Behind the Scenes: Hostage 101

If you've been anywhere near a t.v. over the past three days, you probably know about what's going on in Dale County, AL.

On Tuesday afternoon, a school bus pulled up to Destiny Church on Private Road 1539 in Midland City. It was 3:30. There were 22 children on the bus. A man, identified by witnesses and neighbors but not by police, got on that bus. He demanded the children get off and go with him. The bus driver, 66-year-old Charles Poland, Jr., refused. He was shot and killed for his efforts. The shooter abducted a kindergartener and barricaded himself inside a homemade, underground bunker.

The 911 calls started pouring in at 3:37 p.m.

On day three of continuous coverage, there's not much more to report. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including Alabama State Troopers, the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and FBI, have been on scene for more than 48 hours at this point.

Negotiators have been in contact with the suspect. They're communicating through a piece of PVC pipe that runs from the bunker to a gate. Authorities say the bunker is some four feet underground and has about 8x6 feet of floor space. Not exactly roomy, and no one knows if there's heat or running water. However, authorities say they are confident the little boy has not been harmed, and negotiators have been able to deliver food and medication to him.

Police have confirmed the child has autism, although it isn't clear how severe it is. That opens up a whole new world of fears and the possibility of long-lasting effects. Psychiatrists say the longer this situation lasts, the higher that possibility. They also say the little boy will most likely need some type of behavioral counseling after this is all over.

Dozens of volunteers with the Salvation Army have been offering their support to the responders. They've set up a mobile feeding unit near the FBI command post, and since Tuesday they've served more than 3,000 meals, snacks and drinks.

That's saying nothing of the outpouring of support from the community. From leaving porch lights on to candlelight vigils to prayer services, the Wiregrass has come together to try to lift up the families of both Charles Poland and the little boy being held underground.

Agencies from neighboring counties have been sending in men to offer a bit of relief for the Midland City Police and Dale County Sheriff's deputies. Through it all, Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson has not left the scene.

The FBI has now taken over negotiations. All that's left to do is pray.

Unplugged

I believe everyone has a story. Whether it's boring or exciting, good or bad, each of us has a collection of experiences that led us to wherever we are today.

And in today's world, it seems as if everyone feels entitled to tell the world everything. And God forbid if someone out there in cyber space should disagree with what we have to say.

What with social media, blogging and the media's constant requests for our opinions and thoughts, our society has come to crave attention, and not everyone cares if it's good or bad.


Between checking in everywhere we go, taking pictures of everything we eat and airing all of our dirty laundry online, we've made it easy for everyone - and I mean everyone - to know what we're doing, who we're doing it with, where we're doing it at, when we're doing it and how we feel about the whole experience.

We jeopardize our friendships, romances and even our jobs all for the pursuit of 'freedom of speech', but how many of us actually understand that freedom? How many of us actually care about what someone else has to say or even believe they have the right to say it?

We live in a society where no one keeps anything to themselves. Most of us wouldn't be caught without our phones. Many of us carry a tablet with us now as well. It's as if we have this insatiable desire to be connected to everyone at all times.

And for what gains? An internet feud? 15 seconds in a television newscast where they don't even use your last name?

Being constantly plugged into the internet world may gain you a fleeting moment of fame or infamy, but ultimately you lose so much time in real life. Why hide behind a keyboard when you can actually be out living your life? Why not leave your phone in your car or bag or even at home so you actually experience your life?

It's time for our society to rethink its priorities. It's time to unplug every once in awhile. Who knows - it may make us better people.

Must Be Doing Something Right

Rarely do I toot my own horn, but in this case I believe it's warranted.

On Friday, we got national ratings back for the month of November, and they look amazing.

Across the board, all of our shows ranked near the top of some 600 stations nationwide.

Our 5:00 show ranked 11th; 6:00 came in at 31; and 10:00 was 29th.

Out of every station in the U.S.

Whoa.

Not only is this amazing, but the list says something about this business. Basically, the list ranks stations based on whether they serve their DMAs. The top 10 stations are all mid-size. In fact, the big boys rank near the bottom -- validating the fact that mid-size stations reach the most people and offer the most rewarding experiences.

Now if only the pay scale were rearranged to reflect that data.

Change is inevitable.

For good or for bad, change is constant. It's the one thing you can count on in life.

What matters is how and if you adapt.

If you change just for the sake of it or because one person thinks you should, what's the point?

Adapting to change is one thing. Actually changing to meet the change is something else entirely and not always necessary.

All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward.
-Ellen Glasgow

Behind the Scenes: Bigger, Better, Stronger

When I took on my current position, I had a goal in mind - to take our currently good station and make it a great one. No small feat, right? But I do have a plan.

When you think about those news stations that are well-respected and considered the best, a few things stand out.

First, a dedicated staff that's been in the same place for years.

Second, credibility.

Third, relatability.

My station is mid-market and makes a great place to start a career. Our typical turnover rate is every 2-3 years, much like other stations of our size. Everyone focuses on how they can use the station to make it to the next level. Hardly anyone considers starting and ending their career with us.

That's the first step in my plan -  a change in mentality. My goal is to build up our staff to include more than just a handful of long-timers.

 We're constantly being compared to the top stations in nearby capitals, and what they have that we don't are reporters, producers and anchors who've been around forever.

Obviously we won't completely rule out those stair-steppers, and I wouldn't even try. But instead of constantly reminding everyone of where they could go, I'll try to convince them to stay. Because as good as our station is, we can be even better.

But it takes more than just a veteran news director, long-time assignment editor, dedicated senior producer and two reporters who've lived in the area all their lives.

I want my station to become more of a household name than it is now. I want people to know not just the anchors but the reporters as well.

My plan is simple. Build up our staff and keep the good people we have. Once that goal is accomplished, we'll be more relatable to our viewers and be more credible.

Life of Me: Resolve

I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, or at least not typical ones.

Instead of resolving to exercise more or lose weight, I try to set deeper, more spiritual goals for myself.

This year I resolve to not become jaded; to not lose my ability to see the good in the world, no matter how many sad or depressing stories cross my desk.

I resolve to be the best significant other I can be; to love my husband unconditionally and support him in all his endeavors.

I resolve to accept the things I can't control, change the things that need changing and learn to know the difference.

I wish a year full of love and happiness to each of you. What are your resolutions?