Dolan's Depature

Our WLFI family is sadden to lose one of its veteran reporters. Many people wake up with Kathryn Dolan for the morning news. Kathryn is married and lives in Indianapolis and is wanting a job that doesn't require her getting up at 3:00a.m.

Kathryn is a great reporter, who was not afraid to ask tough questions. She was able to get victims, their families, offenders and others to talk to her. Kathryn put her heart and soul in the MDA telethon. She showed great compassion for the children and patients. I am still hoping she will come back Labor Day weekend to help us with the telethon.

Good luck Kathryn on your new endeavour. We will miss you!

Keith Underwood?

There are 10 republicans and three democrats vying for 3 at large seats on the Tippecanoe County Council. Kevin Underwood is seeking a second term on the council. But, who is Keith Underwood? The question came to a head yesterday, when a citizen filed a formal challenge to Keith Underwood's candidacy. The form filed with the election office shows no phone number. The driver's license information is invalid. And, the address is an empty field near Romney. The notarization is also coming under question. This is clearly fraud or a really bad joke. But, who would do this and why? Election officials, and now the sheriff's department, are investigating. Stay tuned. This is truly an interesting story!

Plunge Pictures

Saturday turned out to be a perfect day for the Polar Bear Plunge. Well, for everyone except me. I was home with the flu. I even called my doctor to ask if it would be okay if I took a quick dip in the pool. He laughed and answered, 'no, stay home.'
Congratulations to all the brave bears who did the plunge to raise money for the Public Schools Foundation of Tippecanoe County. Our morning meterologist Kelly Greene slid down into the icy waters on my behalf. Together we raised more than $1,500. Thank you to everyone who contributed!

Vinton Career Day

I enjoyed talking to students at Vinton Elementary School in Lafayette today. The children read a newscast that included information on an upcoming concert by Hannah Montana, a new Viking restaurant, and an undefeated boys basketball team. They were too excited to hear a forecast calling for 16 inches of snow. Sorry kids! I hope we don't get that kind of snowfall here!

Preparing for the Plunge

It's time once again for the Polar Bear Plunge. It's an opportunity to 'freeze your fur off' for a good cause. The event will be at 2:00p.m., Saturday, February 23, at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds. It's a fundraiser for the Public Schools Foundation of Tippecanoe County.

Community members and representatives from different schools agree to raise money for the PSF, then choose whether they will take the plunge. That's a new option this year. People can opt not to get wet and take their place on an ice block.

I was one of the Blues Brothers last year. My partner, Elwood, was Kelly Coleman from the Lafayette School Corporation. I'm still working on this year's costume. I have a week, right?

I am also still looking for donations. If you'd like to contribute to the cause, just drop me an email.

This is Sports Team 18's Kelly Crull, who did the Polar Bear Plunge last year. She was a real trooper. She went into the ice cold water as Minnie Mouse in high heels. This year our morning Meterologist Kelly Greene will be joining me at the plunge. Stay tuned to see if she stays dry or makes a splash!

This year's sponsors include Texas Roadhouse. The restaurant will be giving out rolls and peanuts at the event.

Domino's is another sponsor. Stop by Domino's Pizza on Creasy Lane and purchase a "Large 1-Topping Pizza Gift Card", a $12 value, for only $5 with all proceeds going to the event.

Happy Valentine's Day

Students in PMO spent Valentine's Day delivering singing Valentine messages. This group came into our newsroom and sang to Jeff Smith.

Some other students spent the afternoon at Tippecanoe Villa. A couple who met in the retirement home, Pam Johnson and Steve Carson, were married. Organizer Judith Best said the couple didn't have money to 'tie the knot,' so she asked people in the community to donate. She said people and businesses donated everything from the rings to the wedding cake. Congratulations to Steve and Pam! Good luck on your new lives together!

Career Day at Wea Ridge

Eighth grade students at Wea Ridge Middle School had a session on careers today. I spoke along with representatives of the Tippecanoe County Health Department and the Purdue School of Nursing. I talked to the students about the different jobs in broadcasting. While many people recognize the anchors, there are many people behind the scenes that work hard and deserve a lot of credit. Several of the students read a brief newscast for the class. It included sports and weather. The students heard about Hannah Montana coming to school and 14 inches of snow in the forecast--but were disappointed to learn it wasn't true! Good Luck Huskies!

Daffodil Days

Daffaodils Days are March 19-21st. But, now is the time to order your flowers. This is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. Flowers can be purchased by the bunch ($10) or a bunch with a vase ($15).
The following local businesses are taking orders and/or selling daffodils for the annual Daffodil Days fund-raiser for the American Red Cross: Annecy's, Artists' Own, B Fit Forever, Berry's Camera Shop, Blessed Beginnings, Blue Monday, Burton Pools, Ding a Ling, Euphoria Day Spa and Salon, First Class Clutter, The Green Door, J.E. Fields, K. Dees Coffee, Kathy's Kandies, Main Street Cheese, Murky Waters, My Sisters 'N Me, Randy Ross Framing, Skylight Coffee House, Spurlock's, Two Tulips, Village Shirt Works, Walnut Street Traditions, Wells Downtown Store, and Willow Stained Glass.

You can also call the American Cancer Society, Suite 1A, 401 S. Earl Ave., Lafayette, IN 47904. Call 449-4799.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PAR/PAR_4_Daffodil_Days.asp

End of the Trail for CHAPS

I was sorry to have to report today the end of the CHAPS program. The Purdue program was housed at Camp Tecumseh and provided horseback riding therapy to dozens of children with emotional and physical disabilities. I spoke with CHAPS advisory board president Mark Russell. He told me the program was just no longer viable until Purdue builds its own facility close to the West Lafayette campus. He said it was difficult to get volunteers and staff to keep the program going at Camp Tecumseh, a 20 to 25 minute drive. He also said the program was starting to compete for pasture and arena space with the camp's equestrian program.
My heart goes out to the children who were served by this program. They got so much joy and confidence out of the therapy, as well as made great friendships with their equine partners. I am hoping once more people hear about the program ending, someone or a group of people will step up and help Purdue find the money needed to build the animal education center. Russell said there are 28 accredited centers in Indiana. Unfortunately they are not local. He said the closest one is near Indianapolis.

My friends and I at the Battle Ground Saddle Club have participated in the CHAPS ride-a-thon for years. We'll certainly miss it!

Salute to Women Winners

Congratulations to seven outstanding women, who've received a YWCA Salute to Women award. The winners are: Paula Baitinger, Kat Braz, Dr. Irene Gordon, Maggi Ingleman, Aida Munoz, Lori stein Sabol, and Lois Wark. The Salute to Women banquet will be Tuesday, March 4th at the Purdue Memorial Union Ballrooms. It's a very special evening to recognize the many contributions women make in our community. Reservations need to be made by February 26th. Stay tuned to learn more about the winners.

More Flooding

For the second time this year, dozens of families are being forced from their homes because of flooding. Some people had just finished cleaning up and moving back in from the January floods. Carroll County Emergency Management Director Dave McDowell told us sheriff's deputies began using sirens Tuesday morning to alert residents to high water. There are 138 homes in this area. Kim Dunn, who had just moved back into her home the night before, said she never heard the siren. She, and a few other residents, are asking for a better warning system. I think she has a good point. Could the EMA/Sheriff's Department/NIPSCO issue different levels of emergency status? If the Oakdale dam starts releasing a certain amount of water (18,000 cfs), then maybe the residents could be paged or called. It's something worth looking into.

March For Babies

The March of Dines is holding its annual walk this year on April 26th at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds. The event is now called 'March for Babies.' While the event may seem far off, now is the time for teams to start forming. An organizational meeting will be held at 5:30p.m., February 12th at SIA.

Cassandra Schomer and her family are sering as this year's ambassadors. Almost three years ago, Cassandra was pregnant with twins. Christine and Richard were born at 28 weeks. Richard later died, but Christine is now a healthy little girl.

You can learn more about the March of Dimes by going to http://www.marchofdimes.com/.

You can also call the local March of Dimes office by calling (765) 448-6641.

Junior Achievement Bowling

Good job bowlers! The Junior Achievement Bowl-a-Thon raised more than $19,000 this year. More than 40 teams participated in the event at Star Lanes Friday and Saturday.
Michelle and David Kidder were our high rollers on the WLFI-TV team, as well as for the afternoon shift. But, we all had fun.
The women's team beat the men both games. Here's a look at our high games: Cari Holt (our sales assistant) bowled 167, Darcy Prizzi (production member) 126, Michelle (our receptionist) 243, Kelly Crull (sports) 194, and myself 174.
High scores on the men's team: Keith Hatton (videographer) 177, Tom Harmeson (videographer) 107, Mike Prangley (meterologist) 124, David Kidder (Michelle's husband) 276, and Baron Brendel (production member) 147.