High Plains Chapter

American Meteorological Society / National Weather Association


Welcome to the professional meteorology headquarters of the U.S High Plains! We are a local chapter sponsored jointly by the AMS and NWA. Our coverage area spans western Oklahoma to western/central Kansas and Nebraska. If you are a resident of this area, or just have an interest in its wild weather, you've come to the right cyberplace!

The chapter was recognized as the 2003 Local Chapter of the Year by the
NWA.
Join the High Plains Chapter on-line discussion group.

Latest News and Chapter Meetings

The High Plains AMS/NWA Chapter has been selected as the NWA's Local Chapter of the Year!  President Rick Ewald will accept the award on behalf of the chapter at the 33rd NWA Annual Meeting in Louisville, KY on October 11-16.

The last chapter meeting was held during the 12th Annual High Plains Conference.  Meeting minutes are now available.

The next chapter meeting is tentatively planned for early December.


12th Annual High Plains Conference

The 12th Annual High Plains Conference was held September 4-5, 2008 in Hays, KS.  Thanks to everyone who attended the conference!  With over 30 presenters on a wide array of topics, keynote speakers included Dr. Eve Gruntfest, Greg Carbin, Dr. Mary Ann Cooper, and Dr. Patrick Market. 

Presentations from the conference are now available for online viewing (PDF and PPT formats).



Jim Johnson Scholarship

The High Plains Chapter of the AMS/NWA is pleased to announce that Jordan Carroll is the 2008 recipient of the Jim Johnson Scholarship. This scholarship was established to honor Jim Johnson, recently retired Lead Forecaster at NWS Dodge City, for his contributions to the founding of the High Plains AMS/NWA chapter and 1st Annual Conference in Dodge City in 1996.

William L. Friesen was selected as the first recipient of the Jim Johnson Scholarship. Dodge City's Matt Gerard and Larry Ruthi presented the award certificate at Meade, KS High School on May 17, 2007 during their Academic Achievement Night.  Willie graduated second in his class of 30 with a GPA of 3.98.  He will be attending Tabor College in Hillsboro, KS starting this fall semester.  He will be majoring in Chemistry and Physics, as well as Secondary Education, with future plans of becoming a high school science teacher.  Willie was also the recipient of the KU Honor Student Award.  Activities he has been involved with include the Science Club (president), Key Club, National Honor Society (secretary), Choir, Band, Varsity Scholar's Bowl, TLC Youth Group, and a member of Emmanuel Mennonite Church.


Matt Gerard and William Friesen.  Photo by Larry Ruthi.


Chapter Officers

The officers for 2008 are:

President - Rick Ewald (Hastings)
Vice-President -
Mike Umscheid (Dodge City)
Treasurer -
Matt Masek (North Platte)
Secretary - Tim Burke (Dodge City)

See our officers page for contact info and "mug shots."


Past Meetings

Click here to go to the past meetings webpage, which includes regular meeting minutes and past conference information.



Please inquire into our related links page!

Here are our officers, constitution, and members.

Direct inquiries to the webmaster.
Last update: October 3 2008