Preparations for Relay for Life

Preparations are underway for this year's Relay for Life. The event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The event takes place on June26-27 at Jefferson High School in Lafayette. In the next couple weeks, you may see this public service announcement promoting the event. The spot will feature myself and Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski talking about how cancer has impacted our lives. Our mothers both died of Pancreatic cancer.


You can learn more about the event at the American Cancer Society website. http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=14335
You can also call the ACS office in Lafayette at (765)449-4799.

Greatest of the Class 2009

Congratulations to all of the area valedictorians. WLFI and several local businesses held a luncheon Wednesday to honor some of the area's top students. We recognized 42 students from 16 different schools. Community leaders, including West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis, presented each valedictorian a medallion. I enjoyed speaking with several of the students. Most of the graduates will stay close to home. At least 20 of the valedictorians plan to attend Purdue. Others are venturing farther from home: University of Illinois, Princeton, Harding University, Vanderbuilt, and Grace College.

WLFI Softball

The softball season has started. WLFI has a team in the West Lafayette Parks and Recreation co-ed league.
Our team manager Mike Momberger reports: The WLFI softball team opened the 2009 season with a gutty performance and a one run, last at bat victory on Thursday at the Arni Cohen Fields!! The 9-8 win over the West Lafayette Christian Church came with a game winning single by Seth "Mr. May" Conley as TV-18 came from behind in its final at bat !!

Tree Lafayette

Tree Lafayette and Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department hosted a tree planting ceremony Saturday to honor Arbor Day. Volunteers, including a crew from WLFI-TV, helped plant trees along Twyckenham Boulevard.
Below are a couple of pictures from our group as we 'dug' into our work. Above is reporter/videographer Kate Kelty getting Mayor Tony Roswarski's opening remarks. Below is a shot of Reporter Julie Krizen pounding in a post to support the new tree. There's also a picture of Martin and his son who live nearby. The father-son duo joined us in planing two trees. And the large group photo just shows everyone who helped on Saturday.

Tree Lafayette has now planted 1,000 trees in the community.

Next year's Arbor Day celebration will have volunteers plant trees along Creasy Lane.

Mike's last day

It's Friday, May 1st...Mike's last day at WFLI-TV. We will miss Mike, but wish him well in Florida. He has been like a brother to me for the last 10 years. We've been through a lot together on and off the air. Tonight we'll show a tape that includes clips of Mike in March 1999 when he first started. (a copy of the story is below) So much has changed since then--the set, our weather computer, and live Doppler 18 (and my hair style). We wish Mike the best in Florida and wish you many sunny days ahead.

March for Babies

About 1300 people came out for the March for Babies Saturday at the Tippecanoe County fairgrounds. It was a bit windy, but the weather was probably the best it has been for this event in several years. Thanks to Mike Prangley for joining me on the stage to give the forecast. Mike's last day on the air is Friday.

Jen Bushore said the local event raised about $130,000. That is awesome! According to the March of Dimes, "77% of every dollar supports research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And your funds are used to bring comfort and information to families whose baby was born too soon, or sick."

Trail meeting scheduled

An update from the folks wanting to get horse trails at Prophetstown:

Wanted to let everyone know that Cecelia has a tentative meeting date of May 28 with the DNR. The director and deputy director have offered to meet at Prophetstown. The fact that they have agreed to meet with us is encouraging. Please continue to encourage your friends and family to sign our on-line petition so that we have as many signatures as possible at the time of our meeting.

Here is the link: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/SupportIndianaEquineTrails#signatures Folks can also sign in person at Wabash Valley Feeds, Horizon Veterinary Service in Delphi or Buck Creek Elevator. So far we have 382 signatures on line and maybe 1200 personal signatures. We have flyers up about the petition at Rural King, Tractor Supply and Buck Creek Elevator and various places at Purdue.