WDAY’s Kevin Wallevand Receives Quilt After Emmy Win

On this date in 1997, local journalist Kevin Wallevand achieved a significant milestone for North Dakota television. His documentary, “The Quilt: Hope from the Heartland,” garnered the first Emmy Award for WDAY-TV, marking a historic moment for the station. The half-hour program highlighted a quilt created by women from the North Buffalo Church in Kragnes, Minnesota, which ultimately found its way to a village in Angola.

Documentary’s Impact and Recognition

The documentary, produced in collaboration with photographer Chad Pederson, showcased the power of community and the stories woven into the fabric of the quilt. Winning the Emmy was a remarkable achievement, but a recent event at North Buffalo Church proved to be even more significant for Wallevand and Pederson.

Last month, the church hosted a service to honor the two journalists. They attended with the expectation of reconnecting with the women featured in their documentary. However, the day unfolded in a way that exceeded their expectations. The church was adorned with signs celebrating their Emmy win, and Reverend Larry Vigen incorporated the quilt’s story into his sermon, emphasizing the impact that individuals can have on the lives of others.

As part of the tribute, the quilters—approximately 15 women—gathered to present Wallevand and Pederson with special gifts. Each journalist received a quilt, with Wallevand’s being a replica of the one featured in the documentary. The emotional atmosphere resonated deeply with both men, highlighting the significance of the community’s support.

A Memorable Experience

The moment proved to be overwhelmingly emotional for Wallevand. While he expressed gratitude for the Emmy, he noted that receiving the quilt held even greater personal meaning. “As neat as it was professionally to get that Emmy,” he reflected, “it was a lot more rewarding to me personally to get that quilt. It was a neat day. They are a neat group.”

The quilt serves as a comforting symbol for someone in Angola, while the experience of reconnecting with the women from North Buffalo Church left a lasting impression on both Wallevand and Pederson. The warmth and camaraderie shared that day will likely stay with them for years to come, reinforcing the power of community and storytelling in their work.