It's not as good once you try it

Today I covered an interesting story today.  I tagged along with reporter Julian Grace and we were sent out to a small town called Whitestown, Indiana.  There was a report from our partner newspaper in Lebanon (about 15 minutes away from Whitestown) saying that a Major in the Whitestown Police Department was arrested for a theft of a vehicle.  Now, the vehicle was already with the police station because it was taken because of a homicide investigation.  Once we arrived, the Chief wasn’t really telling us anything.  He was very upfront with us, but he said he was advised to not tell us anything until he had his investigation meeting later that day.  He did tell us that we could pick up the probable cause report from Lebanon at the courthouse.  So, we headed to the courthouse and when we asked for the report, they informed us that the initial hearing for this case was happening right then.  We hurried to the court room to figure out what the details were, but got there just before it ended.  Although we couldn’t figure out any information, we did get the Major leaving the court room and our reporter was able to ask a few questions from his lawyer.  The lawyer (who has a track record of being upfront with the media) told us that he doesn’t really even know the whole story.  So from gathering all of this information we couldn’t really make a story.  So, the reporter told the courthouse to fax him the report because they said it still wasn’t in due to the fact that the court hearing had just ended and the judge hadn’t turned in the copy.  The significance of this story is that this was the first time I got a taste of “failure” in the reporting world.  Because the court’s delays, Julian was not able to do a standup because of the lack of facts.  The plan for that day was that Julian will have to make a package without a standup (which the news director hates).  I see that not every story will go according to plan.  Reporters not only have to be smart enough to cover a story, they have to be flexible and adapt to change.

Reporting

Last week, I learned many things in developing my skill level.  I was fortunate enough to learn how to edit and put together three of my own packages.  Since I am practicing to put this on my demo-reel, the photographers and reporters were helpful enough so that I could learn what to do better in my stand-ups and how to make my packages better just in the editing booth.  It was very insightful for me and I am grateful for all of the experiences that I am learning.  The one thing that stood out in critiquing my packages was the writing aspect of it.  I know that this will be a weakness for me my entire career.  But I am not going to let that stop me because I am determined to be a reporter.  Other things I need to work on is the development of my personality, finding my voice, and a calm presence in front of the camera.  They did say, though, that will come with time and my biggest weakness is the writing.

Missing Noblesville Woman Stand-Up

**Let me know what you think.

STANDUP: Here in downtown Noblesville, there are signs everywhere in the community showing Dorothy Heard whose posters are on these two poles.  She has been missing since Monday and as the community supports, her friends and family gather today praying that she’ll get back safely.

VO—(Fam hugging, praying) Today, people gathered at Forest Park for a prayer vigil to pray for Dorothy and supporters are happy about the community’s support.

SOT—2 women—separate interviews

VO—The fact is that Dorothy is missing…the only thing that people can do now is just hope she is alright.

SOT—2 women??

VO—While friends and family carry on their support for Dorothy, everyone is doing their part in helping to find her…including the police.

SOT—Barnes??

VO—The police and the community are helping out in anyway they can.  Now all the community can do…is pray.

SOT—Amazing Grace ENDING??

With 24 Hour News 8, I’m Eli Whaley

Spierer Package

**Let me know what you think.

(VO—Kilroy’s Sports Bar 0:08) [File Name: Avid-Interplay; Projects; News; 02 Tuesday HD; Bloomington Search 6P PKG.]

This was the last place missing Lauren Spierer was seen at around 4:30 a.m. last Friday.

(VO—Pile of Papers 0:03; posters of Lauren 0:02) [File Name: Avid-Interplay; Projects; News; 02 Tuesday HD; Bloomington Search 6P PKG.] (posters of Lauren 2 0:03 & 0:11) [File Name: Avid-Interplay; Projects; News; 02 Tuesday HD; Bloomington Search PKG. 5P] The IU student has been missing for six days since Lauren was last seen, but the community has rallied around the Spierer family, and their main goal…finding Lauren.

(SOT—Random search interviews 0:08; 0:04) [File Name: Avid-Interplay; Projects; News; 02 Tuesday HD; Bloomington Search 6P PKG.]

(VO) [searchers looking for her, but no seeing anything]Even with the support of many, they still have to trace of where Lauren could be.

(SOT—Investigator 0:28) [File Name: Avid-Interplay; Projects; News; 02 Tuesday HD; Spierer Search Jay Tuesday]

(VO) [searchers…screaming “LAUREN!”; students looking around]The case remains far from over but it makes you wonder if no one can find her, how long will it be before the support stops coming?  The only thing to do now really…is wait.

With 24 Hour News 8, I’m Eli Whaley.

Lauren Spierer Stand-Up

**Let me know what you think of the writing!

LAUREN SPIERER STANDUP

Stand-up: Here on I-U’s campus, as you can see here, Lauren Spierer’s Search Headquarters has been moved from the Smallwood Plaza, which is closed, to McNutt.  Now, as of today, police has eliminated a person of interest.  It is the driver of the white pick-up truck; they say he was no longer involved.

SOT: [Captain Qualter] {01 Monday HDàA-LUREN-SEARCH-TRUCKàLAUREN SPIERER} Duration—1:45-5:37 FIND SOMETHING TO FILL—30 SECONDS

VO: [Picture of Truck] [Video of Truck] Last week, the police had a huge lead on the case with this white pick-up truck.  Police told us today that the driver is no longer anyone they consider as a suspect.  Though they have no one in particular, Lauren’s mother is still looking for someone to speak up.

SOT: [Lauren’s Mother] (Pleading for someone to come forward)

VO: As long as no one speaks up, the case will continue and people will keep pursuing Lauren’s kidnappers.

SOT: [Police searching for Lauren]

VO: Lauren has been missing since Friday morning when she was last seen at 4:30 a.m.  The community has gotten behind this story and have done everything they can to find her.  But will it be enough?  We will just have to wait and see.

Eli Whaley, 24 Hour News 8.

Reporting

This past week has been amazing experience for me!  I have been able to go out with reporters and photographers 3 of the 4 days working.  Sadly, the stories I have been to are pretty sad.  I was able to go out to Tipton where the 10 year old girl was abducted, then I went to Noblesville to figure out what happened to Dorothy Heard.  The stories heard from friends and family were experiences in themselves.  I am able to see how to deal with families in pain and how to impact them.  Also, I see how I can do that differently and maybe share my faith with certain families.  The people at WISH are very good with helping all of the interns out.  I don't worry about asking too many questions and I think that the workers understand that they were in the same situation at my age.  I really do appreciate all of the help I have gotten.  I was able to do my first stand up last Thursday and am kind of reluctant to "watch the film."  I know it's going to be bad, but I want to watch it as many times as I can so I know what I need to improve on.  I'll let you know how the film goes.  But until then, I'm going to keep learning!

Internship Beginnings

I have been interning at WISH-TV 8 in Indianapolis for two and a half weeks now and am soaking up everything I can.  I have been able to write a couple of stories for the 5:00 p.m. show, writing news stories for their website (http://www.wishtv.com/search/SERP?q=eli+whaley&t=web&s=wishtv.com&o=relevance&google_web=google), and have been following reporters like Jim Shella, Daniel Miller.  Also, I have been going out with photographers to do a couple of stand-ups for my end-of-the-year portfolio for the station.

So far, so good!  I'm loving everything about this internship.  Shockingly, everyone is extremely nice and always willing to help out with the interns.

There has a been a few adjustments during this process though.  For instance, I am used to using Final Cut Pro for editing and the station uses Avid.  It is essentially the same thing, but there are still certain commands you have to learn.  Also, the software they use for producers and writers to use is iNews.  It is very similar to EZNews, but more programs within the software.  In this program, you can search all of the breaking news from CNN and CBS, along with Indiana news.  You can also go into the program and see the rundown of every show since 1989.  Obviously, it's more of records and kind of an outline of the show, but it is still neat to look at what they covered.

Again, I am still learning and have been told by many that I will be learning 30 years from now if I stay in this business.  Everyone says this: Be multi-faceted, have several talents, being a student of the media, and most importantly (Dr. King will love this) everyone I talk to says writing is the key!

Carmel announces new jobs in 2013

By Eli Whaley

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - A new partnership of companies will play host to more than 340 jobs.
St. Vincent Health and The Barrington of Carmel are integrating to create a new senior-living community. The Mayor of Carmel, Jim Brainard, and both companies will reveal their new plans Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at The Palladium.

Mayor Brainard and representatives from St. Vincent and The Barrington of Carmel will unveil their 18-acre, 320,000 square-foot community to the public. It is currently being developed at 116th St. on Guilford Road. This senior living facility will house over 250 residents, including independent and assisted living, nurses, and others.

Along with helping the senior residents, the community will be beneficiaries as well. Not only will this open up more jobs, it will also increase economic spending. The Barrington of Carmel has already invested more than $10 million for this facility.

The representatives said they plan on opening the facility in 2013.

 

 

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/local/north_central/carmel-announces-new-jobs-in-2013

Indiana native accused of faking his own death found in Myanmar

By: Eli Whaley

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A northern Indiana man accused of trying to escape felony charges by faking his own death two years ago is back in the United States after being arrested in Myanmar.

The State Department reports that Nathan Lumbard, 28, Howe, was arrested following an investigation by Diplomatic Security agents and returned to the United States on Friday. U.S. attorney's office spokesperson Kaye Hooker in Grand Rapids, Mich., said Lumbard made an initial court appearance Tuesday in Los Angeles on charges of federal passport fraud and aggravated identity theft. He was ordered held without bond, Hooker said.

When his federal case ends, he will face the charges authorities believe he was running away from in the first place. He also has felony charges pending against him in Indiana and Michigan. Hooker said he is expected to eventually make an appearance in federal court in western Michigan.

Police began looking for Lumbard after a suitcase was found along a highway in Charleston, Mo., in August 2009 that contained some of his belongings, his Indiana driver's license and suicide notes. He had been released from custody after his grandmother posted his bond.

He still has charges pending against in LaGrange County that include battery causing serious bodily injury. He is accused of hitting someone over the head with an ash tray, LaGrange County Prosecutor Jeff Wible said Wednesday.

He also faces charges in St. Joseph County, Mich., related to the burglary and arson of a restaurant in Sturgis, Mich.

Wible said he expects Lumbard will be tried in federal court first, then he and the St. Joseph County prosecutor will meet to decide where Lumbard will face charges next.

He faces a total of twelve charges and could face a maximum of 41 years in prison.


http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/crime/indiana-native-faked-death-found-in-myanmar?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WISHTV_News+(WISHTV.com+|+Indianapolis%2C+IN+-+News)

Plainfield man missing for three weeks

By Eli Whaley

PLAINFIELD, Ind. (WISH) - Police are looking for a missing man last seen on May 18.
The parents of Morgan Johnson, 27, told police he was at the Value Place Hotel. The parents later heard from him two days later on May 20 by his cell phone.

Johnson drives a red 1995 Pontiac Grand Am. Anyone with further information about his whereabouts should call the Plainfield Police Department at 317-839-8700.

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/local/west_central/plainfield-man-missing-for-three-weeks

Cops: Drunk man pulled kid in boat behind car

By: Eli Whaley

UNION COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) - Edward Jones, who was reportedly pulling a boat on the highway with two passengers inside, was arrested Sunday night.

Trooper Rick Shoemaker was in the process of stopping someone else Sunday evening when he saw a Chevrolet pickup truck with a woman and a small child in the boat. Shoemaker then pulled over Jones, as well.

Anderson-native Jones was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a minor passenger. Jones was driving near Ind. 101 and West Curry Road in Union County, south of Richmond. He was released Tuesday from the Union County Jail on $5,000 bond.

 

 

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/local/east_central/cops-drunk-man-pulled-kid-in-boat-behind-car

Jewel theft reported in Shelbyville

By Eli Whaley

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - The owners of a local jewelry store said thieves got away with jewelry of "significant" value early Friday morning.

The Shelbyville Police Department received a call at about 4 a.m. Friday from a motorist saying that one of the store's windows was broken.

The owners of Sanders’ Jewelry Store, located at 16 S. Harrison St., confirmed that there was jewelry stolen and the value was significant.

The investigation is ongoing.

 

 

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/crime/jewel-theft-in-shelbyville

Alexandria man pleads guilty to molesting child

By Eli Whaley

ALEXANDRIA, Ind. (WISH) - In Madison County, a man is accused of molesting a 7-year-old girl. Peter Gertz, 30, could serve the maximum sentence of 30 years, 24-Hour News 8's news partner, the Herald-Bulletin , reports.

Gertz, the roommate of the victim’s mother, was arrested in August 2010. The police got a call from the victim’s mother when she saw Gertz forcing her daughter to carry out sexual acts.

In the early-going of his defense, Gertz said he suffered from a sleeping disorder and that he was not conscious when the act took place. Gertz also added that he fell asleep and then later woke up with his hand on the victim’s head.

Gertz’s attorney, Brian Williams, advised against that defense and ultimately Superior Court Judge Thomas Newman would not allow him to use that defense. Gertz pleaded guilty to the charges Wednesday and will now await his sentencing.


http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/crime/alexandria-man-pleads-guilty-to-molesting-child

Manufacturing company to create new jobs in Elkhart

By Eli Whaley

ELKHART, Ind. (WISH) - Lippert Components Manufacturing, Inc. announced that they would be purchasing a facility in Elkhart for a production line and paint system. The company plans to create 180 jobs by the year 2014.

Lippert plans to invest $8.85 million total. The company plans to begin filling the new manufacturing positions this fall.

"We are thrilled to move forward with our new facility in Elkhart … . An excellent pre-existing facility is available in the city," Jason Lippert, CEO of Lippert Components, said.

Shelbyville man killed in crash, another hurt

By Eli Whaley

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - Early Thursday morning the Shelby County Sheriff's Department got a call at the site of Ind. 9 and Shelby County Road 350 South. When officers arrived they noticed a flipped-over 2007 black Pontiac G5 and a fatally wounded driver.

The police pronounced the driver, Christopher Ayers, 28, Shelbyville, dead at the scene. They also reported that the passenger, Jacob Vincent, 19, Shelbyville, was conscious and alert at the scene.

The police investigation said the Pontiac was headed south on Ind. 9 and suddenly left their current lane. The vehicle then flipped and came to a complete stop on the west side of Ind. 9.

During the crash, Ayers was ejected from the car. He was not wearing a seatbelt. Vincent was, however, wearing a seatbelt and was flown to Methodist Hospital. Police said he was in stable condition Thursday afternoon.

Blood was taken from the driver and will be submitted for testing.

General Mills to invest $36 million in northern Indiana distribution center

By Eli Whaley

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WISH) - General Mills announced plans Tuesday to build a new distribution center in northern Indiana, bringing jobs by the end of 2012.
Indiana Secretary of Commerce Mitch Roob teamed up with General Mills and representatives of Allen County to publicize the plan. General Mills has leased distribution space in Fort Wayne since 2001. The company will invest more than $36 million in the project on the south side of Fort Wayne, set to begin in July.
"General Mills is the latest company to recognize the benefits of conducting business in Allen County," said Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters. "Such a major construction project will provide hundreds of jobs for local contractors and boost our economic base. We are encouraged to see a Fortune 500 company grow here."

Rent dispute leads to investigation

By Eli Whaley

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The state has requested the emergency suspension of licenses for two central Indiana property managers, in connection with disputes over rental payments.
Zoeller filed petitions for the Indiana Real Estate Commission to suspend the real estate licenses of Craig Bartels and Derek Crager, principal operators of Crager-Bartels LLC in Plainfield
The petitions allege the two entered into contracts for rental properties in Avon, Carmel, Westfield and Indianapolis and failed to pay property owners more than $13,000.
"By seeking an emergency license suspension we hope to prevent these individuals from continuing to operate as we attempt to resolve the issues stemming from the mismanagement of these rental properties," Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said. "The actions of these two licensed real estate agents harmed both the property owners and the families who are tenants."
The attorney general’s Homeowner Protection Unit received several complaints in December 2010 from property owners and began investigating soon after. The Indiana Real Estate Commission will meet June 1 to determine whether or not the licenses will be suspended for 90 days.

Indianapolis man beaten, stabbed

By Eli Whaley

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Officers were dispatched to a stabbing around 6 a.m. in the Indianapolis area. When the officers arrived at the home on Gimber Street, they found Bobby Moss, 34, on the floor in their living room.
Moss was brutally beaten by two men, one with an aluminum baseball bat and one with a box cutter knife. Moss claimed that the two men called for him from outside. He went outside and two white men were waiting for him. One of the men struck him in the face and the other man started beating him continuously with the bat. Then they both grabbed Moss and drug him to the east side of his house near his backyard. They continued to beat Moss again and this time, one of the men pulled out a knife and tried to slash him in the throat. Moss said he put his forearm up and lowered his head to block his throat. He was cut on the head, left forearm and hand by the blade. Both men left on foot and headed west through an alley.
After the men left, Moss went to his father’s house next door to call the police. Moss was then taken to Saint Francis South Hospital by ambulance.
Moss claims that he has a few enemies that could have potentially done this to him.
Moss was unable to get a good look at his attackers' faces, but said they are both white males wearing black hoodies, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes. The first male was reported to be 5’9”, 200 pounds and the other 5’10” to 5’11” weighing around 175 pounds.

Two men wanted for armed robbery of Arby’s

By: Eli Whaley

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) - Employees of a north side Arby’s were robbed at gunpoint Tuesday night, according to police.
Two armed robbers came into the Arby’s Restaurant, 7670 E. 96th St., and took an unknown amount of money. Three employees of the restaurant were robbed at gunpoint on Tuesday at about 10 p.m.
The employees said that the robbers took them by surprise and made them lie down on the floor as their hands were restrained. The suspects fled the scene on foot and one of the employees was able to free himself and call for help.
The two robbers remain at large. One of the suspects was reported to have a silver semiautomatic handgun. None of the employees were injured.
Anyone with information about the men or the robbery is asked to contact the Fishers Police Department at 317-595-3300.

Man shot after Muncie bar fight turned into gun fight

By Eli Whaley

MUNCIE, Ind. (WISH) - A gun fight broke out in Muncie early Sunday morning outside a bar, and a bystander was shot.
What started inside Bypass Bar & Grill escalated out to the parking lot at about 2:45 a.m. Sunday. According to the Muncie Police Department, someone then pulled a gun and fired several shots.
Charles J. Burton, 23, who was just out with his friends had called a taxi and was waiting for approximately 45 minutes, was hit by a stray bullet in the arm and torso, suffering damage to his liver. He later underwent surgery at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. No one else was seriously injured.
The police are investigating the shooting, but have made no arrests at this point in time.