BY KAREN BOSSICK
Ranchers and farmers have long been known for watching the skies with an interest that goes beyond that of the average city slicker. After all, that looming dark cloud racing north from Twin Falls could affect a cutting of alfalfa.
But Picabo Rancher Nick Purdy ranks at the top of those with an eye towards the clouds.
And for that the National Weather Service has honored him with the Edward H. Stoll Award for outstanding service in its Cooperative Observer Program. The award was named for Edward H. Stoll, a Cooperative Weather observer for more than 76 years in Elwood, Neb.
Purdy has recorded his observations of daily precipitation and temperature data for NOAA without interruption for more than 50 years. His flawless and informative observations have been instrumental in providing the National Weather Service with critical weather information.
This isn’t NOAA’s first acknowledgement of his work. Purdy’s dedication earned him the prestigious Thomas Jefferson Award in 2012 for outstanding achievement in the field of meteorological observation. That is the highest award the National Weather Service presents to volunteer observers.
Purdy hasn’t been alone in his efforts. He’s ben assisted by Sharon Purdy, Bob Turzian and Melissa Squires. Vern Preston, meteorologist-in-charge at Weather Forecast Office in Pocatello made the award presentation in a ceremony in Picabo this past week.
Want to know more? Contact the National Weather Service at 208-232-9306.