How time flies...

It is hard to believe just how fast time flies, until you reach a certain date that has some sort of significance to you.  For me, that date was last week.  I can't believe that it has been one year since I moved to La Crosse and began my early morning duties here at News 19.  I have had so much fun this past year getting to do things not everyone gets to do.  I loved being able to interview the Harlem Globetrotters when they came to town, and get to follow the US Fish and Wildlife Service on their trek to Lake City, MN to check on some mussel recovery.

I would have to say that the highlight of the past year was getting to fly on Fat Albert during the air show last summer.  In case you don't know what that is, Fat Albert is the cargo plane that travels with the US Navy Blue Angels and opens the show for the Angels.  Eight solid fuel rockets are strapped to the sides of the plane and they ignite sending you straight into the air at a 45° angle.  Once the desired altitude is reached, the pilot slams the stick forward to level the plane out and everyone is weightless for a few seconds.  That was a trip!  My legs went out from under me and if I hadn't been belted in, I would have been floating to the top of the plane.  After many twists and turns above the airport in La Crosse, my stomach didn't fare so well as we went to land.  I'll save you the details, but I was the only passenger to get his shirt dirty and need a breath mint after the flight.

The last year has also allowed me to meet so many wonderful students across the area with our Weather Academies.  This is a great tool to teach the younger generations about severe weather and how to be safe during those severe storms.  I love seeing the smiles on the kid's faces and answering the many questions they may have.

I've also enjoyed working with the great people at the station.  They have made my first year go really smooth and have been very helpful.  It's been a joy working with Amy DuPont and watching her develop with little Bryce.  Jordann Ojanpa has been a hoot to work with the last few months while Amy has been out.  What would a newscast be without a producer, director and production crew.  They are the best in the business.

The weather here is a far cry from the steamy temps in the south that I grew up with, but I have grown to love the seasons in the Seven River's Region and I look forward to what this year has in store.


Thanks for checking in!

Zach Brown, Daybreak Meteorologist

Comments

[Nikki]

I just wanted to say that you've done a great job in your first year at News 19! I still remember your first day on Daybreak...you seemed to bring some much-anticipated snow fall to the area! And you advised us to wear our "snow boots or whatever you people wear around here!" And then you and Amy joked that you'd have to go snow boot shopping...It's been fun watching you evolve during your first year here in Wisconsin! I loved hearing about your dog and your trips back home to South Carolina. I've really enjoyed waking up with you and Amy (and now Jordann!) every morning for the past 12 months! Keep up the great work!