The History of In Focus: Siskiyou Magazine

In Focus: Siskiyou Magazine started as a joint venture between Action Video Entertainment and what was then known as the King Videocable Company of Mt. Shasta (now known as Northland Cable Television) in the summer of 1995 for broadcast on King's Channel 3. The format for In Focus was a seasonal show that dealt with the "who, what and where" and the many different happenings in Siskiyou County. Here's a look at what hit the air:

Show #1 - First aired in July 1995: John Googins and Shelley Severns hosted the inaugural edition of In Focus decked out in Hawaiian grab. This initial broadcast took an in-depth look at the annual Mt. Shasta 4th of July Celebration. Segments one and two showed the last-minute preparations for the Fun Run and Walk presented by the Mountain Runners plus interviews with Jacquie Parker, Tom Hesseldenz and various entrants. Segments three and four had highlights of the race. Segment five showed highlights of the Parade up North Mt. Shasta Blvd. The final segment showed the highlights of the Mt. Shasta Rotary Club barbeque and the fireworks over Lake Siskiyou.

Show #2 - First aired in September 1995: Mike Summers and Shelley Severns hosted this edition with a set change. Both were dressed in more appropriate attire. On this edition, there were highlights of the second Mountain Mud Mania event at Sisson Middle School and the 1995 Siskiyou Golden Fair in Yreka. Plus, the Mt. Shasta High School video production class tried their hand producing an In Focus segment when Geoff Gifford interviewed local educator Lori Harch. The first "Siskiyou Portraits" segment showcased local new age artist Rowena Kryder. And finally, Shelley interviewed singer Maria Muldaur as part of the Mt. Shasta Blues Festival at the Ski Park. Muldaur had a major 1960's AM Gold hit "Midnight At The Oasis".

Show #3 - First aired in December 1995: John Googins and Mike Summers hosted this edition, which took a look at the annual McCloud Heritage Days celebration featuring interviews with Lee & Marilyn Ogden, owners of the restored McCloud Hotel; Tom Erickson, owner of KWHO-FM Radio at the time; the winners of the Classic Car Show judging; and Jeff Summers, who participated in the annual melodrama (yes, he's Mike's brother). Also, segments featuring artist Tom O'Hara, college Christian fellowship group Seekers, an "alien attack" and a two rather graphic skits by Mt. Shasta High School students were featured. O'Hara's segment was shown on Alan Mainwaring's "Siskiyou Portraits".

Show #4 "What Makes News Channel 7?" - First aired in January 1996: John Googins hosted this special holiday edition which featured a behind the scenes look at what goes on at a network television affiliate, KRCR-TV in Redding. Mike Summers, an intern at KRCR at the time, co-hosted (while working) and gave John and cameraman Ray Berry a tour of the News Channel 7 studios and a look at what viewers don't see in the studio during a newscast. John interviews newly-installed news director Gary Gunter, sports director Mike Mangas, news anchors Sandra Geist and Warren Wright, weather anchor Katy Brown and sports anchor Rich Eisen (whose presence was seen throughout the program).
NOTE: Where are they now? Gary Gunter left KRCR having served as news director since 1995. He is now news anchor at KFBB-TV in Great Falls, Montana. Sandra Giest was last reported to have moved to North Carolina. Warren Wright went somewhere east. Katy Brown is now a weekend sports anchor at KATU-TV Channel 2 in Portland, Oregon. Rich Eisen went on to anchor ESPN's SportsCenter for eight years and is now with NFL Network. And finally, Mike Mangas would sign off for the last time on May 27, 2005, marking the end of a 27-year run as news reporter, sports anchor/reporter and sports director. However, he would return in October to become the new lead male news anchor. And as we know by now, Mike Summers is now with Sainte Television Group of Chico, California (owners of KCVU-DT FOX 20 and KRVU-TV My 21).

Show #5 - First aired in March 1996: John Googins and Mike Summers again hosted the program which started with Mike outside in the snow. Another "Siskiyou Portraits" profile, hosted by Alan Mainwaring, featured local artist Mary Saint Marie and showcased some of her work. Plus, part two of a look at college Christian fellowship group Seekers and a special tribute to former south Siskiyou County athlete and student Fawn Huckaba.

The show was cancelled shortly thereafter in the spring of 1996 due to lack of sponsorship and interest.

Show #6 - Coming Soon: After an 13-year hiatus, In Focus is expected to make its triumphant return to the air on Mountain Community Television Channel 15 (MCTV 15) sometime in 2009. This edition will take a look back at the first five shows in a special historical package. Other segments and formats will be determined at a later time.