(OLNEY) The National Weather Service Office in Lincoln, Illinois sent two of its employees to Olney yesterday to present an Honored Institution Award to WVLN-WSEI in recognition of 75 years of weather observations in cooperation with the National Weather Service. Lead Meteorologist Chuck Schaffer and Meteorologist in Charge Ryan Knutsvig noted that while there were eight official weather observers for the Olney/Richland County Station from 1897 to 1949, WVLN-WSEI took over the observation reporting for the next 75 years, from 1949 to present day, 2024, which during that time has included 25 years by former Farm News Director Jim Clinton and 33 years to present day by News Director Mark Weiler. With the measuring and recording of precipitation in all forms, along with maximum and minimum temperatures for each 24-hour period, that equals out to over 21,170 consecutive days of weather observations made. The National Weather Service says there are less than ten such observation stations that have achieved the 75 year status in the State of Illinois.