Russell is the Weekend Weather Anchor for Newschannel 9. When he is not covering shifts for the station's Chief Meteorologist during the evening or morning shifts, he is news reporting during the weekday. Russ joined NC9 in March of 2008.

He was born in Connecticut, grew up in Oklahoma and lived in Colorado for most of his adult life. Russ began his television career in Vail, Colorado where he split his duties for the Good Morning Vail show as a Weather Anchor and Co-host.

Russ originally thought his career path was leading him to become a Chef. He studied culinary arts and is a big fan of any kind of wine. Since then, he has flown in hot air balloons, holds a SCUBA certification, an EMT certification, a CDL and worked on a ranch in Wyoming herding cattle. He enjoys snowboarding, BMW motorcycles, cooking and Bikram Yoga.

Russ attended Columbia College for Communications and is currently enrolled in Mississippi State University's Broadcast Meteorology Program.

If you have a story idea or you would like to have Russ visit your school, club or organization. email him at rpappas@ktsm.com