The National Cooperative Observer
NOAA's National Weather Service
Winter 2010-11
Inside
Eye on the Sky:
Weather in
the Desert
2
Special Act Award
3
Thomas Jefferson
Award
4
John Campanius
Holm Awards
5
125, 75 Year Honored
Institution Awards
9
Edward H.
Stoll Award
10
50 Year Honored
Institution Awards
13
45 Year Dick
Hagemeyer Awards
15
Length of Service
Awards
40 Year: 17
35 Year: 17
30 Year: 18
25 Year: 19
20 Year: 22
15 Year: 23
10 Year: 24
March, April, May
Temperature and
Precipitation
Outlook
26
The National Cooperative Observer is an online newsletter.
http://www.weather.gov/os/coop/coop_newsletter.htm
The Good Ol’ Days of taking river
readings and climbing towers...excerpts
taken from a document written in 1960.
At times of high water the Endicott
gauge is very difcult to reach. Several times
Observer Stanley Kasparek had
to swim to the gauge house. The
current was quite strong at times
and Mrs. Kasparek would stand
on the bank holding a rope tied to
Stanley. He would then fasten the
gauge key around his neck and
start swimming.
When the regular river
Observer on Bird Creek at Sperry,
OK, evacuated because of high
water, Wink Creekpaum hurriedly
volunteered to take over.
He received the keys and
instructions at 9 pm, October 2,
1959. By 11 pm he had reached
the gauge after borrowing a horse
and swimming it some distance
through the ood waters. From
then until 8 am on October 5, 1959, he made
continuous stage observations and reports.
During this time the highest crest of record,
32.6 feet, occurred and it was necessary for
Wink to obtain a boat and rescue his horse.
Due to his and the horse’s dedication, many
thousands of dollars in property and crops
were saved in downstream areas. Some
lives may have been saved as well.
Charles Thew, a long-time Observer
at Willapa Harbor, WA, also served as
the Storm Warning Displayman for the
town. Charles acquired the 40-foot steel
warning and instrument tower that formerly
stood on the Hoge Building in Seattle and
induced lumbermen and others to furnish
enough steel to make the tower 80 feet high,
surmounted with a steel agpole.
The Willapa Harbor Station was
equipped with a Tipping Bucket rain gauge,
anemometer, wind vane, sunshine recorder,
and hygrothermograph. At the age of 83,
he no longer climbs the tower to service the
instruments.
Ross McKenna, the Observer at Kaycee,
WY, since June 1940, recalls that during a
ash ood, the rain gauge was about to oat
away when he rescued it from a 3-foot wall
of water.
In 1955, Observer Harry Hutchinson,
was relieved of river gauge reading duties
at his request when observing became too
hazardous on the busy 11
th
Street bridge
in Tulsa, OK. There is also a story of an
Observer who was hit by a vehicle on a bridge
when reading the river gauge. He refused
treatment until his observation was called in
to the National Weather Service! T
Taking River Observation on Horseback,
Tower Top, While Dodging Bridge Traffic
Bird Creek in Oklahoma continue to have a ooding
problem. Here it overows the road.
2 Cooperative Observer
"I’ll never
again see
clouds
with an
artist’s eye.
Now I see
cumulus,
cirrus or
stratus.”
Reprinted from the Basin-Wide Spirit
courtesy of Hi Dessert Publish Co., 2010.
When a select group of volunteers gathered
in the Yucca Valley of California recently, they
identied each other by elevation.
The confab was the annual gathering
of participants in the Morongo Basin’s
Cooperative Observer Program, a partnership
between the National Weather Service and
citizen volunteers.
The group met with Donald Maker, the
program’s manager, to discuss issues and get
updates about procedures.
Attending were volunteers from the width
and breadth of the Basin, from Morongo Valley
to Wonder Valley and from Johnson Valley to
Joshua Tree.
Theresa Langlois, el. 1376 (Wonder
Valley), has been a weather Observer since
2008. Each morning at 9 a.m.,“without fail,”
she gathers data and reports to the NWS in
Las Vegas.
Using equipment installed by the NWS,
Langlois assiduously records the daily
temperature and any precipitation that may
have fallen at elevation 1376. She was trained
onsite by Maker, as were all the volunteers.
Langlois, an artist who has lived in
Wonder Valley for 18 years, loves the beauty
and solitude of the desert and is an active
volunteer in the community. In addition to
her weather work, she serves on the Wonder
Valley Advisory Commission.
“I love weather, nature, animals … not too
crazy about people,” she admits with a smile.
Langlois also volunteers as a certied
weather Spotter, a different job than observing.
Spotters watch for weather events such as
tornadoes, and immediately alert the NWS
to potentially hazardous conditions.
“We learn to read clouds as part of the
training. Certain types of clouds you’d report
on right away,” she says, peering into the
distance. “I’ll never again see clouds with
an artist’s eye. Now I see cumulus, cirrus or
stratus.”
Langlois says the most amazing weather
phenomenon she reported to the Weather
Service was a massive sandstorm that
decreased visibility to zero.
“It was moving east and it got higher and
higher and it was big,” she recalls. “I knew
it was going to hit Highway 62 and affect
visibility, and it was important for them to
know.”
Spotters are obligated to report any critical
weather, especially high winds and flash
ooding. “The Basin is diverse in its weather,”
Langlois comments.
Maker agrees, saying, “The Morongo
Basin is a high-desert region with numerous
elevation changes in a fairly short span. This
creates a challenge to forecasters because the
Basin is not covered well by Doppler Radar.”
Until 2003, the NWS forecast ofces in Las
Vegas and San Diego shared responsibility
for Basin weather statements. The NWS Las
Vegas took over after ofcials decided one
ofce should handle all of those duties.
Eyes on the Sky: Weather in the Desert
Donald Stone checks his equipment
Cooperative Observer 3
Need some
rain? James
Riggan
recorded
100.05
inches in
Arkansas in
2009.
“Also identied was the high vulnerability
of each city along Highway 62 to become
isolated during various weather events, such
as ash ood, severe thunderstorm, heavy
snow or dense fog,” Maker says. Thus,
Observers and spotters are needed here
to provide accurate and reliable weather
forecasts and warnings. Maker established
and set up eight weather stations throughout
the Basin in the latter part of 2008.
“Out of the eight stations I set up, seven
continue to operate and provide invaluable
data to the operational forecasters at NWS
Las Vegas daily,” he says. “I am very proud
of the Coop Observers because they are a
proven group of dedicated volunteers.”
Don Stone, el. 3249 (Yucca Valley), is
perhaps the most dedicated — and thorough
— volunteer in the Basin.
The retired postal worker records weather
data every morning at precisely 8 am. He has
been a spotter for 5 years and an Observer
for nearly 2 years, but Stone’s love of weather
began more than 50 years ago when he was
a boy in El Centro.
The avid weather watcher has kept
detailed weather records since 1972 simply
because the subject fascinates him. He has
seen, and recorded, a little bit of everything,
including extreme heat, tornadoes, heavy
snow and oods.
Stone can name the coldest year of the last
century (1937), the earliest snowfall (October
1971), and the heaviest snowfall (winter of
1978-79), among many other weather facts
and trivia. The highest temperature he’s ever
recorded was 112.
Stone says he volunteers for the NWS
because, “I’m interested in weather and I
keep records.” He uses graphs and spread
sheets and has invested his own money on
equipment.
The most severe weather event he
witnessed was a 1970s ash ood in Yucca
Valley that stranded motorists on Twentynine
Palms Highway and washed away parts of Old
Woman Springs Road.
“There were boulders coming down, and
we didn’t know if we were going to make
it or not,” he recalls. “All the washes were
little rivers, and the big wash looked like the
Colorado River.”
Stone says he cannot recall if anyone died
during that ash ood, but if Coop existed at
that time there is no doubt its volunteers could
have helped save lives. T
A Special Act Award was
presented to James
Riggan of Leola, AR, for
recording the most rain
ever recorded at any site in
Arkansas during the 2009
season. James diligently
recorded 100.05 inches
of rain at his cooperative
weather site during the
2009 season. That season
broke the state record of
98.55 inches recorded at
New Hope, AR, in 1957.
From left, John Robinson, Warning Coordination
Meteorologist (WCM), NWS Little Rock, AR; Sean Clarke,
Intern; James L. Riggan, Observer; and Renee Fair,
Meteorologist in Charge (MIC).
Special Act Award
4 Cooperative Observer
Thomas Jefferson Award
A Thomas Jefferson and John Campanius Holm Award along with two 30 Year Length of Service
Awards were presented to dedicated Observers at NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC. Those honored
included Malcolm Gregory from Santuck, SC, who received the highest Cooperative Observer
honor, the Thomas Jefferson Award. Malcolm and his family have been the Observers at Santuck
for more than 100 years, beginning in 1893. Ben Ledford Jr. from Marshall, NC, was given the
prestigious John Companius Holm Award and a 20 Year Length of Service Award. Gordon Hensley
from Ashford, NC, and James Berry, from Morganton, NC, each received a 30 Year Length of
Service Award. James is a past recipient of the Holm Award.
The award day ceremony began with an overview of the Cooperative Observation Program at
NWS Greenville-Spartanburg. The staff explained the importance of the Coop Program to NWS,
and to other agencies and groups. A tour of the ofce followed, which included a demonstration of
forecast tools, technologies and capabilities. Master of ceremonies Terry Benthall then conducted
an outdoor ceremony which included the presentation of awards. A luncheon concluded the day’s
festivities.
From left front are Honoree Gordon Hensley, Sharon LeDuc, National Climatic
Data Center Deputy Director (NCDC), Asheville, NC; MIC Malcolm Gregory, MIC
Larry Gabric; and honorees Ben Ledford Jr.; and James Berry. In the back are
NWS Data Acquisition Program Manager (DAPM) Terry Benthall; Katy Vincent,
NCDC Communication Coordinator; Steve Garrison, Madison County, NC, County
Manager; Gordon Randolph, Madison County Emergency Coordinator; Wes Tyler,
South Carolina State Climate Office, Columbia, SC; William Schmitz, Southeast
Regional Climate Office Service Climatologist, Chapel Hill, NC; Todd Hamil,
Southeast River Forecast Center Hydrometeorologist, Peachtree City, GA.
Cooperative Observer 5
John Campanius Holm Awards
Donna Boggs of Hacker Valley,
WV, accepts her John Campanius
Holm Award from Jim Campbell,
Observations Program Leader
(OPL), at the NWS Charleston, WV.
The ceremony was attended by her
husband, Don, several NWS Charleston
staff members as well as local television
and newspaper media. The Boggs
family, as well as media reps, were
given a tour of the office with particular
attention paid to the collection, quality
control and use of Coop observations
in the day-to-day operations. Photo by
Andrew Beavers, Cooperative Program
Manager (CPM).
NWS Medford MIC John Lovegrove, left,
presents the John Campanius Holm award
to Frank Christina of Mount Shasta City,
CA. Frank's exceptional efforts were
recognized in letters of appreciation
from the California Department of Water
Resources and the California-Nevada
River Forecast Center. He was also
presented with a 25 Year Length of
Service Award. Frank has proven his
dedication through accurate, consistent
and reliable observations over the years.
His community relies upon this information
through the local newspaper, and he is
considered a climate expert for this area.
In early 2010, his daily observations
during a snowstorm helped the county
receive assistance as part of a federal
disaster declaration. Frank shows great
pride in his work and it is a model
of excellence.
6 Cooperative Observer
John Campanius Holm Awards
Elizabeth “Liz” Lindig was
presented with the John
Campanius Holm Award at
the Silver K Café in Johnson
City, TX. The award was
presented by MIC Joe
Arellano, NWS Austin/San
Antonio, TX. Liz has been
taking weather observations
at the LBJ National Park for
more than 27 years.
Spencer, IN, Observer Shelley
Edwards was recognized for more
than 27 years of exceptional service
with a Holm Award. “Cooperative
Observers are the bedrock of weather
data collection and analysis,” said MIC
Dan McCarthy, NWS Indianapolis, IN.
“Numerous technological breakthroughs
have brought great benefits to the
nation in terms of better forecasts and
warnings. But without the century-long
accumulation of accurate weather
observations taken by volunteer
Observers, scientists could not begin
to adequately describe the climate of
the United States. We cannot thank Mr.
Edwards enough for his years of service
to America.” Observations have been
taken at Spencer since 1946. Shelley
joined the program on July 1, 1983, He
reports daily temperature and precipitation
data as well as river stage readings of the
White River. Shelley has provided more
than 9,800 daily reports to the NWS.
From left, MIC Dan McCarthy, Observer Shelley
Edwards, OPL Ed Terrell, and Service Hydrologist Al
Shipe. Photo by Brad Herold.
Pictured from the left are Steve Smart, OPL; Mike Asmus, Southern Region
CPM; Observer Liz Lindig; MIC Joe Arellano and Patrick McDonald CPM/
HMT. Photo taken by Liz's good friend and co-worker Cynthia Dorminey.
Cooperative Observer 7
Eldon Gunia of Peru, IL, was presented
with the John Campanius Holm Award. In
attendance were his back-up Observers,
wife Leona and sister-in-law Flay, as well
as his son Randy and his wife Julie and
their two daughters, Rachael and Lauren.
Eldon began taking observations 39 years
ago at the Peru Greenhouse/Nursery,
where he reported daily temperature and
precipitation data, including snowfall and
depth, and soil temperatures to NWS
Chicago. The equipment was moved to
his residence in 1982. Eldon is an Army
veteran and trained storm spotter who
has provided many valuable reports. His
at-home interview by Tom Skilling, Chief
Meteorologist for WGN-TV in Chicago,
was aired after a Coop Appreciation Day
event, which close to 100 Observers from
northern Illinois attended a few years ago.
Eldon, Leona and Flay were also presented
with gifts and letters of congratulations from
federal and state dignitaries.
From left, Ed Fenelon, NWS Chicago MIC; Holm Award
Honoree Eldon Gunia; and Bill Nelson, OPL.
Photo by Bill Morris, Service Hydrologist.
John Campanius Holm Awards
Recognizing more than 35 years of
dedication, NWS named Fremont, MI,
resident Ralph Roossinck a recipient of
the Holm Award for outstanding service
in the Cooperative Weather Observer
program. The award was presented
to Ralph by NWS Grand Rapids, MI,
OPL George Wetzel. Ralph has quietly
been helping his country, state and
local community by performing this
daily duty, gathering rain, snow and
temperature data uninterrupted for more
than three decades. Roossinck began
taking observations on December 1,
1975, reporting daily temperature and
precipitation data, including snowfall and
snow depth. He also provides general
daily weather information to the office.
Ralph Roossinck, left, receives his Holm Award
from Grand Rapids, MI, OPL George Wetzel.
8 Cooperative Observer
John Campanius Holm Award
NWS Sioux Rapids, IA, Observer Brian Waldstein shows his Holm Award
with support from wife Ann, and grandson Xander. The award was presented
by Sioux Falls MIC Greg Harmon. Photo by DAPM Donald E. Morin.
It was a special occasion indeed, when the staff of NWS Sioux Falls, SD, gathered for a potluck
luncheon before the holiday season. Making our luncheon a little more special than usual was some
extra special guests. Brian Waldstein, his wife Ann and their grandson Xander all joined us to get
acquainted and give us the opportunity to thank Brian for his contributions to our Cooperative Observing
Program. For more than 25 years, Brian has dutifully gathered and reported weather statistics from
his location near Sioux Rapids, IA. He is so dedicated to weather observing and reporting, as well as
his community, that he was recognized as a John Campanius Holm Award recipient. The award was
presented by MIC Greg Harmon.
Brian has had a life-long interest in meteorology and even seriously considered it as a major during
his college career. In addition to being one of our nest Observers, Brian has been an active participant
in our Skywarn program, a commissioner of the local Soil and Water District, a board member of the
Northwest Iowa Experimental Association, and a member of Buena Vista County Council for more
than 20 years.
He is a well known and respected member and leader of his community who is dedicated to the
development and safety of the people in his county. He shares his knowledge of weather and the Coop
Program with the young people of his community by speaking at elementary schools in his area.
Could it be that when Brian retires, which he says will be no time soon, the next area Observer will
be personally trained by the best? We are honored to have Brian in our program. We are proud of his
accomplishments. He is truly a member of our weather family.
Cooperative Observer 9
125 and 75 Year Honored Institution Awards
Power Plant Engineers at Lawrence
Hydro-Electric Associates, MA,
the Essex Company, receive an
Honored Institutional Award for
an amazing 125 years of service.
The award was presented by
CPM Kimberly Buttrick, NWS
Taunton, MA. The Essex Company,
located in Lawrence, MA, is part
of our National Historical Climate
Network with more than 100 years
of weather data collected from
this station. Pictured from left are
Lucas Restituyou, Pat Donahue
and John Bowers. Pat is an
encyclopedia of knowledge about
the history of Lawrence. The NWS
Taunton Service Hydrologist has
relied on Pat and his knowledge of
flood stage data on the Merrimack
River, pictured in the background.
Coweeta Experiment Station
in Otto, NC, was recognized
for an impressive 75 years
of service as a Cooperative
Observation Station. The
picture of the Coweeta staff
was taken in the lobby of their
new building in front of the
fireplace, which is a gathering
place for meetings or lunch on
cold damp days. The framed
certificate was presented by
DAPM Terry Benthall, NWS
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC.
10 Cooperative Observer
50 Year Edward H. Stoll Award
For half a century Paul Burman measured, tracked and recorded the weather at Wakeeld, NE.
Paul’s observation techniques were exceptionally thorough. He has created an unbroken chain of
invaluable climate statistics, not missing a single day nor asking for backup support even once in
50 years. In all, Paul took 18,250 observations. He shared his data with the local newspaper, The
Republican, and with Sioux City television station, KTIV. Paul's exceptional service has been recognized
with both the Holm and Jefferson Awards.
He has supported the NWS Omaha Ofce throughout his observing career and has worked with
the NWS Ofce in Sioux Falls, SD, for the past 15 years. Paul worked closely with OPL Leader Terry
Landsvork, NWS Omaha, NE, as well as DAPM Don Morin NWS Sioux Falls, SD. During his long
tenure as an Observer, Paul gained the respect and admiration of countless NWS staff.
In addition to his dedication to weather, Paul is an accomplished trumpet player and artist. He also
creates his own illustrations for Christmas cards, which usually feature horses and country scenes.
Many of his larger works adorn the walls of his home. His art reects the same attention to detail
and accuracy that we have seen in his observations. For Paul, every task he takes on must be done
correctly and completely.
WCM Brian Smith, OPL Terry Landsvork, DAPM Don Morin, and HMT Joni Brand journeyed to
Wakeeld to celebrate the 50
th
anniversary of a truly exceptional weather Observer and present him
with the Edward H. Stoll Award. The celebration took place at a local senior center, where approximately
70 of his friends and neighbors came to thank him for his contributions and to wish him well in his
retirement.
OPL Terry Landsvork reviewed the history of the Wakeeld station and Paul's impressive
background. Retired NWS employees also rose to speak of their admiration for our most senior
Nebraska Observers. We left the gathering with a renewed respect for true volunteerism. Paul is
nally retiring. He will be missed by those of us who were honored to work with him. His example will
not be forgotten.
Paul Burman,
Wakefield, NE, seated,
WCM Brian Smith,
NWS Omaha, NE, left;
DAPM Don Morin, NWS
Sioux Falls, SD. Photo
by HMT Joni Brant,
NWS Omaha, NE.
Cooperative Observer 11
50 Year Edward H. Stoll Award
Bob Lautzenheiser is the senior Cooperative Observer in Southern New England. Born October 26,
1915, Bob is 95 years old! Bob has degrees in both math and physics. During the Depression days, while
working on his PhD in physics, Bob saw a job opening with the U.S. Weather Bureau. Thus began Bob’s
weather career in 1940 as a forecaster in Akron, OH.
The following year, Bob moved to the Weather Bureau’s Fort Wayne, IN, ofce. From 1942-1956, he was
assigned to the Weather Service Forecast Ofce at Midway Airport in Chicago, IL. While at the Chicago ofce,
Bob became the Chicago city climatologist with a temporary position at the University of Illinois, Urbana,
where he served as interim Illinois State Climatologist.
With climatology now part of his repertoire, in 1956, Bob jumped at the chance to become the NWS
Northern New England Climatologist. Bob and his family moved to Boston and settled in Reading, where he
began his Observer career on January 1, 1960.
Bob served as climatologist for four New England states from 1956-72 when the NWS abolished the position
due to budget constraints. In 1973, the Massachusetts State Resources Commission, now the Department
of Conservation and Recreation, paid Bob a small stipend to provide climate data for the state. But by 1975,
like the NWS, the state’s funding fell through. Bob then moved his ofce, his work and his passion to his
home in Reading.
While working from home, Bob continued as Massachusetts’ ofcial climatologist, an unpaid position,
through a joint agreement between the state and the NWS. In 1982, he passed on the baton and his honorary
title to David Taylor of Lunenburg, MA; however, Bob remains active as an assistant climatologist. NWS
Taunton receives occasional emails and phone calls from him when Boston’s climate data from Logan Airport
is erroneous. Ever a man of detail, Bob keeps all of us in the weather data collecting eld honest. Several
television meteorologists in the Boston market call Bob for weather statistics and know that the response will
be reliable with unparalleled detail.
Bob lost his rst beloved wife during a snow storm but found love again during another major snow event.
He is a proud and beloved husband, father and grandfather.
Bob Lautzenheiser received the
Edward H. Stoll Award for
50 years of service as a
Cooperative Observer at
Reading, MA. Pictured from left
are son John, daughter Mary
Wasserman, son Will, wife
Dorothy, Bob holding his award
and NOAA/NWS umbrella, son
Tom and his wife Claire. For this
honored milestone, a gathering
of Bob’s family, friends and
colleagues met at his home for
a luncheon celebration. Bob’s
wife Dorothy and their children
put together a delectable buffet
for the attendees. The award
was presented by MIC Robert
Thompson and CPM Kimberly
Buttrick of NWS Taunton, MA.
12 Cooperative Observer
50 Year Edward H. Stoll Award
Bob Skilling's interest in weather began when he was 12. He purchased his rst instruments in 1952,
including a barometer, plastic rain gauge and Taylor U-Tube thermometer. On January 1, 1953, at age 14, Bob
began recording continuous daily weather observations while a freshman at Hingham High School. In 1956, Bob
won rst prize in the high school science fair for his weather project.
While in college, Bob continued his record of observations. In 1960, Bob visited the ofce of Massachusetts
State Climatologist, Bob Lautzenheiser (see Page 12). After reviewing Bob’s observations, Bob Lautzenheiser
selected him to become an ofcial Observer.
In October 1960, Bob was hired as a NWS part-time contract weather Observer at the Blue Hill Observatory
to take weekend surface weather observations. Bob’s beloved work was interrupted when he was drafted
into the Army in 1962. While he was in the Army, Blue Hill established a part-time civil service position. After
being discharged, Bob got the position. In 1978, Bob became full time. Over the years, Bob has hired and
trained numerous part-time weekend Observers. One of whom is Eleanor Vallier-Talbot, now a forecaster at
NWS Taunton.
There was a change of hands on April 30, 1999, when the NWS relinquished responsibility of Blue Hill. The
change spurred Bob to retire from the NWS after 21 years to become an employee of the non-prot Blue Hill
Observatory and Science Center. The Observatory started weekend tours for the public and weekday tours for
school groups. While continuing to perform his daily chores as Chief Observer, Bob has enjoyed being a mentor
to thousands of students who have come through the observatory since the science center opened.
Bob has been leaning more toward part-time work the past few years. But whether full time or part time, he
continues to do the job he loves, taking detailed observations of the day to day weather at one of our nation’s
benchmark historic climate sites.
Besides his avid interest in weather, Bob also loves music and plays the organ. By day, Bob was a weather
Observer while at night he was a musician playing the Hammond organ in clubs and restaurants.
From left Robert
Thompson, MIC, NWS
Taunton; Kim Buttrick,
CPM; Bob Shilling,
honoree; and Peter
Gabrielsen, Chief, NWS
Eastern Region Systems
Operations Division.
Photo by David Doe,
family friend.
Cooperative Observer 13
50 Year Edward H. Stoll and Honored Institution Award
Gordon Wold took his rst ofcial weather observation near Santiago, MN, on October 1, 1960.
He recorded more than 18,000 observations during his incredible half century of service. Gordon’s
records were cited for exceptional quality, detail, and timeliness. In 2006 he was recognized nationally
for his exemplary efforts when he received the second highest honor given to an NWS Observer,
the John Campanius Holm Award.
Gordon’s most memorable events included recording a low temperature of –45
o
F and a high
temperature of 105
o
F, using liquid-in-glass thermometers. He also measured a record 17.0 inches
of snow in 24 hours, and a snow depth of 45 inches!
We were deeply saddened when we learned that Gordon had passed away. The weather
observations Gordon leaves behind will be an invaluable piece of Minnesota’s history.
Gordon’s wife, Donna, was presented with his 50 Year Length of Service Award at a special
ceremony at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in September.
From left, Dan Luna,
NWS, sons John and
Paul Wold, Donna
Wold, daughter-in-law
Cathy and Michelle
Margraf, Minnesota
State Climatology
Office. Photo by
Shelley Luna.
From left, Robert Watanabe of
NWS Kahului, Maui, presents a
50 year Honored Institution Award
to Clayton Isobe of Hawaiian
Commercial and Sugar Company
in Puunene, Maui. The company
is Hawaii’s only commercial sugar
producer and generates enough
electricity to power about 8 percent
of all power used on Maui. Photo by
OPL Mark Farnsworth
14 Cooperative Observer
50 Year Honored Institution Awards
MIC Larry Ruthi, left, of NWS Dodge City, KS,
presents a 50 Year Honored Institution Award to
Jason Wyatt, Superintendant and Observer at
the Ashland Municipal Light Plant. The Ashland
station was started in 1907 by C.W. Carson. There
were several Observers until 1960 when the Light
Plant took over. Observations taken at the plant are
for temperature, precipitation and snowfall. Photo by
Jesse Lee, OPL, NWS Dodge City.
Staff of Primghar Municipal Power accepting a
50 Year Honored Institution Award from DAPM
Donald Morin of NWS Sioux Falls, SD. From
left are Scott Muhlenbruch, Denny Logan,
Cole Leiding and Reitzell Wright, who share
responsibility of logging temperature and
precipitation data for the city of Primghar, SD.
Photo by DAPM Donald Morin
The Shelbyville Indiana Waste Water
Treatment Plant received the Honored
Institution Award for its 50 years of service to
the Cooperative Weather Observation Program.
For the past 50 years this station has provided
temperature and hourly precipitation data
including and is a shining example of weather
observing at its best. The award was presented
by OPL Ed Terrell and HMT Brad Herold, NWS
Indianapolis, IN. Pictured, front left are Jesse
Stewart, Dustin Williams, Ed Williams,
Gordon Thurston, and Bradley Fix; back
row: Kevin Kredit, Richard Clouse, Richard
Richardson, Shelly Higdon, Bronda Vierling,
Jim Vierling and Leon Watson.
Cooperative Observer 15
45 Year Dick Hagemeyer Awards
NWS Little Rock, AR, presented a Dick
Hagemeyer Award to Brother Anselm
Allen at Subiaco, AR, to honor his 45 years
of service as an Observer. Brother Anselm
is a Benedictine monk at Subiaco Abbey. A
priest and two monks traveled from Indiana
to establish the abbey in the spring of 1878.
Their diary indicated that the journey was
slowed by flooding in eastern Arkansas,
a common problem in the spring to this
day. The first night at the site of what was
to become the abbey, they noted that the
stars shone brightly. Given such attention
to their surroundings, it almost seems that
Subiaco was destined to be a weather
observing site. Official observations at
the abbey began in 1897. Brother Anselm
has the longest record of service of any of
these Observers. In addition to his religious
and weather duties, Brother Anselm is an
amateur radio operator, runs the Abbey’s
water plant, and a firefighter, responding
to fires at the Abbey and in Subiaco. When
asked what happens if a fire alarm comes
in during prayer, Brother Anselm replied
simply, "We go."
Observer Billie Heitzenrater was
presented the Dick Hagemeyer
Award for 45 years of service
providing precipitation readings
for the Beaumont, KS, area. Janet
Spurgeon, Service Hydrologist,
left, and Richard Elder, MIC, NWS
Wichita, KS, presented the award
to Billie. Also in attendance from
NWS was Leon Wasinger, OPL.
From left, Renee Fair, MIC, NWS Little Rock; John
Hicks, Community Affairs Specialist for U.S. Senator
Blanche Lincoln; Honoree Brother Anselm Allen;
Tim Gehring, Arkansas Department of Emergency
Management Area Coordinator; John Robinson,
WCM; and Sean Clarke, Acting OPL.
16 Cooperative Observer
Observer Vernon Hickman was
presented the Richard Hagemeyer
Award for 45 years of service in
providing precipitation readings
for the Barnard, KS, area. Leon
Wasinger, OPL, right, NWS Wichita,
KS, presented the award to Vernon.
Photo by Janet Spurgeon,
Service Hydrologist.
The Richard H.
Hagemeyer Award for
45 years of service
was presented to
Louise Yates, left, of
Bismarck, AR, by Sean
Clarke, Acting OPL,
and Tabitha Clarke
Service Hydrologist,
NWS Little Rock, AR.
45 Year Dick Hagemeyer Awards
Cooperative Observer 17
40 and 35 Year Length of Service Award
Henry Hermann of
Callicoon, NY, was
presented with his 40 Year
Length of Service Award by
Barbara Watson, MIC, NWS
Binghamton. Photo by Mike
Nadolski, OPL. Also,
in attendance were several
of Henry's family members
and friends.
John Priester, left, shows his 40 Year
Length of Service Award for Bayboro and
Reelsboro, NC, presented by MIC Richard
Bandy. John originally agreed to volunteer
temporally as an Observer until a permanent
Observer could be recruited. Well, some
four decades later John is still contributing
his time. The award was presented during
a Crystal Coast Disaster Coalition Partners
meeting. Photo by DAPM Central Wills.
Verlyn Baker, retired Fort Randall Dam employee and
all around Pickstown handyman, as well as a long time
NWS Observer, shows his 35 Year Length of Service
Award. Met. Intern Tim Masters, NWS Sioux Falls, SD,
presented the award. Throughout Verlyn’s extended
history as an Observer, he has not only recorded data
for the Coop Network, but also recorded synoptic
observations for the NWS until the mid 1990s when
automated sensors were installed nearby. We have
enjoyed a long association with Verlyn and greatly
value his contributions.
18 Cooperative Observer
35 and 30 Year Length of Service Awards
A 35 Year Length of Service
Award and pin was presented to
Lela C. Cooper of Deer, AR, by
John F. Orgler, OPL, NWS Little
Rock, AR.
Jean Castles of Fitzwilliam, NH, receives
a 30 Year Length of Service award. The
award was presented by CPM Kim Buttrick,
NWS Taunton, MA. Jean and her husband
Dick are the proud owners of many pets:
two beautiful German Shepherds, Oden and
Brenda; two donkeys, Dotsie and Tortilla;
and two sheep, Oliver and Lancelot.
John Irving of Columbia, IA, received his
30 Year Length of Service Award from Brad
Fillbach, HMT, NWS Des Moines, IA.
Leo and Kathryn Dexter of Fiddletown, CA, were
recently presented with a 30 Year Length of Service
Award by George Cline, OPL, NWS Sacramento, CA.
Although Leo’s name is on the certificate, Kathryn
has been involved in getting the rain gauge tapes and
monthly report forms in the mail.
Cooperative Observer 19
30 and 25 Year Length of Service Awards
Dick Leavitt of Francestown, NH, receives
a 30 Year Award with his wife Lois and dog
Lucky from CPM Kim Buttrick, NWS Taunton,
MA. Dick has recently retired from 55 years
as a volunteer fireman and 45 years as the
Forest Fire Warden. He and Lois celebrate 60
years of marriage in February.
Darla Neal of Lindley, NY, was
presented a 30 Year Length of Service
Award. The award was presented by
Mitch Gilt, HMT, NWS Binghamton, NY.
Ben Borsoff, left, was presented with
a 25 Year Length of Service Award at
his store in the mountain community
of Strawberry, CA. The award was
presented by George Cline, OPL,
NWS Sacramento, CA.
Vertie Bolyard, from near Bird
City, KS, accepts a 25 Year Length
of Service Award. The award was
presented by Michael Lammers,
OPL, NWS Goodland, KS.
20 Cooperative Observer
25 Year Length of Service Awards
Observer Darla Sue Loyd
was presented a 25 Year
Length of Service Award
for providing precipitation
and temperature readings
for the Sedan, KS, area.
Presenting the award was
Leon Wasinger, OPL,
NWS Wichita, KS.
Tom Mattus of Ashburnham, MA, receives a 25 Year
Length of Service award from CPM Kim Buttrick, NWS
Taunton, MA. Tom is a meteorologist who works for
Commander’s Weather out of Nashua, NH. Part of Tom’s
job includes providing worldwide weather routing for
sailboats and motor yachts. Tom also provides detailed
wind forecasting for sailboat races all around the world,
working with some of the top sailors in the world!
Observer Norma Jean Patton
was presented a 25 Year Length
of Service Award for providing
precipitation readings for the
Peabody, KS, area. Leon
Wasinger, OPL, NWS Wichita,
KS, presented this award.
John Garrou of Old Fort, NC,
received a 25 Year Length of Service
Award for his dedication in providing
observations at Old Fort, NC. John’s
picture was taken at his store,
Garrou’s Pottery on Cherry Street in
Black Mountain, NC. The award was
presented by DAPM Terry Benthall,
NWS Greenville-Spartanburg, SC.
Maury Davidson of West
Bloomfield, MI, shows his 25 Year
Length of Service Award presented
by OPL Bill Deedler, NWS White
Lake, MI. Maury has been and
remains an enthusiast Observer
for the NWS.
Cooperative Observer 21
For 25 years, Mark Napier has recorded
the temperature and precipitation data for
Cherokee, IA, in addition to monitoring a
Fisher & Porter Gauge. Our association
with Mark has been great over the years
and we appreciate the effort he puts into
the program. The award was presented by
HMT Mike Buss, NWS Sioux Falls, SD.
Doug Webster, of
Hudson, NH, shows his
25 Year Length of Service
award. The award was
presented by CPM Kim
Buttrick, NWS Taunton,
MA. Doug works as a
Senior Meteorologist at
DTN Meteorlogix out of
Woburn, MA.
NWS Peachtree City, GA, presented a
25 Year Award to Albert Wheeler, Observer
in Warrenton, GA. Presenting the award is
Senior Meteorologist Shirley Lamback. Every
morning Albert takes his coffee at a local café
where every morning the local patrons ask
him about the weather in Warrenton. Albert
loves his weather work and is an excellent
NWS Observer. Photo by OPL Frank Taylor.
25 Year Length of Service and Honored Institution Awards
The employees at the
Western Carolina
University Water Plant
in Cullowhee, NC, were
presented a 25 Year
Honored Institution
Award. Kristy Maddy,
the supervisor, is pictured
with DAPM, Terry
Benthall, right, NWS
Greenville-Spartanburg,
SC. From left are Dave
Ross, Marty Brow, and
Chris Korsgard.
Randy Bryant, right, of Enka, NC,
accepts an Honored Institution Award
for the Colbond Plant. Randy is the
primary Observer and oversees the
Coop observations at the plant. The
award was presented to Randy
by DAPM Terry Benthall, NWS
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC.
22 Cooperative Observer
25 Year Honored Institution 20 Year Service Awards
Los Angeles County Fire Department's
Pearblossom Station shows its 25 Year Honored
Institution Award. From left are Craig Johnson,
Fire Captain; Bonnie Bartling, NWS Los Angeles,
HMT; Marc Backos, Engineer; Dessa Emch, OPL;
and Gilbert Martinez, Fire Fighter. Photo by Mitch
Cohen, Fire Mechanic.
Darin Sloss receives a 25 Year
Honored Institution Award on behalf
of the Guthrie Center, IA, Water
Pollution Control Plant. Photo
by Brad Fillbach, HMT, NWS Des
Moines, IA.
Supervisor Richard Robbison, center, and staff
members John Kingsley and Megan Decker of
the Halstead Well Field Division, Wichita Water
Department, accepted a 25 Year Length of Service
Award for the Halstead, KS, area. Leon Wasinger,
OPL, NWS Wichita, KS, presented the award to
the staff.
Charles Buttrick of Greenville, NH,
receives a 20 Year Length of Service
Award from Kim Buttrick, CPM, NWS
Taunton, MA.
A 20 Year Length of Service
Award was presented
to Larry Weiser, left, of
Giddings, TX. The award
was presented by Joe Baskin
HMT Austin/San Antonio, TX.
Cooperative Observer 23
Ed and Sheri Rood Caron received 20 Year
Length of Service awards for Plymouth-Kingston,
MA. This station has the distinction of being part
of the Historical Climate Network with more than
100 years of data. Sheri’s sister, Jackie Murphy,
right, receives a Certificate of Recognition for
serving as back-up Observer. Awards presented
by CPM Kim Buttrick, NWS Taunton, MA.
20 and 15 Length of Service Awards
Tom Bell, right
of Story City,
IA, receives his
15 Year Length
of Service
Award from
Brad Fillbach,
HMT, NWS Des
Moines, IA.
Observer Michael Gillen, left, was presented a 15
Year Length of Service Award for the Willowdale,
KS, area. Presenting the award was Leon
Wasinger, OPL, NWS Wichita, KS. Photo
by Met. Intern Vanessa Pearce.
Paul Holle received a 10 Year Length of Service
Award for collecting daily high and low temperatures
plus the rain and snow measurements at his farm
near New Salem, ND. The award was presented by
OPL Len Peterson, NWS Bismarck, ND.
Ed Long of Lorimor, IA, received his
15 Year Length of Service Award along
with his wife, Margaret (not pictured).
Brad Fillbach, HMT, NWS Des Moines, IA
presented the award.
Where’s Andy? Like many of our Observers
Andrew Olson, a busy guy, was not available
the day DAPM Donald Morin, NWS Sioux Falls,
SD, stopped by to present him with his 15 Year
Length of Service Award. Andy is an impeccable
Observer and accurately records precipitation
at his site in Emerson, NE. We greatly value his
service to our program.
24 Cooperative Observer
15 and 10 Year Length of Service Awards
Observers Richard and Karen
Fulk were presented a 15 Year
Length of Service Award for
providing precipitation readings
near Hesston, KS. Presenting the
award was Leon Wasinger, OPL,
NWS Wichita, KS.
Aaron Boehm of Rudyard,
MT, received a 10 Year Length
of Service Award. Aaron’s
dedication to the Coop program
and attention to detail is greatly
appreciated. Presenting the
award was NWS Great Falls
OPL Jerome Saucier.
From left, Lawrence Chang accepts
his 10 Year Length of Service Award.
The award was presented by Robert
Watanabe, NWS Kahului, Maui. The
Chang Family has been reporting
weather data from the Kahakuloa
area of Maui since 1967. Photo by
OPL Mark Farnsworth.
Observer Katherine Gibson
was presented a 10 Year Length
of Service Award for providing
precipitation readings for the
Goessel, KS, area. Presenting the
award was Leon Wasinger, OPL
NWS Wichita, KS.
Rex and Beth
Bourland, left, from
Comfort, TX, accept
a 10 Year Length of
Service Award from Pat
McDonald, NWS Austin/
San Antonio, TX. Photo
by good friend Laurel
Stranaghan
John Gregoire of
Mecklenberg, NY, accepts
his 10 Year Length of
Service Award. The award
was presented by Mitch Gilt,
HMT, NWS Binghamton, NY.
Oliver and Donna Grove received
a 10 Year Length of Service
Award. Oliver’s dedication to the
Coop program is outstanding and
much appreciated. Presenting the
award was NWS Great Falls
OPL Jerome Saucier.
A 10 Year Length of Service
Award and pin were presented to
Douglas M. Byford of Waldron,
AR, by OPL John F. Orgler, NWS
Little Rock, AR, and to Marlene
Einspahr, Observer, at Arcadia,
NE, by Met. Intern Briona
Chester, NWS Hastings, NE. No
photos were available.
Cooperative Observer 25
10 Year Length of Service Awards
Charles Liese, Observer in
Ignacio, CO, received a
10 Year Length of Service
Award from Becky Klenk, CPM,
NWS Grand Junction, CO.
Judy Loeffler of Newark
Valley, NY, accepts her
10 Year Length of Service
Award from Mitch Gilt, HMT,
NWS Binghamton, NY.
R.G. Marshall, left, Observer, at
Loup City, NE, accepts his
10 Year Length of Service Award
presented by Mike Reed, HMT,
Hastings, NE. Photo by Briona
Chester, Met. Intern.
Ardell and Kevin McCunn of
Massena, IA, show their
10 Year Length of Service
award. Photo by Brad Fillbach,
HMT, NWS Des Moines, IA.
Lee and Carolyn Musil of Burdette,
KS, receive a 10 Year Length of Service
Award from Jesse Lee, OPL, Dodge
City, KS. The Burdett site goes back to
1941 with numerous Observers.
A 10 Year Award was presented
to Barbara Wilson at Walhalla,
SC, by Terry Benthall, NWS
Greenville-Spartanburg, SC.
Barbara’s family took over the
site, founded in 1895, in 1916.
Nancy Mayer from Burlington, IN,
receives her 10 Year Length of
Service Award from Ed Terrell, NWS
Indianapolis. Nancy says she likes
taking care of the Fischer and Porter
gauge and enjoys being in the Coop
Program. Photo by HMT Brad Herold.
26 Cooperative Observer
National Weather
Service
1325 East West
Highway
SSMC2, W/OS5
Silver Spring, MD
20910
The National
Cooperative
Observer
National Cooperative
Program Manager
Joel.Cline@
@noaa.gov
Managing Editor
Melody.Magnus
@noaa.gov
Editor
Nancy Lee
Winter 2010-11
March, April, May
Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks
From the Climate Prediction Center
