MURRAY COUNTY RECOGNIZED BY NOAA AND THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE FOR AMBASSADORS OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

For the sixth year, NOAA and the National Weather Service are proud to recognize “Ambassadors of Excellence” -- a select number of WRN Ambassador organizations that have made significant contributions to building a Weather-Ready Nation. By serving as change agents and leaders in their communities, Ambassadors of Excellence have:

•Inspired others to take action and become ready, responsive, and resilient

•Created innovative ways to engage their community, their workforce, and/or their social network

•Formed unique collaborations with NOAA and/or other ambassador organizations to achieve goals they alone could not meet

•Embraced building “a Weather-Ready Nation for All” by addressing vulnerable populations’ needs.

For the NWS Sioux Falls forecast area, Murray County Emergency Management Director Carl Nyquist was nominated as this year’s Weather Ready Nation Ambassador of Excellence.

Murray County (MN) Emergency Management is an engaged Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador. Emergency Manager Carl Nyquist serves as a force multiplier by including weather safety and preparedness information in local newsletters and on the county website.

In addition, Carl spearheaded an event to teach local elementary and middle school aged children the importance of weather warnings and taking action to reduce the risks associated with various hazards. He did this with Kim Hause, Extension Educator and with the U of M Extension of Murray County 4-H. A weather-related activity and NWS presentation discussed warning reception and how to enroll in Code Red, a local dissemination system for hazardous information.

Carl is an invaluable partner in helping build a Weather-Ready Nation. For this, we recognize Murray County Emergency Management as this year’s Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador of Excellence.