"Michelle Sherwood" Signs Off Sunday...

My last newscast on KSPR is here...

I am really looking forward to the future, but boy, it's hard to file away the last 7 1/2 years of my life.

A lot of wonderful things happened here, personally and professionally. A lot of heartaches took place, too. But, that's life. And, I wouldn't be the person I am without a little adversity.

Thankfully, there are more good times than bad. My most favorite was working with my photographer-boyfriend-now-husband, Jim. We had a beautiful Cathedral wedding in Honolulu, bought our charming first house in our favorite neighborhood, and became the proud parents of a little rottweiler named Minnie.

In terms of my professional career, it's been an awesome, yet uphill journey. I started out as a reporter at KY3, got bumped up to weekend morning (cut-in) anchor, weekend night anchor at KSPR, then weeknight anchor. It wasn't easy, and it didn't happen overnight, but I'm glad it happened the way it did. Nothing good comes easy. And if people don't know me by now...they should know I always follow an opportunity.

Never in my life did I think I could create something worthwhile or bigger than me. I feel like KSPR's Wednesday's Child segments prove otherwise. Even when the kids are difficult --and they're kids... so yes, this happens--I still want to just reach out, give them a hug and find them a home. I spend countless hours working on their two-minute story because I believe they deserve my best efforts. I've been told the Wednesday's Child segments will continue at KSPR, and I wish the station and The Adoption Exchange the best. Leaving this project behind--one I helped start--hurts terribly. Never in my life did I think I would receive individual, national recognition for something. This year's Angels in Adoption Awards were incredibly humbling. I am still very thankful for Senator-Elect Roy Blunt's nomination. The event changed my life.

I was also really proud to win an Emmy last month. Talk about leaving on a high note. We didn't even go to the awards banquet this year because we were pretty nonchalant about it for once. Murphy's Law, I suppose... but I wouldn't have done anything differently. It was cool to forgo the tux rental money to buy food and drinks for good friends.

Friends and family reading this blog... I'm sorry I haven't told you sooner, I wish I could've been more forthcoming with information on the future. It's just that Jim and I weren't ready for the questions.

I am taking a main anchor job on the East Coast, effective in two weeks. Jim will stay behind until we can wrap up things in the Ozarks. I know a lot of people (especially his co-workers!) will be wondering if that means he'll be a lame duck... but rest assured, we are prepared to work a part indefinitely. People do it all the time, especially in the news business. It will be difficult, but the world is a much smaller place these days.

As for me, I'll be at the beach. Literally. Coastal living...where there's a Whole Foods Market, a Williams-Sonoma and a Pottery Barn. Now, if I could afford the $15-million beach house, life would be perfect.

The one thing I'll miss the most? People. Jim, my mom and dad (who live near Clinton), the rest of my family, Jim's family and so many friends. It hurts a bit to even write it. BUT, I expect everyone to come visit our quaint little beach town! Just not all at once... though if that's the only way I get you, then I'll take it!

One more thing--just thought it would be appropriate to post my VERY FIRST story I did on KY3. I think it was Good Friday, 2003 (April 18th.) I was told I would learn how to work the system that morning... by noon, they had me out shooting a story on a traffic survey. It was a bit of a snoozer-of-a-topic, but I was so nervous about making it stand out. Ha! GOODBYE!!!

This is also the last of Michelle Sherwood, so-to-speak. My maiden name serves no purpose anymore. Can you believe it?? Sorry, Mom and Dad... I haven't decided what I'm going to do about the blog, but no decision will be made in haste. I'd actually like to keep it for adoption, but we'll see how easy it will be to maintain.

Thank you for all the wonderful notes, messages and support. Thanks for trusting me with your stories, your issues... thanks for all of the experiences, good and not-so-good. I have been blessed and I will always feel like I can call the Ozarks home. I am so glad I got to "grow-up" here... and trust me, I'll visit often!

Wednesday's Child: Alexus

Alexus is one of my favorite gigglers to date. Someone MUST adopt her! She's at the age where she needs a lot of confidence building. I just adore this little girl.

Goodbye! I'm Leaving KSPR and KY3 Inc.

I've come a long way since I started at KY3 in April 2003. I started on Good Friday at the urging of my then-news director. By doing that, I had to take another year of religious classes, but I was so happy to be in my home state!

Just a couple weeks after my big move, the May 4th tornadoes came. I was so terrified because it was the first real major breaking news event I'd covered. There was so much destruction, and I was so sad to talk to families who had lost loved ones. The first house I stopped at in Camdenton was an eye opener. I met a couple of teens who were picking up the debris, and I asked them a few questions about the storm. I asked... "Did everyone make it out ok?" "No," was their response.

Apparently, a husband and wife lived there for several years. They were grandparents. She was found in a bathtub several hundred yards away from the house. The grandfather was somewhere out in the field. I thought of my family. That one news event shaped much of my career... even as devastating as it was, I am grateful to have learned so early about true hardships and the power of local TV news. People complain about local TV, but the truth is, I believe our station (and others) saved lives the night of the storm. We helped many towns and people recover afterwards. It was a great lesson, and it's not one that comes around often.

After a few months, I had the great opportunity to work the weekend mornings and anchor the cut-ins. It was ONLY the cut-ins, but I thought anchoring a smidge would be better than nothing. I passed up several opportunities to report dayside, M-F... but I was determined to have my 3 minutes on the anchor desk, even if it meant waking up on Saturdays at 5 a.m.

Then, the opportunity came to work at KSPR. Weekend nights. Producing my own newscast. Editing on BETA. And filling in on the sports desk. Really? What year was this? It didn't matter, though. I thought it was great experience. I remember feeling a great sadness leaving my KY3 comforts... but I was so excited for the chance to do more professionally.

A year later, I was anchoring the 10 p.m. news. Shortly after that, we dumped all of our sad equipment and started working in the newest studio/newsroom in the market. It's been really cool to be HD from start to finish, work with robotic cams and ipads and work with the latest equipment. Of course, that can only go so far.

But, as I ramble here... I kept thinking it might be time to move on. After all, nearly eight years in one place is a long time. At some point, you have to decide whether you want change or not. I did.

My contract ends November 30th. My last newscast will be Sunday, November 28th. I imagine it will be routine-- "here today, gone tomorrow" kind-of-thing. And, that's the way it should be. I wouldn't subject any of our viewers to my mumblings about moving on. It's reserved for my blog, though... and I won't apologize for that!

I had a great run at KY3 Inc. I made a lot of memories with incredible people. I earned recognition across the state --even the country-- for the work I've done in both newsrooms. And, most importantly, I met my wonderful husband here. Without him, I'm nothing. Jim and I have so much more ahead in our future together, but Springfield will leave an impression on us. And, I'm truly grateful to have had the chance to be here.

I'm sorry I haven't told some of you face-to-face about my big life change. I feel like a horrible friend, and the truth is, I still feel like I need to be a little cryptic about my future. We will still have roots in the Ozarks; Jim will continue working at KY3 Inc., and I will be seen around town.

Feel free to send me a message on Facebook or drop me a note with your email. I'll be in touch.

KSPR wins a Regional Emmy

I posted this on Facebook, but I wanted to quickly share that KSPR won a regional Emmy over the weekend.

The story was one I wrote back in the spring about K2, a synthetic marijuana that is now banned in Missouri. Of course, now I hear there are other versions of synthetic marijuana that are legal because it varies a compound or two from the now illegal version.

I'm really happy for KSPR and the people involved with putting the story together. Joel Girdner, Paul McReynolds, Ben Knaupp and Brian Mattson were the photographers who all made significant contributions to the story. Ron Davis and Bridget Lovelle were also key in making the story happen.



A big congrats to KY3 and all of its nominees. News producer Chris Replogle earned his first Emmy for a newscast he produced on the Derecheo Effect.

Wednesday's Child: Tristen

Tristen is a great kid who's got a lot of energy! He loves to play 1-on-1 with you!

 

What Would You Eat Out of Hunger?

I won't get on my soapbox tonight, but I want to give you something to think about.

Today, I was not on the news because I had a Wednesday's Child shoot. I usually do this once a month and tape four foster kids throughout the Ozarks-- then air their stories throughout the next month. Since we have adoption professionals coming in from St. Louis and Jefferson City, it just makes sense.

When I shoot these stories, it's easy to lose focus on what we're doing. After all, I just get a glimpse of a child... in a certain time and space. I have no idea where the child has been or what the child has experienced.

I was speaking with a foster mom today who reminded me of why Wednesday's Child is so important. She told me, "You look at these kids and forget where they've come from. Every child has a story."

She then told me a brief story about one of her foster kids. He came to her weighing just 18 pounds at age 4. He couldn't speak... he had been left to fend for himself most days. When his case workers found him, he was pulling paint off the wall. He wasn't pulling paint off the wall to be ornery. He was pulling it off so he could have something to eat.

Good thing this woman is adopting him!

The boy can speak more than 30 words now, and he's learning to communicate through an electronic device. He is really making big strides.

And the best? She decided to adopt him after seeing his story on KSPR during our Wednesday's Child segment.

I will update their story when the adoption becomes final. Thanks to all who continue to support Wednesday's Child. I really feel like we're making a strong commitment to Missouri kids, and I am proud to be a part of it. I hope people will take the two or three minutes it takes to watch the kids' stories and realize the critical need out there!

Wednesday's Child: Alex

Wow! Alex is one of the cutest little guys out there. His case worker says he's really stressed out about not being in a permanent home. It breaks my heart. You'll see what I mean when you watch the story. Thanks!

Wednesday's Child: Lacey

Lacey deserves a home so badly... she wants to find one for all the right reasons. She says she doesn't want a home just so she can get out of foster care, she says she really wants to find a family.

She's a pretty insightful teenager. I think she's a great young woman!

Wednesday's Child: Stephon

This 6-year-old may be the cutest kid I've ever seen. He's got a missing tooth! Oh, I love it.

Stephon is such a great little boy... he's very athletic and likes to cuddle. He also snores!! OH SO CUTE!!!

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ALL OF OUR WEDNESDAY'S CHILDREN!

Wednesday's Child: Stephon from ksprwedchild on Vimeo.

Wednesday's Child: Jason

Jason is Wednesday's Child. He is a really great kid, but he's been put through a lot of stress. He had a placement that didn't work out, and so now he's back to square one.

His teachers say he is the smartest kid in his class. He loves science and the outdoors. He really liked the bunnies and the garden at the Rutledge Wilson Farm!

Please spread the word about Jason. He's a good kid.

Wednesday's Child: Robby

Watch Robby's imagination at work. We took him to The Creamery Arts Center in Springfield, and he ended up doing something he never thought he could do. I'm so proud! He's such a great kid, and I really think someone out there will see it, too.

Please continue to spread the word about Wednesday's Child. I'm not going to quit spreading the message...

The Cake Pop Company... on National TV

Set your DVRs... I hear The Cake Pop Company will be on The Today Show this Friday! It should be during the fourth hour with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee.

I first met the owner, Deb, during a holiday visit to KSPR. I think it may have changed my life!



(YouTube version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaAV3ydwmo4)

Anyway, I love her cake pops. They are amazing. If you ever want to send me a sweet treat, order these! That's a hint! xo

A New KSPR Reporter: Jonah Kaplan

If you're a KSPR Facebook fan, you may know this already. KSPR has hired a new reporter for KSPR News This Morning. His name is Jonah Kaplan. He has reporting, sports, and anchoring experience. I think he'll start the same day I leave for vacation... but anyway, here's a peek!



IN OTHER KSPR NEWS: Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lighty re-signed his contract, so he will be here for a few more years. Also, Mike Scott has been promoted to sports director. He will replace Whitney when she leaves for a "day" job in August!

I Camped Out at Einstein Bros... and Survived

I am elated and a little embarrassed at the same time (Should a grown woman really be camping out for free food??)

I camped out at Einstein Bros. Monday night for its grand opening! I have never done anything like that before. It just struck me as something fun to do.

The reason? Breakfast for a year for the first 100 people!

The funny thing was... earlier on Monday, I was telling KSPR's Mike Scott that I wanted to do it. He looked at me like I was crazy. Then around 10:20 p.m. (during the newscast), he texted me to let me know that there were close to 100 people already lined up and that I might not make it in time. HUH?

It was just funny to hear that he was standing in line since earlier in the day he thought it was such a ridiculous idea. While we were camping out, he told me he had a change of heart after thinking about what I said... He drove by and just stayed. He was still in his suit! ha!

Then, when he pulled up, he saw photographer Brian Mattson in line... then shortly after, my friend and KSPR producer Terra Haff and I went... then another photographer, Paul McReynolds and his brother, Herb, came out... it was such a funny, quirky thing to do!

Let me tell you something. If you camp out somewhere in the future, know that it can get crazy. And, people don't like cutters. Some people drove up and tried to cut and when they did, people in line yelled, "NO BAGEL, NO BAGEL, NO BAGEL!" It cracked me up. What a ridiculous amount of fun.

Wednesday's Child: Dennis

Here's Dennis! He's wicked awesome. He loves to skateboard, bike, play video games, and swim.

He's good at athletics, and he's a sweet boy. He is a people-pleaser. His foster mom says all six of his biological siblings have been adopted, so he's really looking to find a forever family!

Wednesday's Children: Jayson and Joey!

Fantastic news! After 8 weeks of featuring children on our Wednesday's Child segment, we can report that one of the children is being adopted!

Joey is far enough in the process that we can make the announcement. I personally couldn't be more thrilled. I'll keep you posted! Wow!

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On another note, my latest Wednesdays' Child feature is on Jayson--

He's such a cute kid. Really outgoing--definitely the least shy of all of the kids I've interviewed.

Wednesday's Child: Shaneice

Check out Shaneice! She's 15 and available for adoption. Super sweet girl!

Click here to see her story!

I met a girl who didn't know how to make a wish!

Today I shot five Wednesday's Child stories (which is why I wasn't on air today.) These are stories about kids who are in the foster care system and are available for adoption.

Most, if not all, have been abused or neglected by the very people who were supposed to love them and take care of them.

They are children who have faced levels of disappointment most of us can't imagine...

Today, I met a little girl who didn't know how to make a wish. It really blew me away, and it made me realize how important it is to save our children.

I asked my regular question..."If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be?"

She said, "I don't wish."
M: "Why?"
Girl: "Because they never come true."
M: "Well, I hope we can change that."
Girl: "Well, then... what can I wish for?"
M: "You can wish for anything. Would you wish for a family?"
Girl. "Yeah..."

My heart broke right then. Her adoption specialist told me she's had so much disappointment... Every time someone wants to adopt her (birth family members, mostly), it falls a part. She gets her hopes up, and then she reaches new lows.

These are our children! Kids who are in our schools, our neighborhoods... some are living in residential centers... Can you imagine a child living in an institution? Simply because there's no one out there to take care of them?

At this point in my life, it would be hard for my husband and I to adopt a child. But, I think we will consider respite care. It's like being a relief-foster family...

Anyway, please open your hearts and minds to these children. So far, I've featured four children on our newscasts... Here they are... and yes, you will soon hear about the girl who didn't know how to make a wish! Her story will be up later...

Dalton
Joey
Kenny
Heather
What is Wednesday's Child?

Wednesday's Child: Joey

Please check out Joey! He is so adorable... and he needs a home!

Wednesday's Child: Dalton

This is a very important new project I'm doing at KSPR-- I hope it changes lives! PLEASE DOUBLECLICK ON IT BECAUSE IT PLAYS WEIRD HERE!

Meet Dalton, an intelligent, energetic and determined young boy with a charming smile!

This all-American boy loves sports, especially football and basketball. Playing outside is another thing he enjoys. Outside or inside, you will see Dalton playing with Star Wars toys, which are his favorite!

Dalton is in the second grade and does well academically. He is very smart and is especially talented at reading.

Dalton currently benefits from counseling, which will need to continue after placement.

Dalton’s caseworker prefers a two-parent family for him; however, all family types will be considered. A loving, structured home environment would be the most beneficial for this young boy.

In the future, Dalton wishes to maintain contact with his siblings. Financial assistance may be available for adoption-related services. Call The Adoption Exchange for more information at 1-800-554-2222.