We would like to thank Ron for doing the heavy work of establishing SKYWARN® with the National Weather Service. This comes from the group, but especially those who had the honor to work with Ron during his over sight of the program.
Update January 16, 2008: I spoke to KØFFR on the 146.820. He said he is doing better and hopes he does not glow in the dark from cancer treatment. It is good to have Ron back. - KBØRWI for the group

Ron Farthing Retires SKYWARN® Coordinator Post
Richard H. Elder
Meteorologist-in-Charge, NWS Wichita

The first part of March 2007, Ron Farthing, KØFFR, retired as the Volunteer SKYWARN® Coordinator for the Wichita National Weather Service Office. This is a position he has held since the mid 90’s.

When Ron began as the NWS SKYWARN® Coordinator, the goal was to set-up a network, utilizing Amateur Radio, where the National Weather Service would have a reliable communication link to all 26 counties of Central and Southeast Kansas that are served by the Wichita Office, and also be able to communicate with adjacent NWS Offices. Ron’s knowledge of Amateur Radio and his long standing involvement with local and national radio groups made him the perfect match for getting this network established.

Ron's major accomplishments included:

1. ) Worked with Butler County Emergency Management and had the 145.130 MHz Repeater installed on the tower near Beaumont, KS to serve as the main SKYWARN® Frequency for Southeast Kansas.

2. ) Coordinated with the Wichita Amateur Radio Club so that the 146.820 MHz Repeater could be utilized as the primary SKYWARN® Frequency for Central Kansas

3. ) Recruited, and scheduled other volunteer Amateur Radio Operators to come to the office and man the radios when their help was needed.

4. ) Worked with the local NWS Office as our “Resident Expert” and offered advice and guidance as amateur radio equipment was purchased that would ensure we had the power and range to talk with all counties in our County Warning Area.

5. ) Spent endless hours traveling on his own, and with the Wichita NWS Management Team to talk with local Amateur Radio Clubs, and Emergency Managers to share how the SKYWARN® Program worked.

6. ) He and others on his SKYWARN® Team initiated the Tuesday evening Net’s on the 82 and 13 Repeaters to talk about SKYWARN® issues and receive a briefing on weather expectations for the next week.

7. ) He and others on his SKYWARN® Team secured the vanity call sign for the Wichita NWS Office, WXØICT, to utilize during “High Impact” weather events.

Kennedy once said; “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them” Ron definitely exemplifies those words. He took the concept of SKYWARN® and made it a reality for Central and Southeast Kansas. Ron is a man of integrity and I hope that everyone will join me in thanking Ron for his service and a job “Well Done!”

Sherry Wier, KBØSQQ who was Ron’s Assistant SKYWARN® Coordinator has stepped up and agreed to take over as Coordinator for the Wichita NWS SKYWARN® Program. Assisting her are Randy Wing, NØLD, and James Enix, KCØQIE. A big thank you to these 3 individuals for volunteering to serve in this function. Thank You also goes to the remainder of the Amateur Radio community who continue to serve and support the SKYWARN® Program.