COOP Corner Congratulations to All of Our Award Recipients! Mr. Lyle Welch of Hubbell, Nebraska, was presented with a 10 Year Length of Service Award by Steve Carmel from the NWS Office in Hastings. Mr. Welch has provided precipitation and snowfall data to the NWS since January 1, 1994, and has been responsible for maintaining a daily weather log of precipitation data that is published by the National Climatic Data Center, and the High Plains Climatic Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. Lyle also has contacted the National Weather Service during periods of heavy rain and snow, providing up-to-date information. Mr. Tom Johnson (pictured right with mother Darlene) of Osceola, Nebraska, was presented with a 20 Year Length of Service Award by Steve Carmel from the NWS Office in Hastings. During periods of heavy rain, snow, or severe weather, Tom has contacted the NWS, providing the latest data possible. He first began taking weather observations in 1972, and has also served as a substitute observer for Viola Wiesman. The entire Johnson family has been involved, with parents Merle and Darlene being vital contributors. The Johnson family has always provided high quality information to the NWS. Mr. George Umbarger (center with wife Erma) from 2 miles west of Genoa, Nebraska, was presented with a 40 year Length of Service Award by Steve Carmel from the NWS office in Hastings, Nebraska. He has provided the NWS with daily precipitation totals, snowfall and snow depth data since April 1, 1963. He also frequently provides storm related information, which assists in verifying severe weather warnings and storm verification efforts. George has previously received the two most prestigious awards given in the Cooperative Weather program. He received the John Campanius Holm Award on November 26th, 1979, and the Thomas Jefferson Award on October 27th, 2000.   Mr. Roger Bodtke (left), the Cooperative Weather Observer from 3 miles northeast of Shelby, Nebraska, was presented with a 10 Year Length of Service Award by Steve Carmel, from the National Weather Service office in Hastings. He also received a 10 year service pin. Mr. Bodtke has provided precipitation and snowfall data to the National Weather Service since June 1, 1994. He has been responsible for maintaining a daily weather log of precipitation data that is published by the National Climatic Data Center, and the High Plains Climatic Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. He has also contacted the NWS during periods of heavy rain and snow, providing up-to-date information. Bruce and Suzanne Lans, river and precipitation observers for Stamford, Nebraska, were presented with a 20 Year Length of Service Award by WFO Hastings Data Acquisition Program Manager Marla Doxey. When there is water in the Sappa Creek, they read the gage on a daily basis and relay the information to the Corp of Engineers and the National Weather Service. Due to the ongoing drought, there has not been much to read in the creek, but their rainfall measurements are very beneficial. They have a beautiful view from their new home northeast of town, which allowed them to keep a close eye on a tornado that passed near Stamford this past May. ---Page 2---