Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Prayer and Praise Day at WBFJ
777-1893

1-877-923-5083

Wind Advisory until noon today for the Northern Mountains…
Winds kicking up to 30 mph, with gusts to 50mph.

Frost Advisory in effect from midnight tonight to 9am tomorrow morning
Temperatures will fall into the low to mid 30s over night along the foothills and northern mountains.

RESIDENTS IN PARTS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA ARE CLEANING UP THIS MORNING after three tornadoes ripped through Suffolk and Colonial Beach. As many as 200 people were injured. A state of Emergency has been declared by the Governor of Virginia. (The Suffolk News Herald)

A recent spike in global food prices prompting the United Nations to hold emergency meetings in Switzerland. The U.N. Secretary General called the two-day gathering in hopes of finding solutions to a problem he says is increasing poverty, hunger, and instability around the world.

With a spike in crude oil prices, Europe's largest oil company (Shell Oil) is reporting a 25% rise in first-quarter earnings…bring in a cool $5.1 billion dollars.

The Shepherd’s Center of Winston-Salem is holding its annual Used Book Sale at the end of the week…Thursday through Saturday (May 1-3) in the Education Building at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds. Free admission and Free Parking. Details: Call 748-0217 http://www.sheperdscenter.org/

Free Cone Day at Ben and Jerry’s today.
Get your free ice cream locally at participating Ben and Jerry stores in Greensboro and High Point. www.benjerry.com/scoop_shops/store_locator/index.htm?s=nc&fcd=1&x=32&y=11


If you missed the GMA Dove Awards last week, you can catch a replay of the Doves on the Gospel Music Channel on Wednesday and Thursday.
Wednesday 4/30/08 – 10am
Thursday 5/1/08 – 8pm and 11pm

For more information about local events on Thursday, May 1st for the
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER go to the News Blog at wbfj.fm.
This year's theme is: "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield" (Psalm 28:7).
http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/

SPORTS: WBFJ sponsored West Yadkin Yankees vs the Boonville Gold Knights

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Prayer and Praise Day: Mostly sunny and breezy…High 65
Tonight: Mostly clear and cold…Low 43
Wednesday: Sunny skies…High 68
Thursday: Sunny…High 77
Friday: Sunny…High 80

Monday, April 28, 2008

Your portion of the Economic Stimulus package is on the way. The Treasury Department will be distributing those tax rebate checks (via online transfer) beginning today. The lower the Social Security number…the sooner you will receive your check.
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/politics/general/view.bg?articleid=1089626&srvc=home&position=recent

Close or don’t close? Department of Transportation workers are nearly finished surveying residents in Winston-Salem regarding the planned construction work on a one mile stretch of Business 40 through downtown. So far, opinion is 2 to 1 in favor of shutting down a section of Business 40 for two years to make upgrades. (journalnow.com)

Teen superstar Miley Cyrus -- better known as Hannah Montana – is apologizing to fans after a published photo shoot in Vanity Fair magazine. Miley said in a statement: "I took part in a photo shoot that was supposed to be 'artistic' and now, seeing the photographs and reading the story, I feel so embarrassed. I never intended for any of this to happen and I apologize to my fans, who I care so deeply about.
www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/28/cyrus.photos/index.html
An article about Miley Cyrus will appear in the June issue of Vanity Fair.
http://www.vanityfair.com/
Teen pop star Miley Cyrus has signed a book deal to tell the story of her young life. The memoir will focus on Miley and her mom. The memoir will be out next spring.

Your soft drink may be Bad to the Bone: Researchers from the University of Connecticut suggesting that drinking cola and carbonated beverages contributes to osteoporosis
www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=612598

The Reverend Jeremiah Wright, the outspoken former pastor of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, delivered a fiery message to an NAACP audience yesterday. Wright commented that he is descriptive, not divisive, when he speaks about racial injustices. http://www.cnn.com/

Senator Obama is holding a Town Hall Meeting at the Joel Coliseum tomorrow morning. (Journalnow.com)

Spring is the worst season for many of the more than 35 million Americans with hay fever. Lexington, Kentucky topping the list of the Top 100 Allergy cities for 2008. Trailing Lexington, Kentucky: Greensboro, N.C.; Johnson City, Tenn.; Augusta, Ga.; and Jackson, Miss. The annual list put out by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=614941

THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER...Thursday, May 1. This year's theme is: "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield" and is taken from Psalm 28:7. Details about local prayer events go to http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/.

SPORTS: NASCAR: Kyle Busch outlasting Juan Pablo Montoya at Talladega.

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Showers and thunderstorms. Breezy…High 68
Tonight: Mostly cloudy…Low 44
Tuesday (Praise/Prayer Day): Mostly sunny and Breezy…High 65

Friday, April 24, 2008

(GREENSBORO) Traffic info:
W MARKET STREET BETWEEN SANDY RIDGE ROAD AND MARSHALL SMITH ROAD IS CLOSED DUE TO AN EARLY MORNING ACCIDENT. POLICE ARE ASKING MOTORISTS TO AVOID THIS AREA IF POSSIBLE UNTIL NOON.

Winston-Salem police are looking for the gunman who shot three people on Jonestown Road in Winston-Salem. Two Meals-On-Wheels volunteers were among the victims. Police said 78-year-old William Magness and his wife Edith, 77, were delivering a meal to the home of Robert Denning around noon yesterday when someone began shooting at them. Police are looking for white male in his early 20s who was last seen in a light gray or silver SUV. (WXII / Fox8)

The Treasury Department will start distributing tax rebate checks beginning on Monday.

THE Food and Drug Administration will hear testimony from people whose eyesight worsened after having Lasik Surgery. The FDA is considering warnings and regulations for LASIK SURGERY.

Billionaire Nelson Peltz (the owner of Arby’s) has acquired Wendy’s in a
$2.3 billion dollar deal. Pam Thomas Farber, the daughter of Wendy's founder Dave Thomas, said the family is devastated. She said if her father were alive and heard news of the buyout, "he would not be amused."

Chinese officials will meet with representatives of the Dalai Lama. Beijing has been under increased International pressure to have an open dialogue with the spiritual leader of Tibet.

The White House saying that North Korea was secretly helping Syria build a nuclear reactor. The reactor in question was damaged beyond repair by an Israeli air strike last September.

BRITISH AIRPORTS ARE REPORTEDLY PREPARING TO BEGIN USING FACE SCANNING THIS SUMMER. The facial recognition systems will determine if the person being scanned matches the identity of the person on their passport. The pilot project will be open to British and European Union citizens who hold new biometric passports.

‘Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed’ starring Ben Stein is out in theaters now.Official Movie site: http://www.expelledthemovie.com/Resource information: http://www.getexpelled.com/

Jr League of Winston-Salem is having it’s annual Rummage Sale on Friday and Saturday at the LJVM Coliseum. http://www.jlws.org/

SPORTS: NASCAR: Racing in Talladega on Sunday. Kenny Wallace
(#78 Monte Carlo) will be sporting the National Day of Prayer logo and color scheme.
http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Mix of sun and clouds. Breezy…
High near 80
Tonight: Partly cloudy…Low 57
Saturday: Partly sunny. Scattered showers and thunderstorms
during the afternoon…High 78
Sunday: Cloudy skies. An afternoon shower possible…High 75

Something for you and your pet...

Thanks to Rex Welton with the Forsyth Humane Society for stopping by the studio this morning.

'Art Unleashed' Pet parade and street festival happens
this Saturday, April 26 from 11am - 3pm
in downtown Winston-Salem.

Details at http://www.forsythhumane.org/
731-1303 Ext 103

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Take Your Son and Daughter to Work Day
Thanks to my daughters Baily (11) and Mariah (7) for coming to work with me this morning and helping out on the Morning Show. Yes, they were up before 4:30am!!!!

Check out all of the 'Dove' winners at the GMA Music Awards ... www.gospelmusic.org/newsmedia/pressRoom_detail.aspx?iid=33057&tid=33

BECAUSE OF WORLDWIDE FEARS OF A RICE SHORTAGE, SAM'S CLUB OUTLETS ARE LIMITING HOW MUCH RICE ITS CUSTOMERS CAN BUY. The Wal-Mart warehouse chain says it has enough rice for its members but it's being precautionary. Sam's Club is limiting sales of its 20-pound bags of imported rice to four bags per customer.The restriction does not apply to smaller, retail-sized bags of rice at Sam's Club or at Wal-Mart stores.

A CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE IS ASKING IF AMERICA'S POLICY OF MAINTAINING AN OIL RESERVE IS CONTRIBUTING TO RECORD OIL PRICES. The Select Committee on Energy Independence says the U.S. buys 70-thousand barrels of oil a day for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. It's holding a hearing today to examine that policy.

School resource officers at two Davidson County schools making arrests last week because of drugs found on school property. Two students arrested at a dance last Thursday evening at Brown Middle School after an officer discovering that one of the students was trying to sell marijuana to other students. Also, Last Thursday, an officer at Ledford Senior High School discovered a knife lying on the passenger seat of a vehicle parked in the school's parking lot.
After a search of the vehicle, officers found two small packages of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia. An 18 year old student was arrested.

THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IS ONE WEEK FROM TODAY. This year's theme is: "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield" and is taken from Psalm 28:7.
http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/

You have officially paid your ‘tax debt’ for 2008:
"TAX FREEDOM DAY" arrived on Wednesday. Tax Freedom Day represents the day that Americans have earned enough money to pay the year's tax obligations (federal, state, and local taxes). TFD is calculated by the private Tax Foundation group.

The next two presidential primaries: Indiana and North Carolina. Registered voters in North Carolina can vote EARLY. Early voting going on now through May 3. The North Carolina Primary is Tuesday, May 6th.

JUNEAU, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gave birth to her fifth child, a boy, last Friday about a month before her due date. Trig Paxson Van Palin weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces.
A news release from Palin's office says the 44-year-old governor and the baby are doing well and resting comfortably. "Trig is beautiful and already adored by us," the Palin family said in a statement. "We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives." FYI: Former Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift was the nation's first governor to give birth while in office. She had twin girls in May 2001. www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D904I91O9&show_article=1

Teen pop star Miley Cyrus has signed a book deal to tell the story of her young life. The memoir will focus on Miley and her mom. Miley said that "I hope to motivate mothers and daughters to build lifetimes of memories together and inspire kids around the world to live their dreams." "I am so excited to let fans in on how important my relationship with my family is to me," said the 15-year-old singer-actress. Miley Cyrus stars in the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana." Cyrus is the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus. The memoir will be out next spring.

‘Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed’ starring Ben Stein is out in theaters now.
Official Movie site: http://www.expelledthemovie.com/
Resource information: http://www.getexpelled.com/

MerleFest starts today and runs through the weekend at Wilkes Community College. Scheduled to perform: Doc and Richard Watson, Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby.
Ticket info: 1-800-343-7857 http://www.merlefest.org/

Jr League of Winston-Salem is having it’s annual Rummage Sale on Friday and Saturday at the LJVM Coliseum. http://www.jlws.org/

SPORTS: Why has Junk food been taken out of the NY Yankees’ club house? Because Head coach Joe Girardi says so.The Yankees contacted the visiting clubhouse manager of every stadium where they play and asked that the candy and ice cream be removed before the team comes to town. Recently, the clubhouse in Tampa Bay replaced all the candy with nuts, dried fruit and granola. http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/04/19/eat-healthy-play-better/

NASCAR: Racing in Talladega on Sunday. Kenny Wallace (#78 Monte Carlo) will be sporting the National Day of Prayer logo and color scheme.

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Lots of sunshine…High 78
Tonight: Partly cloudy…Low 55
Friday: Mix of sun and clouds…
High near 80
Sneak Peak to the Weekend:
Saturday: Mix of sun and clouds…High 77
Sunday: Scattered thunderstorms…High 75

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed’ starring Ben Stein

‘Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed’ starring Ben Stein is out in theaters now.
Official Movie site: http://www.expelledthemovie.com/
Theater locator in your area / Resource information: http://www.getexpelled.com/

We talked with Mark Mathis about the new documentary “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.” The scientific community is so (consumed) with Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution that they are working as one to stamp out anything that may contradict it, especially the notion of intelligent design (and creationism). Scientists (that believe in intelligent design) are being ostracized from the scientific community -- losing their jobs, their tenure, their professional credibility.

Article from The Beacon News:
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/892270,2_1_AU13_MOVIE_S1.article

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Today is Administrative Professionals Day This annual event was originally organized back in 1952. Then it was known as "National Secretaries Day."
(International Association of Administrative Professionals) www.iaap-hq.org/index.htm

The increase in food prices worldwide is creating a “silent tsunami’…so says the executive director of the UN’s World Food Program. High food prices have sparked violent protests in more than 30 countries around the world.

The Presidential Primary in Pennsylvania goes to Clinton and McCain. Hillary Clinton will pick up a majority of the state's 158 delegates. The next two presidential primaries: Indiana and North Carolina. Registered voters in North Carolina can vote EARLY. Early voting going on now through May 3. The North Carolina Primary is Tuesday, May 6th.

According to new research, women can influence the gender of their child with what they eat. Scientists at Britain's Oxford University studied the eating habits of 740 women during their first-time pregnancies. The discovery shows higher calorie intake prior to conception can significantly increase the chances of having a son while women on restricted diets are more likely to produce daughters. www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/04/23/gender.diet/index.html

THE HEAD OF THE FCC SAYS NO NEW REGULATIONS ARE NEEDED FOR THE INTERNET. Kevin Martin told the Senate Commerce Committee there are enough regulations in place protecting consumer access to the Web. He says those regulations must simply be enforced.

Feed Your Soul at Empty Bowls: A unique luncheon fundraiser to help fight hunger in our community.from 11 to 2pm at the Millennium Center (101 West Fifth Street on the corner of 5th & Trade) in downtown Winston-Salem. Proceeds from 'Empty Bowls' goes to Second Harvest Food Bank of NW North Carolina. Details: (336) 784-5770
www.hungernwnc.org/donate-funds/empty-bowls-2008.html

‘Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed’ starring Ben Stein is out in theaters now.
Official Movie site: http://www.expelledthemovie.com/
Resource information: http://www.getexpelled.com/

The GMA Music Awards will air LIVE tonight on the Gospel Music Channel
(Time Warner Cable ‘digital 130’ and Direct TV channel 338)
Scheduled to perform: Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Switchfoot,
Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin and David Crowder Band.
Congrats to Jack and Vickie Tolly from King heading to Nashville to meet Tami and Kurt from WBFJ to experience the GMA Dove Awards LIVE. (Lewisville Drug Company)
More details about the GMA Dove Awards @ http://www.gospelmusic.org/

Just a reminder: Take Your Son and Daughter to Work Day happening tomorrow. Include your son or daughter in your normal day at work.

SPORTS:
WBFJ sponsored West Yadkin Yankees (little league baseball)
Update from Danny…Yankees played the West Yadkin Eagles (lost 3-2)

Local Baseball action: Warthogs lost to the Nationals…2 - 0.
Warthogs vs Potomac Nationals…noon www.warthogs.com/

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Mix of sun and clouds…High 74
Tonight: Partly cloudy…Low 53
Thursday: Patchy fog early. Sunny skies…High 78
Friday: Mostly sunny…High 80

Sneak Peak to the Weekend:
Saturday: Mix of sun and clouds…High 77
Sunday: Mostly cloudy. A shower possible…High 72

Earth Day 2008

Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART Express)
www.partnc.org/

Family Friendly ‘Carpooling’ website (interview guest was Debbie Koke)
http://www.dividetheride.com/

‘Hazardously Sour Candy’ from Candy Dynamics (Yes, it is sour!)
http://www.toxicwasteonline.com/

Green Tips for your family (as mentioned during the Morning Show)
Adapted from ‘Serve God, Save the Planet’ by Christian physician and preacher
J. Matthew Sleeth, M.D. (Chelsea Green, 2006)
Sleeth shares his family's journey to a less materialistic, more environmentally conscious lifestyle. www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2007/003/1.46.html

Tri Robinson – founding pastor of Vineyard Boise Church
Book: ‘Saving God’s Green Earth’ http://www.savinggodsgreenearth.com/

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Voters in Pennsylvania head to the polls today for that state's primary.
The much talked about debate between HILLARY CLINTON AND BARACK OBAMA in Raleigh on Sunday…has been called off.
Registered voters in North Carolina can vote EARLY: now through May 3. The North Carolina Primary is Tuesday, May 6th.

A ‘Good Samaritan’ likely saved two teenagers' lives after their car flipped into a creek yesterday. Authorities say the teenagers lost control of their car and it flipped off the side of New Walkertown Road on Monday. The car landed face down in Brushy Fork Creek trapping the teenagers under the vehicle.Timothy Beecher jumped into about four feet of water to pull the teenagers to safety. According to police, Beecher likely saved the teens' lives. Both victims were taken to the hospital but are expected to be okay. (Winston-Salem Journal)

Leon Brown said he forgives the man who shot him last week in a Trinity convenience store parking lot. Brown is the Pastor of Fellowship Holiness Church in Rutherford County. He and his wife were on their way to Duke University Hospital last Thursday when they stopped at the Quik Shop Gas Stop on Finch Farm Road off Interstate 85. Detectives said Brown was robbed then shot by a man who had just bought some soft drinks in the store.Police have charged Mitchell McCoy of High Point with the shooting. Brown was shot in the arm, and the bullet reportedly went into his chest, collapsing one of his lungs before stopping next to his heart.Quote from Pastor Brown. "I just hated it happened, my first thoughts were he needed Jesus in his heart." (Fox 8)

An eighth-grader at Morton Middle School in Lexington, Kentucky is accused of putting peanut butter cookie crumbs in the lunchbox of a classmate. The classmate has a severe peanut allergy.
The allergic student did not eat the cookies. The accused student will face charges in the juvenile court system. It was well known that the other student suffered allergies. For those allergic to peanuts, trace amounts of peanut oil can cause severe reactions and even death.

The 39th annual GMA Music Awards will air LIVE this Wednesday (April 23rd) on the Gospel Music Channel (on Time Warner Cable ‘digital’ and Direct TV channel 338).
Congrats to Jack and Vickie Tolly from King heading to Nashville to meet Tami and Kurt from WBFJ to experience the GMA Dove Awards LIVE. (Lewisville Drug Company) http://www.gospelmusic.org/

The Boston Marathon: A Kenyan (Robert Cheruiyot) won his 4th Boston Marathon yesterday. Cyclist Lance Armstrong ran his first Boston Marathon on Monday. He said that there is NO comparison between cycling and running.

WBFJ sponsored West Yadkin Yankees (little league baseball)
Make up game last night: West Yadkin Yankees won…7- 5
Yankees play the West Yadkin Eagles at 6pm

Local Baseball action: Warthogs over the Nationals…2 - 0.
Warthogs vs Potomac Nationals…7pm tonight www.warthogs.com/

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: A chance of showers early. Mostly cloudy. Breezy…High 66
Tonight: Mostly cloudy…Low 53
Wednesday: Partly sunny…High 73
Looking ahead…
Thursday + Friday: Sunny skies…Highs in the upper 70s

Feed Your Soul at Empty Bowls

A unique luncheon fundraiser to help fight hunger in our community.
'Empty Bowls' takes place this Wednesday (April 23, 2008) Administrative Professionals' Day from 11 to 2pm at the Millennium Center (101 West Fifth Street on the corner of 5th & Trade) in downtown Winston-Salem. Proceeds from 'Empty Bowls' goes to Second Harvest Food Bank of NW North Carolina

Enjoy a savory soup lunch and select a handcrafted pottery bowl to take home as a reminder of those who face empty bowls and cupboards in our community.

Details: (336) 784-5770
www.hungernwnc.org/donate-funds/empty-bowls-2008.html

Cookin' with Chef Jeff Bacon

Chicken Broccoli Au Gratin
Monday, April 21, 2008
Serving Size: 26 Preparation Time: 45 minutes

1 whole chicken -- cubed
1 gallon water
1/2 cup celery (minced)
1/2 cup onion (minced)
1/2 cup carrot (minced)
4 tablespoons margarine -- melted
1 1/2 pounds broccoli -- minced
5/8 gallon chicken stock
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 pound cheddar cheese -- shredded
1 teaspoon garlic -- minced
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 cup cornstarch -- slurry
1 teaspoon salt -- to taste

Boil chicken until done, about 30 minutes. Remove to cool and reserve broth.
Trim florets from broccoli and set aside, cut stems into 1/2 inch pieces
In food processor mince carrot, celery, onion and broccoli stems in batches. Also mince in processor about 1/4 of the broccoli florets
Melt margarine in a large heavy bottom pot.
Add minced vegetable (onion, garlic, celery, broccoli and carrot) and cook until soft.
Add reserved chicken broth and cream and bring to a simmer
While pot comes to a simmer pick chicken from carcass and dice meat.
Once pot simmers mix cornstarch with cool water until the consistency of heavy cream
Add the starch slurry slowly to simmering pot while stirring. Add just until soup thickens you may not need the whole slurry.
Once soup is at desired thickness add broccoli and chicken meat and simmer 4 minutes.
Turn off heat Add white pepper and salt then stir in cheese
Hold at 140 or higher until service. If preparing ahead of time add broccoli florets at reheating stage to avoid over cooking.

Details about Chef Jeff Bacon, Triad Community Kitchen and
Second Harvest Food Bank of NW-NC:
www.hungernwnc.org
(336) 784-5770

Monday, April 21, 2008

Severe weather hitting parts of the Triad over the weekend.
Residents in Randolph County on Sunday were hit with storms dumping heavy rains, lightning and hail. There were no reports of serious damage. On Saturday: The National Weather Service reported that a tornado touch down north of Shelby and tornado-like winds hit Lincolnton. http://news14.com/content/top_stories/595073/severe-weather-rips-through-triad/Default.aspx

More record high prices for gasoline: Triple A reporting that the national average for a gallon of unleaded is up to $3.50 a gallon. Diesel fuel is up to $4.20 a gallon. AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report. Oil prices hitting $117 dollars a barrel over night in Asia.

Officials say wildfires have consumed about 1,000 acres in North Carolina's mountains over the weekend. A wildfire that started in Waynesville burned over 400 acres as it spread into Jackson County. The good news: rains have helped beat back the flames.

A 4.5-magnitude earthquake shook southern Illinois early this morning.
There have been 18 small quakes in the region since Friday.
Friday's 5.2 magnitude earthquake near Evansville, Indiana was the strongest to hit in the region in 40 years. There were no immediate reports of damage in Monday's quake

An 18-year-old South Carolina student was taken into custody over the weekend after planning an attack on his High School. The parents of Ryan Schallenberger called police after bomb-making supplies was delivered to their home in Chesterfield, SC on Saturday (near the North Carolina border). The teen planned to make several bombs to detonate at his High School calling it a "Columbine followup". The plot was detailed in his journal. (Fox News)

POPE BENEDICT IS BACK AT THE VATICAN THIS MORNING. On Sunday: 60,000 in attending an open-air mass at Yankee Stadium. The pope also visited Ground Zero in NYC.

DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFULS HILLARY CLINTON AND BARACK OBAMA ARE CAMPAIGNING HARD IN PENNSYLVANIA AHEAD OF TOMORROW'S PRIMARY. Republican John McCain is running unopposed on the Republican ticket. Registered voters in North Carolina can vote EARLY: now through May 3. The North Carolina Primary is Tuesday, May 6th.

The 39th annual GMA Music Awards will air LIVE this Wednesday (April 23rd) on the Gospel Music Channel (on Time Warner Cable ‘digital channel 130’ and Direct TV channel 338). Scheduled to perform: Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Switchfoot,
Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin and David Crowder Band
(even Charlie Daniels with Mac Powell)
Congrats to Jack and Vickie Tolly from King heading to Nashville to meet Tami and Kurt from WBFJ to experience the GMA Dove Awards LIVE.
(Lewisville Drug Company) More details about the GMA Dove Awards @ http://www.gospelmusic.org/

SPORTS: Super Saturday for Eli Manning (QB for the NY Giants) married his college sweetheart Abby McGrew at an intimate Mexican seaside wedding.
www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,351872,00.html

-The 112th running of the Boston Marathon happens today.
- West Yadkin Yankees (sponsored by WBFJ) played on Saturday…
-Local Baseball action: Warthogs vs Potomac Nationals 7pm tonight www.warthogs.com/

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Scattered showers and thunderstorms…High 65
Tonight: Showers ending…Low 55
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. Breezy…High 65
Wednesday - Friday: Sunny skies…Highs in the low 70s

Day trip: Billy Graham Library in Charlotte

My family and I had a chance to visit the Billy Graham Library on Thursday. Wow! What a great ‘learning experience’ about the life and ministry of Dr Graham. Yes, take the kids.
All ages will enjoy this day trip to Charlotte. I will post some pictures from our trip in the near future.

Admission is FREE (donations accepted)

Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The Library is closed on Sundays. Groups of 15 or more will require a reservation.
Please e-mail us at librarytours@bgea.org or call 704-401-3200.
More info: www.billygraham.org/BGLibrary_Index.asp


-Verne

Friday, April 18, 2008

Code Orange Ozone Alert today until 9pm. Sensative groups could be affected.

Triple A saying that gas prices have hit a record ‘high’ for the third time this week. The national average for regular unleaded gas has increased to more than $3.44 per gallon. Diesel fuel is averaging at $4.17 a gallon.

A Florida couple traveling north on I-77 in Carroll, County Virginia told authorities that a passing tractor-trailer created a ‘draft’, causing their truck and camper to spin and crash. Authorities with the Hillsville Fire Department said that the couple was not injured. Virginia State Police are still investigating. www.wxii12.com/news/15901897/detail.html

PARTS OF ILLINOIS, INDIANA, AND MISSOURI WERE SHAKEN BY AN EARTHQUAKE EARLY THIS MORNING. The 5.4 magnitude quake was centered about 120 miles east of St. Louis but felt some 350 miles away. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080418/D90482203.html

Former President Jimmy Carter will meet with the leaders of Hamas today. The meeting with the militant Islamic group has been criticized by both American and Israeli leaders. Representative Sue Myrick (from Charlotte) has asked Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to revoke Carter’s passport. Hamas has been designated by the US as an official ‘Terrorist Organization’. www.house.gov/list/press/nc09_myrick/041608carterpassport.html

Pope Benedict (the 16th) is traveling to New York City and will speak at the UN today. On Saturday, the Pope will attend a Papal Youth Rally at St. Joseph's Seminary Chapel in New York City. Scheduled to perform: TobyMac, Third Day, (WBFJ Sharathon Artist) Salvador and former "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson. http://www.youthworker.com/reviews/bands/11572339/

The longtime keyboard player for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band died Thursday. Danny Federici had been battling melanoma for three years. He was 58. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080418/D90460O80.html

DUBUQUE, Iowa -- Rick and Marilyn Jones got a quite a ‘pay back’ when they returned home last week. When the Joneses left their Dubuque, Iowa, home for an out-of-town wedding, their neighbors (Tom and Paula Tschudi) planted 3,000 white plastic forks in the Jones' yard. It was sweet revenge for years of pranks by the Joneses. In the past, Rick and Marilyn have hung aluminum cans like Christmas lights around their neighbors' home, put a for-sale sign in their yard and strung crime-scene tape around chalk outlines of bodies on the sidewalk.
When a passer-by asked the neighbors what they were doing, Paula and Tom said that they were aerating their neighbors' lawn. www.wxii12.com/news/15912407/detail.html

Just a reminder: Take Your Son and Daughter to Work Day is coming up next Thursday, April 24th. A day to include your son or daughter in your normal day at work.

Will this game ever end??? Colorado and San Diego played 22-innings last night…into this morning. The game lasted 6 hours and 16 minutes. The Rockies finally won 2-1. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/gameflash/2008/04/17/19963_recap.html?cnn=yes

Local Baseball action: Warthogs at home tonight and Saturday night against the Fredrick Keys.
www.warthogs.com/

Traffic Updates:
Greensboro: “A Night of Hope” with Joel Osteen at the Greensboro Coliseum tonight at 7pm. http://www.greensborocoliseum.com/ 722-6400

Winston-Salem: Senator Hilary Clinton will be speaking at Wait Chapel on the campus of Wake Forest University this evening at 6pm. A portion of Wake Forest Road, which wraps around Wait Chapel and a number of parking lots on campus will be closed starting around 3pm after the event. www.wfu.edu/news/release/2008.04.17.h.php

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Lots of sunshine…High 83
Tonight: Clear…Low 53
Saturday and Sunday: Partly sunny. Afternoon showers possible…High 73

WBFJ…Chick-Fil-A ‘NUGGET’ (between 8-9am)
Music: The latest CD from Big Daddy Weave
Plus…handspun milkshakes from Chick-Fil-A of the Triad
New flavor…Coffee Caramel

Just in case you missed the fun this morning...

Aaron Shust, Brandon Heath and Meredith Andrews stopped by the studio around 8am!
They will be in concert tonight...
at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Winston-Salem @ 7:00pm

Tickets: $8.00 (Advance) / $15.00 (At the door)
Tickets available thru the church office (336) 723-1621

Tickets available at: http://www.itickets.com/ / (800) 965-9324

http://www.aaronshust.com/
www.brandonheath.net
http://www.meredithandrews.com/

Check out other concerts @ www.wbfj.org/concerts.htm

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Today marks the one year anniversary of the shootings at Virginia Tech. Several events are planned: The university is holding a Commemoration service this morning with the reading of the names of each of the 32 victims.A student led candlelight vigil is planned around 8pm. http://www.vt.edu/

Pope Benedict (the 16th) will spend the day at the White House today. After a couple of days in Washington DC, the Pope travels to New York City. On Saturday, the pope will attend a Papal Youth Rally at St. Joseph's Seminary Chapel in New York. TobyMac, Third Day and former "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson will perform at the youth event.

No spanking allowed? A No Spanking Bill passed committee approval yesterday and is headed for the California State Legislature. The Campaign for Children and Families (a pro-family group) says the measure tramples the rights of parents to raise and properly correct their children.

Wildfires in southeastern Colorado have consumed more than eight thousand acres. Hundreds of people have been evacuated. 3 fatalities are being blamed on the wildfires.

A man fell to his death after the Mets-Nationals baseball game last night. The 36 year old from Brooklyn was sliding down the rail of an escalator when he lost his balance and fell 4 stories. Police are investigating the death as an accident. www.cnn.com/2008/US/04/16/shea.death/index.html?iref=hpmostpop

The church congregation at Ridgeview Presbyterian Church in western North Carolina was robbed at gun point during its Sunday service last weekend. The three gunmen demanded purses, wallets, cell phones, and car keys and took money from the offering plate from members of Ridgeview Presbyterian Church. Police arrested the men a short time later. No one was hurt during the robbery at the church located in Mitchell County. WLOS-TV

More than 100 wedding gowns will go on sale this morning at four Salvation Army Thrift Stores in the Triad.127 brand new gowns were anonymously donated on Monday. The dresses range from sizes 6 to 16 and almost all have their original price tags. The wedding dresses can be found at the Salvation Army Thrift Stores locations in Winston-Salem, Yadkinville and Mocksville. Interested? Call (336) 723 - 9552 for more information. http://www.myfoxwghp.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6305506&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

Special day for dad’s at North Hills Elementary School in Winston-Salem today . ‘Doughnuts with Dad’ starts at 10am. Dads are invited to spend the day with their kids. (661- 4940)

Just a reminder: Take Your Son and Daughter to Work Day is coming up next Thursday, April 24th. A day to include your son or daughter in your normal day at work.

SPORTS: Tiger Woods had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee yesterday to repair cartilage damage. That’s Tigers second operation in five years on the same knee. He is expected to be off the greens for at least 4 weeks but should return in time for the US Open in June. http://sports.myway.com/news/04152008/v3772.html


Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Sunny skies. Breezy…High 68
Tonight: Clear…Low 37
Thursday: Lots of sunshine…High 75
Friday: Sunny…High 78

Sneak Peak to the Weekend: Mostly cloudy. A shower possible…High near 70

In studio: Betsey McRae - Director of the Triad Race for the Cure

The 9th Annual Susan G Komen ‘Triad Race for the Cure’
Saturday morning, May 3, 2008
at Salem College in Winston-Salem
race.komennctriad.org
www.komennctriad.org/

Dessert Auction (open to the public) This Saturday, 10am April 19 at Belk Court Hanes Mall

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Central North Carolina (including the Triad) is under a Freeze Watch for early Wednesday morning, Scattered frost is possible.

Today is April 15th…Do you have your taxes done?? You have until midnight tonight to get your taxes postmarked or e-filed with the IRS. Need some help? The IRS offers a number of tips, answers, forms, and tools at http://www.irs.gov/.

Speaking of taxes: "TAX FREEDOM DAY" comes three days earlier this year falling on April 23rd. Tax Freedom Day represents the day that Americans have earned enough money to pay the year's tax obligations (federal, state, and local taxes). TFD is calculated by the private Tax Foundation group.

Fuel prices hitting record highs again: Triple-A's Daily Fuel Gauge Report showing that the national average price for unleaded gasoline has hit a record high of three-dollars-and-39 cents a gallon. Diesel fuel averaging four-dollars-and-12 cents a gallon.

A planned 6 day visit to the US by POPE BENEDICT (the 16th) starts today. After spending time at the White House the Pope will travel to New York City. On Saturday: TobyMac, Third Day and former "American Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson will perform during the Papal Youth Rally at St. Joseph's Seminary Chapel in New York.

Officials with Delta and Northwest have approved a merger deal that will create the world's largest airline. The deal still faces FAA approval. (CNN)

Wachovia Corporation reporting a $393 million dollar first quarter loss. Wachovia will cut 500 jobs in its corporate offices and investment division. The job cuts should affect employees in Charlotte and New York, but not here in Winston-Salem. (http://www.journalnow.com/)

More than 100 wedding gowns will go on sale Wednesday morning at all four Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores in the Triad.127 brand new gowns were anonymously donated on Monday.
The dresses range from sizes 6 to 16 and almost all have their original price tags. The wedding dresses will be distributed to Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores at the following locations in Winston-Salem, Yadkinville and Mocksville. Interested? Call 336-723-9552 for more information. http://www.myfoxwghp.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6305506&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

Special day for dad’s on Wednesday at North Hills Elementary School in Winston-Salem. ‘Doughnuts with Dad’ starts at 10am. Dads are invited to spend the day with their kids. (661- 4940)

Take Your Son and Daughter to Work Day is coming up next Thursday, April 24th. A day to include your son or daughter in your normal day at work.

SPORTS: Local Baseball action: Warthogs back home at the end of the week. www.warthogs.com/

Traffic: Winston-Salem: Work crews will close a portion of West End Blvd., between Summit and Broad Streets this morning because of on going water and sewer improvements.

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Sunny skies. Breezy…High 60
Tonight: Clear and cold…Low 33
Wednesday: Scattered frost before 8am. Mostly sunny…High 65

Looking ahead: Sunny and back in the 70’s for Thursday and Friday

Monday, April 14, 2008

Clinton and Obama focus on faith at Compassion Forum on Sunday.
See what these Presidential candidates are saying about ‘life’ and faith.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080414/D901FKRG0.html

Check your cereal stash: Malt-O-Meal is voluntarily recalling two of its unsweetened cereals because of the threat of salmonella. Unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat cereals are marketed under the Malt-O-Meal brand and numerous other house brands. A full list of the recalled products: www.malt-o-meal.com/recallinfo.

Officials in Thomasville will discuss lifting mandatory water restrictions as early as Tuesday. Greensboro lifted mandatory water restrictions last Friday.

The state of Texas begins its legal battle this week to keep 416 children in protective custody. The children were removed from the compound of a polygamous sect 11 days ago. More than 350 attorneys from across the state have volunteered to represent the children for free. (CNN)

The President of the World Bank is urging immediate action to deal with rising food prices that have caused hunger and deadly violence in several countries. (AP)

Airline merger between Delta and Northwest would create the world’s largest airline. The announcement could come as early as Tuesday.

BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO IS OFFERING TO BUY CIRCUIT CITY

President Bush will meet with Pope Benedict the 16th (XVI) on Wednesday.
A crowd of up to 12,000 is expected at the White House on Wednesday morning for the pope's official visit.

SPORTS: Trevor Immelman edging out Tiger Woods to win The Master’s in Augusta

Andy Roddick lifting the US over France in the Davis Cup quarterfinals. The US will play Spain in September for the semifinals.

Local Baseball action: Warthogs back home at the end of the week. www.warthogs.com/

Winston-Salem: Work crews will close a portion of West End Blvd., between Summit and Broad Streets this morning because of on going water and sewer improvements.

High Point: The Spring Furniture Market over…the packing up begins.

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Sunshine early then increased clouds. Showers possible this afternoon…High 50
Tonight: Cloudy skies…Low 36
Tuesday: Mostly sunny…High 55
Tuesday night into Wednesday morning: Scattered frost

FYI: Rain mixed with snow in the Northern Mountains…High near 40

Friday, April 11, 2008

Officials in Greensboro have lifted mandatory water restrictions effective today.

More flight cancellations: American Airlines will cancel close to 600 flights today. American Airlines has so far cancelled more than three thousand of flights as it works to inspect its entire fleet of MD-80 aircraft. http://www.aa.com/
ANOTHER U.S. AIR CARRIER HAS FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY. Denver-based Frontier Airlines has filed for bankruptcy. Skybus is out, but Allegiant Air will stay at PTI.

School officials have suspended a teacher at Davie High School after two students in the school’s ‘self-defense’ club were video taped fighting each other. Sparring is not allowed in the club. The self-defense club was disbanded earlier in the week. School officials found out about the unauthorized sparring match after a video was posted on the Internet on U-Tube.

A line of severe storms stretching from Texas to Nebraska produced thunderstorms, tornadoes and even snow. Nearly 200 roads were flooded in Missouri. High winds and driving rain left nearly a quarter of a million people without power in Texas.

After running from authorities run for three months, Marine Cpl. Cesar Laurean has been captured in Mexico. Laurean is the main suspect in the killing of 20-year-old pregnant Marine Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach. In December, Laurean left behind a note for his wife in which he denied killing Lauterbach but admitted to burying her remains. (CNN)

PRESIDENT BUSH SAYS ALL REMAINING SURGE BRIGADES WILL BE OUT OF IRAQ BY THE END OF JULY. Army deployments will be reduced from 15 months to twelve months, for those soldiers deployed after August first.

Most families of victims of the shootings at Virginia Tech last April have agreed to an $11 million dollar state settlement. The Governor of Virginia called the agreement "very positive," but noted that families who have not agreed must be filed by April 16.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will not attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games in China this summer. The Olympic torch relay continues…today the torch is in Argentina. Protests are expected. (CNN)

Mu Phi Epsilon is hosting a swing dance fundraiser to benefit Western Guilford High School’s band program tonight from 7:30 to 10:30pm at the UNC-G Quad. Tickets available through the UNCG box office. (336) 334-4849. More info: dccheung@uncg.edu

Special Olympics of Davidson County is needing close to 300 volunteers for the upcoming Spring Games happening locally on April 19, 25 and 26. Volunteers must attend a mandatory orientation session. Another session going on Saturday. Contact: Libby O’Shea at 798-0709 or Mary Ann Brown at 242-2959. www.sonc.net/volunteers/default.asp

If you want to vote in the upcoming North Carolina Primary…the registration deadline is today (April 11th). The North Carolina Primary is Tuesday, May 6th.

Second round at The Master’s in Augusta today. Drew Weaver of High Point finished the day at 4 over.
(USA vs France) Davis Cup quarterfinal tie play off starting this afternoon at the Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem.
NASCAR: Phoenix, Arizona

Local Baseball action: Warthogs vs the Salem Avalanche @ 7pm Fireworks after the game
www.warthogs.com/

Downtown High Point: The Spring Furniture Market runs thru the weekend.

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Mostly sunny. Windy…High near 80
Tonight: Clouds…Low 60
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms possible…High 70
Sunday: Mix of sun and clouds…High 60

Voter Registration Deadline this Friday

Thanks to our special guest this morning...
Rob Cauffman with the Forsyth County Board of Elections
http://www.fcvotes.com/
703-2800

The North Carolina Primary is Tuesday, May 6th.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

IF YOU HAVE A SCHEDULED FLIGHT ON AMERICAN AIRLINES TODAY OR TOMORROW, YOUR FLIGHT MIGHT BE CANCELLED. American Airlines will cancel 900 more flights today because of on-going inspections of MD-80 aircraft. http://www.aa.com/

FREE concert this morning (11:45am) at Salem Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. The Young Musicians of Virginia is an all-homeschool group featuring concert band, orchestra, choir and handbells. For more information contact Brian Weer with the Music Academy at Piedmont Baptist College at 725-8344, ext. 7984 http://www.piedmontmusicacademy.com/

Special Olympics of Davidson County is needing close to 300 volunteers for the upcoming Spring Games happening locally on April 19, 25 and 26. Volunteers must attend mandatory orientation sessions. One session will be tonight at 7pm…another session will be this Saturday. Contact: Libby O’Shea at 798-0709 or Mary Ann Brown at 242-2959.
www.sonc.net/volunteers/default.asp

Powerful storms moved through parts of Texas and Oklahoma yesterday destroying several homes and knocking out power for thousands. There were even unconfirmed reports of tornadoes. Some injuries and at least one death connected to the storms.

The Olympic Torch relay taking a different route in San Francisco yesterday. Some of the demonstrators were not amused. The IOC standing firm that Olympic torch relay will continue. The torch-relay route in Hong Kong "will likely be cut short." Should world leaders should attend opening ceremony?

The Wall Street Journal saying that CBS Evening anchor Katie Couric will leave the network before her contract expires in 2011. Couric, CBS downplay report of early split

Condoleezza Rice has said she has no desire to be John McCain's running mate, but a new poll out Wednesday suggests that duo could beat the Democratic ticket in New York. McCain-Rice could win big, poll says

SPORTS:
-Sunny and warm for the start of The Master’s in Augusta today. Drew Weaver of High Point will be playing in the Master’s.
Local Baseball action: Warthogs over the Hillcats...1 - 0 in 10 innings.
Warthogs (vs the Lynchburg Hillcats) noon game www.warthogs.com/
Grasshoppers at home this week

Downtown High Point: The Spring Furniture Market runs thru the weekend.

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Mostly sunny…High 77
Tonight: Partly cloudy…Low 56
Friday: Mostly sunny…High 78
Friday Night into Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms

Sneak Peak to the Weekend:
Saturday: High 70
Sunday: Mix of sun and clouds…High 60

Helping the needy

Project Homeless Connect is happening today from 8:30 - 4pm

at the Joel Coliseum Annex in Winston-Salem.

Over 40 local non-profit organizations will be helping those less fortunate on Wednesday!

For more information: Call 721-9364.

PHC is part of the Ten Year Plan Commission on Homelessness and the United Way of Forsyth County

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Project Homeless Connect is happening TODAY from 8:30 - 4pm at the Joel Coliseum Annex in Winston-Salem. Over 40 non-profit agencies and services will be on hand to help those in need. Information: Call 721-9364.

IF YOU ARE FLYING WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES TODAY, YOU MAY WANT TO CALL AHEAD BEFORE GOING TO THE AIRPORT. American Airlines is expected to ground more planes because of inspections. The latest round of inspections began yesterday and forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights. www.aa.com/index_us.jhtml

TODAY IS THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF BAGHDAD.
President Bush presented the Medal of Honor to the family of Petty Officer Michael Monsoor yesterday at the White House. In September of 2006, Monsoor threw himself on a hand grenade in the Iraqi city of Ramadi to save the lives of two fellow soldiers.

A new Harris Poll asking the question: What is your favorite book? The Holy Bible was the overwhelming pick. Among all adults, the second-favorite book is Gone With the Wind.That's the finding of a new poll by Harris Interactive.

More demonstrations are expected during the Olympic Torch run in San Francisco today. The International Olympic Committee will meet Friday to discuss possibly scrapping the rest of the torch tour. Protests in London and Paris have drawing attention to China’s poor human rights record and the on going situation in Tibet.

Officials in Hawaii have issued an ‘evacuation advisory’ for residents because of toxic gas from a volcano on the ‘Big Island’.Dangerous levels of sulfur dioxide could blow into the heavily populated area.

Young Musicians of Virginia, an all-homeschool group from Virginia, will present a FREE concert on Thursday morning (11:45am) in the auditorium at Salem Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. The concert will feature the concert band, orchestra, choir and handbells. For more information contact: Brian Weer with the Music Academy at Piedmont Baptist College at 725-8344, ext. 7984 http://www.piedmontmusicacademy.com/

United Arab Emirates: Dubai's crown prince paid $2.7 million for a camel during a recent desert festival. The son of Dubai's ruler, Sheik Mohammed, bought 16 camels for $4.5 million dollars, including one female camel for $2.7 million. Maybe a record for camels but back in 2006 someone paid $16 million dollars for ‘The Green Monkey’, a thoroughbred colt purchased at a Florida auction. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080409/D8VU24MO0.html

If you want to vote in the upcoming North Carolina Primary…the registration deadline is this Friday (April 11th). The North Carolina Primary is Tuesday, May 6th.

SPORTS:
-The Tennessee Lady Vols winning their eighth national title by beating
Stanford 64 - 48 in the women's NCAA national championship game last night.

-Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman was penalized 25 points by NASCAR yesterday because his car failed inspection.

Local Baseball action:
-Grasshoppers at home this week
- Warthogs (vs the Lynchburg Hillcats) noon game www.warthogs.com/

Downtown High Point: The Spring Furniture Market runs thru the weekend.

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Mostly sunny…High 68
Tonight: Partly cloudy…Low 50
Thursday and Friday: Mostly sunny…High 77
Sneak Peak to the Weekend:
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms…High 70
Sunday: Mix of sun and clouds…High 60

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Starbucks is offering a complimentary short cup (8 oz) of the new Pike Place Roast™ today at noon. We heard that it is only for 30 minutes. So is it worth spending the gas? :) www.starbucks.com/aboutus/pressdesc.asp?id=855

Project Homeless Connect is happening Tomorrow (Wednesday, April 09) from 8:30 - 4pm at the Joel Coliseum Annex in Winston-Salem. PHC is part of the Ten Year Plan Commission on Homelessness. For more information or to volunteer: Contact Andrea Kurtz at 721-9364

Residents in Raleigh can now wash cars and use pressure washers on weekends. Because of the recent rainfall across the state, the Mayor in Raleigh is easing up on water restrictions. Outdoor watering and washing had been banned since February. (News14Carolina)

A funeral-picketing law has been signed into law in Kansas. The new law, which goes into effect next Thursday, states that protesters cannot stand within 150 feet of a funeral one hour before and during or two hours after a service ends. Kansas is the home state of Fred Phelps, whose Westboro Baptist followers regularly protest services for U.S. soldiers killed in combat.
www.onenewsnow.com/Business/Default.aspx?id=74693

South Dakota has joined 11 other states requiring abortion clinics to give a woman seeking an abortion the opportunity to see an ultrasound of her unborn child and to hear the heartbeat, if possible, before going through with an abortion. Research from the National Right to Life shows that ultrasound technology plays a major role in many women changing their minds when it come to having an abortion. www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=74789

Senators McCain, Clinton and Obama will have opportunities to question two top officials about troop levels and conditions in Iraq. Army General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, the top U.S. diplomat in Iraq are expected to face some tough questions during congressional hearings later today.

The wife of Senator Barack Obama is making three stops in North Carolina today. Michelle Obama will speak at Winston-Salem State University this afternoon…with additional stops in Charlotte and Raleigh.

Police have arrested protesters in San Francisco…the next stop for the Olympic torch. Three people protesting China's human rights record were arrested yesterday after scaling the Golden Gate Bridge with a Tibetan flag and two banners. Anti-Chinese protesters have disrupted the Olympic Torch relay in London and Paris. Officials saying that the relay will go on as planned in San Francisco on Wednesday. The Summer Olympics: August 8, 2008 in Beijing.
www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/08/oly.torchrelay/index.html

If you want to vote in the upcoming North Carolina Primary…the registration deadline is this Friday (April 11th). The North Carolina Primary is Tuesday, May 6th.

Hello, can you smell me now? Japanese cell phone users will test a new service that allows downloadable fragrances. "Mobile Fragrance Communications" is currently being tested…
‘Scent’ playlists can be downloaded which can be accompanied by music or video clips.
www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/ptech/04/07/mobile.scent.ap/index.html?eref=ib_topstories

SPORTS: Kansas beating Memphis in OT (75 - 68) to win the Men’s NCAA National Championship. Memphis blew a 9 point lead with 2 minutes to go
in the game. www.ncaa.com/basketball-mens/default.aspx?id=147034

Local Baseball action: Grasshoppers at home this week
Home opener: Warthogs (vs the Lynchburg Hillcats) tonight at 7pm
www.warthogs.com/

Downtown High Point: The Spring Furniture Market runs thru the weekend.

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Mostly cloudy this morning then some sunshine this afternoon…High 63
Tonight: Partly cloudy…Low 45
Wednesday: Mix of sun and clouds…High 68
Thursday and Friday: Partly sunny…High 77.

Monday, April 07, 2008

Traffic update: Downtown High Point...
The Spring Furniture Market (which started today) runs thru the weekend.

A 3.7 magnitude earthquake shaking south Texas this morning. The Quake happened about 45 miles southeast of San Antonio. No injuries reported.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Headlines/Default.aspx?id=74857

Company officials with Skybus saying that the now grounded low cost airline will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy first thing this morning. Skybus cancelled all flights late Friday night. Passengers with Skybus reservations should contact their credit card companies for refunds.
www.skybus.com/ www.the-dispatch.com/article/20080406/APN/804062295
Another low cost air carrier (Allegiant Air) will end its services at PTI at the end of May.

Raleigh mayor Charles Meeker is expected ease up on stage 2 water restrictions. A news conference is set for this morning to address water issues. Stage 1 water restrictions will allow car washing, pressure washing and outdoor watering. (News14Carolina)

A man leaving his job at the Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem was kidnapped, beaten and robbed around 8pm last night. According to reports, 23 year old Christopher Corl says two men approached him at the intersection of Deacon Blvd. and Shorefair Drive. The two men then forced him to drive to an unknown intersection where he was hit in the head with a hand gun and his car was stolen. The stolen vehicle is a black1992 BMW with Pennsylvania tags EHO-767. (Fox 8 news)

More woos for the Clinton campaign: Mark Penn, the pollster and senior strategist for Hillary Clinton, left the campaign Sunday after it was disclosed he met with representatives of the Colombian government to help promote a free trade agreement that Ms. Clinton opposes. http://www.onenewsnow.com/vidPlayer.aspx?videoId=2727

Since Thursday, authorities in Texas have removed more than 200 women and children from a polygamist sect located in Eldorado, Texas.
The Ranch was operated by a member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Authorities have not identified the girl who called 911 with allegations of abuse inside the compound. http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/04/06/texas.ranch/index.html

More trouble for the Olympic torch run this morning, this time in Paris. The Olympic Flame was extinguished by protestors. Police then put the torch out and put it on a bus, apparently to move it away from protesters. The torch run through London was disrupted by demonstrators yesterday The Olympic Summer Games are set to begin in Beijing, China in August.

CHARLTON HESTON PASSED AWAY AT HIS HOME OVER THE WEEKEND. Heston was 84 years old. Heston and his wife, Lydia, were married 64 years.

If you want to vote in the upcoming North Carolina Primary…the registration deadline is this Friday (April 11th). The North Carolina Primary is Tuesday, May 6th.

Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Switchfoot, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band (even Charlie Daniels with Mac Powell)…just some of the artists set to performer during the 39th annual GMA Music Awards. The GMA Dove Awards show will be televised live Wednesday, April 23rd on the Gospel Music Channel. (also on DirecTV channel 338).More details about the GMA Dove Awards @ http://www.gospelmusic.org/.

-NASCAR: Carl Edwards taking the checkered flag in Texas.
His 3rd win of the season.
-Kansas and Memphis play tonight for the Men’s NCAA National Championship. Tip off at 9:21pm. NCAA.com Interactive Site: www.ncaa.com/basketball-mens/default.aspx?id=147034

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Drizzle early. Mostly cloudy…High 58.
Tonight: Some clouds…Low 45
Tuesday: Partly sunny…High 65

What's happening in the community this weekend...

Help fight hunger right here in the Triad:
Join WBFJ at Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem
this Saturday (April 5) from 10am - 4pm
Look for the (NEW) WBFJ Mobile studio located just outside the Food Court Entrance, Lower Level, Hanes Mall as we collect and non-perishable canned foods (no glass containers) for Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC.
Special thanks to RAM Fabrication, Time Warner Cable Store and Hanes Mall.

April is ‘Donate Life Month’ (Organ Donation)
“Walk For Life” to benefit ‘Carolina Donor Services’
this Saturday, April 5, 2008
Check-in at 9am Saturday Morning…the walk starts at 10am
Walk will start at Forsyth Hospital and end at WFUBMC (Baptist Hospital)
Door Prizes / Food / Fun (Immediately after the walk)
Call Beth Hinesley at 774 – 4450
More information about organ donation @ http://www.carolinadonorservices.org/
http://www.donatelifenc.org/

'Bye Bye Birdie' presented by Lexington Youth Theatre this weekend at the Lexington Civic Center. Ticket information: (336) 313-6159 http://www.lexingtonyouththeatre.com/

Join Verne with WBFJ starting at 3:30pm Sunday afternoon for the 2nd annual ‘Festival of Faith’ at Oak Forest UMC in Midway. Fun activities for the kids, live music, food and an inspiring message from Andy Lambert. More information: (336) 764-2949.

Friday, April 04, 2008

Need some legal advice? Free? Today is your day…
As part of the North Carolina Bar Association's public service day, over 700 lawyers will be taking calls and answering legal questions at call-in centers across the state. Legal questions will be answered from now until 7pm this evening at 1-877-404-4149.
http://news14.com/content/top_stories/594501/lawyers-offer-free-advice-by-phone/Default.aspx

RESIDENTS OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS ARE CLEANING UP THIS MORNING AFTER STRONG STORMS HIT that area overnight. The hardest hit…parts of Saline County which is about 12 miles west of Little Rock. One tornado is believed to have touched down. At least four people were reported injured. http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/04/04/arkansas.tornado/index.html

A line of severe storms that extends from Texas to West Virginia is making its way to North Carolina. The National Weather Service is warning of severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and possible flooding for those states in the path of the storms. (http://www.weather.com/)

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In Winston-Salem…there will be a candle light vigil this evening starting at 6:01pm…along MLK Drive from 5th street to New Walkertown Road. Participants are asked to bring a candle and an umbrella. For more information call 399-3585.

Davidson County Community College is sponsoring its third annual Home School Conference this morning from 8:30 to 1pm at the Brooks Student Center on the Davidson Campus. A second Mini Home School Conference will be held on the DCCC (Davie Campus) next Friday.
Call (336) 249-8186 Ext: 6389

HAWK NELSON'S third CD ‘Hawk Nelson is My Friend’ is out. Family Christian Stores ran a pre-sale with exclusive Hawk Nelson bobble heads making online history…as the largest online pre-sale for the store to date. Hawk Nelson’s GREEN T TOUR continues across the country through May 3rd.

Congratulations! SINGER/SONGWRITER BETHANY DILLON AND SHANE BARNARD OF THE DUO SHANE & SHANE WHO TIED THE KNOT LAST Saturday, March 29th. Wedding photos at http://www.benharrisonphotography.com/

AMERICAN IDOL IS USING A SONG BY the group THE AFTERS TO USE AT SOME OF THE HIT SHOW'S COMMERCIAL BREAKS. Idol will use the song "We Are The Sound" from The Afters brand new CD "Never Going Back To OK."

If you want to vote in the upcoming North Carolina Primary…the registration deadline is Friday, April 11th. The North Carolina Primary is Tuesday, May 6th.

Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Switchfoot, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band (even Charlie Daniels with Mac Powell)…just some of the artists set to performer during the 39th annual GMA Music Awards. The GMA Dove Awards show will be televised live Wednesday, April 23rd on the Gospel Music Channel. (also on DirecTV channel 338). More details about the GMA Dove Awards @ http://www.gospelmusic.org/.

Final Four on Saturday: The Tar Heels will play Kansas on Saturday.
Men’s Final Four: Sat nite: North Carolina vs Kansas @ 8:47pm Memphis vs UCLA at 6:07pm. This is the first time all #1 seeds have advanced to the Men’s final 4. Final game on Monday.
NCAA.com Interactive Site: www.ncaa.com/basketball-mens/default.aspx?id=147034
NIT second round… www.nit.org/

-NASCAR: Racin’ in Texas this weekend.

Traffic Information: The Highway Patrol will be cracking down on speeders through the weekend (April 6th) all part of Operation Slowdown.
Expect more traffic (cars and people) in High Point this weekend…The Spring Furniture Market runs April 7-13.

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Severe Weather possible through Saturday morning.
Today: Mostly cloudy. Thunderstorms possible this afternoon. Breezy…High near 70
Tonight: Rain. Gusty winds…Low 60
Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms…High near 70
Sunday: Mostly sunny…High 65

April is ‘Donate Life Month’

Thanks to Beth Hinesley – Community Relations Coordinator with Carolina Donor Services for stopping by the studio this morning. Talking about Organ Donation.

“Walk For Life” to benefit ‘Carolina Donor Services’
on Saturday, April 5, 2008
Check-in at 9am Saturday Morning…the walk starts at 10am
Walk will start at Forsyth Hospital and end at WFUBMC (Baptist Hospital)
Door Prizes / Food / Fun (Immediately after the walk)
Pre-Register through Saturday morning. Call…774 – 4450

More information about organ donation @ http://www.carolinadonorservices.org/
(336) 774 – 4450

Make your wishes known about organ donation: www.donatelifenc.org

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Former Greensboro Mayor Keith Holliday will have a new job…president and CEO of the Carolina Theatre. Holliday will retire after 20 years as vice president of First Citizens Bank, before starting his new job on April 15. http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080403/NRSTAFF/99653872/-1/NEWS

Ben Bernanke, the NATION'S TOP BANKER SAYS WHILE OUR ECONOMY IS GOING THROUGH A DIFFICULT PERIOD RIGHT NOW, IT'S TOO EARLY TO SAY WE'RE IN A RECESSION. (Fox news)

A CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE IS INVESTIGATING THE FAA TODAY. The House Transportation Committee wants to determine if the FAA is doing enough to enforce safety measures and inspections. (Fox)

MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP REPORTING THAT A SHORTAGE OF AVIATION FUEL HAS GROUNDED A NUMBER OF ITS PLANES. The cost of aviation fuel has led MAF to raise money to purchase 20 Kodiak One Hundred aircraft. They use jet fuel, which is cheaper and more readily available than aviation fuel. Aviation fuel can cost as much as 12 dollars a gallon, while jet fuel runs about three-dollars-and 50 cents a gallon. (MAF)

A junior at Randleman High School was airlifted to Duke Medical Center yesterday afternoon after falling from the second-floor breezeway. The sheriff's department is investigating the incident.

This Friday will mark the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Local Students in the Triad are heading to Memphis, Tennessee to experience the 40th anniversary.

The planned ‘Downtown Center for the Performing Arts’ is being described as a "dramatic new facility”. .It will cover four acres in downtown Winston-Salem, including the historic Sawtooth Center. The 75,000-square-foot facility will have artists' studios and exhibition space. Hanesbrands has donated $2 million dollars to help create a new 300-seat theatre in the old AC/Delco building next door to the Sawtooth Center. http://news14.com/content/local_news/triad/594454/winston-salem-arts-center-planned/Default.aspx

TOBY MAC will be rappin’ for the Pope once again. The performance will be at a youth rally on April 19th during Pope Benedict's visit to New York City.

Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Switchfoot, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band (even Charlie Daniels with Mac Powell)…just some of the artists set to performer during the 39th annual GMA Music Awards.
The GMA Dove Awards show will be televised live Wednesday, April 23rd on the Gospel Music Channel. (also on DirecTV channel 338).More details about the GMA Dove Awards @ http://www.gospelmusic.org/.

SPORTS:
-Carolina’s men’s basketball team left campus for San Antonio last night and the Final Four. The Tar Heels will play Kansas on Saturday.

-Chris Paul and LaQuanda Quick (two former West Forsyth stars) will be among those inducted into the WS/FC High School Sports Hall of Fame.
The ceremony will be May 9th at 7pm at the Benton Convention Center.

Traffic Reports:
-The Highway Patrol will be cracking down on speeders through the weekend (April 6th) all part of Operation Slowdown.
-High Point: The Spring Furniture Market runs April 7-13.

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Mostly cloudy with afternoon showers…High near 50
Tonight: Showers…Low 45
Friday: Windy with scattered afternoon thunderstorms…High 74
Saturday: Cloudy with scattered showers…High near 70
Sunday: Mostly sunny…High 65

Kids and Stress

Guest: Dr. Karolyn Thompson with Associates in Christian Counseling
Topic: Adolescent Stress

Associates in Christian Counseling…annual fundraising banquet.
The banquet will be held on Thursday, April 17th,
at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem.
Featured speaker: Bobby Jones – All-American at UNC-Chapel Hill and NBA All-Star.
(336) 896-0065
www.christiancounseling.org/

BTW: Wednesday, April 9, 2008: River Birch Lodge on Robinhood Road in Winston-Salem will donate a portion of its proceeds for the day to ACC.
Eat. Enjoy. Support ACC!

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

An 18-year-old has admitted to accidentally starting the Sauratown Mountain wildfire that burned nearly 400 acres. According to the Winston-Salem Journal, David Rucker and another person were charged in connection with the fire. http://www.myfoxwghp.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=6194424&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

Executives from five of the world’s top oil companies appeared before a congressional committee yesterday. The companies were asked why they should continue to receive 18 billion dollars in tax cuts while earning tens of billions of dollars in profits. The executives were also questioned about rising fuel prices. (World Net Daily)

Smoking Ban coming to three local BBQ restaurants today. John Wayne's Barbecue, Whitley's and Smokey Joe's BBQ in Lexington will be going ‘smoke-free’. Today is also National Kick (the Habit) Day. http://www.the-dispatch.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008803310318&source=email

The Greensboro City Council voted last night against reopening the White Street Landfill which has been closed since 2001. Councilman Mike Barber estimated that the city is wasting millions of dollar trucking its trash to a landfill in Montgomery County. The decision to close the White St. Landfill was controversial: residents who live in the area had previously complained about the smells and the animals it attracted. (Fox 8 news)

A group of third-graders at Center Elementary School in south Georgia are in serious trouble. The students (ages 8 and 9) were plotting to attack their teacher by bringing in a broken steak knife, handcuffs, duct tape. The planned attack was very organized. The students were apparently mad at the teacher because she had scolded one of them for standing on a chair. A prosecutor said they are too young to be charged with a crime under Georgia law.http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20080402/APA/804020557

World Autism Awareness Day
Autism Speaks will provide an Autism Research update this Saturday on the campus of UNC-Charlotte starting at 10am. To RSVP contact Michelle Preslar at (704) 561-0003 Email: carolinas@autismspeaks.org http://www.autismspeaks.org/
Researchers with Cornell University say that they have discovered a link between TV watching and autism. http://www.wxii12.com/family/10088353/detail.html

American Idol contestant David Cook was taken to the hospital after experiencing heart problems during last night’s show. Producers wanted him to go to the emergency room before the show ended, but David wanted to stay until it was over. He was released after a few hours.

Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Switchfoot, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band (even Charlie Daniels with Mac Powell)…just some of the artists set to performer during the 39th annual GMA Music Awards. The GMA Dove Awards show will be televised live Wednesday, April 23rd on the Gospel Music Channel. (also on DirecTV channel 338). More details about the GMA Dove Awards @ http://www.gospelmusic.org/.

SPORTS:
The Winston-Salem Warthogs will be holding their annual Fan-Fest this afternoon (Wed) at Ernie Shore Field. Enjoy an afternoon practice then meet the players. There will be lots of games and rides for the kids. The Warthogs Fan-Fest starts at 5pm and is open to the public.
Call 759-2233 for more information. http://www.warthogs.com/

Traffic information:
-The Highway Patrol will be cracking down on speeders through the weekend (April 6th) all part of Operation Slowdown.
-Expect more traffic (cars and people) in High Point this weekend…The Spring Furniture Market runs April 7-13.

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Mix of sun and clouds. Breezy…High 60
Tonight: Some clouds…Low 40
Thursday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers…High near 50
Friday: Partly cloudy…High 70

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Umbrella alert through Friday...

Only about half of High School students in the nation’s largest cities actually get a diploma. A new report by the non-profit group ‘America's Promise Alliance’ found that only about half the students in 17 of the nation's 50 largest cities actually make it to graduation day. Founding chairman of the alliance Colin Powell commenting that more than a million high school drop-outs a year…is a "catastrophe". http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080401/D8VP0U800.html

Many independent truckers are organizing a nationwide strike starting today through Thursday (April 1 through April 3) because of rising fuel prices. Big Rig drivers say that they are running out of money to support their families or pay bills since the spike in fuel costs.
According to AAA: diesel fuel is at or over $4.oo dollars a gallon in 24 states.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=60155

Severe storms rolling across the nation's midsection yesterday. National Weather Service confirming that an F1 tornado did touch down in northern Oklahoma County. The heavy rains brought flood warnings to parts of Illinois. Snow fell across parts of Minnesota and Colorado.
http://www.weather.com/

State Forestry officials are hopeful that the Sauratown Mountain wildfire is finally out. The wildfire has burnt close to 400 acres since last Wednesday *The statewide open burning ban has been cancelled. Because of inmprving weather conditions, Burning Permits started being issued yesterday.

Smoking Ban coming to three local BBQ restaurants on Wednesday. John Wayne's Barbecue, Whitley's and Smokey Joe's BBQ in Lexington will be going ‘smoke-free’ tomorrow which is also National Kick (the Habit) Day.
http://www.the-dispatch.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008803310318&source=email

Season ticket prices at Carowinds will be lower this year…about $20 dollars lower. Through May 18th… Season Ticket passes are just under $70 dollars for the park and water park. http://www.carowinds.com/

Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Switchfoot, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band (even Charlie Daniels with Mac Powell)…just some of the artists set to performer during the 39th annual GMA Music Awards. More details about the GMA Dove Awards @ http://www.gospelmusic.org/.

Lady Tarheels will not advance to the Women’s Final Four. LSU beat UNC 56-50.

The Winston-Salem Warthogs will be holding their annual Fan-Fest this Wednesday afternoon at Ernie Shore Field. Enjoy an afternoon practice, then you can meet the players. There will be lots of games and rides for the kids. The Warthogs Fan-Fest starts at 5pm and is open to the public. Call 759-2233 for more information. http://www.warthogs.com/

The Highway Patrol will be cracking down on speeders through the weekend (April 6th) all part of Operation Slowdown.
Expect more traffic (cars and people) in High Point this weekend…The Spring Furniture Market runs April 7-13.

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today (April 01): Fog early. Cloudy with rain…High 68
Tonight: Drizzle…Low 50
Wednesday: Mostly cloudy. Afternoon showers possible…High 60
Thursday: Rain…High 50
Friday: Rain…High 70