Don and Vivian Button Receive National Weather Service Award

Don and Vivian Button, Cooperative Weather Observers of Ulysses, were presented with the 2021 John Campanius Holm Award on Wednesday, January 11, by Lindon Steadman, Meteorologist-in-Charge for the National Weather Service in Dodge City. 

The award is named in honor of John Campanius Holm, a Lutheran Minister who was the first person known to have taken systematic observations in the American Colonies (1644-1645).

Each year, up to 25 cooperative observers are honored with the John Campanius Holm Award for outstanding public service in the provision of daily observations in support of the climate and weather programs of the National Weather Service.

The citation on the award reads “For exemplary reporting of meteorological observations from Ulysses, Kansas.  Your highly accurate and detailed temperature and precipitation records are a valuable resource to the Nation’s climate and weather programs.  Your extraordinary public service for 20 years will make a lasting contribution to the communities who work to advance agriculture, transportation, and commerce.” 

The Buttons have recorded temperature, precipitation and snowfall data since 2001 with Vivian as the primary observer and Don as the backup. 

Also in attendance for this presentation were Jeremy Garrison, Jesse Lee, Observing Program Leader, and Mike Umscheid, Meteorologist.