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Montpelier, OH – Two employees of the Montpelier Water Treatment Plant have been recognized for their dedication to collecting vital weather data for the National Weather Service (NWS). Josh Fritsch and Bill Blakely were recently honored for their consistent observations, contributing to a crucial historical record of local climate conditions.
The pair’s commitment falls under the Cooperative Observer Program, a network of volunteers who provide localized weather information that supplements the NWS’s broader data collection efforts. Their observations are particularly valuable as part of the U.S. Historical Climatology Network (USHCN), ensuring long-term consistency and accuracy in climate monitoring. Understanding local weather patterns is essential for everything from agricultural planning to severe weather preparedness, and the contributions of observers like Fritsch and Blakely are fundamental to that understanding.
The recognition highlights the importance of consistent, long-term weather data collection. The NWS relies on these observations to track climate trends, verify forecasts, and improve the accuracy of weather models. The Huntington Water Works, where Fritsch and Blakely are employed, is a key observation site within this network.
Decades of Dedicated Service
While the specific length of service recognized in this recent award is 10 years, the Cooperative Observer Program relies on individuals who often contribute for decades. The program’s success hinges on the dedication of volunteers who meticulously record daily weather conditions, including temperature, precipitation, snowfall, and other key metrics. This data is then used by meteorologists and climate scientists to build a comprehensive picture of the nation’s weather and climate.
The NWS Northern Indiana office announced registration is now open for Spring 2026 Spotter Training, and a CoCoRaHS training opportunity is available in Columbia City, IN. These initiatives underscore the NWS’s ongoing commitment to building a robust network of trained weather observers.
The Importance of Local Data
The value of localized weather data cannot be overstated. While sophisticated weather models and satellite technology provide a broad overview, they often require ground-level observations to refine their accuracy. Data collected by Cooperative Observers helps to validate these models and identify regional variations in weather patterns. What we have is particularly important in areas with complex terrain or microclimates.
The Village Reporter likewise recently featured Kevin Sommer, Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, and Brian Fritsch, Fire Chief, highlighting the interconnectedness of essential services within the community. The Village Reporter serves as a local source of information for the Montpelier, OH area.
The NWS continues to seek individuals interested in becoming Cooperative Observers. Those interested in contributing to this vital program can find more information on the NWS Cooperative Observer Program website.
Looking ahead, the continued success of the Cooperative Observer Program depends on attracting new volunteers and retaining the dedication of existing observers like Josh Fritsch and Bill Blakely. Their contributions are essential for maintaining a reliable record of our nation’s weather and climate, and for ensuring the accuracy of future forecasts.
Share your thoughts on the importance of local weather data in the comments below, and please share this article with anyone who might be interested in becoming a Cooperative Observer.
