The Orlando Sentinel from Orlando, Florida • Page 2

Names faces A-2 The Orlando Sentinel, Sunday, June 25, 1995 Stetson student crowned By Rebecca Thomas WCPX to unveil new image OF THE SENTINEL STAFF -XG lot. -W 1 VI The station will have a new set that is a transition to a more traditional setting. By Hal Boedeker OF THE SENTINEL STAFF Determined to overhaul its image, No. 3-rated WCPX-Channel 6 on Monday will unveil a plush newscast set, updated graphics and a new co-anchor for David Witt-man. "What we're trying to reflect in the new set is we're a news organization operating on a larger scale," said news director Richard Moore.

WCPXI6 0 GARY BOGDONTHE ORLANDO SENTINEL David Wittman of WCPX-Channel 6 has a new co-anchor, Grace Hargis; (left) who comes from an ABC affiliate in Wichita, Kan. Thanks to Kristin Ludecke, Central Florida now has someone new to boast about Ludecke, a 19-year-old Stetson University student, walked off lando's Carr Performing Arts Centre stage Saturday night bearing a bouquet of flowers in her arms, a tiara on her head and a sash across her chest declaring her the 60th Miss Florida "This is so exciting!" the Tavares High School alumnae said amid a group of well-wishers. "Ym thrilled; I feel like I'm dreaming." Yet, it wasn't just the sparkling rhinestone crown that was a dream come true for last year's second runner-up. Ludecke, Miss Central Florida, will represent the state in September when she makes her way to Atlantic City to vie for the title of Miss America 1995. In addition to her crown, Ludecke also won a $16,000 scholarship, which will come in handy as she studies toward her master's and doctorate degrees in music.

The vocal performance major took advantage of her current studies by performing a Gaetano Donizetti piece in the talent competition and a talent she hopes will pay her wages in years to come. "I'd like to perform opera," she said of her future goals, adding that she would also like to teach music at a university. As she was interviewed on stage by Miss Florida 1994, Megan Welch, Ludecke praised the role of arts in education. As for her immediate goals, well, they're a little less structured. "I'll probably go to sleep," she said.

PHELAN M. EBENHACKTHE ORLANDO SENTINEL "One of the raps we've had is, The station is too We experimented with walk-around formats that didn't go down well with some viewers. The set is a transition to a more traditional environment." The CBS affiliate spent $500,000 on the set and new graphics, Moore said. The anchors, who used to sit behind a desk in the newsroom, now will have a spacious set with backdrops of glass block and oak, The bold graphics feature a gold "6" on a blue backdrop, and the WCPX news theme has been freshened with new instrumentals. Grace Hargis, formerly of KAKE-TV in Wichita, will join Witt-man in anchoring the 5 p.m., 6 p.m.

and 11 p.m. newscasts. She replaces co-anchor Mary Hamill, whose future with the station is under discussion. WCPX plans other major announcements this week in its drive to catch market leader WFTV-Channel 9 and No. 2-rated WESH-Channel 2.

General Manager Brooke Spec- Miss Central Florida, Kristin Ludecke, a Stetson University student, is crowned as the new Miss Florida. Miss Florida 1994, Megan Welch, helps her with the crown. torsky, who joined the station in October, has vowed a more competitive approach as well as changes in programming and staffing. WCPXs transmitter has. been converted to stereo, and the station will go to stereo within 30 to 60 days, Spectorsky said.

News director Moore, who came aboard in January, has been beefing up the newsroom staff to roughly 75 positions, from about 65. The station did not renew the contract of morning anchor Mona Scott, who will leave in August, but is not ready to announce a replacement The station has hired a chief engineer, four producers and four reporters. The new on-air talent: Jac-quee Polak, who is covering entertainment and tourism, and Casey Shaughnessy, a sports reporter and fill-in sports anchor. Joining the station in July will be Michele Kane, a reporteranchor, and Nicole Smith, a general assignment reporter. Spectorsky pointed to support from the station's owner, First Media for making the changes possible.

First Media, which is owned by hotel magnate Richard Marriott, had scrimped on the station since buying it for $200 million nine years ago. Spectorsky has said the company was behind the station and would give it the resources to get back on track. "That has been the case," he said. "We'd like to be a news leader. What kind of time frame it will take, I don't know." An aged maxim of law enforce Movie director Sidney Lumet is 71 Actress June Lockhart is 70.

ment goes: "Rain is the best po- Basketball Hall-of-Famer Willis liceman Reed is 53. Singer Cany Simon is 50. TV personality Phyllis George is 46. Rock singer George Michael is 32. Just by looking at a carrot, you wouldn't think 90 percent of it was water.

It is. kiKiiS)ubsar wmm mm mmmt after inventory 50 off Men's Famous American Designer's Shorts 50 off Men's Famous American Designer's Slacks 25 Off Men's Dress Shirts 25 off Men's Neckwear 20-30 off Men's Suits 20-25 Off Men's Slacks 20-30 Off Men's Sportcoats 25-50 off Ladies' Dress Shoes 25 off Ladies' Summer Casual Shoes 25 Off Ladies' Sandals 25 Off Men's Shoes 25 off Children's Shoes Selection varies by store. Interim markdowns have been taken. Nominal charge for all alterations on Tailored Clothing. 50 off Misses' Dresses 50 Off Misses' Suits 50 Off Misses' Career Collections 50 Off Misses' Casual Collections 50 off Petites' Dresses 50 Off Petites' Career Casual Separates 50 Off The Dillard's Woman Dresses 50 Off The Dillard's Woman Careeer Casual Separates 50 off uniors' Sportswear Dresses 50 off Men's Famous American Designer's Short Sleeve Woven Shirts 50 off Men's Famous American Designer's Long Sleeve Woven Shirts 50 Off Men's Famous American Designer's Knit Shirts 50 Off Men's Famous American Designer's Novelty T-Shirts to if SELECTED MERCHANDISE INTEGRITY QUALITY COURTESY VALUE STYLE USE YOUR DILLARD'S CHARGE.

WE ALSO WELCOME VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINER'S CLUB DISCOVER CARD. FLORIDA MALI. WINTER PARK MAM. VOLUSIA MALI. MERRITT SQUARE MELBOURNE SQUARE, KM), Sun.

12-6.