After sharing more than 400 Someone 2 Know stories, we didn't have to look far to find the perfect person to celebrate tonight. Someone who's called Channel 2 News home for the last 21 years.
Our walk down memory lane begins at the University of Nevada where in 1994 - with a broadcast journalism degree in hand, this darling 22-year-old was ready to make a name for herself. Hired as newsroom secretary, Wendy Wyness moved up the ranks quickly at KTVN from nightside assignment editor to reporter and weekends behind the desk.
Wendy then woke up Northern Nevada on the morning show. In the late 90's with Tim Robinson - who, like us, is heartbroken to see her go.
"All the Channel 2 people are going to miss you. I miss you so much. I was your first! 'Member? First anchor, you, me? Mornings? Lot of fun. Love you. You look great. How come I look like this and you look like that? Wendy, don't go!"
And the laughs continued in the early hours - with Brian Hickey by her side. He credits Wendy for showing him the ropes. But, more importantly, appreciates her friendship.
"Whether it be out mountain biking, skiing - or that time you agreed to go rock climbing with me. So best of luck in your new career. I know it's something you're passionate about. But I know the viewers in Northern Nevada and we are going to miss seeing you on the air."
Especially when it matters most. Wendy handled breaking news and big stories with poise and authority. From high-profile investigations to stories that had everyone talking.
Wendy earned the respect of Channel 2 News viewers during her live coverage of one of the worst floods in Northern Nevada history.
"I'm at Rock Park right now and there's isn't much of a park left here at all. You can see behind me the raging Truckee River through this part of Sparks. And see those bars right there? That's where the jogging path goes through this area, so that really shows how much the water has come up, " she reported.
John Mercer recalls Wendy thriving when news broke; on the front lines of some of Reno's most historic events.
“I've got a lot of great memories from our time together, Wendy. How about the time we got up really early in the morning and covered the Mapes Hotel implosion. It was early, but it was a very important event for Reno because, of course, it was a landmark building in the city.">
Her talent earned her a spot on the evening news with John in 2000. You might remember, together they also made a late night cameo on the Late Show with David Letterman.
"Number six. John Mercer and Wendy Wyness from KTVN. From the Biggest Little City, Reno.”
"Good night from all of us. And a special good night to our viewers who are doing it right now."
Becoming a main anchor wasn't the only big change in her life that year.
Longtime northern Nevadans remember when Wendy Wyness became Wendy Damonte and two beautiful babies followed.
Eva Diana and Dominic Giovani - who we've watched grow up on TV.
Wendy's mom, Diane, also touched many lives. Wendy let us into her family, once again, as her best friend battled breast cancer.
She documented it all in an award-winning half-hour special.
The powerful, but painful journey led to a change in legislation - championed by Wendy - mandating that doctors inform women about their breast density.
Losing her mom - the greatest test Wendy's faced - became a testimony used to save lives.
The community - and former colleagues, like Bill Brown, took notice.
He, too, calls Wendy "a longtime friend, a great journalist and a person driven by the will to help others. Not a bad way to enter a new phase of her life. We'll miss you, Wendy."
And I think I might miss her most. For the last nine years I, too, have had the honor of watching and admiring a pro.
We've covered wildfires, presidential visits and disasters in our hometown, but have also had some fun along the way.
Kristen and Wendy had a brief stint as Battle Born Derby Demons, "Okay, here we go, go through, go through! Yeah, Wendy, go!"
And time on the tennis courts for charity, we golfed with the pros, emceed countless events, trained for a marathon and shared hours of commercial break giggles.
After 21 years, Wendy will sign off the air for the last time tonight. But there's no saying goodbye to impact she's made in our community, our homes and our hearts.
