Gina's Goodbye

WLFI said goodbye to our evening anchor Gina Quattrocchi last week. Gina worked for us for nearly 10 years. Gina anchored the morning news, then the evening news. She will be missed by our newsroom, as well as many of our viewers. Gina told us she just wants to try something new and spend more time with her family in the Indianapolis area.

I first met Gina at Purdue. I was one of her instructors. She interned at WLFI and learned the ropes quickly. Gina covered many important stories involving gang activity, the funeral of former Lafayette Mayor Jim Riehle, and Purdue's new President.

Earlier in March, reporter Emily Parker left the television station. She spent two years with us reporting some complicated stories, like property tax reform. Emily also wanted to try something new. She is off to New York in search of a job in public relations.

Good luck Emily and Gina. We wish you the best. Stay tuned to see some new faces on our staff in the coming weeks.

Political Stomping Ground

Indiana has become a political stomping ground for the Democratic presidential candidates. Bill Clinton is coming to Logansport and Lafayette on Monday, March 24th.

Former President Clinton will kick off his wife's Heartland tour on Monday. The 'Solutions for America' rallies are free and open to the public. After stops in South Bend, Clinton will be at Lincoln Middle School Gym at 5:15pm Monday. There was no time given on Friday night for his stop in Lafayette. Watch our website and news for the latest time and location.

Expect visits from Hilary and Barack Obama in the coming weeks. Democrat leaders tell us this is the most excitement the democratic party has had in a long, long time. They say the last time a presidential candidate was in Lafayette was the Kennedys in the 1960's.

This is great for voters. This is our chance to see and hear the candidates. Before, the presidential nominations were already wrapped up. This year our vote counts. Make sure you are registered to vote on May6th.

Daffodil Days & Spring Fling

Spring starts Thursday--finally! And to help get everyone in the spirit, Daffodil Days are under way. The American Cancer Society says, "while Daffodil Days involve offering daffodils every spring to donors in appreciation for their contributions, it is about more than just giving beautiful flowers - it is everyone’s opportunity to share hope for a world free of cancer."

Tippecanoe County donors have raised nearly $8,000 on line. If you would like to get a bunch or some flowers in a vase, contact the American Cancer Society. The office is at 401 South Earl Avenue. The number is 449-4799.

I delivered flowers to some dear friends who were very supportive during my mother's battle with cancer. Thank you Tami, Brenda, and Michele!

Also in the spring spirit, The Lafayette-West Lafayette Development Corporation is holding Spring Fling in downtown Lafayette and Wabash Landing areas. There will be food, an outdoor market, free carriage rides, open houses and daffodil sales on Friday and Saturday. The carriage rides are 6 to 9 on Friday, with boarding at Fifth and Main Streets and many shops will be open extended hours.

For more information on Spring Fling, call the Downtown Development Council at (765) 742-4044.

Gas Prices

Wow! Talk about sticker shock. Gas prices are outrageous. I never thought I'd see $3.49 a gallon. Remember last year? Prices were around $2.50 a gallon and we were all outraged. We talked to Ag Economist Wally Tyner about fuel prices. He said prices could be $3.75 a gallon by summer. Yikes! Tyner said the recent jump is due to an increase in the price of crude oil and the change from winter blend gasoline to summer blends, causing a decrease in the supply.

The price of getting to work is becoming an issue for many people who are commuting to Frankfort, Indianapolis and other areas. Jeff has a friend that canceled a trip to Disney in Florida because of the increase in gas. Other people we talked to are trying to cut back in other areas of their budget. If you have a gas story to share, feel free to email me or the newsroom.

Miller News

Third grade students at Miller Elementary School learned about being a news reporter and a veterinarian during career day. The children enjoyed reading a fake newscast about the Governor giving the students money for an indoor swimming pool, an upcoming concert by Hannah Montana, and another 8 inches of snow in the forecast. I told them the happiest stories I have covered were with Purdue fans at the Rose Bowl and local soldiers returning safe from Iraq. The saddest story was a house fire where two children died. I told them my favorite stories to cover involved children and horses.

Signs of Spring

After a winter filled with snow, cold weather and flooding, many of us are eager for spring. This weekend Jeff Smith spotted some Sandhill Cranes migrating north. He says that's a sure sign of spring. Another, of course, is the opening of Dog-N-Suds. I just love their coney dogs and root beer!
With spring also comes the risk of severe weather. Our weather team will be providing information during Severe Weather Awareness Week.
In addition, this is American Red Cross month. 96% of Americans agree that it's important to prepare for a disaster, but only 7% have taken the necessary steps. Executive Director Debbie Elsner is encouraging people to take three simple steps to be 'Red Cross Ready.' 1) Get a kit; 2) Make a plan; 3) Be informed.
The Red Cross is holding its 'Save a Life Saturday' on March 8th at the Howarth Community Center, 615 N. 18th Street, Lafayette. Adult CPR certification will be offered at a reduced rate. But Elsner says so many people have signed up for the event there is a waiting list. Call the Red Cross if you are interested. (765) 742-6975.