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April 2009 Archives
Do you know the Shilo Inn suspect?
Boise Police detectives released this composite sketch of a man suspected in not one, but TWO recent robberies at the Shilo Inn in on Main Street in Boise. The more people who see his face, the better - right? Both robberies happened in the middle of the night. One in March, and one in April. Remember this case? The guy robbed (and roughed up) the same clerk in both cases! Here's his description: *35 to 45 years old Anyone with any information about this man - is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 343-COPS. (You can remain anonymous) You could be eligible for a $1,000 reward!
Today, a little girl from Caldwell was honored as a Red Cross "Real Hero". Her name is Alexandrya Robinson and I had the chance to meet her yesterday!
She survived a head on collision on Caldwell Blvd in February... along with her little sister Hailey. What makes her such a HERO is - even though she had a broken neck - she made sure the paramedics took care of her sister BEFORE they took care of her. Her sister has a blood clotting disease and Alexandrya knew she needed care ASAP.
Her amazing story of survival is coming up - this Sunday night at 10pm. She's this week's Seven's Hero!
Swine Flu Concerns
If you have questions, look for this icon below on our homepage for all the resources (Q and A) you need to keep you and your family safe:
When I came into work this morning, I was heartbroken to hear that a toddler in Texas had died from Swine flu overnight... we also learned this morning that a school in Chicago was shutting down operations for the day because of worry over the flu.
District spokesperson Allison Westfall tells us this is all part of pandemic flu plan they've put in place before, when the Avian (Bird) Flu was an issue. "Actually I believe several government agencies have in place flu plans, and obviously we have a lot of students that we serve so we had that plan in place. We have been in contact with the health department as well." - Allison Westfall Boise schools are also taking similar steps.
OR... H1N1 Virus? The US Agriculture Secretary would like the Swine flu to be called the H1N1 Virus instead - starting now. Tom Vilsack says calling it the Swine flu is hurting America's pork producers. He wants to remind Americans that you can't get the virus from eating pork:
"The livelihoods of a lot of people are at stake here and we want to reinforce that we're doing everything that we possibly can to make sure that our hog industry is sound and safe - and to make sure the consumers in this country and around the world know that American products are safe." - Tom Vilsack, Agriculture Secretary I think Vilsack is too late. Everyone is already calling it the SWINE FLU... old habits die hard. What do you think?
Should the Governor ALWAYS "Buy Idaho"?
So by now, you've probably heard about it... The phrase "BUY IDAHO" caused quite a stir between a local coffee shop owner and Governor Butch Otter. Now, both are reacting to what's being called a HEATED run-in.
David Ledgard is the owner of "Dawson's Downtown" - and he claims he's seen Governor Otter buy his daily cup of "Joe" from Spokane, WA based "Thomas Hammer Coffee" across the street.
Ledgard says he didn't think much of it, until he paid $165 bucks to renew his BUY IDAHO membership. (We've all seen the commercials, Otter is a supporter and the spokesman for BUY IDAHO) Here's where things get a wee bit heated between the two... apparently Ledgard approached Otter on the street and asked the Governor why he isn't supporting local business. "People have their choice of where they shop and spend money, and I have no problem with that but we need everyone to participate. Certainly, if you are the poster child of a program that I have to pay for, and I believe in and believe him and paid for it, I would expect that my elected officials would practice what they preach and walk the walk - and that wasn't happening, it affected me personally." - David Ledgard Ledgard says he apologized to Otter after the argument, and regrets getting so upset with the GOV. This morning, I talked to Otter's spokesman - and he told me Ledgard has asked for a meeting with Otter, but the Governor says he holds no grudge - he's accepted the apology, and sees no reason to have a special meeting. SO, my question for you is this... does the Governor have the right to buy coffee where he wants to? Does he ALWAYS have to BUY IDAHO?
Keke Luv Rocks!
Do you believe that KISS FM DJ Keke Luv actually ran...
Some said it couldn't be done, but Keke did it! I am so amazed by him... did you know he had NEVER run a marathon in his life before this??? He was determined to do it to spread awareness about Child Abuse Prevention - and he did it. WOW!
Keke wrapped up his final marathon in downtown Boise at 5pm Saturday. The final two days were really tough on Keke. (He had to go to the hospital and get an IV of fluids to rehydrate on more than one occasion during the 7 grueling days) He collapsed on his final route Saturday due to pure exhaustion. But he powered on, and finished!
Life Flight picked him up and took him to St. Alphonsus to be examined when he was done. Everything checked out just fine. He texted me on Saturday night to say he was tired, but feeling good. He wanted to THANK all of his fans for all the support... that's what helped keep him going! The question is...
It's Arbor Day!
You can plant a free tree! The Idaho Forest Products Commission will be giving out free Blue Spruce seedlings. You can get yours at any Home Depot, Fedex, the Boise Co-Op, The Flicks, or the Egyptian Theater today. Go plant a tree!
We decided today should be "Taco Friday" for the morning show crew! I made the taco meat in my trusty crockpot, Doug brought the toppings... and it was a big hit, a treat for the crew for a job well done!
Flat Larry even partook in the fun... we actually found him IN the tortilla chip bag, so we had to yank him out of there. :)
It's called - "The Clash of the Stache" Episode 1: The newest marketing campaign is revealed to the News Team! Much the dismay of Larry!
Nick says there is more to come! This is just Episode 1... Have a great weekend!
Where's Flat Larry?
For the next few weeks, we'll be showing off YOUR favorite Flat Larry pictures on "Today's Morning News"... My FAVORITE Flat Larry to date is this GIANT one:
It's as big at the " GEBERT " himself. (Well, almost!) The viewer who made it certainly couldn't upload it to our website, email it in... or snail mail it either... so she brought it to the station personally right through the front lobby! Larry loved it... and if you look closely you can see she asked him to sign it as a Christmas gift for her hubby. (Wonder how that one fit under the tree...hmmmmm) Anyhoo, you can send us your favorite FLAT LARRY pictures too... just click on the FIRST PERSON tab on our homepage, and go to FLAT LARRY.
(PLEASE keep the photos family friendly! Yes, I'm talking to you... )
We may just put your picture on the NEWS... Watch "Today's Morning News" Monday through Friday to see the NEW adventures of FLAT LARRY!
Happy EARTH Day!
Today is Earth Day... and people are going GREEN-er all over the place. The city of Boise is urging people to take a good hard look at their lawn mowers. City leaders launched a new MOW DOWN AIR POLLUTION CAMPAIGN! They are asking all of us to consider using cordless battery powered mowers like this one:
Here's why:
For more information on these battery powered mowers, click on our HOTLINKS on upper left hand corner of our KTVB.com homepage. Speaking of GOING GREEN....
Governor Otter loves that VETO stamp of his, doesn't he? He vetoed 25 more bills yesterday... that brings the total number to 35. He says he'll keep that stamp handy until he gets the money Idaho needs for roads. This could be a very long legislative session... we'll see what happens today! BTW, I'd love a VETO stamp of my own. There are lots of things I'd love to VETO in my life... where can I get my hands on one of those thingys??? Maybe I'll email the Governor and ask... when he's not so busy!
Ben & Jerry's GIFT to YOU!
The new Ben & Jerry's in downtown Boise is offering a free scoop of ice cream to anyone who comes in between noon and 8pm today. It's the official ribbon cutting for the new ice cream shop, and the weather couldn't be better for it! 84 degrees today... The address is 103 North 10th Street - by all means, go get your scoop!
Maybe both! I can say that about him because he's my friend (I think?) - and he was a Seven's Hero last year so we got to know each other. You remember how he stayed awake for 7 days on the radio (KISS FM) to raise awareness about child abuse... well, this nutty DJ is at it again. Today is DAY 3 of his quest to run 7 MARATHONS IN 7 DAYS! He's already run two... he's already had to go to the hospital to get rehydrated with an IV. Poor Keke! I get tired just BLOGGING about it. I think he's pretty amazing... he's just incredibly devoted to preventing child abuse... and he's a good guy too.
You can follow Keke on his quest to run 7 marathons by checking in on the LIVE Keke Cam... just click on the HOTLINKS in the upper left hand corner of our homepage:
"NEWS TO ME" By Nick McMullin
Nick's latest cartoon take on the news... starring our very own Doug Petcash in a trench coat... who doesn't like taco night? ENJOY!
Remembering Columbine
I can't believe it's been 10 years since the Columbine shooting spree in Littleton, CO. I remember that day so well... I was in Idaho Falls working as a news anchor at KIFI Local News 8, and we watched the coverage all day in our newsroom. Network took over, and it all unfolded before our eyes on every channel for hours. It was unbelievable that these two teenage boys carried out something so devastating...
It's something that hits close to home here in the Treasure Valley, because KTVB has been a sponsor of Rachel's Challenge:
The goal: spreading Rachel Scott's (just one of the victims on that terrible day) message of kindness and compassion to schools all over our area.
Today, Oprah has a special episode devoted to Columbine. I saw the promo for the show during our newscast this morning - new information on what happened that day, and during the investigation will be revealed... You can tune in at 4pm today on Channel 7, or at 9pm tonight on 24/7. Just in: We just found out at 9:29am that Oprah is NOT going to run her show today on Columbine. After reviewing the tape, she decided it focused too much on the killers, and she pulled it. So... this Oprah will not air today! She posted a message on her facebook page: The Oprah Winfrey Show To Our Viewers: I decided to pull the Columbine show today. After reviewing it, I thought it focused too much on the killers. Today, hold a thought for the Columbine community. This is a hard day for them. --Oprah (BTW, many people don't realize that Oprah replays at 9pm Monday through Friday on our 24/7 channel, it's super convenient for people who work 9 to 5)
20 TONS of SNOW DUMPED at BSU:
You can't make this stuff up... The forecast isn't calling for it, but 20 tons of snow will be dumped at BSU today. At 3pm, the Bronco Stadium parking lot will become a winter wonderland. ( Too bad they can't dye the snow BLUE and ORANGE! ) Skiers and snowboarders from across the nation will compete in the Cricket Wireless Campus Rail Jam Tour. The course was built yesterday, and the snow will arrive today. The best part? It's FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Check it out...
Simon Cowell had some nice things to say about Boise's kid comic - Trevor Hattabaugh!
We've learned Trevor is headed for Seattle in two weeks to try out for NBC's hit show "AMERICA'S GOT TALENT"! After seeing some of his act on YouTUBE - American Idol's Simon Cowell asked him to come try out! WOW!
His audition is April 29th. Get this - the show is actually paying for his trip because he was INVITED to audition. Pretty special kid! We'll be sure to let you know how he does. PS: The next season of "America's Got Talent" premieres June 17th, right here on KTVB.
TAX DAY!
If you are one of the stragglers out there still putting your tax return together... no worries! You have time. Midnight is the deadline! But I want to make sure you are aware of this: the Boise Mail Processing Center on South Cole Rd is the ONLY post office site in town that will stay open PAST 5:30pm. It will accept your tax mailings until midnight - but postage is NOT FOR SALE THERE. Ian Johnson NFL Bound?
Bronco Nation will always know him as number "41" and... In just 10 days, we could see Ian Johnson drafted into the NFL! The draft is coming up April 25th and 26th. He plans to watch it in California with his wife (see below) and family.
Right now, Ian's projected to go anywhere from the 2nd to the 7th rounds! The best part is, he's such a "nice guy" too. I love to see the GOOD guys succeed... and he knits/crochets beanie hats. (You can't beat that...)
PS. You can watch a one on one interview with Ian online right now at KTVB.com. KTVB's Zach Wolken sat down with him yesterday!
Ok, I don't know about you... but when I went to the prom back in 1991 - I looked like something STRAIGHT OUT of 1991. Back in the day, I thought I looked awesome - with my boofy/poofy dresses and my big hair. Looking back, I didn't look awesome. This is what my dresses in high school resembled - I think my poofy sleeves were larger than my head. (I need to actually dig up some pics to show you. If I dare...)
Can I ask you all something? How in the WORLD did our MOMS let us out of the house that way? I guess in 1991 - we were in style? That's seriously questionable. These days the dresses are WAY cuter. Prom season is in full swing, and we want to see your teenager's prom pics. You can share your photos with us on KTVB.COM's First Person.
Some of the pictures will even be shown on the Saturday Morning News through April and May. You, or your kid - could be a star. (BTW - Doug and I both decided we'd try to find some old prom pictures to share with our morning show viewers... they could be good for a laugh! I'm going to ask Larry and Edgar to get in on this too. Stay tuned...) PS: If you have an old picture from your "PROM DAYS" to show me, send it my way! I'd love to see it, and maybe I'll post some of them on the BLOG too. :) We can all be embarrassed together. It's more fun that way... momara@ktvb.com
A Dangerous Combination
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This weekend, a guy who was text messaging someone - slammed into the back of a BPD patrol car on I-84. The good news is the car was empty - the officers were handling a possible DUI case outside the car at the time! I don't know about you, but I see people driving and texting all the time. I think with the increase in texting, we're going to see more accidents like this one. It's NOT illegal to drive and text in Idaho, but it IS illegal in Washington and New Jersey.
Over the weekend, hundreds of people showed up to see if they could BEAT COACH PETE! They ran around the Boise State campus... and the 5k run raises money for Boise State's General Scholarship Fund.
322 people beat Coach Pete to the finish line! The coach is donating 5 bucks for every person who came in before he did. Now, if you didn't BEAT the coach, you may have been lucky enough to HIGH FIVE him instead - he was waiting at the finish line for the rest of the runners!
The Obama family finally got their "FIRST DOG". He's a PORTUGUESE WATER DOG. Sasha and Malia named him "Bo":
Bo is a gift from Senator Ted Kennedy! You may recall - President Obama told his daughters they had earned a new puppy after being so well behaved during the campaign. I'm sure we'll be hearing much more about Bo over the next four years!
Robbed Again!
(I couldn't believe it when my producer told me that when I got to the office today!)
She was shoved around during the robbery by the guy, and went home shortly after it all happened to get some rest. Can you imagine? Being robbed TWICE by the same guy? I feel for her... that's a nightmare. The good news is she is okay. BUT - the man got away... again.
Coming up this Sunday night at 10pm, I'm featuring an 11 year old girl who went door to door to gather money for a friend of hers who lost EVERYTHING in a house fire! The two girls both go to Eagle Middle School. Tyra Trudeau (our HERO) raised hundreds of dollars for her friend Karla Plata - and handed her the wad of cash yesterday! I was there, and it was very special for the whole class. I love getting to meet our SEVEN'S HERO every week, it's one of the best parts of my job! So inspiring.... If you have someone you'd like to nominate - feel free to send me an email! momara@ktvb.com
It has an Easter theme... apparently the Easter Bunny laid an egg right in front of me on the set! Larry escorted him out of the building, but not to worry! He's safe and sound - and ready to do his duty on Sunday. :) Have a great weekend!
WHAT TO BUY: Golden Honey Russian Mustard from the Saucy Sisters; 208-251-2192 WHAT TO EAT: Pan-seared Idaho trout with wild Idaho rice and beurre blanc at Red Feather Lounge, 246 N. Eighth St., Boise; 208-429-6340 WHAT TO DRINK: 2006 Blauer Zweigelt from Snake River Winery, 786 W. Broad St., Boise; 208-722-5858 (Kudos to the three businesses chosen! Bon Appetit...)
Glenn Garlick of Eagle, closed his business due to the economy - and now his LUCK has turned around! He won $100,000 dollars in the Idaho Lottery! WOW! He won the cash in a scratch game. He tells us he plans to use the money to take a family vacation to the Caribbean and pay for school at BSU. Garlick bought the ticket at the Stinker near Eagle and Chinden. (I may need to stop there today... all of these lottery winners lately make me feel it's possible!)
Well, kind of new. Afterall, he is a former BRONCO! As a former BSU player (2003-2007 including the Fiesta Bowl) Pete will offer his own perspective on team strategies, plays, coaches and players. Peak Broadcasting, the company that owns 580 KIDO - tells us Pete will join Bob Behler this fall for the radio broadcasts of all the games. You may remember that Cavender played with his twin brother Jeff on the Bronco's offensive line. It was hard for me to tell the two apart when I saw them around town... I never got it right. Congrats to Pete!
MORE LAYOFFS? Please No!
I have to tell you, I just hate (and hate is a strong word, I know) reporting on the latest round of layoffs in our community. It's just so upsetting to see good people losing jobs every week... and yesterday, I got an email from one of those GOOD PEOPLE - Chad Dryden.
He's a fellow journalist , husband and father - who was laid off from the Idaho Statesman last Friday, and now he's launching what I think is a BRAVE new website: www.laidoffloser.net (NOTE from ME: BTW - If you've lost your job, you are NOT a loser - you are good enough, you are smart enough and gosh darn it, people like you! I do. Chad does too...) Chad's site includes a BLOG all about this reaction to losing his job for the first time in his life. I think a lot of people out there can relate... But it also has more to it... Chad sent me some info on it for you, and here it is! From what I gather, it's a support system that you may want to tap into if you've lost your job. Laid Off Loser includes: • Unemployment news and views: An up-to-date source for news on joblessness and the economy, plus daily dispatches from Unemployment Land. • DIY job networking: Job search sites are rarely as effective as word-of-mouth. Laid Off Loser aims to connect the growing unemployment population, allowing creative, talented job seekers to network and post information about themselves in the hopes of helping one another find work. • Commiseration: Laid off and looking for a virtual hug or venue for sounding off? Laid Off Loser is it. "Okay, deep down I know I'm not a loser. But getting laid off, even if it was based on tenure and the economy has gone all Titanic on us, well, it's hard not to feel like getting cut from the JV baseball team all over again. And I thought it was funny, especially after Googling "Laid Off Loser" and a link came up that had something to do with "a shirt covered in Cheetos." It might come to that." - Chad Dryden (Chad, this witty site may just get you your NEXT JOB...)
THE MAGIC VALLEY MALL came to the rescue here... it donated enough money to guarantee the parade will go on! What wonderful news... PS. That gesture makes me love that mall even more now. LOL.
IMAX Robbery
Hey, I'm no expert when it comes to robberies, I just report them. But I thought you'd all be very interested to hear about what happened late last night at the IMAX Theater on Overland in Boise.
Police say he took off with the cash (and he got away) but since all the employees KNEW exactly who he was - police just went and arrested him in a matter of minutes at a home near the Boise airport.
Take a look at our 7 Day:
Take advantage of today while you can... the rain returns tomorrow!
Census 2010
Time to be counted! Starting today, you may just get a knock on your door from the Census Bureau. Over 1300 census workers will be out and about verifying and updating addresses in the Boise area. This starts today and will end in late June. Nationwide, more than 140,000 workers will participate in this effort! This is an important step in making sure every home gets a census questionnaire for 2010. The U.S. Consititution requires that everyone living in the United States be counted every ten years.
No, it's not... but it sure looked like it! Did you see it?
This First Person photo shows a large 747 jet in the air over Boise Saturday. The jet touched down at BOI as part of a training exercise. It had United States of America printed across the side, and resembled Air Force One. But it wasn't! We did some checking, and found out it's an "E4B" aircraft - and is often used as an airborne operations center for the President, Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a large-scale emergency. The flight - and touchdown in Boise - was part of a training exercise for the pilot. The plane touched down at the airport - and BOI officials were only given about two minutes warning of the incoming flight!
You should have seen all the gorgeous hats! There was even a hat parade for all the ladies... there was horse racing (televised) - a style show and a even a live auction to raise money. The Junior League of Boise does amazing things in this community. This night benefits the Especially Me Program - a self esteem course for young girls, Impact Boise - which supports foster families, and "Kids in the Kitchen" - a program aimed at curbing obesity. It was a fun night for all, and what a great cause!
It's time for...
You may not know this, but if you are on Facebook, you can become a fan of Nick's work. Just log onto your Facebook acccount and Type NEWS TO ME in the search engine, and you'll find it. You can also find it on my FACEBOOK page. He's getting more fans every day!
When does the news day END? Guess what? It doesn't! I'm now a self proclaimed "Social Media Maven". Well, kind of. I'm a part of the TWITTER-verse @maggieKTVB7...
I have a BLOG (as you obviously know, duh!)
AND NOW... I have an official Facebook Page so I can communicate with viewers... just do a search for "Maggie O'Mara" - and you'll find it.
Since I started all this - I realized I'm now communicating with viewers ALL THE TIME. (Even when I go home and clock out!) It's totally addicting... The future of communication is wide open. But how much is too much? I think I need to learn a little balance! My husband is always asking me - "Who are you talking to on the computer now??" That's when I realized I might be neglecting him! (Poor guy) But really, social media IS the future. If you aren't on board yet, you may want to check it out!
Did you know Fiorina (a Republican) was an economic advisor to John McCain when he ran for president? Interesting tidbits.. I know we're going to hear a lot more about this from our viewers. What do you think? Let me know...
WELL, let me tell you something... that is EXACTLY what MR. LARRY GEBERT did to me this morning when he walked into the newsroom! He said "Call in the CHIEF!" (That's what we do around here. We call in RICK LANTZ, "Idaho's Chief Meteorologist" when BIG weather comes in so we can team report it) So, I was pretty excited for a big weather day! Then, he reminded me what today is. APRIL 1. Basically, I felt like a total idiot for falling for it! But, I must admit, he tricks me a lot. Not just on April Fool's Day. And after almost nine years of working with the man, I'm still falling for it. That Larry...
Tickets are now on sale today for the Gene Harris Jazz Festival. It starts today and goes through Friday! It's such a blast, I've been to Club Night a few times over the years, and it's always an incredible experience! If you haven't been, you have to check it out. All of this year's festival events are happening on the Boise State Campus. Some events are even taking place in the New Stueckle Sky Center. (If you haven't had the chance to go there yet, you have to check it out -The view is amazing!) You can get tickets by calling Select-A-Seat at 426-1494, or you can buy them online by going to our KTVB.com HOTLINKS. We'll help you get to the right place! |
