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Dakota Midday: Six More Weeks Of Winter?

Gene J. Puskar AP

It’s Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning. According to the weather-forecasting rodent, that means six more weeks of winter. That’s probably not what some people want to hear, especially in southeastern South Dakota which was hit with up to eight inches of snow over the weekend. The snow has been followed by sub-zero wind chills.

State climatologist Dennis Todey doesn't have much faith  in Punxsutawney Phil's meteorological skills. He joined Dakota Midday and said the outlook for February is above-normal temperatures. He said that’ll come once we get through the current cold snap. But he says he doesn’t rule out more storm systems moving through the state as well.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.