Remembering WTIP reporter and volunteer Rhonda Silence

Kalli Hawkins | August 18, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that long-time WTIP news reporter and volunteer Rhonda Silence has passed away.

Rhonda had been battling leukemia for many years and had been receiving treatment. Rhonda passed away late Saturday, Aug.16, at her home in Grand Marais. She was surrounded by family and loved ones.

Rhonda’s passion for journalism was well known throughout Grand Marais and the North Shore. Often described as a ‘news junkie,’ she kept a scanner on in her home 24/7 and was among the first to learn of emergencies, public safety incidents, or severe weather events. Her dedication to staying informed and keeping others informed naturally carried into her work at WTIP.

She began at WTIP in 2016 and quickly became an integral part of the News Department. One of Rhonda’s goals while working at WTIP was to get everyone’s voice on the air, particularly every single resident of Cook County. She worked diligently to capture the variety of perspectives of individuals who call this small town home.

“The impact of Rhonda’s addition to the news team at WTIP can not be overstated. Her ties to the community, friendly demeanor, and absolute passion for news, made her a great reporter. I was proud to call her friend,” said CJ Heithoff, North Shore Morning Producer.

Whether you tuned in to hear Rhonda on the Noon News, caught her doing Small Change, or made a point to listen to ‘Rhonda’s Revival’ during a membership drive, her friendly, positive attitude was always in evidence. She could never quite bring herself to fully leave WTIP’s news team and signed her emails with ‘mostly retired’ for several months.

“Anytime I needed to know information or the identity about someone and who they were related to,” said Matthew Brown, executive director of WTIP. “Rhonda, with her knowledge of our community, was always able to put the pieces together for me. WTIP and our community will miss her dearly.”

Before her time at WTIP, many knew Rhonda from her time reporting on local government, public safety, and the town happenings while working at the Cook County News Herald.

Outside of her role covering the news of Cook County, she also served as secretary of the Cook County ATV Club. When she wasn’t behind the mic, she was on the trails exploring the woods with family and friends. In the past couple of weeks, Rhonda was able to enjoy an ATV ride with friends and club members.

Beyond her work at WTIP, the Cook County News Herald, and volunteer work, Rhonda was involved in a variety of community activities and will be dearly missed.