WLKY-TV Employee Reunion

Editor | November 15, 2012

More than 120 former and current employees of WLKY-TV gathered at Churchill Downs on Nov. 10 for a day of fun reminiscing and poignant reflection. WLKY-TV celebrated 50 years of broadcasting this past year, debuting to the Metro Louisville community in September of 1961.

Former employees from management, operational and on-air positions traveled from various regions of the United States to join current employees for the day-long festivities in the Aristides Room at Churchill Downs. Former on-air personalities including Ken Rowland, Paul Ryden, Bob Symon and Lanie Pope, as well as former GM Rabun Matthews and former News Director Andy Barton were in attendance.

In celebration, the station sponsored the second race of the day, aptly named “The WLKY Classic.” All attendees gathered in the Winner’s Circle for a group photograph following the sponsored race.

Photos By BILL WINE | Contributing Photographer

: The event included a buffet.

: Desserts were offered.

: Herb-roasted turkey breast was the featured entree.

: Lenora Wheeler carved the turkey on her birthday.

: Signage.

: The event was held in the Aristides room.

: The tables were set for a buffet lunch in the Aristides room.

: George Schellenger, Laura Ross, Allison Shaw and Jim Coyle.

: Paul Ryden, Gil Lochner and Fred Steurer.

: Allison Gardner Martin and Tony Martin.

: Greg Brown and Janet Bagby.

: Gary Parker and Jason Heeres.

: Cassie Symon and Paul Ryden.

: Jared Heil and Kendra Steele.

: Kevin Spear, Annette Summers and Bill Jordan.

: Patti and Kevin Spear, Annette Summers and Bill Jordan.

: Eric King and Ann Bowdan.

: Rachel May enjoyed the warm sunny day while she read the racing program.

: The WLKY Classic was run as the second race on the race card.

: Majestic Harbor, # 4 in the middle of the pack, ridden by Shaun Bidgmohan, had a clear path after leaving the starting gate.

: Majestic Harbor ridden by Shaun Bridmohan won The WLKY Classic.

: The winners circle and the presentation of the trophy for The WLKY Classic.

: The winners circle and the presentation of the trophy for The WLKY Classic.

: Fred Cowgill,Vicki Dortch and Rick Van Hoose were all smiles as they displayed the trophy for The WLKY Classic.

: Jay Cardosi, Fred Cowgill,Vicki Dortch and Rick Van Hoose were all smiles as they displayed the trophy for The WLKY Classic.

: WLKY group photo inside the Winner’s Circle.

: WLKY group photo.

: Scott Eckhardt, Amy Wagner, Vicki Dortch, Sheryl Matthys and Todd Connor.

: Liz Everman and Maxine Rouben.

: Rabun Matthews and Dawn Grimes enjoyed a conversation.

: Vicki Dortch went live on TV for event coverage.

: Forrest Clem and Don Good smiled as they talked.

: John Asher and Vicki Tomlinson.

: Mary Jordan and Fred Cowgill.

: Mary Jordan, Karen Bybee, Marcy Anderson, Bruce Anderson, Fred and Cindy Cowgill.

: Tony Martin placed a bet.

: Chris and Wendy Kilgore.

: Jessica Denson and Shea Van Hoy.

: Shea Van Hoy, Jessica Denson and Maxine Rouben.

: Jessica Oh, Erin Gritton and Ann Bowdan.

: Kevin and Patti Spear.

: Andrea Stahlman and Lexy Scheen.

: Laura and Ken Ross.

: Dawn Grimes closely watched the race from the 4th floor box seats.

: Dawn Grimes and George Schellenger.

: Tony Martin watched the track action on a sunny day at Churchill Downs.

: Ellis Naifeh sharpened the carving knives.

: Michael Bright closely read the program to select his next pick.

: Vicki Dortch and Andy Barton.

: Former general manager and president of WLKY Rabun Matthews, incoming news director Andrea Stahlman, Vicki Dortch and outgoing news director Mike Neelly.