3.31.2010

Volunteers needed to help with storm clean up

You may be wondering, how can I help?
If you would like to volunteer, you need to register with the High Point Police Department today at the Community Bible Church on Johnson Street from 8 until 4pm. Residents who need some help should call (336) 906-4341.

Please protect yourself from scams...
Better Business Bureau of Northwest North Carolina
www.nwnc.bbb.org/
Phone: 725-8348

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Sunshine...High 75
Sunny and warm through the weekend

Fun facts:
Partridge Family mom (actress) Shirley Jones is 76 years old today
Also, the US took possession of the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1917

Special meet n' greet this afternoon in High Point.
Olympic speed skater Heather Richardson will sign autographs and share her stories from Vancouver at the Rol-A-Rink on North Main Street in High Point. The event runs from 5 to 6:30pm this afternoon…and is open to the public. The Rol-A-Rink in HP is where Richardson learned how to in-line skate as a kid. FYI: During the 2010 Winter Games, Richardson placed 6th in the 500m, 9th in the 1000m and 16th in the 1,500m.

The clean up continues around the Piedmont from Sunday night’s storm damage
-The National Weather Service confirming that at least six tornadoes touched down in the state on Sunday. The strongest - the F-3 tornado that touched down in north High Point. Representatives from FEMA are scheduled to arrive in the Triad on Thursday to assess the damage. Volunteers with the North Carolina Baptist Men are helping homeowners clear trees toppled by the storms. BTW: U-Haul is offering 30 FREE days of storage to anyone whose home was damaged during Sunday’s storms. http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-tornado-clean-up-100330,0,507930.story

You may be wondering, how can I help? If you would like to volunteer in the storm clean-up, you need to register with the High Point Police Department today at the Community Bible Church on Johnson Street from 8 until 4pm. Residents who need some help should call (336) 906-4341.

Better Business Bureau of Northwest North Carolina
www.nwnc.bbb.org/ Phone: 725-8348

Flood Warnings are still in effect for parts of the Northeast including Rhode Island. The good news: The big rain producing storm is moving away from the Northeast. Bad news: Flooding is expected through Friday. Rainfall across Rhode Island generally ranged from 5 to 9.5 inches.

In a reversal of a long-standing ban on most offshore drilling, President Obama will allow oil drilling 50 miles off Virginia's coastline and parts of the Gulf Coast. At the same time, he is rejecting some new drilling sites that had been planned in Alaska. The President will expand on the new drilling policy later this morning. http://www.wxii12.com/money/23008644/detail.html

Today is the 5th anniversary of the passing of Terri Schiavo. 41-year-old Schiavo was in a persistent vegetative state for 15 years, then died 14 days after the removal of her feeding tube in a right-to-die dispute that involved the courts, her parents and her former husband.

After nearly five decades, guys like James Noce finally get to tell their stories about Area 51. Yes, that Area 51. The secret government site located in southern Nevada that gets brought up when people talk about secret Air Force projects, crashed UFOs, alien bodies and, of course, UFO conspiracies. The secrets, some of them, have been declassified. Read more: http://dailyme.com/story/2010033100001987/area-51-vets-break-silence-space.html#ixzz0jkx491cT

SPORTS:
The Tarheels surviving in the final seconds last night with a 68 – 67 WIN in OT against Rhode Island in the NIT semi-finals. Carolina plays Dayton in the Men’s N-I-T final on Thursday.

3.30.2010

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

A Flood Warning continues until 3:45pm this afternoon for the Haw River at Haw River in Alamance County (east of Guilford County). Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Sunny and breezy…High 68

The storms that ripped through Davidson County and High Point on Sunday night created at least three tornadoes and destroyed dozens of homes but not one loss of life was reported. On Monday, the National Weather Service confirmed that an EF3 tornado with winds reaching 138 mph did touched down near the intersection of Old Mill Road and Johnson Street in High Point. Weather officials also confirming an EF2 strength tornado with winds of up to 120 miles an hour hit the community of Linwood (south of Lexington) and an EF1 tornado touched down near Thomasville. Yesterday afternoon, High Point Mayor Becky Smother declared a state of emergency for parts of northern High Point affected by the storms.
(Fox 8, WXII 12, The Dispatch, The HP Enterprise)

Where were you Sunday evening when strong storms started hitting the Triad?
Myra in Lexington said
…"We live (less than 10 miles) from Linwood, but my family was in High Point. We had to take shelter at a Harris Teeter before being able to get to a friends house. They had many trees fall but were grateful that not one of them hit their house."

Kristal near Midway said…"She was at church working with kids in Awana we they found out about the first storm and tried to keep the kids safe. We moved all the ones who were upstairs down into one of the gym classrooms. Many of the parents came in and kept us up to date. And at the first sign that anyone was getting anxious, one of the workers (April) took all of us who were in the lobby of the FLC and we joined hands while she prayed. It was priceless!!

Follow the track of Sunday’s storms in the Triad:
http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-html-page-storms-hit-piedmont-100329,0,6613520.htmlpage


THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED FLOOD WARNINGS FROM MAINE TO NEW JERSEY. The slow moving storm system could dump up to six inches of rain in the northeast over the next three days.

TODAY IS A DAY OF MOURNING IN RUSSIA FOR THE LOSS OF 39 LIVES IN YESTERDAYS DUAL BOMBINGS ON THE MOSCOW SUBWAY. Seventy people were injured. The attack was the deadliest in the city in six years.

THE U.S. GOVERNMENT HAS ASKED NASA SCIENTISTS TO HELP DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED TOYOTAS SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEMS THAT LED TO MASSIVE RECALLS. The Detroit Free Press reports NASA scientists with expertise in electronics will examine how Toyota's electronic controls could be affected by electromagnetic radiation, software faults and cosmic rays. The move comes as federal auto safety officials have found no electronic faults in Toyota vehicles. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/29/toyota-recall-nasa-to-inv_n_517999.html

Federal prosecutors have charged nine people belonging to a "Christian warrior" militia accused on Monday of plotting to kill a Michigan law enforcement officer and then attack other police officers at the funeral. Eight of nine in custody; one is a fugitive.

Pop rapper MC Hammer is 47 years old today
BTW: MC Hammer’s first claim to fame was batboy for the Oakland A’s

Tomorrow is the deadline… Harris Teeter is once again offering schools to win cash. Harris Teeter is challenging all participating Together in Education schools to hum, strum, march, sing, and vote their way toward a $12,500 dollar cash prize by creating their rendition of the “my harris teeter” jingle during the Harris Teeter ‘Sing My Jingle’ contest. Schools can submitt their Jingle entries through March 31, 2009. BTW: Last year Wesleyan Christian Academy in High Point won big for its ‘Jingle’ video. For complete rules and details, visit harristeeter.com.
Jingle entries uploaded on www.jingle.harristeeter.com will be judged by both a panel of Harris Teeter judges and the general public. The winning school selected by the panel of Harris Teeter judges will receive a $10,000 cash prize. Additional cash prizes will be awarded.

SPORTS: NASCAR: Denny Hamlin pouring it on at the end of yesterday's race with a win at Martinsville

Men’s N-I-T Semi-Finals at Madison Square Garden: Tonight: UNC vs Rhode Island (9pm)
http://www.nit.org/sports/m-nit/spec-rel/10-interactive-bracket.html

Longtime men's basketball and golf coach at Guilford College, Jack Jensen, has died. Jensen was inducted into the N-A-I-A Hall of Fame back in 1990. Jensen is survived by his wife and two adult children. He was 71. Funeral arrangements are pending. http://www.wxii12.com/sports/22987816/detail.html

3.29.2010

Monday, March 29, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Scattered showers. Cloudy and breezy…High 58

According to Duke Energy: Several thousand residents without power in Davidson, Guilford and Rowan counties. Check current power outages: http://www.duke-energy.com/outages/stats/

Strong storms with at least possible tornadoes late Sunday. The strongest storms moving through Davidson, Forsyth, Guilford and Rockingham Counties. In Davidson County, the Chestnut Grove Mobile Home Park off Clark Road in the Linwood area sustained significant damage. In High Point, at least 20 to 30 homes were reported damaged off Skeet Club Road north of High Point. The Apple Tree Daycare and surrounding homes were also damage by the severe storms. Damage was also been reported at Old Plank Road, Johnson St. and Skeet Club Road in High Point. People living in those areas have reported severe damage, including gas leaks.
-Damage also reported to several churches including: Woodlawn Baptist and Tabernacle Baptist in High Point
-An emergency shelter was set up at North Davidson High School for the nearly 100 displaced residents.
-An emergency shelter is set up at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Eastchester Drive for displaced residents in High Point.
FYI: 7 tornado warnings issued yesterday for Davidson County. The National Weather Service will be investigating storm damage later today.

International news: Two female suicide bombers blew themselves up on Moscow's subway system during rush-hour earlier today. At least 37 people were fatally wounded and close to 100 injured. (CNN)

"How to Train Your Dragon" souring its way to #1 at the Box Office over the weekend…raking in a ‘cool’ $43.3 million dollars. "How to Train Your Dragon" pulled in 68% of its revenue from 3-D showings. Check out the Plugged in movie review for "How to Train Your Dragon" www.pluggedin.com/movies/intheaters/howtotrainyourdragon.aspx

The Census Bureau has installed a new interactive Google Maps showing which areas have residents that have sent their census forms back in. You should have received your 2010 Census forms. Don’t forget to fill it out and send it back in. More info at www.2010census.gov/

SPORTS:
Men’s NCAA Tournament (Final Four this coming Saturday)
Duke Blue Devils vs West Virginia...Butler vs Michigan State

NASCAR hoping to go racing at Martinsville around noon. Forecast: Cloudy with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon in Martinsville. www.nascar.com

Men’s N-I-T Semi-Finals: Tuesday night 03/30 at 9pm…UNC vs Rhode Island

3.26.2010

Traffic updates this weekend...

Winston-Salem (Road Construction)
The intersection of Reynolda Road and Northwest Blvd will be closed this weekend to replace damaged drainpipes under the road. Detours will be in place.

Greensboro (update)
State Transportation officials have canceled its grand opening of the new I-40 bridge near Randleman Road this weekend. Originally, DOT announced a series of road closings this weekend so crews could tie the new bridge to the existing highway. The roadwork is on hold until further notice. So…all lanes of I-40 through Greensboro will be open as usual.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Breezy…Highs in the upper 50s.
Temperatures likely falling through the afternoon into the low 50s

The House of Representatives passed a slightly altered health care
"fix it" bill last night by a vote of 220 – 207.
The President will sign the bill into law next week. http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/25/health.care.main/index.html?hpt=T2

After years of testing, Subway will soon be open for business before the sun rises. Almost all of Subway's 23,000 U.S. restaurants will begin serving breakfast starting on Monday, April 5. “Omelet type sandwiches’ will be served on English muffins, flatbread or Subway's traditional sub rolls. FYI: Breakfast has become a popular addition to fast-food chains in recent years. Since coffee, eggs and other breakfast ingredients often come fairly cheap…the meals typically can rake in big profits for restaurants. www.subway.com/subwayroot/index.aspx
http://www.journalnow.com/content/2010/mar/26/subway-joins-the-battle-for-breakfast/business/

The Guilford County School Board voted unanimously last night for a plan to retain teachers, but remove the principal at Oak Hill Elementary. Oak Hill Elementary is one of the lowest performing schools in North Carolina. The school board chose the transformation model as opposed to removing staff or closing the school as they apply for $2 million in federal money to improve low performing schools. http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-oak-hill-plan-100325,0,3725933.story

TODAY is the deadline for city governments including Winston-Salem and Greensboro and their citizens to express interest in Google’s Fiber project. Google will install an experimental fiber-optic network in select towns to deliver Internet access that is 100 times faster than what most people get now. Google plans to announce winners by the end of the year.
http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/03/23/article/greensboro_to_put_draft_google_application_online_today

Want to sing the National Anthem at a Winston-Salem Dash game this season? Auditions will be held on Saturday (March 27) from Noon to 5pm at the Food Court (lower level) Hanes Mall. If you are among the first 150 people to sign up online you will be guaranteed a performance time. If you are not one of the 150, you can also show up as a stand-by performer on Saturday. Details on the News Blog at wbfj.fm. Sponsored by the Winston-Salem Journal and the Dash http://extras.journalnow.com/dash_contest/ For more information about the National Anthem Tryouts, contact Trey Kalny with the Winston-Salem Dash at (336) 714-2287.
All the details: http://extras.journalnow.com/dash_contest/

The Census Bureau has installed a new interactive Google Maps showing which areas have residents that have sent their census forms back in. You should have received your 2010 Census forms. Don’t forget to fill it out and send it back in. More info at www.2010census.gov/

The band Addison Road is getting back on its ‘wheels’ after their tour RV and trailer caught fire during a recent show in Vegas. CM Spin reports just one week into their spring tour with Sanctus Real, the fire destroyed all of the band's sound equipment, instruments and personal belongings. Good news: All of the bands' needs have been met. Lead singer Jenny Simmons, says, "We are completely blown away by the generosity, love and support we have received from the body of Christ.” “Fans have not only met our needs physically but also been part of restoring our souls and re-igniting a passion for our ministry as a band." Simmons says there is a new song on their album that really makes them laugh through the tragedy because of how true it stands. The lyrics include, "Do you feel the fire when the flame gets hot?...Are you living each day like it's the last you've got?...Will you step aside when it all falls down and watch it burn away?...Have a little faith when the walls cave in...Pray for strength to fly against the wind...Will you walk away when the fire gets hot, or fight another day?" For updates on the band: www.AddisonRoad.com

SPORTS:
Men’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16: TONIGHT: #1 Duke will play #4 Perdue (9:57pm)
Last night: Kentucky, West Virginia, Kansas State and Butler advancing. #1 Syracuse falling to Butler…63 – 59.

C-I-T semifinal (College Insider.com Tournament)
App State out…Pacific beat ASU (64 – 56) last night in Boone

NASCAR: Racing in Martinsville this weekend

Traffic updates
Winston-Salem (Road Construction) The intersection of Reynolda Road and Northwest Blvd will be closed this weekend to replace damaged drainpipes under the road. Detours will be in place.

Greensboro (update) State Transportation officials have canceled its grand opening of the new I-40 bridge near Randleman Road this weekend. Originally, DOT announced a series of road closings this weekend so crews could tie the new bridge to the existing highway.
The roadwork is on hold until further notice. So…all lanes of I-40 through Greensboro will be open as usual.

3.25.2010

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Mix of sun and clouds. Breezy…High 73

State Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger (of Rockingham County) has asked state Attorney General Roy Cooper to join a lawsuit that would block the massive health care reform signed into law by President Obama on Tuesday. Berger is urging Cooper to join 13 other attorneys general challenging the constitutionality of the healthcare law.
http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/03/24/article/senate_gop_leader_wants_nc_to_sue_on_health_care

In a session that lasted into the early morning hours, Senate Republicans found violations in two provisions of the health care bill, forcing it back to the House for another vote. The Senate plans to reconvene at 9:45 a.m. this morning to consider other GOP amendments to the current healthcare ‘Fix it’ bill. Republicans found two minor provisions, related to higher education, that violated Senate procedure. These provisions have to be removed from the bill, and then it has to be voted on again by the House. The House is expected to vote by week's end, before both chambers begin a spring recess. http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/25/health.care.main/index.html?hpt=T1

Political leaders on both sides of the aisle in Washington are considering new security precautions that they should take after a rise in threats and vandalism to lawmakers following the national healthcare vote on Sunday night. More than 10 House Democrats have reported threats against them since the weekend.

As part of the new health care bill, restaurant chains with 20 or more stores will be required to post calorie information on their menus. Panera Bread has said that it will be the first national chain to do so. Locally, you should start to see the calorie count boards up sometime this fall at Panera Bread locations in the Triad. http://www.panerabread.com/

The Postal Service has taken the first step toward cutting back mail delivery to five days a week. The postal governing board agreed Wednesday to ask the independent Postal Regulatory Commission for an opinion on dropping Saturday delivery. That request goes to the commission next week. Postal officials say the change would save more than $3 billion annually. Post offices would still remain open on Saturdays, and Express Mail would still be delivered. Congress would have to consent to the change.
http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/03/24/article/postal_service_takes_step_toward_5_day_delivery

A thief who stole 150 feet of copper wire strung between two utility poles in Davidson County left between 700 and 800 residents without phone service Wednesday. Deputies said the theft happened on Shiptontown Road at Highway 8 around midnight Tuesday into Wednesday. Davidson County Sheriff David Grice estimated the value of the stolen wire at $750. (The Dispatch)

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake hitting the northern Philippine’s earlier today. Buildings in the capital city of Manila shook for about 30 seconds.

And now there are 10 contestants on American Idol, after Paige Miles was voted off of last night’s show on Fox. The Top 10 contestants will go on a nationwide tour this summer.

Cuts in athletics to help balance school budgets? Officials with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School system are now considering major changes to middle and high school athletics. Under consideration -- coaches could make less money, athletic seasons may be shorter and students may have to pay to play their sports…charging students $40 for every school sport. The proposals would save nearly $300,000 dollars in an effort to reduce the system budget $5.4 million dollar shortfall.
http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-wsfc-sport-cuts-100324,0,3309881.story

Friday is the deadline for city governments including Winston-Salem and Greensboro and their citizens to express interest in Google’s Fiber project. Google will install an experimental fiber-optic network in select towns to deliver Internet access that is 100 times faster than what most people get now. Google plans to announce winners by the end of the year.
http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/03/23/article/greensboro_to_put_draft_google_application_online_today

The Census Bureau has installed a new interactive Google Maps showing which areas have residents that have sent their census forms back in. You should have received your 2010 Census forms. Don’t forget to fill it out and send it back in. More info at www.2010census.gov/

Men’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16
Tonight’s games include: Kentucky vs Cornell…Syracuse vs Butler
Friday night (9:57pm) #1 (seeded) Duke Blue Devils will play Perdue

C-I-T semifinal (College Insider.com Tournament)
App State will host Pacific in Boone tonight at 8pm. FYI: Tonight’s game was supposed to have been played last night…but the Pacific men’s team was stranded in Denver because of bad weather.

3.24.2010

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Sunny and warm…High 72

Fun Fact: Tonight’s Islanders-Rangers Hockey game is more than just a hockey game. It will be the first sports broadcast in 3D in the US.
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/03/19/islanders-vs-rangers-domestic-d-broadcast/?test=latestnews

Recall: More than 1 million baby slings made by Infantino are being recalled because the products have been linked to three infant deaths.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said babies could suffocate in the soft fabric slings. You should immediately stop using the slings if you have babies under 4 months old.
The recall involves over 1 million In-fan-tin-o "SlingRider" and "Wendy Bellissimo" slings in the US and Canada. Recall info: http://service.infantino.com/UnitedStatesRecalls.html

The Bright Leaf Drive-in on Andy Griffith Parkway in Mt Airy is no longer in business. According to their website, the closing was a surprise to them as well. Jason with the Bright Leaf Drive In commented that they leased the land where the drive in was located. Their lease was up this month and the owner did not wish to renew it. Looks like the land is going to be sold = no more drive in. Everything is For Sale…from the grill equipment, freezers, furniture. They are selling it all!! Contact, Jason at 336-244-7390 with any questions.
Email: brightleaf1955@yahoo.com
Web: http://www.brightleafdrivein.biz/

President Obama will sign an Executive Order today that ensures existing limits on the federal funding of abortion remain in place under the new health care law. The White House said the executive order re-affirms longstanding restrictions on the federal funding of abortion in the new Healthcare law. Rep. Bart Stupak and fellow pro life Democrats in the house will attend. The signing of the Executive Order will be closed to the news media
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/24/obama.abortion/index.html?hpt=T1

Immediately after President Obama signed the new Healthcare Bill into law, 14 Attorneys General from across the nation filed a lawsuit in Pensacola yesterday challenging the new healthcare plan. All of the attorneys general are Republicans except for James "Buddy" Caldwell of Louisiana, who is a Democrat.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board voted 6-3 to start laying off about 600 teachers. The school board also voted to cut the pay for all 224 assistant principals in the coming school year.

Ladies if you want to limit weight gain…you need even more exercise. A Harvard study finding that women need an hour of exercise a day…double the amount recommended by some Federal guidelines…in order to minimize weight gain as you get older. The findings, published in the Journal of the AMA, is one of the first to show how much exercise may be necessary for healthy weight women to prevent weight gain as they age. Healthy weight is defined as a BMI of less than 25…meaning that an adult who is 5’ 5” must weigh less than 150 pounds. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=a9nNSVFs6E90

Oprah Winfrey has settled a defamation lawsuit filed by a headmistress she had accused of performing poorly at her South African girls school, amid claims that some students were abused. A trial had been set to start next week in federal court in Philadelphia, but both sides have met to resolve their differences. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100324/D9EKNVAG0.html

Auditions to sing the National Anthem at a Winston-Salem Dash game this season will be held this Saturday (March 27) Noon to 5pm Food Court (lower level) Hanes Mall. If you are among the first 150 people to sign up online you will be guaranteed a performance time. If you are not one of the 150, you can also show up as a stand-by performer on Saturday. Sponsored by the Winston-Salem Journal and the Dash http://extras.journalnow.com/dash_contest/
For more information about the National Anthem Tryouts, contact Trey Kalny with the Winston-Salem Dash at (336) 714-2287.
http://extras.journalnow.com/dash_contest/

2010 Census forms. Don’t forget to fill it out and send it back in…
More info at www.2010census.gov/

SPORTS:
Men’s N-I-T: UNC advancing to the NIT semi-finals with a win over UAB last night…60 – 55.

Men’s NCAA Tournament (Sweet 16) Duke Blue Devils will play Perdue at 9:57pm on Friday night

3.23.2010

Rep Virginia Foxx on the WBFJ Morning Show

Thanks to 5th District US Representative Virginia Foxx ( R-NC ) for taking time out of her busy schedule and calling into the Morning Show today.

Listen to the entire interview: www.wbfj.fm/interviews.html

Topic: National Healthcare

Contact Virginia Foxx through her local Clemmons office:
(336) 778-0211
http://www.foxx.house.gov/

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Mix of sun and clouds. Breezy…High 60
Wilkes County is under a Wind Advisory until midnight tonight.

Mobile Blood Unit from Ft Bragg is collecting blood for our troops today from 11am til 7pm at the National Guard Armory on Silas Creek Parkway (near Forsyth Tech in Winston-Salem). Walk ins welcomed. Call ahead for more details: 413-8432

FREE ‘Cone Day’ at Ben & Jerry’s TODAY: Ben & Jerry’s will give you a free cone or cup of ice cream from Noon until 8 p.m. Contributions will benefit local non-profits including the Children’s Museum of Greensboro and Winston-Salem and the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival. Ben & Jerry’s locations:
Greensboro - Shops at Friendly Center
High Point - the Palladium at Deep River
Winston-Salem - Harper Hill Commons
Store locator: http://www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/scoop-shop-locator/

Auditions to sing the National Anthem at a Winston-Salem Dash game this season will be held this Saturday (March 27) Noon to 5pm Food Court (lower level) Hanes Mall. If you are among the first 150 people to sign up online you will be guaranteed a performance time. http://extras.journalnow.com/dash_contest/
Those who are not contacted by the Winston-Salem Dash to schedule an audition time are encouraged to attend on Saturday, March 27, and register as a stand-by performer. Sponsored by the Winston-Salem Journal and the Winston-Salem Dash.
For more information about the National Anthem Tryouts, contact Trey Kalny with the Winston-Salem Dash at (336) 714-2287.
All the details: http://extras.journalnow.com/dash_contest/

Ten states including Florida, South Carolina and Texas are planning on filing a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new health care reform bill that passed on Sunday. Florida's attorney general Bill McCollum, saying that the recently passed Healthcare Bill will force states to spend money, which violates 10th Amendment. The lawsuit will be filed once President Obama signs the health care bill into law later this morning. http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/22/health.care.lawsuit/index.html?hpt=T1

Republicans are working on repealing the healthcare legislation. Obama and the Democrats are trying to keep voters focused on the new benefits, rather than the size, cost or complexity of the bill.

Toyota warned dealerships back in 2002 that Camry owners were complaining about throttles surging and recommended adjustments in an electronic control unit to fix the problem. According to a document obtained by CNN, a service bulletin went to every U.S. Toyota dealership in late August 2002 after some customers reported their vehicles were speeding up unexpectedly. Toyota has blamed acceleration surges on floor mats it says can trap accelerator pedals and recalled more than 2.3 million vehicles in January for sticky accelerator pedals. http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/03/22/toyota.throttle.warning/index.html?hpt=T2

THE UNITED NATIONS REPORTS THE MOST DEADLY THING IN THE WORLD TODAY IS NOT VIOLENCE, BUT DIRTY WATER. The Secretary-General is calling for better protection of the Earth's most precious resource. The U-N Environment Program indicates that two million tons of sewage and industrial and agricultural waste are poured in the earth's waters every day.
One child under the age of five dies every 20 seconds from water-related diseases.

The Internet company Google has announced that it will stop censoring search results in China and redirect search requests from Chinese users through its server in Hong Kong. In an announcement posted on the company's Web site Monday, Google said the decision did not mean it was leaving China.
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/Google-to-Redirect-Chinese-Services-Through-Hong-Kong-88852572.html

You should have received your 2010 Census forms. Don’t forget to fill it out and send it back in. More info at www.2010census.gov/

SPORTS:
Men’s N-I-T: http://www.nit.org/sports/m-nit/spec-rel/10-interactive-bracket.html
Virginia Tech beating UCONN last night
UNC plays UAB tonight

Men’s NCAA Tournament Interactive brackets: http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball/men/
Duke Blue Devils advancing to the Sweet 16. Duke plays

3.22.2010

Monday, March 22, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Mix of sun and clouds. Breezy. Temperatures holding in the mid 50s today…

(Update) The House of Representatives passing the Healthcare Reform Bill late last night with a final vote of 219 to 212. The Bill will require most Americans to carry insurance, with subsidies for those who can't afford it. Thirty-four Democrats voted against the legislation. As expected, all House Republicans voted against the bill.
-President Obama struck a last minute deal with Representative Bart Stupak (D-Michigan) and fellow pro-life democrats…promising an Executive Order (once the bill passed) stating that Federal tax dollars will not be used for abortion services except in cases of sexual assault or incest, or when the life of the woman is in danger.
-A companion package making a series of changes sought by House Democrats to the larger bill, which already passed the Senate, was approved 220-211. The ‘fix-it bill’ will now go to the Senate, where debate is expected to begin as early as Tuesday. Senate Democrats hope to approve it unchanged and send it directly to President Obama. The President is expected to sign the larger bill early this week.
How did your Rep vote? www.wxii12.com/money/22904834/detail.html#NC

From Healthcare to Immigration reform: Thousands of supporters packed Washington DC on Sunday urging Congress and the President to overhaul the nation’s immigration system.
The protestors want legislation that offers the country's 10.8 million illegal immigrants a path to citizenship this year.

Crisis counselors are going to be available at Petree Elementary School in Winston-Salem today, after a fifth-grader died of Meningitis on Friday. Crystal Robinson passed away at Wake Forest / Baptist Medical Center on Friday after getting sick on Thursday. Investigators are trying to determine the exact form of the disease. Meningitis can be caused by either a virus or bacteria and typically is caught by being in close contact with other people.
The early symptoms of meningitis are similar to the flu.

Police responding to two robberies at the Circle K on University Parkway in Winston-Salem over the weekend. A man with a gun robbed the store early Saturday morning. Then, early Sunday morning a man yielding a machete robbed the Circle K on University Parkway. Anyone with information about the two robberies. Contact the Winston-Salem Police Department or CrimeStoppers at 727-2800.

A volcano in southern Iceland has erupted for the first time in almost 200 years. Officials fear that this could trigger a larger and potentially more dangerous eruption at a nearby volcano.

You should have received your 2010 Census form. Don’t forget to fill it out and send it back in.
More info at www.2010census.gov/

SPORTS:
Men’s NCAA Tournament: Duke Blue Devils advancing to the Sweet 16

Men’s N-I-T: Two ACC teams still playing: Virginia Tech vs UCONN tonight at 7pm. UNC vs UAB on Tuesday. http://www.nit.org/

NASCAR: Jimmie Johnson taking the checkered flag at Bristol. His third win of the season…

3.19.2010

Healthcare Reform Bill...Sunday vote

Play by play of Sunday's Healthcare Vote (Fox News)
http://congress.blogs.foxnews.com/



‘Health Care Bill - H.R. 4872 - Reconciliation Act of 2010’
The actual online version of the Bill:
http://www.opencongress.org/house_reconciliation
(Warning: If you decide to print this bill…it is a 112 page document)

Prayerfully let your Representatives know your opinion or concerns about the current Healthcare Reform Bill. Please politely but firmly urge him (or her) to vote "No" on any and all forms of the current Healthcare Reform Bill. It's critical for you to call your representative today in anticipation of a vote this Sunday.
Take Action: American Family Association
http://www.capwiz.com/afanet/callalert/index.tt?alertid=14827721

Here is the breakdown...
In a "Fact Check" piece, the Associated Press warns that if the current Healthcare Reform Bill passes, your health care premiums will actually go up rather than down.

A survey published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that 46% of doctors will seriously consider leaving the medical profession if the Healthcare Reform Bill goes through. What good is health insurance if you have no doctor to go to?

Americans for Tax Reform estimates that because of the bill's onerous impact on small businesses, the Healthcare Reform Bill will cost the American economy 690,000 jobs over the next decade.

(AP) Beginning in 2014, most Americans would be required for the first time to purchase insurance or face penalties if they refused. Large businesses would face fines if they did not offer good-quality coverage to their workers. Millions of families with incomes up to $88,000 a year would receive government help to defray their costs.

The Democrats are struggling to get the votes they need, and they are putting enormous pressure on wavering fellow congressmen.

Taxpayers will be funding abortions in the U.S. for the first time ever.
Moderate House Democrats as well as conservative Republicans object to provisions that would allow federal funding for abortions.

FYI: A Fox News poll revealed that 55% of Americans oppose the current reforms being considered.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Sunny skies…High 70
‘Spring’ officially arrives Saturday afternoon at 1:32pm EDT

Vote on the Healthcare Reform Bill likely this weekend
In a "Fact Check" piece, the Associated Press warns that if the current Healthcare Reform Bill passes, your health care premiums will actually go up rather than down.
Taxpayers will be funding abortions in the U.S. for the first time ever. A Fox News poll revealed that 55% of Americans oppose the current reforms being considered. BTW: The Health care legislation has been posted on the Internet. House rules provide for a 72-hour public review period.

‘Health Care Bill - H.R. 4872 - Reconciliation Act of 2010’
The actual online version of the Bill:
http://www.opencongress.org/house_reconciliation
(Warning: If you decide to print this bill…it is a 112 page document)

Please let your Representatives know your opinion or concerns about the current Healthcare Reform Bill. American Family Association
Take Action:
http://www.capwiz.com/afanet/callalert/index.tt?alertid=14827721
Please politely but firmly urge him (or her) to vote "No" on any and all forms of the current Healthcare Reform Bill. It's critical for you to call your representative today in anticipation of a vote this Sunday.

Pennsylvania Student Free to Wear 'Abortion Is Not Healthcare' Shirt at school
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100318/pa-student-free-to-wear-abortion-is-not-healthcare-shirt/index.html

Officials with Dell saying that they will extend the life of its computer factory in Forsyth County for another three months. Dell will stay open through October. (journalnow)

Local and state transportation officials are considering ‘tolls’ to help pay for new roads projects the state (and in the Triad). The Turnpike Authority, created in 2002, is authorized to develop and maintain nine projects across North Carolina. six projects are being considered for toll roads. To create a toll road, the state must give drivers a FREE alternative route as well.
http://www.ncturnpike.org/

An ongoing debate over the exact location of the county line between Guilford and Alamance Counties has been resolved. Guilford County Commissioners approved the original 1849 dividing line last night. But the mayor of Gibsonville will likely ask state legislators to reject the line until affected citizens in his city can have their voice heard.
http://www.myfox8.com/news/wghp-gibsonville-mayor-county-line-100318,0,6806716.story

You should have received your 2010 Census form in the mail this week. Don’t forget to fill out the Census and send it back in. Details: www.2010census.gov/

Men’s NCAA Tournament
Wake Forest will play #1 Kentucky (Saturday 8:15pm)…after topping Texas last night in OT…81 – 80. Upsets on Thursday: Georgetown, Notre Dame and Vandy…OUT

Friday First Round action:
2:45…Clemson
7:15…Georgia Tech
7:25…Duke Blue Devils vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff
9:50…Maryland
Interactive brackets: http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball/men/

Men’s N-I-T:
UNC vs Mississippi State (noon)
NC State vs UAB (6pm)
VT vs UCONN on Monday
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/nit/sports/m-nit/auto_pdf/2010bracket.pdf

NASCAR: Food City 500 in Bristol, Tennessee

3.18.2010

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Mix of clouds and some sun…High 68

Recall: The Consumer Product Safety Commission announcing a voluntary recall of some 1.2 million “Harmony-TM" high chairs made by Graco. For more information about the recall or to order a repair kit, visit Graco's Web site...
www.gracobaby.com/SafetyAndRecall/Pages/SafetyAndRecallArticle.aspx?recallID=31&page=SafetyAndRecall
or call customer support at 800-345-4109.
www.cpsc.gov

More than 100 complaints lodged over fixed Toyotas… Complaints of sudden acceleration in Toyotas repaired under recalls have nearly doubled in the past two weeks, according to an Associated Press analysis of government data. The automaker did not immediately comment Wednesday on the latest complaints. Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide since October over complaints that gas pedals can become sticky or trapped under floor mats. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100318/D9EGR9TG1.html

(Alert) A new password-stealing virus is targeting Facebook users. According to anti-virus software maker McAfee, the emails tell recipients that the passwords on their Facebook accounts have been reset, urging them to click on an attachment to obtain new login credentials. If the attachment is opened, the software could steal your personal information. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62G5A420100318

Member of the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association have voted to support a bill in the State Senate that would prohibit convicted felons from running for sheriff. A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s association saying that the vote wasn’t aimed at any particular candidates currently running for sheriff in the state. The bill was sponsored in 2009 by state Senator Stan Bingham R-Davidson. http://www.journalnow.com/content/2010/mar/18/bill-gets-key-help/news/

Primo Water Corp going public? Owner Billy Prim filed a petition with the Securities and Exchange Commission last Friday. Primo plans to use the proceeds to retire debt and to repay a revolving credit loan. Billy Prim also is the majority owner of the Winston-Salem Dash.
http://www.journalnow.com/content/2010/mar/17/171548/prim-files-petition-ipo-primo-water/

A fourth-grader at Westfield Elementary School has been suspended for five days for allegedly bringing marijuana onto the Elementary school campus. The 9-year-old boy at Westfield was behaving strangely last Thursday. The case also is still under investigation by the Surry County’s sheriff’s office.
http://www.mtairynews.com/view/full_story/6732847/article-Fourth-grader-caught-with-marijuana-?instance=home_viewed

Restoration Place Ministries is having their first annual fashion show fundraiser tonight at the Greensboro Country Club. The “Dignity by Design – Restoration Runway” fashion show fundraiser starting at 6pm. Restoration Place Ministries assists women through Christ-centered, affordable, long-term counseling opportunities. For more information contact Cindy Mondello at (336) 508-8573 www.restorationplaceministries.org

The FCC is enforcing its new rule that requires anyone using a wireless microphone that operates in the 700 MHz band, which was auctioned off to companies like Verizon and AT&T, to stop operating their wireless mics or devises no later than June 12th, 2010. Reed Hall, director of Audio & Technical Production at Lakewood Church in Houston, tells The Christian Post that churches are the number one users of wireless systems in the country, with 90% of them having at least one wireless system. Lakewood, which operates some 70 wireless systems, was among a number of churches in 2008 that opposed opening up the 700 MHz spectrum. The church supports a bill that protects 13 different classes of wireless microphone users, including churches, amusement parks, museums, stadiums and theaters.
Details: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/wirelessmic_advisory.pdf

Have you received your 2010 Census form in the mail, yet? You should be receiving your copy of the Census form by mail this week. More info at www.2010census.gov/

(Take Action) The House is expected to vote this week on the health care reform bill passed by the Senate in December. The Senate bill is unpopular among some House Democrats because it doesn't include a public health care coverage option favored by liberals, while some moderate House Democrats as well as conservative Republicans object to provisions that would allow more federal funding for abortions.
www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/03/17/health.care.current.explainer/index.html?hpt=T2

Please let your Representatives know your opinion and concerns about the current Healthcare Reform Bill. Check out the link on the upper right side of this site.

SPORTS: Have you filled out your ‘brackets’ yet????
Men’s NCAA Tournament starts today…
Interactive brackets: http://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball/men/

Wake Forest plays Texas…tonight at 9:30pm
Friday: Duke vs Arkansas-Pine Bluff

3.17.2010

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Mostly sunny…High 62

Although it's become traditional to wear green AND eat corned beef and cabbage on St Patty’s Day…actual Saint Patrick had little to do with these practices.
Check out the story of the real St Patrick:
www.cbn.com/spirituallife/ChurchAndMinistry/ChurchHistory/colson_stpatrick.aspx

RECALL: Honda Motor Company is recalling over 400,000 vehicles in the US because of problems with the braking system. The recall applies to Odyssey minivans and the Honda Element - Model years 2007-2008. The recall applies to 344,000 Odyssey minivans made in Lincoln, Ala., and 68,000 Element utility vehicles assembled in East Liberty, Ohio. If the problem is left unrepaired, the brakes could eventually stop working.
Honda Recall link:
https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/SEO/HondaRecall.asp?recallStatus=NO%20VIN&recallId1=NO%20RECALL%20IDS
Story: http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/Honda-to-Recall-412000-Vehicles-for-Brake-Problems-87854582.html

READERS DIGEST HAS COMPILED A LIST OF THE STATES WITH THE SAFEST AND DEADLIEST ROADS IN THE NATION. The top three ‘safest’ states are Kansas, Wisconsin and Montana. The most dangerous roads are located in California, Hawaii and Louisiana.
The researchers factored in the latest data for spending, congestion, road and bridge condition, and safety to see how the states rate.

Kindergarten registration in Guilford County is now open. Students who turn 5 on or before Aug. 31 are able to enroll. Not sure what school? Use the Guilford County school locator at
www.gcsnc.com/locator0809¬/streetsearch.aspx
Guilford County student assignment office: (336) 370-8303.
Story: http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/03/17/article/kindergarten_registration_now_open

A man who allegedly shot someone inside a Walmart on Sunday night in Wilkesboro has turned himself into police. Franklin Jerome Carlton is being held in the Wilkes County Jail. 22-year-old Jesse Holt, the man who was shot by Carlton, has been released from the hospital. http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-story-walmart-suspect-arrested-100317,0,2185890.story

A 7th WORLD VISION STAFF MEMBER HAS DIED FROM INJURIES THEY RECEIVED LAST WEEK DURING A TERRORIST ATTACK IN NORTHWEST PAKISTAN. Several gunmen opened fire inside the World Vision office…then, detonated a bomb as they departed. The majority of World Vision's staff in Pakistan are Muslim. Many of whom are born and raised in the communities they work in.

HOUSE MAJORITY WHIP JAMES CLYBURN SAYS THE VOTE ON HEALTH CARE COULD BE PUSHED BEYOND EASTER. A vote on the current version of the Healthcare Reform Bill in the House is expected this week. Please let your Representatives know your opinion and concerns about the current Healthcare Reform Bill...http://capwiz.com/fof/issues/alert/?alertid=14760471

TONIGHT: Switchfoot will appear on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno .
Speaking of Switchfoot, their current single "Always," which was featured in Grey's Anatomy recently, received a GMA Dove nomination for Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year.

Have you received your 2010 Census form in the mail, yet? You should be receiving your copy of the Census form in your mailbox this week. More info at www.2010census.gov/

SPORTS:
ACC teams playing in the NIT...
Both the Tarheels and the Wolfpack winning last night. Virginia Tech plays on Wednesday

10 NFL teams attended ‘pro day’ for ASU’s Armanti Edwards yesterday. The former App State quarterback is one of college football's most decorated quarterbacks. Of the 10 NFL teams in attendance, Edwards said Jacksonville wants him to return kicks, while Carolina, New England, Indianapolis and Miami want him to work out at quarterback and receiver. www.goasu.com
http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/03/17/article/appalachian_qb_will_do_whatever_nfl_asks




3.16.2010

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Mix of sun and clouds. Cooler…High 58
FYI: Don’t forget to wear GREEN tomorrow (St Patrick’s Day)

Interesting fact of the morning: For the first time, Facebook has topped Google and Yahoo as the most popular website in the US. Facebook could go ‘public’ sometime in the next year or two

You should be receiving your copy of the 2010 Census form in your mailbox by Wednesday.
The US Constitution requires counting ‘everyone’ in the US every 10 years. In May, Census workers will be making home visits to those who do not return their census forms.
More info at www.2010census.gov/

A vote on the current version of the Healthcare Reform Bill in the House is expected within the next few days. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested Monday that she might attempt to pass the current Senate health-care bill in the House without having members vote on it. Instead, Pelosi would rely on a procedural tactic known as a "self-executing rule" or a "deem and pass" – which has been commonly used…although never to pass legislation as big as the $875 billion dollar health-care bill. Republicans quickly condemned the strategy suggesting that Pelosi's plan would be unconstitutional.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/15/AR2010031503742_pf.html

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council Action, said the current Healthcare Reform bill drastically loosens abortion restrictions and would be financially destructive.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/15/AR2010031503742_pf.html

Please let your Representatives know your opinion and concerns about the current Healthcare Reform Bill. Find out more about the FRC-Action Webcast on healthcare tonight. Look for the links on the right side of this page...

Officials with Toyota are dismissing the ‘runaway Pris’ story. The driver, James Sikes, told reporters last week how the gas pedal got stuck on his 2008 Prius, sending him on a wild ride on a Southern California freeway. The 2008 Prius is subject to a recall for floor mats but not sticky accelerators. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100316/D9EFK4F80.html

A single-engine plane with oil on its windshield struck and killed a man on a Hilton Head beach yesterday afternoon…as the pilot was attempting to make an emergency landing. The man was walking or jogging along Palmetto Dunes when the experimental aircraft hit him. The FAA is investigating.
http://www.journalnow.com/content/2010/mar/16/plane-hits-kills-man-along-hilton-head-beach/

Breastfeeding in public: Legal in North Carolina but where’s the modesty?
A woman was asked to stop breastfeeding her child while at the Winston-Salem Employment Security Commission Office last Tuesday. Elizabeth Abbott, a mother of four, said she went to the employment office to search for a job. While waiting at the office, she started breastfeeding her infant son when a female receptionist asked her to stop, stating it was a distraction mainly to the men in the office. North Carolina law protects mothers and gives them the right to breastfeed their child anytime, anywhere. A spokesman for the NC Employment Security Commission said that they do have a breastfeeding policy. The office offers private rooms, if available, for the mother. If not, they ask the mothers wanting to breastfeed to cover-up or step outside. North Carolina is one of 44 states that have laws protecting mothers wanting to breastfeed in public. http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-story-breastfeed-policy-100316,0,6082191.story

Ten people, including seven students, were taken to the hospital yesterday morning after that school bus crash involving two other vehicles in Lexington. The bus driver traveling south on Cotton Grove Road crossed into an oncoming lane and collided head-on with a GMC Envoy around 8 a.m. The driver of the SUV was pinned inside her vehicle and had to be airlifted to Baptist Hospital. She was listed in critical condition.
http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-story-davidson-school-bus-ax-100315,0,1808648.story

ACC teams playing in the NIT tonight…
Tarheels taking on William and Mary (9:30pm)
NC State vs South Florida (8pm)
Virginia Tech plays on Wednesday

The Demon Deacs will begin ‘spring football’ practice today…
Wake will have to replace nine starters including QB Riley Skinner…

3.15.2010

Monday, March 15, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast (Triad): Mostly sunny…High 60
What??? A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for up to six inches of snow in the higher elevations of the Northern Mountains today.

New this morning: Traffic update… According to the Dispatch:
An early morning accident involving a school bus and several other vehicles had Cotton Grove Road near Shumaker's in Lexington closed in both directions while crews investigate the accident. Seven students and the driver from Stoner-Thomas School were taken to Lexington Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. The driver of one of the vehicles was pinned in. Once freed the driver was transported to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center via Air Care. http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20100315/ARTICLES/100319938/1005?Title=Emergency-personnel-respond-to-school-bus-wreck

According to Attorney General Roy Cooper, for the fifth year, the most common complaints from consumers in North Carolina involved health care. Consumer complaints included medical billing or collection practices, overcharging for medical services, and getting charged for supposedly free weight-loss products. (Journalnow.com)

A vote on the current version of the Healthcare Reform Bill in the House is expected sometime this week. The Democrats need 216 votes to pass the Bill. At this point, there are not enough votes for passage. Please let your Representatives know your opinion and / or concerns about Healthcare reform.

Police are still looking for a person who shot a man inside the electronics department at the Walmart in Wilkesboro. The isolated incident happened around 7:30pm yesterday. The victim was taken to the hospital. Again, police in Wilkesboro are still searching for the gunman.
http://www.journalnow.com/content/2010/mar/15/man-is-shot-inside-wilkesboro-walmart/

Flooding in the Northeast after heavy rains on Saturday. At least 7 deaths have been blamed on the storm-related accidents. More than a half-million customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut lost electricity during Saturday's storm.

Much of Chile was in the dark Sunday after a blackout knocked out power to 90% of the country. The blackout comes two weeks after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck the country, killing more than 500 people.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/03/14/chile.blackout/index.html?hpt=T2

Actor Peter Graves, best known for his starring role on TV's "Mission: Impossible," died Sunday. A publicist says it appears that Graves had a heart attack outside his home. He was 83.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/TV/03/14/obit.peter.graves/index.html?hpt=T2

Between now and Wednesday, expect your copy of the 20-10 Census form to show up in your mailbox. The Constitution requires counting people in the US every 10 years to re-distribute seats in the House of Representatives. Congress also needs the Census to allocate more than $400 billion dollars a year in federal aid to states and to re-draw political districts.
Questions on the Census include: how many people live at your address; whether the dwelling is owned or rented; a phone number; and, for each household member, a name, sex, age, date of birth and race. ***In May, thousands of Census workers will venture out to visit homes that did not return their census forms. More info at www.census.gov/

SPORTS: Six ACC teams are going to the Big Dance (the NCAA Tournament)…
Wake Forest will play Texas on Thursday...Duke will play on Friday
BTW: Duke over Georgia Tech 65 – 61 to win the ACC Tournament.
That’s the 9th ACC championship in 12 years for the Blue Devils
ACC teams going to the NIT…Carolina, State and Virginia Tech

Former Carolina Panther’s QB Jake Delhomme has signed with the Cleveland Browns…

3.14.2010

Take Action...

On Tuesday, March 16th, at 8:30 p.m. EDT, Family Research Council Action will host a live video webcast entitled, "National Townhall on Health Care: Stop the Government Takeover." This webcast will help assess the pending health care overhaul as a vote in Congress looms.
If allowed to pass, a health care overhaul like the one proposed by President Obama would be devastating to the health, economic well-being, and liberty of American families. Join us this Tuesday evening to find out what you can do to stop a government takeover on health care.

Sincerely,
Tony Perkins - President FRC

Register now to watch the live webcast on Tuesday, March 16 at 8:30 p.m. EDT
www.frcaction.org/index.cfm?i=EV10C02&f=AL10C12

3.12.2010

Friday, March 12, 2010

Time change this weekend:
Don’t forget to ‘Spring Forward’ one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night

Even after a federal court told one California School Board that it could not censor classroom banners that reference ‘God’, the school board still wants the teacher to remove the signs.
BTW: Johnson's signs, two banners with references to God, including "In God We Trust" and "God Bless America." had been hanging in his classroom for more than 25 years. http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000012238.cfm

An appellate court has ruled that references to God on U.S. currency and in the Pledge of Allegiance do NOT violate the so-called ‘constitutional’ separation of church and state.
http://www.centurylink.net/news/read.php?id=17644777&ps=1018&cat=&cps=0&lang=en&src=email

Keith Carter has been found guilty of second degree murder for the shooting death of Winston-Salem police Sgt. Howard Plouff outside a night club in 2007. The sentencing phase will begin this morning at 9:30am.
www.myfox8.com/wghp-plouff-murder-trial-verdict-100311,0,3560874.story

THE WIFE AND DAUGHTER OF SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID WERE INVOLVED IN A VERY SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. Police said the Reids' van was rear-ended and crushed by a fully loaded tractor-trailer while driving in heavy traffic ON i-95 IN Fairfax County, Virginia. Senator Reid’s wife suffered a broken nose, broken back and broken neck. Their injuries are non-life threatening. (Fox News)

A New York judge is set to make a ruling in the $657 million dollar settlement for workers who became ill after the 9/11 terrorists attacks. The settlement, announced Thursday, covers about 10,000 plaintiffs. http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/03/12/new.york.wtc.settlement/index.html?hpt=T2

Hall of Fame football player and actor Merlin Olsen lost his battle with cancer on Thursday.
As an actor, Olsen starred with Michael Landon in “Little House on the Prairie” He was also a spokesman for F-T-D. Merlin Olsen was 69 years old.

A lesbian student who wanted to take her girlfriend to her senior prom is asking a federal judge to force her Mississippi school district to re-instate the Prom dance it canceled rather than let the couple attend. The ACLU filed a lawsuit on Thursday on behalf of 18-year-old Constance McMillen. The lawsuit seeks a court order for the school to hold the prom. It also asks that McMillen be allowed to escort her girlfriend, who also is a student at the school, and wear the tuxedo. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100312/D9ED2K5O0.html

The Israeli army has been ordered to seal off the West Bank for 48 hours and tightened security around the old city of Jerusalem. One Palestinian was injured in an altercation with Israeli police after worshipers were restricted from entering a mosque for Friday prayers. The closing of the West Bank follows Israel's controversial announcement this week that it plans to build 1,600 new apartments on land in Jerusalem claimed by both Israel and the Palestinians.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/03/12/israel.palestinians/index.html?hpt=T1

SPORTS: Men’s ACC Tournament in Greensboro
Wake and Carolina…OUT in the first round. NC State shocks Clemson
Today’s games: Duke vs Virginia…NOON
Virginia Tech vs Miami…2:30pm
Maryland vs Georgia Tech…7pm
NC State vs Florida State at 9:30pm
The Brackets: www.theacc.com/sports/m-baskbl/acc-m-baskbl-body.html

Coach Brian Robinson and the Bishop McGuinness ladies basketball team are going for a fifth straight State 1-A basketball title on Saturday. Bishop McGuinness takes on Williamston in Chapel Hill.
Also…Salisbury playing in the 2-A Girls championship game in Raleigh

3.11.2010

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Showers likely. Maybe even a rumble of thunder…High 63

Breaking News: A World Vision office in Pakistan was attacked by a gang of 15 gunmen on Wednesday, leaving five World Vision staff members dead. The office received no threatening letters prior to the attack.
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100310/world-vision-workers-attacked-in-pakistan/index.html

Actor Corey Haim is being remembered by Hollywood after dying of apparent overdose yesterday at the age of 38. An autopsy will be performed later today. Haim shot to fame in the 80s -- when he co-starred in a number of films with Corey Feldman including the film "The Lost Boys." http://voices.washingtonpost.com/celebritology/2010/03/celebs_remember_corey_haim_bet.html

The jury in the Howard Plouff murder trial began deliberations yesterday afternoon. Keith Carter, the man accused of shooting Sergeant Plouff in 2007, chose not to take the stand and the defense declined to present evidence. The jury will continue deliberating this morning.
http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-story-plouff-trial-100310,0,2240745.story

Police in Greensboro are investigating a scam that took several hundred people to the ‘cleaners’. Applicants thought that they were getting jobs with Spic-N-Span Cleaning, a company offering jobs on Craigslist. The company requested a check upfront for $55 dollars for uniforms. Now, Spic-N-Span Cleaning has skipped town. Police estimate that the scam brought in close to $5,500 dollars per day. If you were ‘taken’ by the scam you are urged to file a police report.
http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=138695&catid=57

Strong storms and damaging winds hitting Northern Arkansas overnight. There were reports of at least three tornados. At least 18 homes were damaged. (the Weather Channel)

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools could cut close to a dozen assistant principals positions and require unpaid vacations from employees in order to help make up…for an expected $5.25 million dollar budget deficit. The only cuts approved: the suspension of teacher bonuses. The school board will make the final decision about cuts at the end of April. Governor Bev Perdue has already asked districts to prepare for a 3% cut. (journalnow.com)

(Kansas City, Missouri) The Kansas City school board approved a plan to close or consolidation close to half of the city's public schools because of an ever growing deficit. The move will eliminate 700 jobs. Schools in at least 17 states have opted for four-day weeks.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/03/11/missouri.school.closings/index.html?hpt=T1

Bank of America will eliminate overdraft fees on debit card purchases beginning this summer.
New requirements from the Federal Reserve will go into effect in July.
http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/10/news/companies/Bank_of_America_overdraft_fees/index.htm?cnn=yes&hpt=T2

SWITCHFOOT WILL APPEAR ON THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO NEXT WEDNESDAY. (MARCH 17th) Speaking of Switchfoot, their current single "Always," which was featured in Grey's Anatomy recently, received a GMA Dove nomination for Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year.

Details about the “I Am Not Ashamed” campaign, to promote the authority of the Bible and organized by the apologetics ministry ‘Answers in Genesis’ on the News Blog at wbfj.fm. “I Am Not Ashamed” is inspired by Romans 1:16. www.iamnotashamed.org

SPORTS: Former Panthers QB Jake Delhomme may not be out of work for long. Delhomme will be in Cleveland today to meet with the Browns.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2010/03/ex-panthers-qb-jake-delhomme-set-to-visit-with-cleveland-browns/1

MEAC Tournament at the Joel: Not a great day for the A + T Aggies yesterday. Both the men’s and women’s teams lost.

Men’s ACC Tournament starts at noon today.
http://www.theacc.com/sports/m-baskbl/acc-m-baskbl-body.html
First game: Boston College vs Virginia
Wake Forest plays at 2:30pm
UNC plays at 7pm
NC State at 9:30pm
**Duke, Virginia Tech, Maryland and Florida State have ‘byes’ and will play winners from today’s games on Friday

Expect lots more traffic volume around the Greensboro Coliseum
through the weekend

3.10.2010

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Cloudy skies. Showers possible this afternoon…High 62
Widespread rain tonight into Thursday

Federal investigators are examining that Toyota Prius that accelerated out of control down a mountainous interstate in San Diego County, California Monday afternoon. The Prius is NOT part of the current Toyota recall of gas pedals that stick…but the Prius is covered under an earlier recall of floor mats that can interfere with accelerators. http://www.toyota.com/

Toyota Incentives seem to be working? Officials with Toyota saying that vehicle sales in the US have spiked around 50% during the first eight days of March. http://www.wxii12.com/money/22791037/detail.html

The CBS “Early Show" co-host Harry Smith will have a colonoscopy LIVE during the show this morning. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/08/earlyshow/health/main6278238.shtml

Locally, Digestive Health Specialists are providing ’50 FREE colonoscopies for 50 year olds’ through the end of March. The FREE colonoscopies will be performed by the professionals with Digestive Health Specialists at any of their Triad offices.
To apply: http://www.digestivehealth.ws/ 768-6211

In one of the largest joint FTC-state settlements on record… LifeLock security has agreed to pay $12 million dollars to settle charges the company made deceptive claims about its ability to protect customers from identity theft. -This agreement effectively prevents LifeLock from misrepresenting that its services offer absolute prevention against identity theft.
-LifeLock charges $10 a month for services it says will help keep users safe from identity theft. Since 2006, the company has marketed its services by displaying the Social Security number of chief executive, Todd Davis, on the side of a truck.
http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/09/news/companies/life_lock_FTC_settlement/

Google is adding ‘bike lanes’ to its online ‘mapping and directions’ options. Starting today, the new bicycling directions are available on Google Maps.
Google spent the past six months tweaking its mapping service so it could recommend routes that would steer bicyclists away from big hills and heavily congested streets. The feature can be used to pinpoint bicycling trails in more than 150 cities.
The biking directions initially will be available only for the United States.
http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/03/10/article/google_adds_bicycling_directions_to_maps

Check out more information about the “I Am Not Ashamed” campaign, to promote the authority of the Bible and organized by the apologetics ministry ‘Answers in Genesis’.
"I Am Not Ashamed” is inspired by Romans 1:16…
www.iamnotashamed.org

SPORTS:
Carolina Panthers releasing Brad Hoover on Monday. Panthers’ safety Chris Harris posted the information on Twitter. The 33-year-old Hoover, who also starred at Ledford High School and Western Carolina, has spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Panthers. He had one year left on his most recent contract. Only John Kasay (204 games) and Muhsin Muhammad (154) have played in more games for the Panthers. Hoover played in 152 games.
http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20100308/ARTICLES/100309922/1003/stormpost&tc=email_newsletter

MEAC conference: NC A and T beat Howard last night 65 – 55. A and T will play top-seeded Morgan State tonight at the Joel.

Men’s ACC Tournament starts on Thursday. Practice sessions at the Greensboro Coliseum today. 10 of the 12 ACC teams will be practicing. Free + open to the public
http://www.theacc.com/sports/m-baskbl/acc-m-baskbl-body.html

The Lexington Youth Theatre, Inc presents 'Seussical - The Musical'
this weekend at the Smith Civic Center in Lexington
http://www.lexingtonyouththeatreinc.com/

3.09.2010

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Mostly sunny and warm…High 72

Police are wondering who is shooting out car windows along Wendover Avenue in Greensboro…with a BB gun. Police received at least 15 reports of shattered car windows on Saturday afternoon along Wendover Avenue between Tarrant Rd. and Guilford College Rd..
Police suspect that the vandals are teenagers with nothing better to do.
http://www.myfox8.com/wghp-bb-gun-shootings-100308,0,6635003.story

One employee killed and two others wounded at a maintenance building on the campus of Ohio State University. A suspect was taken into custody. Officials with Ohio State (located in Columbus, Ohio) saying that no students were involved in the shooting and classes will be held as usual today. (Fox News)

The Supreme Court will hear an emotionally charged case between the grieving father of a Marine who died in Iraq and the anti-gay protesters who picket military funerals with inflammatory messages like “Thank God for dead soldiers”. The high court agreed yesterday to consider whether the protestors are protected by the First Amendment or limited by the rights of the mourners. The protesters, members of a Kansas based church, picket military funerals claiming that US soldier deaths in Iraq and in Afghanistan are punishment for the nation’s tolerance of homosexuality.
http://srnnews.townhall.com/news/politics/2010/03/08/court_to_rule_in_military_funeral_protest_case

FIVE HOMES WERE DESTROYED AND SEVERAL OTHERS DAMAGED BY A TORNADO IN WESTERN OKLAHOMA YESTERDAY. No injuries were reported.

A MAGNITUDE FIVE EARTHQUAKE STRUCK HAWAII YESTERDAY EVENING. The epicenter was 13 miles southwest of the coast of the big island.

National Weather Service saying this past winter was ONE of the coldest winters on record. Greensboro experienced its 10th coldest winter on record, going back to 1928. The average temperature this past winter was 37 degrees, making it the coldest winter since 1982. Greensboro had 14 days of snowfall (vs an average of 3.7 days of snowfall)
Total snowfall amount for the Triad so far …13.6 inches. The average snowfall in Greensboro is 7.4 inches. (NOAA) BTW: The first day of spring is Saturday, March 20.

ONE OF TWO US BAPTIST MISSIONARIES STILL HELD ON KIDNAPPING CHARGES IN HAITI HAS BEEN RELEASED, BUT THE GROUP'S LEADER REMAINS IN CUSTODY. Eleven Americans were arrested for trying to take 33 children out of Haiti after the earthquake.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS QUARTERBACK BEN ROETHLISBERGER IS UNDER INVESTIGATION IN THE ALLEGED SEXAUL ASSAULT OF A GEORGIA COLLEGE STUDENT. The quarterback denies the charges leveled against him, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. A woman who asked not to be named said she saw Roethlisberger and the young woman at two bars together.

THE ABSENCE OF ANTI-ABORTION LANGUAGE MAY HOLD UP HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL. The Stupak anti-abortion language is unlikely to be included in the final measure, leading some House committee chairmen to hold back their votes. The healthcare reform bill is expected to be voted on as early as next week. http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100308/abortion-fight-remains-fierce-in-health-care-debate/index.html


Sectarian Violence Leaves Hundreds Dead in Nigeria. As many as 500 people may have been killed in attacks on two predominantly Christian villages near the Nigerian city of Jos.
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100308/sectarian-violence-leaves-hundreds-dead-in-nigeria/index.html

Check out more information about the “I Am Not Ashamed” campaign, to promote the authority of the Bible and organized by the apologetics ministry ‘Answers in Genesis’. “I Am Not Ashamed” is inspired by Romans 1:16… www.iamnotashamed.org

SPORTS:
Wofford over ASU (56 – 51) winning its first Southern Conference title and a FREE pass to the NCAA Tournament

Men’s ACC Tournament starts on Thursday

3.08.2010

Monday, March 08, 2010

Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast: Mix of sun and clouds…High 64
Expect above normal high temperatures this week…

Rick Warren, senior pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California, tweeting followers that the Jonas Brothers (among others) will perform during the megachurch’s Easter service and 30th anniversary celebration. The Saddleback church has rented the Angel Stadium in Anaheim for the special ‘service’. Saddleback Church was founded by Rick and Kay Warren 30 years ago. The first service was attended by 205 people, but today the church has more than 22,000 members.
Rick Warren is the author of The Purpose Driven Life.
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20100305/jonas-bros-to-perform-at-saddleback-church/index.html
Check out Local Easter celebrations online at www.wbfj.fm/

Accident kills two Lexington men on Sunday.
Troopers say that the driver Brandon Rush, 22, and his half-brother and passenger Darrell Everhart, Jr. 28, were traveling on Odell Owen Road west of Lexington about 4:15 a.m. Sunday morning when their car went out of control, hit a guardrail, struck several trees and crashed into a ravine. Both men were thrown from the car and died at the scene. Neither was wearing a seatbelt.
http://www.journalnow.com/content/2010/mar/07/072316/two-men-killed-when-car-runs-ravine-davidson-count/

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake rattling a mountainous region of eastern Turkey. Over 50 people reported killed…71 injured. Rescue efforts are ongoing. (Fox News)

Officials in Chile have begun a 3-day period of National Mourning to remember the lives lost in the deadly 8.8 magnitude quake that shook Chile 9 days ago. Officials are still struggling to establish an accurate death toll.

Votes are being counted today after millions of Iraqis braved threats of insurgent violence to go to the polls on Sunday. Iraqi officials estimate the turnout in Sunday's vote at between 55 and 60 percent. This is only the second national election since American troops led the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and the first in which Iraqi security has taken the lead.
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/middle-east/Iraqis-Count-Votes-in-Election-86839652.html

Interesting night at the Academy Awards: Sandra Bullock winning the Oscar for ‘Best Actress’ for her performance in "The Blind Side". “The Hurt Locker” walking away with 6 Oscars…including Best Picture. The movie’s director, Kathryn Bigelow, made history by becoming the first woman to win ‘Best Director’. Pixar’s ‘UP’ winning for Best Animated film.

New at the movies: “Alice in Wonderland” number one at the Box Office…raking in $116 million dollars. Check out the latest movie and music reviews from Focus on the Family and Plugged in Online. http://www.pluggedin.com/

Here's one grandmother who makes time for her grandson. Michelle Cuestas of Green Bay, Wisconsin used two vacation days and camped out for 43 hours to make sure her grandson would be first in line for the 2010 opening of a Stevens Point ice-cream landmark.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100307/D9E9ROBG1.html

SPORTS:
Lady Blue Devils winning the Women’s ACC Tournament on Sunday
http://www.theacc.com/sports/

ASU taking on Wofford tonight in the final of the Men’s Southern Conference Tournament in Charlotte. http://www.soconsports.com/SplashPage.dbml?SPLASH_AD_ID=490035

Men’s ACC Tournament starts on Thursday at the Greensboro Coliseum.
http://www.theacc.com/sports/m-baskbl/acc-m-baskbl-body.html

NASCAR: Kurt Busch endures extra laps to win in Atlanta

3.05.2010

Friday, March 05, 2010

Statewide Tornado Drill :
As part of Severe Weather Awareness week: The statewide tornado drill took place this morning (Friday, March 5) at 9:30am. The TORNADO DRILL was broadcast over NOAA Weather Radios and will activate the State's Emergency Alert System including local radio and cable stations.

The new ‘Youth Escort Policy’ at Hanes Mall begins today. The new policy requires mall visitors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is 21 years old or older on Friday and Saturday nights after 6pm to closing.
Details: www.shophanesmall.com/shop/hanes.nsf/security

Charges against Shirley Dobson in a lawsuit challenging the National Day of Prayer have been dropped. Shirley Dobson, the wife of Focus on the Family founder James Dobson, is the chair of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. The lawsuit filed by the Freedom From Religion Foundation back in 2008 argued that the Constitution was “written to be a godless document” and maintains that government-issued proclamations encouraging citizens to pray are unconstitutional. ADF attorneys represented Dobson.
www.christianpost.com/article/20100303/shirley-dobson-dismissed-from-lawsuit-against-national-prayer/index.html

Two Pentagon police officers were wounded after a lone gunman pulled out a gun and started shooting. The incident occurred late last night at the subway entrance to the Defense Department headquarters. The gunman, 36 year old John Patrick Bedell of Hollister, California, was shot and killed at the scene. On web postings and writings, Bedell had ill feelings toward the government and questioned the circumstances behind the 9-11 terrorist attacks. (Fox news)

A 20-year-old now faces felony charges for a car crash that killed three passengers. Amanda Sperduti had already been charged with driving while intoxicated in the early-February crash in Browns Summit. State Highway Patrol records show that Sperduti, the driver, was traveling at
90 mph in a 45 mph zone when the accident happened. Sperduti is being held in the Guilford County Jail on $100,000 dollar bond. (journalnow)

On Thursday, a surprise witness was called to the stand at the end of opening arguments in the trial of Keith Carter, accused of killing Winston-Salem police officer Sgt. Howard Plouff back in 2007 Red Rooster night club. Howard Plouff’s widow, Joyce Plouff, gave an emotional testimony. (journalnow)

Another strong aftershock this time it was a 6.3 magnitude quake rocking southern Chile…six days after a massive earthquake killed more than 800 people. An estimated two million people have been displaced since the earthquake. Looting and lawlessness is a real problem in areas of central and southern Chile. (VOA)

Colder than normal weather has roughly 30 to 40 ships -- including several passenger ships -- stuck in the ice off the coast of Sweden in the Baltic Sea. Additional ice breakers have been sent to release the stuck ships.

Check out more information about the “I Am Not Ashamed” campaign, to promote the authority of the Bible and organized by the apologetics ministry ‘Answers in Genesis’. The theme of the campaign “I Am Not Ashamed” is inspired by Romans 1:16…
Details: www.iamnotashamed.org

SPORTS: Men’s ACC basketball action this weekend
Wrapping up the ACC regular season:
Saturday: Carolina at Duke (9pm)
Sunday: BC at NC State…Clemson at Wake Forest

The Women’s ACC Tournament continues at the Greensboro Coliseum.
Wake, Carolina and State women advancing…

The Men’s Southern Conference Tournament starts today in Charlotte.
http://www.soconsports.com/SplashPage.dbml?SPLASH_AD_ID=490035

The Carolina Panthers have cut starting quarterback Jake Delhomme. The Panthers will also likely need to sign or draft a quarterback to go with back up Matt Moore. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick said on an Atlanta radio station this week that he'd like to play for the Panthers. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4967109