"Your smile makes everything, including the weather, so much more tolerable," said a viewer in a letter to Judy Fraser. "That letter means more to me than any professional accolade. I love people," says Judy. As a weathercaster for WCIA 3 News, Judy has ample opportunity to show it.

Judy was born and raised in Hartford, Wisconsin, a small town outside Milwaukee. Her success with audiences began at the age of 13 when her performance in a local production took her to the finals in film director Otto Preminger's "search for an unknown."

Judy attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison and graduated with a B.A. in Speech Communications. She received an honorary scholarship and membership in the Phi Beta Honorary Society for outstanding academic work and the University's Outstanding Actress Award for her portrayal of Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. After college, Judy remained in Madison, working at a local television station as weathercaster, movie hostess, and Romper Room's "Miss Judy."

Judy has completed several post-graduate courses in meteorology at the University of Wisconsin. In addition, she took part in a one-year extensive study program through the National Weather Service at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin.

From Wisconsin, Judy moved to Boston, Massachusetts where she hosted AM America on CBS affiliate WHDH. Throughout this period, she appeared in commercials in Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Boston, and Washington D.C. Judy joined WCIA in 1976.

Judy is active in many Central Illinois community programs and serves as a spokesperson for a number of local events. She spends a great deal of time "off the air" visiting schools and spending time with senior citizens. One special project keeps her awake until all hours -- The Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy. Judy has hosted WCIA's local segments since 1977.

Judy is the mother of two grown sons - the "lights of her life" - and recently became a first time grandmother. Judy married Financial Planner, Lou Ryniec in October, 1999. They live and work in Champaign along with a special gray cat named Misty.