Mic checks are boring. 

But, lately, mic checks where I work are creative, entertaining and downright fun!  Some of us had grown weary of the same ole, “Mic check 12345,” and have vowed to put the excitement back into the pre-newscast audio checks. 

For instance, the other day, when our audio guy/celestial expert Sid asked for a mic check, I responded with, “Um, Sid, I’m a little too busy to speak into the mic right now.”  I, of course, thought this was hilarious and extremely creative.  Sometimes Fletch will pretend he’s talking without making a sound, which leaves the crew scrambling to fix a non-existent problem.  Clever.  ”I love it when he does that,” says audio guy Rex Allison.

Something to keep in mind while wearing a microphone is that we (reporters, anchors, weather and sports people) can hear each other’s audio checks through our earpieces.  Recently, while Gerry and I were on the set, Corrie Cross was prepping for her live shot in the newsroom.  When asked for a mic check, Corrie responded with, “Could Sherri Talley be any more of a cougar?”  That, of course, left me with a slight question as to whether Miss Cross knew I could hear her.  Nice one, Corrie.

Pictured: KTBS audio guy Rex Allison   

“I’ve never smoked a cigarette, but I did smoke a cigar on the porch of a mansion on Laguna Beach.” –Sherri Talley 11/4/09

“It’s cool to use a foot pedal.” –Leslie Spoon 11/10/09

Clay Kirby: “Man, Chuck Norris is sure looking old!”  Jim Christie:  “He can still kick your a$$.” 11/11/09

“You’re like Sherri.  You have to explain your jokes.” -Trish Williford 11/13/09

“I’m tired after running around with the cows.” -Gerry May 11/13/09

WOLF NAMED DIRECTOR OF WILDLIFE DIVISION 

AUSTIN, Texas –After a nationwide search, Clayton Wolf has been selected to lead the Wildlife Division at Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department.

Wolf brings 20 years experience as a wildlife biologist in Texas, the last six as the agency’s big game program director. Headquartered in Austin, he begins his job Monday, Nov. 16.

“Clayton has demonstrated strong leadership skills and an inherent ability to develop consensus among diverse groups for the greater good of  Texas wildlife,” said TPWD Executive Director Carter Smith. “He is a consummate conservation professional.”

As TPWD’s Big Game Program Director since 2003, Wolf has overseen management of  Texas’ internationally-acclaimed white-tailed deer herd.

“Clayton’s record of accomplishment in the big game program, coupled with his ‘can-do’ attitude and the trust and respect he has earned from private landowners, various constituent groups, and his professional colleagues, has well-equipped him to serve as Wildlife Division Director,” said Ross Melinchuk, TPWD Deputy Executive Director for Natural Resources.

During his tenure, Wolf guided expansion of buck antler restrictions designed to improve deer age class structure across more than 100 counties. He also coordinated with stakeholders and advisory groups to implement massive changes to the state’s deer breeder program and helped develop measures to protect  Texas deer populations from diseases, such as Chronic Wasting Disease.

“With the continued increase in the state’s human population and urban sprawl,  we have quite a challenge ahead of us,” Wolf said. “It is my goal as wildlife division director to help ensure our resources are focused on the things we do best — working with private landowners and land managers to help them manage and conserve wildlife habitat. If we can do this successfully, and I know we can, we will be able to ensure that Texans continue to have places where they can enjoy Texas wildlife, whether hunting or wildlife viewing.”

Wolf began his career with TPWD in 1993 as a district biologist for the Pineywoods, where he helped implement a new habitat-driven permitting process for managing antlerless deer on private lands and assisted in the restoration effort for eastern wild turkey.

In 2001, Wolf became TPWD’s white-tailed deer program leader where he coordinated statewide activities related to management, regulations and research efforts.

Wolf received his Master’s degree from Texas A&M University and completed his undergraduate studies at Stephen F. Austin State University. He is a Certified Wildlife Biologist with The Wildlife Society.

Photo by KTBS Photojournalist Casey Habich

Photo by Casey Habich, KTBS Photojournalist

Someone posted this sign this morning in the middle of the traffic circle at the bottom of ‘thrill hill’ on Gilbert Drive in Shreveport. 

City Councilman Michael Long wanted the traffic circle built in response to complaints about speeding on the street.  Director of Operational Services Mike Strong says the circle is working to slow motorists.

However, there is a big outcry of opposition to the traffic circle.  More than 600 people have joined the Facebook page called ”Put the thrill back in Thrill Hill.” 

Last week, a motorist crashed into the circle, unearthing the pavers.  Strong says he plans on meeting with Long and City Engineer Ron Norwood about the future of the traffic circle.  He says after those meetings, a decision will be made either this week or next.