Former President Gerald R. Ford, who had been battling pneumonia and heart problems this past year, passed away last night in California.
Ceremonies are expected to be held in California and Washington, D.C. with a
public viewing in Capitol later in the week. Ford assumed the presidency from Richard Nixon in 1974…becoming the 38th and only president in America's history never elected to nationwide office and the first unelected vice president. Ford was 93. (usaradionews)
A powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off southwestern Taiwan yesterday. December 26th is the second anniversary of the destructive tsunami that killed thousands in south Asia back in 2004. Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone nations on Earth. (usaradionews)
The National Weather Service in Raleigh issued more warnings this year than any other year. Officials said 577 severe-weather warnings were issued through Tuesday of this week. Weather officials said that better communication with trained weather spotters and improved radar have made the difference. (ncnn)
The mayors of Winston-Salem and Louisville, Kentucky have made a friendly wager on the result of the Orange Bowl between Wake Forest and Louisville.
and Mayor Jerry E. Abramson of Louisville and Jefferson County, Ky.,
Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines has pledged to send Mayor Abramson of Kentucky some sugar cake and cookies from Old Salem, a bottle of Texas Pete Hot Sauce, a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Champion athletic gear, "in the unlikely event that Wake Forest loses to the fine Louisville team." Abramson normally wagers a genuine Louisville Slugger bat…added to that wager…two bottles of aged Kentucky bourbon if Louisville loses. Wake Forest and Louisville will meet in the Orange Bowl on January 2nd in Miami. (wakeforest.edu)
Sports:
Local High School Basketball action…
The Frank Spencer Classic begins today at the LJVM Coliseum in WS.
The tournament runs through Friday.
Give the Gift of Life this Christmas Season…
The American Red Cross is in urgent need of donors! All Blood types are need!
The Winter Days of Giving Blood Drive is going on through January 6th.
Walk ins are welcomed or you can call 1-800-GIVE LIFE to make an appointment.
Would you like to send a News Year’s ‘Video Greeting’ to a loved one serving in the military? Select Clearwire locations in the Triad (providers of wireless High Speed internet service) will record and send New Year’s greetings to service men and women stationed here or overseas. Clearwire’s ‘Video-grams for the Holidays’ is being offered through December 31st.
Start the New Year with a ‘brick’…
In celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Dixie Classic Fair in Winston-Salem, 1,250 commemorative ‘bricks’ are being sold for a limited time. The bricks will carry a 3 – line personalized message. All of the bricks will be used to form a permanent courtyard at the main entrance to the fairgrounds. http://www.dcfair.com/
Your WBFJ Family Station Forecast:
Today: Sunny skies…High 52
Tonight: Clear…Low 32
Thursday: Sunny skies…High near 60
Staying mild with showers for the last weekend of 2006
All this week...
The WBFJ…Chick-Fil-A NUGGET
-Music: WOW 2007
-Brand new 2007 Chick-Fil-A calendar from Chick-Fil-A of the Triad
-Plus a family pass to the Tanglewood Festival of Lights sponsored by Chick-Fil-A
'Click Back' often for the latest news and happenings from Verne (the News Guy) and the WBFJ Family Friendly Morning Show.
