Newton Weather Observer Honored with Thomas Jefferson Award

Newton Resident Rein Schmidt Honored for Contributions to NWS Volunteer Observer Program

Recognizing nearly 30 years of dedication, the National Weather Service has named Newton resident Rein Schmidt the recipient of the Thomas Jefferson award for outstanding service in the Cooperative Weather Observer Program. The award is the agency's most prestigious, and only 5 are presented each year to deserving weather observers from the U.S.

NWS Lincoln Meteorologist in Charge Ryan Knutsvig, along with other staff members, presented the Jefferson Award during a ceremony at Mr. Schmidt's residence on February 4.

Rein Schmidt (R) and Eric Schmidt (L)

Mr. Schmidt became the official observer at the Newton Weather Station on March 1, 1995. Since that date, he has been a faithful and accurate observer of daily temperature, rainfall, snowfall, and river stage readings from the Embarras River, without any gaps in the weather observing record. As a result, the data have been used not only by the NWS, but also the River Forecast Centers, Illinois State Water Survey, as well as a host of other institutions and private interests in the study of flooding, drought, heavy snow, heat, waves, etc.

In a letter supporting Mr. Schmidt's nomination for the award, NWS Lincoln staff noted: "Rein continues his exemplary work taking volunteer weather observations of temperature and precipitation. The importance of his weather reports is not limited to the climate database. Supplemental reports during active weather aid our forecast operations and decision support services. His daily manual river stage readings play a significant role in downstream river forecasts for the Embarras River. His reliable daily reports are among the most complete, detailed, and accurate that this office receives."

The National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Observer Program has given scientists and researchers continuous observational data since the program's inception more than 130 years ago. Today, more than 8,000 volunteer observers participate in the nationwide program to provide daily reports on temperature, precipitation, and other weather factors, including river stage readings.