The Journey
Education
Brigham Young University
Degree: BA in Communications
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Minor: Sociology
Western Kentucky University
Dept.of Geography & Geology
Degree: Meteorology
Lab Instructor: Meteorology 121
Pete has been an on-air TV Meteorologist since 1990, last 23 years in Kansas City, MO (KMBC). Previously in Norfolk VA (WTKR), Evansville IN (WEVV), & Bowling Green KY (WBKO). College Internship at WKYT, Lexington, KY
After nearly 10 years at KMBC, to accommodate better family hours, Pete adjusted his career path (July 2008) by accepting a job as an administrator for the Blue Springs School District , overseeing a TV Station, BSSD TV, and BSSD Radio Station for its High Schools. He also teaches Meteorology & Broadcasting classes, such as Jag TV at Blue Springs South High School. He is still part time with KMBC TV working weekend evenings.
Pete was an all-state high school Kentucky basketball player, scoring over 2,000 points. With offers to play college basketball at Auburn under coach Sonny Smith & with Charles Barkley, BYU, Ohio University & other various colleges. Pete decided to walk away from the sport & concentrate on studies in both Broadcast/Journalism and Meteorology.
Pete is married to Michelle and his two children are Nyle and Pete IV. Pete loves running, playing piano, actively serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, and of course spending time with his family.
Awards/Recognition
American Meteorological Society
Seal of Approval
Emmy - Live Severe Weather Coverage
May 2019 - KMBC TV 9
Kentucky Colonel Award for Outstanding Service to the Community
Missouri Teaching Certification
Secondary-Both Environmental Science & Communications
The Beginning
I was born and raised in the great state of Kentucky. In fact, it was in the hills of Eastern Kentucky surrounded by coal mines, basketball and the greatest people on Earth. I'm the youngest of three, only son. Science was my favorite subject through school with a strong side interest in broadcasting. During my senior year in HS, Dale McKinney, owner of WMDJ Radio, made an offer that eventually directed & began my career. I was trained and given part time on-air work at the radio station, then by college, I took my love of Science and broadcasting & merged them together. The rest is history. Here's a recent picture with my Broadcast Mentor Dale McKinney, who still does the morning drive show on his #1 radio station WMDJ FM 100. (Far Right Picture - My broadcast career is launched 1983-84)
College Years
While in college, I interned at my favorite home TV station, WKYT in Lexington, KY. Working that summer under anchors Barbara Bailey & Bill Bryant sparked great excitement in my new TV journey.
Left Picture: College Senior Year. Far Right Picture: Bill Bryant, Barbara Bailey @WKYT. Our small reunion 26+ years later.
I am grateful for them and that station. It's been a great journey since those days.
WBKO 1/1990-11/1992
WEVV 11/1992- 10/1995
WTKR 10/1995-01/1999
KMBC 02/1999-Present
Feb. 1999 to present, I've worked with this awesome meteorologist and person, Bryan Busby. We've covered many severe weather events on KMBC and I've learned a great deal from him. Even after my departure from full-time TV, we remain close friends and basically brothers. In fact, Busby is my daughter's God Father! It's always nice to go back and fill in at KMBC, having great memories restored.
BSSD 2008-Present
July 2008 - Blue Springs School District made an offer I couldn't turn down. Media TV/Radio program director for the district & teach Meteorology at Blue Springs South HS where my own children would attend. BSSD TV (Comcast 15) is now seen in 7 major MO cities, and BSSD Radio Station is on air 24/7 for both high schools to utilize. During my 3rd year, I was asked to revamp a video production class at South HS. Jag TV was born. Today, Jag TV is a 3-time "Best in State" broadcast winner from University of Missouri - and is often studied by other school districts, implementing similar programs at their high schools.
