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Swails leaves KWQC-TV

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By David Heitz | Friday, January 25, 2008 |

Terry Swails (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Terry Swails, who kept Quad-Citians informed of weather hazards for more than two decades at the area’s most-watched television station, said Friday he has left KWQC-TV.

Swails confirmed he no longer is employed by the Davenport station. “As of last Thursday, official ties with KWQC were severed,” the 52-year-old weather sage said.

Station manager Rene LaSpina, who works out of WTEN-TV in Albany, N.Y., could not immediately be reached for comment. WTEN and KWQC both are owned by Young Broadcasting.

Swails said he and his wife, former television news reporter Caroline Wettstone, were “overwhelmed” by the wave of support from the community that swelled up after he disappeared from the airwaves earlier this month. At the time, Swails told the Quad-City Times that he was on leave and that more information “all will come clear to you at some point.”

“I want everyone to know that their support is truly appreciated from the perspective of our family,” Swails said.

Swails and Wettstone have a 3½-year-old daughter, Eden. “At least I’m going to have more time to spend with her, which is pleasant,” Swails said. “One of the things I do intend to do is spend more time with my family.”

The family plans to stay in the Quad-Cities. “I do intend to keep my roots here,” Swails said. “This is my home. I grew up in the Midwest. These are my people. I want to remain here and be a part of this community.”

Swails said he doesn't know what he will be doing next, although he has some options he's weighing. Most likely, they will be weather related.

KWQC, known for giving weather reports prime billing on its newscasts, promoted Swails extensively on the air and as of Friday, he remained on the KWQC-TV Web site.

Swails, the author of “Superstorms: Extreme Weather in the Heart of the Heartland,” said his book has sold close to 7,000 copies. He spent six years working on it.

"The people of KWQC truly are a great bunch of dedicated professionals," he said. "I wish them and KWQC the very best.”

David Heitz can be contacted at (563) 383-2202 or dheitz@qctimes.com.