A.J. Bayatpour - Vermilion County Bureau Chief

A.J. Bayatpour joined the NewsChannel 15 team as a reporter and photographer in December 2008. He serves primarily as the bureau reporter for Vermilion County. He lives in Danville and looks forward to seeing all the County has to offer.

A.J. came to East Central Illinois after reporting both news and sports at KOMU-TV in Columbia, Missouri. A.J. grew up in Skokie, which borders Chicago to the north and is one of America's most diverse communities. He developed a blue-collar work ethic from his mom who grew up on Chicago's South Side. Throughout high school, he was a hot dog vendor at both Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular Field. A.J. earned his Bachelor's Degree in Radio and T.V. Journalism from the University of Missouri. As a Tiger, he's still adjusting to supporting the Illini...even though he's from Illinois! When not reporting, you can find A.J. playing or watching sports (Bears, Cubs, 'Hawks, and Bulls!), attempting to cook, and listening to a wide variety of music.

Steve Breitwieser - Sports Director

Steve Breitwieser is the Sports Director for WICD ABC Newschannel 15 and the most experienced sports broadcast journalist in Central Illinois.

Breitwieser has covered University of Illinois athletics in-depth since 2002, including the 2005 Final Four, six NCAA Tournament appearances, a Rose Bowl run and a Men's national tennis championship in 2003.

He agrees with Bruce Weber about the 2005 Fighting Illini, featuring players Deron Williams and Dee Brown, that started 29-0 when he says his favorite part of it was "All of it."

In addition, Breitwieser has covered three straight World Series from 2004-06 as well as St. Louis Rams and Chicago Bears football, even producing and hosting an entirely new special on the origins of the Bears as the 1920 Decatur Staleys.

He also was there for the Steve Bartman NLCS game six fiasco in 2003 and swears there was a strange energy emanating off of that chair afterward.  "Nodoby wanted to touch it for fear there may have been some leftover karma."

Breitwieser is also known for his aggressive and "all out" high school sports coverage style, establishing the first ever year-round, truly expanded local sports show in Central Illinois.  During the high school football season, Breitwieser anchors the Friday Night Blitz while leading WICD's coverage of Fast Break 15 when basketball takes over.

In 2005, he was honored for his work by the Illinois Association of Broadcasters with a Silver Dome Award for Best Sportscast. Breitwieser previously worked for WAND in Decatur, IL, and stations in Topeka, Kansas, Waco, Texas and Austin, Texas.

Originally from Stamford, Connecticut but growing up in the Lone Star State, Breitwieser earned his bachelor of journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Breitwieser lives in Monticello with his wife Cindy, their son, Greysen, and daughter Charlotte.

Matt Brickman - Weather Anchor

Matt joined WICD in April of 2007 while still a student at the University of Illinois. Matt started as a producer for Sunrise this Morning, and made stops as a photographer, news reporter, and even sports reporter, before returning to Sunrise as a weather anchor.

"I came to WICD without a firm idea of what I wanted to do, so I tried everything. It's been an interesting road getting here, but weather is the perfect fit for me. I get a chance to help people plan their day and have some fun doing it."

With a new career path, Matt is currently studying Meteorology at Mississippi State University. He hopes to have his degree by the spring of 2011.

"Weather is something that's really important to people, especially here in East Central Illinois. I figured, that if people are going to rely on me for their weather, I need to be as knowledgeable on the subject as possible."

Matt has his Bachelor's in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Illinois. He also interned at Good Morning America in New York, after his junior year of college.

"It's cool to have Sam Champion toss to me for a look at local weather, when just a few years ago, I was in New York, helping put that show together on a day-to-day basis."

Matt comes to Illinois after growing up in Connecticut, which explains his unconditional love for all things Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics. But don't worry, after four years at the U of I, Matt bleeds orange and blue.

When Matt isn't hitting the books (or spending way too much time watching sports) he enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with his wife, Kate, and his three boys, cats Hot Sauce and Crash, and beagle Gus.

Bret Buganski - Reporter / Photographer

Reporter/photographer Bret Buganski hails from the northwest side of Chicago. He graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in journalism.

Bret got his first break at Newsradio 780 WBBM in Chicago as the promotions coordinator, organizing Chicago Bears radio broadcasts. Since then, Bret has covered news in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa reporting for KHQA-TV in Quincy.

He's now happy to call Champaign-Urbana his home. Bret joined the WICD team in February 2009. In his spare time, he plays one of his electric guitars and runs in long distance races.

Ben Handelman - Weekend Anchor

Ben was born and raised in Northwestern Connecticut. He holds a Bachelors degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. He has been working in television and radio for over four years where he has held positions in everything from a play by play broadcaster to a radio disc jockey.

Just prior to joining the Newschannel family in 2007, Ben spent 70 days riding a bike cross-country... from New Haven, CT to San Francisco, CA. The bicycle trek helped to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. He has also raised money for the American Cancer Society in Springfield.

Since moving to Illinois, Ben has covered an array of stories. Whether it was an ice storm that ripped through Central Illinois, or the impeachment of former Governor Blagojevich. He has also covered the rise of President Barack Obama to power. Ben was the only television reporter from Central Illinois to provide coverage from our nation's capital during Obama's Inauguration.

In his spare time Ben can be found listening to Quinnipiac Bobcat's hockey games, hunting for a new place to ride his bike in Champaign, or looking for a new adventure. If you have a story idea he would love to hear it!

Aaron Matas - Weekend Sports Anchor

Aaron joined ABC NewsChannel 15 in June of 2009 as a sports anchor/reporter. He and his wife Kelsey live in Champaign with their dachshund Bella and bulldog Hoosier.

Aaron has been around the Big Ten his entire life. He grew up in Gopher country (Edina, Minnesota) and attended college at Indiana University. From there he got his foot in the door at WKBT in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Aaron stayed at that station for nearly 5 years, moving from web writer/photographer, to news reporter, to sports anchor. He won multiple awards for his reporting in Wisconsin and is excited to bring his passion for the job to ABC NewsChannel 15.

In his spare time Aaron enjoys watching movies, reading, hiking, biking, running, playing with the dogs, managing his fantasy baseball and football teams and doing absolutely nothing productive. However he and his wife now live in their first home together so all the above mentioned activities will now take a spot on the back burner to cleaning gutters, fixing the leaky fridge, and mowing the lawn.

The best stories are often viewer generated and Aaron would love to hear from you if you have a story idea, or even if you just want to say hello.

Ryann Monahan - Reporter

Ryann Monahan (formerly Ryann Hubbard) joined the ABC Newschannel 15 team in October 2005. During her years of reporting in East Central Illinois, she's covered a variety of high profile stories including the Arcola Stand-Off, the NIU shooter's connection to Champaign, as well as the on-going controversy surrounding Chief Illiniwek.

She received her BS degree in Media Studies with a concentration in political science from the University of Illinois in 2004. Ryann earned her Master's Degree in Journalism from the U of I in December 2005.

A native of Naperville, IL, Ryann married Arcola native, Chris Monahan, February 14, 2009. Her hobbies include spending time with friends and family, going out to eat, traveling, working out and counting down the days to Arcola's Broom Corn Festival!

Erin Murphy - Anchor

Erin joined NewsChannel 15 in January 2006. She can be seen as the Anchor for First News at 5, News at 6, and Nightside.

Erin comes from WTHI-TV in Terre Haute, Indiana where she was Weekend Anchor and nightside reporter. Previously, she worked at KLKN-TV in Lincoln, Nebraska as a general assignment Reporter.

Erin was born in Dallas, Texas her Dad then moved the family to New Castle, Pennsylvania and then they eventually landed in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

Erin is a 2001 graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Journalism and Gender Studies.

In November 2003, Erin was the fist reporter who broke in live for an arson fire, for WTHI. The fire burned down the CANDLES Holocaust Museum in Terre Haute, making National news. Then in October 2005, she reported on a triple murder case that broke on Halloween. She was the first reporter out of all surrounding markets, who interviewed a family member of the suspected killer, who was on the run at the time.

When Erin is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband Gerrit and twin boys Ashten and Jayden. As well as her two dogs, Yoda and Chukie.

Erin would love to hear from you.

Doug Quick - Weather Anchor

Doug Quick is ABC NewsChannel 15's Chief Weather Anchor, and as is a part of the 5, 6 and 10pm newscasts.

Doug's broadcasting career began in 1974 from his original hometown of Taylorville on WTIM/WTIM-FM. It was at Western Illinois University he had the opportunity to co-anchor the local newscast on the WIU cablecast television station. He also worked at radio stations in Springfield and Decatur. In 1977 he ended up in Danville at WDAN/WMBJ. During his long tenure at WDAN/WDNL he was at times the morning announcer on both stations, was an account executive, Sales Manger and General Manager. He was also the first Station Manager of WWDZ(FM) in Danville, now WRHK(K-Rock). He finished his radio career as the midday announcer at D-102 in 2002 at the 25^th anniversary of the station.

Earlier in 1994, Doug took on the position of Promotions Director at WICD-TV. It was in the early days he became a part time weekend weathercaster. In July of 1998 he left promotions entirely to become the morning weather anchor and co-anchor to Sunrise Today. He also became the anchor of the midday news broadcast while continuing his radio career at the same time. He also serves as the stations Public Service Director, a position he has held since he began at WICD. He produces the local Community Calendar announcements as well as Spotlight 15 announcements, and maintains the Community activities on wicd15.com. In October of 2002 he became the Chief Weather Anchor, and moved to the evening broadcasts, where he continues today.

His outside activities include the Vermilion County Conservation District Foundation where he is a member of the Board of Directors. Doug has spoken before many civic groups, students at all grade levels who are considering broadcasting as a career, broadcast history, weather or the VCCDF.

He maintains a website at http://www.dougquick.com which includes an extensive history of central Illinois radio and TV broadcasting as well as information about the analog-to-digital transition of local TV stations. Among his research projects for the website is the history of WICD. He also is an avid classic movie fan, classic TV fan, satellite TV and radio and has his own audio/video editing suite at home.

Doug is a proud resident of Vermilion County and lives north of Danville, with his wife of 31 years, Melissa. They are also the parents of two adult daughters, Miranda and Mindi.

Please send Doug your comments or suggestions.

Brittney Sager - Weather Anchor / Reporter

Brittney Sager joined the WICD-TV team as a Weather Anchor/Reporter in February 2009. "Ever since I can remember, I have had a curiosity about the weather. The weather is always changing in east central Illinois which can make things exciting."

Brittney was born in Olney, IL and grew up in Charleston, IL. She attained a Business Degree from Lake Land College in 2005, and a Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Illinois University in 2008 with a major in Geography and a minor in Broadcast Meteorology. Brittney gained her first two years of 'on air' experience working at WEIU-TV in Charleston, IL. While at Eastern, she was also involved with the Geography/Geology Weather Center and volunteered for the National Weather Service as a COOP observer at a local weather station in Charleston.

When she's not chasing storms, Brittney enjoys exploring the outdoors, reading, traveling, and most importantly, spending time with her family and friends.

Rick Schutt - Anchor

Rick Schutt joined ABC Newschannel 15 in September 2007 and co-anchors the 5, 6 and 10pm news. He comes to East Central Illinois from Notre Dame territory. Rick spent 10 years covering sports and news in South Bend, IN. His award winning career has taken him from the Midwest to the South and also to the far West. He also worked in Albany, GA, Victorville, CA and Eureka, CA. Rick began his career at Sportschannel in Chicago covering the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox and Blackhawks, teams he grew up following as a fan.

Rick has earned several awards, including a first place reporting award from the Associated Press for his coverage of an University of Illinois study on concussions in high school sports. The study was based at Unity High School in Tolono, IL.

A Wheaton, IL native, Rick hails from the hometown of U of I legend Harold "Red" Grange, the Galloping Ghost. Rick was a 3-sport athlete at Wheaton North High School and played football for Hall of Fame Coach Jim Rexilius. He is a proud graduate of Eastern Illinois University and happy to be close to where he spent his college days in Charleston. "I wonder how the food is these days at Carman and Weller Halls."

Rick's wife, Christine, is an University of Illinois graduate, so the two of them are back in familiar surroundings. In his spare time, Rick is busy raising two young children. He also likes to chase that "little white ball" all over East Central Illinois golf courses.

Please send Rick your comments or suggestions.

Bridget Shanahan - Anchor / Reporter

Bridget comes to us from the mountains of Idaho, and is happy to be back in her home state closer to family and friends.

After working for three years at the ABC affiliate in Idaho Falls as a weekend anchor and reporter, she took a job with the local paper, the Post Register. There she worked to produce upbeat multi media stories that ran on the website and in the paper.

Before beginning her career in news, she interned at our state's capitol reporting for an area station and, earning a master's degree in Public Affairs Reporting at the University of Illinois - Springfield. She is also a proud Eastern Illinois University alumni who spent most of her free time reporting for WEIU-TV.

In her spare time, Bridget is plotting her return visit to Idaho to ski and to visit the beautiful landscapes of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. In the meantime, you'll find her hiking around the many state parks in our area, checking out the local music scene, and enjoying the shops and restaurants in Downtown Champaign.

She loves to hear from those of you watching the newscasts, whether you have a good story to tell or just want to say hi.

Kate Springer - Reporter / Photographer

Kate Springer joined the WICD news team as a reporter and photographer in May 2009. Born and raised in Missouri, Kate is excited to explore Central Illinois agriculture on "Sunrise on the Farm" and "Friday Features."

Growing up, she was drawn to meeting new people and current events. With parents in the theater, Kate started out on the stage but quickly discovered the small screen was where she belonged.

A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Kate began her career at the NBC affiliate in Columbia, Missouri as a reporter and anchor for KOMU-TV. She most recently reported for the CBS affiliate in Sioux City, Iowa, where she covered Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota news.

Outside of work, Kate loves catching up with friends and family, watching Mizzou sports, traveling and catching local theater productions.

Kate welcomes your story ideas, so feel free to email her.