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Articles by Megan James
July 2026 / RUNNING & WALKING
Field start of the 2025 Thacher Park Trail Running Festival. AREEP Adirondack Marathon begins for 4:15 pacers in Schroon Lake. ASC The dog days of summer are here! With the heat and humidity, it can be hard to envision running hard, chasing PRs, and tackling long race distances in just a couple of months. But the time and energy you put in now pays off down the road. There are many great races in the region, and some may serve well as tune-ups for later races.
April 2026 / RUNNING & WALKING — Upstate Sports
It’s a Special Event, Make It Happen! By Megan James Since 1979, Albany has been home to one of the premier women’s-only races in the country, the Delightful Run for Women. Historically and familiarly known as the Freihofer’s Run for Women, the event was rebranded in 2024 due to a sponsorship change.
July 2025 / RUNNING & WALKING — Adirondack Sports
Many Superb Opportunities It is officially summer here in Upstate NY, and runners are probably among the first to notice it! With the heat and humidity weighing us down, it can be hard to envision running hard, chasing PRs, and tackling long race distances in just a couple of months. But I assure you that the time and energy we put in now pays off in dividend down the road. There are many great races to choose from in the region, and some may even serve well as tune-ups for later races.
April 2025 / EVENTS & RACES — Adirondack Sports
Volunteers Make It Happen! “I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.” –Maya Angelou Whether it is through competing, coaching, volunteering, organizing, or spectating, many of us who read this magazine are invested on some level in the sporting events it promotes. Before you read on, I encourage you to take a minute to identify your primary involvement, and how that has changed over your lifetime.
March 2025 / WOMEN'S HEALTH — Adirondack Sports
By Megan James Although we’re still technically in winter, the days are getting longer and the snow is starting to melt – and it’s time to celebrate our female athletes with two special days! Did you know: National Girls & Women in Sports Day began in 1987 and celebrated this year on February 5. International Women’s Day began in 1911 and celebrated every year on March 8.
July-August 2024 / RUNNING — Adirondack Sports
Capital Region’s Fall Road Races – Second to None! When the temperature and humidity drop, Upstate New York becomes one of the best places for running – and running fast. On any given weekend, you can choose from a slate of local races ranging from the mile to the marathon or longer. Here is a preview of six of the most popular mid-distance fall races in the Capital Region, and some tips on training through the summer to prepare.
Oxalis chef wants each plate to ‘tell a story’
As a child, Andi Preuss spent his summers foraging mushrooms in his grandfather’s garden — together they harvested cucumbers and he helped his grandmother prepare potatoes. Every night ended in the same way: with a warm meal. By the time Preuss interned at a steakhouse in Berlin at age 14, he realized “this was meant to be.” Preuss is the executive chef at Oxalis Restaurant in Dartmouth. Oxalis was named Halifax’s best restaurant in HRM at the 2024 Nova Scotia Restaurant Awards Gala.
Romance reading event wasn’t for the faint of heart
“Hot dudes and puffy shirts. That’s what I love,” said Michelle Helliwell, author of the Scandalous Spinster series, on writing her romance books. Helliwell was one of the authors celebrated at The Carleton bar in downtown Halifax with the inaugural Nova Swoons, an event that had celebrities read novels from Atlantic romance authors. With Valentine’s Day approaching, the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia hosted the event to celebrate something many Nova Scotians love — local romance writing.
Maud Lewis-inspired sweater patterns released by crocheter
It’s almost been a year since Grace Tompkins went viral on social media. It happened when she posted a picture of her latest crochet project: a sweater inspired by Maud Lewis’s Three Black Cats painting. Now anyone can make that Maud Lewis sweater at home, using her new crochet patterns. Tompkins released crochet patterns for the sweaters on Jan. 11. Since the release, close to 100 patterns have been sold.
Ask a master gardener: Growing mushrooms indoors
HARVEST MUSHROOMS WHEN they reach the desired size by cutting the stem with sharp scissors or a knife. PHOTO / DEBORAH J. BENOIT Maybe you enjoy using fresh mushrooms in your meal preparations but have opened the refrigerator door and discovered to your disappointment the “mush” part of mushrooms. Or maybe you’d like something different to satisfy your inner gardener over the winter months (or any other time of year for that matter).
Letter to the editor: Parents of 9-11 victims working for a better future
Every evening, I light a candle that is standing in a protected lantern. I place the lantern on our front porch. I offer this light to send healing, soothing thoughts to all those in mourning. On Sept. 11, 2021, I had the chance to view a documentary about Phyllis and Orlando Rodriguez. That documentary is called, “In Our Son’s Name.” September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows made the viewing possible. On Sept. 11, 2001, Phyllis’s and Orlando’s lives were radically shifted.
Weather on Par: Play like Phil
by: Megan James Posted: May 26, 2021 / 01:50 PM EDT / Updated: May 26, 2021 / 01:50 PM EDT The beautifully challenging Ocean Course… making for an incredible PGA Championship here in the Lowcountry. “It was a great week at Kiawah,” Lowcountry Lessons Director Brandon Ray said. “Weather definitely played a factor, that wind switching.” One of the big things you were talking to me about was Phil Mickelson and how he took advantage of play. “Yeah I mean he hit some bombs coming in,” Ray said.
Weather on Par: Dunes West Course
by: Megan James Posted: May 12, 2021 / 03:36 PM EDT / Updated: May 12, 2021 / 03:36 PM EDT “We have only had 4 inches of measurable rain in three months so, there have been a lot of windy days, low humidity,” Robert Mackie, Dunes West Superintendent said. And not just one… but two types of grass to care for on the beautiful Dunes West course.
Weather on Par: Wild Dunes Links
by: Megan James Posted: May 5, 2021 / 02:43 PM EDT / Updated: May 5, 2021 / 02:58 PM EDT On the 17th hole of the Wild Dunes Links course… “We are about 100 yards from the Atlantic ocean” So close you can smell the salty ocean air…. “It’s part of the beauty being on a barrier island here on Isle of Palms,” Jeff Minton, Director of Golf at Wild Dunes Resort, said. “You have the ocean, you have the marsh and you have mother nature to deal with.” Especially when it comes to that sea breeze.
Weather Wednesday: Hurricane Kits
by: Megan James Posted: Apr 28, 2021 / 04:25 PM EDT / Updated: Apr 28, 2021 / 04:58 PM EDT “You never know when a hurricane is going to strike and it seems as though mother nature has been more volatile lately,” Kate Schmieding, Director of PR Groundswell, said. “So it’s really critically important to get prepared sooner rather than later and you can do so super easily.” Take it from Kate, who has been through it herself.
Weather on Par: First Tee of Greater Charleston
by: Megan James Posted: Mar 31, 2021 / 12:44 PM EDT / Updated: Mar 31, 2021 / 12:44 PM EDT Spring has sprung, and so have spring classes for the First Tee! “We are First Tee Greater Charleston and we use the game of golf as a vehicle to teach kids life skills,” Meghan Taylor, Program Director First Tee – Greater Charleston, said.
Weather on Par: Lowcountry Lessons
by: Megan James Posted: Mar 21, 2021 / 07:31 AM EDT / Updated: Mar 21, 2021 / 07:34 AM EDT When you think of radar, what do you think of? “Most people know radar from the weather, or if you got caught speeding over the Ravenel,” Brandon Ray, Lowcountry Lessons Director, jokes. “But what this does is it actually tracks the golf balls.” This type of radar locks onto the golf ball and tracks the speed, distance, rotation and more.
Weather on Par: Dunes West
by: Megan James Posted: Mar 10, 2021 / 03:58 PM EST / Updated: Mar 10, 2021 / 03:58 PM EST Weather and golf go hand in hand, and when you’re on the course, you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature. We stop in to Dunes West this week to talk to PGA Golf Professional David Roach about how to play to the wind.
Storm Team 2: Thanksgiving Forecast
SCDNR reminds you to recycle your Thanksgiving dinner oyster shells CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - Are oysters on your family’s Thanksgiving menu this year? If so, you can not only enjoy a delicious meal, but help the environment as well. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is urging folks to gather up their shells, post-feast. Recycling these shells can be of great benefit to our South Carolina oyster reefs.
Storm Team 2 Halloween Forecast
by: Megan James Posted: Oct 31, 2020 / 07:16 AM EDT / Updated: Oct 31, 2020 / 07:16 AM EDT Good morning ghouls and goblins! Happy Halloween! There is nothing spooky about our forecast for today. Expect a daytime high of 70 degrees with breezy conditions and a good bit of sunshine. For safe trick or treating this evening, or any of those outdoor plans, we will have temperatures falling back into the 60s around sunset at 6:30 PM and the 50s by 10 PM.
Weather Wednesday: Fall Foliage
by: Megan James Posted: Sep 30, 2020 / 02:33 PM EDT / Updated: Sep 30, 2020 / 02:47 PM EDT The changing of the colors of the leaves in fall can look quite magical, but there is no magic to it. It all comes down to the chemical compounds that create those leaf colors. At this point in the year, we have passed the Equilux, where we had equal parts daylight and nighttime. We are now seeing more and more dark hours heading through the fall months.
Rip Currents: Breaking the Grip
by: Megan James Posted: Aug 9, 2020 / 06:02 PM EDT / Updated: Aug 9, 2020 / 07:02 PM EDT CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – So far this year there have been 27 fatalities because of rip currents, with two of those occurring in South Carolina. While events, such as Isaias, enhance the threat of rip currents, they are something you should be aware of any time you hit the beach. Rip currents are fast moving channels of water that pull away from shore.
Tropical Storm Watch issued for parts of the Lowcountry ahead of Isaias
by: Megan James Posted: Aug 1, 2020 / 05:26 PM EDT / Updated: Aug 1, 2020 / 05:44 PM EDT A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, and Colleton counties ahead Tropical Storm Isaias. Tropical Storm force winds are possible over the next 48 hours. The track and intensity of Isaias continues to change as the storm evolves. The 5 PM advisory shows a system weakened back to tropical storm strength with winds at 70 mph.
Isaias Strengthens into a Category 1 Hurricane
by: Megan James Posted: Jul 31, 2020 / 05:21 AM EDT / Updated: Jul 31, 2020 / 05:21 AM EDT As expected, overnight Isaias strengthened into a Category 1 Hurricane. At the time of the 5 AM advisory, maximum wind speeds were at 80 mph with Hurricane Isaias moving NW at 17 mph, located NW of Hispaniola. The track of the hurricane can still change over the upcoming days. Currently that track has Isaias moving up the east coast, passing just to the east of the Lowcountry.
Area of low pressure of the Carolina coast has a high likelihood of turning tropical
by: Megan James Posted: Jul 8, 2020 / 02:42 PM EDT / Updated: Jul 8, 2020 / 02:43 PM EDT MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has already been a busy one with a record number of storms named so early in the season. Right now we are at five, with a possible sixth on the way. An area of low pressure moving off of the coast of the Carolina’s has the potential to turn tropical.
Colorado State University updates their 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season forecast
by: Megan James Posted: Jul 7, 2020 / 03:51 PM EDT / Updated: Jul 7, 2020 / 03:51 PM EDT MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – When Colorado State University published their original extended-range forecast for the Atlantic Hurricane season on April 2nd, the numbers were already expected to be above average. CSU forecasted 16 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes. The average numbers the Atlantic sees in a typical season are 12, 6, and 3, respectively.
4th of July Forecast
by: Megan James Posted: Jul 4, 2020 / 09:04 AM EDT / Updated: Jul 4, 2020 / 09:04 AM EDT CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Happy Independence Day! It is going to be a seasonably hot day here in the Lowcountry. It’s a quick warm up with temperatures already reaching the middle 80s by the midday hours. Highs for the day will warm up to the lower 90s for the inland and upper 80s out at the beaches. Water temperatures will be in the middle 80s.
Heat advisory in effect Monday; how to protect yourself from heat-related illness
by: Megan James Posted: Jun 29, 2020 / 10:59 AM EDT / Updated: Jun 29, 2020 / 10:59 AM EDT CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – A heat advisory is in effect for much of the coastal Lowcountry until 8 P.M. this evening. The heat advisory has been issued because heat index values are expected to reach between 105 and 109 degrees.
Bluegrass 10,000 goes virtual
By Megan James |  Posted: Fri 3:14 PM, May 29, 2020  |  Updated: Fri 4:48 PM, May 29, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky, (WKYT) - Normally, the start of the Bluegrass 10,000 would consist of thousands of runners ready to go, but, this year, it will look different due to COVID-19. 41st Annual Bluegrass 10k "This race usually has about 3,500 runners, plus all of the spectators that come.
UK graduate researchers track ticks to learn more about tick-borne illness
By Megan James |  Posted: Tue 3:02 PM, May 26, 2020  |  Updated: Tue 4:39 PM, May 26, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Most of us try to avoid ticks at all costs, but University of Kentucky graduate research assistant Anna Pasternak is seeking them out. Anna Pasternak collects ticks from around the state to study what pathogens they carry. Courtesy: Anna Pasternak "It's the Kentucky Tick Surveillance Program and it started up last January, so in 2019.
Hitting the trail safely
By Megan James |  Posted: Mon 3:38 PM, May 25, 2020  |  Updated: Mon 5:34 PM, May 25, 2020 POWELL Co., KY. (WKYT) - After being cooped up inside for so long, many people are taking to the great outdoors. As you enjoy everything mother nature has to offer, it's important to do so safely. Hikers take to the trails as they begin to open up. "Have a plan where you are going to hike at.
Vintage Rupp Arena items on the auction block
By Megan James |  Posted: Sun 12:58 PM, May 24, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Like many things, an auction of items from Rupp Arena has moved to an online format. "With all the social distancing, that is the number one thing. That's what really works because these online auctions, people can bid from their phone, they can bid from their computer," Jonathan Noel, Owner and Auctioneer of Noel Auctioneers and Real Estate Advisors, said.
Megan James' Forecast | Muggy with a chance of storms
By Megan James |  Posted: Sun 8:07 AM, May 24, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Good morning and happy Sunday! It is going to be another day with a very similar weather set up to yesterday. To kick off this morning, most of us are in the middle 60s with dry skies. Thunderstorms from last night have moved out, but the potential is back this afternoon for even more. Afternoon highs in the middle 80s with noticeable humidity will put our heat indices close to 90.
Megan James' Forecast | A June-like feel for the holiday weekend
By Megan James |  Posted: Sat 7:23 AM, May 23, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Good morning and happy Saturday! It is shaping up to be a June-feeling Memorial Day weekend. This morning we are kicking off the day with temperatures in the 60s, humid conditions, and some folks seeing a few showers. Southern KY- watch for some morning fog. Thunderstorm chances go up in the afternoon with the chance for a few to be strong to severe.
Woodford Humane Society resumes adoptions
By Megan James |  Posted: Fri 3:39 PM, May 22, 2020  |  Updated: Fri 5:09 PM, May 22, 2020 WOODFORD Co. (WKYT) - After being closed to the public for almost two months, the Woodford Humane Society is thrilled to reopen their doors, with certain safety precautions in place. The Woodford Humane Society has reopened its doors for the first time in almost two months.
Harrison County opens shelter for people forced out of homes by flooding
By Megan James |  Posted: Tue 3:40 PM, May 19, 2020  |  Updated: Tue 5:10 PM, May 19, 2020 HARRISON CO., Ky. (WKYT) - Flooding is threatening many areas of Central Kentucky, especially those along the Licking River. It's a first for Harrison County, having to set up an emergency shelter during a pandemic. Thankfully, the Harrison County Middle School gym offers plenty of open space.
Kentucky Native to climb all 58 Colorado 14ers for charity
By Megan James |  Posted: Sun 1:39 PM, May 17, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Brittney Woodrum, a Kentucky native, is setting out on one big mission. "It's kind of fitting that I should go and find some physical mountains to climb as we as a global community are kind of trying to come together," Woodrum said. Everyone is trying to come together to tackle the mountain of probems COVID-19 has created. "The pandemic knows no borders and it is affecting people all over the world," Woodrum said.
Lexington church provides needed face masks and snacks
By Megan James |  Posted: Sat 1:36 PM, May 16, 2020  |  Updated: Sat 3:49 PM, May 16, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Cars upon cars lined up today in the Lexington Green parking lot for a socially distanced drive-thru put together by TurningPoint Church, to help get face masks into peoples' hands.
Megan James' Forecast | Storm chances linger
By Megan James |  Posted: Sat 7:07 AM, May 16, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Good morning and happy Saturday! Temperatures are comfortable to start the morning in the upper 50s and 60s with a few light to moderate rain showers pushing through. This afternoon we will be warming up to a summer-like feel once again. Highs for the afternoon will be right around 80 degrees. With that comes the chance for showers and thunderstorms throughout the day.
Lexington Humane Society's Mutt Strut goes virtual
By Megan James |  Posted: Fri 3:02 PM, May 15, 2020  |  Updated: Fri 5:13 PM, May 15, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Like many events this year, Lexington Humane Society's Mutt Strut has gone virtual. Lexington Humane Society takes their annual Mutt Strut to a virtual platform amid COVID-19 concerns.
Farmers looking forward to a warmer weather pattern
By Megan James |  Posted: Tue 4:18 PM, May 12, 2020 VERSAILLES, Ky. (WKYT) - After some record breaking cold weather, Eckert's Orchard is eager to get back to the seasonal warmth. "The strawberries did just fine. As you see, the white covers laying here in the field, we were able to cover the berries on that 20 degree night. We double covered the berries until about 10 o'clock, but we had little to no damage on our strawberries," Megan Fields, General Manager of Eckert's Orchard, said.
Helping your dog adjust to seeing people wearing face masks
By Megan James |  Posted: Mon 3:54 PM, May 11, 2020  |  Updated: Mon 5:04 PM, May 11, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - If you take your dog out in public, on a walk or to the pet store, you will likely see people wearing face masks. Some dogs may feel uncertain around people wearing face masks, but there are ways to help them adjust. While wearing a face mask may not be the most comfortable thing for us humans, and it can also be uncomfortable for our dogs.
Mayfest Arts Fair goes virtual amid COVID-19 concerns
By Megan James |  Posted: Sun 2:21 PM, May 10, 2020  |  Updated: Sun 6:50 PM, May 10, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Many annual events have been cancelled due to COVID-19, but one local art fair moved to a virtual platform. Mayfest Arts Fair has gone to a virtual setting amid COVID-19 concerns. "Typically this would be a gorgeous, sunny Mother's Day in Gratz Park," Laura Farnsworth, Senior Event Director for the Downtown Lexington Partnership , said.
Evans Orchard fares well after cold night
By Megan James |  Posted: Sat 1:04 PM, May 09, 2020  |  Updated: Sat 9:00 PM, May 09, 2020 GEORGETOWN, Ky. (WKYT) - Many farmers have spent the past few days preparing for the expected record cold night. Evans Orchard was prepared for a devastating freeze, but temperatures stayed just warm enough. "We used our plastic to cover the strawberries and we've got a big orchard heater, and we ran it from about 3:30 to about 7:30 this morning," Kevan Evans, owner of Evans Orchard, said.
Hard freeze causes woes for green thumbs
By Megan James |  Posted: Fri 4:22 PM, May 08, 2020  |  Updated: Fri 5:56 PM, May 08, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Green thumbs, beware. The weather is not going to be helpful for plant lovers Friday night. Plants stay protected from the cold weather in Michler's greenhouse. "It's unusual by all means, but sometimes unusual things do happen," John Michler, Senior Horticulturalist at Michler's, said.
'Murder Hornets' not found in Kentucky, but look-alikes cause confusion
By Megan James |  Posted: Tue 4:20 PM, May 05, 2020  |  Updated: Tue 4:40 PM, May 05, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - They're big, they're scary, and their sting can pack quite the punch. Dubbed the "murder hornet", Asian Giant Hornets are a beast of an insect. The Asian Giant Hornet is commonly referred to as the 'murder hornet'. Courtesy Jonathan Larson "They do pose a health risk. It is painful I do understand to be stung by one.
Mt. Sterling family celebrates their medical school grad in non-traditional ceremony
By Megan James |  Posted: Mon 3:44 PM, May 04, 2020  |  Updated: Mon 5:06 PM, May 04, 2020 MT. STERLING, Ky. (WKYT) - Months ago Sarah McClanahan was looking forward to walking across the stage at her graduation from the University of Pikeville's Medical School, but on Saturday she celebrated with the people she loves most in the First United Methodist Church parking lot in Mount Sterling. Sarah McClanahan celebrates graduating from the University of Pikeville's Medical School.
Crossroads Kids Club volunteers hold reverse parade for their kids
By Megan James |  Posted: Sun 3:12 PM, May 03, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Smiling faces and homemade signs galore was the scene at Crossroads church in Lexington today. The church community came out to rally around the children involved in the Kids Club. "We are trying to figure out different ways to engage our community, and specifically we are a church that puts a lot of investment and resources into our kids," Bryan Carter, Community Pastor at Crossroads Lexington, said.
UK extension office hosts gardening on the go event
By Megan James |  Posted: Sat 2:00 PM, May 02, 2020  |  Updated: Sat 3:03 PM, May 02, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Jamie Dockery and Fayette County's University of Kentucky extension office have been "growing community" for twelve years now.
A mild winter will likely lead to an active tick season
By Megan James |  Posted: Tue 3:20 PM, Apr 28, 2020  |  Updated: Tue 4:40 PM, Apr 28, 2020 LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - After a mild winter, this tick season could be rougher than usual. Once latched on, ticks can be difficult to remove and it's important to do so safely.
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