Mark Heyka received a B.A. in broadcast journalism from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. He studied meteorology at the Universities of Kansas and Nebraska and has received a Certificate in Meteorology from Mississippi State University. Mark was recently awarded the Seal of Approval of the American Meteorological Society in recognition of the quality of his television weather broadcasts. The Seal of Approval is sought as a mark of distinction and recognition of achievement in the communication of scientific information.
Heyka grew up on a wheat and cattle farm near Belleville, Kansas. His love of weather goes back to childhood. He would watch the weather report on TV. He would then draw maps on chalkboards and pretend to be a weatherman! From childhood through college and beyond, he kept weather journals for 20 years.
Mark has extensive experience in conducting severe weather seminars and programs for schools and civic groups. He has also participated in numerous charity events. While at KOAM-TV in Pittsburg, Kansas and Joplin, Missouri, he raised thousands of dollars in the American Diabetes Association's "Kiss-a-Pig" contest. He "won" the contest three times, kissing the porkers each time! Heyka continues his community involvement in western Montana.
Mark enjoys jogging, dining and dancing. He also enjoys all sorts of music, from jazz, blues and swing to rock and roll. He especially likes to support local theatre and is an avid fan of the KU Jayhawks.
Send weather photos to him at mheyka@nbcmontana.com.
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