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Craig's Blog September 14, 2009
I finally got a chance to take in a Tigers game this season with Crystal Sunday afternoon.
Great to see the Detroit nine snap a five game losing streak and continue their drive towards a division pennant. One thing I noticed during the game. Between one of the innings there was organ music, but then you realize that it’s only a recording.
It reminded me of the old days when organ music was all you’d hear at major league ballparks. Nowadays it’s an audio and visual assault on the senses. That includes loud music (usually rock or rap) and contests on the big scoreboard, including racing donuts. I don’t think acid punk rock (is there such a thing as acid punk rock?) really goes hand-in-hand with baseball. Hockey, maybe. But baseball is a little more pastoral. I say let’s bring back the organist to Comerica Park!
-Craig
Craig's Blog July 31, 2009
Is it just me or has summer flown by?
I have to admit…I’ve really enjoyed the cooler than normal temperatures this year. A little more rain for the garden would have been perfect! I feel sorry for folks in the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest…boy, are they baking! Too bad they can’t come here to enjoy our nice weather (and spend money while they’re at it!)
On a side note…it sure is good to be back to work! I returned to the morning anchor desk this past Monday after a three week leave of absence. A bicycling accident on July 4th left me with my left clavicle shattered in four places. I’d like to thank my wife Crystal for her loving care during that time.
Hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer!
-Craig
Craig's Blog May 26, 2009
Hope you spent some time this Memorial Day weekend remembering those who gave their lives for this country. All too many times the holiday is more celebrated as being “the unofficial first day of summer” as we say in the news biz.
Barbecues and family gatherings are a good thing. But we shouldn’t forget those who died for liberty. I had a chance to talk with my friend Carl Aldrich on Memorial Day. He’ll never forget friends and comrades he fought with in World War II who didn’t come home.
You can see my chat with Carl and his lovely wife Dorothy at the following link:
Veteran Talks Of WWII Army Experience
The Aldrich’s were gracious enough to choreograph Crystal and my first dance together as a married couple at our wedding reception.
-Craig
Veteran Talks Of WWII Army Experience
-Craig
Craig's Blog April 24, 2009
There's a lot of talk these days about government transparency…the government opening up its books so that taxpayers can see just how their money is being spent.
It seems that Michigan lawmakers love to toss the word "transparency" around. So the I-team decided to find out just how much local legislators are revealing. Turns out it's not much. What they are releasing to the public really isn't very informative.
We'll have a report this Monday during the 6 p.m. newscast.
Update: You can watch it hereShow Me The Money -- Local Lawmakers
-Craig
Craig's Blog March 19, 2009
In these modern times a lot of people want to know just how their tax dollars are being spent.
The TV-5 I-team spent a lot of time contacting the ten largest school districts in Mid-Michigan asking if they are considering placing check book registers on their web pages. School districts that are currently doing so tell us it’s a relatively cheap, quick procedure and helps assure accountability.
But a lot of schools we talked with don’t seem to think they need to post that information. That special report airs Wednesday during our six p.m. newscast. Here's a link to that story...
I-TEAM: School Districts & Your Tax Dollars
-Craig
Craig's Blog February 27, 2009
I went to a donut shop the other day and left thinking I had just spent 45 minutes in a bar! My clothes reeked of smoke. I mean, seriously…a donut shop? The place was jammed with folks sitting around having coffee, donuts…and puffing away on cigarettes. Okay, since this is a blog, I’m going to take off my journalist hat and stand on my soap box.
When is Michigan going to be dragged, kicking and screaming into the 21st century and ban indoor smoking? I used to be a smoker. But I tried to contain it to outdoors or the lounge where I was having a beverage. But a lot of folks believe its okay to light up anywhere it’s allowed. I know restaurant owners say they’ll lose a lot of business if smoking is banned. I disagree. People adapt. Remember when it was legal to smoke at sporting events?
You didn’t see the crowds thin out at Comerica Park last year because people couldn’t smoke there. I wish the legislature would get a backbone and ban indoor smoking. At least limit the smoking to a bar or smoke shop. Any bets on when it might happen?
-Craig
Craig's Blog February 20, 2009
Donna Yost sits in the Bay County Jail, waiting for round two. I talked with Yost over the telephone in an exclusive interview this week. You can see the story:TV5 Talks With Donna Yost From Jail
Yost believes she should be free from jail as she prepares for another trial. She's accused of killing her daughter Monique. The seven-year-old died back in 1999. It's hard to argue with Yost over whether she should be set free. I can't imagine she'd be a risk to others or there's much chance that she'd skip town. But the judge in the case has held steadfast on his position that she stay in jail.
Yost's lawyer asked that an electronic tether be placed on her so she could be free yet monitored...but the judge said no. Yost told me one of the reasons she wants her freedom is so that she can decorate Monique's grave. Yost claims Monique died of a defective heart...that she has a family history of heart problems. Prosecutors say she intentionally gave Monique an overdose of prescription pills. The new trial is scheduled next month, and it could last several weeks. Yost's lawyer Ed Czuprynski estimates that expert testimony alone for both sides will cost taxpayers roughly 40 thousand dollars. That makes for a pricey round two.
-Craig
Craig's Blog Jan. 26, 2009
Marvin Schur died alone in his house recently.
As best we can tell Marvin was 93 years old. Now usually people don’t think twice when someone dies at that age…especially in their long-time residence.
But it seems Bay City Electric Light and Power put a “turn-off” notice on Marvin’s front door about five days before his body was discovered. When a neighbor found Marvin he had no heat in his house. That was when we had that bone-chilling cold spell…remember?
I’ve been trying to get information on Marvin’s death for more than a week.
The head of the power company wouldn’t take my questions. I was referred to the City Manager. He told a TV-5 news staffer that apparently Mr. Schur had enough electricity to power a furnace. But if he used more than that minimal amount it would trip the power and he wouldn’t have electricity. A neighbor told me Marvin’s hearing wasn’t that good. He probably didn’t hear a knock on the door, if the utility people bothered to knock when they put up the notice.
Meanwhile a police department investigator told me they are looking into Marvin’s death. But they won’t return my phone calls. A neighbor says Mr. Schur bought provisions before the onslaught of winter, apparently determined to wait out the cold temperatures and snow rather than venture out into the elements. The neighbor also told me Marvin had money lined up with his bills on a kitchen table.
If indeed his power was shut off in the middle of the coldest spell we’ve had in awhile it just doesn’t seem right.
We’ll keep trying to find out just what happened to Marvin.
Now an update to this saga... The city admits that Marvin died of hypothermia. It also is going to change it's policy as a result of Mr. Schur's death and will personally notify people when their power will be shutoff.
As one of Marvin's neighbor's told us...it's too bad common sense didn't prevail before Marvin's death and such a policy would have been in place. Mr. Schur has relatives. I wouldn't be surprised if there could be more to this story in the future.
-Craig
Craig's Blog Jan. 7, 2009
I would imagine that most Michigan fans would agree that Utah should be ranked number one at the end of the current college football season.
As college football fans know there's a debate right now over whether the undefeated Utes merit being considered the best team in the land. They are currently the only unbeaten division one football team. I must confess that I earned by undergraduate degree at Utah, so I have a vested interest in this debate. I traveled to The Big House this past September and watched the Utes knock off Michigan in the season opener for both schools.
I will say right now that I was a little worried cheering for Utah at Michigan Stadium. But nearly every Michigan fan I encountered that day demonstrated nothing but class (and in a few cases a little good natured kidding) to people rooting for the crimson and white...before, during and after the game.
Getting back to the Utah number one debate...Utah's attorney general is investigating the Bowl Championship Series for a possible violation of federal antitrust laws. If you're not familiar with the BCS it's basically a separate "club" if you will of conferences that play for the national championship.
Utah is in the Mountain West conference which isn't a part of this "club." The A-G's move could also benefit other non-BCS schools such as Central Michigan University. Once again, a vested interest on my part, since I go to grad school at CMU. I'd love to see the Chips at least have the opportunity to play for a national championship in football some day. Hopefully the Utes will help pave the way to that possibility.
-Craig
Craig's Blog Dec. 3, 2008
You have to wonder who is in charge of public relations at the Big Three automakers.
First the big wigs ask lawmakers for a taxpayer bridge loan by taking their private jets to Washington, D.C. Okay, maybe I can understand that one. They are so used to hopping in the jets and going wherever they probably didn’t think twice. But a PR person worth his or her salt should have seen that one.
Then the smartly dressed CEO’s continue to state their case in front of Congress.
How’s this: you find a couple of assembly line workers...male, female, even better if they each have families to support. You have THEM outline to lawmakers how important the loan would be to keep Americans employed. Back to the basics…it’s those regular workers who made Michigan great, and hopefully will do so again.
-Craig
Craig's Blog Nov. 11, 2008
Count on some changes coming in the way the state handles juvenile halfway houses.
The I-TEAM sent freedom of information requests to the state regarding the halfway houses. We became interested in the houses after Nathaniel Abraham was arrested. We dug up some interesting information that quite frankly we found hard to believe.
You can check out our report at the following link.
I-TEAM: Halfway Houses Exposed
A state lawmaker promised us that as a result of our work he will look at bringing up the juvenile halfway house situation in January. We’ll keep you posted.
-Craig
Craig's Blog Oct. 30, 2008
Have you ever considered curling? And no, I’m not talking about a new hairstyle.
The ancient sport from Scotland is pretty popular in Midland. And now folks in Mid-Michigan can enjoy curling at a brand new facility. I had a chance to go out to the Midland Community Center curling rink with photographer Erik Horn earlier this week.
Volunteers actually laid down the ice.
If you’re not familiar with curling it involves a big stone which a person slides down the ice towards a target. Team members frantically sweep the ice in front of the stone and try to score points at a circle at the other end of the ice. One of the great things about curling is that anyone of any age can participate!
Crystal and I are considering looking into the sport in the near future. You can too! There will be an open house at the curling center at Jefferson and Haley streets in Midland on November eighth. The center will be open from ten a.m. to four p.m. that day.
So show up and learn how to "deliver the rock"!
Midland Home To Future Curling Center
Craig's Blog Sept. 30, 2008
Have you ever been called for jury duty?
This week I completed my two-week stint in the Bay County jury pool. It seems like a lot of people complain about being called to jury duty. But juries are the bedrock of our judicial system, which calls for a trial in which a person is judged by their peers.
I was actually called to the jury box to answer questions posed by a circuit court judge, a prosecuting attorney and a defense lawyer. It was the first time I ever came close to serving on a jury…I was in a couple of pools in the past, but never questioned. The short of it is that I was dismissed by the defense attorney. While I wasn’t able to participate in the trial process this time around, I hope the opportunity will come my way again. And if you don't harbor that same wish, think about the importance of serving on a jury.
-Craig
Craig's Blog Sept. 9, 2008
A barbecue on a cool September Saturday is usually an enjoyable activity.
Last weekend my wife Crystal and I attended such a barbecue. But this event had special meaning.
It was the 7th annual Eric James Blair Memorial Scholarship Fund Barbecue at the Bay County Fairgrounds. Hundreds of folks were on hand for the ‘cue.
Konnie Licavoli lost her son as a result of binge drinking, and ever since then she’s waged a war against underage drinking. Eric Blair was 18 when he drowned in the Red Cedar River in East Lansing. Blair had spent the night drinking with friends at Michigan State University. It happened in October of 2001.
The scholarship fund named after Blair has provided more than 50 college scholarships. Now that we’re about halfway into September college students have settled in for the Fall semester. Some students spend their weekends (some, weeknights) binge drinking. It’s tough to avoid peer pressure at that age.
We can only hope that Licavoli’s message will reach some of those students.
-Craig
Craig's Blog August 14, 2008
I’ve covered a lot of elections over the years…but I’ve never seen an election decided by a drawing!
That’s what happened in Saginaw County earlier this week. The drawing was held after the two candidates on the Democratic ticket running for Kochville Township supervisor were tied with 179 votes each following the primary. You can check out the story at the following link:
Kochville Twp. Election Winner Chosen By Drawing
Last week when we first covered this story I was inside the township hall and photographer Tom Knaub was outside taking some video. He encountered a woman who had dropped off her ballot…too late, it turns out. If she would have turned in that ballot on Election Day the drawing may have been avoided. I can always use this story for people who say they don’t vote because it just doesn’t matter. Obviously, it does.
-Craig
Craig's Blog August 1, 2008
Do you ever feel like you have the words “pick me” stamped on your forehead?
I recently returned home from a work-related conference in Reno, Nevada. More on that in a bit. My return flight to Mid-Michigan (I won’t mention the airline…but it starts with an “N” and ends with a “T”) entailed a leg from Denver to Minneapolis. It was cancelled due to a “flight crew shortage.” Flight crew shortage? Okay, it was a “pick me” moment. I implored the airline agent to please make a connection for me that afternoon to Mid-Michigan, saying my news director wouldn’t be happy to hear I would be unable to anchor the news the following morning. Despite her best efforts it was a no-go…I would have to spend the night in the mile high city.
The next morning another instance of “pick me”. During the security check-in at Denver International Airport I was singled out for “special search” consideration. I was asked to step aside so an agent could go through my carry-on luggage. I must admit I was mildly amazed when TSA agents in both Reno and Denver didn’t confiscate a fist-sized rock that was in my bag. My wife Crystal and I picked up the colorful stone while we were strolling along Lake Tahoe to add to our travel rock garden. Why was I selected for “special search” treatment? Maybe I resemble a terrorist.
The working conference I attended was the Basic Legal Affairs Reporting for Journalists seminar.
It’s sponsored by the National Center for Courts and Media in the National Judicial College at the University of Nevada.
It’s an intense, two-day class focusing on news coverage of the legal system. It is a valuable resource tool that will help all of us here at TV-5 serve you, the viewer even better. . I’d like to offer special thanks to the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation for extending an invitation to me to attend the conference. Now that’s one instance where “pick me” was beneficial!
-Craig
Craig's Blog July 21, 2008
Photographer Jeff Jenkins and I had an opportunity last Friday to cover the opening of the Little League 12-year-old All Star baseball tournament in Bay City.
We took in the action at the Northeast Little League field. Organizers have done a tremendous job of getting that field ready for the competition.
Watch here:Little League All-Star In Bay City
I’m sure that is also the case for the Southwest Bay City Little League field.
The action continues Tuesday with the semi-finals. The championship game is set for Wednesday at six p.m. at the Northeast Bay City field.
Admission is free. You can’t beat that!
-Craig
Craig's Blog July 1, 2008
Recently I took a week off for vacation.
Crystal and I had a “staycation”, meaning we hung around Mid-Michigan. We had a great time enjoying local attractions. We took in the Bay County Historical Museum and the kids joined us for a walk through Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum at SVSU. We also took a drive out to the Thumb and went to a couple of estate sales. We couldn’t help but notice that at one of the sales there was a nicely framed certificate of appreciation to a woman awarded by the state of Michigan.
I’m fairly certain that she was proud of the award. Yet it appeared that she had passed away, and no one else in the family wanted to keep it.
There was a price sticker on it…$2. It’s sad that no other family members thought enough of the award to hold on to it. I guess if my kids don’t want to keep the awards I’ve garnered over the years it really doesn’t matter.
Anything for a buck, eh?
-Craig
Craig's Blog June 11, 2008
Now that summer is about here…and hot weather has already arrived…a lot of folks would love to head to the beach to cool off.
Long-time residents can wistfully look back to summers decades ago when they could frolic on the beaches of Saginaw Bay. Unfortunately beach muck continues to be a problem preventing such frolicking these days.
Last Friday photographer Bud Jones and I went to check out the beach muck situation near a mobile home park. It’s the same area that TV-5 examined last July. Although the muck, or dead algae, wasn’t as bad as last summer, it’s still there.
Efforts are underway at the local, state and national level to curb beach muck. It’s believed the elimination of phosphorus, which is found in many lawn fertilizers, could be instrumental in reducing the muck. The muck has also been found to contain human feces.
As a result of that discovery better control of sewage overflow into the Saginaw River could also be a key to cutting the muck, along with less runoff from agricultural enterprises. It sure would be nice to enjoy the beaches once again without fear of coming into contact with E-Coli bacteria.
We’ll keep you posted on that situation.
-Craig
Craig's Blog May 22, 2008
We’re still waiting to find out how much the Zilwaukee Bridge mess is going to cost Michigan taxpayers.
As most folks know pretty much by now the bridge maintenance fiasco continues to play out. The TV5 I-team did some digging and discovered some pretty interesting information about that situation.
You can pull up that story at the following link:
I-TEAM: Z-Bridge Answers
State Senator Roger Kahn told me he doesn’t think the cost overrun will be a tremendous amount. Even so ANY overrun that involves taxpayer dollars has to be a concern in the cash-strapped state that we live in.
We’ll continue to monitor the Z-bridge situation and pass along any updates to you.
-Craig
Craig's Blog May 5, 2008
There are a lot of upset concert-goers in Mid-Michigan right now who could be out hundreds of dollars.
The Silver Ridge Music Festival LLC has announced its “postponed” the mountain rock music festival and the country rock music festival scheduled for this summer. The I-Team started looking into the financial problems of Silver Ridge back in January. We feared something like this would happen.
Even after TV-5 received a fax last week that the concerts weren’t going on as scheduled, the Silver Ridge phone number still had a recording telling people they could buy tickets. I noticed today the number has been taken off the web pages for those festivals. Then again you can always send them an email.
Let me know if they give you a response.
If by some chance Silver Ridge files for bankruptcy you would think that those who bought tickets…and in some instances we’re talking hundreds of dollars…will be left with worthless concert passes.
Here are links to stories we’ve done on the situation at Farwell:
Rock, County Music Festivals Canceled
Music Promoter Says He's Paying Up
Music Fest Promoter May Owe Thousands
Please feel free to contact me if you have anything to say about that situation.
-Craig
Craig's Blog April 18, 2008
I had an interesting story to cover last week.
It centered on a former lodge and property owned by actor Charlton Heston. He had deep roots in the community of St. Helen in Roscommon County. After learning of his passing we decided to go up to the area and check out Heston’s old stomping grounds. Some of his distant relatives were very gracious and opened their house to us.
They showed photographer Tom Knaub and me old pictures of Heston from when he used to visit the area. Knaub and I found out the location of his old lodge. It’s on state land about a half mile from a county dirt road. Since the gate to the road leading up to the old lodge was locked, we decided to hoof it. Tom was a real trooper carrying the camera gear, while I lugged the tripod to the structure. It’s still standing. “Ben Hur” was my favorite movie when I was a kid. So it was neat hanging out in the same rooms as the guy who played Judah Ben Hur.
Check out the story:Charlton Heston Called Parts Of Michigan Home
Isn’t it nice that spring-like weather has finally arrived?
-Craig
Craig's Blog March 31, 2008
Do you still see patches of dirty, crusted snow where you live?
Yes, here it is the last day of March and traces of the long, cold winter we’ve experienced continues to be evident across Mid-Michigan. Many of us have longed for spring to come forth in all its glory.
A hint of that warmth and season of rebirth happens today in Detroit. The Motor City Maulers begin their quest for a world championship!
Can you sense the excitement in the air? It’s opening day! The Tigers are playing! The Tigers are playing!
Sure, the boys of summer have been at it for weeks on the sun-kissed diamonds of Florida. But they’re back…and if you’re a baseball fan you’re ready for the Detroit Nine to take us through six months of excitement leading up to the Fall Classic.
Hopefully they won’t get rained out today.
-Craig
Craig's Blog March 12, 2008
Do you text message when you drive? Believe it or not, some people do…and a warning for those who thumb away at their cell phones while driving in Detroit…there’s a new law banning it…breaking the ordinance could cost you a hundred dollars.
I freely admit I talk on my cell phone while driving…I know it’s something I shouldn’t do. But I’m not much of a text messager…I believe cell phones were invented for talking, not typing. As much as I realize how distracting talking on the phone can be while driving, I can’t imagine text messaging while operating a motor vehicle.
But people do much more than that, as I found out first-hand while visiting in Utah last week. While waiting to enter on-ramps onto expressways I saw a woman driver hold a bowl of salad in her left hand, her right hand occasionally leaving the steering wheel to plunge a fork into her greens as she prepared to drive and munch. Also believe it or not I saw a guy in the same situation shaving the back of his neck with a portable razor, then answer his cell phone…just before merging with traffic!
Thankfully I haven’t seen this type of activity in Mid-Michigan. If you have, drop me a line…
-Craig
Craig's Blog February 20, 2008
Private schools have to come up with different ways to fund their athletic teams. One method that seems to be a big success in Bay City is a euchre tournament.
All Saints High School has developed a winning hand by using the tourneys to raise money while also bringing together the community. I was happy to attend one of these tournaments last weekend. The entry fee of $13 covers three rounds of euchre, food donated by the parents of the players, beverages and door prizes.
The good times and conversation are free! I freely admit that I’m a euchre beginner…but upon explaining my clumsiness at the card table the other participants are very understanding and helpful. Crystal is an old pro at the game…so at least one of us knows what’s going on. There’s going to be another tournament at the All Saints gym off Cass Avenue on March 8th.
So if you’re looking for some hot card playing and good companionship on a cold winter night, join us!
One more thing..bring some quarters...you need to donate one each time you're euchered!
-Craig
Craig's Blog February 11, 2008
I thought I’d once again promote the benefits of ballroom dancing. This past weekend my wife Crystal and I attended the 23rd annual Sweetheart Ball fundraiser sponsored by the Northeast Michigan Arts Council.
It was fabulous! It was held at the Pinconning Community Center and featured Bob Fisher’s Out of the Past band, a 17 piece big-band group. We were invited to the event by our dance teachers, Dorothy and Carl Aldrich of Fairgrove. The Aldriches are a prime example of how ballroom dancing can help keep you young.
Being as I try to be a gentleman whenever possible, I won’t reveal Dorothy’s age. But I can tell you Carl is in his 90’s and is in better shape than guys I know in their 30’s! It’s an inspiration seeing the two of them on the dance floor. The Aldriches will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary later this year.
Crystal and I hope we will be able to replicate their feat when we’re in our golden years.
-Craig
Craig's Blog January 24, 2008
It was a sad, forlorn sight…a former neighborhood hub of activity smoldering, fire crews pumping gallons of water on it’s charred remains. The Walnut Street Hardware Store had served customers in an eastside Saginaw neighborhood for decades.
I ran into a man who was walking past what was left of the store heading somewhere with a snow shovel slug over his shoulder. He told me just the previous day the store had offered free hot dogs.
He wondered where folks in the neighborhood would go now within walking distance to pick up hardware supplies and snacks. I also stopped a boy who looked to be about ten-years-old. He talked about how he bought tools for his dad at the store.
After our brief exchange he walked to within about 25 feet of the rubble, gazed at it then turned and walked away.
Overnight Fire Destroys Walnut Street Hardware Store
But there is some good news…the gentleman who owns the store plans to rebuild!
Ron Brown told me he hopes to have a new store up and running at the corner of Walnut and 11 Streets by the end of the year.
-Craig
Craig's Blog January 17, 2008
Michigan was quite the hot-bed of Republican presidential candidate activity this week!
I had a chance to do a one-on-one interview with Mitt Romney on Monday. It’s interesting to see how well-oiled these presidential campaigns are! Romney’s “handlers” if you will had us meet them at Grand Blanc high school at about 8:45 in the morning.
We were quickly guided to an office where we were instructed to set up. One of the Republican’s campaign aides asked me for a business card. I would imagine my name was then passed along to Romney, who swept into the room right at the appointed time of 8:55 and warmly introduced himself to me and photographer Eric Horn. Romney is a well-versed politician.
While keeping constant eye contact with me during the interview, the former Massachusetts governor answered my questions in tight, 35 to 45 second sound bites that could easily be edited. After five minutes he handily covered the questions I had mapped out and moved on to his next interview.
While this experience obviously was interesting enough to me to pass along in this blog, it was probably just another of a dozen such interviews Romney conducted that day.
To view my interview with Romney, please click here.
Stay warm!
-Craig
Craig's Blog January 9, 2008
A made in the U.S.A. complaint…or maybe I should correct that by saying a complaint about merchants who don’t carry goods made in America.
Many times reporting isn’t the right time to be wearing dress shoes…so I like to wear sturdy shoes that border on being boots. I need a new pair. Determined to buy a pair of footwear made in the land of the free and the home of the brave I ventured to my local mall. After visiting two major department stores and a shoe store…zip!
Everything I found was made in China. The shoe store employee confirmed to me that nothing in the store was made in the U.S. Hopefully a shoe store in downtown Bay City will be able to help me out.
If not…I guess I’ll have to try the Internet.
Have a great New Year!
-Craig
Craig McMorris’ Blog Archive
I finally got a chance to take in a Tigers game this season with Crystal Sunday afternoon.
Great to see the Detroit nine snap a five game losing streak and continue their drive towards a division pennant. One thing I noticed during the game. Between one of the innings there was organ music, but then you realize that it’s only a recording.
It reminded me of the old days when organ music was all you’d hear at major league ballparks. Nowadays it’s an audio and visual assault on the senses. That includes loud music (usually rock or rap) and contests on the big scoreboard, including racing donuts. I don’t think acid punk rock (is there such a thing as acid punk rock?) really goes hand-in-hand with baseball. Hockey, maybe. But baseball is a little more pastoral. I say let’s bring back the organist to Comerica Park!
-Craig
Craig's Blog July 31, 2009
Is it just me or has summer flown by?
I have to admit…I’ve really enjoyed the cooler than normal temperatures this year. A little more rain for the garden would have been perfect! I feel sorry for folks in the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest…boy, are they baking! Too bad they can’t come here to enjoy our nice weather (and spend money while they’re at it!)
On a side note…it sure is good to be back to work! I returned to the morning anchor desk this past Monday after a three week leave of absence. A bicycling accident on July 4th left me with my left clavicle shattered in four places. I’d like to thank my wife Crystal for her loving care during that time.
Hope you all enjoy the rest of your summer!
-Craig
Craig's Blog May 26, 2009
Hope you spent some time this Memorial Day weekend remembering those who gave their lives for this country. All too many times the holiday is more celebrated as being “the unofficial first day of summer” as we say in the news biz.
Barbecues and family gatherings are a good thing. But we shouldn’t forget those who died for liberty. I had a chance to talk with my friend Carl Aldrich on Memorial Day. He’ll never forget friends and comrades he fought with in World War II who didn’t come home.
You can see my chat with Carl and his lovely wife Dorothy at the following link:
Veteran Talks Of WWII Army ExperienceThe Aldrich’s were gracious enough to choreograph Crystal and my first dance together as a married couple at our wedding reception.
-Craig
Veteran Talks Of WWII Army Experience-Craig
Craig's Blog April 24, 2009
There's a lot of talk these days about government transparency…the government opening up its books so that taxpayers can see just how their money is being spent.
It seems that Michigan lawmakers love to toss the word "transparency" around. So the I-team decided to find out just how much local legislators are revealing. Turns out it's not much. What they are releasing to the public really isn't very informative.
We'll have a report this Monday during the 6 p.m. newscast.
Update: You can watch it here
Show Me The Money -- Local Lawmakers-Craig
Craig's Blog March 19, 2009
In these modern times a lot of people want to know just how their tax dollars are being spent.
The TV-5 I-team spent a lot of time contacting the ten largest school districts in Mid-Michigan asking if they are considering placing check book registers on their web pages. School districts that are currently doing so tell us it’s a relatively cheap, quick procedure and helps assure accountability.
But a lot of schools we talked with don’t seem to think they need to post that information. That special report airs Wednesday during our six p.m. newscast. Here's a link to that story...
I-TEAM: School Districts & Your Tax Dollars-Craig
Craig's Blog February 27, 2009
I went to a donut shop the other day and left thinking I had just spent 45 minutes in a bar! My clothes reeked of smoke. I mean, seriously…a donut shop? The place was jammed with folks sitting around having coffee, donuts…and puffing away on cigarettes. Okay, since this is a blog, I’m going to take off my journalist hat and stand on my soap box.
When is Michigan going to be dragged, kicking and screaming into the 21st century and ban indoor smoking? I used to be a smoker. But I tried to contain it to outdoors or the lounge where I was having a beverage. But a lot of folks believe its okay to light up anywhere it’s allowed. I know restaurant owners say they’ll lose a lot of business if smoking is banned. I disagree. People adapt. Remember when it was legal to smoke at sporting events?
You didn’t see the crowds thin out at Comerica Park last year because people couldn’t smoke there. I wish the legislature would get a backbone and ban indoor smoking. At least limit the smoking to a bar or smoke shop. Any bets on when it might happen?
-Craig
Craig's Blog February 20, 2009
Donna Yost sits in the Bay County Jail, waiting for round two. I talked with Yost over the telephone in an exclusive interview this week. You can see the story:
TV5 Talks With Donna Yost From JailYost believes she should be free from jail as she prepares for another trial. She's accused of killing her daughter Monique. The seven-year-old died back in 1999. It's hard to argue with Yost over whether she should be set free. I can't imagine she'd be a risk to others or there's much chance that she'd skip town. But the judge in the case has held steadfast on his position that she stay in jail.
Yost's lawyer asked that an electronic tether be placed on her so she could be free yet monitored...but the judge said no. Yost told me one of the reasons she wants her freedom is so that she can decorate Monique's grave. Yost claims Monique died of a defective heart...that she has a family history of heart problems. Prosecutors say she intentionally gave Monique an overdose of prescription pills. The new trial is scheduled next month, and it could last several weeks. Yost's lawyer Ed Czuprynski estimates that expert testimony alone for both sides will cost taxpayers roughly 40 thousand dollars. That makes for a pricey round two.
-Craig
Craig's Blog Jan. 26, 2009
Marvin Schur died alone in his house recently.
As best we can tell Marvin was 93 years old. Now usually people don’t think twice when someone dies at that age…especially in their long-time residence.
But it seems Bay City Electric Light and Power put a “turn-off” notice on Marvin’s front door about five days before his body was discovered. When a neighbor found Marvin he had no heat in his house. That was when we had that bone-chilling cold spell…remember?
I’ve been trying to get information on Marvin’s death for more than a week.
The head of the power company wouldn’t take my questions. I was referred to the City Manager. He told a TV-5 news staffer that apparently Mr. Schur had enough electricity to power a furnace. But if he used more than that minimal amount it would trip the power and he wouldn’t have electricity. A neighbor told me Marvin’s hearing wasn’t that good. He probably didn’t hear a knock on the door, if the utility people bothered to knock when they put up the notice.
Meanwhile a police department investigator told me they are looking into Marvin’s death. But they won’t return my phone calls. A neighbor says Mr. Schur bought provisions before the onslaught of winter, apparently determined to wait out the cold temperatures and snow rather than venture out into the elements. The neighbor also told me Marvin had money lined up with his bills on a kitchen table.
If indeed his power was shut off in the middle of the coldest spell we’ve had in awhile it just doesn’t seem right.
We’ll keep trying to find out just what happened to Marvin.
Now an update to this saga... The city admits that Marvin died of hypothermia. It also is going to change it's policy as a result of Mr. Schur's death and will personally notify people when their power will be shutoff.
As one of Marvin's neighbor's told us...it's too bad common sense didn't prevail before Marvin's death and such a policy would have been in place. Mr. Schur has relatives. I wouldn't be surprised if there could be more to this story in the future.
-Craig
Craig's Blog Jan. 7, 2009
I would imagine that most Michigan fans would agree that Utah should be ranked number one at the end of the current college football season.
As college football fans know there's a debate right now over whether the undefeated Utes merit being considered the best team in the land. They are currently the only unbeaten division one football team. I must confess that I earned by undergraduate degree at Utah, so I have a vested interest in this debate. I traveled to The Big House this past September and watched the Utes knock off Michigan in the season opener for both schools.
I will say right now that I was a little worried cheering for Utah at Michigan Stadium. But nearly every Michigan fan I encountered that day demonstrated nothing but class (and in a few cases a little good natured kidding) to people rooting for the crimson and white...before, during and after the game.
Getting back to the Utah number one debate...Utah's attorney general is investigating the Bowl Championship Series for a possible violation of federal antitrust laws. If you're not familiar with the BCS it's basically a separate "club" if you will of conferences that play for the national championship.
Utah is in the Mountain West conference which isn't a part of this "club." The A-G's move could also benefit other non-BCS schools such as Central Michigan University. Once again, a vested interest on my part, since I go to grad school at CMU. I'd love to see the Chips at least have the opportunity to play for a national championship in football some day. Hopefully the Utes will help pave the way to that possibility.
-Craig
Craig's Blog Dec. 3, 2008
You have to wonder who is in charge of public relations at the Big Three automakers.
First the big wigs ask lawmakers for a taxpayer bridge loan by taking their private jets to Washington, D.C. Okay, maybe I can understand that one. They are so used to hopping in the jets and going wherever they probably didn’t think twice. But a PR person worth his or her salt should have seen that one.
Then the smartly dressed CEO’s continue to state their case in front of Congress.
How’s this: you find a couple of assembly line workers...male, female, even better if they each have families to support. You have THEM outline to lawmakers how important the loan would be to keep Americans employed. Back to the basics…it’s those regular workers who made Michigan great, and hopefully will do so again.
-Craig
Craig's Blog Nov. 11, 2008
Count on some changes coming in the way the state handles juvenile halfway houses.
The I-TEAM sent freedom of information requests to the state regarding the halfway houses. We became interested in the houses after Nathaniel Abraham was arrested. We dug up some interesting information that quite frankly we found hard to believe.
You can check out our report at the following link.
I-TEAM: Halfway Houses ExposedA state lawmaker promised us that as a result of our work he will look at bringing up the juvenile halfway house situation in January. We’ll keep you posted.
-Craig
Craig's Blog Oct. 30, 2008
Have you ever considered curling? And no, I’m not talking about a new hairstyle.
The ancient sport from Scotland is pretty popular in Midland. And now folks in Mid-Michigan can enjoy curling at a brand new facility. I had a chance to go out to the Midland Community Center curling rink with photographer Erik Horn earlier this week.
Volunteers actually laid down the ice.
If you’re not familiar with curling it involves a big stone which a person slides down the ice towards a target. Team members frantically sweep the ice in front of the stone and try to score points at a circle at the other end of the ice. One of the great things about curling is that anyone of any age can participate!
Crystal and I are considering looking into the sport in the near future. You can too! There will be an open house at the curling center at Jefferson and Haley streets in Midland on November eighth. The center will be open from ten a.m. to four p.m. that day.
So show up and learn how to "deliver the rock"!
Midland Home To Future Curling Center Craig's Blog Sept. 30, 2008
Have you ever been called for jury duty?
This week I completed my two-week stint in the Bay County jury pool. It seems like a lot of people complain about being called to jury duty. But juries are the bedrock of our judicial system, which calls for a trial in which a person is judged by their peers.
I was actually called to the jury box to answer questions posed by a circuit court judge, a prosecuting attorney and a defense lawyer. It was the first time I ever came close to serving on a jury…I was in a couple of pools in the past, but never questioned. The short of it is that I was dismissed by the defense attorney. While I wasn’t able to participate in the trial process this time around, I hope the opportunity will come my way again. And if you don't harbor that same wish, think about the importance of serving on a jury.
-Craig
Craig's Blog Sept. 9, 2008
A barbecue on a cool September Saturday is usually an enjoyable activity.
Last weekend my wife Crystal and I attended such a barbecue. But this event had special meaning.
It was the 7th annual Eric James Blair Memorial Scholarship Fund Barbecue at the Bay County Fairgrounds. Hundreds of folks were on hand for the ‘cue.
Konnie Licavoli lost her son as a result of binge drinking, and ever since then she’s waged a war against underage drinking. Eric Blair was 18 when he drowned in the Red Cedar River in East Lansing. Blair had spent the night drinking with friends at Michigan State University. It happened in October of 2001.
The scholarship fund named after Blair has provided more than 50 college scholarships. Now that we’re about halfway into September college students have settled in for the Fall semester. Some students spend their weekends (some, weeknights) binge drinking. It’s tough to avoid peer pressure at that age.
We can only hope that Licavoli’s message will reach some of those students.
-Craig
Craig's Blog August 14, 2008
I’ve covered a lot of elections over the years…but I’ve never seen an election decided by a drawing!
That’s what happened in Saginaw County earlier this week. The drawing was held after the two candidates on the Democratic ticket running for Kochville Township supervisor were tied with 179 votes each following the primary. You can check out the story at the following link:
Kochville Twp. Election Winner Chosen By DrawingLast week when we first covered this story I was inside the township hall and photographer Tom Knaub was outside taking some video. He encountered a woman who had dropped off her ballot…too late, it turns out. If she would have turned in that ballot on Election Day the drawing may have been avoided. I can always use this story for people who say they don’t vote because it just doesn’t matter. Obviously, it does.
-Craig
Craig's Blog August 1, 2008
Do you ever feel like you have the words “pick me” stamped on your forehead?
I recently returned home from a work-related conference in Reno, Nevada. More on that in a bit. My return flight to Mid-Michigan (I won’t mention the airline…but it starts with an “N” and ends with a “T”) entailed a leg from Denver to Minneapolis. It was cancelled due to a “flight crew shortage.” Flight crew shortage? Okay, it was a “pick me” moment. I implored the airline agent to please make a connection for me that afternoon to Mid-Michigan, saying my news director wouldn’t be happy to hear I would be unable to anchor the news the following morning. Despite her best efforts it was a no-go…I would have to spend the night in the mile high city.
The next morning another instance of “pick me”. During the security check-in at Denver International Airport I was singled out for “special search” consideration. I was asked to step aside so an agent could go through my carry-on luggage. I must admit I was mildly amazed when TSA agents in both Reno and Denver didn’t confiscate a fist-sized rock that was in my bag. My wife Crystal and I picked up the colorful stone while we were strolling along Lake Tahoe to add to our travel rock garden. Why was I selected for “special search” treatment? Maybe I resemble a terrorist.
The working conference I attended was the Basic Legal Affairs Reporting for Journalists seminar.
It’s sponsored by the National Center for Courts and Media in the National Judicial College at the University of Nevada.
It’s an intense, two-day class focusing on news coverage of the legal system. It is a valuable resource tool that will help all of us here at TV-5 serve you, the viewer even better. . I’d like to offer special thanks to the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation for extending an invitation to me to attend the conference. Now that’s one instance where “pick me” was beneficial!
-Craig
Craig's Blog July 21, 2008
Photographer Jeff Jenkins and I had an opportunity last Friday to cover the opening of the Little League 12-year-old All Star baseball tournament in Bay City.
We took in the action at the Northeast Little League field. Organizers have done a tremendous job of getting that field ready for the competition.
Watch here:
Little League All-Star In Bay CityI’m sure that is also the case for the Southwest Bay City Little League field.
The action continues Tuesday with the semi-finals. The championship game is set for Wednesday at six p.m. at the Northeast Bay City field.
Admission is free. You can’t beat that!
-Craig
Craig's Blog July 1, 2008
Recently I took a week off for vacation.
Crystal and I had a “staycation”, meaning we hung around Mid-Michigan. We had a great time enjoying local attractions. We took in the Bay County Historical Museum and the kids joined us for a walk through Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum at SVSU. We also took a drive out to the Thumb and went to a couple of estate sales. We couldn’t help but notice that at one of the sales there was a nicely framed certificate of appreciation to a woman awarded by the state of Michigan.
I’m fairly certain that she was proud of the award. Yet it appeared that she had passed away, and no one else in the family wanted to keep it.
There was a price sticker on it…$2. It’s sad that no other family members thought enough of the award to hold on to it. I guess if my kids don’t want to keep the awards I’ve garnered over the years it really doesn’t matter.
Anything for a buck, eh?
-Craig
Craig's Blog June 11, 2008
Now that summer is about here…and hot weather has already arrived…a lot of folks would love to head to the beach to cool off.
Long-time residents can wistfully look back to summers decades ago when they could frolic on the beaches of Saginaw Bay. Unfortunately beach muck continues to be a problem preventing such frolicking these days.
Last Friday photographer Bud Jones and I went to check out the beach muck situation near a mobile home park. It’s the same area that TV-5 examined last July. Although the muck, or dead algae, wasn’t as bad as last summer, it’s still there.
Efforts are underway at the local, state and national level to curb beach muck. It’s believed the elimination of phosphorus, which is found in many lawn fertilizers, could be instrumental in reducing the muck. The muck has also been found to contain human feces.
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As a result of that discovery better control of sewage overflow into the Saginaw River could also be a key to cutting the muck, along with less runoff from agricultural enterprises. It sure would be nice to enjoy the beaches once again without fear of coming into contact with E-Coli bacteria.
We’ll keep you posted on that situation.
-Craig
Craig's Blog May 22, 2008
We’re still waiting to find out how much the Zilwaukee Bridge mess is going to cost Michigan taxpayers.
As most folks know pretty much by now the bridge maintenance fiasco continues to play out. The TV5 I-team did some digging and discovered some pretty interesting information about that situation.
You can pull up that story at the following link:
I-TEAM: Z-Bridge Answers State Senator Roger Kahn told me he doesn’t think the cost overrun will be a tremendous amount. Even so ANY overrun that involves taxpayer dollars has to be a concern in the cash-strapped state that we live in.
We’ll continue to monitor the Z-bridge situation and pass along any updates to you.
-Craig
Craig's Blog May 5, 2008
There are a lot of upset concert-goers in Mid-Michigan right now who could be out hundreds of dollars.
The Silver Ridge Music Festival LLC has announced its “postponed” the mountain rock music festival and the country rock music festival scheduled for this summer. The I-Team started looking into the financial problems of Silver Ridge back in January. We feared something like this would happen.
Even after TV-5 received a fax last week that the concerts weren’t going on as scheduled, the Silver Ridge phone number still had a recording telling people they could buy tickets. I noticed today the number has been taken off the web pages for those festivals. Then again you can always send them an email.
Let me know if they give you a response.
If by some chance Silver Ridge files for bankruptcy you would think that those who bought tickets…and in some instances we’re talking hundreds of dollars…will be left with worthless concert passes.
Here are links to stories we’ve done on the situation at Farwell:
Rock, County Music Festivals CanceledMusic Promoter Says He's Paying UpMusic Fest Promoter May Owe ThousandsPlease feel free to contact me if you have anything to say about that situation.
-Craig
Craig's Blog April 18, 2008
I had an interesting story to cover last week.
It centered on a former lodge and property owned by actor Charlton Heston. He had deep roots in the community of St. Helen in Roscommon County. After learning of his passing we decided to go up to the area and check out Heston’s old stomping grounds. Some of his distant relatives were very gracious and opened their house to us.
They showed photographer Tom Knaub and me old pictures of Heston from when he used to visit the area. Knaub and I found out the location of his old lodge. It’s on state land about a half mile from a county dirt road. Since the gate to the road leading up to the old lodge was locked, we decided to hoof it. Tom was a real trooper carrying the camera gear, while I lugged the tripod to the structure. It’s still standing. “Ben Hur” was my favorite movie when I was a kid. So it was neat hanging out in the same rooms as the guy who played Judah Ben Hur.
Check out the story:
Charlton Heston Called Parts Of Michigan HomeIsn’t it nice that spring-like weather has finally arrived?
-Craig
Craig's Blog March 31, 2008
Do you still see patches of dirty, crusted snow where you live?
Yes, here it is the last day of March and traces of the long, cold winter we’ve experienced continues to be evident across Mid-Michigan. Many of us have longed for spring to come forth in all its glory.
A hint of that warmth and season of rebirth happens today in Detroit. The Motor City Maulers begin their quest for a world championship!
Can you sense the excitement in the air? It’s opening day! The Tigers are playing! The Tigers are playing!
Sure, the boys of summer have been at it for weeks on the sun-kissed diamonds of Florida. But they’re back…and if you’re a baseball fan you’re ready for the Detroit Nine to take us through six months of excitement leading up to the Fall Classic.
Hopefully they won’t get rained out today.
-Craig
Craig's Blog March 12, 2008
Do you text message when you drive? Believe it or not, some people do…and a warning for those who thumb away at their cell phones while driving in Detroit…there’s a new law banning it…breaking the ordinance could cost you a hundred dollars.
I freely admit I talk on my cell phone while driving…I know it’s something I shouldn’t do. But I’m not much of a text messager…I believe cell phones were invented for talking, not typing. As much as I realize how distracting talking on the phone can be while driving, I can’t imagine text messaging while operating a motor vehicle.
But people do much more than that, as I found out first-hand while visiting in Utah last week. While waiting to enter on-ramps onto expressways I saw a woman driver hold a bowl of salad in her left hand, her right hand occasionally leaving the steering wheel to plunge a fork into her greens as she prepared to drive and munch. Also believe it or not I saw a guy in the same situation shaving the back of his neck with a portable razor, then answer his cell phone…just before merging with traffic!
Thankfully I haven’t seen this type of activity in Mid-Michigan. If you have, drop me a line…
-Craig
Craig's Blog February 20, 2008
Private schools have to come up with different ways to fund their athletic teams. One method that seems to be a big success in Bay City is a euchre tournament.
All Saints High School has developed a winning hand by using the tourneys to raise money while also bringing together the community. I was happy to attend one of these tournaments last weekend. The entry fee of $13 covers three rounds of euchre, food donated by the parents of the players, beverages and door prizes.
The good times and conversation are free! I freely admit that I’m a euchre beginner…but upon explaining my clumsiness at the card table the other participants are very understanding and helpful. Crystal is an old pro at the game…so at least one of us knows what’s going on. There’s going to be another tournament at the All Saints gym off Cass Avenue on March 8th.
So if you’re looking for some hot card playing and good companionship on a cold winter night, join us!
One more thing..bring some quarters...you need to donate one each time you're euchered!
-Craig
Craig's Blog February 11, 2008
I thought I’d once again promote the benefits of ballroom dancing. This past weekend my wife Crystal and I attended the 23rd annual Sweetheart Ball fundraiser sponsored by the Northeast Michigan Arts Council.
It was fabulous! It was held at the Pinconning Community Center and featured Bob Fisher’s Out of the Past band, a 17 piece big-band group. We were invited to the event by our dance teachers, Dorothy and Carl Aldrich of Fairgrove. The Aldriches are a prime example of how ballroom dancing can help keep you young.
Being as I try to be a gentleman whenever possible, I won’t reveal Dorothy’s age. But I can tell you Carl is in his 90’s and is in better shape than guys I know in their 30’s! It’s an inspiration seeing the two of them on the dance floor. The Aldriches will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary later this year.
Crystal and I hope we will be able to replicate their feat when we’re in our golden years.
-Craig
Craig's Blog January 24, 2008
It was a sad, forlorn sight…a former neighborhood hub of activity smoldering, fire crews pumping gallons of water on it’s charred remains. The Walnut Street Hardware Store had served customers in an eastside Saginaw neighborhood for decades.
I ran into a man who was walking past what was left of the store heading somewhere with a snow shovel slug over his shoulder. He told me just the previous day the store had offered free hot dogs.
He wondered where folks in the neighborhood would go now within walking distance to pick up hardware supplies and snacks. I also stopped a boy who looked to be about ten-years-old. He talked about how he bought tools for his dad at the store.
After our brief exchange he walked to within about 25 feet of the rubble, gazed at it then turned and walked away.
Overnight Fire Destroys Walnut Street Hardware Store But there is some good news…the gentleman who owns the store plans to rebuild!
Ron Brown told me he hopes to have a new store up and running at the corner of Walnut and 11 Streets by the end of the year.
-Craig
Craig's Blog January 17, 2008
Michigan was quite the hot-bed of Republican presidential candidate activity this week!
I had a chance to do a one-on-one interview with Mitt Romney on Monday. It’s interesting to see how well-oiled these presidential campaigns are! Romney’s “handlers” if you will had us meet them at Grand Blanc high school at about 8:45 in the morning.
We were quickly guided to an office where we were instructed to set up. One of the Republican’s campaign aides asked me for a business card. I would imagine my name was then passed along to Romney, who swept into the room right at the appointed time of 8:55 and warmly introduced himself to me and photographer Eric Horn. Romney is a well-versed politician.
While keeping constant eye contact with me during the interview, the former Massachusetts governor answered my questions in tight, 35 to 45 second sound bites that could easily be edited. After five minutes he handily covered the questions I had mapped out and moved on to his next interview.
While this experience obviously was interesting enough to me to pass along in this blog, it was probably just another of a dozen such interviews Romney conducted that day.
To view my interview with Romney, please click here.
Stay warm!
-Craig
Craig's Blog January 9, 2008
A made in the U.S.A. complaint…or maybe I should correct that by saying a complaint about merchants who don’t carry goods made in America.
Many times reporting isn’t the right time to be wearing dress shoes…so I like to wear sturdy shoes that border on being boots. I need a new pair. Determined to buy a pair of footwear made in the land of the free and the home of the brave I ventured to my local mall. After visiting two major department stores and a shoe store…zip!
Everything I found was made in China. The shoe store employee confirmed to me that nothing in the store was made in the U.S. Hopefully a shoe store in downtown Bay City will be able to help me out.
If not…I guess I’ll have to try the Internet.
Have a great New Year!
-Craig
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