The National Weather Service recently honored Luverne’s Gary Kurtz for 15 years of gathering and sending hourly precipitation data to the NWS office in Sioux Falls.
The award was presented by Brad Adams, observing program leader from the National Weather Service office in Sioux Falls.
“The hourly precipitation data collected by Mr. Kurtz becomes a permanent part of the climatic record for the local area and nation,” Adams said.
“This data is used extensively by many other sectors including the National Weather Service and state climatologists.”
Adams said the data is also used by numerous agencies in the public and private sectors for agricultural planning and assessment, engineering, environmental impact assessment, utilities planning, and litigation. “These records continue to acquire greater value with the passing of time,” Adams said.
The first network of cooperative stations was set up as a result of an act of Congress in 1890 that established the Weather Bureau, but many COOP stations began operation long before that time.
“The nation owes a sincere debt of gratitude to the cooperative weather observers and organizations who have quietly and steadily built up what amounts to a priceless national treasure in the finest tradition of volunteer service to their country,” Adams said.
“The National Weather Service, State Climatologist, community and others greatly appreciate this service, and thank those such as Mr. Kurtz who have worked diligently to assist the NWS with collecting hourly precipitation data from the Luverne area over the past 15 years.”