Bryan Wendland

Denver

Photojournalist at KUSA-TV (Denver, CO)

Articles

Caddying leads to full scholarship, opens doors for student's future

1 month ago | 9news.com | Bryan Wendland

LITTLETON, Colo. — From pros to weekend warriors, every golfer can use some help on course. That's where caddies like Azul Macias come in. "If they get frustrated or something, we are there to support them and help them," she said. Macias caddies at Columbine Country Club in Littleton. It's a job she's grown into over the past two years. "I've been learning more about myself and improving more with my confidence and social skills," she said.
Denver needs your help recording wildlife for worldwide content

2 months ago | 9news.com | Bryan Wendland

DENVER — Starting on Friday, cities around the world will compete to see which one can record the most biodiversity over the next four days. It's the City Nature Challenge, and the Denver Botanic Gardens is leading the charge for the Front Range. "Anybody can participate regardless of your background, education, whatever age, whatever it is," said Alissa Iverson, the Floristic and Outreach Coordinator at the Gardens.
Grandpa, grandson make dynamic volunteer duo at Denver Museum of Nature and Science

2 months ago | 9news.com | Bryan Wendland

DENVER — Tuesdays at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science are known as "Don and Murray Days." Don Wagner, a retiree, started volunteering seven years ago. His grandson, Murray Trosterman, started visiting soon after. “It’s a great experience, I think, for both of us, because, grandfather and grandson, being able to every week see each other in a place that we both have fun," Wagner said. At first, Trosterman came just to hang out with his grandpa.
Unique exhibit showcases Colorado women who carved their own paths

2 months ago | 9news.com | Bryan Wendland

DENVER — In the face of westward expansion and increasing violence against her people, a Native American woman pushed for peace. Chipeta, wife of Uncompahgre Ute Tribe Chief Ouray, used her relationship and status to seek nonviolent solutions to those struggles. "She was a peacemaker, and worked as a diplomat," said Cat Jensen, the education coordinator at the Center for Colorado Women's History. They know Chipeta's story well.
Denver chef launching new cooking show this summer

2 months ago | 9news.com | Bryan Wendland

EVERGREEN, Colo. — Elise Wiggins' kitchen turned into a TV studio the first week of April. By the end of that week, the Denver chef and owner of Cattivella in Central Park filmed a full season of her brand new cooking show. "My mom always told me, ‘No rest for the wicked.’ So now I know what she means by that," Wiggins said. "Cattivella Kitchen" will be on Eat This TV, streaming through Amazon, Roku and more this summer.
1,000 volunteers keep the National Western Stock Show humming

Jan 12, 2025 | 9news.com | Bryan Wendland

DENVER — 23 years ago, Gary Gulakowski drove his wife to the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) volunteer orientation dinner. He didn't plan on signing up himself, he was just there for the free meal and to drive his better half home after. "I got down here, saw all the people, saw how they were interacting, and the fun they were having, the stories they were telling. I said, 'I'm gonna do this,'" he said. "It's been history ever since." Now, he knows the place like back of his hand.
Study reveals 'unsettling' trends in books banned across the US

Jul 18, 2024 | abc10.com | Bryan Wendland

BOULDER, Colo. — The books Katie Spoon wanted to find should have been on the shelves at the Boulder County Library's main branch. They're banned in some school districts across the country but not there. "It's kind of hard to find books," the University of Colorado Ph.D. student said as she navigated the library's stacks. Eventually, she found the five books she was looking for. All five were children's picture books. All five have been banned in some school districts in America.
WATCH LIVE: Colorado corpse flower blooms for first time

May 26, 2024 | abc10.com | Alexander Kirk |Bryan Wendland

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A stinky flower in Colorado bloomed for the first time in its life. University officials said the plant, which can grow up to 8 feet tall, releases a corpse-like smell during bloom. The smell aims to lure pollinators like carrion beetles and flies. The stinky flowers are at the base of the plant. "They smell like rotting flesh is what I've been told," CSU Plant Growth Facilities Manager Tammy Brenner said. "I personally haven't smelled it yet.
Thornton sanctuary treats turkeys to a Thanksgiving feast

Nov 23, 2023 | 9news.com | Brianna Clark |Bryan Wendland

THORNTON, Colo. — Turkeys often take center stage as the main course on Thanksgiving. But at Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary in Thornton, turkeys Chico and Izel get to feast like queens. "Butternut squash, a little kale salad, blueberries, grapes, some Cheerios for a little bit of whole grain in there, and some corn,” Andrea Davis said. Davis has been caring for Chico and Izel for the last 18 months.
Colorado hospice patient gets visit with her favorite animal

Nov 10, 2023 | wfaa.com | Bryan Wendland

LITTLETON, Colo. — Ever since 78-year-old Jackie Stalter moved to AdventHealth Porter Hospice, her daughter Jaime knew something was missing: horses. "They helped my mom through a lot of things, a lot of deaths in our family and things like that," she said. "They were always my mom's go-to to feel better." Horses were Stalter's passion, so a hospice chaplain made a few calls. Praying Hands Ranch came through and brought a mustang named Salida to see her. "If I could, I'd get on him," Salter said.