Michael Fish is a homegrown meteorologist tracing his roots back to Fond du Lac. Ever since he was a young boy, his dad would take him out storm-spotting. This is when Michael realized studying the weather needed to be what he did for the rest of his life. This changed for a while when Michael attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for his undergraduate degree, originally choosing the career path of being a cardiologist. On July 18th, 1996, during his summer vacation from Minnesota, Michael was out storm-spotting with his brother on the outskirts of Fond du Lac. That day turned out to be one of the most important days in Wisconsin’s weather history. Armed with a video camera and an amateur radio, Michael saw what was going to set his career path away from medicine, but back to weather. On that afternoon, one of the most destructive, F5 tornadoes in Wisconsin destroyed the town of Oakfield causing $40 million in damage. Calling in the twister to the proper officials with plenty of warning, the people of Oakfield were kept out of harm’s way with no casualties and only 17 injuries. Consequently, Michael Fish changed his degree choice at Minnesota from medicine, to weather and climate.After achieving his degree, Michael moved to Milwaukee where he attends UWM to get his Masters degree in Meteorology. Completing all of his classes and having taught weather at UWM, he is in the process of finishing his Master’s thesis about a revolutionary technique on how to predict the sudden changes in weather around the world (also known as a global climate shifting.)With his Milwaukee-based education, Michael Fish received plaques for winning the National Forecasting Contest which is an international weather-forecasting competition pitting him against thousands of other students as well as professors from the nation’s biggest universities.If you can tear Michael Fish away from analyzing the latest weather data, you can also find him playing outdoors. “Fish,” as many people know him, can be found playing outside on anything from boats, Wave Runners, ATVs, or snowmobiles in Green Lake, or Wautoma, Wisconsin. As a lover of machinery, you can also find him with his nose stuck to pages of the latest car magazines.
Michael Fish
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Shannon Sims
Shannon's journey to Milwaukee has not been the road typically taken by most journalists. Before starting her career in broadcasting she was a classically trained singer, aspiring to be an opera performer. She has a bachelor of arts from the Manhattan School of Music. After studying abroad in Italy she landed in Bloomington, IN. It was there she began her broadcast career as a radio announcer for 92.3 WTTS.
The California native returned to the Bay Area to pursue a new career in radio and TV.
In San Francisco, at KGO 7, Shannon interned and was quickly hired as a production assistant. She got her first job in front of the camera at KREM 2 Spokane, WA as a general assignment reporter.
During her time in the Inland Northwest she covered snow, snow and more snow. But it was her exclusive and breaking developments in the disappearance of Shasta and Dylan Groene, and later the capture of sex offender and kidnapper Joseph Duncan, that helped her grow as a journalist.
Shannon continued to hone her skills at WVEC in Norfolk, WKEF in Dayton, OH and, most recently, waking up early with the FOX19 morning team in Cincinnati, OH.
During every stop Shannon has been involved in the community. One of her biggest achievements was raising money to outfit the entire 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes at the Dayton Boys Academy with brand new ties. Not only did she fund the uniform project, but she was able to bring a group of professional men in to the school to spend time with each child and develop a bond that would last a lifetime.
While in Dayton Shannon was also very active as a member of the Dayton chapter of NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists).
Shannon looks forward to working in the Milwaukee community and learning more about the Brew City and beyond.
While not on the job, Shannon enjoys road tripping to explore new places, antique shopping, watching foreign movies, salsa dancing, opera and jazz.
Please share your stories with Shannon. Email her at ssims@todaystmj4.com. If you want to learn a little more about Shannon, follow her on Twitter or like her Facebook page.
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Courtny Gerrish
Courtny Gerrish started at TODAY'S TMJ4 on March 13, 2006, but didn't step foot in Milwaukee for a week. "I reported on Marquette students spending their spring break helping residents clean out their Katrina damaged homes." A graduate ofIndianaUniversity, Courtny first calledEvanston, Illinois home. "Milwaukee reminds me a lot of home, and it's nice to be back by the lakefront."Before Milwaukee, Courtny was at the NBC affiliate inOmaha, Nebraska - WOWT-TV - for nine years. She began as anchor of the morning shows and covering the medical beat, but soon moved on to anchor weekend nights and serve as a general assignment reporter. Prior to that, she was working inIdaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI-TV), where she explored nature and went camping for the first time. "When the 'Today' show came toYellowstoneNational Park, I had the chance to interview Bryant Gumbel. He was actually great, remembering all five of our names and making everyone feel comfortable."Courtny anchors "Live at 3:00" and "Live at 4:00" as well as reporting for "Live at 10:00." "When it comes to reporting, I believe I covered my most memorable story here in Milwaukee in just my first month in town. Quadrevion Henning & Purvis Virginia Parker will be two young boys I will always remember as well as their families."
Outside of work, Courtny has always stayed actively involved in her community. In Omaha, she volunteered extensively for a program called 'Reach Out & Read,' which provides free books to underprivileged children during their pediatric well-child visits. During the summers she participated in Habitat for Humanity's women's build. "I now know how to drywall!" Since moving to Milwaukee, Courtny has been involved in helping to raise money for the MACC Fund and participates in the Trek 100 as well as other MACC fundraisers. When she's not busy with her career or volunteer work, Courtny enjoys working out. "I've enjoyed seeing miles and miles of Wisconsin’s LakeCountry by bike.” Courtny started participating in triathlons when she moved to Wisconsin. She’s completed two Half Ironman tri’s and is hoping to someday find room in her busy work schedule to train for a full Ironman. Her first year in the state she was part of ‘Team 4,’ a women’s triathlon group that raises money for local cancer research. She also loves to read, try new recipes, and go to sporting events whenever she can.
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Rod Burks
Rod Burks joined the TODAY'S TMJ4 sports team in March 2006 and is teaming up on the weekends as the Sports Anchor.Rod most recently worked for WSVN-TV in Miami, where he covered Shaq and former Marquette star Dwyane Wade. "On any given day, you just never knew what was going to come out of Shaq's mouth," says Rod. Rod loved covering the Heat, the Miami Hurricanes, the Marlins and the Dolphins. Rod is more than ready to cover the Packers and their fans, having experienced the crazy Dolphins fans and the eccentric comings and goings of running back Ricky Williams.Rod is no stranger to the Midwest. He started his broadcasting career in the Chicago area while attending Columbia College. His tenacity led him to a rare opportunity to cover Bears games. His first trip to Soldier Field was with a neighbor's camcorder. He then secured an internship at WMAQ-TV. It was there that he was given his own NBC crew to cover the games. Rod then moved to Comcast, where he covered high school football and basketball. Rod enjoyed his time with high school players, coaches and families. It was there that he really developed his own unique style. Rod moved on and up to FOX Sports Net Chicago, covering the Cubs, Sox, Bears and Bulls.His next stop was Saginaw, Michigan, where he started as the weekend sports anchor for the CBS affiliate. His beat included Michigan, Michigan State and the Detroit Pistons. Rod was also able to go the NFL Draft in New York when a high school player from Saginaw turned out to be a high draft pick at the time. Rod spent one week in New York and had the time of his life.Rod will miss Miami and the beaches, so don't be surprised to see him at Bradford Beach with his flip-flops on during the winter and summer. He is excited to be back in the Midwest and working with the #1 sports team in the market.
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Jonah Kaplan
Originally from Philadelphia, Jonah Kaplan loves the culture, character and pride of Milwaukee. Jonah began his career at ESPN, but realized working in hard news would better serve the community. His work has appeared on CNN, the CBS Evening News, and in 2013 he swept the top awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and Missouri Broadcasters Association.
Jonah also won a national award from the Religion Communicators Council for reporting and producing a five-part series called "Journey to Jerusalem."
Reporting for KSPR-TV in Springfield, MO, Jonah was one of the first reporters on the ground in Joplin, Missouri, after a blistering tornado killed 161 people in 2011. He still keeps in contact with the survivors he interviewed there.
Jonah’s professional journey includes positions with KAUZ-TV in Wichita Falls, TX, the NHL's Boston Bruins and MSNBC.Outside the newsroom, you can find Jonah playing ice hockey or playing Jewish music at area synagogues and nursing homes. Jonah also enjoys running with his puggle, listening to the Dave Matthews Band, and exchanging movie lines with his brother, Rafe, a paratrooper in the Israel Defense Forces.Jonah graduated with honors from Boston University’s College of Communication in 2008.
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Todd Hicks
Todd Hicks is thrilled to join TODAY'S TMJ4 as a general assignment reporter. Todd comes from WGBA in Green Bay, where he was an anchor and reporter for the NBC affiliate.Todd is originally from the Seattle area, but has lived in a half dozen cities, including Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, St. Louis, Miami and now Milwaukee. Prior to becoming a journalist, Todd worked in the airline industry, both flying and training airline employees in the United States and Central and South America.Todd holds a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Webster University. He's a self professed "Foodie" and is eager to check out Milwaukee's dining scene. If you have any story idea's please feel free to email Todd. You can follow him on both facebook and twitter.
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James Kust
James Kust is the Senior Web Editor for TODAY'S TMJ4. He joined Journal Broadcast Group as a part-time radio producer in 2012, and later moved to a full-time web position in the summer of 2013.James is a lifelong Wisconsinite who graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. In his spare time, he enjoys cheering on a plethora of local sports teams (Go Packers, Brewers, Bucks, and Badgers!), taking in a movie at the Oriental, or checking out any number of the exciting things southeast Wisconsin has to offer.
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Amy Burke
Amy Burke joined TODAY'S TMJ4 as an Interactive Web Editor in December 2013. She was born and raised in Naperville, Illinois and majored in journalism at Indiana University. She most recently worked as a digital producer and reporter at a newspaper in East Texas and as a freelance reporter at Mashable. She has previously interned with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Nickelodeon.Amy is excited to finally call Milwaukee her home. In her free time she likes to try new things, hang out with family and friends, run along the lakefront and watch reality TV.
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Matt Trebby
Matt Trebby is a native of Waukesha. Growing up, he was a fan of all local teams and also found a passion for Arsenal FC in London, as well as professional wrestling.At Marquette University, Matt covered the men's basketball and soccer teams for ESPN Milwaukee and the Marquette Wire, serving as a beat reporter and play-by-play commentator for the latter.After graduating, Matt moved to the Pacific Northwest for a six-month position with The Seattle Times. There he played a part in the digital coverage of the Seahawks' run to Super Bowl XLVIII, among other events. He now plies his trade with the Journal Broadcast Group, creating content for WISports.com.
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TaTiana Cash
TaTiana Cash is excited to be closer to home. Native to Toledo, Ohio, she loves the city and can't wait to explore Milwaukee. Having declared at age 6 to be the future spokesperson for Gatorade, the dream of being in front of the camera never died.Throughout elementary and high school she always managed to put herself in the limelight. She anchored the school's morning announcements, participated in speech team, musicals, talent competitions, and scholarship pageants. She even landed a spot on Buckeye Cable System Network TV's Spirit Squad, appearing in commercials, making public appearances, and other promotional duties.TaTiana majored in Public Relations and Electronic Media; minored in Gender & Diversity Studies at Xavier University, in Cincinnati, OH. Upon graduation, she began working as production assistant for NBC's WLWT News 5. After a year, TaTiana traveled to Bismarck, North Dakota to work as the Education Reporter for NBC's KFYR-TV. Having worked for 16 months in one of the coldest states in the nation, TaTiana says she's no stranger to cold, windy, freezing temperatures. Looking to shorten her normal 19 hour drive home, TaTiana found a place here in TODAY'S WTMJ newsroom.In her spare time TaTiana enjoys hanging out with family and friends, writing poetry, working out, reading, traveling and being an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.
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Jesse Ritka
Jesse Ritka joined TODAY’S TMJ4 and Storm Team 4 in February 2011 as the “Live at Daybreak” weekend meteorologist.Growing up in Prior Lake, Minnesota, Jesse has always been fascinated by storms. Whether it’s a massive snow storm like the Halloween Blizzard of 1991 or just a regular thunderstorm, she would sit on the family’s front steps and watch the weather play out in front of her eyes.Knowing in middle school that meteorology was the subject she wanted to study for the rest of her life, she received a mentorship with the National Weather Service in high school. She continued her studies at Iowa State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in meteorology with a minor in journalism. She was an active student member of the American Meteorological Society and fell in love with giving weather talks to elementary school children.During college Jesse worked for a private forecasting firm, predicting the weather for companies in Iowa, Europe and Japan. That perhaps gave her the idea to study meteorology abroad in Australia. But it wasn’t until Jesse interned at WHO-TV in Des Moines, Iowa that she finally decided broadcast meteorology was the route she wanted to pursue.After graduating from Iowa State, Jesse was offered the weekend meteorologist and weekday reporter position at KDLT-TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She learned to not only do the weather, but to report, be a photojournalist, edit stories and anchor the news. She then became the morning meteorologist, tracking daily weather events and even providing coverage on the largest hailstone to fall in North American history in Vivian, South Dakota.When she’s not forecasting, Jesse likes to run. She’s completed two marathons so far and hopes to finish more in the future. She enjoys live theater as well as watching movies on the silver screen. And when the weather cooperates, you most likely will find her outdoors taking advantage of it.Jesse and her husband Jason are incredibly excited to call Milwaukee home. Despite growing up in Vikings territory, Jesse follows in her mother’s footsteps (she grew up in Manitowoc) and fully supports the Packers. Jesse and Jason both have family in Wisconsin and are thankful to be a little closer to them.
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Susan Kim
Susan Kim is celebrating 20 years and counting with TODAY'S TMJ4! She started with us in 1994, working both the assignment desk on the weekends and reporting during the week. Her hard work and dedication paid off and she was moved to full-time reporting and then anchoring, shortly after she started in Milwaukee. Susan has covered many stories during her tenure, including Packers Super Bowls in New Orleans and San Diego, the Falk explosion, and the crane collapse in the building of Miller Park. Susan was recently nominated for an Emmy for her coverage of the Azana Spa Shootings in 2012.In her many years on the anchor desk of 'Live at Daybreak', she has guided the station's coverage of numerous storms and breaking news, including the giant fire that claimed the Pizza Man restaurant on Milwaukee's East Side. 'Live at Daybreak' has been recognized as the 'Best Morning Newscast' several times by the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.Susan also believes in making her community a better place to live. She volunteers a great deal of time helping many organizations but one of her biggest passions is the 'TODAY'S TMJ4 Community Baby Shower' which she helped start in 2001. It's a one-day drive to collect much needed baby items for families-in-need in Southeast Wisconsin. Since its inception, the 'Community Baby Shower' has collected tens of thousands of items and helped countless babies in our area. Susan understands the need first hand, as a mother of three: Madeline, Gabrielle, and Alex. She lives in a suburb of Milwaukee with her children and husband, Patrick. You can follow Susan on Twitter @susankim4 and on Facebook. You can also join Susan with her 'Live at Daybreak' co-anchor, Vince Vitrano, every Monday through Friday from 4:30-7AM.
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Carole Meekins
Carole Meekins is the longest tenured 10:00pm anchor in the Milwaukee market. November of 2014 will be her 23rd year at TODAY'S TMJ4 since November of 1991. She co-anchors "Live at 5:00," "Live at 6:00," "Wisconsin Tonight" at 6:30 and "Live at10:00." The daughter of a US Air Force officer, Carole traveled the globe growing up. "I'm thankful for my traveling experiences. It helped me realize that life is about humanity, and we are all connected." Shortly after graduating with a degree in Music from the University of Illinois-Champaign, Carole started out far from the bright lights of television.She began as a music teacher. Her first television job was as co-host of "God's Musical World" on KTVI in St. Louis. Carole's first television news job was at KPLR-TV in St. Louis . She also worked at WAKA-TV in Montgomery, Alabama, WRIC-TV in Richmond, Virginia, and WEWS-TV in Cleveland, Ohio. Carole believes in giving back, and her calendar is always full with speaking engagements and emcee events throughout the Greater Milwaukee Area. Her weekly "Positively Milwaukee" reports celebrate good news and inspirational stories of people, places, and events throughout southeast Wisconsin. She explains, "It is our obligation to remind people the world is filled with ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Most people are good."
Carole is also proud to help young cancer victims through her work with the MACC fund (Midwest Athletes against Childhood Cancer). Every year, she co-hosts the Sports Auction for MACC, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for pediatric cancer research.
Meekins was inducted into the Silver Circle by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences fall of 2014. The Silver Circle honors outstanding individuals who have devoted 25 years or who have either made significant contributions to Milwaukee broadcasting. Carole has received numerous awards for her Positively Milwaukee reports.
She's been honored by the Wisconsin Broadcasting Association, Milwaukee Press Club, and an Emmy nominations. She has also receive awards from the Virginia Associated Press, a Media Award from the American Cancer Society of Wisconsin; Induction into the Mascoutah High School Hall of Fame; "Women on the Move" award by the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.; Leadership Award Milwaukee Area Girl Scouts; Media Award of Excellence St. Vincent De Paul Society; Milwaukee Community Journal Lifetime Service Award; Milwaukee Streets of Peace Award, and Department of Veterans Affairs Meekins was also honored by the Holy Redeemer Church in Milwaukee in its salute to 100 Black Women. She also received a leadership award from Delta Chapter, Delta Kappa Gamma. Meekins was selected to carry the Olympic Torch in conjunction with NBC's coverage of the 2000 Olympics During her tenure at WTMJ. She has also served as honorary chairwoman of the Aids Walk Wisconsin, and the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Walk for a Cure.
When not at work Carole enjoys music, reading, working out, and long walks. She also loves to cook, and and is always looking for healthy gluten free recipes. When she is not at work, Carole and her husband love to take long walks along Lake Michigan and quick weekend trips around the state to take in the scenic beauty that is Wisconsin.
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Lance Allan
Growing up in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Lance Allan kept a working notebook on all kinds of sports statistics and interesting facts. "I loved sports even as a kid, but quickly realized that I wasn't a great athlete," said Lance. That didn't stop him from participating in everything from baseball to neighborhood kickball games, though.When Lance reached high school, the freshmen were asked in one particular class to think of a career they might like to pursue. "I thought right away that I wanted to be a sports announcer of some kind." His interest in sports broadcasting seemed to develop early and naturally. Even as a high school junior, Lance landed a job at WJMC, Rice Lake's local radio station. He did the small scale stuff that any teenager would be expected to handle, which wasn't a disappointment to Lance. He was getting a taste of broadcasting and loving every minute of it.From Rice Lake High School, it was on to UW - Barron County, and then the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where Lance studied broadcast journalism. Like many broadcasting students, Lance interned for the hands-on experience at WMTV, the local NBC affiliate, from Sept. 1991 to Aug. 1992. His real world preparation included editing sports highlights and conducting interviews.Once graduation neared, the big question became, "where can I get a job?" At the time, Rhinelander, Wisconsin was recommended as the place to go and get your feet wet. So, Lance sent an audition tape, which generated a call from WJFW-TV's news director. "He called to see about my interest in doing weather. At the time, I wanted anything to get started, so I took the job as WJFW's weather guy, if you can believe that," said Lance.His official title was weather reporter, but station management knew that Lance's heart was really in sports. "I did get the opportunity to shoot sports stories between my weathercasts, which was great," said Lance. "Because the station was so small, I really did a little bit of everything for two years...anchoring and reporting in news, weather and sports." In May 1994, Lance moved into sports permanently, a position he held for a year until he grabbed an opportunity to become weekend sports anchor at Green Bay's WFRV-TV. "I was excited to move to a bigger market," said Lance "Working in different capacities at WJFW taught me so many things, though. For one thing, I determined how much I really liked sports and wanted that to be my area of concentration. Being in weather taught me how to ad lib, and working as a news reporter taught me how to be thorough. It was so worth starting where I did."After a little more than a year at WFRV, Lance heard about an opportunity in the TODAY'S TMJ4's sports department. "I knew Kevin [Hunt] and Jessie [Garcia] from covering things together," said Lance. "In my opinion, TODAY'S TMJ4 has the best reputation around the state as far as the place to be in broadcasting. I wanted to give it everything I had to make their sports team." After the traditional resume tape reviews, interview process and difficult wait for a response, Lance got the call from TODAY'S TMJ4. "I had said whatever the outcome of my interview process, I just wanted a critique my tape and let me know how I was doing," said Lance. "Then I got the call. I was overwhelmed. I felt like all my education had finally paid off and that one of my bigger goals had been reached.Lance is happily married, and the proud father of three beautiful children, including identical twin boys. He was named the Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year in 2012 and 2005 by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association.
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Lacey Crisp
Lacey Crisp has moved around a lot for her job, most recently she worked in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but she’s no stranger to the dairy state. Lacey was the Appleton bureau reporter for WGBA, a sister station of TODAY’S TMJ4 in Green Bay. Lacey also worked in the hometown of Elvis, in Memphis, TN but she began her career as weekend anchor/reporter at WDAZ in Grand Forks.While in Grand Forks, Lacey won a first place Eric Sevareid award from the Northwest Broadcast News Association for investigative reporting. She uncovered city officials trying to sell a building the city didn’t own.Lacey is a proud graduate of the University of Minnesota. She has degrees in broadcast journalism and political science. She is originally from the small town of Chester, South Dakota.While Lacey has enjoyed living in different parts of the county, Lacey and her husband, Mike, are excited to be closer to family and friends. Mike’s family is from Fond du Lac. Lacey and Mike were married in Door County. They have two daughters, Addison and Aubrey. Addison loves chasing around the family dog, a Shih Tzu named Bella. Lacey enjoys running, going to sporting events and frequenting many area coffee shops.
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Jermont Terry
Jermont Terry joined the TODAY'S TMJ4 team in January 2011. He currently leads the TMJ4 I-Team as the investigative reporter. Prior to returning to the Midwest, Jermont spent time working at WXII, the NBC affiliate in Greensboro, North Carolina. He also spent four years working as an investigative reporter at WKYT, the CBS affiliate in Lexington, Kentucky. Jermont also worked as a producer and reporter at WLFI, the CBS affiliate in West Lafayette, Indiana. Jermont started his journalism career on the AM/FM dials in his home state of Illinois while attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The Chicago native graduated with a bachelors of science in broadcast journalism from the College of Communications at the University of Illinois.During his news career Jermont has been honored with a number of awards, including an Associated Press award for “Best Enterprise/Investigative Story.” His reporting during the deadly Comair Flight 5191 crash in Lexington in 2006 led to an Edward R. Murrow award. His work at WXII-TV in Greensboro contributed to another Edward R. Murrow award for in 2009.Jermont is an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists. When he’s not working Jermont loves relaxing and taking vacations. The avid music lover enjoys concerts and hanging out with his family back in Chicago. Jermont is always looking for a good story.
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John Malan
Over the past 31 years, John Malan has become a broadcast legend in Milwaukee. His live remotes interacting with people out in the community are classic. "I've always loved doing them," said John. "It gives me the chance to shake hands with people and find out their thoughts on the weather, news, sports -- just about anything. It's great meeting folks."John's been with TODAY'S TMJ4 for seventeen years - since February of 1994. He came across town after working 14 years as WISN-TV's Chief Meteorologist. But did John ever think he'd build such a successful career as a broadcast meteorologist?After graduating from Northeastern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in geography and science, and then from Northern Illinois University with a master's degree in meteorology, John became a part-time teacher. "I taught earth science courses at Triton Junior College right outside Chicago," John explained. "A friend casually mentioned one day that a part-time weather producer job was open at WLS-TV. I thought, 'What the heck, I'll try.'" "You could say that I took the place by storm. For one thing, the management there never thought they would have interest in someone with a master's degree for the job they offered. But I worked real hard to put together really accurate forecasts and great looking maps. That level of knowledge usually wasn't expected from the behind-the-scenes guy. A couple of times, I even nailed some long-term forecasts, which really helped the on-air weathermen to look good on the air."During those days when producers were deeply involved in putting together the forecast, John made a lasting impression on WLS management. They even created a full-time position for him, which eventually led to a job producing weather segments for "Good Morning America" at the WLS-TV studios in Chicago.After doing so much behind-the-scenes forecasting, John toyed with the idea of getting in front of the camera. "I would have to say it was John Coleman who encouraged me to get started on the air. We put together an audition tape and sent it out around the country." Three offers came in: St. Louis, San Francisco and Milwaukee. "My wife said to me, 'Let's stay closer to home,' and, well, we've been in Milwaukee ever since." John and his wife Marian are both Chicago natives. "I always thought that one day I would end up back in Chicago," said John. "But, I just keep doing my thing here in Milwaukee and enjoying it. It's never occurred to me to move."One could say fate got John started in the broadcast business. His interest in science, however, goes back to growing up in a very nature-loving family. "I've been interested in geography and nature since I can remember. My parents, four sisters and I always did things that involved exploring nature, like traveling and exploring state parks. My wife Marian and our three kids were the same way. We'd much rather spend a vacation canoeing on a lake or visiting the Grand Canyon than going to a theme park. Everything about nature is just so fascinating and phenomenal."While John developed a mature appreciation of nature as a kid, he was never fixated on the sciences. "I never owned a science kit growing up, or thought about making tornadoes in a jar. Stuff like that was the farthest thing from my mind. I spent most of my time on the baseball field."In fact, John wasn't thinking about going to college after high school. He intended to play professional baseball the rest of his life. "I played one week of minor league baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates' farm team, the Muskegon Pepsi's. Then it was all over in one play. I broke my ankle sliding into third. They sent me home for the summer to recuperate. But it wasn't long after I was home that I was drafted and sent to Vietnam."John spent two years in Vietnam, driving tanks and crewing helicopters. He came home with a Purple Heart for being shot through the leg, with tales of being caught in a typhoon, and with lasting memories of friends and fellow soldiers. "It was so good to get home to my family," said John.After his three years at WLS-TV and Good Morning America in Chicago, John moved to Milwaukee and worked first at Channel 12 for fourteen years from 1980 to 1994. He not only worked on the 5, 6 and 10pm newscasts each night Monday through Friday, but also was frequently asked to do the major parade telecasts including the Christmas Parade, City of Festivals parade, and the Great Circus parade. He hosted the Children’s Miracle Network telethon for seven years from 1987 through 1993. He also volunteered to do live events and be the spokesperson for the Gifts from the Hearts program and Food for Families. John was awarded the American Meteorological Society’s Television Seal of Approval in February of 1981.He crossed town arriving at TODAY'S TMJ4 in 1994 and started on the 10pm newscast again in February of 1995 and continues on the 5, 6 and 10pm through today. He has been doing the 10pm weather in Milwaukee for over thirty years! While at Channel 4 he has volunteered for the Greater Milwaukee Volunteer Task Force campaign and volunteers to help lead Charity Walks for Alzheimer’s and the Kidney foundation. John also works with aspiring meteorologists through an intern program with UW-Milwaukee and UW-Madison, where he trains students in proper chroma-key techniques and how to tell the story of the weather forecast. His former interns on the air right now in the state of Wisconsin alone are Michael Fish and Luke Sampe in Milwaukee, Charles Koch in Madison, Brian Niznansky in Green Bay and Michelle Poedel in La Crosse.His science background helped him shoot and produce a Tornado Special back in the late 1970’s at WLS-TV for Weatherman John Coleman that helped inspire the northern Illinois fireman’s association to spearhead a fund raiser for the first NWS Doppler radar site at Joliet in Illinois. His special on the New Madrid earthquake fault in Missouri in the late 1980’s talked about the little known biggest earthquake zone in the United States. He also chased tornadoes across Oklahoma and Texas, and covered the devastating aftermath of the strongest tornado on record that blew through the southern suburbs of Oklahoma City in 1999.John has always believed in quick and accurate live severe weather coverage, and was present for most of the extreme weather in the past thirty-one years in Milwaukee. On his first day on the job in April of 1980 a tornado touched down at a trailer court in Beaver Dam. He reported on the science of that tornado in the field which was a very rare anti-cyclonic tornado! He covered the incredibly cold month of January in 1982 when temperatures hit 25 to 26 below zero and wind chills to eighty below zero. He was on air for the Barneveld Tornado, West Bend and Wales Tornado of 1984, the devastating floods of August in 1986, the unbearably hot summer of 1988, the freakish late May snowfall of May 10th in 1990, the Oakfield F5 tornado in 1996, the major floods of 1998 and 2010, and every severe weather threat to Milwaukee in between.Family continues to be the focus of John's life, although he and his wife, Marian, are now "empty nesters." His oldest daughter, Jessica, completed her forestry degree and currently lives in Wilmington, North Carolina with her husband, Shane. Jessica also completed forest fire training and helped fight the brutal fires near San Bernardino in California during the summer of 2003. His second oldest daughter, Jorie, received her degree from UW-La Crosse and went to work for a travel company specializing in adventure and education trips for college students. Jorie spent one summer as a guide and counselor in Costa Rica, and then completed her graduate training at the North Carolina School of the Arts, one of the most prestigious art schools in the U.S. After working behind the scenes on Broadway doing hair, make-up and prosthetics for the past four years, she went on a one year tour doing the make-up for the Broadway show ”SHREK”. She was the main character’s make-up artist. She now sets her sights on television and film make-up. John's youngest child, Johnny, received his degree from UW-Oshkosh and played soccer for the Oshkosh Titans. He was a starting member of the only undefeated team there, although they lost in the National Championship game to the eventual winners at the NCAA Final 4 tournament in New Jersey. He works in the medical delivery and set-up field currently and has also recently moved to Wilmington in North Carolina.When asked how often John gets to see his children he says, "We still get together for all major family holidays and traditions, which we instilled in them from when they were very young.
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Charles Benson
Charles Benson is one of the most reliable, trusted and experienced reporters in southeast Wisconsin. If there's a big story going on, Charles is usually there leading the way. He's not only a familiar face in the community, but a man of faith, dedicated to his family.
Charles was inducted into the prestigious Milwaukee Silver Circle in 2013, a lifetime achievement honor given by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
“In presidential election years, you can find me chasing candidates around Wisconsin, keeping them honest about their campaign promises. My favorite stories are about people right here in Milwaukee and around the state. Whether it's a story about the trials and tribulations of someone's life or the triumphs of the Packers or Brewers, I'm always looking for the story that will make a difference in people’s lives.”
“It's not always about the stories you break; it's about the people you meet. It's about making a difference, showing the struggles people go through, and having an impact in our community.”
“I worked in Peoria, Illinois, Green Bay and Madison. But most of his my talented years happened right here. My wife is from Milwaukee and my son was also born here. They’re the two reasons why I love and will always love this place.”
“It all started with a dream as a young boy. By the 3rd grade, I knew exactly what I wanted to do for a living. In my little league, I was more interested in doing the play-by-play than being an athlete.”
“Part of what helped me develop the skills to be a journalist was my unique upbringing. Growing up, my dad was in sales, and we moved around a lot. I was constantly meeting new people, and making new connections with folks I didn't know. It’s something I still do almost every day!”
“These days, you can always find me training for something. I love biking, running and swimming and occasionally combine all three for a few triathlons each year. I completed the Wisconsin Ironman competition in 2013. It was my first Ironman but hopefully not my last. I'm also a big believer in volunteering for the church and the community. The best part of my day is when I'm in the grocery store, the gym or a public place and someone stops me to say ‘Thanks for doing that story,’ or ‘I like what you're doing on the news.’”
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Steve Chamraz
When he joined TODAY’S TMJ4 in 2011, Steve Chamraz returned to the place where his career began. In 1995, Steve worked as newsroom intern while a freshman at Marquette University. He stuck around for a couple more years, working as an overnight newscaster on Newsradio 620 WTMJ and as a television field producer.These days, Steve anchors “Live at 3:00” and “Live at 4:00” and contributes to the TODAY’S TMJ4 I-Team.“This is the place where I learned to love television news,” Steve said. "Working here just feels natural."
In 2011, Steve's I-TEAM reporting exposed problems with illegal day cares, including dangerous practices that contributed to the deaths of children. This prompted hearings by a state senate committee, which is considering legislation to help keep children safe in day care.
He has also kept close tabs on Milwaukee parking enforcement, uncovering a ticket quota that encourages parking checkers to issue bogus tickets. In 2012, this reporting won awards from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and the Milwaukee Press Club.
One of Steve's favorite projects is the ongoing construction of the USS Milwaukee, the fifth naval ship to bear the name of our city. He has followed construction of Milwaukee since day one, blending stories about the new ship with tales of the ones that came before.
In his free time, Steve enjoys following Brewers baseball and Marquette University basketball. He is also a fan of the eclectic options appearing on Milwaukee's dining scene.
Before returning to Milwaukee, Steve worked as a reporter for FOX-owned WFLD-TV in his hometown of Chicago. He led the investigative reporting teams at KMOV-TV in St. Louis and KCTV-TV in Kansas City. He has also reported for television stations in Madison and San Francisco.
Steve has received some of the industry's highest honors including a National Headliner Award for Investigative Reporting. Steve was a finalist for the Investigative Reporters and Editors Award, won eight regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, nine Mid-America Emmy Awards, three Missouri Broadcasters Awards, the Kansas Broadcasters Award and numerous awards from the Kansas City Press Club. In 1997 the Hearst Journalism Foundation named Steve one of the top young reporters in the country.Steve's work has been featured on the CBS Evening News, 60 Minutes and Court TV. It has resulted in new state laws, reforms to the court system, the clean-up of illegal dumps, criminal investigations and the resignations of powerful public servants.
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Michele Fiore
Michele Fiore is thrilled to be joining TODAY’S TMJ4 after spending the last two years as a part-time reporter/anchor for our sister station, Newsradio 620 WTMJ. If there's one thing Michele knows, it's Milwaukee. Her experience in news spans more than a decade, including time as a reporter and assignment editor at CBS-58 where she won a CBS Circle of Excellence Award for her coverage on the downtown postal shooting. Michele says she hopes to draw from her major market experience, working as a reporter for Chicagoland Television News and at Newsradio 780/WBBM in Chicago, to bring the biggest and best of our area to Milwaukee viewers each night.
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