Maybe Kelly Ogle was onto something and the rapture is upon us.
Via an internal News 9 email, we have learned that Gary England's final broadcast will be on Friday, August 30th. At that point, Lord England will accept a new role as "Vice President for Corporate Relations and Weather Development" for Griffin Communications. He will be replaced by David "Scream Chamber" Payne.
Here's the email that Griffin Communications CEO David Griffin just sent to company staff:
We wanted you to be the first to know that our own Gary England has been named to a new role with Griffin Communications in September.
Gary is an Oklahoma icon and the impact that he has had on our state and the field of meteorology is unparalleled. Since joining News 9 forty-one years ago, this Seiling native has revolutionized severe weather systems and coverage not only in Oklahoma but around the globe. When you see television weather, you are seeing the results of Gary’s work.
Throughout his career, Gary has relentlessly pursued the goal of improved systems and warnings; all for the safety of Oklahomans. He has never hesitated in his quest and we are all safer because of his hard work. Gary’s experience and dedication is unmatched and we feel much better knowing that he will be watching out for us. Gary will always be a part of the News 9 family.
After his on air duties end on August 30, Gary will assume the new role within Griffin Communications as Vice President for Corporate Relations and Weather Development. Gary’s mission in this role will be to continue to improve and develop enhanced weather systems and procedures to help keep Oklahomans safe.
Gary will also be developing a new signature on air franchise named “Gary’s I’ll Keep You Advised,” which will focus on long term weather patterns and events. He will also continue to represent News 9 at weather safety talks and industry conferences.
Later this fall we will be celebrating Gary’s career when he is inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and are planning a prime-time celebration of Gary's career. Many of you will be called on to share your favorite memories of working on air with Gary.
Please join me in thanking Gary for all his hard work. David Payne will be adding the 6 and 10P to his current duties in September, as we announced in January.
David Griffin
Wow. I guess we should have seen this coming like wall cloud on the horizon, but I'm shocked. Like, very shocked. This is like finding out Santa Claus isn't real, but only worse.
Obviously, we need to let this sink in for a while before we do anything silly like burn David Payne's truck. I'm asking the entire Ogle Mole Network to remain calm, cool and collected, just like our savior is on a Friday Night in the Big Town.
Stay with The Lost Ogle for more developments on this story. We'll keep you advised. :(
Update 1: News 9 has confirmed what we first reported. Yes, we somehow scooped the station regarding their own personnel move. I guess they were too busy patting Amanda Taylor on the back. There's still been no statement from Gary England. I heard he's been busy on the Gentner calling all of his friends and colleagues.
Update 2: An Ogle Mole sent us the following video. If you're from Oklahoma City and can watch it without either laughing or crying, there's something wrong with you.
