Retiring 9News weatherman Mike Nelson came to Polton Elementary School and gave me my first interview as a journalist.
We're in the midst of our end-of-year fundraising campaign, and we have until December 31 to raise $30,000. Our work is funded by readers like you, who make voluntary gifts because they value our work and want to see it continue. Thanks to the Colorado Media Project, all contributions will be matched. Contribute now, and your gift will do double duty in helping us reach our goal.
I was nine years old and in the third grade. I already knew I wanted to write, but I hadn't yet focused on journalism. Nelson's visit was a big deal for our teacher, who used it as a kind of career training. She had us all take on jobs for his visit. Some students did the setup, some were going to introduce Nelson...but I signed up to interview him.
When he sat down, wearing his nice dark-blue suit and leather shoes, he was as chill as a cold front. He greeted us with a big smile and strong, adult handshake to greet us. Our teacher only let us ask one question each, and for the life of me, I can't remember what I asked him. Ian asked Nelson what he'd rather be doing if he weren't a meteorologist, and Nelson explained he'd like to chase storms or tornados.
Now, twenty years later, I'm still only a few years into my career as a journalist, while Nelson bowed out as Denver's iconic meteorologist on December 12.
Bennito Kelty Denver 7 9News Aurora
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Watch Mike Nelson's first Denver7 weather forecast from 20 years agoJeff is a digital journalist with the Denver7 team.
Read more »
Denver7 Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson gets tribute on floor of U.S. House of Representatives TuesdayKatie joined the Denver7 team as a digital content producer in April of 2023.
Read more »
A new ‘climate emergency,’ looking ahead to retirement: Mike Nelson’s December conversation with CPRMike and Ryan discussed everything from a new “climate emergency” detailed in a federal report, to Mike’s plans for the future after TV news, to the origins of the now-famous “tornado dance” and more.
Read more »
Why Mike Nelson took on climate change during his storied 48-year career in meteorologyKatie Lasalle is a Denver7 Weather Forecaster, Anchor, & Reporter.
Read more »
Colorado's weatherman: Colleagues reflect on Mike Nelson's nearly 50-year illustrious career on TVRussell Haythorn is a Denver7 Reporter.
Read more »
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: Mike Nelson Retires From Denver7The meteorologist won awards for more than his hair.
Read more »