The staff at Nexstar’s WOOD (Grand Rapids) has been busy getting internal emails about people leaving the station.

December 20th will be the last day for 3 of their employees. The other one is staying on to the 1st of the year.

FTVLive obtained the emails of 4 staffers that are moving on:

No. 1:

All,

John Van Doorne is leaving for his next adventure.

JVD has been a WOOD TV8 Superstar for nearly 20 years. He’s the quintessential go-to guy that helped shaped who we are today. He’s done just about every job at the station(s) from voice over work to directing, producing, shooting and editing. He was one of the first people I met when I started in 2004. It was his job to train me on a new non-linear editing marvel called The Silver. Finding time to edit on that thing was next to impossible – the time taken up by the many Barnaby and Maranda segments on the just launched My ABC WOTV 4.

Since then, he’s always been a guy we can all count on to help out with anything we throw at him – and knows the answer to any question we have. He’s truly an asset to our team and will be deeply missed.

John’s last day is Dec 20. After the new year, he’ll head to a local marketing agency where he’ll surely be their Rockstar as well.

Please join me in wishing him well.

No. 2:

Hello everyone,

I wanted to send a note that Donny Miller, lifestyle videographer, will be leaving WOOD TV8. Donny has accepted a new position with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital to continue his videography. Donny has been with the station nearly 2 years and during his time been a great asset to the team across lifestyle and production.

His positive attitude and warm personality make him a joy to be around. He is not only has worked to help develop great video content for eightWest, Maranda and Live Local Give Local but he is a go-to guy for problem solving, teaching and mentoring others. He really stepped up to help organize and execute the “Daily 2” schedules and video, serving as a jib operator at big productions and his leadership on production at Park Parties has made him a valuable part of the team.

Please wish Donny well and thank him for his time and efforts at the station.

His last official day with be December 20th.

No. 3:

Date: December 10, 2019
To: News Staff
From: Dan Boers
News Director
Re: Marlee Ginter

“The 7 on 8” and late newscasts will look different after the first of the year.

Marlee Ginter is leaving for a new opportunity in a warmer climate.

During her eight years at WOOD, Marlee helped launch West Michigan’s only 7pm newscast, anchored countless late news and ArtPrize shows, and helped numerous viewers with her Target 8 Consumer reports.

Marlee brought passion and a positive attitude to the newsroom each day. Now she’s bringing that to a new newsroom. It will take the Target 8 team to get it out of her where she’s going.Marlee’s last day will be December 20. There will be more information on a gathering that night.

Please join me in thanking Marlee for all she’s done to build on the excellence of this station.

No. 4:

Date: December 11, 2019
To: News Staff
From: Dan Boers
News Director
Re: Katherine Ducharme

Katherine Ducharme is joining the list of departures but I’m very happy for her and the opportunity that lies ahead.

Katherine is taking a weekend forecaster / weather reporter position with WKOW TV in Madison, Wisconsin.

As many of you know, Katherine has a passion for weather and is pursuing her certification as a meteorologist. This new position gives her the chance to cover weather every day.

Katherine has covered a wide variety of stories during her three years on Daybreak and has developed a strong on-air presence.

Her last day at the station will be January 1.

Please join me in thanking her for her work on Daybreak and wish her well on this new adventure.

Can the last one out the door, please get the lights?