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Three WOUB Public Media employees have been nominated for Ohio Valley Regional Emmy® awards in connection with WOUB’s production of "Our Town: Chillicothe." Winners will be announced during the 60th annual awards ceremony, which will be held on July 20.

In the Historical/Nostalgia Documentary category, WOUB Producer/Director Chris Flanery, former WOUB Audio Supervisor Adam Rich and WOUB Radio Director Rusty Smith were nominated for their work on the historical documentary that premiered on WOUB TV in March of 2023. The hour-long film explores Chillicothe’s role as the first capital of the state of Ohio and its presence on the State of Ohio seal with a circular coat of arms that depicts a Chillicothe sunrise. 

It also examines many other unique aspects and people of Chillicothe including: how it is home to the oldest newspaper west of the Allegheny Mountains; the influence of the papermaking industry; how World War I contributed to the city’s growth and its notable residents like Librarian Burton Stevenson who created an immense library system for Camp Sherman; Commander Henry Walke, a prominent naval Captain and artist during the Civil War; David Nickens, the first Black ordained minister in Ohio who helped start Chillicothe’s First Baptist Church; and Former U.S. First Lady Lucy Webb Hayes, who was the first First Lady to have a college degree.

“The history in Chillicothe is so incredible," Flanery said. "I think some towns would love to have any one of the 10 big things Chillicothe has in its history, so it was a fun experience to put the program together and tell that story. I am thrilled that the show has been nominated for a regional Emmy®.”

Chillicothe was the eighth documentary in WOUB’s "Our Town" series. Previously highlighted communities in the series include Lancaster, Pomeroy, Nelsonville, Jackson, Athens, Morgan County and Gallipolis.

“Being the voice of the 'Our Town' series has been a great experience,” said Smith. “I am honored to have been a part of the team that put together these amazing documentaries.”

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