Mixing business with pleasure
Some hunters are more dedicated to the hunt than others. But it appears one school official has found a way to take a day off while still taking care of business. While sitting 30 feet in the air in a tree, the administrator called a reporter who was seeking comment on a story. The reporter commended the administrator for taking time to call and for sticking it out in a tree with a lack of deer. The hopeful administrator said rain had dampened his hunt, but not his spirits.
Red-eye reduction
In areas where hunting is part of the culture, reporters are sometimes asked to get pictures of proud hunters - often youngsters - with their kills. There are some challenges that go along with such pictures. Some readers have complained about the tongues hanging out of the mouths of deer. Others simply don't like the whole idea. In one recent photo, the photographer had to consider how to minimize signs of the entry wound. That was more challenging because the hunter came in shortly after dark and the reporter had to use flash. The hunter was proud of his shot - through the deer's left eye.
In the eye of the beholder
When the judges for the inaugural Scenes of Warren County calendar contest were picking their favorites from among hundreds of entries, the top 12 were clear. The 13th took some deliberating. However, at one point during the online voting to determine which photo will grace the cover of the publication, the public had that lucky 13th pic in first place. And no, the pictures were not put in order on the voting site based on the judge's opinions of them.
Occupy Youngsville?
The Occupy movement has become a grassroots campaign against corporate greed and growing disparity between the wealthy and the poor. A couple contacted officials in Youngsville about placing signs in the borough in line with the Occupy movement. Officials told them there are no laws against placing signs or demonstrating within the borough. The question of tents didn't come up.
Holiday spirit
The holidays are a source of joy for many, but not all. At least not all the time. After trying to juggle the vacation schedules of various employees and managers, one human resources official at a downtown business said, "I hate holidays."
Knowing who's boss
Reporters often ask people questions they don't really care to answer. Sometimes the questioned party answers anyway. Sometimes they come up with creative excuses not to respond. During a recent interview, the individual on the phone had a very good excuse for not telling a reporter everything he wanted to know. He said his group was "not in the habit of responding to senators through the press." We can't argue with that policy. It fits right in with not biting the hand that feeds you.
Bribery is the best policy
Hoping to draw a few visitors to a recent meeting, an official offered pizza for those who would show up. The official was true to his word as seven pizzas were delivered to the hungry crowd. Oh, if only every public meeting included food. It's a good thing he didn't offer steak, the room would have been full and his pockets empty.
Open records
The City of Warren has been working to eliminate blight in the city. Sometimes, a property owner can avoid a blight designation by making improvements, sometimes not. Installing new windows and siding are some of the steps often taken to ensure the committee that the property is getting better, not worse. At a recent meeting, committee members talked vinyl, but not on the outside of the house. After getting a look at a photo from inside a house, the members were impressed by the collection of record albums left behind.
Squeamish?
The traditional handshake isn't always the best method of introduction for reporters. We tend to encounter people doing what they do. We might have to talk to them while they're cleaning out stables or take a photo of them with their trophy in the midst of hunting season. Before shaking one successful deer hunter's hand prior to taking a photo, a reporter hesitated at the sight of his blood-covered hand. Both agreed a gentlemen's nod would do the trick.