http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/ en rowens@wcbd.com Copyright 2009 2009-11-21T21:37:55+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/whats_going_on_in_walterboro_area1/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/whats_going_on_in_walterboro_area1/#When:20:37:55Z The shootings, the crime in and around Walterboro has to have folks in the area worried. We've taken calls and emails from concerned people in the area. It seems that more and more shootings are taking place in the same general area.The shootings, the crime in and around Walterboro has to have folks in the area worried.  We’ve taken calls and emails from concerned people in the area.  It seems that more and more shootings are taking place in the same general area. I have been out there to cover a couple of the shootings, and it appears that there law enforcement has a serious problem on their hands.  I was at the press conference a week or so ago when Governor Sanford was there, along with the SLED Chief and other heads of law enforcement in the area.  They didn’t have specific numbers about how many law enforcement were in the area, but they assured me there were “enough.“  It seems that more might be needed.  Since that press conference, at least one more shooting a little more than a mile away from where a couple of other shootings took place just the week before the press conference.  And now Colleton County deputies are investigating a NEW shooting that may have taken place somewhere in Colleton county…  http://www2.counton2.com/cbd/news/local/article/shooting_victim_calls_for_help_from_truck_stop/87287/ . They are still trying to find out what happened there, but they DO know a man was shot several times.  Let’s hope officials can end these shootings in Colleton county. Personal 2009-11-21T20:37:55+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/whats_going_on_in_walterboro_area/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/whats_going_on_in_walterboro_area/#When:20:37:51Z The shootings, the crime in and around Walterboro has to have folks in the area worried. We've taken calls and emails from concerned people in the area. It seems that more and more shootings are taking place in the same general area.The shootings, the crime in and around Walterboro has to have folks in the area worried.  We’ve taken calls and emails from concerned people in the area.  It seems that more and more shootings are taking place in the same general area. I have been out there to cover a couple of the shootings, and it appears that there law enforcement has a serious problem on their hands.  I was at the press conference a week or so ago when Governor Sanford was there, along with the SLED Chief and other heads of law enforcement in the area.  They didn’t have specific numbers about how many law enforcement were in the area, but they assured me there were “enough.“  It seems that more might be needed.  Since that press conference, at least one more shooting a little more than a mile away from where a couple of other shootings took place just the week before the press conference.  And now Colleton County deputies are investigating a NEW shooting that may have taken place somewhere in Colleton county…  http://www2.counton2.com/cbd/news/local/article/shooting_victim_calls_for_help_from_truck_stop/87287/ . They are still trying to find out what happened there, but they DO know a man was shot several times.  Let’s hope officials can end these shootings in Colleton county. Personal 2009-11-21T20:37:51+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/hugo_20_years_later/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/hugo_20_years_later/#When:01:06:40Z While I wasn't physically in Charleston during Hugo, I remember the day well. It seems like everyone in the area has a "Hugo" story.While I wasn’t physically in Charleston during Hugo, I remember the day well. I was in my early years of high school, and we lived in Bitburg, Germany at the time.  Pretty much everyone in my family is from (and lives) here in the Lowcountry.  We watched everything unfold on CNN. Since we were in Europe, Hugo rolled in around 6 o’clock in the morning our time.  My grandmother and her best friend from kindergarden had just spent a couple of weeks over there with us.  She was scheduled to fly back just as Hugo was hitting.  I tried to talk her into re-scheduling, but she wanted to get back home as soon as possible to see the damage. I heard stories of my uncle and grandfather grilling out over trashcans.  The pictures of places I grew up taking for granted were unrecognizable after Hugo.  What I didn’t expect were the trees.  Everyone told me how bad the trees had been hit, but I don’t think you can accurately describe how the trees were destroyed. I didn’t get to visit the area again until June the next year. I remember driving around out in the country where there were areas full of trees.  Only this time, the trees had been cut half-way down.  Entire fields of trees all looked like snapped toothpicks.  When you consider how easy it is to snap just one toothpick in half, but how difficult it would be to snap an entire box of toothpicks in half at once, it really showed the power of the storm. I mean, take a toothpick a couple of feet wide.  Now multiply that by hundreds, or even thousands of them, and in the span of a few hours, snap them all in half.  That’s what Hugo was. Hugo changed the face of the Lowcountry.  And it wasn’t all for the worse.  I remember the homes along the Isle of Palms.  Now, I didn’t have all those homes committed to memory, but it appears that the “Post-Hugo” homes on the Isle of Palms were many times grander than the homes that had been there before Hugo. One thing I wish I had been able to be part of was the sense of community that Hugo brought about.  While I wasn’t here to witness it first hand, I understand neighbors who hadn’t done much more than wave at each other in passing began to spend time together with community cookouts, and “tree cuttings.“  There was work to be done, and from what I heard, everyone worked together.  It would be nice to get a little of that spirit today. I’ve sometimes wondered if the Amish might know something about community that we all could learn from if we took the time to learn. That’s the impression I had about the post-Hugo time in the Lowcountry. It wasn’t easy, but from the stories I hear, it wasn’t all bad either. How about you?  What is your Hugo story?  Post a comment.  I’d love to read it. Personal 2009-09-22T01:06:40+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/sanford_meets_the_public/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/sanford_meets_the_public/#When:14:40:57Z Today is the first day that Gov. Mark Sanford is officially meeting with the public again since his affair was announced. He will hold a public press conference in Greer. He's also planning to talk one-on-one with South Carolina citizens during his regular "Open door after 4" meetings. Today is the first day that Gov. Mark Sanford is officially meeting with the public again since his affair was announced.  He will hold a public press conference in Greer.  He’s also planning to talk one-on-one with South Carolina citizens during his regular “Open door after 4” meetings. That’s when anyone in the state can call to schedule an appointment to talk with the Governor about anything.  I’m a citizen, and I called to schedule an appointment this morning to talk with the Governor.  I’ve been given a 5:20PM timeslot to speak with the Governor. I just spoke with his office, and they said they would have to call me back since I’m a member of the media. I’ll let you know what happens.  So what would you ask Governor Sanford?  If you could ask him anything, what do you want to know?  Let me know by posting a comment here on the blog. -Raymond Personal 2009-07-21T14:40:57+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/walter_cronkite..._a_life_well_lived/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/walter_cronkite..._a_life_well_lived/#When:20:31:08Z Can you think of a better way to spend 90 years on earth? I say Walter Cronkite did a pretty good job of making the most of his spins around the sun.Can you think of a better way to spend 90 years on earth?  I say Walter Cronkite did a pretty good job of making the most of his spins around the sun. Imagine all of the things Mr. Cronkite did.  He was married more than 60 years. He had several lovely children.  He spoke to every current President of the United States during his time at the anchor desk at CBS.  He covered D-Day in Normandy. He was in the courtroom during the Nuremburg trials.  He traveled the world visiting almost every city of note.  He spent time talking foreign policy with the current heads of state of the world’s most notable countries.  He was the man who first found about the the Israeli/Egyptian peace talks… why?  Because he was talking to Egyptian President Anwar Sadat when he asked him when he would be willing to negotiate peace with Israel. He was the first person to tell America about JFK’s assassination. Then there’s the first man walking on the moon.  He was there to tell us about that as well.  He told us what he thought about Vietnam.  Not because he was reading about it, but because he went there to see it for himself.  Regardless of what you think about his politics, he lived an impressive life.  I’m not sure even the job of President of the United States would allow you to have the experiences and live the life he lived.  Good Job, Mr. Cronkite.  Personal 2009-07-18T20:31:08+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/what_was_that_loud_boom/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/what_was_that_loud_boom/#When:20:19:00Z We're looking into another loud boom in the Lowcountry. Do you know what it was??We’re looking into another loud boom in the Lowcountry.  Do you know what it was?? This seems to happen every couple of months in the Charleston area.  We get phone calls from folks who say they just heard a loud boom.  This time, one of our meteorologists heard the boom as well.  It was heard in Mount Pleasant last night. This is a note our Executive Producer just sent the newsroom about the mystery… FYI, I’ve called all these places to find out about last night’s “loud booms.”  In case you get anymore calls, as I have a few times today.  Shaw Air Force Base-no flights last night Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort-no flights last night Charleston Air Force Base-no sonic boom jets Cherry Point Marines-no sonic boom jets Seymour Johnson AFB-CALLING ME BACK TOMORROW (THURSDAY) NASA-no meteor activity Lockhead Martin-only flies during the day (they test F22’s) As you can see, we are trying to figure out this one.  If you have any ideas/suggestions as to what they were, leave a comment! Raymond Personal 2009-07-15T20:19:00+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/mother_killed_today_during_car_accident_in_hanahan/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/mother_killed_today_during_car_accident_in_hanahan/#When:20:51:16Z A mother of 4 daughters was killed this morning during a car accident in Hanahan. This is a story I wish we never had to hear about.A mother of 4 daughters was killed this morning during a car accident in Hanahan.  This is a story I wish we never had to hear about. While I never met Melody Wilson, after talking to her husband and co-workers today, I can tell she loved life.  She had several great reasons to live.  In addition to her family, which included 22 year old triplets and another 26 year old daughter, she has an office full of friends who miss her dearly. These are truely stories we wish we never had to report. Learn more about Melody from the story we aired at 5PM today… http://www.counton2.com/cbd/news/local/article/mother_of_4_killed_after_car_accident_this_morning_in_hanahan/44741/ Personal 2009-07-14T20:51:16+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/stay_safe_this_4th_of_july/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/stay_safe_this_4th_of_july/#When:14:57:41Z A story that we are airing tonight highlights how dangerous fireworks can be. A Savannah woman tells our sister station, WSPA about how her son lost the sight in his left eye. The fireworks that caused the damage surprised me.A story that we are airing tonight highlights how dangerous fireworks can be.  A Savannah woman tells our sister station, WSPA about how her son lost the sight in his left eye.  The fireworks that caused the damage surprised me. It was a Roman Candle.  The firework popped out and went directly into his eye.  Fireworks make me a bit nervous, but I’ve shot off more than my fair share over the years.  The bottom line is, just make sure you shoot them off with care.  If you are watching, try to stand back and enjoy from a distance.  As a father, I have to say I’m happy that my 2 daughters want to stand far away (the youngest just watches from the window in the house.)  As much as it might be fun to have them lighting fireworks right there with me, their fear prevents an unintentional injury.  Check out the story, tonight on News 2 at 5. By the way, here’s a look at some of the Independence Day fireworks displays… Goose Creek: -7:00 PM - 9:00 PM -Venue: Marguerite H. Brown Municipal Center (519 North Goose Creek Blvd/Hwy. 52) -Live entertainment, food vendors, jump castle, and a spectacular fireworks display at dark North Charleston: -3:00 PM - 10:00 PM -Venue: Riverfront Park (1001 Everglades Drive) -A wide variety of food vendors will be on site. Children activities will be available free of charge, including inflatable jump castles, games, the play area, the giant sandbox, and the water fountain. Mt. Pleasant: -4:00PM – midnight. -Venue: Yorktown Aircraft Carrier.  Patriots Point. -There will be a Kidz Zone, food, live bands, and Fireworks. Summerville: -9:00 PM -Venue: Gahagan Sports Complex (515 West Boundary Street). -Music, food, a fun parade, and fireworks. Folly Beach: -At dark. -Venue: Can be seen on the beach over the Ocean. Isle of Palms: -9:15 PM -Venue: Over Front Beach Kiawah Island: -5:3 p.m.- 9 p.m. -Venue: The Sanctuary Grand Lawn. -1 Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah. -Music, drinks, food, and fireworks.  Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Sullivan’s Island – -Start at dusk (around 9 p.m.)  -Venue: The Playground on Middle Street.  Georgetown – -9:30 p.m. -Venue: East Bay Park Personal 2009-07-02T14:57:41+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/gov._sanfords_saga_continues/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/gov._sanfords_saga_continues/#When:15:34:59Z The travel saga over Gov. Sanford continues to grow more interesting by the minute. I spoke to the Governor's spokesman myself, and he sent me an email saying that the Governor was hiking the Appalachian Trail.The travel saga over Gov. Sanford continues to grow more interesting by the minute.  I spoke to the Governor’s spokesman myself, and he sent me an email saying that the Governor was hiking the Appalachian Trail. Now we know he was in South America.  Here is a copy of the emails Joel Sawyer (the spokesman) sent to me Monday evening… 8:38PM: The governor put in a lot of time during this last legislative session, and after the session winds down it’s not uncommon for him to go out of pocket for a few days at a time to clear his head. Obviously, that’s going to be somewhat out of the question this time given the attention this particular absence has gotten. Before leaving last week, he let staff know his whereabouts and that he’d be difficult to reach. Should any emergencies arise between the times in which he checks in, our staff would obviously be in contact with other state officials as the situation warrants before making any decisions. Then, at 10:05PM, he sent an update… I wanted to pass along the following update regarding the governor’s location. The governor is hiking along the Appalachian Trail. I apologize for taking so long to send this update, and was waiting to see if a more definitive idea of what part of the Trail he was on before we did so. I want to emphasize that this isn’t something that either staff or Mrs. Sanford is concerned about. As we said earlier today, it isn’t unusual for the governor to be out of pocket for several days after the legislative session. We knew he would be difficult to reach, and that he would be checking in infrequently. Given the media attention this has generated, we’ll obviously update you once we have some more specifics to pass along. Now, I don’t know if Joel knew what he sending was not true (I haven’t known him to do that in the past,) or perhaps he was given bad information.  Either way, there’s a problem.  If he sent incorrect info to me on purpose, that’s a lie.  If he sent incorrect info due to confusion over his whereabouts, then that seems to support the questions some have about the problem with leaving without ensuring THE RIGHT PEOPLE know where you are (and how to contact you.) If his office can’t even get us correct information on the Governor’s location, it does beg the question of how well things would function with Governor Sanford completely out of contact with staff for any period of time. What do you think? As a journalist, my issue is less about going on a vacation that he can’t be reached at, and more about knowing that the information I am given by the Governor’s office is accurate. Personal 2009-06-24T15:34:59+00:00 http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/situation_overseas_heating_up_quite_a_bit..._north_korea_iran/ http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/owensBlog/situation_overseas_heating_up_quite_a_bit..._north_korea_iran/#When:19:08:54Z To say that President Obama has his plate full is understating in a big way. While the domestic agenda is important, the foreign agenda looks like it may begin taking up more and more of his time.Before today’s blog, I want to post a link to Mike Lacett’s blog today… http://www.counton2extras.com/index.php/lacettBlog/comments/bustin_makes_me_feel_good/22998 He is covering one of my favorite topics, GHOSTBUSTERS.  That’s one of my favorite movies of all time.  He tells you what he thinks about the new Ghostbusters video game.  Check it out!! ANYHOW, back to MY BLOG for today… To say that President Obama has his plate full is understating in a big way.  While the domestic agenda is important, the foreign agenda looks like it may begin taking up more and more of his time. The situation in North Korea seems to be reaching a boiling point.  Hopefully this is just a war of words, but considering the fact that they have already been firing missiles and testing NUCLEAR bombs, I wouldn’t count on that for the long-haul.  One of the 2 big issues now growing in that region is the fact that the U.S military is preparing to possibly intercept a North Korean ship.  The ship has been suspected of transporting weapons material in the past. The leadership in North Korea has said interfereing with their ships would be considered an act of war.  (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/19/military-set-intercept-north-korean-ship-suspected-proliferatin-missiles-nukes/) The other issue, is the Japanese media report that North Korea may fire a missile/missiles toward Hawaii around July 4th.  Both of these are major issues, and the U.S. military is preparing for whatever they might need to do in response. The other area of concern is Iran. Everyday it seems to heat up more and more.  7 people are already dead, and tomorrow may be a showdown between the supreme leader in Iran and the protestors.  Khamenei has come out and said the election results should stand, and protestors can no longer protest in the streets.  The protestors plan another protest tomorrow in defiance of the order.  Who knows what will happen tomorrow? What do you think? Stay tuned… Personal 2009-06-19T19:08:54+00:00