Learning the Ropes

Today I was not able to record my stories for the air because my co-worker who usually produces the news was out. he was coming in later and was going to use my story for the 5 o'clock news. He has taught me the basics of recording and producing in the studio, but I haven't actually done it yet because we usually do the news together. Today I think we realized that it's time that I get more hands-on just in case this happens again. I will probably be producing the news by myself shortly.

More drugs off the streets (report 7/15/10)

Two early morning traffic stops turned into drug busts and arrests. Officers arrested Roy Lee Brumfield of Mansfield on charges of: possession of drug paraphernalia, obstruction of justice, possession of marijuana, possession of crystal meth, open container and resisting. The 28-year-old is detained at the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center. In a separate incident, police arrested 43-year-old James Landon Mathis of Natchitoches. he is charged with possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting. He is detained at NPDC.

School Board Meeting Recap (on-air report 7/14)

The Natchitoches Parish School Board held a committee meeting at the School Board office yesterday at 5:00p.m. Several committee member addressed the board giving updates and presenting new ideas for improving the school system and saving the district money. "Saturday H.O.P.E.," a project started last January at L.P. Vaughn Elementary and Middle School, allows students with frequent absences to make up school days, while receiving one-on-one help from staff and community volunteers. Supporters of the project hope to see the initiative used at other schools in the coming year. There was some discussion on eliminating some bus routes in the approaching year. A representative with Durham Transportation suggested combining at least six routes, which could save the district $150,000 yearly. Board members voiced concern over overcrowding and timeliness of the proposed changes, but will continue to work with the company to settle the matter. The board will meet Wednesday at the Parish School Board office.

***I continue to receive more responsibility at the station. I was the only staff member to attend the school board meeting. Using what I have learned for covering City Council meetings with my co-worker, I was able to cover this meeting solo and received accolades for doing so.***

Lafayette Street Closure (on-air reports 7/13/10)

The Natchitoches City Council held a public hearing yesterday at the Natchitoches Arts Center to discuss the closure of Lafayette Street from Ducournau to Washington Street for the Construction of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. The state had already called for the closure of the front part of the street running between the Front Street condos and the Pub; the additional closure was called for by the city; it will be used as a staging area and to house a job trailer. The area will also allow large cranes and other building equipment to be utilized for the project. the major concerns for retail and residential owners affected by the closure are safety and access during emergency situations. Community Development Director Randy Lacaze, who is working closely with the state on the project, assures the residents that the access points at each end of the street will allow emergency vehicles to get in and residents to get out in a timely manner and if necessary, the city can see about additional fencing to help keep out unwarranted traffic. A spokesperson from VCC, the contractor for the project out of Irvine, Texas, said the company is ready to begin the 18-month-project and the street will be closed as early as Wednesday.

Several reports of interior auto theft have come from customers at the Mariners Restaurant located on Highway 3110 in the last five days, the latest coming form Ginna Anyan of Winnfield whose vehicle was broken into last night and a suspect took several electronic items valued at $4,300.


***Today I had the honor of being the lead anchor for the noon and 5 o'clock news reports. As I progress through this internship, I think my boss and co-workers are beginning to trust me a little more and I'm beginning to believe in myself a little more. At the end of this internship I think I'm going to be set to be able to get a job with station.***

Man Victim of Random Crime; Wal-Mart Employess Get Caught (on-air reports 7/11/10)

James Davis was driving down Anita Street in Natchitoches Friday evening when his toolbox and lawnmower fell of the back of his truck. He stopped to retrieve the items when "several male subject in the area jumped on [him]," according to Davis. No items were reported stolen and Davis was transported to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center for his injuries.

Three Wal-Mart employees were arrested Saturday for theft in separate incidences. Store managers had been watching cashier Paula Calhoun for sometime taking money. She is charged with felony theft for an amount totalling over $2,800. Police also arrested 22-year-old Dewaski Fuller for theft of goods over $500. He was released on a $15 bond fee, scheduled to return August 20. Kia Fields was arrested for felony theft and issued a summons with a court date on Aug 20.

Interviews underway

Today I conducted interviews with 4 of the 11 Police Jury members. For the most part the interviews went as I expected and each juror seemed to be very concerned with the financial situation they are facing. Once all interviews are complete, the profiles are going to be posted to youtube in the weeks that follow, so they are available to citizen. One juror refused to speak on the matter, therefore there will be at most 10 profiles available.

Today was one of the most enjoyable days I've had at my internship this entire summer. For the first time I did something I had never had the opportunity to do and it felt great. My co-worker and I were really on the move today. He had people in a out of the studio, I had people in and out of the studio and together we go a lot accomplished in a small amount of time.

I was informed today that I will be getting the opportunity to do a community spotlight interview very soon. I'm very excited because I think I'm ready to take the next step. I'm becoming more comfortable behind the mic and am reacting a speaking better than I was when I first start, which is great because this experience is about growth. I am really looking forward to what is to come.

Setting a New Agenda; Royal Persuit (on-air reports 7/9/10)

Congressman John Flemming conducted a town hall meeting Thursday afternoon at the Natchitoches Events center as part of the America Speaking Out campaign. "America Speaking Out is an official effort of the House Republican Conference to engage Americans across the country and give them a voice in creating a new governing agenda for Congress." At the forum, Fleming with a group of community members comprised a list of issues most important to the people. Topping the list was government deficit spending, followed by health care, immigration, homeland security, and jobs in that order. Fleming said in other town hall meetings and in polls, these same issues top the list of what's important to Americans. Voters were able to voice concerns pertaining to specific topics and offer ways to resolve the issues. Congressman Fleming hopes these town hall meeting will set the agenda in Washington based on citizen concerns. Americans can speak out in person or online at
americaspeakingout.com.


The wait is finally over! It's official; LeBron James is leaving Cleveland to join Dewayne Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami to play for the Heat. James made the announcement last night from the Boys & Girls Club in Connecticut in a one-hour special aired on ESPN. Fans in Miami rejoiced, while Cleveland fans lashed out in disappointment by burning his #23 jersey in the street. The Cavs owner went so far as to release a letter to Cleveland fans calling James narcissistic and selfish even declaring that James was cursed and would take that curse with him where ever he went. James on the other hand said he made that decision that was best for him and had the support of friends and family--most notably his mother. The 2.5 million dollars raised from last night's special will be donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.