Where are they now? Click here for an update on Kim Covington
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
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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
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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
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Dan Harland
Sports Reporter
I feel like a pretty lucky guy. I knew what I wanted to do with my life long before I got into college…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.
Besides all of that, I'm WZZM's self-proclaimed NASCAR expert and look forward to Kevin Harvick's first Sprint Cup championship, another World Series title for the White Sox, and a Stanley Cup for my all-time favorite team, the Blackhawks.
If I'm not following my teams, I play goalie for a Grand Rapids ice hockey team called "Raw Talent", hanging out with friends, or working on my video game skills (yeah, I've become addicted to Rock Band and Guitar Hero).
I 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
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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
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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
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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
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Nick Monacelli
Back Pack 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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