The gathering started with 13 members meeting at the Country Kitchen restaurant in McCook, NE for lunch.  Following lunch, the meeting ensured, immediately followed by an interesting presentation by President Bruce Entwistle.  President Entwistle gave a very good overview of the Aviation Weather Center/AWC in north Kansas City.  He has recently accepted the position of SOO at the AWC and will be leaving WFO Goodland to start his new AWC job around March 20th.

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 12:40 PM.  No minutes were available from the last meeting, thus the reading of minutes was suspended.

REPORT OF THE TREASURY

Treasurer David Lawrence/GID gave a final report from the HP8 conference held in Goodland last October.  After the conference and updated other transactions, both the High Plains Ledger and our checkbook both balance at $1445.80.  Several members present paid their dues at this meeting, immediately following adjournment.

OLD BUSINESS

The first and foremost topic was officer elections.  Only 2 nominations were received from the email solicitation for officers went out in December.  Nominations were taken from the floor, and there is at least one member named for each position of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.  Another email notice will be sent out by President Entwistle, publicizing these candidates, and soliciting additional nomination.  Shortly after that, an electronic vote will be sent out the membership (paid).  Mick McGuire and Scott Lockhart, both from GLD, volunteered to be proctors for thus election, and will collect and tally the votes.

A report was given from the LBF members on the status of the HP9 conference, scheduled for October 5-7 in North Platte, NE.  A couple of Key Note speakers have committed, and the search for 2 more is ongoing.  The location has not been secured, but they are checking out area possibilities.  Member Tom Wachs, meteorologist with KNOP-TV/North Platte is trying to allure broadcast meteorologist to this conference by suggesting a media panel discussion for smaller market broadcasters, as part of the HP9 conference agenda. A call for papers will go our soon.

NEW BUSINESS

Rick Ewald/GID told us of upcoming plans for the 25-year anniversary of the famed Grand Island tornado (6/3/80).  There may be meteorological consortium the evening of June 2nd, and a more public commemoration on June 3rd.  Any HP AMS/NWA member is encouraged to help with this event, as a large number is expected.  Call Rick Ewald if you can help out on the 3rd.

Vice President Tim Burke told members of an upcoming change with the company that will host our website.  On May 1st, we will change from Register.com to GoDaddy.com, with a savings difference of $35/yr versus $8/yr.

Following the AWC presentation by President Entwistle, the chapter thanked Bruce for his many hours and dedication to the establishment, maintaining, and help in lifting our chapter to award winning status. 

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:15 PM.  A next meeting date/place was not determined, but should be in the April time frame.  Members will be notified.