WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Dawndy Mercer Plank

Dawndy Mercer Plank

"Feels like home." That's how Dawndy Mercer Plank describes living in South Carolina. Dawndy anchors WIS News 10 at 5 and WIS News 10 at 7.  She is also the health and medical reporter covering everything from open-heart surgeries and medical advances in fighting cancer to ways to stay fit and trim. As a marathon runner and fitness buff, reporting on health issues is a perfect fit for Dawndy.

Dawndy's awards include Best Anchor Personality for 2008, 2005 and 2004 by Free Times, and Best Local TV Personality for 2008 and 2003 by Columbia Metropolitan Magazine. In 2002, the South Carolina Governor's Council on Physical Fitness awarded her with its Media Fitness Award. In December 2001, Dawndy was given the honor of running as a torchbearer for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

In 1994, she received the South Carolina Broadcaster's Association Personality of the Year Award, as well as the National Journalism Award for Best Television Coverage of Leukemia. And readers of the Free-Times Newspaper in both 1994 and 1995 voted her Best Local TV Personality.

Dawndy's television career began in 1989 when she left her hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana, for a reporter position at WBAY TV in Green Bay, Wisconsin. In 1992, she flew south to co-anchor WIS News Sunrise. She was later promoted to co-anchor WIS News 10 at 5.

In 1996, Dawndy moved to Houston, Texas where she entered the free-lancing business. She was with Pastorini-Bosby Talent Agency and starred in commercials, print ads and industrial films. She spent time at Houston's KNWS News, KTRK TV, KSBJ Christian Radio, and later hosted both a horse and travel show. Dawndy returned to WIS Television in 2001.

Dawndy is a frequent speaker at churches throughout the state and is an active member at Shandon Baptist Church.  She is involved in programs that prevent child abuse, prevent cancer and promote healthy living. She also serves as an American Red Cross Ambassador. One of her greatest passions is helping stray animals be adopted into good homes.

Dawndy Mercer Plank graduated with a BS in Telecommunications in 1989 from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, after an internship in Washington, D.C.

Dawndy is married to Craig Plank and has three stepchildren.