Hollie Strano, who has been a meteorologist for WKYC for over a decade, pleads guilty to OVI. Untold facts about the anchor explored.
Hollie Strano has made a name as a successful broadcaster in a decade-long career.
She works as a WKYC TV on-air meteorologist.
However, her hard-earned name and reputation were recently tarnished after she was arrested on suspicion of OVI, to which she later pleaded guilty.
She was arrested on Thanksgiving 2023 and now viewers are curious to know more about her career, net worth, and other personal information about her. Keep reading for more.
Who is meteorologist Hollie Strano?
Hollie Strano, an adept meteorologist at 3News WKYC in Cleveland, Ohio, doubles as a host on the show Good Company.
Born and raised in Lyndhurst on Cleveland’s east side, alongside her brother, Michael, and sister, Stephanie, as detailed in her WKYC Bio.
She graduated with a communications degree from John Carroll University and initiated her television career there.
Additionally, Strano obtained a meteorology degree from Mississippi State University.
She cherishes her two children, Jessica and Grady, describing them as her world.
Beyond her family, she also adores her two dogs, Maya and Otis.
Strano’s advocacy for mental health earned her an Emmy Award, and she has been candid about her experiences with anxiety.
She is popular on social media, with 65,000 followers on her Facebook account, @HollieStraoWKYC; over 35,000 followers on her Instagram page, @holliestrano; and 29,700 followers on her X account, @holliesmiles.
How long has Hollie Strano been at WKYC?
Strano has been at WKYC for more than two decades, having celebrated her 20th anniversary in April 2022.
Strano reflected on her time at the news station, telling WKYC: “You know what it’s like? It’s where you still feel like you are 20 years old.
“And I think as an adult, that’s something that we can all relate to. You have moments where you think, wow, I can’t believe I’m supposed to be this mature in adulting.
“I still feel like at times I’m at John Carroll at other times, I just had a baby. And then at other times, here I am 20 years later.”
She also spoke with the station about living in Ohio, being pregnant with each of her kids on TV, opening up about mental health with her viewers, social media, creating a work family, and her early-morning work schedule.
When asked what she wants her viewers to know, Strano said: “The biggest thing I’d want the viewer to know is that I really feel like you’re a friend and I’m honored for that. I really am. So thank you. I would say thank you.
“And I I’d want you to know how grateful I am, because you’re the reason I’m here. It’s really been an awesome adventure and I can’t wait to see where the road continues to take me.”
What is Hollie Strano’s net worth?
As of early 2023, Hollie Strano’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million.
Her wealth has been accumulated through her extensive career as a meteorologist and TV presenter, with a primary focus on her work at WKYC-TV in Cleveland, Ohio.
Hollie’s stable salary, derived from an impressive 25 years of service at WKYC, significantly contributes to her overall net worth.
The salary range for TV presenters and meteorologists, as provided by PayScale, falls between $60,600 and $74,500 per year. Given Hollie Strano’s extensive experience and prominent position, it is plausible that her earnings align with or exceed this range.
Why was Hollie Strano arrested?
As WKYC reported, Strano was arrested for driving under the influence on Thanksgiving night near the border of Akron and Cuyahoga Falls in Summit County, Ohio.
The Cuyahoga Falls Police Department said officers were dispatched following a report about a possible intoxicated driver at around 7:30 p.m. on November 23, 2023.
Strano’s SUV was seen going more than 70 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone on Akron Peninsula Road.
Per the outlet, police also said the vehicle was unable to maintain its lane before it went off the road and crashed.
Authorities then “made contact” with Strano and found she smelled of alcohol.
Paramedics arrived at the scene and she declined to go to the hospital, per WKYC.
Strano was then taken to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department for field sobriety and breath tests, where she was arrested after having been found to have a .244 BAC.
She was charged with an OVI, having a high BAC, and driving in marked lanes or continuous lines of traffic, according to the outlet.
When asked about the accident, WKYC Studios’ General Manager Micki Byrnes said: “This is a personnel matter and we are not going to comment at this time.”
Ian Friedman, Strano’s lawyer, told Cleveland.com that “thankfully” Strano was not hurt in the accident.
Friedman continued: “To be clear, this is Hollie’s first-ever encounter with the justice system.
“During this difficult time, I hope that people will extend their support to her and honor her privacy.”
Strano is scheduled to be arraigned on November 30, 2023.