Young Meteorologist Fired After Being Spotted With 60-Year-Old Mentor

A Controversial Departure and Lingering Ties

A young meteorologist from Indiana, who recently made headlines for accusing her Nexstar bosses of monitoring her conversations with a 60-year-old mentor, has been seen enjoying a boating trip with the veteran forecaster just weeks after her firing sparked public outrage.

Jimmy Walker, the station’s longtime chief meteorologist, shared photos on Facebook during the July Fourth weekend showing himself on a river excursion alongside Alex Kerkhove, a recent college graduate. This was the latest public indication that the two have remained close since her departure from WTWO-TV in Terre Haute.

“Thanks [to guide] Brendan Kearns for the river excursion Thursday evening,” Walker wrote on the morning of July 3. The social media post was first noticed by industry newsletter FTVLive.

“Nobody knows the river better than Brendan and look who else was out on the river! Yep, Alex Kerkhove for her first river trip. Good times with good people.”

The post came less than a month after Walker gave an unusually emotional public defense of Kerkhove following her exit from WTWO.

Emotional Defense and Public Outcry

On Monday, June 8th, Walker described an event that he had only witnessed once in his 40-year career at WTWO.

“I saw something happen that I had only seen happen one other time in my 40 year career at WTWO,” he wrote in a June 9 Facebook post.

Walker stated that Kerkhove “was let go well before her contract was up” and called her “one of the best meteorologists I’ve had the pleasure of working with.” He added that management’s decision “has made my decision for my future pretty clear now.”

He also mentioned that he had hoped to stay at WTWO because of his working relationship with Kerkhove.

“I had actually talked Alex into staying around for a couple more years and I planned to stay put as well since I had such a great weather partner,” he wrote.

Kerkhove, who has accused station management of monitoring her conversations with Walker, restricting her social media activity, and pressuring her to resign before terminating her employment, previously described Walker as “my rock” throughout the ordeal.

She alleged that managers told her she could speak with Walker for only 15 to 20 minutes while they were working because management was monitoring security cameras.

Ongoing Industry Speculation

The dispute has continued to draw attention within the local television industry.

FTVLive reported that Walker recently launched a personal website, “Jesse Walker Weather,” prompting speculation among station insiders that the longtime chief meteorologist could be planning his departure.

One source quoted by the industry newsletter said viewers “shouldn’t be surprised” if Walker retires within the next few months.

The industry publication also noted that Walker’s latest social media posts with Kerkhove have fueled additional speculation about his future at the station.

Walker has not publicly announced any plans to retire or leave WTWO.

Nexstar did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment. Walker also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Continued Public Interest

The situation has generated ongoing interest from both the public and industry professionals. Many are watching closely to see what will happen next, especially given the emotional nature of the events and the strong bond between Walker and Kerkhove.

As the story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Walker will remain at WTWO or take steps toward retirement. For now, the pair’s friendship seems to be thriving, despite the controversy that surrounded Kerkhove’s departure.