Tom Clyde
Sports Director
Tom Clyde began working in the WZZM13 sports department in April, 2003 and was promoted to Sports Director in January, 2006
He came to West Michigan from Medford, Oregon, where he served as Sports Director of KDRV-TV.
Tom previously worked at Flagstaff, Arizona's KNAZ-TV after graduating from Northern Arizona University in 1994.
In 2001, the Oregon Association of Broadcasters honored Tom with its "Television Sports Announcer of the Year" award.
He says covering sports is just about the best job in the world because it's fun and because he gets to meet all kinds of wonderful people.
Whether it's Friday night high school football or covering the professionals in Detroit, Tom's thrilled to be a part of the West Michigan sports scene!
P.S. His big passion is Kansas Jayhawk basketball, but he'll try to keep that to himself.
Tom lives in Zeeland with his wife Nancy and daughter Chloe ands son Jason..
You can email Tom at tomclyde@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Angela Cunningham
Reporter
I joined WZZM 13 in March of 2008 and feel blessed to be a part of a great news team and community. It may sound cliché but I knew I wanted to be a journalist since very early in my childhood.
Call it natural curiosity or just plain nosiness, I was always asking questions and digging for information. I received a Bachelor's degree in journalism at Norfolk State University. That's a small HBCU in Virginia. Soon after, I went on to do my graduate work at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
I spent three years as a reporter at a Lansing TV station before moving to the west part of the state. When I'm not working I love to hang out with friends and family, preferably in the "warm" outdoors. Many people are surprised to learn that I love watching sci-fi and action movies.
I look forward to getting to know the community better and would feel proud to cover the stories that you care most about. Please feel free to contact me or just come up to say hello around town.
You can email Angela at angelacunningham@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Phil Dawson
Reporter
After service in Vietnam and Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army, Phil Dawson used his GI Bill benefits to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh.
In the years since he had traveled the country as an award winning anchor and reporter, working at both large and medium market radio and television stations.
His interests include golf, running, reading, cooking and calligraphy.
Phil lives in the Rockford area with his wife Juliet and cat, Yo-Diggity.
You can email Phil at phildawson@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Juliet Dragos
News Anchor
5:30PM
6:00PM
11:00PM
I've been here at WZZM TV 13 as the weeknight co-anchor since April of 1991! In addition to anchoring the 5:30, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts, I am also the station spokesperson for WZZM 13's "Friends for Life" campaign, which encourages monthly breast self-exams for early detection of breast cancer (Facts For My Friends For Life). I have hosted the Grand Rapids "Race for the Cure" for nine years and have also served as Honorary Race Chair. I volunteer my time for many community causes and events including Special Olympics Michigan, Brain Injury Association of Michigan, Relay For Life, the American Red Cross, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Education Program and numerous other fundraisers and events to help local children and families.
I've been honored with the ?professionalism award? from American Women in Radio and Television, the ?local hero? award from Grand Rapids Komen for the Cure, an Associated Press award for a report my co-anchor and I did on ?women versus men drivers?, (women are better) Outstanding Young Women of America and Who's Who.I've been here at WZZM TV 13 as the weeknight co-anchor since April of 1991! In addition to anchoring the 5:30, 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts, I am also the station spokesperson for WZZM 13's "Friends for Life" campaign, which encourages monthly breast self-exams for early detection of breast cancer (Facts For My Friends For Life). I have hosted the Grand Rapids "Race for the Cure" for nine years and have also served as Honorary Race Chair. I volunteer my time for many community causes and events including Special Olympics Michigan, Brain Injury Association of Michigan, Relay For Life, the American Red Cross, Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Education Program and numerous other fundraisers and events to help local children and families.
I've been honored with the ?professionalism award? from American Women in Radio and Television, the ?local hero? award from Grand Rapids Komen for the Cure, an Associated Press award for a report my co-anchor and I did on ?women versus men drivers?, (women are better) Outstanding Young Women of America and Who's Who.
Click here tor read Juliets's blog
You can email Juliet at julietdragos@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Amy Fox
Reporter
Amy Fox's dream of becoming a broadcast journalist started as an elementary school student, growing up in St. Louis, Missouri. She combined her interest in drama with her love of current events, in order to pursue a career as a television reporter. Amy is happy to continue living her dream at WZZM 13.
Amy studied Communication at Valparaiso University in Indiana. She remained in the Hoosier state for her first two television jobs, at WYIN in Merrillville, and WLFI in Lafayette. Along with anchoring, she enjoyed covering stories ranging from crime to agriculture.
Then Amy headed south to work at WMAZ in Macon, Georgia and then KTHV in Little Rock, Arkansas. She broadened her horizons with some more anchoring, and by covering politics, education, and health.
She was happy to head north again to join WZZM 13 in April 2005. Amy loves exploring Michigan through work, and for pleasure. She also is happy to meet the friendly people of West Michigan.
Amy, her husband Dave, and their son Andrew live in Grand Rapids.
You can email Amy at amyfox@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Derek Francis
Morning News Anchor / Super Saver Reporter
3 a.m.
That's the answer to the question Derek is most often asked around West Michigan. "What time do you have to wake up?" The longer answer comes when asked "Where are you from?". St.Louis, New Jersey and Arizona with nine years in each.
Derek anchors the Monday-Friday morning news with Lauren Stanton from 5-7am. He is also the "Super Saver" reporter, which features consumer stories on saving money on everyday items. He's been in the news business since 1995. His career started in Phoenix and has taken him to Tennessee and Washington before landing in the Great Lakes State in April of 2003.
Derek is the self-proclaimed biggest St.Louis Cardinals fan east of the Mississippi. And also, (albeit not as proudly) a huge Arizona Cardinals fan. In his spare time, Derek coaches little league and plays fast-pitch softball.
Derek and his wife Kim live in Jenison with their two sons. He is a graduate of the Walter Cronkite School of Broadcast Journalism at Arizona State University.
You can email Derek at derekfrancis@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Dan Harland
Multimedia Journalist
I feel like a pretty lucky guy. I knew what I wanted to do with my life when I was in grade school? and here I am. I'm a sports reporter in one of the greatest states for sports in the country. But as much as I like my job, in all honesty, I still want to be the starting goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks. A guy can dream can't he?
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and attended college at Southern Illinois University. My best friends are scattered across the country but one thing brings us all together, Saluki basketball. But while SIU hoops keeps me and my friends close, my affinity for the Green Bay Packers leads to some rough holidays around my family in Chicago. Last time I checked, we've won three Super Bowls. The Bears only have one. I win any arguments regarding NFL football.
I've been lucky enough to cover some of the biggest sporting events in the world including two Super Bowls, the Pistons 2004 NBA championship and the Red Wings 2008 Stanley Cup. It's been a far cry from the days I used to do play-by-play for my high school's football and basketball teams on cable access in my hometown.
While I hung up my football helmet a long time ago, I still play goalie for a Grand Rapids ice hockey team called ?Raw Talent." I do love talking West Michigan high school football and always look forward to hosting ?13 On Your Sidelines" on Friday nights in the fall. I hope you all enjoy the show as much as we enjoy putting it together.
You can email me at danharland@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Joe Kopecek
Meteorologist - Journey with Joe Host
Joe Kopecek is no stranger to Michigan's ever changing weather patterns. You could even say Joe started his career in meteorology at an early age when he became fascinated by thunderstorms and big Michigan snow storms.
Joe moved to WZZM 13 from WILX TV in Lansing, where he was lead meteorologist for 11 years. Prior to WILX, Joe worked for the National Weather Service in Ann Arbor and in Fort Worth, Texas where he did public and aviation forecasting. Joe was also a meteorologist for Air Routing International doing aviation forecasting. Joe is a proud Michigan native. He got his Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology at Central Michigan University and did his graduate work at the University of Michigan.
Joe enjoys speaking to schools and has been a member and spokesman for the Capital Area Humane Society in Lansing. Joe and his wife, Heather, have two daughters and a son, Jordan age 12, Kalie 6, and Joey who just turned 1. Joe and the family live in Lowell.
Watch Joe Kopecek weekdays at 5:30, 6:00 and 11:00 and weekends at 6:00 and 11:00.
You can email Joe at joekopecek@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Tara Kuhnlein
Multimedia Journalist
Tara Kuhnlein is the newest addition to the Take Five team. She puts the "& Company" in our name! Tara is a recent graduate of Hope College and grew up in Southwestern Michigan, so this is home for her!
She started as an intern in the Local Programming Department and was accepted into a prestigious Talent Development Training Program through Gannett, Inc., the company that owns WZZM 13. There were 30 candidates chosen from approximately 1,300 applicants, and Tara was among them.
She wants to bring her love of all things health and fitness to the show, but she's also not opposed to jumping fences or sloshing around in the mud if the need arises.
When not at work, Tara loves being active: from running and competing in triathlons, to watersports and hiking. She also loves country music, traveling, hanging out with family and friends, and spending as much time as possible on Lake Michigan.
You can email Tara at tarakuhnlein@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Val Lego
Weekend News Anchor / Reporter
Grand Rapids is a place that immediately felt like home to me, from the beautiful landscapes to some of the friendliest people I've ever met. There are a lot of great people here who have wonderful stories to tell and I can't wait to share them. I should have known that I would be a reporter someday when my mother told me I started talking at 8 months and never really stopped! I enjoy meeting people through my reporting, it's one of the things I love so much about it, that and the fact that every day is different and you never really know where the day will take you.
I spent 8 years in Green Bay, Wisconsin as an anchor/reporter at NBC 26 and during that time was fortunate enough to work with some very talented people who helped me win 8 Associated Press Awards, 7 Emmy Nominations, one Emmy and a National Edward R. Murrow Award. Before that I was the morning anchor for WOAW TV 9 in Wausau, WI and started my career doing Weekend Weather for WSEE in my hometown of Erie, PA so I sympathize with the snowfall of west Michigan.
I love to bake, which is why I needed to take up running. I'd love to say that I play golf, but I really just own clubs and swing at the ball every once in a while. I enjoy chatting with my girlfriends, and getting finger paintings from my niece and nephew who live too far away in New York City. And I love to hear from viewers, it's the only way I know if you like the job I'm doing. Thanks for inviting me into your home on the weekends west Michigan!
You can email Val at vallego@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
George Lessens
WZZM 13 On Target Chief Meteorologist
George Lessens began his career at WZZM 13 in 1980 as weekend meteorologist. From 1985 through 1991 he anchored weekday morning weathercasts before returning to the 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM weekend newscasts. George became WZZM 13's Chief Meteorologist in July 2001.
George has been passionate about weather ever since the 1965 Palm Sunday tornadoes hit West Michigan. He grew up in Lowell, Michigan, and formed a weather club as a youth to scan the skies for storms and tornadoes. Although he has never seen a tornado, he has been inside the damage paths of many of these storms. In the early morning hours of his 21st birthday, a small tornado touched down in his hometown. George heard the storm coming and alerted his family members. This storm destroyed the Lowell Showboat, toppled a church steeple, and caused considerable damage to the surrounding community. He rode out a "derecho" windstorm during the July 4, 1991 holiday weekend in a van parked under a highway bridge overpass! Another "derecho" hit West Michigan on May 31st, 1998, and this time he waited out the storm in the WZZM 13 studios, co-anchoring nearly 12 hours of continuous severe weather coverage.
During his 25-year career at WZZM 13, George has been recognized and honored with many distinguished awards, most recently a 2005 Michigan Emmy for Weather Anchor and the 2005 Michigan Association of Broadcasters "Best Weathercast" Award. He also received awards for "Best Weathercast" and "Merit Weathercast" in 2003, the first time any meteorologist had done that in the same year. He is a "Distinguished Alumnus" from Lowell High School. He has been the recipient of the Muskegon County "Farm Bureau Agricultural Service Award", Best Graphics awards from UPI Michigan Broadcasters, the Detroit Press Club Foundation award for TV Documentary on "The Flood of '86", and a Michigan Emmy Nomination for "Toys for Tots."
In the past, George delighted thousands of school children with his "Lessons on Science" programs covering subjects such as "Space," the "Environment," and a Michigan Emmy award-winning series on "Birds." George continues to give speeches to many school and civic groups highlighting his passion for weather.
Over the years, George has provided weather forecasts for WCUZ, WVTI, WSNX and WLHT radio stations, and has prepared agricultural weather forecasts for West Michigan farmers. Currently, he can be heard afternoons on WLAV-FM. George also writes a weekly weather column for the Advance Newspapers, enlightening readers with his vast knowledge of West Michigan weather trivia, facts and folklore.
George is a member of the American Meteorology Society (AMS) and holds its highest seal of approval as a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM.) He is also a member of the National Weather Association. George is an Eagle Scout, having earned the Boy Scouts' highest honor from Troop 102, Lowell, MI.
In his spare time, George loves working with computers, gardening and landscaping around his home. He lives in East Grand Rapids with his wife, Sherry, his two children, Eric and Ariel.
George is a graduate of Penn State University where he earned a B.S. in Meteorology, and is also a graduate of Grand Rapids Community College, where earned an Associate Science degree in Chemistry.
Watch George Lessens weekdays at 5:30, 6:00 and 11:00 and weekends at 6:00 and 11:00.
Click here for George's blog
Click here for George's page of weather links
You can email George at georgelessens@wzzm13.com
back to personalites page
Lambrini Lukidis
Reporter
Lambrini Lukidis joined the WZZM 13 News Team in October of 2006.
Since her arrival Lambrini has covered important stories like the death of Gerald R. Ford and the Presidential funeral in Grand Rapids. Another highlight for Lambrini was a series called 'Journey to Walk', the story of a local woman who traveled to Moscow, Russia for adult stem cell therapy after a crippling car accident.
Lambrini got her start in the news business while attending Marquette University. She worked part time for WISN-TV, an ABC affiliate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for several years before moving to Grand Junction, Colorado. While working at KJCT-TV, Lambrini was a weekend anchor and reporter and later became the morning anchor. After several years in Colorado, Lambrini returned to Milwaukee to work for WVTV.
Lambrini enjoys the variety of covering general assignment and breaking news. But the most rewarding stories, she says, come from everyday heroes. "The best stories are about young children who beat the odds, community groups who come together to fight crime and gangs, and doctors who heal patients. That's why I'm proud to work for a station whose motto is "People Make the Difference."
You can email Lambrini at lambrinilukidis@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Jon Mills
Multimedia Journalist
Jon Mills joined the wzzm 13 news team in December of 1998 as the lakeshore photojournalist.
Since then he's worked with five different lakeshore reporters before taking on the role as Lakeshore Reporter in 2005.
Jon grew up in Portage and graduated from Portage Central High School before obtaining a Communications degree from Spring Arbor University.
Jon's photography and reporting has been recognized by the National Press Photographers Association, Michigan Press Photographers Association, and Michigan Association of Broadcasters. In 2007 the M.A.B. awarded Jon with the ?Best in Category" award for his reporting.
When the camera is off Jon's shoulder he's likely playing disc golf, kayaking, exploring the woods in northern Muskegon County, or keeping up with the Detroit Red Wings.
Jon and his wife Kendra Stanley-Mills both have a passion for photography. Kendra is an accomplished photographer for the Muskegon Chronicle newspaper.
They have a son Yuri, and a daughter, Harper.
They live near Montague.
You can email Jon at jonmills@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Nick Monacelli
Multimedia Journalist
Nick Monacelli joined the WZZM 13 News team in November of 2003, and has been filling various job titles ever since.
His career in television began at an early age, when he helped produce a teenage talk show. The show didn't last long, but his love for T.V. did.
Less than a year later, Nick started reporting for a small station near Detroit. After five years of working alongside some of the best and brightest minds in television news, he came to Grand Rapids.
"Grand Rapids just felt like the right fit," he says. "I remember my first day here, I saw a younger kid jump off his skateboard to hold open a door at the grocery store for an elderly woman. Right then and there I knew West Michigan would be an atmosphere I could easily grow to love."
Nick earned his Bachelor's degree in Broadcast News from Grand Valley State University. He says he couldn't ask for a better career, despite the misconceptions.
"When asked about my job, everyone wants to know if it's anything like Anchorman. I usually say ?Well, there aren't any newsroom fights (at least not physical ones), we don't high-five each other (unless no one else is looking), and we don't purposely sabotage a co-worker's career (I would hope not). The competitive edge is definitely similar, as is the lackadaisical attitude on set. Plus, you can always hear someone singing from their desk'."
In his free time, Nick enjoys a good movie and quality time with friends and family.
You can email Nick at nickmonacelli@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Linda Paige
Meteorologist / Science Reporter
Linda Paige took an interest in weather at a very early age. Her father was an Air Force Colonel who frequently moved the family to such exotic locations as the tiny island of Guam. This allowed Linda to experience many different types of weather as she was growing up. During these early years Linda's parents fostered her growing enthusiasm for the weather and helped her to attain her dream of being a Meteorologist. Linda received an Air Force R.O.T.C. scholarship to attend The Pennsylvania State University where she met her husband Tom. She graduated as a Second Lieutenant and received a B.S. in Meteorology with a Minor in Mathematics. Linda's experience with the weather grew as a Lieutenant in the Air Force. She was an integral part of installing the first NEXRAD Doppler Radar site for the Northeastern U.S. and volunteered to help with cleanup operations after Hurricane Andrew pounded Miami, FL.
After completing her four years of active duty, Linda became a Captain in the inactive reserves and began her television career in the lake effect snow belt of Upstate New York. The snowstorms of New York were paralyzing, but not nearly as ominous as the tornadoes she faced when she followed her husband's career as an Air Force Pilot to Oklahoma. Linda left Oklahoma for a short stint at a television station in Raleigh, NC and eventually made her way to Grand Rapids in 1999. Linda has received the National Weather Association Weathercaster Seal of Approval. She is also an American Meteorological Society Certified Broadcast Meteorologist.
In her spare time Linda enjoys antiques, classical music and sewing. Linda and Tom's only children are their Brittany Spaniel dogs, Bridget and Jenny. Linda has her private pilots' license and she and Tom enjoy flying whenever possible. Linda and Tom have moved many times and Grand Rapids is by far their favorite place to call home. They enjoy the friendly people and the four seasons of weather in West Michigan. Linda involves herself in many Community Service Projects through her seventeen-year affiliation with Kiwanis International.
You can email Linda at lindapaige@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Jennifer Pascua
Weekend Morning Anchor /Morning Reporter
Jennifer is the Morning Reporter and Weekend Morning Anchor at WZZM. She's been with the station since October 2005. She's worked as a reporter/anchor at television stations in Davenport, IA, Moline, IL and Rockford, Illinois. Pascua graduated from Northern Illinois University (NIU) in 1998. While working toward her degree, she was a morning drive weekend announcer on WNIJ, an NPR affiliate.
Jennifer says, "As a reporter, I truly believe in order to tell stories that matter most you have to become involved with the community on both a professional and personal level. I'm eager to get involved and tell stories that matter most to our viewers." That's why she has made time to serve as a member of multiple organizations, including AAJA (Asian American Journalist Association). She's currently the Vice President of Broadcast/Secretary of AAJA Michigan and has served as a board member for the West Michigan Filipino Association. Jennifer has also been involved with MAP (Multiracial Association of Professionals), GRYP (Grand Rapids Young Professionals), and other diversity initiatives in Grand Rapids. She's a frequent volunteer at Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids and Kids Food Basket of Grand Rapids. Jennifer also coaches cheerleading at Holy Spirit School.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband Tim and their three young sons. Her interests also include shopping, dancing, and being involved in community events.
You can email Jennifer at jenniferpascua@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Steve Patterson
Multimedia Journalist
Steve came to WZZM through Gannett's Talent Development Program. Steve was selected as one of 32 out of 1,200 applicants to train and then work at one of several Gannett locations across the country.
He couldn't be happier to be selected at WZZM.
Steve enjoys hanging out with friends, guessing the color the weather ball is beaming and finding new music to vibe to. Steve is a diehard Michigan State fan (Go Green!).
As a metro-Detroiter, Steve was excited to explore the beautiful landscapes of this half of the state and to utilize new technology to share your stories to the rest of West Michigan.
Steve wants anyone who has anything to say to contact him, please!
You can email Steve at stevepatterson@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Peter Ross
Senior Reporter
Peter Ross is WZZM 13's Senior Reporter. He has been reporting and anchoring at WZZM 13 since 1986.
Ross came to West Michigan from WNNE-TV in Hanover, N.H. where he was the news director, anchor, producer, reporter and assignment editor.
Ross was graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and has received several broadcast awards, including a Michigan Emmy for Daily Breaking Story, and honors from the New Hampshire AP Broadcasters Association.
Ross is married to Wendy Haskell. They are the parents of two children, Kimberly and Chris.
You can email Peter at peterross@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Sarah Sell
Reporter
Sarah Sell comes to Grand Rapids from WDIV-TV in Detroit, where she was a Reporter for 6 years. After spending the past several years on the east side of the state, Sarah is looking forward to exploring the west side of Michigan and meeting new people here in the Grand Rapids area.
Sarah is originally from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. As a teenager she had thoughts of a career in music and theatre, but after taking some college classes in Journalism, she changed her mind and chose a career in Broadcasting. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, she worked in the Traverse City market as a Reporter, the Flint market as an Anchor/Reporter, and then Detroit as a Reporter.
Sarah is thrilled about settling down in the Grand Rapids area with her 7-year old daughter Lauren and their recently adopted Shetland Sheepdog named "Mac". If you have any comments or story ideas for Sarah, she would love to hear from you.
You can email Sarah at sarahsell@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
David Solano
Sports
David Solano anchors weekend sportscasts at WZZM-TV and co-hosts "13 On Your Sidelines," the station's in-depth high school football show during the fall.
Before landing in Grand Rapids, Mich., David worked at sister station WMAZ-TV (CBS) in Macon, Ga., from 2002-2006 as a sports anchor/reporter.
David's broadcasting career began in news at KATU-TV (ABC) in Portland, Ore., and continued during his senior year in college at KOIN-TV (CBS) as a sports/news associate producer. David also served as game night reporter with the Portland Trail Blazers (NBA) before graduating from Portland State University with a bachelor of science degree in speech communication (mass media).
He was also a sports writer for Portland State's award-winning daily newspaper, The Vanguard. While David remains loyal to his Portland State Vikings, he spends Sunday's rooting on the Atlanta Falcons and backing up the Atlanta Braves during the baseball season.
He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), which gave him an award for "Best Journalism." David says he's looking forward to covering all the sports that West Michigan has to offer as well as the Lions, Pistons and Red Wings in Detroit.
David was born in Philadelphia but grew up in Portland, Ore., and currently resides in Kentwood.
You can email David at davidsolano@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Lauren Stanton
Morning & Noon News Anchor / Try It Before You Buy It Reporter
Lauren Stanton joined WZZM 13 in the Spring of 2000. Lauren is currently the morning show co-anchor with Derek Francis, Monday through Friday, and also anchors WZZM 13 News at Noon. You can also see Lauren with her Try It Before You Buy It reports.
Lauren is a native of Michigan. She grew up in Byron, Michigan, which is a small town between Lansing and Flint. She graduated from Central Michigan University in 1997, with a B.A.A. in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts and Interpersonal and Public Communications. Lauren is a proud CMU alum, and was honored by the university as it's Outstanding Young Alumni in 2002.
Lauren started her career in Lansing, Michigan where she worked at both the CBS and ABC affiliates. She held many different positions there, from newsroom assistant, to photographer and reporter, to fill-in anchor, and even filled in one weekend as the weather forecaster. Lauren's proudest moment came when she earned an Associated Press award for BEST HARD NEWS for an investigative report she worked months on while at ABC 53 in Lansing.
When Lauren isn't working, she enjoys spending time with her husband Bob. She loves sleeping in (since she gets up at 2:30 am Monday-Friday for the morning show), boating in Lake Michigan, playing sports like volleyball, basketball and sometimes golf, and walking her dog Ally. Ally was on the noon show up for adoption from the Kent County Humane Society. Lauren and Bob and son Nicholas celebrated the birth of their 2nd son (and brother) , Cass, in June, 2007.
You can email Lauren at laurenstanton@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Meredith Ter Haar
Producer / Reporter
Meredith Ter Haar became the "Weekend Adventure" and "Breakfast on the Go" reporter at WZZM 13 in January of 2007. Meredith has been a member of the WZZM team since the spring of 2003 when she started as the Morning Show Associate producer. Less than a year later she was promoted to the role of Noon Newscast producer. She won an Associated Press Award for "Best Newscast" in 2005. She currently produces the noon show four days a week, in addition to her weekend feature stories.
Meredith loves exploring activities West Michigan families can enjoy together through her "Weekend Adventures." She's tried everything from luging at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex to taking a fall color tour in a hot air balloon. She often looks for visual stories that will really shine in high definition, a format only WZZM 13 is currently using in the West Michigan market. Her favorite part of the job is meeting new people, learning what they are passionate about, then sharing that with West Michigan.
Meredith graduated from Hope College, in Holland, with a degree in Communication. She interned at three stations while in college, including ABC7 in Chicago.
Meredith lives with her husband, composer/pianist Eric Schrotenboer, in Zeeland. They love living close to Lake Michigan and spending time with family and friends. Running, reading and travel are some of her favorite activities.
You can email Meredith at meredithterhaar@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Lee Van Ameyde
News Anchor
5:30PM
6:00PM
11:00PM
Lee Van Ameyde joined WZZM 13 in 1977. Before becoming the 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM Co-Anchor in 1979, Lee held a variety of positions at WZZM 13, including Grand Rapids City Reporter, Weekend Anchor, Producer, and Managing Editor. Lee took on the 5:30 Co-Anchor responsibilities in the fall of 2000.
Before moving to Grand Rapids, Lee was News Director at WEYI TV in Flint, Michigan.
Lee has won awards for his work from the Associated Press, UPI, and from American Women in Radio and Television for "Best On Air Television Personality." In 2006, Lee was inducted into the Silver Circle by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for those who have given25 years or more of exemplary service to the TV industry. He is active in many community organizations. Lee has been married to his wife, Janet, since 1981. They have two children, Alexander and Kendall.
Click here tor read Lee's blog
You can email Lee at leevanameyde@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
Hally Vogel
Meteorologist
Hally Vogel is WZZM's Morning meteorologist. Hally has more than six years news experience, having most recently served as the morning meteorologist and co-anchor for WPBN-WTOM in Traverse City, Michigan. It was in Cleveland where she started her career in television. Born and raised in Ohio, Hally is no stranger to Great Lakes' weather.
Hally graduated from Kent State University with a BA in Radio/TV Production and a minor in Broadcasting. She continued her education, and followed her true love for weather, by completing the Broadcast Meteorology Program at Mississippi State University. Hally is a member of the American Meteorological Society.
Hally is excited to be part of the On Target Weather Team and to be forecasting for West Michigan. When Hally isn't talking weather, she enjoys snowmobiling, skiing and just about all summer sports.
You can email Hally at hallyvogel@wzzm13.com
BACK TO TOP
|
|
|
|
