Meet the WGME News Team
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 sometimes wild weather. At and early age, he knew his love for big storms and weather extremes would some day lead him to a career in meteorology. 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, 10:00, and 11:00. He has been awarded the American Meteorological Society's seal of approval for quality television weather broadcasts. His forecast was awarded Best Weathercast for two years in a row by the Maine Association of Broadcasters. In addition, his weathercast also won first place by the Maine Associated Press Broadcasters Association.
Enjoy every nice day outdoors, That sums up Charlies lifestyle outside of work. When not in the News 13 weather office, you can usually find him, his wife Morningstar, their daughter Catherine, and dog Barley doing something fun outside. They enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and cooking during the winter months. When the snow melts, you can usually find them working in the garden, hiking in the White Mountains, or fishing for stripers along the Maine coast.
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 earned her degree in meteorology from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. She has been awarded the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Broadcast Seal of Approval and more recently earned the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal " the first meteorologist in southern Maine to do so. The Certified Broadcast Meteorologist program certifies that the holder meets specific educational and experience criteria and has passed rigorous testing in their knowledge and communication of meteorology and related sciences needed to be an effective broadcast meteorologist.
Sarah currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Mount Washington Observatory, and has been elected on the Science Advisory Committee for the non-profit organization. She has served as a board member on the American Meteorological Society's Board on Women and Minorities , and was a mentor for the DataStreme course - where she trained Weather Education Resource Teachers, who promote the teaching of science, mathematics and technology using weather as a vehicle.
Catch Sarah, along with co-anchors Jeff Peterson and Diana Ichton on Daybreak beginning at 4:55AM each weekday morning, followed by Good Day Maine from 7 to 9 on Fox23.
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.
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.
Kim Block - Anchor
Kim Block has been at the News 13 6pm anchor desk for 30 years. In addition, she anchors the Noon News, and co-anchors "Live at Five."
Kim went to Indiana University, where she received a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish.
Kim specializes in medical/health reporting, and is the proud recipient of two New England Emmy awards for her series "The China Journey," and "Miracle in Maine."
Kim has also received an Edward R. Murrow award and numerous Associated Press and Maine Association of Broadcaster awards.
Kim was the first woman inducted into the Maine Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2002, and is the recipient of the University of New England Deborah Morton Award and the YWCA's "Women of Achievement" award.
Along the way, Kim has told the stories of Maine - a place that captured her heart instantly, when she moved here from her original home, the Washington, D.C. area. "I can't think of a better place to have begun a career - and to continue with one," says Kim. "Maine has been both professionally challenging and personally rewarding - it is a gem of a state with many significant news stories and a lifestyle that can't be beat."
Kim is dedicated to community service, having worked with numerous organizations over the years, including the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Cancer Community Center, Maine Cancer Foundation, and Girl Scouts of Maine.
Kim is the honorary chair of the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign in Maine.
In her spare time, you'll find her on a yoga mat, playing music, reading, sailing, boating and writing.
Her greatest joy comes from her family - her husband, Bob, and children, Miles, 16 and Molly, 12.
Adrienne Stein - Anchor
Emmy Award winning anchor and reporter Adrienne Stein comes to Maine from the Sunshine State.
Prior to settling into Portland, Adrienne worked as Executive Producer and anchor at a 24-hour cable station in Sarasota. Her career has taken her all over the country. Before working in Florida, Adrienne hit the streets as a reporter and fill-in anchor at the NBC affiliate in Kansas City. She also woke-up before the crack of dawn for three years as a morning anchor and reporter in Jackson, Mississippi. While in Jackson, Adrienne and her co-workers earned an Emmy for their coverage of Hurricane Katrina, and the days following the storm. The St. Louis native attended the University of Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia. Upon graduation, Adrienne anchored the morning news for the University-owned NBC station in Columbia.
Adrienne and her family feel right at home in Portland. You're likely to find Adrienne, her husband and their daughter exploring the hiking and biking trails in the summer and hitting the slopes in the winter.
You'll see Adrienne anchoring weeknights at 5:30, 10 and 11. She is alway looking for unique stories to tell.
Dave Eid - Sports Director
WGME-13's Dave Eid grew up nearby in Auburn, Massachusetts. From the moment he could walk Dave was either swinging a baseball bat or hockey stick! He went to Fenway Park for the first time when he was three years old with his late dad! And believe it or not even now after being in the business for over 20 years and having covered many games at Fenway, Dave still gets goose bumps when he see's that big green monster out in left field. Dave has been with WGME 13 since January of 1996 and has been working in Maine for the past twenty 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 taking care of his lawn! Dave also enjoys spending quality 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 (12) and Danielle (8). Drew currently plays travel hockey for the Seacoast Spartans '99 AAA Elite team. Drew's favorite NHL player is Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks, however his favorite team is the Boston Bruins! Danielle has been busy learning how to skate, play softball & basketball. Danielle, who's nickname is "Breezy" is also an avid dancer and a fantastic artist!
Jeff Peterson - Anchor
Jeff Peterson works a crazy schedule anchoring the 5:00am, 5:00pm and 5:30pm news on WGME-TV.
It is Jeff's second stint at News 13. From 1992-1995, he was Sports Director.
Jeff brings nearly 25 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 5 children and lives in Portland. He enjoys skiing, running, bike riding and watching his favorite sports teams on television and in person. Don't be surprised if you see him wearing lots of red in the fall. Jeff is a huge Nebraska Cornhusker college football fan.
Diana Ichton - Anchor
News 13s Diana Ichton joined the WGME family in 2005. I was a little nervous to be in a new city, by myself, but it goes with the territory in this industry. But from the moment she smelled the salt air, took in the beauty of Maine, and made friends who would eventually last a lifetime, she knew this was home.
In her time at WGME, Diana has worked every shift from reporting early mornings to late evenings. But what Im most proud of is my work with Maine consumers. Ive helped many people learn Maine laws and navigate through various binds! Diana has produced the 13 On Your Side franchise since 2007. In that time, she has been recognized by the Maine Attorney General for exemplary work, secured over $100,000 in refunds for Maine consumers and turned 13 On Your Side into an award-winning segment.
Most recently, Diana wakes up bright and early as the morning anchor of Daybreak.
In her 10 years in television news, Diana has worked for various radio and television stations throughout New England.
When shes not at work, youll likely find Diana teaching or practicing yoga, running on the Back Cove trail, or using her foot wedge on the golf course.
She lives in the Greater Portland area with her husband Jason, a local business owner and former WGME Chief Photographer.
Jon Chrisos - Anchor/Reporter
Award-winning journalist Jon Chrisos is thrilled to be back home in the great state of Maine and part of the News 13 team. He co-anchors mornings from 7-9 with Diana Ichton and Meteorologist Sarah Long. His reporting can also be seen on News 13s evening newscasts.
A Maine native who grew up near Bangor, Chrisos got his first shot on-air at WABI where he covered everything from fairs and festivals to crime and politics. Most recently, he was a reporter and anchor at WAVE in Louisville, KY. Before that he spent several years anchoring at WEHT in Evansville, IN. A graduate of Wheaton College, he worked in Chicago as a writer for WGNs nationally syndicated evening news after an internship at WLS. He says the tour of the Midwest was fun and full of great experiences, but theres nothing like living closer to family.
Whether its in the studio or out in the field, Jon is passionate about writing and telling a great story. Hes anchored from Churchill Downs and reported live for CNN and Good Morning America.
In his free time, Jon enjoys running, skiing, working out and eating out. Restaurant suggestions (and story ideas) are always appreciated.
Jennifer Lynch - Reporter
Jennifer Lynch became a reporter to tell people's stories and she is excited to report on what matters to you.
Jennifer joined WGME in September of 2011, several months after getting married on a chilly summer afternoon by Sebago Lake.
Most recently Jennifer was an an anchor and reporter at WSHM in Springfield, MA. There she covered stories ranging from the summer tornados that tore through Western Mass to the special election for Sen. Edward Kennedy's seat in Boston. Her first job in the news business had her heading to northern Wisconsin. She reported and anchored at WJFW in Rhinelander, WI. She often reported in several feet of snow and below zero temperatures.
Jennifer graduated with a master's in journalism from Columbia University and a degree in psychology from Cornell University.
In her free time, she loves heading to Sebago Lake to swim and kayak at her family camp.
Catherine Parrotta - Anchor/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!
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.
Beth Jones - News Reporter
Beth Jones is very excited to join the WGME News 13 team after pounding the pavement in the Mohawk Valley Region of Central New York as one-man-band reporter for Time Warner Cable News. She has reported on everything from iconic events in Cooperstown's Baseball Hall of Fame like the Double-Day Father's Day Classic and Hall of Fame Induction, to the line-of-duty death of an Oneida County Sheriff's Deputy. Before hitting the streets of the Mohawk Valley, Jones completed a Master of Science Degree in Broadcast and Digital journalism from Syracuse University. She also holds Bachelor's Degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Dance form Hofstra Univeristy. Having called New York City home for most of her life, Jones has worked as a newswriter for ABC News Radio in NYC, and was also Associate Producer of the Osgood Files for CBS Radio. When she isn't out in the field or looking for her next story, Jones enjoys several sports including rowing and boxing, and has danced since the age of 5. She is a former national champion rower, and looks forward to exploring her new home of Portland and the all that the great state of Maine has to offer!
Brad Rogers - News Reporter
Brad Rogers brings to the WGME 13 News Team an extensive background in news reporting. After earning his BA in Broadcast Journalism at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Brad began his reporting career in Texas. He was also a news reporter in Tulsa and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Brad says "It's great to be here at WGME, a place that cares about quality stories and the people of Maine."
Brad is a veteran reporter who has covered just about everything you could imagine in his career. Most notably, Brad covered the Oklahoma City bombing and trials of the two men convicted of the crime. He was also part of a news team that won a National Emmy Award for coverage of a U.S. Senator's fatal plane crash. Brad has also received several Associated Press first place awards for general and spot news reporting.
Brad grew up in Illinois, where his dad was his elementary school principal and his mom, a teacher. But Maine has always been his second home. Brad spent the summers of his youth in Ocean Park on Old Orchard Beach. And hes never stopped coming back to Maine every summer. "I love Maine. Weve got the ocean, lakes, tall pines, great people, and lots of 'lobstah'! What's not to love?!!"
Brads wife, Tricia, got her nursing degree in Maine and is now a nurse in Portland. Brad and his wife have three children. Tyler is a freshman who excels at basketball and track. Emily cheers and plays field hockey in middle school. And Jack is in elementary school and loves sacking the QB. Like dad, Brad's three children have also spent every summer of their lives in Maine. And now, winters, too.
Steve Roldan - Reporter
Exciting, demanding and rewarding! That's how Steve describes his job as a Reporter with WGME-TV. Steve is an Emmy Award winning Reporter who joined the News 13 team in November of 2010. He has worked in television newsrooms across the country, and is proud to call Maine his new home.
Steve is a Southern California native, who graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the California State University, Northridge. Steve also earned both a Bachelor's Degree in Meteorology, and a Master's Degree in Geosciences from Mississippi State University. Steve has worked both as a Reporter and Meteorologist.
Steve's career in television began as an Anchor/Reporter at KSTF-TV in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. From Nebraska, he was off to KVLY-TV in Fargo, North Dakota. While in Fargo, he covered blizzards at sub-zero temperatures. North Dakota wasn't cold enough for Steve so he headed North to the city of Anchorage, Alaska where he worked as a Reporter at KTVA-TV. Steve's favorite assignments in Alaska took him to the Arctic Circle and the International Dateline in the Last Frontier. From Alaska, Steve headed south to Texas. He spent 2 years in El Paso at KFOX-TV as a Reporter/ Weathercaster. Before joining the News 13 news team, Steve spent 7 years as a Reporter/ Meteorologist at KSAT-TV in San Antonio.
Steve is a member of the RTNDA's German/ American Exchange Program, which allowed him to travel to Germany and Belgium to study government, media and politics in that country.
On his free time, Steve loves exploring his new home in Maine. He's an avid outdoorsman who loves skiing, biking, fishing and hiking.
Evans Boston - Sports Reporter
When Evans Boston arrived at WGME News 13, he officially returned home. A native of York, Evans is thrilled to cover the sports and events he grew up with, especially his alma mater, the York Wildcats!
Evans is no stranger to the Pine Tree State. Before WGME, he was the sports director at WVII in Bangor. While at "the circle seven," Evans was known for his high school coverage, especially football!
Prior to arriving in Bangor, Evans was weekend sports anchor/reporter at WHIZ in Zanesville, Ohio.
Evans is a graduate of Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. The biggest thrill of his career thus far came at Syracuse, where he called the Orangemen's national championship run in men's basketball live on WAER, the student-run radio station. Evans thanks Carmelo Anthony every day for that opportunity!
Evans lives in Scarborough with his wife, Maureen. And yes, Evans Boston is his real name.
Doug Rafferty - Reporter
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.
