By Lori EhdeLuverne residents and the surrounding area now have access to up-to-the minute, accurate weather data specific to the area.KELO-TV selected Luverne Middle School to be a Weather Net site, which means the TV station will have better geographical coverage for its weather information, and Luverne finally has weather data all its own.Luverne eighth-grade Earth Sciences teacher Tom Lanoue teaches a two-week weather session that requires his students to measure and record weather data."We had an old jalopy of a system that we used to compare with measurements from around the area," Lanoue said."This way they have current data from right here in Luverne. Otherwise they’d have to call Sioux Falls, Pipestone or Worthington. The closest data we could find was a half-hour away."Lanoue said the only requirements for Luverne to participate as a Weather Net site is that it dedicates a low-functioning computer and power supply. Luverne Middle School plays only a minimal role in getting the information to KELO."It downloads itself and e-mails itself to KELO," Lanoue said. "We only need to make sure the equipment is operating."He said KELO has $800 worth of weather instruments on the middle school roof. That includes a thermometer, barometer and an electronic rain gauge."You can go the KELO Web site and click on ‘Luverne’ to see what the current conditions are here any time of day," Lanoue said.The site is located at www.keloland.com.He said the equipment also measures helpful information, such as wind speeds, wind chill, heat index and more."It really benefits the whole community."Luverne was one of 25 new communities to become KELOLAND Weather Net sites. They were selected based on dedication to the project and KELO’s need for weather sensors at certain geographical areas.Middle School Principal Stacy Gillette filled out the application for Luverne. She described the program as a great opportunity for students. "It will give them more information and it will be more official."In addition to immediate on-line information, Luverne’s weather will scroll across the bottom of the KELO television screen, and Luverne’s conditions will be announced during the early-morning weather segment.While Lanoue worked with the KELO technicians to get the process going, he said District Technology Coordinator Wade Hiller has put a good share of time into getting it up and running. In addition, he said the custodians worked to get the equipment installed on the roof.The program will be ready for students when they start school this fall.
