Doug Rafferty

From that first taste of Maple Syrup to canoeing the Allagash to landing on Katahdin Lake, you'll find Doug Rafferty just about anywhere except in the office.

"Doug's Discovery" is now 7 years and going strong, keeping you up-to-date on what's going on in Maine's Great Outdoors.

After 16 years of also bringing you the news in the evenings and latenight, Doug has left the anchor desk for a variety of other duties, including some behind the scenes work and being a spokesman for a number of WGME campaigns.

But all of those activities finish in second place behind his family—his wife, two daughters and two step-daughters.

Doug joined the News 13 team in 1991 after 18 years of reporting and anchoring in Indianapolis. His background also includes several years in law enforcement, and he frequently works with the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, teaching recruits about police-media relations.

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Gregg Lagerquist - Anchor

"Somewhere in Maine today, there's a great story happening...and we need to know it, find it and tell it first!"

That thought sums up Gregg's motivation and his outlook on what it means to be in the news business. "It's about finding the stories that matter to people and telling those stories in a compelling way," says Gregg. "Pretty simple really. But it means so much. I see it as a trust issue. People who have a story to tell have to know they can count on you to get it right. And that goes for the people watching at home, too!"

Gregg has been someone you can count on at News 13 for more than a decade. He grew up in Minnesota and came to News 13 in 1996 from Vermont. He is an award-winning journalist, earning state and national awards, including one of the first ever "Walter Cronkite Awards for Excellence in Political Coverage" presented by Mr. Cronkite, himself. "Highlight of my professional life so far," says Gregg. "Covering George Mitchell in Northern Ireland immediately after the Peace Accords was incredible as well—but a distant second." If you visit Gregg in his office, you can see an autographed copy of the Good Friday Agreement and a picture of a smiling "Walter and Gregg" proudly hanging on the wall. Gregg also works with a number of non-profit groups and charities in Maine—singling out "hear ME now!" as especially close to his heart—a group helping deaf and hard-of-hearing kids in Maine get a great start in life.

When Gregg looks for the best things in his own life, he heads home. His wife, Leslie, co-owns a small business in Maine. "She's amazing! Although, don't tell her I said that. She'll get a big head," jokes Gregg. He and Leslie have three children—two sons, Reece and Max, and a daughter, Tess. ("See... I told you Leslie's amazing!") Gregg enjoys hitting the beach with his family, basketball, bike riding, ultimate frisbee, road trips, and reading biographies. He's a graduate of Carleton College in Minnesota and has a Masters degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Illinois.

If you have a story to tell, Gregg is counting on you to give him a call.

Send Gregg an e-mail

Kiley Bennett - Anchor

Kiley Bennett joined WGME News 13 in May 2002. She co-anchors the 5:30pm and 11pm newscasts, but you can also find her out and about reporting the news in your community. Most recently, she investigated a junkyard polluter who left taxpayers with a $30 million mess. Kiley also researches 'Cold Cases' in Maine in the hopes of bringing comfort and closure to families who have so many unanswered questions about the death of their loved ones. Kiley received a first place award in 2003 from the Maine Associated Press Broadcasters Association for her series 'End of the Line' about the devastating effects federal rules are having on Maine's fishing industry.

Before coming to WGME 13, Kiley was the 5pm anchor and a general assignment reporter at the ABC affiliate, WUTR, in Utica, NY. While there, her work won recognition from the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters Association in 2001. Kiley was awarded first place for General Excellence in Individual Reporting.

Kiley is a graduate of Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. She earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism.When she's not on the job, Kiley loves to spend time with family and friends, read and ski.

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Sarah Long - Meteorologist

Sarah has worked at both mountaintop and sea level. She has served as the Chief Meteorologist and Summit Manager for the Mount Washington Observatory at over 6,000 feet - living and working at the "Home of the World's Worst Weather." After 4 years of braving the dangerous and exciting conditions of Mount Washington, she traded in her treacherous commute up the mountain to start her broadcasting career at WVII ABC-7 in Bangor. Sarah joined the WGME13 team in the spring of 2002.

Sarah has served as a board member on the American Meteorological Society's Board on Women and Minorities http://www.amsbwm.org/, and was a mentor for the DataStreme course http://www.comet.ucar.edu/dstreme/, where she trained Weather Education Resource Teachers, who promote the teaching of science, mathematics and technology using weather as a vehicle. She was recently elected to the Board of Trustees for the Mount Washington Observatory and serves on the Science Advisory Committee for the non-profit organization.

Sarah earned her degree in meteorology from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. She has been awarded the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Broadcast Seal of Approval. The AMS Broadcast Seal program ensures that Seal holders have the appropriate educational background in atmospheric science, exhibit scientific competence in their performance and employ effective communication skills.

Catch Sarah, along with co-anchors Jeff Peterson and Kate Barker on Daybreak beginning at 4:55AM. Tune in to Sarah's weekly news series, "Thursday's Child," an effort to find homes for foster children in Maine in need of an adoptive family while raising awareness surrounding foster care and adoption. "Thursday's Child" airs each Thursday evening during News13 at 5:30.

Send an e-mail to Sarah

Dave Eid - Sports Director

WGME-13's Dave Eid grew up nearby in Auburn, Massachusetts. And he has always been a big sports fan! Dave's dad took him to Fenway Park for the first time when he was only three years old! Dave says he still gets "goose bumps" when he sees that big green monster out in left field. Dave has been with WGME since January of 1996 and has been working in Maine for the past eighteen years

Dave earned a bachelor's degree in Communications from Curry College in Milton, Massachusetts before going on to earn his Master's degree in Broadcast Communications from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In his spare time, Dave enjoys working out and spending time with his family. Dave's two favorite professional moments were covering the Patriots Super Bowl victory over Philadelphia and the Red Sox World Series clinching win at St. Louis. Dave and his wife Lisa live in Gorham with their two children Drew (9) and Danielle (6). Drew currently plays hockey for the Maine Renegades Squirts AAA travel team. Drew's favorite NHL player is Eric Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes. Danielle has been busy learning how to skate & play tee ball. Danielle, who's nickname is "Breezy" is also an avid dancer and her favorite pro athlete is none other than "Big Papi" David Ortiz!

Send an e-mail to Dave

Charlie Lopresti - Chief Meteorologist

Charlie makes up the "Weather Part" of WGME News 13s evening edition. A native New Englander, he grew up enjoying the area's exciting, and truly unique weather. Charlie received his meteorology degree from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. After graduation, Charlie went to work high atop New England's tallest peak, at the Mount Washington Observatory. As staff meteorologist, he had the unique opportunity to observe, forecast, and conduct important research in "The World's Worst Weather."

Charlie's broadcasting career began up in Bangor at WVII ABC-7. His passion for forecasting New England weather then brought him to WLNE ABC-6 in Providence, RI. After a few years in southern New England, the Maine lifestyle came calling once again, and today he calls Portland home. Charlie can be seen forecasting Monday through Friday live at 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, and 11:00. He has been awarded the American Meteorological Society's seal of approval for quality television weather broadcasts.

When not in the WGME weather center, you can usually find him and his wife Morningstar on the slopes of one of Maine or New Hampshire's fine ski resorts. Of course in summer, they enjoy hiking, fishing, working in the garden, and spending every nice day outdoors!

Send Charlie an e-mail.

Jeff Peterson - Anchor/Reporter

Jeff Peterson anchors the Daybreak 5:00pm and 5:30pm news on WGME. He reports for the 6:00pm news as well.

It is Jeff's second stint at WGME. Back in the early 90's, he was Sports Director.

Jeff brings over 20 years of television news experience to WGME.

After graduating from San Francisco State University (receiving a B.A. in Broadcasting), Jeff started his career in Redding, California as a reporter back in 1987 at KCPM-TV. He then moved to Chico, California and forecasted the weather for a year and a half before becoming the sports director.

In 1990, he left California for WMUR-TV in Manchester, New Hampshire. There he anchored the sports and provided color commentary for U.N.H. football, basketball and hockey. He also hosted and produced the Wildcat Coach's Show. He then moved to Portland, where he anchored the sports at WGME. One of his best memories was being on the ice when the Portland Pirates won their Calder Cup back in 1994 and then covering the championship parade.

In 1995, Jeff left Portland for New Orleans. While in the Crescent City, he anchored the sports for WGNO-TV for 4 years and hosted a call-in cable television show as well. Jeff covered the New Orleans Saints and L.S.U. Tigers at home and on the road and had the chance to the cover the Super Bowl back in 1997 in New Orleans when the Packers beat the Patriots.

In 1999, Jeff left New Orleans and the sports desk. He moved to Denver, Colorado to host a 3-hour morning news program on KWGN-TV. After 2 years there, in 2002, he returned to Portland. For 4 1/2 years he worked as a news anchor and reporter for another Portland television station. Then, in October of 2006, Jeff came back to WGME.

During his career, Jeff has won numerous awards. They include 3 Emmy Awards, a Murrow Award and several A.P. awards for reporting and sports anchoring.

Jeff is married with 4 children and lives in Portland. He enjoys skiing and bike riding and watching his favorite sports team on television and in person. Don't be surprised if you see him wearing lots of red when he's not on the air. Jeff is a huge Nebraska Cornhusker football fan.

Send Jeff an e-mail.

Doug Ray - Anchor/Reporter

This Massachusetts native now calls Maine home. Doug grew up in Belmont, a suburb of Boston. He attributes his love of television news to his uncle who held an executive position for several years at Ch. 7 in Boston. At Marietta College Doug played varsity soccer and tennis. He then received his Master's Degree in Broadcast Journalism at Boston University. Doug's television career began in Rock Hill, South Carolina where he worked as an anchor, producer and news director. In January of 1999, on the one year anniversary of the "Ice Storm", Doug and his family moved to Maine and WGME-13 where he's been ever since!

During the week you can catch Doug behind the desk co-anchoring the Noon news. He then hits the streets, works the phones and digs up some of the stories you'll see that night on News-13. Doug and his wife, Nicole are the proud parents of 10-year-old Caroline and 8-year-old Justin. Both kids share their parents love of sports and are very competitive in several leagues in Portland.

Send Doug an e-mail..

Kate Barker - Anchor/Reporter

Kate Barker is a Maine native. She grew up in Yarmouth and graduated from Yarmouth High School. Kate graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a degree in English. Her broadcast career started at Holy Cross-where she announced basketball and football games for the college radio station.

Her first television reporting job was in Bangor, Maine. Kate worked as an anchor, reporter, and producer. Her work in Bangor was honored by the Maine Association of Broadcasters and the Associated Press. Kate also met her husband while working in Bangor-they reported at the same television station.

Kate left Bangor to take a reporting job in Charlotte, North Carolina. She worked for two years at News 14 Carolina. Kate was a little nervous about moving south, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences of her life. She met some great people who taught her everything there is to know about NASCAR, North Carolina barbeque, and country music.

Kate loved Charlotte, but missed her family and friends back home in Maine. She has dreamed of reporting the news in her hometown ever since she was a little girl so when a job became available at WGME, it was an opportunity she could not pass up.

Kate loves going to the beach, playing golf, and spending time with her family and friends-especially her two nieces. Kate and her husband, Adam, are huge Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fans.

Send Kate an e-mail.

Craig Miller - Meteorologist

Craig has lived in New England his entire life so he understands the complexities of forecasting New England weather. Growing up in New Hampshire Craig has been interested in the weather since he can remember. Since elementary school he knew he wanted to get involved with broadcast meteorology and has followed, tracked, and forecasted the various types of weather we see here in Maine.

Craig received his Meteorology degree from Plymouth State College in New Hampshire. After college he went on to work for the FOX affiliate in Portland, Maine as their weekend meteorologist. After several years at FOX he entered the corporate business finance world working for several companies as Manager, Assistant Vice President, and Director. Craig is very excited to be back into broadcasting again and enjoys sharing his knowledge of weather with others.

When not working, Craig enjoys traveling, hiking, boating, gardening, working out at the gym, and spending time with his two pugs; Maxine & Linda.

You can see Craig at Noon on Thursdays and Fridays and on the Weekend.

Send Craig an e-mail.

Diana Ichton - Reporter

Reporter Diana Ichton jokes she's on a tour of duty throughout New England. The Bay State native has reported on stories in Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York. Diana is thrilled to add Maine to her list!

Most recently, she worked as a one-man-band reporter for WPTZ/WNNE in White River Junction, VT. Prior to that, Diana was radio anchor for WSAR, a sales rep for The Boston Herald, and a Sales Assistant at WMUR-TV.

"With each new job, I have gained insight and experience. With it, I hope to bring honest, integral and meaningful stories to viewers in Maine."

Diana earned her degree in Mass Communication from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

When Diana is not working, you'll find her on the running trails, in the yoga studio, or in the batting cage. The avid Sox fan also loves spending time with her family.

Send Diana an e-mail.

Catherine Parrotta - Reporter

Catherine Parrotta joined WGME News 13 in April 2007. She enjoys visiting your neighborhood and bringing you stories that matter!

Catherine graduated Summa Cum Laude from Emerson College in May 2007. As a student, Catherine was the co-news director of WEBN-TV. Under her leadership, the station won the Associated Press award for College News Station of the Year. Her favorite assignments included George W. Bush's presidential inauguration in Washington D.C., Deval Patrick's campaign and election night victory, and the 2007 Academy Awards in Los Angeles. Catherine gained her first professional experience as an intern with the medical unit of WCVB-TV in Needham. The experience convinced her that journalism was the career for her!

A Massachusetts native, Catherine is thrilled to be working in Maine where she isn't too far from her family and friends. When she's not on the job, Catherine enjoys yoga, classical ballet, hitting the beach, visiting home, and working as a church soloist. Now that Catherine is living in Maine, she's looking forward to learning more about her new state-and hopefully, learning how to cook!

Send Catherine an e-mail.

Evans Boston - Sports Reporter

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Giovanna Bechard - Reporter

Giovanna Bechard is happy to be back in Maine where her reporting career started in Bangor. While Giovanna is originally from New Jersey, she married a Mainer and spent seven years in New England before leaving for Anchorage, Alaska. Maine wasn't cold enough!

In Alaska, Giovanna reported for KTUU, covering everything from glacier hiking to state politics. After leaving the cold, dark tundra Giovanna headed to Virginia Beach.

For more than three years Giovanna reported at WTKR. While she loved the ocean, it was time to head back North, near family. Giovanna is happily married to Brian, a News 13 photographer. Together the couple have a son, John Rocco. Giovanna, Brian, Johnny and their chocolate lab Maggie love spending time together as a family going to baseball games, hiking and enjoying all that Maine has to offer.

Send Giovanna an e-mail.

Jim Cyr - Reporter

Jim is a native Mainer who was born in the City of Bath and later moved to Cape Elizabeth.

He got his start in broadcasting on the Armed Forces Network, during a three year stint in the U.S. Army. He served in Berlin, Germany, where he worked as a news anchor for both radio and television.

After the Army, Jim returned home and attended the University of Maine, where he majored in political science. After college, it was back to the broadcasting world. Jim landed a job as a reporter for KCAU TV in Sioux City, Iowa. He returned to Maine in 1994, and worked as a producer for WGME's morning and noon broadcasts.

Jim has more than 15 years of experience covering Maine news. He's covered political races, presidential visits, ice storms and many other stories. But what he enjoys most is meeting regular Mainers, hearing their concerns and telling their unique stories.

Jim is the father of three boys and lives in Topsham.

Send Jim an e-mail.

Erin_Ovalle - Anchor/Reporter

Rise and Shine! Erin Ovalle has recently joined the daybreak team starting at 4:55 a.m. Erin says while she's always been a night owl, she now enjoys waking up with you every morning.

Erin joined WGME in the beginning of December 2008 and says she is thrilled to be living in New England once again. Erin spent most of her childhood in the Boston area then moved to Southern New Hampshire where she graduated high school. She attended Gordon College in Wenham Massachusetts, where she received a degree in Speech Communications and Political Studies. During her senior year Erin interned at WMUR in Manchester New Hampshire.

The day after Erin graduated from college she jumped on a plane, headed to Illinois, and began her broadcasting career at WEIU. Shortly after her experience there she took a job reporting in Traverse City Michigan. While in Northern Michigan Erin battled blizzards but also enjoyed the beauty of the Great Lakes. She says her experience in Traverse City helped shape her into a tough, honest, and compassionate reporter.

Two years later the sunshine was calling her name. Erin landed a job at WEAR in Pensacola Florida. There she worked as the weekend anchor/reporter. While she was excited to take a break from the snow Erin came face to face with mother nature once again. She covered several hurricanes and tornadoes that ripped through the south and endured sweltering heat during the summer months. Although Erin enjoyed the white sandy beaches and the southern hospitality, moving back home was always her dream.

Erin says her move to Maine was quite a blessing. She's happy to be closer to family and friends and excited to catch a Sox game! You can catch her anchoring daybreak and reporting during the week.

Send Erin an e-mail.