Minutes of the High Plains AMS/NWA Chapter Meeting

February 3, 2010

The High Plains AMS/NWA Chapter met at Town and County Kitchen in Norton, KS on February 3rd.  We met at 11:30 am and enjoyed a tasty lunch prior to our business meeting.  17 members and guests were present.  After our meeting, Al Pietrycha/SOO from GLD shared a report he and GLD Lead Forecaster, Mick McGuire, had recently put together after visiting 4 nearby WFO’s, and discussing how the Mesoanalyst position was used in each office during severe weather.  The report was not only informative, but revealed there is quite a difference in how each office conducts severe weather operations.  Much discussion followed, and many ideas were exchanged.  

Call to order.  President Mike Umscheid/DDC called the meeting to order at 12:27 pm, which began with Secretary Tim Burke/DDC reading the minutes from the 11/4/09 meeting.  The minutes were accepted, with one correction.

Treasurer’s report.  Treasurer Matt Masek/LBF reported our balance starting at 11/04/09 was $4982.33.  With Deposits and Expenses entered, our balance on 02/3/10 was $4995.60.  The Jim Johnson Scholarship fund stands at $2075.00.  Our available funds as of 02/3/10 were $2920.60.  Some 2010 dues were collected at this meeting, and all members are encouraged to send your $15 dues to Matt Masek (or our new Treasurer) ASAP.

Old Business.  The committee overseeing the Jim Johnson Scholarship consists of Chris Foltz/GLD/Chairman, Jennifer Ritterling/DDC, Teresa Keck/LBF and Scott Bryant/GID.   Letters to students will be going out soon, and Chris Foltz was going to send information to our webmaster, Jared Guyer/SPC, so someone going to our website could find out how to apply for the Jim Johnson Scholarship.  Christina Henderson/GLD sent a first version of our Chapter poster, and asked for anyone’s input.

President Mike Umscheid/DDC updated everyone present on the upcoming HP14 conference to be held in Dodge City, Aug 12-13th.  We have secured 2 of the 3 keynote speakers:  Dr Pam Heinselmen/NSSL and Don Burgess/OU_CIMMS.  We hope to contact and get a commitment from a TV broadcaster soon, to be our 3rd keynote speaker.  This conference will be held at Dodge City Community College.  Hotel rooms have been blocked/reserved at both the Holiday Inn Express and Comfort Inn, under the name “National Weather Service/National Weather Association”, with other hotel information available.  All conference information will be posted on our Chapter Website soon, highplains-amsnwa.org .  Our chapter will also post conference information on Facebook, as an event.

New Business.  Mike Umscheid/DDC/President will create our Chapter Facebook page and link the conference as an Event.  There will be a Wednesday afternoon workshop prior to our conference, centered on “Local Modeling”. 

The Officer vote took place, and the following are our 2010 Officers:

            President –         Mike Umscheid/DDC

            Vice President – Al Pietrycha/GLD

            Treasurer –         Corey King/GID

            Secretary –         Tim Burke/DDC

Adjournment.  This meeting adjourned at 1:19 PM.  The next scheduled meeting is in early to mid April.

Mike Umscheid, President
Tim Burke, Secretary