Tuscola Weather Observer Honored With Holm Award

Tuscola Resident Ruth Ann Williams Honored for Contributions to NWS Volunteer Observer Program

Recognizing nearly 25 years of dedication, the National Weather Service has named Tuscola resident Ruth Ann Williams the recipient of the John Campanius Holm Award for outstanding service in the Cooperative Weather Observer Program.  The award is one of the agency's most prestigious, and only 25 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 Holm Award during a ceremony at Mrs. Williams residence on February 4.
 

Ruth Ann Williams (R) and Jim Williams (L)

Mrs. Williams became the official observer at the Tuscola Weather Station on June 16, 2000.  Since that date, he has been a faithful and accurate observer of daily temperature, rainfall, and snowfall, without any gaps in the weather observing record.  As a result, the data have been used not only by the NWS, but also Illinois State Climatologist, 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 Mrs. Williams nomination for the award, NWS Lincoln staff noted: "Ruth Ann continues her exemplary work taking volunteer weather observations of temperature and precipitation. The importance of her weather reports is not limited to the climate database.  Supplemental reports during active weather aid our forecast operations and decision support services. Her 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.

John Campanius Holm This award is to honor cooperative observers for outstanding accomplishments in the field of meteorological observations. It is named for a Lutheran minister, the first person known to have taken systematic weather observations in the American Colonies. Reverend Holm made observations of climate without the use of instruments in 1644 and 1645, near the present site of Wilmington, Delaware. No more than twenty-five Holm awards are given annually. The certificate is signed by the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).