LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – After a 40-year career in journalism, longtime Louisville news anchor and WAVE Troubleshooter John Boel announces his retirement.

Boel has spent his time in Louisville working for WLKY and then WAVE. Throughout his career, Boel has won 106 Emmys and 17 Murrow Awards for his storytelling and published two books. His last day at WAVE will be Feb. 28, 2025.

“When I got to rehab in Nov 2010, I thought my life & career were over. Couple days after arriving, a counselor at Hazelden handed me the St Paul Pioneer Press because it had an article he wanted me to read. It happened to be about a guy I idolized in college named Don Shelby- a legendary anchor & I-Team leader at WCCO-TV. The guy I wanted to be like. The story was news to me. It detailed the plunge he suffered because of alcoholism. But he’d gone to treatment, turned around his life, and was happily retiring after a career fulfilled.

They handed me that story to give me hope. But I sat there and wept because it all seemed so unreachable & impossible at that point in my crashed life.

A wonderful thing happened after that. People encouraged me while at the same time delivering honest blows about my character defects- a long list. They told me I could get there too if I did what I was told and put it in the hands of a higher power. I got the same kind of encouragement, support & honesty from countless people after the plane landed back in Louisville and thereafter. One thing led to another. An offer from WAVE. Job promotions. Incredible coworkers. Paid off debt. Journalism achievements. Better family life. Successful kids. Growth as a person. And now – I’m happy to announce my own retirement.

Career fulfilled, just like Don.

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Huggins-Bruce was second on the team with four touchdown catches and fourth with 312 yards on 20 receptions in nine games as Louisville reached its first Atlantic Coast Conference championship. He has 1,121 yards and 10 TDs on 80 catches in three seasons at the school.

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