“Mass Gas Hysteria” is over for the day. I didn’t realize how many stories we did on the supposed gas shortage. I came into work with a different game plan all together, but I was told to be on “gas patrol” in Opelika.

The rumors turned into reality when at least two stations here ran dry. It’s like the shepard leading the sheep. I stopped by a gas station tonight on the way home from work, and it was reasonable for all the hoopla. I paid $2.69 for regular. Not bad, but yet not satisfying.

I refuse to do a gas story tomorrow. I’ve already nailed down my plans, and they’re not changing. It’s timely on three fronts, so I’m doin’ it.

On another note, one of my best friends just got back from National Guard summer camp three days ago. In about six hours, he’ll be heading to Biloxi to assist others.

Be safe, Jim. Hope to talk to you while you’re there, or at least within a week.

I feel for the people down along the coast. I called Mom. She’s fine. She wasn’t directly in the path this time.

Time to get some much needed sleep. I was up all last night watching the storm. Kudos to all my fellow reporters who covered it and are doing well.

Wow… I worked late tonight at an Opelika city council meeting. Holy moly. These things are becoming a circus lately. They're trying to privatize the Public Works department. Two entities becoming one…

Speaking of that, I got back into the office tonight and read a press release from our company (Raycom Media) president. They've just bought Liberty Corporation. That gives Raycom another 15 TV stations, bringing the total up to 52.

What's funny about this is they've bought WSFA in Montgomery. We have kind of a bone to pick with them, especially the three of us over in the East Alabama bureau. There are three stations that broadcast news in Lee County: WTVM, WRBL and WSFA. Out of the three stations, WSFA dominates the ratings. They're not even in our market (technically), but more people here watch them.

I grew up watching them myself. WSFA has a heck of a coverage area. All the way up here, back down to the Florida panhandle and then out toward West Alabama. Bob Howell, one of their main anchors, and I went to the same high school. We've often talked in passing, and I do like the people there.

The difference is they're an Alabama station. We're not, so people more concerned with Alabama news watch them. To me, it's sad because they never show up here. They'll pop their heads in occasionally, but we've got a two-reporter bureau in Auburn-Opelika.

I would bet money we have twice as many stories about this area than they do per month. However, when East Alabama news is over, it's back to Georgia news. Folks here don't really care about that.

I guess if you can't beat 'em… buy 'em.

Wow… I worked late tonight at an Opelika city council meeting. Holy moly. These things are becoming a circus lately. They’re trying to privatize the Public Works department. Two entities becoming one…

Speaking of that, I got back into the office tonight and read a press release from our company (Raycom Media) president. They’ve just bought Liberty Corporation. That gives Raycom another 15 TV stations, bringing the total up to 52.

What’s funny about this is they’ve bought WSFA in Montgomery. We have kind of a bone to pick with them, especially the three of us over in the East Alabama bureau. There are three stations that broadcast news in Lee County: WTVM, WRBL and WSFA. Out of the three stations, WSFA dominates the ratings. They’re not even in our market (technically), but more people here watch them.

I grew up watching them myself. WSFA has a heck of a coverage area. All the way up here, back down to the Florida panhandle and then out toward West Alabama. Bob Howell, one of their main anchors, and I went to the same high school. We’ve often talked in passing, and I do like the people there.

The difference is they’re an Alabama station. We’re not, so people more concerned with Alabama news watch them. To me, it’s sad because they never show up here. They’ll pop their heads in occasionally, but we’ve got a two-reporter bureau in Auburn-Opelika.

I would bet money we have twice as many stories about this area than they do per month. However, when East Alabama news is over, it’s back to Georgia news. Folks here don’t really care about that.

I guess if you can’t beat ‘em… buy ‘em.