LISD TV puts the spotlight on education in Lenawee County

Looking on television for local Lenawee County news? Change the cable channel to 22 on Comcast or D&P Cable and find just those stories, courtesy of LISD TV. The station has been operational for a few years, but in the last five months the spotlight on education in the county is brighter, thanks to the drive and focus of Production Manager Kelly Heidbreder.The station employs three full-time staff members who work with four co-op students from the TECH Center’s video and audio production class. The station operates 24 hours a day, and features original programming with a focus on education and sports in Lenawee County.“We have a good blend,” said Heidbreder. “When the students come out of the classroom they have the basics down. We push them and make it real.”The programming on LISD TV has changed from just PowerPoint presentations to a half hour show, “Lenawee” hosted by Heidbreder and taped coverage of local high school sports. Heidbreder also travels around to area schools for programs on the cutting edge activities happening in local classrooms.“I built the show around the kids and the community,” she said. “It’s important for people to know what is happening. The show itself is the glue to pull the county’s bright spots together. We all need to embrace Lenawee County. People will start to look at the county as a trendsetter.”The positive focus on the schools found in the LISD TV programming has been welcomed by school districts. “They are all really excited when they see us walk in with our cameras,” said Heidbreder.Heidbreder’s 15 years of broadcasting experience made her a perfect fit to guide students through the mystery of television, both in front of and behind the camera. Originally from Blissfield, Heidbreder is a big fan of Lenawee County and all the area has to offer. She is currently a meteorologist for channel 13 ABC News in Toledo, Ohio.“I’ve got a lot of deep roots in this county,” she said. “I’ve got a good connection with my news experience.”Assisted by Miguel Gyton and Dan Empson, the trio shoots and edits all the programming in house. They all have experience in broadcasting, and enjoy working with students.“I knew I had the right team with Miguel and Dan,” said Heidbreder.One of the most popular aspects of the new LISD TV line-up is the coverage of local sports. “I knew we needed to start a sports network,” Heidbreder said. “I challenged my team. Can we shoot a game and put it on the air in a timely manner?”LSPN Sports started covering local boys basketball games, one a week. The LISD TV staff uses six to nine students working the game behind the camera and as sports anchors.Some of the volunteers are students from the audio and television production class and others are students from the local high schools. Heidbreder and her staff coach and guide the kids through the process of live taping a sports contest.“We are teaching them the job,” said Heidbreder. “We have some really talented kids. We really just want to make it fun. They have a sense of enthusiasm in whatever they do.”Setup for taping takes about an hour and a half, and LSPN uses a color commentator, someone to do play-by-play, and a sideline announcer. After the game is over, the students help with tear down of equipment. LISD provides a van for the crew to transport students to the games. The only requirement is parents bring their kids to the TECH Center to catch the van.Seeing the reactions of the students to working on a live taping is a big job benefit for Gyton and Empson. Working on the local station has a lot of advantages, but the biggest one is working with the students.“I can teach the kids stuff that I learned at their age,” Gyton said. “It’s great to give back and give kids the knowledge.”“I enjoy seeing the light come on with the kids when they finally understand what they can do,” Empson said. “This environment puts the students ahead when they finally get in the professional world. We try to give kids the opportunity to do what they want to do.”One of the most active students is Jesse Ramirez, a senior from Madison High School. He has been involved in all aspects of LISD TV and LSPN productions. “I love it,” Ramirez said about his work on the station. “I really like seeing myself on TV.”Additional equipment will allow LSPN to tape and air two games a week this spring, between baseball and softball. Heidbreder also hopes to cover some of the county track meets as well. Future LISD TV programs include Heidbreder visiting county restaurants and working in the kitchens with chefs to highlight all the food choices in Lenawee County. Business features are also planned, after the success with shows on Blissfield Manufacturing, Glycon, and the Hudson Museum.Enthusiasm is a big part of the LISD TV experience, both from adult staff and the students. “I think that’s exciting,” Heidbreder said.LISD TV also has a YouTube channel.