WDAY’s Kevin Wallevand Honored with Quilt After Emmy Win

On November 7, 1997, local journalist Kevin Wallevand achieved a significant milestone for WDAY-TV in Fargo, North Dakota, when his documentary, “The Quilt: Hope from the Heartland,” secured the first Emmy Award for a North Dakota television station. The half-hour program showcased a quilt created by the women of North Buffalo Church in Kragnes, Minnesota, and traced its journey to a village in Angola.

The Emmy win was a remarkable accomplishment, yet a recent event at North Buffalo Church proved to hold even greater personal significance for Wallevand and his colleague, photographer Chad Pederson. In a heartfelt ceremony, the church honored them, celebrating not only their professional success but also the community spirit that inspired the documentary.

Celebrating Community and Creativity

The church service, which took place last month, welcomed Wallevand and Pederson with decorated signs and a warm atmosphere. The pastor, Rev. Larry Vigen, incorporated the story of the quilt into his sermon, illustrating how the collective efforts of individuals can create meaningful change.

During the service, approximately 15 quilters from the church came forward to present gifts to Wallevand and Pederson. Among these gifts was a quilt for each of them, with Wallevand receiving a replica of the original quilt featured in the documentary. As emotions ran high, Wallevand described the experience, stating, “As neat as it was professionally to get that Emmy, it was a lot more rewarding to me personally to get that quilt. It was a neat day. They are a neat group.”

A Legacy of Trust and Honesty

The documentary’s narrative celebrates not only the artistry of quilt-making but also the values of trust and honesty in community interactions. An anecdote shared by local resident Ronnie Krueger highlights these themes. Krueger spoke about his relative, Art Akland, who runs an apple orchard in Buhl, Idaho. Akland operates on an honor system, allowing customers to pay for apples by leaving money in a drawer. Remarkably, he has never experienced theft, showcasing a deep-rooted trust within the community.

As the quilt made by the women of North Buffalo Church provides comfort to someone in Angola, the memory of the celebration with Wallevand and Pederson is expected to resonate for years to come. The quilt symbolizes not only the artistic talent of the quilters but also the bonds formed through shared stories and experiences.

This event serves as a reminder of the impact of local journalism and community connection, illustrating how heartfelt narratives can foster appreciation and recognition. The honor bestowed upon Wallevand and Pederson is a testament to the power of storytelling, bridging gaps between cultures and inspiring hope in unexpected places.