WEVV’s 44 News Debuts Today [Photos]

Today is a big day at WEVV in Evansville.  News is returning to the network for the first time in 14 years!  And here are the folks who will be bringing you your nightly news, weather and sports on 44 News!

Amanda Decker – Anchor

Amanda Decker is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana and joins WEVV from Little Rock, Arkansas where she worked at Independent News Network.  Amanda was responsible for producing and anchoring five evening newscasts for stations in multiple markets.  Amanda has nine years of professional experience producing and anchoring newscasts, reporting, and editing video.

Amanda says “Evansville is the market I want to call home.  I’ve spent a lot of time in Evansville while my sister was a student at USI.  I got to know the community, and I really liked it.  Coming back to Indiana was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”

Amanda graduated from Ball State with degrees in Telecommunications, Journalism, and Political Science.

Chris Cerenelli – Anchor

Chris Cerenelli joins WEVV from WTVF in Nashville, Tennessee.  Before Nashville, Chris worked at WLIO in Lima, Ohio and at WKEF/WRGT in Dayton, Ohio.  Chris has 7 years of professional experience producing and anchoring newscasts, reporting, shooting and editing video, forecasting the weather, and managing the assignment desk.

Chris says “It's great to be in a city like Evansville.  I grew up in Youngstown, Ohio so I appreciate the Midwestern way of life.  This is a truly special opportunity, and it's a responsibility I take very seriously. I look forward to getting to know the people of the Tri-State and the issues that matter most to them.”

Chris graduated from Belmont University in Nashville with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Journalism.

Chad Evans – Chief Meteorologist

Chad Evans is a native of Odon, Indiana, and joins WEVV from WFLI in Lafayette, Indiana where he was the chief meteorologist.  Chad may be a familiar name to those in the Tri-State, as he also previously worked at WEHT as weekend meteorologist.

Chad grew up watching Evansville television cover the great June 2, 1990 tornado outbreak unfold & destroy homes in his home county.  Chad worked at WEHT during the deadly November 6, 2005 Henderson to Spencer County tornado and the November 15, 2005 Madisonville tornado.

Chad has ten years of professional experience as a meteorologist.  Chad has a National Weather Association Seal of Approval and is a member of the Indiana State Climate Office Advisory Committee.  Chad is an active blogger about the weather.  He also has writing credits in two PBS weather documentaries (An Illinois Winter and Stinging Dust and Forgotten Lives: The Dust Bowl), and is the author of It Was a Mighty Tempest:  Hoosier Severe Weather & Flood Events Prior to 1905.

Chad says “I’m looking forward to moving back to the southern end of the state, and to the shorter drives to see my family in Daviess County.  I always hoped to have the opportunity to return to the Tri-State, and I’m anxious to get started.”

Chad graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Climatology.

Andrew Keesee – Sports Director

Andrew Keesee joins WEVV from KWES in Midland, Texas where he was a sports reporter/weekend anchor.

While at KWES, Andrew was key in the coverage of high school football, which is big in Texas.  Andrew produced local high school sports programs, provided coverage for several high schools, universities, minor league baseball, and hockey teams, and semi-pro football teams.

Andrews says “In West Texas FOOTBALL IS king.  It is what the movie FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS is all about.  I’m looking forward to expanding on my football coverage experience here in the Tri-State and instilling that same type of enthusiasm and journalistic energy into basketball and all the other sports in the Tri-State.”

Andrew graduated from Lubbock Christian University with a degree in Communications.

We want to extend a huge congratulations and welcome to Amanda, Chris, Chad and Andrew!  They hit the airwaves TONIGHT and we can't wait to tune in!  And we are thrilled to have WEVV on board as WBKR's brand new news and weather partner.