By Reba Phelps

Natchitoches resident, Wiley Butler, was recently honored with a 30 Year Service Award from the National Weather Service. On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Brad Bryant, Manager in charge of Operations, and Aaron Steven’s, Observing Program Leader with the National Weather Service presented Mr. Butler with his service award. For over 30 years, Butler has directly reported his weather findings in Natchitoches Parish to National Weather Service. He has earned the respect of the community with his up to date and accurate information of local weather.

When asked to share his thoughts about the prestigious honor, Butler shared, “I have enjoyed and always found it interesting observing weather and Red River at Grand Ecore, NWS, Corp. of Engineers river (wire-weight river gauge) levels for the past 30 years for the National Weather Service Shreveport LA forecast office. There will always be extreme levels of
certain weather element(s) in any given year, such as rainfall amounts, temperatures, etc. for Natchitoches Parish on the both the high and low side regarding weather conditions but often weather conditions
just repeat the same general pattern year after year. Observing weather conditions for the National Weather Service is recording weather history, public service and a good hobby.”
The National Weather Service (NWS) Cooperative Observer Program (Coop) is truly the Nation’s weather and climate observing network of, by and for the
people. The data helps NWS forecasters verify their forecasts, and the data also is used for in agricultural planning and assessment,
engineering, environmental-impact assessment, utilities planning, and litigation.”

Mr. Butler was surrounded by neighbors, family and friends as he accepted the award and joked that he looks forward to the next 30 years of service to the National Weather Service and Natchitoches Parish.

Reba Phelps jreba.phelps@gmail.com