During a special edition of KWCH 12 Eyewitness News in late June, Meteorologist Merril Teller announced he would be retiring in July. Merril gave his final forecast during the 6 p.m. newscast July 23, tying a ribbon on a decorated career in which people across Kansas credit him for keeping them safe and even saving lives during severe storms and tornadoes.

“For 38 years Merril has been there for Kansans,” KWCH 12 News Director Kim Wilhelm said. “Offering accurate, and at times, lifesaving weather information that our viewers have relied on. They’ve come to appreciate his calm presence during severe weather coverage and his goofy sense of humor. We’ll miss him in the newsroom and I know the viewers will miss having him in their homes nightly.”

Throughout July, Eyewitness News celebrated Merril’s career and contributions to meteorology and television with pieces every Tuesday, concluding with a special program. Viewers can join the celebration by sharing their memories and experiences with Merril on the KWCH 12 Eyewitness News Facebook page.

Merril joined KWCH in 1981 as Storm Team 12’s Chief Meteorologist. Before joining KWCH 12, Merril worked at stations in Oklahoma City and Wichita Falls.

"I remember watching Merril as a kid and thinking that’s what I want to do,” Storm Team 12 Chief Meteorologist Ross Janssen said. “A lot of what I know is due to working with Merril. He helped me to become the meteorologist I am today.”

“I’ve worked with a lot of meteorologists over the years and Merril is one of the best,” KWCH 12 President and General Manager Brad Moses said. “He remains calm, yet urgent, during severe weather coverage while putting the viewers safety above all else. He’s a class act.”

During his 38 years at KWCH 12, Merril strived to get lifesaving weather information to viewers as quickly as possible. Merril brought viewers updates and wall-to-wall coverage during some of Kansas’ largest weather events – the Hesston tornado, the Andover tornado outbreak, Haysville, and the Greensburg tornado, to name a few.

Merril is looking forward to taking time to unwind and relax during retirement. He plans on dedicating time to volunteering, getting back into tennis and bowling, spending time with family, and watching his two grandchildren grow up.

Merril will kick-off his retirement with a trip to Spain and is inviting viewers to join him on the trip through Village Tours.

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About KWCH 12: KWCH-TV, a CBS affiliate, is licensed to the Wichita-Hutchinson market. KWCH 12 oversees satellite stations KBSH-TV in Hays, Kansas, KBSD-TV in Dodge City, Kansas, and KBSL-TV in Goodland, Kansas. KWCH 12 also operates KSCW-TV and the high school sports website catchitkansas.com. KWCH 12 is owned by Gray Television, Inc., a publically traded broadcast company.