It's with a heavy heart that I must announce that this Sunday, July 19th, is my last day at KWTX. I have accepted an offer to work for a company called Weather Central, and I’ll be moving to Madison, Wisconsin later this week. Although I am looking forward to this exciting new opportunity, I am truly going to miss my colleagues here at News 10 and my friends in Central Texas.

I didn't know what to expect when I came to work for KWTX just over two years ago. Our News Director at the time, Kathryn Yglecias, called to offer me a position as weekend meteorologist just before I graduated with my degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma. I started working here at News 10 less than three weeks after graduation – and I've enjoyed every minute since.

Okay, maybe not every minute. There were lots of very late nights and early mornings when I would find myself struggling to stay awake as I kept watch on storms moving through Central Texas. And there were those morning live shots in the dead of winter when I'd be standing along I-35 with Chief Photographer Jim Peeler, talking about icy roads that didn't turn out to be very icy after all (except for those pesky bridges and overpasses). But you know what? Even during those late nights, cold mornings, and long days, I still enjoyed working here at Channel 10.

The people here are the main reason for that. I feel blessed to have been a part of the News 10 "family" – and it really has felt like a home away from home for me. I didn't know a single person in Waco when I moved here more than two years ago; now I find myself saying goodbye to a number of very good friends, many of whom have also been colleagues of mine here at KWTX.

There are simply far too many people with whom I've worked here at KWTX to thank them all individually, but I wanted to mention a few of the people who have really meant a lot to me over the last two years.

First, I want to say a big thank-you to Rusty, Lon, and Brady for their constant support and friendship. Lon is by far the smartest meteorologist I've ever met. His knowledge and understanding of weather is unmatched, and I feel blessed that he was able to share some of that knowledge with me. Brady has been a good friend to me from the time I first arrived in Waco. I didn't think I'd end up working with him much, but somehow we ended up spending a lot of early mornings together, tag-teaming severe weather coverage. I'm very glad I got to know him, even if he is an Aggie! Rusty, as I don't have to tell you, is an absolute icon in Central Texas. It was such an honor to work with him as a part of the News 10 weather team.

I also need to thank our wonderful weekend crew. Christopher Heath, Dan Ingham, and producer Megan Fleetwood were all very supportive and patient with me when I started working with them back in 2007. I'm now pleased to call Stephanie Franks, Adam Winkler, and Gordon Collier both close friends and colleagues. Stephanie deserves a lot of praise – she pulls double-duty as both anchor and producer on Saturday, produces on Sunday, and reports during the week. She is one of the hardest-working people I know. Adam's skilled use of sports clichés is unmatched, and Gordon's smooth delivery on the anchor desk is an example to be followed. They have been a joy to work with on Sunday night. I would be remiss if I didn't also acknowledge the people who work "behind the scenes": Jason Caldwell, Brian McKinney, and everyone else who has worked on the weekend production crew for the last two years. They have spent many a late night with me, making sure we get our severe weather cut-ins on the air!

I want to say a special thank-you to a few more people who have really helped make my two years here a big success. First, thanks to Virgil Teter, our V.P. of News, who has been a longtime figure at KWTX. He is instrumental in organizing events like Food For Families, and has made sure that our weather department has always been well-cared for. Rick Bradfield is our Managing Editor; if you see a story on KWTX.com, chances are he probably had at least a part in writing it! Rick is another one of those incredibly hard-working people I've felt honored to work with. I also want to thank our Assistant News Director Paul Gately, who has always had my best interests at heart. And finally, thanks to our current General Manager, Bob Bunch. In a time when the broadcast industry is in great turmoil, he has kept the most important thing – people – at the forefront. His dedication to both News 10's staff and its viewers is truly commendable.

Last, and most certainly not least, I want to thank you, the viewers. Everyone in Central Texas has shown me nothing but kindness and support over the last two years. I have been especially impressed by the generosity of Central Texans, which I was fortunate enough to witness during our station's Food For Families and Toys For Tots campaigns in 2007 and 2008. I also appreciate all of the phone calls, emails, and comments you have sent me over the past two years. There have been a lot of people who have stopped to tell me how much they enjoy watching News 10. Your loyalty doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated. You are the reason for this station's success, and I hope you will continue watching KWTX for years to come.

Again, while I'm excited about the opportunities that lie in front of me, I am going to miss everyone here at KWTX. It has been a privilege to bring you the weekend weather forecast, and an honor to get to know so many good people here in the Heart of Texas. Thank you for making me a part of your lives for the last two years.

God Bless,
Keith

P.S.- At the end of my final broadcast Sunday night, I got to watch a series of farewell messages from coworkers, friends, and acquaintances here in Central Texas. I want to thank Stephanie Franks, photographer Casey Monroe, and everyone else who had a part in putting that video together – I was truly touched!