Wickerham recognized for 50 years of service
Wayne Wickerham doesn’t make the weather — he only reports it. Every day. For more than 50 years now.
Mr. Wickerham was recognized Friday morning for that dedication during a presentation by National Weather Service representatives at Hurley Farms, 9249 State Route 117, Huntsville.
National Weather Service forecaster Ashley Novak, hydrologist Julie Reed and meteorologist in charge Ken Haydu made the trek from the Wilmington office to present Mr. Wickerham with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Weather Service’s Edward H. Stoll Award for “serving 50 or more years as a Cooperative Weather Observer.”
The Huntsville native took on the duties of an official NWS cooperative weather observer some 54 years ago after the 1961 death of the previous observer, the late Gardner Hall, who had served since before World War II, Mr. Wickerham related.
After the first observer replacement didn’t work out, NWS officials asked the local postmaster, the late Ross Lament, for suggestions on someone fairly young that likely would be in the area for a long time.
Mr. Wickerham and his wife, June, had just bought a farm north of the village, now Hurley Farms, and “weren’t going anywhere for a while.” And it was an easy $120 supplement every year. Although today, it is a volunteer position.
National Weather Service Meteorologist In Charge Ken Haydu reads a memorandum of recognition to Wayne Wickerham of Huntsville, left, as NWS forecaster Ashley Novak waits to present a framed award for service to the longtime cooperative weather observer. (PHOTO | RICK PITTS) |
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