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Blog: May 2009 Archives
Mustache May?
Yesterday, Larry had quite an experience on the noon news. He found out it was Mustache May at Balihoo (a local company), and guess what? HE was the inspiration for it! T-shirts and ALL!
Here's an email that explains what this is all about: Really, when you think of a mustache in Idaho you can't help but have a mental picture of Larry pop up in your mind. We had about 15 mustaches on May 20th, though only 10 of those made it through the entire month. We're proud of our 'staches (much to the dismay of our significant others) and wear them with pride, often having to defend the mustache itself in business meetings, weddings and the ever-popular blind-date. On a side note, our office softball team has won EVERY game we've played in the month of May, so we're considering extending our 'stache power until the winning streak ends. Shane Vaughan
Another incredible episode of "Clash of the Stache" by our talented camera man Nick McMullin... he just gets better every week! We love the "News to Me" part of our show... we look forward to it every Friday! Have a great weekend! Stay cool out there!
GOOD NEWS!
We've certainly had a HEAVY couple of weeks of crime, accidents, death and sadness... so today - I'm going to BLOG about something GOOD. :) (We need it around here... don't you think?) There ARE good things happening in the Treasure Valley. This week, I got an email from Faye Boyd of Nampa. Her daughter got into a car accident recently - while she was rushing around getting ready for her son Jacob's birthday party. The accident ruined the birthday cake she had in the back of her car! Fortunately she was okay. She was actually more upset about the cake being destroyed, than she was about the accident. Well, when Nampa Firefighters arrived on the scene, they saw how upset she was about this cake... and they decided to do something pretty special. They showed up at her house just in time for Jacob's birthday party WITH a NEW birthday cake! Here's a picture of them:
Not only did they bring Jacob a new cake, they passed out fire hats and stickers to the kids - AND they let the kids take pictures in the fire truck. How awesome is that???
It was a day Jacob (and his mom) will never forget! A big thank you to the firefighters in Nampa at Station 2 ... what a wonderful thing to do. Do you have GOOD news to share with me? If so, e-mail me at momara@ktvb.com. I'd love to hear from you and see your pictures! Who knows, I may just BLOG about you. :)
International News? Last night, family and friends gathered in Wilder for 33-year-old Jason Neagle's funeral. Neagle was shot and killed in his Caldwell home on May 17th. His 14-year-old son Zachary - sits in jail - now charged with the crime.
So many of you have commented on this case on my BLOG, and we're learning more about it daily. It's getting international attention now. "The Today Show" is in town doing interviews with both sides. That segment was supposed to air this morning, but it was bumped due to breaking news. We're waiting to hear when it will air. The prosecutor tells us he's been getting emails from all over the world. He says the world is taking notice and chiming in about what they think is appropriate for Zachary. After the funeral yesterday, our Kaycee Murray sat down for an interview with Cindy Neagle - Zachary's mom.
"He's just very loving. He loves his family and would do anything for them. He's a mama's boy." - Cindy Neagle Court documents reveal there MAY have been physical and sexual abuse in the home, and that may have been his motive for the killing. But - Cindy Neagle told us that she thought her ex-husband was a good father and never suspected any abuse. "I never suspected it. We hadn't lived together for a long time. So I can't be positive on it. So it would have not been the top thing in my mind." - Cindy Neagle She told us with Zachary behind bars and Jason gone - she feels like she's lost two people instead of one. But she says her love for her son Zach has not changed. She's talked to him on the phone and says he's staying strong, but she's upset that he's in jail, and wants him out. "I'm angry he's in there at all, no matter what he's charged with." - Cindy Neagle
The lawyers in this case are also getting NATIONAL attention. They will both be featured on NBC news when the report finally airs:
"Well I can say this. The prosecution is looking at this like a murder case and I'm looking at this like a potential sex abuse case, as a potential physical abuse case." - Charles Crafts, Zachary's Attorney
"He's innocent until proven guilty and these are simply allegations. The reason it's murder one is because murder contemplates a premeditated act. And so here we have someone who has allegedly shot his father while he was sleeping on the sofa, so you can't claim that this is self defense. There's no evidence at least at this point that he acted as a crime of passion." - John Bujak, Prosecuting Attorney
It hasn't sold yet... A North Idaho man says he has the "Hand of God" in his backyard, and he's willing to sell it to the highest bidder online - but so far he's had no luck. Paul Grayhek says the formation (that looks like a large hand) appeared in his yard during Lent in March after a rockslide. Take a look at it, what do you think?
The Coeur d' Alene man says he believed it was a "sign" that he should spread the word of God and counsel kids in trouble. However, the winning bidder (whoever it may be) shouldn't get too excited. You can't actually TAKE it with you. Grayhek wants to sell it, but keep it in his own yard. "The buyer will basically be buying the rights, complete and exclusive rights to the rock, including literary and movie rights"
The top bid during his eBAY auction was $16,800. Not bad! BUT, he said the buyer backed out. He claims his auction drew 5,000 hits per hour - and says he got more than 800 emails about it. Grayhek says he plans to become a counselor for troubled kids, although he's not so sure how he'll pay the $10,000 in school bills next year. Hey, maybe the rock will sell?
A Day to Remember... There are many events planned across the Treasure Valley in honor of Memorial Day. I've listed them below for you. These are all such great opportunities to teach your kids about why this is a holiday. *Governor Butch Otter will speak at a ceremony at the top of Freezeout Hill in Emmett at 9 a.m. *The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery will hold its annual ceremony at 10 a.m. *The Idaho Civil War volunteers will pay tribute to veterans at Morris Hill Cemetery at noon - and then at the Military Reserve Cemetery on Mountain Cove Road at two p-m. *At 1 p.m. Mayor Dave Bieter will unveil a statue dedicated to Idaho Veterans at the Boise Airport.
I wanted to share this picture with you, one of many uploaded to our FIRST PERSON section at www.ktvb.com. It's so beautiful, and really hits home on this Memorial Day... don't you think?
Here's the story behind it: On Saturday morning my husband Mark put up the Flag pole before any of his family woke up. Well that evening after coming home from Ontario Mark said he wanted our five year old son Connor to learn how to take the Flag down and fold it. That is when I thought a good photo op since the sun was setting. When I saw the picture I thought it would be great to share and thought of Channel 7. - Annette Stevens from Indian Valley Idaho Thanks Annette!
MOTIVE: Sexual and Physical Abuse? Last night, I was watching the news at home (along with all of you) - when I saw the video of 14 year old Zachary Neagle in shackles in court. He's charged with the first degree murder of this father. I may be a news anchor who sees this kind of thing often, but I have to admit it was hard for me to watch. I was feeling so many different emotions, maybe you were too.
This middle school boy is accused of shooting and killing his father, and just yesterday we found out about a possible motive - investigators say he may have been sexually and physically abused by his Dad. He also has a 9 year old sister and a 6 year old brother - who may have been abused too. Nothing has been proven, but investigators tell us family members say this may in fact be the case. The investigation is ongoing... When I heard this, I posted a question on my KTVB Facebook page to hear feedback from viewers... and I got a lot of passionate comments about this new information.
Maggie O'Mara: New details: 14 year old Caldwell boy who police say killed his father - may have been sexually and physically abused. Does this change how you feel about the case? Here are the responses: Josh Marks at 6:31pm May 20 Renay Van Cleave at 6:39pm May 20 Kim 'Wilson' Gibson at 6:40pm May 20 Sylvia Olivas Champion at 6:46pm May 20 Kelly Wynne Peone at 6:51pm May 20 Karen Dawson at 7:05pm May 20 Wendie Green at 8:33pm May 20 Ray Usog at 8:56pm May 20 via Facebook Mobile Kathy Wilson Throneberry at 9:39pm May 20 Anita Jo Jahner at 11:54pm May 20 What do you think about this case?
Do you know what "SEXTING" is?
A new crime is being committed by teens all over the U.S. and it's happening here in Idaho too. It's called "SEXTING". You might be thinking... what in the world is that??? Well, it's serious, and if you are a parent, you need to know about it. This all stems from a case in Nampa. A freshman at Nampa High School allegedly took an inappropriate picture of herself with her cell phone - and text messaged that picture to her boyfriend. Now that indecent picture is being sent from student to student via cell phones. What these kids may not realize is - the picture is considered child pornography because the girl is underage. "Being in possession of photos that are sexually inappropriate falls under the child pornography code, that's why this is such a big deal. The consequences can have long lasting damage. It's absolutely overwhelming how decisions can follow your whole life and this is a good example of how that happens." - Nampa Police Lt. Stacy Mowry
So, just how BIG of a problem is this? We did some research and the findings were startling - to say the least! In a recent survey of close to 700 teenagers: *20% said they had sent or posted nude or semi-nude pictures and videos (Survey conducted by CosmoGirl and The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy) Nampa police officers want Idaho parents to talk to their kids and remind them that this is a crime. Any picture put on a phone or posted online could follow them for years, and potentially affect their futures. Watch Ysabel Bilbao's full story on "SEXTING" on our homepage, and then tell me: Will you talk to your kids about "Sexting"?
Driving Green-er!
BUT - If President Obama has his way, the cars of tomorrow are going to change. Today he's expected to announce he wants one national standard when it comes to vehicle pollution. This will change what we all drive in the future - by limiting the amount of greenhouse gas that cars put out - and increasing the amount of miles they get to the gallon.
His plan will include: *A 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2016. Last night, senior Obama administration officials said his plan would be the environmental equivalent to taking 177 million cars off the road. That would improve our air quality, no doubt. BUT - as you know everything comes with a price - this "change" will cost new car buyers an extra $1,300 per vehicle. In this economy, Americans don't like hearing about anything getting MORE pricey...
What do you think? *Will you buy one of these cleaner, greener vehicles?
Babies at work?
They also provide a "Kids Room" with a daycare provider. If you have an important meeting or issue to take care of, you can drop kids off in that room at your convenience. Parents pay a dollar a day for daycare at the office. It's a perfect situation for parents who can't afford to stay home. If it sounds too good to be true, it's not. This is the real deal. I spent a few hours there last week, and it's amazing how they balance work and family.
It brings up a good debate though... When I told my husband about it, he said "How do they get any work done there?" It's a good question. So, of course I asked it. The women who own the firm say their employees actually work harder - and get more done because they are so much happier with their kids with them. It's an interesting concept, and one that few companies embrace. I found it refreshing... Tune in tonight at 10pm! But first... Tell me, what do YOU think about kids at work?
Homecoming Party Tonight!
Guess what? You are invited! Tonight, you can welcome home Mandi Kramer and Aubrey Miller - the two Meridian sisters who WOW-ed us all on NBC's hit show "The Biggest Loser". They are now back home from Tuesday night's big season finale in LA... and there's a big PARTY for them tonight at the Waterfront at Lake Harbor on State Street tonight from 5pm to 7pm. Go say hello! BTW, I totally feel like they are my friends, but they don't know me at all... :) (If you do go, tell them how wonderful they look for me, will you? I can't go!)
This week's "News to Me" cartoon is all about Larry going after his mini nemesis - FLAT LARRY! He is seeking revenge (Rambo style) after last week's "Attack of the Flat Larrys!"
Doug, Larry and I will be there to bring you all the parade action LIVE on 24/7. It starts at 11am Saturday morning! Maybe I'll see you there?
Trash or Treasure? Yesterday, KTVB's Edgar Linares reported on a 75 year old man who was thrown in JAIL for 10 days for having too much JUNK in his yard.
"I like to collect old stuff. Just like everybody else." - Loren Gray. The neighbors are fed up - but Loren Gray says it's not junk, in fact he has big plans for all of the "stuff" on his 1.5 acre property.
Gray says he is working on all this random "stuff", little repair projects of his that he hopes to get to one day. He sees it as recycling, turning what some people would call trash into treasure. But Boise Zoning Administrator Scott Spjute says officers have warned Gray about his yard for years. Just recently - a judge put him in JAIL for 10 whole days! He says his jailmates couldn't believe it: "They just shook their head. They couldn't believe they'd take a 75-year-old man and throw him in jail." - Loren Gray. Gray will go in front of a judge again in July to see how much progress he's made cleaning up his property. If he doesn't clean it up, he may have to serve MORE jail time. What do you think? (Watch Edgar's full story on our homepage - and then sound off) PS: By the way, we found out Gray also spent two days in jail LAST year. He was jailed both times for a probation violation for - you guessed it - failing to clean up his yard.
Accidental Shooting Charges?
It's a tragic story that many of us are talking about. A Homedale, Idaho boy is dead after an accidental shooting at a Marsing apartment. (See above picture) Yesterday - our reporter Alyson Outen went to Owyhee County to get the latest information on what happened from Sheriff Daryl Crandall. He told her that the 14 year old girl who mishandled the gun is an "emotional wreck" and could face charges in the case:
"She found a gun in a closet and she was looking at the gun trying to determine if it was loaded or not - and in the course of doing that, the gun went off." - Sheriff Daryl Crandall. The bullet hit Marcos Jaramillo, age 12 - in the head. He died Monday night at St. Alphonsus. We've learned this girl has known Marcos her entire life. The families are good friends, and both are devastated and getting counseling. The Sheriff told Newschannel 7 - while this was accidental and he feels for all the people involved - the 8th grader is still responsible for her actions: "We can't show there was intent. Was there negligence? Yes. Was there culpability? Yes there was. We'll be pressing forward with the prosecuting attorney to see what kind of charges will be brought against her." - Sheriff Daryl Crandall Sheriff Crandall is a big proponent of gun locks. He says a lock like this one (see below) could have saved Marcos Jaramillo's life.
By the way, this safety lock is FREE at the Owyhee Sheriff's Office, and at most other sheriff's offices in our area. So, what do you think about this case? Watch Alyson Outen's full report on our homepage... and tell us what you think: *Should this young girl face charges? We want to hear your opinions...
Baby Auston Beats the Odds!
It's a story everyone seems to be talking about... the 18 month old (ADORABLE) Meridian toddler who survived a terrible pencil accident at the park. Auston Banks fell on a pencil while he was playing, and it went right in through his mouth and into the back of his throat. It came dangerously close to being much more serious. Our cameras were IN the operating room over the weekend when the 6 inch pencil was removed safely by doctors at St. Luke's, and miraculously TODAY he is going HOME! He's going to make a full recovery. (Our reporter Scott Evans says he's running, playing... and even eating green jello!)
Stories like this one really make me happy! It's so rare to be able to share such a wonderful ending like this with our viewers... you should really watch KTVB's Scott Evans and his full story on this incredible toddler on our homepage: www.ktvb.com. It will make your day!
Don't forget...
Tonight is the season finale of NBC's "The Biggest Loser"! Idaho sisters Mandi and Aubrey are in L.A., and ready for that final weigh in! We caught up with them at the airport before they left, and they look amazing! (Super thin!) If one of the girls loses the most weight (of the contestants already sent home) one of them could win $100,000! PS: I'll be cheering for the girls from the comfort of my couch. Wait, on second thought - I really should go watch them while I workout at the GYM. It's hard to be so lazy when they are working so hard!
Fly in "The Liberty Belle" This week you can! The Liberty Belle, a restored WWII B-17 "flying fortress" bomber will take to the skies over Boise. Today - the media gets a chance to go up... but for a price, YOU can get your chance this weekend - May 16th and 17th. I was so lucky to get the opportunity to ride in a B-17 a couple years ago (on a media tour), and it was something I'll never forget! We did a story with some amazing veterans who used to fly them. Hearing their stories, and memories... it was a "once in a lifetime" experience, to be sure.
Fly in The Liberty Belle!
"The Biggest Loser" Sisters are in L.A.! We caught up with Mandi Kramer and Aubrey Miller at the Boise Airport... they were headed to Los Angeles for the big finale of "The Biggest Loser".
It's time for the FINAL weigh in and the Idaho sisters look amazing! We've been following them for months now... and we've all seen their incredible weight loss progress. They wanted to say thank you to all their fans: "We've gotten so much support, way more than I ever thought. It's huge." - Aubrey Miller "Just really thank you, it really means a lot when we're struggling to try to work towards a goal, and we feel like we're alone because nobody knows what we're going through... it helps to have awesome trainers, and people who are willing to help you every step of the way." - Mandi Kramer The sisters were sent home from The Biggest Loser ranch in March, but they are still in the running for a 100,000 prize. The contestant who loses the most (who has already been eliminated) wins the cash! The finale of The Biggest Loser airs tomorrow night, right here on Channel 7. PS: I'll definitely be watching, will you?
It's not too late! You can still sign up for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure!
It's tomorrow! Thousands of people are expected to turn out in Boise to raise money for breast cancer research. If you want to sign up, you can register Saturday morning between 7am and 8am at 250 E. Parkcenter BLVD - in front of Albertson's headquarters. The race begins at 9:15am. It's $35 per person... We'll have complete LIVE coverage of the race for you on The Saturday Morning News with Ysabel, Larry and Doug. After the race we'll have all your photos online right here on www.ktvb.com.
You won't believe how much $$$$ these kids raised in the span of ONE week!
Can you guess how many there are?
ANSWER: 61 I love this one... it cracks me up!
And some "Behind the Scenes" fun for you now... our morning crew brought in this poor, defenseless pig pinata and took swats at it in our studio.
Do they blame him for the Swine flu? I was tempted to intervene but held back! :) I couldn't bring myself to hit the little guy. Could you? Have a great weekend!
Twitterversy?
Last night, a local group rallied at The Modern to support an Idaho Tax Commission worker who is now on probation at work. Why, you ask? He's caught up in what you could call a Twitterversy.
Wyatt Werner was put on probation for what the state called "excessive social networking on state time". He says for the next 6 months - he will not be able to access Twitter or other social networks from his state computer. How did this all come to light? Apparently, Wyatt's friend Shane Carlson (who is NOT a state worker) started a bogus twitter account called @butchotter - posing as Governor Otter. An anonymous email was sent to the Governor's office, saying someone at the Tax Commission was doing this on the clock, on the tax payer dime. So an internal investigation was launched - and Wyatt's personal twitter use was discovered. He says he wasn't posing as the Governor, he was using his own Twitter account - @WyattWerner - and he says he wasn't using it excessively.
"Shane and I have been friends for 9 years and biz partners for 2. He's the original @butchotter. I was never involved (I.e., posting, loggin in, etc) with the @butchotter account. I bantered with the old @butchotter some, but that's no big deal. I've bantered with @guykawasaki and @mchammer, but that doesn't mean I'm a rapping, entrepreneurial guru! :). No, this was always Shane's bag. My understanding is that a citizen contacted the Guv's office saying that he/she believed I was @butchotter." - Wyatt Werner
Twitter disabled the bogus @butchotter account and now "If you ask taxpayers if they are comfortable paying a guy on salary to Twitter and social network while they are paying his salary, I would bet a lot would have a problem with that." - Jon Hanian The group of Tweeters that supports Wyatt Werner says social networking is now part of the work day - and should be part of government too. But should it? Should state workers, or workers in general - be able to social network (tweet, facebook, myspace) at work? Even on breaks? What do you think?
PS: BTW, social networking is a MAJOR part of my work day. I FACEBOOK with viewers, Twitter, BLOG. We get great story ideas, and I just feel connected to our community. In my case, it may be a little different...
Hopscotch Champ? He was once called "The World's Greatest Athlete" ... University of Idaho alum Dan O'Brien. The gold medalist and three-time world decathlon champion is hoping to earn a new title... one you may not have guessed. He wants to be the Guinness World Record holder for the fastest game of hopscotch. Hopscotch, you say? Yep.
Tomorrow, he will attempt to break the current record for a game of hopscotch - one minute and 23 seconds - at Chelsea Piers. O'Brien is kicking off National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. His goal: He wants parents to spend more time with their kids outside this summer.
Two Boise police officers are being honored as TOP COPS next week. Boise Police Chief Mike Masterson nominated officers Chris Davis and Jason Rose for their actions during last summer's Oregon Trail fire. These officers braved the smoke and flames as they tried to evacuate people in the area. Next week, they are going to Washington, DC, to be honored. The National Association of Police Officers will honor a total of about 20 officers from around the United States. Congrats to both of them!
He just won the BEST JOB IN THE WORLD! Ben Southall, 34 - beat out nearly 35,000 applicants from around the world for a dream job. Get this - he'll work for six months as a caretaker of a tropical Australian island... look at it... it's amazing!
AND - the job comes with a $111,000 salary! His job description? Swimming, exploring and relaxing... OH! AND writing a BLOG about SWIMMING, EXPLORING AND RELAXING. Tough work, huh?
LONGEST SESSION EVER?
(Maybe! We're getting awfully close...) The 2009 session is now just 5 DAYS short of making Idaho history! This year's session could be the longest EVER. Today is officially day 114 of the session, the longest session in our state history was 118 days. Yesterday House lawmakers returned to the Capitol Annex - five days after saying "See YA!" to the Senate and the Governor. BUT, these lawmakers can't get out of this that easy... they are constitutionally bound to continue until the Senate adjourns as well.
NO budging on the GAS TAX House leaders are in a tax fight with the Senate and the Governor. THEY won't call it a day until there's a plan in place to raise millions of dollars for road repairs and maintenance. Here's what it comes down to: there's a 240 million yearly shortfall in road maintenance funding! That's a lot of DOUGH to make up. The Governor's latest solution is to increase the gas tax by 6 cents during a span of two years, starting in 2011.
(Question: Will the economy be better by then?) The 6 cent tax would raise $52 million dollars annually to help offset the $240 million annual shortfall. Right now, the gas tax is 25 cents per gallon. If the Governor has his way, it will be 28 cents in 2011, and 31 cents in 2012.
House Majority Caucus Chairman Ken Roberts told reporters his chamber wasn't budging from its stance that a recession is no time to raise taxes. We'll see what happens today... but this session could go on to make Idaho history! What's your solution to this battle?
A Close Call!
Former Boise State wide receiver Julian Hawkins... was INSIDE the Dallas Cowboys practice facility this weekend when a storm FLATTENED the structure. 14 people were injured, one man (a scout) is now paralyzed. Incredibly, Hawkins escaped injury.
Our Zach Wolken talked to him by phone last night, here's what he had to say:
"I am definitely okay. I was able to get out of the debris that was falling and stuff like that. First thing I did was I got on my hands and knees and I thanked God, you know - because any of us, you don't know which way it's gonna fall." - Julian Hawkins
Wind, rain, hail... you name it. Look at this picture of a big ol' FUNNEL CLOUD near Payette. Fortunately it didn't touch down... but it sure looked ominous. And look at this huge HAIL: If you have pictures or video to share with us, upload them to "First Person" on our HOMEPAGE. Just look for this:
Make sure you tune in tonight at 10pm for "Beauty on a Budget" to see what I'm talking about! If you're pinching pennies, you'll be glad you did.
Remember little Anthony Dandrea? His Dad started the McCain Foods "Be a Fan of Joy" Bracelet Campaign - and Anthony (and lots of other kids in the Treasure Valley) sold the blue bracelets to raise money for The Special Olympics World Winter Games - and awareness about people with disabilities. The bracelets were a big hit during the games. Over $30,000 was raised! Yesterday at Hidden Springs Charter School, that money was given to the Special Olympics! Anthony's Dad, Trace Dandrea presented the HUGE check:
After that, Anthony presented me with a plaque, for helping him get the word out to (YOU!) the public about the bracelet campaign. It was a very sweet and emotional moment. I just love this kid, he melts your heart!
Here's another hilarious episode of "News to Me" - doesn't Nick's work get even more brilliant every week??? I really love this one, and so does Larry. (Notice his bunny slippers! LOL!)
Happy Weekend to YOU! |
