Topeka NWS Recognizes Republic County, KS.

[David]

PRESS RELEASE




Contact: Mike Akulow, WCM FOR IMMEDIATE USE
785-232-0814 July 21, 2004
mike.akulow@noaa.gov


WEATHER SERVICE TO HONOR REPUBLIC COUNTY KANSAS

The National Weather Service in Topeka will present a SPECIAL
SERVICE AWARD to several Republic county agencies at the County
Commissioners meeting on Monday, July 26, at 11 AM. The award will be
presented by Curtis S. Holderbach, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the
Topeka office, and will recognize Republic county's excellent team
work, organization and proactive approach to the series of May 2004
damaging tornadoes.

Republic county agencies receiving the award and invited to attend
the Commissioners meeting are: Emergency Management, Sheriff's
Department, 911 Communications Center, Belleville Police Department,
county Storm Spotters and Belleville radio station KREP. During
severe weather and tornado situations, these agencies are in constant
contact and work together for the safety of people in Republic
county. Many of the storm spotters are volunteers who donate their
time to report dangerous weather conditions.

Although a record-setting 22 tornadoes hit Republic county between
May 22 and May 29, causing over $3.0 million in combined property and
crop damage, there were no deaths or injuries. No other Kansas county
has experienced this many tornadoes in an 8 day period. As a
comparison, in most years, many Kansas counties will not experience
one tornado, while nearly a third of all Kansas counties have
reported fewer than 22 tornadoes in the last 54 years.

"The record number of tornadoes in Republic county in May, 2004, was
extremely unusual, but the prompt, professional and organized actions
of these agencies undoubtedly saved lives and prevented injuries",
said Curtis Holderbach, MIC, of the Topeka National Weather Service.
He added, "They truly deserve to be recognized and honored by this
National Weather Service SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD".

NOAA's National Weather Service is the primary source of weather
data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its
territories. National Weather Service operates the most advanced
weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping
to protect lives and property and enhance the economy. To learn more
visit our main web site at: http://www.nws.noaa.nws or the local
Topeka office web site at: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/top

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