The 2012 NWS Des Moines spotter training season is kicking off tonight with this year’s first session being presented in New Market, located in Taylor County, the far southwestern corner of NWS Des Moines’ service area.

Tonight’s training will be followed on February 28 by presentations in Des Moines and Toledo. The Des Moines session will be held at 7 p.m. in the 3rd floor recital hall of the Plymouth Congregational Church, 42nd and Ingersoll. The annual Mid-Iowa Skywarn Association business meeting will be held prior to the meeting at 6:30 p.m. The Des Moines presentation is co-hosted by the Des Moines Radio Amateurs’ Association.

The Tama meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Nature Center at Tama County’s Otter Creek Park (148 Nature Center Road).

For other meeting dates in your area and other training materials, visit the NWS Des Moines spotter training schedule.

A special recognition was held at the NWS – Des Moines on Feb. 7. Nationwide amateur radio operators practice their volunteer service, provide equipment and attend severe weather spotter training. The Mid-Iowa Skywarn Association, Des Moines Radio Amateurs’ Association members, annually host severe weather spotter training classes and actively contribute to the NWS mission of protection of lives and property. During severe weather, Skywarn Coordinator Tom Reis, NØVPR, dedicates many hours at the NWS to make HF and VHF/UHF radio contacts with mobile field operators. These reports provide critical details that are included in weather statements and warnings. NWS employees surprised Tom, and wife, Heather, with an appreciation celebration to honor his contributions.