PIERRE, S.D. (KCCR) – The National Weather Service Central Region office has recognized an Onida family for their dedication to taking weather observations for over 50 years. The Pierce Family, led by Robert Pierce has been given the Family Heritage Award for their commitment to taking weather readings over the last five decades. Tim Kearns at the National Weather Service in Aberdeen presented the award during a virtual awards presentation Tuesday.

Kearns says a record breaking snowstorm during the winter of 1996-97 stands out to the Pierce family.

Louis Uccellini, Director of the National Weather Service says cooperative weather observers are critical to the National Weather Service mission.

Another South Dakota family, the Rick and Diana Knutson family of Summit received the Thomas Jefferson award for outstanding and distinctive achievements by a cooperative observer. Only five such awards are presented each year.