Sleep came in fits and bursts due to the heat. I was up for the CBS Letterman prime time special, with I really enjoyed. It was back to sleep for a little while, and up again around midnight.
I was checking my email, reading about the Christ United Methodist Church fire in Selinsgrove when a text arrived on my phone, asking me to come in early, so I could go to the Christ United Methodist Church fire in Selinsgrove.
Producer Thomas told me what elements I'd have to work with, and we were on the road.
There was a phone conference to get exact details. We got the satellite truck in position, hit the bird, established communication with the satellite company and home base in Moosic, and we were on the air for the next four hours.
Between live reports, photographer Jason and I gathered more information, video and interviews. We were both pulling overnighters, so we headed back to the main office at 8:30, handing off to Nikki Krize and photographer Tom.
I prepared a report for Newswatch 16 at Noon. Nikki introduced it live from Selinsgrove and added what had happened since I departed and she arrived. Team coverage. It works.
Of course, producers, managers, assignment editors and engineers coordinated everything smoothed out the potential rough spots.
The people at the church were more than willing to share their story. Bottom line: down, but not out. They showed a great deal of spirit and class under adversity. I have no doubt the congregation will make a comeback.
