GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Wake up, catch up, and cheer up in the mornings with 13 ON YOUR SIDE!
We understand you want to know what's happening right now and what you should expect coming up. We make sure to give you the news, weather, and traffic to make life easier. That's what a news show does. But we want to give you more.
We make sure there is something positive to give you: a morning pick-me-up at least every half hour along with all the news you need. We know there's a lot of negativity out there, so lets start the day off on a positive note!
And, of course, the people make all the difference. Our team is a group of positive people who care about West Michigan and really love being a part of and celebrating our unique community.
There are a lot of new faces on this team, so here's your chance to meet them, and then join us weekday mornings from 4:30 to 7 a.m.!
Jay Plyburn
Jay Plyburn, morning anchor
When you see me, you know you're getting the real me. I wear my positive approach to life and thirst for adventure on my sleeve. I've had so many unique experiences that they let me bring a different perspective on a wide variety of topics.
I'm a thrill-seeker who spends much of my time climbing, mountain biking, and camping. My wife and I spent a lot of 2020 traveling the country in a camper van. I have a passion for cooking, performing arts, and am constantly looking for new artistic outlets.
Want to know more about me? I’ve answered 13 fun, interesting, and unique questions just for you! Click here or watch below and enjoy!
Emily Scarlett
Emily Scarlett, morning anchor
I'm here to give you a break! I tend to be focused on the trend--showcasing the day's trending stories and offering a break from the heavy stuff. Speaking of lighter, fluffier things, I'm also a proud dog mom to Charlie, an adorable Lhasa Apso.
I'm a proud Michigander from Southfield, and I graduated from the University of Michigan. GO BLUE! I'm loving exploring the west side of the state. I guess I'm getting to see if the west side truly is the best side!
Want to know more about me? I’ve answered 13 fun, interesting, and unique questions just for you! Click here or watch below and enjoy!
Samantha Jacques
Sam Jacques, meteorologist
Hi there! I always hope to start your day off with a little sunshine, no matter the weather! Nearly all my passions in life surround education and science. Every day I strive to not only bring you the forecast but to teach you a little something about science, and most importantly, inspire you to want to learn more.
I grew up on the east side of the state in Shelby Township and attended Central Michigan University (Fire up, Chips!).
Want to know more about me? I’ve answered 13 fun, interesting, and unique questions just for you! Click here or watch below and enjoy!
Find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Veronica Ortega
Veronica Ortega, weekend morning anchor / reporter
I care about our community and I want to tell stories that impact you. I'm an award-winning storyteller jane-of-all-trades bringing you reports on everything from hard news to feature stories.
My greatest achievement is dog mom to my rescue Pitbull-mix, Jingles. She is the reason I am passionate about rescue, fostering, and adoption. I am an avid reader that loves spending the day on the couch getting lost in a good book. I'm a Chicago native who has reported all over the country including Nebraska, Indiana, Arkansas, and now Michigan. I love exploring new places and meeting new people.
Want to know more about me? I’ve answered 13 fun, interesting, and unique questions just for you! Click here or watch below and enjoy!
Blake Hansen
Blake Hansen, weekend weather
Good morning! I aim to kickstart your day with positivity and energy, all while being authentic. Weather in West Michigan is always a rollercoaster, but I seek to make it as straightforward as possible so you can adjust your day as needed.
I am no stranger to Michigan as I grew up, went to college, and worked exclusively in the Great Lakes state. I'm an avid sports fan, enjoy many types of music, and love to be with friends and family.
You can reach me at BlakeHansen@13onyourside.com, Twitter, and Facebook.
Dave Kaechele
Dave Kaechele, traffic reporter
I want to help get you to where you need to be... on time! And bring you a bit of goofiness while I'm at it. This early in the morning you have to get a little crazy, amirite?
I'm a proud football dad (just win baby!), a carnivore (fruit and vegetables are the devil), and Unofficial President of the Committee to Ban the Term 'FriYay' (sorry, Sam, it must be done).
Want to know more about me? I’ve answered 13 fun, interesting, and unique questions just for you! Click here or watch below and enjoy!
Follow me on Twitter for your latest traffic updates.
Where can you watch us?
Catch 13 ON YOUR SIDE Mornings Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 7 a.m. , weekend mornings from 6 - 8 a.m. and Sundays at 9 a.m. You can also stream us live through the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app or at 13OnYourSide.com.
Last but not least, you can watch on Roku or Amazon Fire.
13 Questions
Here is everyone answering 13 questions to let you learn a little bit more about them!
