Last updated: October 8, 1996 For those of you using AOL, be sure to download the latest version of their Internet browser!

Southern Region Cooperative Program Roy H. Byars Blanco, TX Roy H. Byars (right) received the John Campaniious Holm Award for out standing performance as the Blaco, TX weather observer. Mr. Al Dreaumont (left) Meteorologist In Charge of the Austin - San Antonio Tx Forecast Office made the presentation. Assisting in the presentation were Daryl Williams Hydromet-tech and John Patton Hydrologist both from San Antonio office and Jerry Wolfe from Southern region headquarters, Fort Worth. Meteorologists Mark Murray and Pam McCown KVUE-TX Austin , Tom Bowers of the San Antonio Express- News Paper also attended and offered thanks to Roy for his years of services. Blanco weather records began in 1896. Roy and his brother W.A. Byars started taking official observations in 1933 while working at Blanco Lumber Yard, C.E. Crist the official observer was owner of the lumber yard. [ The Blanco Lumber Yard & Hardware store have a painted display on 4'X8' plywood boards in the store that display the monthly rainfall totals for blanco since 1900. Roy Byars is the main reason these records remain unbroken. ] Roy’s brother “W.A.” was the official observer through 1950 when he passed away, then Roy took over the job. Except for World War Two service time, Roy has been taking weather observations for over 60 years.