The Voice is a glossy magazine offering exclusive access to Louisville’s social scene, fashion must-haves, the latest community news and local sports.
Issue link: http://thevoiceoflouisville.epubxp.com/i/174480
Anyone who knows Vicki knows that while she is very dedicated to her career, her true love and I'm sure she would say, her proudest accomplishment, is her son, Jonathan. "For me, it's been 19 years, more than ten thousand newscasts and hundreds of specials that Vicki and I have anchored together," said anchor Rick Van Hoose. "You don't spend that much time with someone and not get close. I am lucky to be linked professionally with one of the most highly regarded news anchors Louisville has ever known." Dortch agreed. "I see Rick and others longer than most people see their spouses during the day. Multiply that by my 24 years at WLKY and that's a lot of time spent together." "Most viewers only get to see Vicki covering the news," said WLKY sports anchor Fred Cowgill. "But, I see her lighter side, the stuff you don't get to see because we are in a commercial break. If you saw those moments you would learn two things about her. First, she's a huge sports fan, especially for baseball and her beloved Dodgers. Secondly, she has a very sharp sense of humor and does not hesitate to use it. More than once, we have been caught laughing hysterically right before the camera comes back to us." Amy Wagner, former WLKY reporter and current investigative reporter and anchor at WXIX in Cincinnati, relied on Dortch's counsel. "Viewers don't see that she is an amazing mom who has raised one of the most remarkable young men I have ever known. As far as friends go, I am truly blessed to count her among my closest. Vicki was there when I got married. Vicki was there when I gave the eulogy at my mom's funeral. Vicki was there with career advice for me every step of the way. If I need help, hers is truly one of the frst numbers I call." Her lead story "Anyone who knows Vicki knows that while she is very dedicated to her career, her proudest accomplishment is her son, Jonathan," said WLKY news director Andrea Stahlman. For the divorced, working mom, balancing a very public career and a very private life has been challenging. "I always thought growing up, everyone's life was perfect, because I had a very happy childhood," said Dortch. "But, then you grow up and it's not always like that. Many people have tough times you never know about. My life hasn't been perfect, but I'm blessed with parents in great health who live nearby and who were a tremendous help with my son as he was growing up." 26 T h e V o i c e o f L o u i s v i L L e | w w w. v o i c e - t r i b u n e . c o m Since Dortch's schedule involves working nights, her parents became a strong presence in helping with her son in the evenings. "I saw him more this way, since I was home during the day," she said. "I could be the homeroom mom and spend summer days with him." Flexible scheduling at WLKY allowed Dortch to be home for dinnertime, homework and time together. "I'm so proud of Jonathan and how he's handled it," she said. "He says his grandpa is his best friend and they have a huge bond that I love. Jonathan and I are a team and take care of each other. He's assumed roles and a maturity many kids don't normally have." And, he's following in his mom's footsteps. This fall Jonathan, 18, began studies at the University of Kentucky, with a focus on journalism. "He loves TV news," she said. "When he was little, he'd take a card table and cover it with a drape and set up an anchor desk and would read the news. At Trinity High School, he became involved in their journalism department; he's interned at WLKY and is starting a job with UK Athletics. He's so excited and I'm so proud." "When your child is good, you're good," she added. In tHe news An intensely private person, Dortch knows part of her job is to be visible and highly involved in the community. She has been involved with several charitable causes, including the Louisville Orchestra, the WLKY Bell Awards, Volunteers of America, and FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatments), where she practiced for days on end to perfect her dancing skills for a special "Dancing With The Stars" beneft in 2009. Her long-time involvement with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night walk started several years ago at the request of her son's pediatrician, who ultimately lost his battle with leukemia. A new focus in the coming year falls neatly alongside one of Dortch's favorite things: shoes. "I love high heels," she smiled, "which is too bad because you never see them under the anchor desk." fA L L 2 0 1 3