My Mother's Favorite Weatherman is...

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By Shawn Cable

As I was growing up, KELO TV was a very popular channel at our house. Mostly because long time anchorman, Steve Hemmingsen, is from my home town of Morgan, MN and it’s always exciting to see someone you know on the tube. Imagine my family’s delight when they learned that I, too, would be hitting the airwaves of KELOLAND.

That little bit of fun lasted about two weeks. My family was able to watch me do the weather on three newscasts before they pulled the plug. KELO was gone… off the local UHF tower, off the local cable system. There were already two CBS affiliates in that area and they didn’t see a need for a third. So, for the next thirteen years, my mom and the rest of the family were without their family weatherman. The people of my hometown were left with one memory of me on TV: The poor, nervous guy that dropped the clicker. One lady even told me that she and her husband assumed that I walked off camera and wet my pants after each show. I didn’t, but let’s face it, the first couple of years were pretty rough. I like to think that I’ve gotten at least a little better since then.

Even though KELO was gone, KSFY stayed and very quickly became a favorite. Sometimes I think I underestimate how important our coverage is to people in southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa. Even though my hometown and a lot of our southern and western Minnesota viewers are technically in the Minneapolis TV market, the folks there love getting their news, and especially weather, from Sioux Falls. I’ve heard many, many times that, “when watching KSFY, we know what weather is coming. If we were to wait for the Twin Cities stations, the barn would be long blown away before we heard about it on TV.”

The past thirteen years, every time I’d go home, my mother would talk about how much she loved watching Phil’s weather. Phil Schreck is a rock star at my parent’s house. Now, after thirteen years, mom is finally able to watch her son on TV again. She tells me how fun it is to be able to have her coffee with me each morning. I know she’s excited about my joining KSFY, but I’m still not sure if the bulk of her excitement comes from being able to watch me every day or from knowing that now I can get Phil to sign an 8 x 10 glossy for her to stick on her fridge.

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Tuesday, Nov 11 at 5:43 PM rog waltman wrote ...

have always been a ksfy viewer. glad you joined the good team at ksfy.

Thursday, Oct 23 at 6:36 AM grammy wrote ...

Well I am not from Mn. or Iowa or Neb. I am from the N.E. part of SD. called Marshall County. We really miss Patrick because he included us all of time and instead of only if there was time after Shawn gets done with him other states. We also had 1 inch of rain yesterday even though Shawn mentioned once that may be we would get .25 inches. It is really time now to switch stations.

Thursday, Oct 16 at 9:20 PM SF Dude wrote ...

I'm so glad to see you back on TV in SF! You bring such a passion to reporting the weather, and being a weather buff myself, I admire it. You, Phil, and Derick make a great team!

Saturday, Oct 11 at 9:16 AM will wrote ...

can you guys fire the clowns that run your Digital tower?!?! Last month or so the sound didn't work for days. NOW there is no picture, or anything up for a couple of days now!!! Its the over the air 13-1. Good lord, get someone who knows what they are doing!!

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 9:36 AM sugarbear wrote ...

I believe the week is up... Time for a new blog...

Sunday, Oct 5 at 9:22 PM kelo viewer wrote ...

the keloland storm center isn't the same without you... wish u were still there...

Friday, Oct 3 at 6:42 PM Joy2You From Your Avon Lady! wrote ...

Hey Shawn! Was sad when you were gone from KELO...but am now happy that you are back on KSFY! God works in mysterious ways and now you're beginning a New Chapter! Best wishes and thanks for being YOU! :)

Thursday, Oct 2 at 5:49 AM Pierre wrote ...

I've changed! Enjoyed your morning weather at KELO for years. For the past year we have missed your positive and lively weather forecasts. I'm a KSFY lister now! Welcome back.

Thursday, Oct 2 at 4:53 AM redhead65 wrote ...

Hey Shawn! So glad you are back in town!!! I, too, was a KELO viewer, but now the only news I watch is KSFY. It is nice to hear your voice as I am getting ready for work. KSFY was wise to hire you, I would have to believe KSFY's ratings have gone up because of you!

Wednesday, Oct 1 at 10:28 AM Pierre wrote ...

Glad to have you back too! Don't forget us small towns out in the middle of nowhere. Pierre could be blown off the map before KELO would issue a T-storm watch, let alone a tornado warning!

Wednesday, Oct 1 at 4:26 AM Mary Anne wrote ...

You are my favorite also...

Monday, Sep 29 at 1:56 PM Small NE SD Gal wrote ...

Don't know about your mom, but we sure are happy your back, too. I used to be an avid KELO watcher - no anymore! Glad your back!

Sunday, Sep 28 at 8:53 AM sdsd wrote ...

Phil Schreck is one of my favorites too. Any chance of getting a signed picture?

Saturday, Sep 27 at 5:18 PM Phil-lover wrote ...

I'd like Phil to sign one for me!

Saturday, Sep 27 at 4:07 PM Grama on the prairie wrote ...

good to see you back! And your comments about SW MN residents desiring Sioux Falls TV and WEATHER reports are so true...but what can we do about this? I live in SW MN...and don't even watch weather reports anymore from Mpls/StPaul!!

Saturday, Sep 27 at 3:06 PM windmillman35@yahoo.com wrote ...

Glad to hear your mom can see you on TV now. And yes do not forget the others otside the Sioux Falls area. Keep us updated on bad weather too.

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