A Better REGION 8

Thank you Mr. Griffin

I want to give a great big KAIT salute to Arkansas State University Alumnus Neil Griffin. Griffin returned to ASU to establish a 5 million dollar scholarship endowment fund. Griffin said he wanted to establish the Griffin Scholars Endowment Fund because he believes education is a cornerstone for the opportunities available to young people. Griffin said he's passionate about helping those who may not be able to afford it. The 1948 ASU graduate made his money in accounting and banking and it's clear to me he had a lot of choices when it came to investing his money. The fact he remembered his alma mater after all these years says a lot about Griffin's character and serves as a good lesson for all of us. Mr. Griffin said quote, "I'm sorry that I'm so late getting here in my life, but I'm glad to be a part of it." Mr. Neil Griffin, it was not late for us. Thank you for making this fund possible for future ASU students and in turn making this a Better Region 8.

Free dental care

In Arkansas, 61 percent of children under the age of 9 already have tooth decay. In Arkansas, 29 percent of adults 65 and older have lost all their teeth. That's according to the Arkansas Department of Health. Access to prevention and treatment is limited. That's why you need to know about a big event coming up this Friday and Saturday. If you or someone you know is in need of dental care, you can get it this weekend at the ASU Convocation Center. That's where the Arkansas Mission of Mercy will provide free basic dental care to adults and children. It's a free two day, 100 chair dental clinic. Hundreds of dental volunteers will take part in the clinic. The free dental care will be provided to adults and children of all ages on a first-come, first-serve basis. Doors open at 6 a-m on Friday, April 27th and Saturday, April 28th at the Convo. It's volunteers like the folks with Arkansas Mission of Mercy that make this a Better Region 8.

Two great events in one weekend

January 16, 2012

WE HAD TWO GREAT EVENTS LAST WEEKEND – BOTH OF WHICH HELPED IMPROVE OUR COMMUNITY.   FIRST OFF – THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE IN THE ANNUAL DRIVE FOR LIFE BLOOD DRIVE.  ONE PINT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  THE RED CROSS WAS THANKFUL FOR THE LARGE TURNOUT – ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING SO MANY PEOPLE WERE IN MOBILE CHEERING ON THE RED WOLVES.  SPEAKING OF OUR RED WOLVES – THE GAME MAY NOT HAVE ENDED THE WAY WE WANTED – BUT A LARGE PACK OF RED WOLVES INVADED SOUTH ALABAMA.  WE’RE TOLD THE CROWD WAS SO BIG MANY RESTAURANTS AND BUSINESSES WEREN’T READY FOR THEM.  IT WAS THE LARGEST GROUP OF FANS TO TRAVEL FOR ANY TEAM TO THE GODADDY.COM BOWL.  EACH NATIONAL T-V APPEARANCE IS GREAT FOR NOT ONLY ASU, BUT REGION EIGHT.  IT PUTS ALL OF US ON THE MAP AND KEEPS US THERE.  WHETHER YOU GAVE BLOOD OR HAD A GREAT TIME IN MOBILE – OR BOTH – THANK YOU.  THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS A BETTER REGION EIGHT.

 

Tracey Rogers : Joining the Region 8 Family

Region 8 joined together recently to welcome Coach Gus Malzahn as the new head football coach at Arkansas State University. Cheers went up from the crowd as Coach Malzahn spoke about his plans for the future and talked about taking the ASU Football program to the next level.  Coach Malzahn declared he is here to win championships and is looking forward to building on the success at ASU.  He called ASU a program on the rise and said he knows this is the place for him. 

Like Coach Malzahn, I am also joining the Region 8 family and I also know this is the right place for me.  I am the new Vice President and General Manager of KAIT 8 taking the reins from the incomparable Tim Ingram who has moved to Cape Girardeau, Missouri to lead KFVS-TV.  I am excited to be taking over “a program on the rise”.  KAIT 8 is known for the highest quality of journalism and programming and I look forward to serving you in the years to come as we work together to make this a better Region 8.