Professional Experience:

June 2018 to present: Anchor for WINK News This Morning. Previously worked at KMIZ in Columbia, Missouri as a weekend anchor and reporter.

Awards and Recognition:

Suncoast Regional Emmy Award nomination for reporting on a "Bomb Squad Search at a Home in Cape Coral."; Two Heart of America Gold Awards from the Kansas City Press Club for a special report on "Surviving a Mass Shooting" and for several reports on human and sex trafficking in mid-Missouri.

News Philosophy: 

Be a voice for the voiceless.

Hobbies and Interests & Community Involvement

Relaxing at the beach or by the pool, working out, reading a good murder-mystery book and watching true crime documentaries. Volunteer at Gulf Coast Humane Society.

Education

Ohio University, E.W. Scripps School of Journalism

Likes best about Southwest Florida:

The heat, humidity and beaches.

Hometown

Canonsburg, PA

Sanibel parking

Sanibel prices out some visitors by hiking parking fees

Sanibel is raising parking prices by the hundreds. And, this could be pricing out visitors. Leaders on Sanibel tell WINK News what is behind the increase. The quiet beaches and the seashell selection are what keeps Tracy Fox and her husband coming back to Sanibel. “We love getting out on the beach and walking and […]

Former Island Coast teacher accused of relationship with student loses teaching license

A former Lee County teacher had her state teaching license pulled after allegations she had an inappropriate relationship with a student. Denise Ayers is accused of touching the student and sending him inappropriate messages on social media. Ayers didn’t contest any of the allegations outlined in the administrative complaint filed with the Education Practices Commission. […]

Hospitals no longer able to give first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

Hospitals are no longer able to give the first round of the COVID-19 vaccine – at least for now. It has to do with how the state is changing its vaccine plans, and the decision is worrying for some who are awaiting their second shot. DeSoto Memorial Hospital posted on its Facebook page that “the […]

Fort Myers City Council approves removal of Robert E. Lee pedestal downtown

Fort Myer City Council during their Tuesday night meeting approved the removal of a pedestal where a Robert E. Lee bust used to sit. The Lee bust, which has been controversial for years, was removed last May by the Sons of Confederate Veterans following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers […]

Biden to propose 8-year citizenship path for immigrants

President-elect Joe Biden plans to unveil a sweeping immigration bill on Day One of his administration, hoping to provide an eight-year path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million people living in the U.S. without legal status, a massive reversal from the Trump administration’s harsh immigration policies. The legislation puts Biden on track to deliver […]

Family members feel helpless trying to get vaccine appointments for loved ones

It’s become a family effort to help those 65 and older secure a vaccine appointment. Children and grandchildren call and click from afar in hopes of getting answers. People continue to experience long-distance frustrations during the pandemic. Amy Royce has not seen her parents since before the pandemic began. “The last time I saw them […]

Frustration, more disappointment for process to get a vaccine in Lee County

Many people planned their day around the COVID-19 vaccine registration process in Lee County Wednesday. We talked to several people who say reservations are taking over their lives, and they must plan out time to call in. Those not vaccinated are frustrated they still haven’t had any luck. Beverly Morford and her husband woke up […]

SWFL couples fed up with vaccine system travel to East Coast to get first dose

A woman was fed up with the vaccine reservation system in Southwest Florida, so she traveled hundreds of miles to get the shot. Betty Rahm, Cherie McArthur and their husbands took a road trip across the state Tuesday to get their first COVID-19 doses. “I just want things to be back to normal,” Rahm said. […]

Collier, Lee counties seek help from retired nurses to give COVID-19 vaccine

If you’re a retired nurse, you could potentially help give out the COVID-19 vaccine in Southwest Florida. Florida Department of Health in Collier County says it’s making a volunteer list. DOH-Collier wants retired nurses to send them an email at info.dohcollier@flhealth.gov. Florida Department of Health in Lee County is asking people to register with the […]

SWFL hospitals say they will use all of the vaccine allocated to them

Hospitals are now being asked to submit their plans to vaccinate the public. Gov. Ron DeSantis warned hospitals that if they didn’t use their vaccine supply they would not be getting more. That won’t be an issue in Southwest Florida, as hospitals in the region say they are using all of the vaccine shots they […]