Austin360 blogs > TV Blog > Archives > 2009 > September > 05 > Entry
The weather doesn’t change — just the KVUE weather staff
In the wake of weekend weatherman (say that five times fast!) George Kanuck’s exit from KVUE — his last appearances were August 30; he left to take a job outside of television — you’re probably seeing a familiar face.
Ilona McCauley (you may remember her as Ilona Torok) has temporarily rejoined KVUE while the station continues to search for a new weekend meteorologist. She’s on Weekend Daybreak weather for about a month, much to the delight of Quita Culpepper, anchor of that show (“Yay!” Culpepper writes on her Facebook page; the anchor will be the subject of this blog’s TV Profile feature next Monday, Sept. 7).
“These days, Ilona is a science teacher in one of our local schools. She loves it!” says KVUE chief meteorologist Mark Murray. “And, speaking of science teachers, I heard from Tom Harris the other day (Harris, former weekend meteorologist & environmental reporter, left KVUE in June). He’s now an 8th grade science teacher in Corpus Christi. I think it’s great that two former members of the ‘KVUE Storm Team’ are now science teachers. It says a lot about the quality of the people that I’ve been fortunate enough to work with at KVUE over the years.”
What do you think? Are you happy Ilona’s back? Will you miss Kanuck? Sound off, below!
Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment Categories: Local news
Comments
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By cj
September 13, 2010 11:54 AM | Link to this
What happened to that other blond woman - the one who kept changing her hairstyle - who was only on KVUE for a few months (or maybe longer)?
By jackie
July 19, 2010 7:48 PM | Link to this
Ilona is a beautiful lady and does the weather in the most professenial manner. Please keep as long as you can.
Jackie
By Brenna
November 12, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this
I ran into George once, at my local HEB. He was in front of me in line. The first thing I said to him was.."Are you him?" and he chuckled!! He was very friendly and was happy to chat while we were in line. I told him Micah (McCauley) was my Fav. but he was OK too! And he was! It was so nice to see he was as friendly as his baby-face portrays! (Not a criticism, at all! I was surprised on how young--but cute--he looked) Will miss him, but as long as he is happy!
By Rotha
November 4, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this
I miss George Kanuck. He was so versatile and was capable in all areas of the news as well as the weather. I hope that he is happy with his current occupation.
By Delores S.
October 25, 2009 9:50 PM | Link to this
What a treat when my favorite weatherman, George Kanuck, showed up one morning as a new employee of my company! He's as nice (and cute!) in person as he ever was on Kvue. It's so good to see him so happy - my friends who work with him tell me that he talks so highly of working on tv, but says he was ready to use more of his computer background with this job. But if ANYONE has a question about weather, he is so happy to answer their questions. Anyone who thought less of George for leaving tv, just remember he's doing what's best for his family, and he is so happy!
By Brian
October 13, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this
It was great seeing Ilona back on KVUE even if it's just for a short time. She's always a professional! :)
I was really disappointed when George Kanuck left. He was an awesome meterologist and I have enjoyed seeing him in the mornings before I head to work. It won't be the same without his friendly face on KVUE, but I hope he's happy in whatever he's doing outside television.
At least - he's still in Austin, which is all it matters to me cuz, hopefully I'll bump into his friendly face and say "hi" and that he did a great job at KVUE and he has my full support in whatever he's doing now.
By Pamela martin
October 11, 2009 10:31 PM | Link to this
I will miss George Kanuak. I enjoyed seeing Illona and am happy that she has joined the rank of educator.
By Karen
October 10, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this
I will definitely miss George Kanuck. He was my favorite KVUE weather person, and he did other news reporting, too. I wish him great success in the future.
Having Illona back for a short time was great! I understand today was her last day, and she'll be back in her classroom. I guess Micah was back for a while, too. I never watch the news at night - just in the morning - so I guess I missed him. KVUE is fortunate to have been able to coax the two of them to come back and help!
By clementine
October 8, 2009 5:18 PM | Link to this
I love Ilona and am glad to see her back...I also miss George and Tom...I always prefer the weather folks on KVUE, they just seem to know the Austin area and are friendly...I wish them all well...
By Alex
September 17, 2009 6:01 PM | Link to this
I loved Ilona and was sorry to see her go when she left KVUE; so glad to see she's back! But I also will miss George Kanuck; he was always professional and upbeat, and he delivered the weather in a great way. I wish him well in whatever he will be doing now!
By Martha Barrack Martinez
September 15, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
What a wonderful suprise to see Ilona return back on KVUE! I know it is only temporary, but she reports the weather in a clear and professional manner.
By Eric
September 14, 2009 6:42 PM | Link to this
She is the BEST! We are all lucky to have a skilled pro like Ilona for the weekend weather. Surely there is a way to keep her around!!
By ilona fan
September 13, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this
Great to see Ilona back on KVUE, if only for a short while! She's the best, in my opinion--professionally pleasant and a great television voice. Wish she were back for good but glad she's adding to the teaching profession with her wonderful talents!
By Paul
September 6, 2009 8:30 AM | Link to this
Interesting, there seems to be a trend, weather folks leave, go off to do other work, and then pop back on when the shortage of weather personnel occurs. Nice to see a familiar face.
Now if the management teams of the local stations can only hang on the the weather folks they have.
Keye-42 dropping it's morning show for a simulcast of a radio station? Maybe the other 99.9% of people in austin want to hear some dj's voice their opinions, but in the morning I prefer news and then music before going to work.