Vigo County ARES

Two pieces of news

2009-05-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

First off, Doug Mullins (KB9JLR) is now an AEC and the liaison between Vigo County ARES and the Wabash Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. Doug has had a good deal of experience with the Red Cross while he lived in Indianapolis and has many certifications. This will be great for both groups to have him on and hopefully this will help some of us learn more about the services the WVCotARC has to offer, who knows....maybe you will want to volunteer some of you time with them too?

The other item, as many of you know, my wife an I are expecting our first child at the end of next month. I have been extremely busy as anyone would expect, getting things prepared for the event. Jerry Boling (W9TWR) will be taking over as EC for Vigo County and I will continue to be the liaison to the Vigo County EMA and help out with the blogspot page.

Jerry has a ton of ideas for activities that will get the group active and will have more time to devote to Vigo County ARES than I will for a while. I will be around, might have a bottle in my hand instead of a mic for a while though.

73 to all,
de WT9I

Family Preparedness for Disasters

2009-03-15T05:17:00.000-07:00

I have been saying I was going to put a link on here for a good family preparedness plan for disasters. Below is a link to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security site that has a great deal of info that is a good starting point.
Check it out....

http://www.in.gov/dhs/2777.htm

IGR Drill 14-Mar-2009

2009-03-14T16:38:00.001-07:00

I ended up assisting in presenting part of a lesson to the 3rd BDE at drill today concerning the Phonetic Alphabet and its proper use, reasons for use in communications, and a little background about what Vigo County ARES does.

I had the opportunity to talk about how Vigo County ARES has been involved with the local EMA and Red Cross chapters in the past two years. I also passed on some of the knowledge I learned from a few of the training sessions we have been involved in with the EMA concerning earthquake preparedness and the role of ICS in helping to give relief to the affected area.

Anyone who is interested in getting into amateur radio can see the links I have posted on the upper left hand side of this page. Those of you who are in the know, let me know if you have any other web sites that may help someone who is interested in getting into our great "hobby".

February Month End Report

2009-02-28T18:39:00.000-08:00

This was an active month. N9YNF and I went to an EMA planning event concerning the New Madrid and Wabash Valley faults. The purpose was to look at the current plans and start the process of making adjustments to some of the items.

We also had an ARES activation by the Vigo County EMA after heavy rain and localized flooding. Vigo County ARES assisted in reporting flood conditions from around the area both the the EMA and to the NWS. We set up a base at the EMA office and were in constant contact with the Director, the Vigo County Sheriff s Department, and Illiana Skywarn. More than 4 inches of rain fell in 24 hours in some parts of the area, which is the most since the floods of June 2008. No one was injured but there was some property damage and a few swift water rescues.

January Month End Report

2009-01-31T21:51:00.000-08:00

We ended up with everything between 7.5 inches of snow to 10 inches in Vigo County. The local paper says the last time we received that much was back in 1987.

We are having our annual training for the NWS Weather-spotting on Feb 27th at 19:00 EST at the Wabash Valley Radio Amateur Radio Association meeting location at 1715 South 8th Street in Terre Haute, Indiana. All are welcome, seating is first come, first served.

ARLX001 Earthquake Strikes Costa Rica, Emergency Ham Frequency Declared

2009-01-09T11:26:00.001-08:00

SB SPCL @ ARL $ARLX001
ARLX001 Earthquake Strikes Costa Rica, Emergency Ham Frequency
Declared

ZCZC AX01
QST de W1AW
Special Bulletin 1 ARLX001
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT January 9, 2009
To all radio amateurs

SB SPCL ARL ARLX001
ARLX001 Earthquake Strikes Costa Rica, Emergency Ham Frequency
Declared

On Thursday, January 8 at 1921z, an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the
Richter scale struck the Central American country of Costa Rica.
The earthquake, with an epicenter located about 22 miles northeast
of San Jose, comes after a series of almost 60 seismic events that
have rocked the country since early this week.

The Radio Club de Costa Rica (RCCR) -- that country's IARU
Member-Society -- is monitoring local repeaters and 7090 kHz. IARU
Region 2 Emergency Communications Coordinator Cesar Pio Santos,
HR2P, requests that 7090 kHz be kept clear of non-essential traffic
due to possible emergency communications dealing with the
earthquake. The ARRL encourages all amateurs to be aware of the
emergency operations on this frequency. US amateurs should avoid
interfering with Spanish language SSB while using digital modes.
NNNN
/EX

Ryves Hall Youth Center Christmas Toy Night

2008-12-23T19:01:00.001-08:00

Jim Edwards (KA9DIF) called upon local amateur radio operators to assist with the gift giving event at Ryves Hall Youth Center on December 23rd. John Van Sandt, N9YRX took point on recruiting operators on the Clark County ARES net (146.520) on Wednesday night, the Vigo County ARES net (146.685 -/151.4 Hz) Sunday morning and then on the WVARA net (146.685 -/151.4 Hz) during Sunday night.

Besides John and Jim, also in attendance were Nick Vinardi (N9WG), Jerry Boling (W9TWR) and Dave Hudgens (WT9I). Two operators stayed upstairs and coordinated with two other operators downstairs at the toy tables. We were able to keep a steady flow of children without too much congestion.

It was a great thing to be a part of and was a great way for two different ARES groups to volunteer our time and ham radio abilities to help children who may not get too much under the tree this Christmas.

You can see some pictures of the event at the Vigo County ARES Photobucket Site.

If you would like to watch the News 10 coverage for this event you can go to their link Ryves Hall Christmas

Thanks Jim for allowing us to help you once again.

Indiana Guard Reserve

2008-12-21T05:32:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday December 17th a group of local ARES members met with LTC (IN) Spencer L. Gibbs of the Indiana Guard Reserve. He made a presentation concerning the need to utilize the communications abilities of local amateur radio operators. Below is a copy of one of the emails I put on our club list serve.

If you would like to get in touch with LTC (IN) Spencer L. Gibbs, his contact info is below.

LTC (IN) Spencer L. Gibbs USA ret.
Indiana Guard Reserve Communications/Electronics Officer
Master Military Emergency Management Specialist
Tel: 317 745 2134 Cell: 317 538 2636 email (see From: above)
N9DVL 147.130- 88.5 PL/444.575+ 88.5PL

The web site for the Indiana Guard Reserve is:
http://www.mdisdf.org/

This immediate area in Indiana is under the jurisdiction of the 3rd Brigade, which is commanded by MAJ Harold Hensley. On the left hand side of their web page is a list of links that are full of great information about this group, way better than I could explain in my email. If you wish to join, there is a link for that as well and numbers to contact members.

They explained their need for amateur radio operators living in Indiana who were willing to volunteer their time and use their knowledge, along with additional training they will provide to communicate with other IGR Brigades and agencies.

--
Dave Hudgens - WT9I
West Terre Haute, Indiana

Emergency Coordinator: Vigo County ARES®
Assistant Coordinator: Illiana Skywarn
Member of the W.V.A.R.A.
Member of the ARRL

http://vigocountyares.blogspot.com/
http://illianaskywarn.blogspot.com/

November Month End Report

2008-11-30T16:47:00.000-08:00

November was a quiet month here in Vigo County. We are looking forward to hearing from LtCol. Gibbs on Wednesday December 17th at 18:30hrs at the Terre Haute Army National Guard armory. He will be discussing ARES/RACES and CAP participation with the IGR. All are welcome to join if in the area. Talk-in will be on 146.685 (- offset / PL 151.4 Hz) for those not familiar with the location.
73 until next month,

Nov 15th Statewide Pandemic Response Indiana Defense Exercise

2008-10-01T02:41:00.000-07:00

Heads up folks. After we get the SET out of the way, Vigo County ARES will start looking at setting up a station for this event in November. Myself and W9TWR have already put our names in the bag for participating. Details for the event will follow.

On Nov. 15, there will be a "Statewide Pandemic Response Indiana
Defense Exercise" (Pandemic Influenza Drill). This could make a good
amateur radio Simulated Emergency test (SET). Are any groups planning
on holding their SET then instead of first weekend in October
or are you going to do one in October and November?
I will be available on both days, but briefly only on the 4th A.M.

Tony W9AL
SEC

Volunteers needed for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

2008-09-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

Local hams if you would like to participate, contact
Jerry Boling W9TWR
W9TWR@arrl.net

[Inares] Posted For Mike N9FEB
I am needing volunteers for this first-ever Indianapolis Monumental
Marathon to be held on the streets of downtown Indianapolis. It is a
26-mile marathon that goes from downtown, around the new Colts
Stadium, north to 71st Street and back downtown using many local
streets, such as Pennsylvania, Washington Blvd, College, around Butler
Campus, 38th Street, and Meridian Street.

The marathon will be held on Saturday, November 1st and hams will be on locations around 7am.

I have completed my plan and am needing a total of 45 hams ... of
which I only have 14 signed up at this time. I know its early on, but
I never wait for the last minute on events of this size.

Hams are needed at each of the Water Stations around the course and at
the three hospitals that may be used. We are also asked to be at
every milemarker for the start of the race so the timer folks can all
start their stop-watches simultaneously. Hams will be assigned to
Water Stations, but be required to go to a pre-designated milemarker
for the start, THEN go to the assign Water Station, so let me know if
you have any walking difficulties. Some of the milemarkers will have
to be driven to.

With this plan, there are 12 milemarkers that will only require a ham
radio operator to be there at the start, then be released to go home
or wherever. These hams will only be needed for a period of one-hour,
so if time is short for you, please let me know so I can assign you to
one of these positions.

If you can help all-day, then let me know that.

I want to thank all those hams who have support Marion County in these
large events in the past and to those who continue to support them.
No one can do what we do during these events, and that is track
runners who are no longer running; those who are receiving medical
attention and those who have been transported to hospitals.

Please support this event ... thank you.

Michael R. Palmer, N9FEB
Marion County Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) Emergency
Coordinator (EC)
Volunteer Staff Coordinator for EMA
www.IndyHams.org
(317) 849-3602 (home)
(317) 753-8691 (cell)

Vigo County ARES at the Red Cross Annual Family Fun & Safety Fair

2008-09-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

On September 20th, Vigo County ARES participated in the Wabash Valley Red Cross Annual Family Fun and Safety Fair. We took the ARES mobile communications trailer out to the location and started setting up at 10:15 local time. In attendance for setup were N9YNF (the DEC for this area), K9ERE (Illiana Skywarn assistant coordinator), and myself WT9I (Vigo County ARES EC). A little while later W9OOT (Vigo County ARES AEC and Net Coordinator) and N9FMD (Vigo County ARES Pager Coordinator and liaison to the LEPC)showed up to help man and later take down the station. We had the whole system up and running in 30 minutes and made a few 20 meter contacts while on the scene, one to the South Eastern DX Club and another to the Washington State QSO Party - both on a 20 meter ham stick from the back of the trailer! It was a great day and it gave me a chance to meet with a few local representative from the Red Cross and Vigo County Emergency Management Agency. We even got a few non hams into the trailer to check out the setup. Even though it was not a blockbuster crowd, it gave us some time to talk about the upcoming SET on October 4th and to nail down some more ideas. All in all, it was a great time.

73 de WT9I

2008 Vigo County Amateur Radio Emergency Services: Simulated Emergency Test

2008-09-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

The first weekend in October is the official Simulated Emergency Test set up by the Amateur Radio Relay League for testing emergency communications both locally and nation wide. As the Emergency Coordinator for Vigo County ARES, I have chosen to use October 4th as our testing date. I would like to involve some specific agencies in Vigo County in this communications test, as well as invite other ARES, RACES, and EMA offices from other surrounding counties to participate in this event. The agencies and locations in Vigo County I would like to include are the Vigo County EMA, Terre Haute Red Cross, Union Hospital, Regional Hospital, and the Vigo County Fairgrounds.

In the floods earlier this year and during previous severe weather events, I have learned over and again that county and state borders mean nothing when you fellow neighbor is asking you for assistance. So please feel free it contact me if you would like to participate from you county hospital, EMA office, or other served agency.

You can see my plans for the event at the top, left corner of this web page.

Hurricane Emergency Frequencies

2008-09-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a page that is completely devoted to getting many of the Hurricane Emergency net frequencies all in one spot.

http://hurricanefrequencies.com/

So you may want to listen in later on. Stay up to date with the ARRL and DHS by looking at the left hand side of this page.

2008-09-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

Be aware of the weather in the next few days. It appears that as of the latest update on the NWS site that the remnants of Ike will pass very close to us by the beginning of the week.

http://www.noaawatch.gov/2008/ike.php

Those of you who are able might want to keep an ear on the hurricane watch nets when the health and welfare traffic begins and hope all of those folks down there heed the warnings and get out of the affected area.

73,
Dave WT9I

2008 Parke County Covered Bridge Festival Special Event

2008-09-07T13:06:00.001-07:00

2008 Parke County Covered Bridge Festival Special Event The Wabash Valley Amateur Radio Association, Inc., is hosting a series of special event stations for the 2008 Covered Bridge Festival in Parke County, Indiana. The call signs used will be: W9P, W9A, W9R, W9K, & W9E. Suggested operating frequencies are 3.870 MHz, 7.265 MHz, 14.250 MHz, 21.340 MHz, & 28.430 MHz. Click here to download a one-page brochure with full details, including the proposed operating schedule. The stations will be on the air during each day of the festival, which runs October 10, 2008, through October 19, 2008. Every day the call signs rotate through the bands being worked. This will give all amateurs the best chance to work all 5 stations, regardless of their location. Upon request, stations will receive a QSL card from each special event call worked. In addition, they will receive a special certificate if they contact all 5 special event calls.

To request QSL cards and certificates, send your QSL card to:

WVARA

Post Office Box 81

Terre Haute IN 47808-0081

Operator Sign-Up If you wish to operate one of the special event call signs during the 2008 Covered Bridge Festival, please contact John VanSandt, N9YRX, at n9yrx@hotmail,com to be added to the schedule. Operators can sign up for one or more 2-hour blocks. Click on the links below to view the current signup sheets for each day of the activity.

Friday - October 10, 2008

Saturday- October 11, 2008

Sunday- October 12, 2008

Monday- October 13, 2008

Tuesday- October 14, 2008

Wednesday- October 15, 2008

Thursday- October 16, 2008

Friday - October 17, 2008

Saturday- October 18, 2008

Sunday- October 19, 2008

A special certificate will be available for those who operate one or more of the special event stations.

John W. Van Sandt
1302 Beech St.
Marshall, ILL 62441
Ph 217-826-8821

N9YRX
ARRL ARES® Clark County ILL Emergency Coordinator
http://www.qrz.com/n9yrx
For present location:
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/find.cgi?call=n9yrx&radar=***&terra=4

If extra help is needed for E-Comm after Hurricane

2008-08-31T12:01:00.000-07:00

Information for Amateur volunteers link

--- In Inares@yahoogroups.com, "w9twr" wrote:
>
> Good Morning everyone! With the Hurricane headed for our Gulf coast,
> there is a "SLIGHT" chance that ARES could be asked to deploy and help
> with communications. I am putting together a list of ARES members who
> would be able to go to the Gulf coast "if" needed. If you are an ARES
> member, and could travel to the Gulf coast if asked to thru ARES,
> please drop me an e-mail to w9twr@arrl.net And please..NO-SELF
> DEPLOYMENT. There was a problem with good samaritians going down on
> their own during Katrina, and getting mixed in with the wrong groups.
> This actually impeded communications. Now, after saying that, please
> know that this is JUST IN CASE we are asked to go down. We want to be
> ready if needed. So if you can go IF asked to, please shoot me that
> email. Thanks everyone, and 73's to all! Jerry Boling
> W9TWR Assistant EC for Vigo Co.
>

2008-08-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

This is the 300 foot tower that was located on the top of Terre Haute's City Hall building. It was actually built into the building during construction (pre WW2). The entire thing has solid steel legs and cross members. Members of the W.V.A.R.A., Vigo and Clark County ARES, and Illiana Skywarn all helped in disassembling and removing the tower once it was laid on the ground. It is now part of the W.V.A.R.A.'s inventory. The people below are just a few of the entire crew.

2008-08-28T18:30:00.001-07:00

Vigo County ARES set up a station in one of the back rooms of the Vigo County EMA building. We relayed information from Illiana SkyWarn to the group working in the conference room down the hall. If anything, it was an excellent opportunity to test our deployment capabilities and get to work with two served agencies, Vigo EMA and the Red Cross.

2008-08-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from N9YRX and WT9I of the flooding and activities to save Harborside Healthcare. Unfortunately the water was faster than we were in the end.
June 7th 2008