Former Weather Channel Anchor Liking Life in Springfield
Former Weather Channel Anchor Cheryl Lemke hasn't run into Homer Simpson yet, but she is enjoying life in Springfield, Illinois.
Lemke has gone from The Weather Channel to the Chief Met at WICS in Springfield.
“I really like our weather team in Springfield, because I've got Joe (Crain) in the morning and Thomas Patrick on the weekends, and the guys have been really great,” Lemke said. “They have been working with me, getting me up to snuff with the computer graphics. The newsroom, management, everybody's been fantastic and very supportive. I couldn't ask for a better group of people to work with.”
The feelings appear to be mutual at WICS.
“It's a very exciting opportunity to have someone of Cheryl's reputation come on board. Without a doubt, within the first few short days, she has significantly raised the bar for weather coverage in central Illinois,” said Joe Crain, the morning and midday meteorologist. “Her professionalism speaks for itself when you see her on TV. But she's an even better person when you see her behind the scenes. Cheryl is just good people.”
WICS-TV news director Kent Harrell said “the first time I met Cheryl, I knew she was a good fit for us at Channel 20. She complements the two fine meteorologists we already have. I see her becoming a really popular person in the community.”
So far, Lemke said she really likes Springfield, too.
“I was pleased to find out everybody is so friendly, warm and inviting. People open the doors for me, and they actually use their turn signals up here, which I thought was kind of cool,” Lemke said.
Her husband hosts a country music radio show in Atlanta, so for the time being, Lemke will live solo in Springfield and keep in touch with him via Skype.