting plenty of rest. Hammer says that the H1N1 virus has a tendency to effect young people more than it does older folks, so it is very important to keep their immune systems healthy.

Chuck Hammer, Athens County Health Dept. Administrator talks about H1N1

Doctors urge parents to teach their children proper hand washing techniques, to cover their mouths when they cough and to try not to touch their faces. Hammer stresses the importance of teaching children to cough or sneeze into a tissue, or into their sleeve. He says that doing so tends to catch any airborne droplets, which allows them to dry out and the virus will die.

The symptoms for the H1N1 virus are not that different from those of the seasonal flu. The symptoms include fever, upperrespiratory problems, cough, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and feeling achy all over. Patricia Parker, Infection Control Coordinator at O’Bleness Memorial Hospital, says that if a person’s temperature rises uncomfortably high, or if there is any change in behavior, then it is time to seek medical attention.

If a person is feeling the onset of any symptoms of the H1N1 virus, Parker encourages people to eat a nutritious diet, get plenty of rest, wash hands often and practice good personal hygiene. Hammer noted the importance of getting a seasonal flu shot also, stressing the importance of keeping immune systems strong. He explained that the H1N1 virus has no immunity at this time, and if a person is already down with the seasonal flu, then their risk is higher because their immune system is weaker.

The vaccination for the H1N1 virus is currently in the works and according to Parker, it is going to be released on October 15th. The Center for Disease Control is providing the vaccine first to target risk groups including; pregnant women, people from six months to 18 years of age, health care workers, and people with asthma or diabetes.

Patricia Parker, Infection Control Coordinaor for O'Bleness Memorial Hospital explains how to take care of yourself when experiencing symptoms.

The CDC has provided some additional recommendations to keep the community safe and help protect people from contracting the virus. The suggestions include:

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

· Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

· Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

· Frequently clean your living quarters. If you live together with other students, you should frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles and bathroom areas.

· Plan to monitor your health by checking for fever and other symptoms of flu.

· Talk with your health care provider if you are at higher risk for complications from flu.

· Update emergency contact lists.

For additional information regarding the H1N1 virus and the vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov.

The Importance of Gun Safety

2009-06-04T10:16:00.011-04:00

Mary Davies
md916305@ohio.edu

Created in 1988, the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program has been a learning service for more than 21 million children all across the country. The program was developed by many qualified professionals such as: clinical psychologists, reading specialists, teachers, curriculum specialists, urban housing safety officials, and law enforcement personnel.

Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly talks about the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program

Anyone can teach the program and NRA membership is not required. Athens Sheriff Pat Kelly says that parents’ working with their children is a great way to promote household safety.

Athens County Sheriff Pat Kelly talks about gun safety.

The program can be incorporated into school curriculum and taught in one day or over a period of up to five days. Schools, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, daycare centers, and libraries may be eligible to receive grant funding for the program. The Athens County Sheriff’s Department received $2000 worth of materials.

The purpose of the program is not to support or reject guns, but to promote the protection and safety of children. The program does not make a judgment about firearm use and no firearms are ever used in the program. Eddie Eagle is never shown touching a firearm and does not support the use or ownership of weapons. The Eddie Eagle mascot is prohibited where guns are present, according to the program.

The program teaches gun safety in four simple steps.
“If You See A Gun”:
-STOP!
-Don’t Touch.
-Leave the Area.
-Tell an Adult.

Gun Safety Tips

With as many as 40% of American homes with children containing some form of gun or firearm, teaching gun safety to children is important. According to mychildsafety.net, there are many ways that parents can keep firearms safely in their households.

Always store guns appropriately and safely. Keep guns unloaded and locked up. It is also a good idea to lock guns and ammunition in separate locations. Finally, always hide keys to firearm safes, so that children cannot find them.

Real Life Stories

Teaching children gun safety can help to prevent incidents like the one in New Orleans last year. A 14-year-old boy fired a round into a 10-year-old’s hip as he played with his father’s gun. The child survived but the incident could have been prevented.

More recently, a 2-year-old child in Indianapolis shot himself while his mother was out on a date. There were two other children in the house and no adult supervision. The children said that their mother kept the gun under her mattress.

Finding the 'Soul of Athens'

2009-06-03T12:26:00.009-04:00

by Jonny Griffith
jg330006@ohio.edu

In 2007 students of Ohio University’s School of Visual Communication and E.W. Scripps School of Journalism opened an innovative online publication called the ‘Soul of Athens.’

The initiative of the site was to find the soul of the Appalachian community through a collection of timeless stories and multimedia publications of different personalities.

In its own words, “from sustainable farmland to environmental degradation, rich cultural centers to impoverished rural villages, and folk to funk, Soul of Athens illuminates the distinct features that compose Athens’ soul.”
The students’ ability to capture these features did not go unnoticed as it was named first place for “Best Use of Web” and “Best Multimedia Package” from the Independent Division by the National Press Photographers Association. The online publication also finished runner up for “Documentary Video” and “Feature Video” of the Independent Division.

After finding many aspects of Athens’ soul, a year later the journalists of the online publication sought out to find the pursuit of wellness of Athens County in 2008. Through the four holistic areas of mind, body, spirit and place, “Athenians are celebrated for their unique devotion to the pursuits of achievement and self-fulfillment, making them the perfect subjects for framing the exploration of the mind.”

For its pursuit in finding wellness in the county, the site was awarded third place for “News or Feature Multimedia Package” by the National Press Photographers Association, along with an “Award of Excellence” by the Pictures of the Year International.
This year the ‘Soul of Athens’ went back to its roots in an effort to once again find the soul of the Athens community. Its 2009 edition was an effort to reveal the spirit of the community through photography, video, audio, text and interactive graphics. With 42 new stories revealing different aspects of Athens’ soul, content creator and graphic artist Rachel Custer says the stories allow for students to look outside of their lives in the Athens campus community.

Rachel Custer, Content Contributor, graphics
Students who work for the online publication receive class credit for their work, but content creator and writer Jaclyn Lipp says her work for the site goes far beyond the hours in the classroom. In her first year working for the publication, Lipp wrote an article called “The Big Green” about environmental efforts. She says the many forms of media that are used to capture different stories in the ‘Soul of Athens’ is what makes the publication unique.

Jaclyn Liff, Content Contributor, writer

To check out the online publication click here

Scholarships for Future Appalachian Teachers

2009-06-02T09:46:00.035-04:00

by Malcolm Morgan
mm141606@ohio.edu

The "Choose Appalachian Teaching" (CAT) and the Robert Noyce Scholarship Programs are both aimed at keeping talented Math and Science teachers in the region. Both of these scholarships are aimed at responding to the shortage of math and science teachers in rural Appalachia.

The Noyce Scholarship offers students:
- Loan/scholarships up to $17,000 per year
- Juniors, seniors, or graduate students (in fifth year programs) can receive up to two (2) years of loan/scholarship support.
- If an individual teaches in an approved high-needs school the loan (principal and interest) is converted to a scholarship. Service provided in an Appalachian or rural school is preferred.

The scholarship is not just offered at Ohio University but also at Shawnee State University and the University of Rio Grande. It also requires two years of teaching service in a qualified school for each year of financial support. Director of the Southeast Ohio Center for Exellence in Mathematics and Science, Al Cote, explains why it is important to retain teachers from Appalachia.

Al Cote Talks about importance of retaining teachers

The Choose Appalachian Teaching Scholarship is another scholarship program geared toward Appalachia. This scholarship is supposed to create 75 additional high school Mathematics and Science teachers in Southeast, Ohio. The program will provide $4,000 per year at OU's Athens campus. The scholarship will also be available to students at Marietta College, Muskingum College, Shawnee State University and the University of Rio Grande. Applicants at OU's five regional campuses are also eligible for a $2,000 per year award.

The CAT scholarship is also unlike any other traditional scholarship programs because it is a seven-year commitment. After graduating, CAT scholars will engage in a three-year professional induction program in one of many Appalachian Ohio counties, including Athens. The teachers will receive additional mentoring from university faculty during this time. The scholarship will also work to create a network with teachers of the same subject. CAT Director Greg Foley says that this is an important part of the program especially for new teachers.

Greg Foley talks about teaching network

Cote says many people are not attracted to rural Appalachia because of how isolated and spread out it is. This makes it hard to attract young teachers to stay in rural areas. But Cote says that the incentives from these programs as well as the tightly knit community should be a draw for people to come to Appalachia.

Cote talks about Appalachian Community

The CAT scholarship is set up to award 34 scholarships and hopes to add more in the future.

Potential Highway Speed Increase

2009-06-01T09:18:00.015-04:00

by Matt Cramer
mc351606@ohio.edu

Ohio may increase the speed limit on its highways from 65 to 70 miles an hour to have a maximum speed limit that is consistent with neighboring states. Currently, Kentucky, West Virginia, Michigan and Indiana all have maximum speed limits of 70 miles an hour on some stretches of rural interstate highway.

The proposed legislation was presented by state representatives Timothy J. DeGeeter and Dan Dodd to the Ohio House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. DeGeeter and Dodd say that Ohio needs to get in line with 32 other states that already have maximum speed limits over 65 miles per hour. However, this bill does not have support across the board. Robert F. Hagan, a representative from Youngstown says he is concerned about the environmental effects of increasing the speed of vehicles on the highway. "I don't care what anyone says -- if you're increasing the speed, you're consuming more fuel and that's increasing the carbon footprint, which is a contributing factor to the climate change we're experiencing right now."

Ohio University senior Emmanuel Bakarema says he doesn't like the idea of increasing the speed limit across the board. He says that if there is an increase in the speed limit, there should be increases only in certain safe stretches of highway.

OU Senior Emmanuel Bakarema

Another concern, expressed by OU senior Jordan Whitehouse is the issue of drivers going faster than speed limit regardless of an increase in the posted speed.

OU Senior Jordan Whitehouse

Local art exhibit boosts Athens economy

2009-05-27T09:06:00.018-04:00

By Allison Herman
ah215206@ohio.edu

As the summer months inch closer, it is time to start planning summer vacations. However, in this economy, large, extravagant trips far from home are no longer an option for many people. Athens County is benefiting from more people staying close to home and spending less money.

At the Dairy Barn in Athens, their biennial Quilt National exhibit brings thousands of people to the area - and this year is no different. Kathleen Dawson, the Director of Quilt National, says when the exhibit opened to the public this Memorial Day weekend, they had over 800 people show up. Drawing on members of the Athens community and Ohio residents, as well as bringing people from all over the world - tourist attractions like the Dairy Barn help to boost the local economy. Dawson says it is especially helpful for local businesses during the summer months when Ohio University students have gone home for summer break.

Dawson explains the impact The Dairy Barn has on local tourism.

Quilt National 2009 is a collection of 85 quilts by artists from 25 states and 13 countries, and it runs through September 7, 2009. General admission to the show is just $6.00 - which is a cheap alternative to spending a week at the beach. The quilts themselves, however, are quite pricy. The cheapest one is $600, but most fall between $2,000 and $6,000. The most expensive quilt in the show, however, sells for a whopping $22,080. Dawson says to her surprise, the down economy hasn't stopped people from buying the pricy quilts. Opening weekend 7 were sold.

Dawson says the Dairy Barn is working with the county visitor's bureau to bring more Ohioans to the area, keeping them close to home and supporting local vendors, businesses, and attractions.

Dawson talks about bringing people within driving distance to Athens.

The Athens County Convention and Visitor's Bureau works to bring business and tourism to the area. In addition to the Dairy Farm, places like the Hocking Hills and Passion Works are big attractions. Also, events like Ohio Brew Week and Halloween also pull in big numbers of visitors - which means big money for the area.

New Drug Czar in Town

2009-05-26T09:37:00.018-04:00

Joe Flannery
jf204206@ohio.edu

Athens County has been facing a drug problem for years, and Sheriff Pat Kelly has made it a point to address this issue.

Sheriff Kelly brought in Esko, a new part of the law enforcement in Athens County.

Esko is a German Shepard recently added to deter the growing drug problem in the area. The dog has paid immediate dividends as she has helped in three drug related stops in less than two weeks on the force.

John Morris, K-9 Handler

The stops were routine traffic stops but with the help of Esko, the officer was able to find marijuana in one stop, and pills in the other. The drug sniffing canine was crucial in the stops since the marijuana in particular was hidden in the trunk above the wheel, a spot hard to uncover for a normal officer.

The new found attention to drugs is something Sheriff Kelly has been advocating since obtaining his position. The hope is that with the help of a canine more drugs can be taken off the streets.

Lieutenant of Operations Bryan Cooper

The big reason for the canine unit is to act as a deterrent for those traveling through Athens County. The presence of a dog is expected to slow down the amount of drug traffic in the area.

This is not the first time Athens County has had a canine on the force. The police department formerly used drug dogs but hasn't employed one in months.

Athens County Sheriff's Police Department is expected to add a second dog in the next few weeks.

Censure: A Faculty Outcry

2009-05-21T10:08:00.007-04:00

by: Jake Young
jy290706@ohio.edu

A censure, by definition, is "a strong or vehement expression of disapproval," and "an official reprimand, as by a legislative body of one of its members."

With few other choices, a disgruntled faculty at Ohio University will vote to censure President Roderick McDavis, Executive Vice President and Provost Kathy Krendl, and Vice President for Finance and Administration William Decatur at the next meeting of the Faculty Senate on June 12th. The reasoning stems from a new OU Faculty Healthcare Plan that will cost professors approximately $900/year. Faculty Senate member Joseph Slade says, more importantly, it is a breach of the faculty handbook.

Slade on Ignoring the Handbook

Censure, But No Evaluations

In an effort to gain opinions about the president from the faculty, former Faculty Senate Chair Sergio Lopez assembled an anonymous online survey with a variety of questions. Shortly after it was released, the survey was scrapped because of security issues. Lopez said the anonymity of the survey allowed faculty to re-take it multiple times, potentially skewing the results.

Current Chair Joe McLaughlin will release a new survey in the fall, but Faculty Senate member Kenneth Brown says a censure before a survey could cause the survey to reflect the censure result instead of holding honest opinions.

Censure Before Survey: Not Ideal

Public Condemnation

Brown added that the Faculty Senate has no legal rights in its situation, and cannot sue the university or its administration, even though the handbook was clearly violated. Faculty Senate wants to voice its displeasure with the situation, and that brought about the motion to censure.

The censure has no legal power. It is simply a vote of no confidence for President McDavis, Executive Vice President and Provost Kathy Krendl, and Vice President for Finance and Administration William Decatur.

New Street Festival Ordinance

2009-05-20T08:52:00.028-04:00

by Matthew Cramer
mc351606@ohio.edu

Athens Police Chief Rick Mayer has proposed a new ordinance that would force Athens residents to acquire a permit for an outdoor stage setup. This ordinance was proposed in reaction to events from the Palmer Street festival on the 9th of May.

With the new ordinance, residents would be required to have inspections not only on the stage but also on their house. The house would be also inspected to make sure it is up to date on fire and electric codes.

Along with inspections of electrical and fire codes, residents would be responsible for providing a set number of port-a-pottys based on the specific permit for the house. Police Chief Mayer says that there are already existing regulations that call for these port a pottys but this ordinance would give more clarification.

Police and firefighters responding to a fire in the middle of the street encountered resistance getting through the street with people blocking all traffic. Once the people were cleared out of the street, large stages in the backyards of houses behind Palmer Street prevented exits onto either Stimson Avenue or Mill Street. With the police moving in one direction down the street, once the students were moved off to the smaller side streets, they were able to move behind the advancing police force and get back onto the main street.

Police Chief Rick Mayer talks about the improved safety measures with the new ordinance

Palmer Street resident Meghan McHugh says the ordinance will be a good thing for future spring festivals. This year Palmer Street residents had the opportunity to go to optional meetings to discuss safety measure for Palmerfest. McHugh says that a mandatory meeting for all residents of Palmer Street that would lay out strict guidelines for Palmerfest would be beneficial.

Meghan McHugh discusses her Palmerfest experience

Gas Prices and Economic Recovery

2009-05-19T09:29:00.034-04:00

by John Kerkhoff
jk148706@ohio.edu

The economic recession has been widespread and detrimental. Nearly every sector of the economy has been hurt and consumers are trying to stretch their dollars.

To add insult to injury, gas prices are going up just in time for the summer driving season. In fact, prices have risen nearly 40 cents in Ohio in only three weeks. Gas prices in Athens are seven cents higher than the national average.

Some economists say that the hike in gas prices is a positive sign for the economy. Rising prices may be an indicator that consumer confidence is improving, and the economy on the whole might be stabilizing.

Some economists say that deflation - falling overall prices - is a sign of economic decline. The price of crude oil fell from nearly $150 per barrel to $33 per barrel in one year. Now, the price of crude is up to about $60 per barrel. This could be a sign that the economy is recovering.

Ohio University economic professor Ariaster Chimeli says that higher gas prices show that consumer confidence is increasing, something that has plummeted during the recession. He also says that a change in consumer demand is more responsible for higher prices than an overall economic recovery.

Ariaster Chimeli Discusses Gas Prices

We all feel the effects of higher gas prices. We'll have to budget differently, spend less on other goods and services and travel less. Some say it is worth paying more if we are able to escape our current woeful situation. But Chimeli says that increasing prices can not be attributed to a recovery. The recovery, he says, is more than just gas prices. He says that higher gas prices in the summer are normal and should be expected, even in a recession.

Ariaster Chimeli Discusses Gas Prices

Chimeli says that people can expect gas prices to rise even higher this summer. He does not expect prices to hit the highs we saw last summer.

The Energy Information Administration agrees with Chimeli that prices will not reach $4 per gallon anytime soon. It says that prices are still below market level and they will gradually rise over the next few years.

According to the EIA, higher prices at the pump indicate a turnaround in at least some sectors of the economy. The EIA says it is uncertain when the recession will end. It says that the downturn is a long-term problem and there is still much that needs to be done before full recovery.

OU Airport to put Stimulus Money in use

2009-05-18T10:30:00.013-04:00

by Jonny Griffith
jg330006@ohio.edu

The Ohio University Airport has received $3.15 million as part of the 2009 federal funds from the Recovery and Investment Act, which will be used to make much needed repairs to its terrain. Its runway safety area, which is a piece of real estate which all airports have running parallel to their runways, had a number of discrepencies that had kept it from meeting the latest airport standards.

According to Ken Carley who is the Director of the OU Airport, the dire need for repairs to the runway helped the airport receive the money in a timely manner. Carley says creating safety around the runway is the main goal the airport has with the use of the money.

Director of OU Airport-Ken Carley

Carley also says safety is especially important at airports where student training is taking place, like the OU Airport.

Director of OU Airport

The OU Airport is a general aviation facility without commercial flights. The airport sees around 50,000 operations a year, most of which are training operations involving OU students. The airport has 53 aircrafts, 20 of which are owned by the University, with others belonging to private owners.

Students in the Department of Aviation have to go through a number of steps before they are able to reach the sky. According to senior Matt Dipaola, students are expected to take a quarter of ground school, take a few written exams, take an oral exam on flying specs and complete a certain number of training hours before they are able to fly. Dipaola says that instructors main concern with new students is landing because of the difficulties some students have controlling planes. Getting students to go through checklists, take all safety techniques and scan for air traffic are also important steps that instructors teach students while flying.

According to Dipaola the biggest drawback to the department is the number of fees students are required to pay. Aside from tuition, students have fees that cover aircraft operating costs and fees for instructor training. Due to the high cost of being in this program, Dipoala stresses the importance of student commitment if they're in the program.

Matt Dipaola-Senior Aviation Major

The Ohio University Airport is the biggest general aviation facility in the state and is open to the general public. Carley says anyone is welcome to come to airport and check out how it operates. For a shuttle to the airport click here.

Over 200 turn out for HIV/AIDS testing

2009-05-14T09:19:00.013-04:00

by Allison Herman
ah215206@ohio.edu

Ohio University's Health Promotions office is helping to get out the word about HIV and AIDS by offering free, anonymous testing. Over 200 OU students, faculty, and administration turned out to get tested for HIV/AIDS Wednesday. However, just because the testing was free of charge, that does not mean the tests themselves were free. Each cheek swab costs about $100. Tammy Norway, an intern with Health Promotions, says the money to do testing like this comes from the Ohio Department of Health. For this event alone, the testing cost over $200,000.

Tammy Norway explains how the tests end up at Ohio University.

Ideally, OU Health Promotions would like to do this testing during HIV/AIDS Awareness month, but it is during the summer month of June, when college students are gone on summer vacation. Regardless of the time of the year, Norway says getting out the information is extremely important.

Tammy Norway says events like this are important, especially for
college students.

For OU Freshman Allison Maloney, getting tested was a no-brainer. However, she chose to go the confidential route instead of anonymous. Anonymous testing means your name is never used, you are only referred to as a number. With confidential, your name is used on official documents and would be visible to doctors and insurance companies.

Allison Maloney explains why getting tested is important to her.

The cheek swabs are 98.6% accurate, and even though they run $100 a swab, they
are a much cheaper and quicker alternative to blood tests.
Other testing sites around Athens include Hudson Health Center and Planned Parenthood.

Students React to Palmerfest Brutality

2009-05-13T10:14:00.018-04:00

Mary Davies
md916305@ohio.edu

In the aftermath of the near-riot at Saturday’s Palmerfest, the police are reviewing pictures and videos to identify unruly students.

Athens Police Chief Rick Mayer says they are using media from the incident to look for students breaking the law. However, the Athens Police Department declined to comment further on the investigation. Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi said that while the University does not have the man power to hold their own investigation, they will comply with the APD to help identify students if possible.

Dean of Students, Ryan Lombardi

Many Ohio University students are opposed to the idea of reviewing footage with the intent of identifying students. Jesse Dambrovia and Chris Locke, along with other students, said that “what’s done is done.”

Jesse Dambrovia, Resident 118 Mill Street

Chris Locke, Palmerfest Attendee

However, the APD are not the only ones who have rights. Students who complain of the police brutality they experienced can do something about it. According to the APD, if a student wants to file a complaint about police brutality, they can stop in at the station to pick up the necessary paperwork.

What Students Saw

The Post newspaper reported that several students felt that the police used unnecessary force in trying to restore order to Palmer and Mill streets. David Gold, a resident of 134 Mill, said that at one point during the chaos, police demanded that he clear his porch and then began pushing people into the house.

"The last guy, the last cop, pushed me into my house and slammed the door," Gold said, adding he tried to move everyone inside as fast as he could. "I lived here last year and it was nothing like this."

Sarah Meadema, a junior healthcare administration major, said that a mounted police officer ran someone into the bushes outside her house.

"The police, there's no reason for the violence they're doing. They beat a kid with a club for no reason at all.”

Chris Grimaldi, a senior MIS and marketing major, said that he witnessed police rip a screen, break a window and knock over a speaker.

Rebecca Rak, an OU student, left a comment on The Post’s website describing what she witnessed. She described a scene where a girl was backed into a tree by a mounted officer. The girl was crying and had nowhere to go. Then a male stepped in to help her.

“Finally, a young man stepped in and asked the officer to leave her alone, because she was scared and trying to leave. Granted, the guy had to yell in order for the officer to hear him, but it in no way was in a threatening manner. Next thing I know, I see the young man being wrestled and clubbed to the ground by not one, not two, not three, but FOUR officers, and one of them saying, ‘B**** had her chance to leave.’”

What I Saw

I also witnessed the events take place from the roof of my house at 136 Mill Street . Around midnight, the festivities on Palmer Street were dying down but parties on Mill Street were really picking up. Students were partying in the street, taking up at least one full lane of traffic.

The trouble started when mounted police rushed the yard of 123 Mill Street , where a large party was taking place. The mounted police chased students all the way to the backyard. Then riot police with nightsticks forced students off of the street and sidewalks.

The riot police hit students with sticks as they tried to run away. Someone at 134 Mill also came outside and witnessed an officer continuously hitting a student with a nightstick. When the 134 Mill resident said, “Is that really necessary?”, the officer charged onto the porch.

Dambrovia, another Mill Street resident, is currently wearing a brace on his foot. He explained that a mounted officer actually ran him over in his own yard, causing him to seek treatment from O’Bleness Memorial Hospital.

According to the APD, no complaints have been filed against Athens Police Officers. However, Dean Lombardi says he is meeting with students who have concerns about how law enforcement officials handled the situation.

See For Yourself

Student recorded video of Palmerfest. (Taken from YouTube)

Aftermath of Palmer Fest

2009-05-12T10:15:00.033-04:00

by Malcolm Morgan
mm141606@ohio.edu

The spring fest season is a time when Ohio University students as well as Athens residents can enjoy springtime in Athens. But this weekend Palmer Fest went from an enjoyable experience to pandemonium.

Late on Saturday night some congregants at Palmer Fest began lighting fires. Forty officers in riot gear were sent once the fires were reported on Palmer Street. As police put out that blaze, another fire was started. Ohio University Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi, says that local law enforcement was outnumbered compared to party goers. He also says the police acted appropriately.

Ryan Lombardi on Police Presence

Even though Lombardi commended the lack of police intervention, residents of Palmer Street, including Kristin Hascher were concerned about the lack of police presence.

Kristsin Hascher on Police Presence

When the police did intervene in the activities they were met with hostility from attendees. Bottles were thrown at police, and the danger was not limited to people. Five horses were also injured during the altercations.

After all of the excitement on Saturday, cigarette butts, cans, Solo cups, and other trash littered Palmer Street. Palmer Street residents spent much of their Sunday and also parts of Monday cleaning up. Some residents of Palmer Street want to keep their street clean and did not participate in the activities of the weekend. Residents like Hascher belive the problem lies with people that are not living in Athens.

Resdient talks about Out of Town Guests

Ohio University, is unsure whether future measures will be taken by the school that will affect the rest of the spring fest season or whether Palmer Fest will be adjusted in the future.

Habitat for Humanity Helps Athens County

2009-05-11T09:51:00.015-04:00

By Katie Meyers
km213206@ohio.edu

Athens County's Habitat for Humanity is raising funds to give a home to someone in need. They held a rummage sale last Saturday at Christ the King Parish Center to raise money to help build their 24th house.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry. Habitat builds and fixes houses through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials. Habitat for Humanity's work is accomplished at the community level by affiliates, including the Athens County Chapter.

The latest Athens County housing project is for Darrick and Ashley Wires of Albany. They live with their three daughters in a dilapidated trailer in the back of Darrick's parent’s house. The Wires applied to the program with encouragement from family, and were approved by the coalition last September. The construction of the house is currently underway. Some of the proceeds from Saturday's rummage sale will go towards this project. This is the eighth year the Athens chapter has been hosting rummage sales. They have always generated a lot of attention from the community.

Lori Johansen talks about the success of the rummage sales.

George Bain talks about how the rummage sale has evolved.

Habitat houses are sold to families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. Since its creation in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International has built more than 300,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1.5 million people with shelter.

Habitat for Humanity is always looking for volunteers and donations to help out their organization. The Athens County chapter is selling blank notecards to those who want to help out.

Lori Johansen talks about the benefits of donations.

Bonus Features Key to CatMail

2009-05-07T10:03:00.014-04:00

by Jake Young
jy290706@ohio.edu

Days are numbered for Ohio University Webmail as CatMail prepares its takeover. A look at the CatMail website proclaims, "CatMail is Coming!" and that leaves many questions for students and faculty regarding just what makes the change worthwhile for OU users.

Reasons for Change

Until now, users of OU's OAK email system have used the webmail or Mulberry email systems, and both have frequently been criticized for not having enough user friendly features, prompting many users to forward their emails to other hosts. Students like sophomore Robert Nyerges are the type of student that CatMail is targeting.

Outside Email Popular Among Students

The Features

Office of Information Technology Communications Manager Sean O'Malley said the main reason for choosing the CatMail system is the vastly improved features that are offered. A rundown of the new features include:

• 10 GB of inbox memory (webmail has 100 MB)
• a 25 GB "Sky Drive" where users can post documents and files and access them anywhere where a web connection is available
• 5 GB of Microsoft Office storage for collaborative work on group projects
• a personal calendar feature that can synch with iPhones and other Windows Mobile devices
• increased anti-spam and virus protection

O'Malley's goal is to offer students an email system that can compete with the online opposition, and to do it in a cost-saving manner.

Improved Product with Improved Cost

According to O'Malley, one of the best features of CatMail is the ideally seamless transition. In order to switch accounts, the user should be able to log-in using their existing email address, and the existing messages in webmail or Mulberry will move to CatMail, finishing the transition.

For current students, the transition will happen alphabetically between May 13 and May 21, and for alumni, the transition will be June 1. Because of contract limitations, OU faculty will not be making the transition at this time.

Swine Flu Increases Local Business

2009-05-05T11:03:00.017-04:00

By: Joe Flannery
jf204206@ohio.edu

A small company born out of Athens has seen a recent increase in its productivity.

Diagnostic Hybrid Inc. (DHI), located in the State Side Technology Park on East State Street, is providing a test for the H1N1 virus or more commonly, the swine flu, in most of the country. DHI is now operating at four times its capacity in what normally would be a down time for the company.

With the recent scare from swine flu, residents from Athens and around the country are looking for ways to get tested for the virus. “I know if I should any symptoms of the flu. I’m going to get tested," says one Athens resident.

David Scholl, President & CEO Diagnostic Hybrids

Nearby residents are in luck, DHI supplies over 700 hospitals and provides for many of the major players in the business. The recent outbreak has forced the company into overdrive with many of its employees working more hours of overtime.

Excess Overtime

The shipping process has required all hands on deck now for the past two weeks. The process forces employees to have trucks loaded to be shipped at eight every morning. The tests are then sent to respective hospitals not only in the state, but across the country.

DHI just finished its normal busy season over the winter, but has had to adapt to the outbreak. The company has been able increase production so far and continues to do so as the extent of the outbreak is unknown.

The swine flu is a form of Influenza A and is tested the same way. If one is positive for Influenza A the sample is then sent to the CDC to further test for the H1N1 strand.

DHI is currently in the process of developing a new test of Graves’s disease as well. The test will be the first of its kind and is only pending FDA approval.

Alpaca Farming: A Thriving Ohio Business

2009-05-04T10:23:00.013-04:00

By Allison Herman
AH215206@ohio.edu

While Ohio is more commonly known as the Buckeye State, you may be surprised to know that it is also the Alpaca capitol of the United States. More Ohioans are getting in on the Alpaca farming business with good reason - it is incredibly profitable.

Kittle explains the different ways to sell Alpaca fleece.

Keith Kittle is an Alpaca farmer in Athens County. He started Pleasant Hill Alpaca Farm three years ago. "Other livestock don't have the profit potential that alpacas do," Kittle said.
By day he is an instructor at Hocking College, but after a long day of work, he still finds time to care for his animals.

Kittle talks about a day in the life of an Alpaca Farmer.

The profit potential with Alpacas is two-fold. Kittle breeds and raises the furry animals for sale, as well as for their fleece. With just about 100,000 Alpacas in the United States, the animals are in high demand. The average Alpaca sells for between $10,000 and $20,000. Kittle owns 12.

The animals are shorn once a year and their hair is sent to a processor to be strung into yarn. While the hair is processed in West Virginia, Kittle sells the yarn locally at The Tattered Corner in Athens.
Alpaca farming can be a profitable business, but it is not recession-proof. Kittle says Alpaca farming has been hit - just as every other industry is affected by the down economy.

Kittle explains how Alpaca farming has been hurt by the economy.

Profit is not the only reason to farm Alpacas. Kittle says his huggable investment is kid friendly too. He has two young daughters, and he trusts the animals to play with his children.
To buy the finished product, you can visit The Tattered Corner, located at 18 Station Street in Athens.

For more information about the Alpaca breeding industry in Ohio visit the The Ohio Alpaca Breeders Association's website.

Brush Removal Could Cost Residents

2009-04-29T11:08:00.013-04:00

by Jonny Griffith
jg330006@ohio.edu

Athens City Council is proposing to charge Athens residents for grass and brush removal. Currently the city picks up yard waste on Tuesdays and Fridays for free, if residents simply call the department requesting the removal. The system is funded through resident income taxes, but with an average annual cost of $50,000 for the service, the city is looking for a change.

According to the Director of the Athens City Street Maintenance Department, Andrew Stone, the proposal given to City Council would charge Athens residents $1.50 for the removal of each bundle of grass or brush. This charge matches the current fee residents pay for each extra bundle of grass and brush. If passed, Stone expects the proposal to save Athens $25,000, which is half of the current annual cost of the service.

Senior OU student Brandon Zimmerman says he understands the need for the City of Athens to find ways to cut costs, but he still does not support the proposal. He says if indeed the city starts charging for each bundle of yard waste, then he will just take his own waste to the dump or just do less yard work.

Despite the possibility of being charged for the removal of grass and brush, Athens Resident Matt Hawk says he understands why the city is looking to make a change.

Matt Hawk-Athens City Resident

According to Stone, residents have taken advantage of the free service, oftentimes loading entire trucks with their own brush. With this fact in mind, Hawk says that he believes residents will learn to embrace the proposal if passed, even if there is initial opposition.

Matt Hawk-Athens City Resident

Stone says he expects the residential use of the grass and brush removal service to drop 25%. He has seen an abuse of trash removal as stickers have come into use, as some residents have resorted to dumping trash on the side of the road or in the woods to save money. If the proposal is passed, Stone says there is a potential for a similar practice to come into action with grass and brush.

City Council has been working with this proposal for a couple of years now, but Stone says he expects the plan to finally become official by the summer months.

Grass and brush bundle requirements:
• No dirt or trash
• No construction debris
• No more than 50 lbs.

Bundles
• Limbs or trees can be no more than 4”-6” in diameter
• Limbs or trees can be no more then 4 feet long
• Must be tied with rope or string
• One person can lift it (50 lbs. limit)
• All bundles should be placed at curb

-Athens Street Department

For grass or brush removal call (740) 592-3343 or visit the Athens Street Department website for more information.

Hocking College Trustee Destroys Records

2009-04-28T10:09:00.028-04:00

Malcolm Morgan
mm141606@ohio.edu

President of the Hocking College Faculty Union and math professor Cheryl Mansky filed a public records request for evaluations of the candidates for president of the college. Mansky was shocked when she was told that some of the documents were destroyed.

Hocking College's search for a new president is falling under scrutiny after public records concerning the search were destroyed.

College spokeswomen Judy Sinnot confirms that the documents were destroyed by College Trustee and leader of the presidential Search, Alan Geiger. Sinnot also confirms that it is protocol to summarize the candidates evaluations.

The evaluations were not only from faculty members but from students as well. Students play an important role in the College's presidential search.

Cheryl Mansky talks about the role of the students

Mansky says getting feedback from a cross section of the campus has been important in this presidential search. The search is down to three candidates, Ron Erickson, a vice president at Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, Minn., David Devier a vice president at Clark State Community College in Springfield, Ohio, and Dennis Harkins, a provost and regional campus president at Georgia Perimeter College in Atlanta. With this many candidates having the opinion of as many people as possible is very important.

The original records for two of the candidates were still intact. But the records for Erickson were not. Geiger maintains that he summarized the evaluations. Sinnot also supports Gieger, saying that it was never expected for the board members to see every evaluation. However, Mansky is concerned that every opinion may not be heard.

Cheryl Mansky talks about the effect of lost records

The Faculty Union made a presentation at last nights trustee meeting and Mansky is hopeful that the board will listen and make an informed decision.

This is not Hocking College's first brush with controversy. Current Hocking College President John Light is retiring June 30th during a state investigation into fraud and theft at the tax-subsidized school.

Board of Trustees Raises Student Fees

2009-04-27T10:55:00.013-04:00

By Katie Meyers
km213206@ohio.edu

Student fees and charges will increase for the 2009-2010 school year after approval at the Board of Trustees meeting on Friday.

The Board reviewed 221 college-specific or course related fees. The proposed technology upgrade fee called for more discussion. The University will pay for half of the $40 million technology upgrade, but the other half will be paid for by students. President McDavis says the fee will be no more than $25 per quarter. But the fee recently prompted calls for referendums in both student senates. Board Chairman Daniel DeLawder said the technology upgrade is "long overdue," but the board needs to inform students and parents of exactly how the fee will be applied.

Also approved is a 7% increase in room rates and a 3% increase in dining fees. Board members said that OU cannot raise room-and-board rates enough to pay for the maintenance that is needed in its residence hall system. The university still plans to continue renovating East Green dorms over the next five years, but some renovations will be delayed. They said they would not have enrollment suffer because rent was set too high.

McDavis talks about fee increases

At the meeting, Board of Trustees chairman, Daniel DeLawder, read aloud a letter that had been presented to him at the protest the night before. The letter criticized
the "statement of expectations" which says the chairman acts as a spokesperson for the entire board.

DeLawder resonds to the letter

A group of students who protested outside President Roderick McDavis' home on Thursday night presented the letter to the Board Members. Students protested about decisions made during the struggling economy, including McDavis' pay raise, faculty and staff layoffs, and budget cuts.

This was Chairman DeLawder's last meeting of his term.

DeLawder reflects on his term as Chairman

Holocaust Remembrance: A Global Affair

2009-04-22T10:08:00.019-04:00

by Jake Young
jy290706@ohio.edu

April 21st was not just another Tuesday for some Ohio University students. It was Holocaust Remembrance Day, and for Jewish students at OU, the day was commemorated with a silent walk around campus, wearing all black with signs saying, "Never Forget."

The idea is not a new one. The national chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity sponsors silent walks across the country, and this was the first time OU took part in the event. AEPi paired up with Bobcats for Israel to put on the event. Bobcats for Israel President Rachel Zieleniec says the event will help students remember the past and commemorate those who were lost.

Keeping the Past Alive

Looking Back

The silent walk would not have been possible if Holocaust Remembrance Day never existed. The Israeli Government started it in 1951, calling it Yom HaShoah.

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, there is no entertainment. Movie houses and play houses are closed, and documentaries relating to the Jewish place in the world and the Holocaust play on TV.

In Israel, there are two specific events:

-Six torches are lit outside Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum and Monument, each one representing one million of those who were killed.
-Then, at 10 pm, all activity stops (buses, cabs, etc) while people observe 2 minutes of silence.

Those Who Survived

Holocaust Remembrance Day would have never come about without the insistence of the Holocaust survivors. Some critics have said that the Day does not do enough to celebrate those survivors, but OU History Professor and Holocaust expert Norman Goda gives two reasons why that criticism is flawed.

Honoring Those Who Passed

Facing Opposition

Despite the celebration of Yom HaShoah across the world, there are still those who object to its existence.

A key opponent is Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The day before the Holocaust commemoration, Ahmadinejad made a speech at a UN conference in Geneva calling Israel a racist state built on the "pretext of Jewish sufferings" and accused it of genocide against Palestinians.

Goda says it was a good statement by those European countries who chose to walk out of the speech, but that the problem lies with those who stayed.

Questionable Behavior

Regardless of opposition, Holocaust Remembrance Day will continue on and be commemorated each year. Next year's Remembrance is scheduled for Sunday, April 11.

Athens Postal Worker Detects Gas Leaks

2009-04-21T12:07:00.020-04:00

Alex Motz
am895706@ohio.edu

Athens Post Office worker Charles Murray Rose addressed Athens City Council Meeting about gas leaks at their meeting on Monday. He told Council that he had noticed several gas leaks along his route on Athens’ east side and was concerned for residents. “I’ve come to view the people on my route as part of my extended family,” Rose said.

On the Job
In fact, Rose has warned residents along his route about the leaks he has detected. At 306 E. State St., he left a note on a package he delivered to the home. Later, a woman left him a reply asking if he would knock on the door so that she could thank him properly. “It’s a very humbling experience when you realize that you’ve done something to save someone’s life,” Rose said. She had called Columbia Gas to have them look into the source of the smell and found that it was a very serious leak.

Calling on Columbia Gas
According to Rose, Columbia Gas is not always quick to locate leaks. For instance, Rose also detected gas coming from a storm drain outside 21 N. Shannon. “When I got out of my truck, the smell was so strong it almost brought me to my knees,” said Rose. He called Columbia Gas who he said took nine months to fix the problem.

“My nose knows,” said Rose who attributes countless other leaks along his route to Columbia Gas’s old crumbling lines failing. “I’ve been right four times, and that’s just the leaks they’ve fixed.”

In his speech to Athens City Council, Rose insisted that Columbus Gas owes him and the people on his route an apology. “Just the fact that they had the nerve to say,” he scanned through his speech notes to ensure that he quoted Columbus Gas correctly, “the gas is not dangerous to life or property. That’s what this Ken Stammen from Columbia Gas wrote.”

“Gas is very dangerous if not monitored correctly. I’m happy to heat my home with electric,” Rose said proudly as he ended his speech to Council.

Suspecting a leak
“My senses are keen and in tuned,” Rose said. But not everyone has senses as strong as Rose’s. So if you think that you detect a gas leak through smell, sight (white cloud, mist or fog), or sound (hissing or whistling), follow these instructions from Columbia Gas's website:

Do
- If you smell gas inside, get out immediately.
- If you suspect a leak outside, turn off and abandon any motorized equipment you might be using.
- Leave the area quickly.
- Warn others to stay away from the area.
- From a safe place, call our emergency number at 1-800-344-4077 and your fire department or police. An odor of gas outside your home should be reported just as you would report an inside odor. Gas leaks from service lines could migrate into your home through walls or drain lines.
- Remain outside until we can send someone to check on the source of the odor.

Don’t
- Light a match or candle, or operate anything that could cause a spark, including cell phones, lights, appliances, flashlights, power tools, etc.
- Open the windows and doors in an attempt to ventilate
- Try to find the leak yourself or operate pipeline valves

For more information on how to detect a gas leak, visit Columbia Gas's website to read how to use your senses to detect a natural gas leak.

Potholes: An Annual Problem in Athens

2009-04-16T10:17:00.013-04:00

By Joe Flannery
jf204206@ohio.edu

Potholes year in and year out are a problem in Athens. This year is no different as many roads are in desperate need for repair.

Every year the city of Athens allocates around $300,000 for road repairs. This year that sum could be less than normal.

Mayor Paul Wiehl says, “Every year we spend a certain amount of money, we have two different fund lines that they come out of, two general one. Streets in general and street rehabilitation. We will probably have less money to spend on the roads for the next couple of years because of the bigger projects.”

The explanation does not appease everyone though as some students still find the potholes a nuisance. Ohio University Senior Matt Kelly says that potholes are always a problem and when you drive your car you really don’t know the extent of the damage because they are everywhere.

Matt Kelly, Ohio University Senior

On April 4th, City Council toured all of the damaged roads that needed to be fixed this year. This tour comes along with a list presented by Andrew Stone, Athens Street Director, which is then reviewed by city council as well.

Paul Wiehl, Athens Mayor

The amount of money spent each year stays steady with this year's total budgeted at $300,000. Stone has two criteria for roads that need to be renovated. He plans to look into smoothing out North Lancaster as well as taking an extended look at Carpenter.

The future of road repairs could change with the rising costs of asphalt. Asphalt prices are getting closer and closer to the previously more expensive option of concrete. Athens is doing the best they can to repair the streets that are causing problems.

Economic Decline Impacts Spending Habits

2009-04-15T10:28:00.019-04:00

by John Kerkhoff
jk148706@ohio.edu

Traditionally, Americans are big spenders. In fact, they spend more than other citizens of the western industrialized countries. Economists say the U.S. economy will suffer if Americans reduce their spending. Even the government is getting in on the spending spree.

Young adults have mixed feeling about saving or spending their tax refunds.

The economic downturn has caused some changes in consumer behavior. The data for refunds this year show that Americans are spending less and saving, investing and paying down debt more. Indeed, the data are clear: Americans are becoming frugal.

Ohio University economics professor, Richard Vedder, says that during tough economic times, people's propensity to save increases while spending decreases. He says that during strong economic times, Americans typically spend 95-99 cents on the dollar. Now, however, people are saving 30-40 cents per dollar.

Richard Vedder talks about American savings

A 2006 AP story explains just how much Americans like to spend money. They like it so much that, in 2005, the savings rate for Americans was -0.5 percent. That's right, on average, people spent more money than they made. They spent their income, their tax refunds and then borrowed to spend more.

Those days are over, at least for now. An AP-Gfk poll shows that more than half of the people receving refund checks will use the money to pay off bills. This number is up 20 percent from last year. Additionally, more than 35 percent is planning to save or invest the money and another 37 percent is going to pay down debt. Only 38 percent of people surveyed said they will spend their refund checks.

Vedder says that college students behave very similar to older Americans. He says both students and seniors tend to spend more. He notes, however, that even college students will probably begin to spend less this year.

Vedder explains how consumer behavior has changed

Total tax refund requests are up 15 percent this year. Even with people spending less of their refund checks, economists say there will be a boost in retail sales. That boost, however, will last only for the short run, they add.

College students are one group that is contributing to the rise in refund requests. Many college students are filing for the first time. Here are some tips for students who are new to the tax game. These tips are aimed at helping college students get the most out of their tax returns.

Whether Americans are spending, saving, investing or paying off debt, there seems to be no debate that tax refunds are providing at least some temporary relief.

Sex Offender Back Behind Bars

2009-04-14T10:30:00.024-04:00

by Jonny Griffith
jg330006@ohio.edu

A registered sex offender is in custody for parole violation after being seen on Ohio University's campus. After being released from jail, 31-year-old Oren Apple was permanently banned from OU's campus, but he was recently seen in the music building, Alden Library and RTV. This forced police to issue a crime alert late last week. Apple is now at the Southeast Ohio Regional Jail.

Apple was indicted with attempted rape back in 2001, when he attacked a female student in Seigfred Hall. The student was working on an art project when Apple struck her with a paint bucket. The student stabbed him with an exacto knife in self defense, which caused him to flee the room. The state dismissed the attempted rape as a part of a plea agreement back in 2001. Apple was released from parole back in November after serving seven years in the Ross Correctional Institution.
Ohio University Police Chief, Andrew Powers, says its important to keep defense tactics in mind while traveling on campus, especially while alone at night.

Andrew Powers-OU Police Chief

Tips for preventing sexual assault
- Always have a trustworthy person walk you home at night. If you do not have someone to escort you, the Ohio University Police Department offers a free service called Safe-T Patrol, where students are available to walk those in need home. For more information on Safe-T Patrol click on the link.
- Park in a well lit area
- Avoid walking alone, especially while intoxicated
- If you think someone is following you, change route to a well-lit area
- Never accept rides from strangers
- Be definitive with your answers. A casual "no" may come across to a person as a "maybe"
- Use a laundromat with a neighbor because these are high risk areas
- Educate yourself on the sex offenders in your community, so you will know who to avoid if you come across a sex offender. To search the sex offenders in your area click on the link. Sex Offender Search
Ohio University Police Chief Andrew Powers says that even though Athens is a relatively safe community, its important to be prepared with these tactics because sexual assaults can still happen.

Andrew Powers-OU Police Chief

Passive Resistance
- Calm the attacker, while persuading them not to carry out with their actions
- Claim to be menstruating or pregnant because this may discourage the attacker from carrying out their actions
- Create a scene of mental or emotional instability

Active Resistance
- Create a noise to alert other of an attack. Shout for police or other help or create a whistling noise.
- Running is an effective way to get away from the situation
- Fighting is a tactic that can be used if other options fail. Kicking, hitting and scratching are all effective fighting tactics, but you risk hurting yourself if correct form is unknown. The Ohio University Police Department offers a Rape Aggression Defense System program, which teaches women self-defense tactics and techniques. For more information RAD on click on the link.

SOURCE: U.W Oshkosh Police Department

To read about other tips for avoiding sexual assault click on the link. Preventing sexual assault

Staying Healthy When Meningitis Hits Campus

2009-04-09T10:27:00.019-04:00

by Jake Young
jy290706@ohio.edu

Ohio University is dealing with a case of meningitis on campus for the second time in three months. Two students were infected with bacterial meningitis, and both were hospitalized in February. This time, viral meningitis is the culprit, and while the student, Krystine Garcia, remains in the hospital, students in her dorm, Bush Hall, and others across campus are wondering how they will avoid becoming the next victim.

Symptoms
The symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis are the same (stiff neck, fever, headache, vomiting), but the outcomes are vastly different. Someone with viral meningitis will experience flu-like symptoms and usually have to let the illness run its course. A serious case can cause prolonged fever and seizure, and rarely, death.
Bacterial meningitis, on the other hand, is much more serious. The patient could experience brain damage and death if not treated quickly. For that reason, anyone with those symptoms is encouraged to go to Hudson Health Clinic or O'Bleness Memorial Hospital to be evaluated.

Bush Hall resident Chris Caputo says she and her fellow residents were relieved to find out their friend had the less serious, viral strain of meningitis.

Information Comforts Student

Prevention
For students not showing the symptoms of meningitis, the focus shifts to prevention of the illness. It is strongly suggested that young adults, particularly incoming college students, receive the meningococcal vaccine. Meningitis has flu-like symptoms that attack an already weakened immune system, so students may want to get updated on shots for measles, chickenpox and pneumococcal infection. Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi pinpoints simple keys to avoiding a meningitis infection.

Simple Tips for Prevention

Overall, good hygiene is the best key to any illness prevention. Staying clean by frequently washing hands and not touching door knobs and other public hot spots could prevent a meningococcal infection. For students, it is especially important to be wary of the classroom setting, particularly desks. Students are encouraged to carry antibacterial hand sanitizer as an added measure.

For those already facing a viral meningitis infection, there are antibiotics offered to prevent the condition from worsening. Students can receive the antibiotic from Hudson Health Clinic or O'Bleness Memorial Hospital.

Fighting to keep Athens beautiful

2009-04-08T09:59:00.015-04:00

by Allison Herman
ah215206@ohio.edu

For the past three years Ohio University Student Senate has organized Athens Beautification Day. It is a day when students and community volunteers take to the streets of Athens to clean up graffiti, remulch and plant flowers, and pick up trash. The Athens Beautification website says the goal of the event is "cleaning up the city while strengthening relationships among community groups."

However, as the fourth annual Beautification Day approaches, times are tough. The event runs on donations from businesses in the community, but the economic recession has everyone thinking twice about giving money away. Student Senate Member and Athens Beautification Day organizer Michaela Hahn-Lawson has asked Athens City Council for $1,000 because of a lack of monetary donations. The council agreed to award the money.

The Student Senate is in charge of buying T-shirts and supplies, but the $800 they've collected so far will not even cover the cost of the shirts. The $1,600 tab plus the lack of funding means the nearly 250 volunteers will not have a T-shirt to commemorate the day like they did before. In addition to the lack of funding, Lowe's has decided not to provide the 10% discount on mulch that they had given in past years.

Max Laird explains possible reasons for the lack of funding.

Money problems aside, Student Senate Director of Project Development Max Laird says the event will go on. He says it is important for students to give back to the community they often take for granted. "Students are half the population of Athens, and with that they are half of the wear and tear, sometimes even more of the wear and tear on the city itself," Laird says.

Max Laird says funding to clean Athens is worth the cost.

Student Senate member Emily Shuki says it would be unfortunate if Athens Beautification Day did not happen this year. Shuki expects the event will have to be scaled back, but not eliminated.

Emily Shuki says it would be unfortunate to get rid of Athens Beautification Day.

Laird says last year the Student Senate was able to fund about 20 projects with the help of about 250 volunteers. He says he expects about the same for this year. Athens Beautification Day is scheduled to be held on April 18, 2009. The rain date is scheduled for April 25.

Athens Authorities Investigate "Dognapper"

2009-04-06T10:30:00.018-04:00

By: Mary Davies
md916305@ohio.edu

The Athens County dog warden along with the Athens Sheriffs department are investigating the theft of a pit bull from the night drop-off kennels of the Athens County Dog Shelter on March 1.

Security cameras witnessed the dog being stolen at 11:35 am by a white male, about 5 feet 11 inches, driving a dark green four-door Volkswagen Jetta. The dog, a male pit bull with white and brindle patches, was a lost pet of an Athens County resident.

The dog was stolen from the night drop off kennels, an outdoor area where residents can bring stray dogs during non-business hours.

Assistant Dog Warden Max Bishop explains how the pit bull was stolen from the Athens County Dog Shelter.

Both Deputy John Deak and Assistant Dog Warden Max Bishop feel that the theft was not related to dog fighting, a sport that is uncommon in Athens County. However, other areas of Ohio have housed large scale dog fighting rings in recent years.

In 2007, 22 law enforcement agencies concluded a year-long investigation with raids on seven kennels in Dayton, Trotwood and Cincinnati, suspected of breeding fighting dogs. More than 20 people were convicted of crimes involving dog fighting, a felony in the state of Ohio, and over 60 dogs were seized. The dogs were later euthanized because they had been bred to fight.

The New York Daily News published a story in June 2007 saying that, “dog fighting is a multi-million-dollar industry that is part of an underground subculture that holds its events in secret locations. It is extremely difficult for authorities to prove who has dogs for fighting purposes.”

The most publicized incident of dog fighting in recent past also occurred in 2007 when NFL quarterback Michael Vick was arrested, and later convicted, for illegal dog fighting activities on his property in Surry County, Virginia. The six-year long dog fighting enterprise, known as “Bad Newz Kennels”, was financed by Vick, who also participated in the fights and executions of dogs. After agreeing to a plea bargain, Vick was sentenced to 23 months in jail.

Nearly half of the dogs rescued from Vick’s property were sent to the Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. Eight other rescue groups across the country received dogs and prepared them for adoption into loving homes.

While the stolen pit bull here in Athens was most likely not subjected to the horrors of dog fighting, it is always a possible explanation when a pit bull is taken. Both the Athens County dog warden and the Athens Sheriffs department have been following leads provided by Athens County residents and expect that the case will be solved later this week.

REPORTER BLOG: Remembering Chris Glaser

2009-03-13T21:39:00.017-04:00

Megan Gorey
mg908407@ohio.edu

College is about finding yourself, as a student and a person. I’ve heard so many studies and statistics about the average number of times that students will change their majors. I started as a freshman in 2005 at Kent State University majoring in American Sign Language (ASL). My best friend since the 4th grade, Anna, is deaf and I fell in love with the language and emotion that went into communicating with the deaf community.

When Anna joined the speech and debate team at KSU, I joined with her. From there I changed my major to Communication Studies. I kept ASL as my minor. I became addicted to learning more about body language and nonverbal cues. It is true – there is so much that can be heard from what we don’t say. A major part of sign language is not the signs themselves, but the facial and body expression used to sign them. For example, there is one sign to say “What's up?” But the eyebrows, shoulder position, and look on your face can make the difference between “What’s up/what’s going on?” and “What’s up with that?”

You Stay Flashy, Kent State
As I advanced and won tournaments on the speech and debate team (better known as forensics) I learned that I had a natural talent for public speaking. Even though I’m sure you could ask any of my elementary school teachers who would tell you that I’ve always been a talker. I decided to change my major to broadcast journalism and auditioned for the lead anchor position at Kent’s TV2 News station.

With no experience at all, and pretty much trying out on a whim – I got the spot. I went on the air live at 5:30PM to all of Portage County. I remember the first time I sat in the anchor chair for my first night on air. It felt organic. I’ve never felt so natural and passionate about my education and career. I finally figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up. And being recognized at the grocery store as the girl from the news station didn’t hurt either.

Chris Glaser
Through the forensics circuit, I met Chris Glaser. He competed for the Ohio University team and we instantly formed a friendly, but competitive, relationship. We would tease each other between rounds but he always saw such potential in me and even gave me advice outside of the competition – even when we competed against each other. Chris talked to the OU’s forensic coach, Dan West, and he eventually offered me a scholarship at Ohio University.

After a very long and complicated application and transfer process, I was accepted to Ohio University and The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. On the day that I got my acceptance letter, Chris sent me a bouquet of flowers to Kent. They were white daisies (my favorite flower) in a daisy vase with black and white polka dots.

Forensicators Unite
I joined the OU forensics team and came to Athens two weeks before school started for speech camp. I lived with Chris since I couldn’t move into my apartment and began preparing to compete with my fellow Bobcats. Although I didn’t stay with the forensics team because of school work loads and family obligations, Chris Glaser was one of the major deciding factors on my transfer to Ohio University. Without his encouragement, I don't know if I'd be here today - or even writing this blog.

Chris lost his three year battle with a rare form of heart cancer last Wednesday.

I had recently text messaged him, teasing him about the Pittsburgh Steelers, since I’m a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan (no matter how many horrible years we have). Chris always said that he ‘bled Black and Gold.’ His passing came as a total shock and left me stunned when I received the call from a fellow forensics member.

Not Just An Interview
I’ve always believed that we cross paths with people for a reason. The day that Chris died I had an interview scheduled with Lyda Gunter in Glouster. It wasn’t the information she gave me for the story or what kind of video I got for the day, but how she touched my life after the interview. Lyda, a spiritual person, could see that I was hurting. She didn’t have to reach out to me, but she did. She used the metaphor that we are all sparks coming from one light source. And sometimes – our sparks collide, if even for just one moment.

I left the interview with a feeling of comfort that consumed me. It was hard to put my personal life aside and continue to be a reporter. But for that one moment, our spark collided. And I felt better for it. In an email she wrote me later that week, Lyda said,

“The passing of time permits the reasoning & the awareness of "why". These subtle realizations might come by inches and degrees – or in mere moments. Personally, I've had such epiphanies months or years down the road, but always there is a purpose in the event directly related to the moment of occurrence.”

The Reason
Chris offered more to this world than could ever be put into words. He changed the lives of countless people in Athens, Ohio, and abroad. Yet, every day that I walk into a newsroom or read a script for a newscast, I know that I am here because of him.

I will forever be grateful for him.

REPORTER BLOG: The Gears Never Stop Turning...

2009-03-13T17:58:00.016-04:00

by Josh Mei
jm145305@ohio.edu

So this is the last blog of the quarter. What more is there to say? There’s been so much going on lately that I haven’t even thought about what to write in here. So I think I’m going to let my fingers do the talking, and cut out the non-important stuff later.

The Last Week
This past week, I was assigned to be a sports reporter for Wednesday. So I decided to do a story on the Swimming & Diving team, with the focus on OU junior Chelsey Bower. This girl is making history for the swim team, as the first Bobcat to compete for an NCAA title in almost a decade. The last time we sent someone there it was Kim van Selm in 2001.

I would guess this is a big deal, so it seemed like a pretty newsworthy story. I went down to the Aquatic Center after class on Tuesday afternoon to shoot my package. I talked to Chelsey and her sprint coach (sprint coaches work with the swimmers who do shorter distances; i.e. 50 or 100 freestyles) and got some really good soundbites (quotes on video) from them. Honestly, I actually had a pretty good time down there. I had plenty of room to move my camera and tripod around, the lighting was excellent to shoot in, and the natural sound was great. Everything in that scenario was basically perfect, and made for a really good package. Needless to say, I was pretty happy with it in the end.

The Rest of It
OK, so I’ve talked about what I did in class this week. But I wouldn’t be fair to myself if I didn’t put my own ramblings into this blog as well. To put it bluntly, I’ve been too busy. Too busy to pay my parking tickets, too busy to eat lunch, too busy to write my internship essay, and so forth. I’m not even talking about being physically busy with a packed schedule, but mentally, with gears turning nonstop in the back of my head like a perpetual wristwatch.

There have been a lot of things going on that I’m not going to write about, but there are a lot of other things that I would like to address. Since this is the last blog of the quarter, I feel the need to fully express myself.

To start off, I thought this MidDay cluster was actually kind of fun, after the whole process of learning how to do things and getting adjusted to the working environment. However, I do feel like the ambiance of the class changes each day. There has never really been a constant vibe in the newsroom, since situations change every day. I guess that’s the thing about journalism; the workplace is always unpredictable and spontaneous. Like Forrest Gump said (here we go with the cliché remarks…): “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” That quote is a perfect fit for what we do. You never know what you’re going to get in the news, which some people may find very exhilarating.

That’s one thing I’ve noticed about myself these past 10 weeks.
I’m the kind of person who likes things set in stone, just for the reassurance. But don’t confuse that with insecurity. That’s one thing I don’t mess with. It’s because with my ADHD, my mind is always just acting up. Have you ever watched the evening lottery drawings on TV? The ones with the air-mix lottery machines that suck the numbered ping pong balls out randomly? That’s exactly what my head feels like when I’m writing. The ping pong balls symbolize words or ideas that are swirling around in the back of my mind, and when the time comes, random ideas just pop out (not really at my discretion, either). I don’t expect everyone to understand that, but I’m sure some will.

All This Other Stuff
As a college student, a striving journalist, and a starving musician, it's hard to put my priorities in order sometimes. I am in a Hip Hop group called the Iron MCs, along with my friend and fellow classmate Tony Rawlings, and two other students here at OU (that's our picture at the top of this blog). We've been thouroughly involved with the underground Hip Hop scene here in Athens, and have finally started doing shows outside of the Hip Hop Shop. The Hip Hop Shop is a venue for all elements of Hip Hop to come together. Every other Monday, HHS meets for either an open stage or an emcee freestyle battle. These battles have drawn quite the crowd, and by particpating in these battles, we've all been able to get our names out there for people to know. Just last night as I was Uptown I had people stopping me on the sidewalk just to say they thought what we (the Iron MCs) were doing is great. That's really a lot of encouragement, because in a town like Athens, Hip Hop culture isn't as embraced as it is in bigger cities.

This is the only video I could find of Hip Hop Shop, so it'll have to do. For those who have never been there, this clip is from one of the shows held at The Union (Iron MCs performed earlier this night as well).
FYI this is NOT us, but a few of the other people who participate in Hip Hop Shop.

Anyways, I think what I'm trying to say is that while our group is getting together to do shows, record in the studio, and et cetera, we sometimes forget that we're still students. Our number one priority (according to society's generalized perception of life) is to go to school, get educated, and get a job using what we've learned in school to support the rest of our lives. But sometimes the scenario just isn't like that in my head. The truth is, I don't even know what the scenario should be like. I've come this far in my life only to realize that I still don't know what God has planned out for me. While many of my classmates know (or at least have an idea) what they're going to do after graduating college, I'm still wandering around like a freshman in high school, lost in the hallways. And at some point a senior will come up to me and either, A) shove me into a locker and lock it, or B) find out I'm lost and direct me to my homeroom. I hope for the latter. It's obviously not that easy, but call me Pinnochio because I've been wishing on stars since I was a young'n.

Anyways, I need to wrap this up because I've taken far too long to write this, and it's cutting into my dinner time. So I'll leave you with one more rhyme, a few bars of random thoughts and statements that I just needed to unload.

These are my thoughts turned into my words
typed out onto the keyboard with no concern
cursing at myself cuz instead of the first,
the last has always seemed to turn for the worst/
Alas, in this industry they put you on blast
we need a white balance, rather than fading to black
we need PAD, not to refer, to excessive video either,
I mean like stepping on bean curd when your feet hurt/
No need to research, I will still see third
cuz first and second are just places for the features
and I just like to kick it, so chill like a kicker
float like a late package when it's not finished quicker/
No nat sound could envelop my feelings,
the rundown somehow symbolizes sundown
cuz at the bottom of the list, here comes the showdown
cuz the show is done and we can go home now//

I hope I've been able to entertain whoever actually reads these blogs, and hopefully they've been enjoyable to read. I know I tend to ramble, but that's just how I am...Don't hold it against me, just hold it above me, so when I raise my head to the sky it'll look lovely.

Peace.

PS. WVU beat Pitt last night!!! The Big East is so packed with raw talent, every game is always crazy to watch. My boys play #20 Syracuse in the Big East tournament tonight, here's the preview. Let's go Mountaineers.

Oh yeah, remember last year when we beat Duke to go to the Sweet 16? I just thought I'd throw this in here, just to reminisce.