We heard the rumors back in May, but today it's official: chief meteorologist Katie Horner is leaving KCTV Channel 5.
The TV station issued a news release today that gave no firm end date for Horner's KCTV5 career, only saying that she'd be leaving "sometime later in the year."
KCTV5 general manager Bobby Totsch said in a statement that Horner wanted more time to spend with her daughters.
"We have spent a great deal of time talking about her future, and right
now she feels she needs some additional time with her young daughters,"
Totsch said in the statement. "We discussed several options, but we
simply couldn't figure out a way to make it all work. I'm certain her
career as a meteorologist is far from over; it may just be on hold for a
bit."
Horner also was quoted in the statement: "I will miss the day-to-day
excitement that comes with the job and the opportunity to inform our
viewers. I believe all meteorologists play a role in keeping people
feeling safe in severe weather conditions, and I know we have made that a
focus at KCTV over the years. I have met and worked with a lot of great
people in the KC area and I will still be happy to call KC my home. I
will still be around, and hope to be involved with something that allows
me to do what I enjoy and still do what is best for my girls. I just
want to say thank you to all of the viewers who allowed me to come into
their homes each night!"
Interesting quote from news director Blaise Labbe: "Having Katie here awhile longer will allow us some time to plan our
future. In the meantime, we will have a chance to have some fun with
Katie, so stay tuned as the summer unfolds."
Fun? Could Labbe be referring to the Katie Horner Drinking Game? The game was created by Adam Yarbrough one stormy night in 2009 when Horner
interrupted regularly scheduled programming for a marathon
forecast, and I'll take any opportunity to remind readers of it:
The Katie Horner Drinking Game
If
Katie's wearing jeans, it's clearly casual day. All players must be in
their underwear.
If Katie mentions a watch or a warning of any
type, hold tight to your drink and sip nervously.
If Katie tells
you it's hailing in your area, run outside to freshen the ice in your
cup.
If Katie speaks directly to your children, give them a heavy
dose of cough syrup. (If you don't have kids, drink it yourself.)
If
Katie says, "Tonganoxie," everyone passes their drink to the person on
the right and chugs.
If Katie says, "Take cover," top off your
drink. It's gonna be a long night.
If Katie talks about being
scared for your life, chug.
If Katie asks the audience to e-mail
her rainfall totals or storm-damage reports, take a crazy party pic and
send it to her.
If Katie references Newschopper 5, take 5 gulps.
If
Katie announces a tornado warning, fire up the blender and make some
pina coladas.
If Katie talks about Doppler coupling, make out with
the person to your left.
If Katie walks off screen, take a long,
steady chug until she returns.
If Katie talks about peace of mind,
drink.
If Katie tells you that you're in the clear, the game ends.
If
a tornado actually hits your house, move the party to KCTV5 and get
Katie drunk with you!
H/t: The Star.
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