WAND honored with six regional Emmy Award nominations

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - WAND TV has been nominated for six regional Emmy Awards by the NATAS Mid-America Chapter.

Wake Up Anchor Deron Molen and Photojournalist Erika Ahola were nominated in the news feature category for a story about a homeless Springfield man who was able to get back on his own feet with the help of area non-profits.

Evening Anchor Alyssa Patrick and Ahola were nominated in the education category for reporting on child abuse in Illinois schools.

Investigative Reporter Doug Wolfe, Ahola, and Creative Services Producer Lee Larkins were nominated in the military category for reporting on some veterans who were exposed to lethal radiation and their struggle to get health benefits from the VA.

Wolfe and Ahola were also nominated for a sports story examining sports gambling and its addictive tendencies.

WAND Agriculture Reporter Joe Astrouski and Creative Service Producers Larkins and Jordan Baker were nominated in the entertainment category for a Thanksgiving tribute to farmers.

Promotions Manager Suzanne Johnson, Larkins, Baker, and former promotions producer Shea Kelly were nominated in the promotions category for the popular Hot Takes segments promoting WAND News' Wake Up morning newscasts.

"We are grateful to the Academy and our peers across the industry for recognizing our journalism and storytelling in central Illinois," said WAND News Director Rod Hissong. "We work hard every day to share stories that are important and impactful for our communities. We emphasize quality, trust, and accountability in our reporting because that is what our viewers demand of us."

The Emmy Awards are among the highest recognition in visual journalism and media. The NATAS Mid-America Chapter covers five states: Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Arkansas, and Louisiana. It is one of 19 regional chapters that belong to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Winners will be announced at a gala in St. Charles, Missouri, on Oct. 25.