Tuesday, June 05, 2007

A Mountain of Controversy at Mt. Moriah

The Opelika-Auburn News has a follow-up story on the continued controversy at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Auburn.

Pastor under scrutiny as police look for funds
Auburn detectives are moving ahead with their investigation into how local church funds were misappropriated.

In May, members of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church filed a report with the Auburn Police Division questioning the disappearance of approximately $7,500 in church funds.

The original story that ran yesterday stirred a lot of passionate reader reactions.

Today is no different.

Here’s a sampling of the reactions readers have sent us on the story so far:

The WRATH of an angry God is headed towards Mt. Moriah! Listen, first of all God NEVER called a deacon to look out for the “welfare” of the church. The word deacon simply means servant. Anytime a deacon ceases to be a servant, primarily, to the pastor then he ceases to be a deacon at all. What they need to do is CLEAR the entire deacon board and start over again! Even if the church doesn’t, God will! I’ve seen the death angel clear 8 hellish deacons in 8 weeks!! God takes his businees serious!
-Bishop

I am a member of Mt. Moriah, it was not told to me or any of the other members that the Church would be closed for service on Sunday other than the deacons family and their supporters. Kenneth Black stated that according to his by-laws the deacons ran the church, he is right, according to his by-laws and not the church by-laws. These men have brought reproach and embrassment and shame upon the Lords House and therefore the right hand of fellowship should be withdrawn from them immediately!
-Anonymous

Monday, June 04, 2007

Phone snobs unite!

Alright, I know you’re out there.  You only have one more month to wait.

On June 29th, the Apple IPhone will hit store shelves.

I have to admit.  It is pretty impressive.  But then again, I’m a nerd.

Watch the ads.

Sad Day for NASCAR

Founder of NASCAR Dead at 74
The man whom many believe is most responsible for guiding NASCAR from the backwoods to national prominence is dead.

William Clay France, who led NASCAR for 31 years before retiring in 2003 and has battled health issues for the last several years, passed away Monday afternoon at age 74.

You thought the smoke was bad here?

Opelika-Auburn News editorial page editor Joe McAdory drove through Valdosta, Georgia recently.

He says the smoke was unbearable.  The picture on his blog says it all.

Reporter Turns Politician

This is a fairly interesting story for those of us in the news business.

TV reporter announces challenge to Chambliss
ATLANTA (AP) - WSB-TV reporter Dale Cardwell has spent his career asking questions.

Today, he got a taste of what’s it’s like to answer them as the veteran television journalist announced he’ll challenge Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss for the U.S. Senate.

Readers React to ‘Locked Out’

A lot of folks are speaking out on a story that can be found at OANow.com.

Locked Out
Members of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Auburn gathered outside for Sunday School and worship service Sunday morning, but not by choice.

“It is a coup, a takeover,” he said, from the steps outside the church.

Read More

Here’s a sampling of what some people are saying:

I am a member or the Mt. Moriah Bapt. Church and I know for a fact that some of the information given is false. Kenneth Black has only been an active member for about a year and a half, and a deacon for about 7 months and has caused confusing every since he has been a deacon. It is sad that a young deacon come into the church and take over it and destroy the church in a matter of six or seven months. May God be with him, and I will continue to pray for him.
-Anonymous

First of all, the pastor is the head of the church and the deacons are as the disciples were to Jesus. I don’t think this is appropriate behavior on Kenneth Black’s behalf, he should be removed from the church because he is leading as if God has called him to lead his people. If the preacher is wrong God will deal with him for leading his people wrong. On the other hand, Judge and ye shall not be judged. GOD IS STILL INCHARGE. 4 Jesus said Where 2 or 3 dwell in my name, I will be in the midst.
-Anonymous

I am a member of Mt. Moriah, it was not told to me or any of the other members that the Church would be closed for service on Sunday other than the deacons family and their supporters. Kenneth Black stated that according to his by-laws the deacons ran the church, he is right, according to his by-laws and not the church by-laws. These men have brought reproach and embrassment and shame upon the Lords House and therefore the right hand of fellowship should be withdrawn from them immediately!
-Anonymous

BREAKING NEWS: Discovery of WWII Era Bomb Prompts Evacuation

We’ve got a developing story out of Fort Mitchell…

Discovery of WWII Era Bomb Prompts Evacuation
The bomb is currently being considered a “live” device by Sheriff’s deputies.  An Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit has been called to the scene and is currently investigating.

I can see clearly now the smoke is gone

I was excited this weekend to take a step outside and finally, the smoke has cleared from the area.  Who knows how long the smoke will stay away, but I’m enjoying it today.

There’s some interesting stuff in the news today.  Here’s a rundown:

AL Voters Decide on Incentives & State Worker Healthcare
A statewide referendum is up for a vote in Alabama this Tuesday.

Russell Co Superintendent Carter Dies
Russell County School Superintendent Vivian Carter died Sunday afternoon.  Carter reportedly collapsed during a banquet at Chattahoochee Valley Community College Saturday night.

Smiths Station High School teacher reports assault
Drayton Hamilton said he was hit in the face by a 16-year-old student on May 22, according to a report from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

There are also some non-local stories out there…

Paris Hilton checks into Los Angeles County jail

And finally, if you’re going to the beach this summer, here’s something to think about when you go into the water…

Fishermen hook eight-foot bull shark
ST. PETERSBURG—(AP)—Three men said they hooked an eight-foot bull shark that weighed more than 600 pounds this weekend after a lengthy struggle with the animal.

Friday, June 01, 2007

Tropical Storm Barry

Wow.

We knew the hurricane season started early when Andrea spun up a couple of weeks ago.

Now, on the first official day of hurricane season, we have Tropical Storm Barry in the Gulf.

Check it out.

Yesterday, I didn’t get it…

... but today, I do.

Last night, after my girlfriend insisted, I watched the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and I must say I was quite entertained.

The drama, the braces, the awkwardness of youth and the competition kept me on the edge of my seat all evening.  Good stuff.

But today is another day, and while I am in Birmingham, visiting our sister-station WVTM-TV, I’m keeping tabs on things in Columbus and Lee County.

The most notable news has to be the continued layer of smokey haze over the area.  How much longer will it last?  News 3’s Meteorologists say changes may be on the way.

While we’re talking about weather, Hurricane Season starts today.  We’ve already had one named storm, Andrea, and this year is expected to be active.

In Lee County, law enforcement officials are hoping two key arrests may cripple the underground meth trade industry.

And then there’s the story that everybody seems to have thoughts on.  A Virginia prosecutor says he has witnesses who claim Michael Vick was involved in dog fighting.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Do you hear a buzzing?

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the Spelling Bee.

No pun intended.

Actually, the pun was intended, but it was lame.  So, I apologize.  Anyway, that’s not why you called.

Much to my surprise, the Scripps National Spelling Bee is HUGE!

It’s so big, that our parent company, Media General, has sent one of our national reporters to cover the Bee.  His name is Sean Mussenden, and he’s blogging about the Bee here.

Also, I’m working out of the Opelika-Auburn News today.  I got to talking with Sports Editor Mike Szvetitz.  He definitely has Bee fever.  He’s writing about it on The Lazy Blog.

Welcome to the Web Guy Blog

I’m happy to be here.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

I’m Chris Sweigart, the Web Guy for WRBL.com and OANow.com.  My job is to maintain those two sites and the growing number of other sites we’re launching to serve you, our online users.

I spend half of my work week at the Opelika-Auburn News and the other half in Columbus at WRBL.

On this blog, I’ll keep you up to date on what’s happening, new online features we’re rolling out and what’s going on “behind the scenes”.