Professional Experience

1992 to present: Anchor, WINK News.

Awards & Recognition

I've been honored with much recognition, including the "Best News Anchor" in Southwest Florida, the Phi Delta Kappa Lay Person of the Year, the Quill Pen Award from the Florida Association of School Administrators, a "Woman in History" from the American Business Women's Association, the Library Advocate of the Year by the Southwest Florida Library Network and was voted one of the top Women of the Year by Gulf Shore Life Magazine.

News Philosophy

A news organization plays a very important role in society, providing vital information in times of emergency and keeping a close watch on the powerful while, at all times, being fair and accurate.

Hobbies, Interests & Community Service

For more than 15 years I've volunteered as a committee member for the Southwest Florida Reading Festival, helped raise millions of dollars worth of food for the Harry Chapin Food Bank, served on the local board of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and volunteered in area schools by reading to children and mentoring students.

Education

University of Wisconsin.

Likes best about Southwest Florida

There are so many things to love about Southwest Florida. The people, the beaches the sunsets. But if I had to chose one, it would be the weather. We are the envy of much of the country, most of the year, and that's pretty special.

Hometown

St. Anna, Wis.

Family

Husband, John; son, Nicholas; daughter, Isabella.

A look back at the historic 2022 hurricane season

The 2022 hurricane season started with a historic lull. A tropical storm formed five days into the season, but nothing until September 1. There were 14 named storms, of which eight became hurricanes. Two intensified into major hurricanes, including Ian, with winds reaching 155 miles per hour sustained and a massive storm surge. Ian’s track […]

How videos games can be beneficial for children

If you have a child, chances are they have a video game on their wish list this holiday. While some may worry about how much time kids spend gaming, it’s not all bad. A Saint Edwards University study found playing video games two hours a day improves peer relationships, increases sociality, and more. “I like […]

“Christmas on Third” Tree Lighting in Naples

A chance to see snow and meet Santa Claus on Monday in Naples to get into the holiday spirit with live music at the 45th annual tree lighting. The Naples Police Department is shutting down 13th Street off the corner of Third Street in preparation for the tree lighting that will happen around 6:20 p.m. […]

Lee County learning lessons from Bay County’s Michael recovery

At times, coming back after Hurricane Ian may seem insurmountable. But each day, as Southwest Florida continues its recovery, there are stories of hope. There are more businesses reopening and people making progress on their homes and lives. In 2018, Category 5 Hurricane Michael wiped out parts of the panhandle, delivering a devastating blow to […]

Andrew

Hurricane Andrew 30 years later

30-years-ago Wednesday, South Florida was left stunned by the destructiveness, power, and ferocity of Hurricane Andrew. Andrew was an overwhelming Category 5 storm, the highest level, with winds reaching 165 mph. Andrew’s power leveled the city of Homestead, causing $30,000,000 in damage. Not only did it change the landscape of South Florida, but it changed […]

Harry Chapin

Harry Chapin Food Bank to help SWFL food insecure students

A child’s chance for a promising future starts with getting enough to eat. As many as 12,000,000 children in the United States are food insecure which means they don’t know where their next meal is coming from. In Southwest Florida, the Harry Chapin Food Bank is working with schools this year to expand its school […]

Harry Chapin Food Bank partners with organizations to distribute food

When it comes to feeding people in Southwest Florida, the Harry Chapin Food Bank doesn’t do it alone. They have more than 150 partner agencies, churches and other nonprofits that help them. Harry Chapin Food Bank provides the food to partner agencies and the agencies get it to the people who need it. During March […]

Harry Chapin Food Bank partners with Feeding America

Hunger is a growing issue in our community as food prices, gas prices and rent prices increase. That’s making it much harder for many families to make ends meet. WINK News continues to fundraise for the Harry Chapin Food Bank in order to provide $1 million for the community. The Harry Chapin Food Bank is […]

March to a Million Meals: From client to volunteer, bringing joy to others

One step away from hunger. Most families don’t have a lot of savings and are one job loss or one medical diagnosis away from needing outside help. That’s why this month, WINK News is holding our March to a Million Meals to raise money for the Harry Chapin Food Bank. Anchor Lois Thome spoke with […]