Cynthia_Kaump's Blog

Hello everyone.  I want to take a moment to thank you passionate FOX 6 bloggers.  We may have not agreed on every issue, but sure had some impressive discussions here.  I've learned what not to wear to the Emmy Party, what lipstick looks best, what you like or don't like about my stories, what you like or don't like about me, as well as your political views and how you feel when another one of "Wisconsin's Most Wanted" is captured.  I thank you for that.

I made a very difficult decision to leave FOX 6 after nearly 4 years.  I've relished the funny moments in the newsroom, the intense ones out in the field, the friends I've found in my colleagues and our viewers.

It was an honor to sit down with the remaining 4 Presidential candidates for one-on-one interviews and bring their stories and personalities to you.  And yes, Senator McCain, I will wear my sunscreen wherever I go! 

It was challenging, but rewarding to profile a new federal fugitive each week in our very popular franchise "Wisconsin's Most Wanted."  In 2006, 53 fugitives were captured.  Mara and Kelly were my predecessors and left some tough shoes to fill.  I think we did it.  I really do think we made them proud.  I must note the efforts of Acting Chief U.S. Marshal Doug Bachert who spearheaded the program.  His hard work and that of the other men and women in the USMS often goes unrecognized.    As a whole, they are an impressive bunch.

I'm proud to have earned 3 Emmy nominations and title of "Best Live Reporter" in Wisconsin by the Milwaukee Press Club during my time here.

It's the right time for me to move on.....

As a cancer survivor going through additional radiation treatments last Fall, I was warned fertility would be an issue.  We are blessed to plan the welcoming of our first child into the world in December. 

Meantime, I plan to take a LONG vacation, take it easy and enjoy this wonderful time in my life.

I will miss my colleagues.  There are days I will miss the fast pace of mulitiple live shots and breaking news.  But I look forward to the rest and seeing you all on TV again.  You can count on that!

I'm officially taking this show on the road!

Warm Wishes to All,                  Cynthia

At 9:30pm, we aired a story with a Wisconsin Democratic Delegate to the National Convention.  She recently indicated she would vote for Senator McCain for President if Senator Clinton was not the Democratic candidate.  It's made news.  She's been bombarded with national media. 

She says she regrets ever having taken the phone call from a McCain staffer.

She also said she never received rules on what she was/wasn't allowed to do if her candidate she agreed to support is not the party nominee.  This is her first crack at holding a delegate seat.

The Dems now want to remove her from the convention and give it to someone else.  She has not withdrawn support for Clinton, quite the contrary, says she will vote for her at the convetion with the hopes she can still become the nominee. 

Should she lose her seat?  Does she have a right to vote for someone else if the candidate she vowed to support is not THE candidate?  Let's blog!  -Cynthia

We did a story tonight for our 10pm news on bad behavior of many Wisconsinites post massive flooding.

For starters, we caught on video 2 teens looting a vehicle stranded in flood waters on Hwy. 38 at the Racine/Milwaukee Counties border.  The Oak Creek Chief of Police wants the community to speak up if someone knows who they are.

Now--- we spotted a number of people deciding they would bypass flood barriers and drive through flood waters.  Few made it, further draining a small police department and putting the lives of drivers, passengers, and rescuers at risk. 

Chief Tom Bauer warns, those youngsters who took advantage of an already terrible situation will be charged when caught.  Those barrier bypassers can get fined $300.

In addition to all of this, Bauer wants all residents to be on high alert if a service person shows up at your doorstep claiming to be sent by the city to help with your flooded baseement, downed trees or power lines.   Any legitimate city employee with be wearing his or her Oak Creek credentials around the neck.  Anyone else..... call police.

40 year old Rosa Prieto is the woman pulled from the Kinnickinnic River Sunday morning.  That was released today.  The family suspects foul play.  The police are saying little, other than they are conducting follow up interviews.  Of course should this prove to be a homicide, investigators need to play this close to their vest. 

I met with Prieto's family this afternoon.  I asked her 16 year old daughter if I could give her  hug and explained very quietly I know how she feels because I too, lost my mother.  She started crying.  She wouldn't let go and I didn't want to stop hugging her--- maybe hoping to take away a tiny bit of her pain.

For those of you who've asked in the past, what's toughest about our jobs and most rewarding--- what I just put before you-----is both.

Hang in there Alycia.       -Cynthia

40 year old Rosa Prieto is the woman pulled from the Kinnickinnic River Sunday morning.  That was released today.  The family suspects foul play.  The police are saying little, other than they are conducting follow up interviews.  Of course should this prove to be a homicide, investigators need to play this close to their vest. 

I met with Prieto's family this afternoon.  I asked her 16 year old daughter if I could give her  hug and explained very quietly I know how she feels because I too, lost my mother.  She started crying.  She wouldn't let go and I didn't want to stop hugging her--- maybe hoping to take away a tiny bit of her pain.

For those of you who've asked in the past, what's toughest about our jobs and most rewarding--- what I just put before you-----is both.

Hang in there Alycia.       -Cynthia

You all need to check out this story on our page that airs tonight at 10pm about Counterfeit cash floating around. 

I got a tutorial speaking to a Bank security person this afternoon about how to detect phony bills.  I am amazed by the counterfeiting sophistication.

Have you ever seen/held a counterfeit bill? 

It's one of possibly only 2 such cases in the United States and it is happening in our backyards!

Mark Jensen will be tried for the 19-98 murder of his wife Julie.  Both are from Pleasant Prairie.

She wrote a letter, sealed it, and gave it to a neighbor.  It stated she feared Mark would kill her.  She was found dead days later fatally poisoned with anti-freeze.

That letter was not for public consumption nor admissable into evidence until the Wisconsin Supreme Court stepped in and released the 2006 opinion, it could be used.  It adopted what's called a "forfeiture of wrongdoing."  It allows for the "testimony" of a witness unable to attend court proceedings as a result of the defendants wrongdoing.  In this case--- the witness set to testify is the slain Julie Jensen.  If the state could present enough evidence to support Mark Jensen murdered Julie Jensen, then the letter would be allowed.  A lower court was convinced.  Therefore, this trial will start Monday January 7th in Walworth County.

Fascinating.

-Cynthia

It's been quite some time since my last blog as our Senior Web Producer and News Director both reminded me. 

I've been in and out of work Since July fighting some health battles.  Someone who was once very special to me told me I am a "survivor."  I need to wear it like a badge of honor.  So... I am back in the saddle and trying to catch up on everything.... including my blog.

Here's what the past few months have taught me---

1-It's not weak to be sick and admit you need to step back.

2-During a crisis you learn who your true friends are and those who are not.  So, a very special thank you to my photographers who are also my friends..... Jason Ruck, Andy Konkle, Craig Hofer for checking in on my while I was away.  Thank you to my other friends Wayne, Doug, Lenny, Bill, Steve, Katie, Betty, Corkey, Dawn, Bonnie, Sean, Jimmy, Rashae and baby Spencer for checking up on me--- being concerned and supportive.

3-good sleep can do wonders!

4-Listen to what your body is telling you (something my late Mother who had non-hodgkins lymphoma used to say).

5-And.... good things happen when you least expect.  Amidst the turmoil, I am honored to be nominated in 3 emmy categories.  I am so proud of everyone on the FOX 6 news team who had a part in making this happen!

Oh, one more thing..... I got a horse! 

Let's blog soon.

-Cynthia

Oh boy, there sure are some days I would like to put behind me. 

Indeed, tomorrow is a new day.  That's the beauty of television news.  If we all do a great job, we celebrate.  If we do a less than perfect job, we get to do it all again tomorrow!  Have a great week everyone!  -Cynthia

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Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

ABC's "Good Morning America" anchor wrote, "I never thought I'd be writing this.... I have breast cancer."  She undergoes surgery Friday.

None of us who are cancer survivors ever expect to write it, say it, experience it.  But the reality is cancers, all kinds of cancers touch each and every one of us.  Whether it be your own personal diagnosis, or that of a friend, family member.  The words, "I have cancer" change your life forever.

Please let this be a reminder to all of you out there, watch for the signs, undergo regular physicals, pay attention to your family history, be has healthy as possible.

-Cynthia

So, I was hanging out with 2 new friends Saturday night and the subject of "juicing" came up.    One of them loaned me her juice machine and a "breakfast blend" recipe so I could see what all this was about.

I went to Whole Foods this morning and bought all the fixin's for my super juice.  Ready for this?  Carrots, parsley, a granny smith apple, and aloe vera juice (didn't know there was such a thing).  It was orange and sort of thick, but it was actually GOOD.  Hmmmmm........  maybe there's something to this!

Have you ever juiced?  Any good recipes for me?  -Cynthia 

Okay, I really like this one.  So.... who's in your limo and who's on your bus?  I've had to kick out some from the limo who I know would never step foot on that bus.  But, to Katie, Sue, Genevieve, Dawn, Charlotte, Betty and many more.... I know you'd hop on and chime in without a thought, "the wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round......"  all day long awaiting the adventure ahead.   Thank you for that!    -Cynthia

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"Lot's of people want to ride with you in the limo, but you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down."     

Oprah Winfrey

Okay, so here's another quote that made its way to my email box.  I think most people who know me know what I will and will not stand for.  What about you?            -Cynthia

It's important the people should know what you stand for. It's equally important that they know what you won't stand for.

-Mary H. Waldrip

  I've read this story and watched what Peter fed back yesterday, but have not covered it myself.

Nonetheless, does anyone else feel as if these people ripped this story from the pages of some horror flick?  Or terrifying horror novel?

My biggest concern is for the children.  The 11 year old boy who suffered unimaginable and repeated abuse and.... the 2 1/2 year old and 3 month old babies in that house.  Authorities as of yesterday would not release information about their whereabouts or conditions.  Afterall, the foster parents of the 2 1/2 year old are the biological parents of one of the suspects in this series of alleged crimes. 

Thoughts?     -Cynthia

  One the men with whom I work closely on the "Wisconsin's Most Wanted" franchise was injured today in an automobile accident while on the job.  He is a Deputy United States Marshal.  He is a talented and dedicated investigator.  He is also someone I call a best friend.  He has young children.  I believe he is resting at home tonight (Monday).  Please send out positive thoughts for him and for his family.  Thank you.

-Cynthia