In a brutal start to May 2020, a local station's news in Minneapolis, Minnesota has lost two meteorologists in as many weeks.
The first was fired. The second quit for reasons that remain unclear.
At Kare 11, a local NBC affiliate based in Minneapolis and serving the Twin Cities region of Minnesota, the weathermen are dropping like flies.
On May 1, Sven Sundgaard was fired by the network after he shared a Facebook post from a rabbi deriding anti-lockdown protesters for their use of White supremacist and Nazi iconography and being heavily armed. The network claimed he had breached ethical standards when he shared the rabbi's post.
Sundgaard—a beloved local celebrity and active member of the LGBTQ community—served the Kare 11 team for 14 years before his ouster.
Just over a week later, on May 8, Kare 11's second beloved local celebrity—also a meteorologist who also happens to be gay—announced his departure from the network.
Jason Disharoon shared no details or reasons why he decided to leave the post. As neither he nor Kare 11 have commented about his departure, it remains unclear whether Disharoon's decision is connected to Sundgaard's recent firing.
Disharoon joined the network's weather team about a year ago.
In that brief tenure—far shorter than Sundgaard's—Disharoon managed to develop some loyal fans who appreciated his work, especially his outspoken mission to spread awareness of depression and its stigma.
His departure announcement included some high praise for the local lands as well as his on-air colleagues.
"I wanted to say thank you Minnesota and western Wisconsin for the wonderful year I've had in this absolutely amazing region."
"From exploring the area when I first arrived to ice skating, ice fishing, Vikings game, and all the amazing friends I made, it's a year I'll never forget."
"Belinda, Sven, and Laura were a delight to work with and helped me to become a better meteorologist. These are skills I'm going to use for the rest of my career."
And, true to form, Disharoon included one last nod to all those struggling with depression, taking a moment to urge those who need it to use the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
"If you're feeling depressed, down, worthless, just know this: you're not alone. Please reach out to a loved one, or a friend, or to one of the numbers on the screen beside me."
"It's not a sign of weakness to reach out. On the contrary, it's a HUGE sign of strength."
The local Facebook community offered all sorts of positive wishes for Disharoon and whatever his future may hold.
Gloria M. Jordan/Facebook
Judy Reichmuth/Facebook
Gloria Colbenson/Facebook
Kris Long/Facebook
And so, with summer just around the corner, folks living in the Twin Cities will have to rely on some new faces to give the deets about what to expect during all those outdoor activities—enjoyed with masks on, of course.
If you have a budding meteorologist, the book STEM Starters for Kids Meteorology Activity Book: Packed with Activities and Meteorology Facts is available here.
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