Ted Hall and Joanne Woods. He's at WXIA in Atlanta now. She's with Scripps Networks.
Using just Facebook and phone calls, WBIR-TV‘s news anchor Robin Wilhoit and promotions director Julie Morris coordinated a fun-filled station reunion party last Saturday at Barley’s in the Old City. More than 100 folks — most with ties to our city’s leading news station — showed up for the low-key bash. It was such an odd feeling to see so many familiar faces from years ago.
Marti Skold and Bill Williams
Remember meteorologist Marti Skold? She left WBIR in 1996. Today she’s at the ABC affiliate in Salt Lake City where she is the only non-Mormon on the air! She posed with Bill Williams — as did almost everyone at the party. Williams, who is anchor emeritus at WBIR, is one of the most beloved people in Knoxville. The street where the TV station is located is named Bill Williams Avenue, for heavens sake!
Current WBIR personality Beth Haynes, left, with Moira Kaye.
Moira Kaye, who was Miss Tennessee in 1983, has long been associated with Channel 10, first as an intern and then covering the weather, news and anchoring shows such as “Live at Five.” She will return to the air in June anchoring a new morning show to be produced by WBIR that will air on WTNZ, Channel 43.
Patti McGeever, left, Jennifer Leslie-Boettcher and Foster Arnett
Patti McGeever, who was a reporter at WBIR in the late ’90s, now is a freelance video and cable TV producer in her hometown of Cincinnati. Jennifer Leslie-Boettcher is a reporter at WXIA in Atlanta and Foster Arnett is the Knox County Clerk.
Bob Kesling, Amy Ballard, and Kim Stephens
Former sports anchor Bob Kesling is now the “Voice of the Vols,” of course. Amy Ballard, an associate producer at the station in the mid-’90s, is out of the business and living in Huntsville, Alabama. Kim Stephens lives in Fresno, California, where she is the community correspondent for WMPH, the Fox affiliate. Station folks say she gets the award for coming the farthest to the reunion.
Cassandra McGee Stuart works in Oak Ridge and is on the Knox County Election Commission.
Current WBIR personality Abby Ham, Ted Hall and WBIR General Manager Jeff Lee
WBIR anchor Robin Wilhoit, center, one of the party organizers, poses with Dottie Arnett and Beth Townsend.
Former news director Margie Nichols is at UT now. Travis Brickey is at TVA.
Linda Billman, who used to produce The Heartland Series, is at WDVX radio now. Adina Chumley is doing PR in Maryville.
Cyndy Cass, who works for news director Bill Shory, Darrell DeBusk, center, who works for the Knoxville Police Dept. now, and David Cowen.
Missy Kane, who's with Covenant Health now, and Gary Davis, one of WBIR's longest-term employees
Former WBIR photographer Scott Blair, left, and former reporter Jim Ragonese. Blair is with Charter Media now. Ragonese (after a stint at Moxley Carmichael) is at UT Medical Center.
Marc Stewart, who currently is in Denver, left, with Beth Haynes and Christy and Jeff Lee.
From left, Russ Harper, Chris Martin and Marc Stewart
Ken Schwall, left, Randy Stevens and Moira Kaye
News director Bill Shory and his wife, Michelle
Former photographer Brian New, left, is with Grace Baptist Church now. Photographer Brian Holt is still at WBIR, thank goodness!
Herb and Abby Ham
Jim Martin and Julie Morris, WBIR promotions director who helped arrange the event
John Martin and Erin Donovan, both of Live at Five at Four.
Julie Morris and WBIR reporter Stoney Sharp
Erin Donovan and anchor John Becker
My husband, Alan Carmichael, and WBIR's Brittany Bailey
Dean Littleton, former WBIR ad director, is now at WVLT. He's with Erin Donovan.
Brittany Bailey. Cute.
Meteorologist Mike Witcher. Funny.
Ted Hall and Mike Witcher
Erin, Alan and Saul Young of the News Sentinel giving the "Show Us Where Your Heart is" sign. WBIR is the "Straight from the Heart" station.
This picture kind of sums up the evening.
A lot of memorable people have passed through WBIR. The evening was a reminder of that — and also a lot of fun. The Blue Streak appreciates being invited.
Photo credit: The last six photos were taken by John Martin of WBIR.
What about Edye Ellis? I’ve often wondered what she’s doing.
Susan: Edye lives in the area. I see her several times a year and she looks great! She’s a big fan of jazz music, especially Donald Brown. That’s usually where I run into her.
It’s wonderful to see so many members of WBIR’s great team.
We still miss several of you who left years ago for other ventures.
I loved Ted! Thanks for posting this.
Wow I had not seen this …guess i am a little late,but I really love the crew and staff a t channel 10. Ted Hall Robin Moira Kaye and Dr. Bob Ken all some of my favorites. I start every morning with channel 10 helps my day get started. Thanks for posting this my best to all the great people at channel 10 straight from MY HEART Gale( still painting murals everyday all over the USA but always an East Tennessee native and resident—keep up the great work.)
Hi, Gale! Nice to hear from you! Nobody can paint a window like you can! I’m sure the WBIR folks will appreciate your comments. Thanks for reading The Blue Streak!
Does anyone at WBIR remember Dr. Ruth Stevens? She had an educational History show on WBIR in late 50s and 60s. We watched it in school. Willow Brook Oak Ridge elementary school. Would love to see bio. Dr. Stevens was around 60 yrs of age then, so I am sure she has passed away by now.
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