If you asked my mother, she would tell you my career in journalism started in junior high when I pretended to have my own talk show and imitated Barbara Walters interviewing ex-beauty queens in my English class. My journalism career really started in Omaha, Nebraska at the NBC affiliate while I pursued my degree in communication at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I interned for the consumer and investigative team, helping with undercover stings. I worked my way up to web writer and then weekend morning producer.

From there I went to Lincoln, Nebraska and spent three years as a reporter, writing, shooting and editing all of my work. Maybe the most memorable story I covered was the tornado that flattened the town of Hallam, Nebraska. I traveled with Governor Mike Johanns to the town by helicopter the morning after. I will never forget the look on people’s faces and the devastation in Hallam.

Three months later I found myself here in Southwest Florida, which was about a week after Hurricane Charley hit. I remember driving in on I-75 and seeing the homes in Charlotte County torn apart. I jumped right in at WINK reporting on recovery. After covering Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne, I worked the crime beat for two years and now anchor the weekend morning show with Kyle Jordan, and Meteorologist Amanda McDonald. During the week I cover the green beat for our Simply Green segment. I love to see how people are working to be better stewards of the earth so this is a real treat for me! If you have any story ideas please send them my way!

Photographer Nate Van Sickle and I won an Emmy in December of 2007 for a story about a Charlotte County war veteran who met his son for the first time. His son tracked him down after finding his name on an adoption certificate and then Googled him. I remember watching the veteran standing at the airport with “It’s a boy” balloons in his hands, and then seeing his reaction as his son walked through security. There are good stories in the world to share.

In my time at WINK I have also one several Associated Press Awards and attended Poynter Journalism Institutes Power Reporting session.

When I am not covering news, I spend time volunteering with Make A Wish, Fairy Godmothers, doing yoga, running, and hanging out with my dachshund Lady Elizabeth.


Email Holly Wagner: holly.wagner@winknews.com