Channel 6 News to promote Thunder Over Thurmond

WJBF News Channel 6 has announced plans to broadcast its 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6 p.m. newscasts live from Lincoln County or its environs Friday, July 10.

The goal of "Your Hometown: Thunder Over Thurmond" is to promote Clark's Hill Lake and the fireworks extravaganza, set for Saturday, July 11, at the lake.

According to Pete Michenfelder, account executive and Your Hometown coordinator for Channel 6, "This is the first time we've ever done anything like this with two counties involved. We are planning to air segments on Thunder Over Thurmond, opportunities for recreation at the lake, state parks in the area, the new high school under construction in Lincoln County, and what's happening in McCormick County.

"Basically, we want to highlight the pride and progress in these two communities."

The on-air personalities taking part in Your Hometown: Thunder Over Thurmond are: main anchors Brad Means and Jennie Montgomery; George Myers, chief meteorologist; Chris Kane, sports director; and Fraendy Clervaud, reporter.

The last time Channel 6 visited Lincolnton and McCormick was in 2001 and 2003, respectively.

In other comments, Michenfelder said the production team is currently looking at two possible sites for the live broadcast. "We have to consider what fits in best with our emphasis on Thunder Over Thurmond as well as which location will work better in the event of inclement weather."

Wherever they are, the public is heartily encouraged to come out and meet the folks from Channel 6. They will also be available for photos and autographs.

"WJBF started the Your Hometown series in 1994 as a way of familiarizing ourselves and our viewers with some of the smaller towns in our viewing area, while giving local residents a chance to learn more about us," said Brandy Cromley, marketing analyst with Channel 6.

"We really enjoy the opportunity to promote hometown events as well as showcase towns like Lincolnton and McCormick and let people know why they are such wonderful places to visit and live," she continued. "We hope to show our viewers what is so special, unique, and inviting about these two communities."

Other recent Your Hometown events included the Boss Hog Barbecue Festival in Waynesboro and the Aiken Steeplechase.