ColCo Minutes

PRESENT:

• Richard Green, KC9FNM
• Don Evenson, K9JYX
• Bill Hanold, N9CHN
• Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY
• Dave Spearing, KB9CSW
• Craig Sharp, AA9ZS
• Brian Smith, KG9OG
• Gary Sorensen, W9ULK
• Robert Graetz, KC9OHX
• Kris Conway, KB9FMQ
• Dave Conway, W1VOW
• Pete Sweeney, WD9JIB
• Henry DeBoer, KB9YFG

The meeting began at 6:59 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance. The business items brought up were the nets for the next month, the secretarial responsibilities during the winter months, and treats for the next meeting.

Sharon, KA9GPY, and Bill Hanold, N9CHN, will be responsible for the nets on Thursdays until the next meeting.

Thanks to Gary Sorensen, W9ULK, and the members of Marquette County for the wonderful cake containing congratulations to Columbia County.

Craig Sharp, AA9ZS, volunteered for the treats for the next meeting.

Sharon and Bill Hanold will be gone for the winter and someone is needed to take notes and send them to Dave Spearing, KB9CSW, for inclusion on the ARES/RACES web page each month. Anyone interested in taking on this responsibility for the winter, please contact Rich Green, KC9FNM.

Rich Green, KC9FNM, said that he will complete the SET report which is due the first of the year.

Our usual repeater is back in operation. He is still working on the second receiver on the ski hill.

The group wishes good success to Mike Leggett, N9LHR, who is having surgery tomorrow. Good Luck, Mike.

Rich Green, KC9FNM, reported on his attendance at the Tenth Annual State ARES/RACES meeting. Prior to the meeting he showed a slide show of the vehicles which each county brought for the "bus-a-rama." There were some very interesting vehicles, equipment, and antennas. Rich took our van for the show and tell.

Bill Neimuth has completed his term as the State Emergency Coordinator and the new person is Gary Paine, N9VE, who takes on his new responsibilities on January 1, 2009. Rich asked Pete Sweeney, WD9JIB, if he knew anything out the new State Emergency Coordinator. Pete indicated that he had been an Emergency Coordinator, a Volunteer Examiner (VE), and a State Official Observer. He has worked closely with the Madison group and with the Esponder group. He is from the Lake Geneva area. He is retired and will be able to spend a lot of time pursuing his ARES/RACES responsibilities.

Some of his goals are to increase membership in ARES/RACES, more communication with Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), more publicity to the general public, and increase mutual aid with law enforcement.

Some statistics given were:

Of the 72 counties in Wisconsin, 64 have emergency coordinators.
Ten percent of Wisconsin amateurs are in ARES/RACES.
Seventy percent of the hospitals have a working plan in place.

During the conference the emergency coordinators from each county split into two groups and had a question and answer session as to what they did during this summer's flooding.

There was a discussion and demonstration on Winlink 2000. There are updates and new things happening with Winlink. The Red Cross is okay with Winlink operations.

Jim Darrow is willing to do training on Winlink for the group.

Rich reported that there is a new PC from Stan Kaplan in the EOC. He asked Brian Smith, KG9OG, if he would have time to install the PC. Rich indicated that everyone should keep their eyes open for a flat screen monitor.

Rich showed the plaque from Bill Neimuth given to each participant at the conference as well as a certificate from the National Weather Service for our participation.

There is a new director at Sullivan. He is from Montana and has his amateur radio license.

Rich attended a meeting with Tom Karcharski and several others to discuss the possibility of relaying the reports from the police and fire personnel of severe weather to the backbone. These people are trained weather spotters. This will be discussed with the proper law enforcement personnel.

There should be a brief form available for dispatch. Sullivan would like communication within two minutes.

Rich reported that Chuck Skooglun, WA9TOZ , donated a Kenwood TS 50 to ARES/RACES. A power cord is needed and Don Evenson, K9JYX, indicated that he thought that he had one available.

Rich indicated that he had an e-mail from CWRA regarding the 146.88 repeater. As the 147.315 repeater is used for the backbone operation, that the 146.88 repeater would be used as a back-up for both Columbia and Sauk Counties. There didn't seem to be any problem with this arrangement.

Pete Sweeney, WD9JIB, District Emergency, said that it was a pleasure to attend our meeting as Columbia County was one of the two in his 13 county area who didn't present a problem for him.

After a break with a wonderful cake from Marquette County the meeting adjourned at 8:50.

Submitted by Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY {Click here to print this page}

Columbia County ARES/RACES

PRESENT:

• Richard Green, KC9FNM
• Don Evenson, K9JYX
• Chuck Skooglan, WB9TOZ
• David Spearing, KB9CSW
• Brian Smith, KG9OG
• Bill Aspinwall, W9UGT
• Bill Hanold, N9CHN
• Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY
• Bill Timme, N9NNN
• Mike Leggett, N9LHR
• Gary Sorensen, W9ULK
• Tracy Weaver, KC9FWF
• Kevin Graham, KC9FWE
• Wayne Stewart, KB9JJD
• Henry DeBoer, KB9YFG

The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance at 6:55. There were two corrections in the September 18, 2008 minutes. The personnel resigning at the Divine Savior Hospital have been corrected to read "Laura Olah and Kerry Cronic." There is also an addition. The Sullivan group transmitting on the backbone repeater will occur after the first of the year.

Rich Green, KC9FNM, reported that eight members showed up for the SET on October 6th. The exercise included using copiers, scanning a document and sending it via Winlink. This was very successful and turned into a good learning experience.

Rich indicated that there was no communication before, during, or after the SET exercise from our Peter Sweeney, WD9JIB, District Coordinator. There was also no one at the WEM facility participating in the statewide exercise.

The Divine Savior Hospital in Portage now has a working radio station. The cabinets have been installed. The maintenance person, Jeff, should be contacted by telephone (608-617-8014) before entering the garage where the radio equipment is located. The garage door is located on the southern edge.

The report from Don Evenson, K9JYX, regarding the Sauk County SET was that it was successful. They tested the simplex communication around the county.

Kevin Graham, KC9FWE, reported that in Marquette County they worked closely with their health department. The health department has requested monies to set up a portable operation. Kevin indicated that they also heard nothing from WEM.

Bill Timme, N9NNN, said that he sent a cordial e-mail to Mac Brophy indicating that since he lives in Sun Prairie, in case of an emergency, could he be called upon to respond in the Columbus area as we are short of amateur radio operators in that area. He received no response.

Rich Green, KC9FMN, will be taking the van to the ARES/RACES meeting on Sunday, October 27. He asked for suggestions for questions he might bring up at the conference. There were several items discussed as to why there were no longer quarterly newsletters and the lack of communication between the state ARES/RACES and the county ARES/RACES group. Another suggestion to be presented is that a directory be made up of the hospitals acquiring radio equipment from Homeland Security. There should be a list of the hospitals, their exact location, and the contact person responsible for the operation of this equipment in case of emergency.

Mike Leggett, N9LHR, handed out a large map of the floor plan of the Columbus Hospital. Highlighted was the route to the radio room. Mike indicated that in case of an emergency, someone would meet radio operators at the front door and guide them to the radio operating area.

Mike Leggett, N9LHR, said that sometime this winter, there will be a drill at the Cascade Mountain ski area. The scenario will include a cable breaking on the chair lift with several injuries.

Brian Smith, KG9OG, indicated that he was able to obtain an air conditioner which could be installed on top of the van. He indicated that it was really too big for the area involved. There is limited space in the van and this unit would be on top so that would not be a problem. There was also talk about adding a canopy at the end of the van so that members could sit outside the van and this air conditioner could also accommodate this area. There would be no cost for this air conditioner.

Rich Green, KC9FNM, indicated that the county was upgrading their emergency communication vehicle. It was suggested that Rich request two amateur radios to be installed in the emergency communication vehicle.

Marquette County will supply treats for the November meeting.

Wayne Stewart, KB9JJD, agreed to take the Thursday night nets until the next meeting. There are four Thursdays until the next meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00.

Thank you Brian, KG9OG, for the wonderful brownies.

After the meeting Brian Smith, KG9OG, demonstrated the Winlink system located in the dispatchers center. Several members copied practice messages and sent them to Rich Green. This was very informative. Everyone should become more familiar with Winlink.

Submitted by Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY {Click here to print this page}

Columbia County ARES/RACES

PRESENT:

• Brian Smith, KG9OG
• Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY
• Bill Hanold, N9CHN
• David Spearing, KB9CSW
• Don Evenson, K9JYX
• Tracy Weaver, KC9FWF
• Kevin Graham, KC9FWE
• Gary Sorensen, W9ULK
• Bill Timme, N9NNN
• Mike Leggett, N9LHR
• David Conway, W1VOW
• Kris Conway, KB9FMQ
• Henry DeBoer, KB9YFG
• Jay Brendemuehl, KB8VMO
• Richard Green, KC9FNM

Prior to the meeting, Bill Timme, N9NNN, brought the generator from the sheriff’s department to show to the group. The generator was refurbished by Brian Smith, KG9OG, and Bill Timme, N9NNN.

The meeting began at 7:00 p.m. with a presentation by Sheriff Dennis Richards. He thanked the group for their help during the recent flooding in Columbia County. He indicated that without our help, it would have been necessary to ask other counties for help. He presented the group with a plaque which reads:

“Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Dennis E. Richards, Sheriff
Columbia County ARES/RACES
In Recognition of Outstanding Dedications and Commitment Provided to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the Citizens of Columbia County.”

Bill Timme, N9NNN, asked Rich if the letters which our group received were also sent to the members out of the county. The response was that he had given those names to the emergency coordinator and they should have received the same letter. Bill also asked Rich to make copies of the letter which was received from Pardeeville so that it could be included with the letter from the sheriff sent to each member.

It was suggested that copies of the minutes of the last meeting be brought to each meeting.

Mike Leggett, N9LHR , reported that he was waiting for a return call from the Columbus Hospital. David Conway, W1VOW, reported that the EMS license for Columbus Hospital expired two years ago. Mike indicated that he would personally go to the Columbus Hospital.

Bill Timme, N9NNN, reported that he had met with the fire chief of the City of Portage. He has the AES catalogue and is looking at ordering the equipment needed.

A big thanks to Henry DeBoer, KB9YFG, for taking the Thursday night ARES/RACES nets each Thursday since the last meeting. Good job, Henry.

The Marquette County ARES/RACES group will be having Winlink training at their October 27 meeting. Their meeting is at the courthouse at 7:00 p.m.

It was reported that the exhaust on the generator has been relocated. There needs to be a filter pipe cap put on. Florescent lights have been installed in the generator trailer and the van has been washed in preparation for the trip to Wisconsin Rapids.

The State ARES/RACES conference is October 25-26 in Wisconsin Rapids. The agenda will include what counties did during the flooding emergency. There will also be a discussion as to the relationship between the Emergency Manager in each county and ARES/RACES. It was suggested that the plaque given to the group be on display in the van for the second day demonstration of the emergency vehicles used in each county.

There is a session on October 22-23 from 8:00-4:30 for Public Information Officers at the County Administration Building. There is no fee for these sessions. Don Evenson, K9JYX, is planning on attending.

Jay Brendenuehl, KB8VMO, indicated that he has a new E-mail. His new E-mail is: JSKB2000@wildblue.net

It was reported that both Lori Ahola, and Kerry Tronic have resigned from Divine Savior Hospital. Hopefully, progress can continue with the new people there.

Bill Timme, N9NNN, met with the emergency coordinator and he indicated that during an emergency they would like an amateur radio and operator at the Emergency Office of Communications (EOC). During the flood emergency the only communication with Divine Savior Hospital was a member of their staff with a hand held transmitter. The back up at the switchboard was over ten minutes.

Bill also reported to the emergency coordinator that we were not recruiting new members simply to boost our roster but wanted responsible members in our group. He said that he appreciated that information.

Bill Timme, N9NNN, said that he had talked the Dave Parker, WB9WHG, former Columbia County ARES/RACES member. He sent greetings to the group. He hopes to move back to Wisconsin.

Bill Hanold, N9CHN, reported that on the Wisconsin ARES/RACES net that Stan Kaplan said that he had computers available. Emergency Coordinators should contact him if they would like this equipment.

Gary Sorensen, W9ULK, reported as the Cell Com representative. The Sullivan group will be on the backbone repeater, 147.315 on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 8:00-8:30. Participants should check in and listen. Our group should make up a list of items they would like to discuss and submit it to the Sullivan Committee.

There is very little information provided from the state emergency management and ARES/RACES. There are no longer e-mail messages as in the past. There is also very little communication from the district emergency coordinator, Pete Sweeney, WD9JIB.

It was suggested that we ask the sheriff’s department for training on damage assessment so that we are knowledgeable about this after a disaster so that we can report.

There was a break for wonderful treats provided by Don Evenson, N9JYX. Thanks Don. Brian Smith, KG9OG, offered to bring refreshment for the next meeting.

Richard Green, KC9FNM, briefly discussed the SET scheduled for October 4 from 9:00 to noon. He said that he had no specific information about the SET exercise. We have actually done our emergency session during the flooding. Everyone available should be at the County Administration Building at 9:00. The exercise will possibly include a document which will be scanned and sent to WEM, Dennis Richards, and Pat Beghin by Winlink so that these messages are received in their mail on Monday morning.

Kris Conway, KB9FMQ, agreed to run the ARES/RACES nets for September 25, October 2, and October 9.

The meeting adjourned at 8:50.

Submitted by Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY

Columbia County ARES/RACES

PRESENT:
Craig Sharp, AA9ZS
Bill Timme, N9NNN
Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY
Chuck Skookglan, WA9TOZ
David Spearing, KB9CSW
Gary Sorensen, W9ULK
David Conway, W1VOW
Kris Conway, KB9FMQ
Frank Weisensel, KC9HEA
Henry DeBoer, KB9YFG
Brian Smith, KG9OG
Bill Hanold, N9CHN
Don Evenson, K9JYX
Mike Leggett, N9LHR
Bill Aspinwall, W9UGT

The Columbia County ARES/RACES meeting began with the pledge of allegiance at 7:01 p.m.

Bill Timme, N9NNN, acting emergency coordinator, introduced each member present to Frank Weisensel, KC9HEA, a visitor from the Dane County ARES/RACES group.

Bill explained that Rich Green, KC9FMN, had a commitment with the boy scouts regarding the Middleton Good Neighbor Festival being held this weekend, therefore, he would head the meeting this evening.

The Field Day exercise went very well. There was no equipment set up Friday evening as the citizens of Pardeeville treated the volunteers very heartily with a pig roast, all the trimmings and lots of deserts. We made a lot of friends during the emergency at Pardeeville and the residents truly appreciated the help that we gave to them.

Each member received a thank you letter from Sheriff Dennis Richards and Emergency Management Coordinator Patrick Beghin. Brian Smith, KG9OG, brought up the question as to whether the members from outside of Columbia County received any recognition. Don Evenson, K9JYX, had indicated that he had available certificates for such occasions. Bill Timme, N9NNN, asked him to obtain the names and addresses of those participants and send them letters of appreciation. Don indicated that he was writing an article for QST. He asked that if anyone had pictures that he could include in the article, they should e-mail them to him. It was mentioned that both Jay Brendenmuehl, KB8VMO, and Rich Green, KC9FNM, had taken pictures during the flood emergency.

Mike Leggett, N9LHR, reported that he had checked on the jackets. The cost is considerably lower by ordering more than one jacket with the stenciling. There was no report from the previous source so the decision on the jackets will be tabled for the next meeting.

There was discussion about the finances of the ARES/RACES group. Each year members are asked to contribute $20 for the club. There are some members who have not paid for the 2008 calendar year. This money should be brought to the next meeting. Contributions will again be accepted in January, 2009.

Don Evenson, K9JYX, volunteered to bring refreshments for the next meeting.

Bill Hanold, N9CHN, reported that he had tallied the volunteer hours our group accumulated for the Columbia County Fair. This included 189 hours, 63.5 hours of which were overnight hours. The fair duty went very well. There were no real disasters. Craig Sharp, AA9ZS, reported that they assured that the gates on the pens were secure so that there were no ?pig chasing? events. Any shirts that members still have from fair duty should be brought to the next meeting so that they can be returned to the sheriff?s office.

Steve Schultze, N9UDO, hosted the All Ham Annual Picnic at his home in Baraboo. This has become an annual event and we should put this on our calendars. It is the Saturday after the Columbia County Fair. This is a very good chance to meet the people you talk to on the air face to face.

The Baraboo hamfest was a great success even though the attendance of both vendors and visitors was down. The problem is getting people to attend. E-Bay takes away a lot of the participation in the hamfest. The tables were set up differently this year so that there could be more conversation. People seemed to enjoy talking with other hams after scoping out the merchandise and waiting for the drawing of an Icom tribander hand held radio. There was a balloon launched with a camera on it. There were 100 plus pictures taken from the balloon which will be available on the Yellow Thunder Radio Club web site.

Mike Leggett, N9LHR, reported that he had purchased and installed a fancy adapter for the radio at the Columbus Hospital. Bill Timme, N9NNN, requested that Mike make available the name of the contact person at the Columbus as well as directions as to where the radio is located so that any amateur radio operator assigned can use the radio equipment.

As far as Divine Savior Hospital in Portage is concerned we are awaiting word from the hospital personnel as to further action to take place at the hospital.

The fire chief in Portage was contacted and it was determined as to where the antennas, coax, and radio would be located. The EOC will be in the basement of the building. There is a budget problem and they will need about two months to make monies available. The fire chief is familiar with radio equipment and plans on ordering extra coax in case the equipment needs to be moved.

The van needs to be cleaned up before the October 25, 26 meeting in Stevens Point. The exhaust system on the generator trailer needs to be relocated and the clearance lights moved. Whether the generator is going to be taken to Stevens Point is not clear. Brian Smith, KG9OG, checked out the possible fuel leak and found nothing. There needs to be a new vented fuel cap. This would be available at Farm and Fleet.

Bill Aspinwall, W9UGT, indicated that he had an incandescent interior light which could be used for the van. Mike Leggett, Craig Sharp, Brian Smith and Bill Aspinwall will meet Saturday morning to wash the van, check on the exhaust system and lighting as well as check on the generator, which the sheriff?s office has available, to determine if it can be fixed. Apparently, there is a piston which is bad. This would be similar to the van in that the sheriff?s department would pay for the parts and it would be the property of the sheriff?s department but we would be able to use it.

The SET is scheduled for October 4. There has been no information regarding the SET from the state emergency people. It was suggested that there would possibly be another fox hunt in conjunction with Sauk County.

The ARES conference is October 25, 26 at the Mead Inn in Stevens Point. Further information is available on the Wisconsin ARES/RACES web site. All interested hams are invited to attend. On Sunday there will be a ?bus a rama? where each county will show what they use for their emergency vehicle. It was suggested that Rich take pictures of the other county?s vehicles.

The future of the Thursday night net was discussed. One comment was this is a good chance to keep in touch with other members of the group. Another comment was that we make sure our equipment is working. It was also suggested that more use be made of the repeater. If you are listening and hear people talking, put in your call and say hello. The repeater needs to be used.

Henry DeBoer, KB9YFG, agreed to take the three nets until the next meeting. Thanks, Henry.

We need to learn more about Winlink. Brian Smith, KC9OG, and Craig Smith, AA9ZS, are the only ones able to use the Winlink station. The rest of the group needs to get training and knowledge as to the use of this equipment. Craig indicated that written instructions could be placed by the equipment.

The weather spotting training will occur in January and February. This might be a good time to have the van available and promote amateur radio. The storm spotter training is on the web page.

The actual meeting recessed at 8:10. After the meeting, we enjoyed conversation and refreshments provided by Craig Sharp, AA9ZS. Thanks, Craig.

Submitted by
Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY

Columbia County ARES/RACES

PRESENT:
Rich Green, KC9FNM
Bill Timme, N9NNN
Mike Leggett, N9LHR
Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY
Don Evenson, K9JYX
Brian Smith; KG9OG
David Spearing, KB9CSW
Kris Conway, KB9FMQ
David Conway, W1VOW
Gary Sorensen, W9ULK

After the pledge of allegiance, Rich Green, KC9FMN, called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

Rich indicated that there is no news from the Divine Savior Hospital in Portage. The antennas are installed, but the radio equipment is in the basement. We will just have to wait it out and see what happens with the hospital administration.

Bill Timme, N9NNN, has compiled hard copies of documents from the Columbia County ARES/RACES organization from the beginning including the hospital contacts as well as a history of the changes in Emergency Coordinators.

Gary Sorensen, W9ULK, reported that the Multi-County conference initiated by Christine Leverich has been dropped because of the recent flooding in the area.

Rich Green reported that the emergency radios will possibly be available next year from Columbia County for purchase by the public.

The statistics for the flood emergency for the Columbia County ARES/RACES are as follows:

423 volunteer hours
1,758 miles
38 hours driving time
42 E-mails
3 hours of telephone time

There was an editorial in the Portage Daily Register that the lower lake in Pardeeville was designed for drainage of the upper lake in case the water was high.

The state conference of ARES/RACES will be held October 25-26, 2008 at the Mead Hotel in Wisconsin Rapids. The hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. On Saturday, there will be a discussion panel on those activated for the flood emergency. On Sunday, there will be a ?Bus-a-rama,? where each county will bring their vehicle for show and tell. Rich has made arrangements for fuel for that trip with the Sheriff?s department. It will be interesting to see what other counties have available for their use.

There will be an announcement at this meeting by Don Michalski, W9IXG, as to who will replace Bill Niemuth, KB9ENO. Bill Niemuth will be completing his five-year term this year.

It was suggested that thank you letters be sent to the volunteers from Appleton, Neenah, and Madison for their help during the flood emergency at Pardeeville. It was noted that certificates were sent from Vernon County to their volunteers. Don Evenson, K9JYX, indicated that he could obtain custom made certificates.

Field Day - Rich Green indicated that Field Day went very well, but he thought the equipment should be set up on Friday evening.

Bill Timme reported that he had requested brochures from FEMA for emergency preparedness. They are sending 500 of the regular booklets, 200 for handicapped individuals, and 200 for the elderly citizens. David and Kristine Conway have a sign available. Bill will notify them as soon as these brochures arrive so that they can make the sign. Gary Sorensen indicated that he had a handout which was used in Marquette County which he would make available to them for the sign. The plan is to distribute these at the Columbia County Fair.

The Yellow Thunder Radio Club has requested that our group provide assistance for the talk-in for the hamfest scheduled for August 9th. Because no one else volunteered, Bill Timme agreed to take this responsibility again this year.

It was suggested that for a future meeting we could have a refresher on the ICS courses we completed last year.

There was a discussion on the number of members in the ARES/RACES group. It was mentioned that our group is not large but we are able to get the job done. Don Evenson was asked about the number of people in the Yellow Thunder group and he said that it was close to 50 but that most of the people are members simply to support the repeater and not active in the meetings. There are approximately six people attending their meetings.

The schedule for the upcoming Columbia County Fair was discussed. There are several openings for the overnight shifts. Mike Leggett, N9LHR, was going to call Henry DeBoer, KB9YFG, and Wayne Burgess, W9YYZ, to see if they would be available to take one of these shifts.

Rich Green appointed Mike Leggett, N9LHR, and Bill Timme, N9NNN, as a two man committee to meet with the fire chief in Portage to check on the equipment and antenna needs.

Dave Spearing, KB9CSW, was asked to e-mail the updated roster to the group. Doug Berthold should be taken off the roster. He had purchased the Columbia County vest. Perhaps he should be asked if he would like us to buy back the vest.

Mike Leggett is going to check with his source on the cost of the vests and lettering and report at the next meeting. Pete Sweeny will also be contacted as the other ones were purchased through him, and we will compare the costs.

Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY, brought up the fact that there was no net last Thursday night as there was no one who would take the net control responsibility. There was discussion as what to do about the net. One suggestion was that the person running the net arrange for a person to take it the next week. It was stated that Brian Smith, KG9OG, has a simplex net on Wednesday night at 7:15 on the 146.430 simplex frequency. Another suggestion was to combine our net with Marquette County. A schedule was set up for the nets for the next month.

July 24 - Bill Timme (he will do this from the fair)
July 31 - Dave Spearing
August 7 - Bill Hanold
August 14 - Sharon Hanold

The decision will be made at the next meeting as to the Thursday night net.

Rich shared the VHS receiver he had acquired. This will be used for the site at Cascade Mountain.

By democratic majority and the absence of Craig Sharp, it was decided that he should be responsible for treats at the next meeting.

Adjourn 8:35 p.m.

Submitted by
Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY

Columbia County ARES/RACES

PRESENT:
Bill Timme, N9NNN
Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY
Bill Hanold, N9CHN
Chuck Skooglan, WA9TOZ
Brian Smith; KG9OG
Gary Sorensen, W9ULK
David Spearing, KB9CSW
Don Evenson, K9JYX
Mike Leggett, N9LHR
Kris Conway, KB9FMQ
David Conway, W1VOW
Henry DeBoer, KB9YFG
Jay Brendenmuehl, WB8VMO
Craig Sharp, AA9ZS

After the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance by the group, Bill Timme, N9NNN, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Bill asked that the hours and the mileage accrued during the activation of the ARES group for the flooding in southern Wisconsin be turned in and given to Rich, KC9FNM, to submit for FEMA.

Old Business:

There is nothing new to report regarding the Divine Savior Hospital in Portage. Mike Leggett, N9LHR, reported that there is a room available with a cabinet with a lock and a power supply at the Columbus Hospital.

Gary Sorensen, W9ULK, reported that Chris Leverich is in charge of the multi-county exercise. This exercise is scheduled for August 16, 2008. There should be a planning meeting right after the fourth of July. This will possibly be done on the air to avoid mileage costs.

Gary indicated that he and Sandy Eperlein, W9SKE, had attended the meeting in Dane County which included a presentation from the Midwest Storm spotters. He said that the meeting was very interesting.

There was a discussion on the weather radios for sale in Columbia County to the public as Dane County has done. Kris Conway, KB9FMQ, reported that the townships were notified about the radios at their last meeting. The emergency coordinator indicated that this would not take place until next year but that they were pursuing costs and the logistics of selling these radios to Columbia County residents. They thought that they may be able to coordinate with one of the neighboring counties and get a good price on the radios. Dane County has the radios available at the fire stations for $22.50 with a limit of two per family. This is their second order for them so there is a demand for the radios.

New Business:

There was discussion on the process of notifying members of the activation to Pardeeville. Bill indicated that Rich Green, KC9FNM, received a call from the undersheriff, Mike Babcock, at 4:59 p.m. requesting 6 people to be at Pardeeville at 7:00 p.m. Bill called six possibilities for the overnight assignment and the entire group was there and ready for action by 7:30 p.m.

There should be a better way to notify members about the activation. Craig Sharp, AA9ZS indicated that he didn’t know anything about it until he read an e-mail late in the evening. Craig indicated that he had software where the notice could be transmitted on the repeater periodically so that everyone would be informed about the emergency. This is something we may be able to discuss at our field day.

Bill Timme read a letter he received from Marlo A. Gustafson, Clerk/Treasurer, Village of Pardeeville thanking the ARES group for all of their help during the flooding .

Bill Hanold, N9CHN, reported that there are two people interested in the technician class. If there are only two people, the classes will be held at his home as all the equipment is there for demonstration. It was suggested that books be available for sale at the fair in case someone is very interested and would like to get started studying for the test.

Bill Timme, N9NNN, and Dave Conway, W1VOW, have both spent time at the EOC during severe weather. The Sheriff’s Department is very happy to have them there. Wayne Stewart, KB9JJD, is very devoted in watching and reporting on the weather. When there is severe weather, there is a shortage of storm spotters. Without storm spotters there is nothing for us to report. The reports must come directly from amateur radio operators.

Bill Timme asked Gary Sorensen to report as our representative to Sullivan to explain that during severe weather, the dispatcher’s office is very busy and they don’t even have time to convey to the people in the EOC as to the possibility of storms in the area. Their phones are constantly ringing.

The Field Day will be June 27, 28 and 29. It will be held at Fireman’s Park in Rio as it was last year. We will not be contesting but instead checking out go bags, radio equipment and perhaps working on new antennas. We will have a meal together on Saturday evening. Bring your own meat to grill, beverages, eating utensils and a dish to share with the group. There will be generators available and there is a grill for grilling the meat. We will have breakfast on Sunday morning. Jay Brendenmuehl, WB8VMO and Mike Leggett, N9LHR, will bring burners and utensils to cook breakfast. Bill, N9CHN and Sharon, KA9GPY, Hanold will pick up orange juice and sweet rolls.

It was suggested that four to six extra vests be ordered as there were volunteers from other counties who did not have vests and there was confusion as to their role at the emergency. These should be available for such emergencies.

A list for volunteers was started for the day shifts and the overnight shifts at the Columbia County Fair. Most of the positions are filled. We do have another meeting before that time.

8:00 Refreshment break:

During the break groups of people chatted together on various subjects.

The refreshment for the next meeting will be supplied by Rich Green, who was not able to attend the meeting and unable to defend himself.

Adjournment -- 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by
Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY

Columbia County ARES/RACES

PRESENT:

The meeting began at 7:05 with Emergency Coordinator Rich Green indicating that we were very lucky to have this room this evening as the sheriff’s department has changed the rules regarding the room. He thinks that things have been straightened out but asked for suggestions of other meeting places should it become necessary to find another location. The suggestions were the Portage Public Library, MATC, and one of the churches in Portage. Individuals would have to be contacted in advance to see if these rooms would be available. For the time being, the current accommodations are available for our use.

Rich indicated that the new Skywarn frequency for Sauk County is 146.58 simplex and 147.48 with a Pl of 127.3 simplex for Sullivan.

The new central backbone frequency for southern Wisconsin is 145.45. This would cover the Janesville area and Rock County.

The antenna is up at the Divine Savior Hospital in Portage. Some of the cable still needs to be installed. We need to determine what the hospital is going to supply as far as supplies, computers, etc. We also need to have the protocol as to amateur radio operators getting into the hospital to operate the radio. Will they accept our county badges?

There is no report from the Columbus Hospital. Perhaps the information that the Divine Savior Hospital has antenna installed will prompt some action from the Columbus Hospital personnel.

Don Evenson, K9JYX, reported that the Sauk-Prairie Hospital had turned back the grant monies because of a change in personnel at the hospital.

Bill Timme, N9NNN, indicated that the Portage Fire Department is awaiting a list of the equipment supplies needed for installing the antenna and the cost of these supplies so that they can submit them as a budget item.

Gary Sorensen, W9ULK, reported that Christine Leverich is chairing a multi-county exercise in mid August. She would like a representative from each county to discuss this exercise. It was suggested that Rich Green be the representative from Columbia County as he has the most knowledge of the other people to involve.

Gary Sorensen W9ULK, also reported that Kim from Dane County has invited everyone interested to attend a meeting on Monday, May 19, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Monona Community Center. The speaker will include a person from the Midwest Storm Chasers who will no doubt have several interesting pictures and slides.

There was a question asked as to whether Columbia County would be offering weather radios to the public as Dane County is in the process of doing. Rich indicated that he thought it was a possibility that this would happen. It was suggested that the amateur radio community could help members of the public to program these radios for their specific community. This would be a good PR boost.

Craig Sharp, AA9ZS, and Rich Green, KC9FNM, have been working on the repeater. The old repeater has been changed to a Motorola commercial radio. It has a different power supply, a new battery and automatic switching. The old repeater will be installed on Cascade Mountain and linked with the current repeater. This repeater will be on the same frequency but will have a different Pl.

A Fox Hunt was held by the Yellow Thunder Radio Club in Sauk County. Participants learned a lot about transmitter hunting. One necessity is a directional antenna. Brian Smith, KG9OG, and David Conway, W1VOW, were first to discover the transmitter which was a large box with a base antenna. It was reported that one participant passed the transmitter several times. It was suggested that we have another transmitter hunt in fall. This is good practice for everyone and it was suggested that Brian Smith would be a perfect person to be in charge of this exercise.

Field Day is scheduled for June 27, 28, 29 at Firemen’s Park in Rio.

There will be a balloon launch on Saturday, May 17, 2008. This is sponsored by the Yellow Thunder Radio Club and the Four Lakes Boy Scout Camp. It will be held at the fair grounds in Baraboo. The scouts will learn about amateur radio. Anyone wanting to participate is welcome.

Break --- Happy Big Nine-oh,Chuck

There was a discussion regarding Skywarn and the recent tornado which took place a short time ago in Weyocena. Late on Friday afternoon, while others were planning on the Friday night fish fry, Bill Timme had the forethought to go to the EOC arriving prior to the emergency. He indicated that there was chaos at the dispatch center. There were two people trying to handle the calls and they were overwhelmed. Wayne Stewart, KB9JJD, reported a tornado on the ground four miles south of Weyocena which was in turn relayed to dispatch, so that officers could be sent to the scene.

There was considerable background noise at the EOC/Dispatch Center and it was suggested that headphones be installed for the radios.

The additional dispatch members arrived after the tornado was out of the area. Our presence was meant to be on that occasion.

There was some discussion as to whether we could have done anything after the tornado. Rich said that he did not have any information given to him about needing volunteers after the tragedy.

Field Day:

There will be a camp out starting on Friday evening for anyone wanting to participate.

Bill Timme indicated that he would not be cooking this year. He is getting his rig set up with radio equipment. We will eat together and everyone will bring their own meat and a dish to share. Details will be planned at a later date.

Mike Leggett, N9LHR will supply the firewood.

Columbia County Fair:

The fair is July 23-27. We will get the truck cleaned up about 9:00 a.m. on the 23th and arrive around noon. There will be participation for the night shift and during the day only if there are people available to be at the fair grounds.

Bill Hanold, N9CHN, indicated that there were a couple of people interested in taking the class for the Technician. He asked Gary Sorensen, W9ULK, if he would please check to see about the availability of classroom after school is out at MATC.

It was requested that the minutes be put one the website as soon after the meeting is over as possible.

Mike Leggett, N9LHR, presented everyone with a jacket which he secured as a donation. (Christmas in May) He is checking to determine the cost of the Columbia County emblem on the back of the jacket and each person’s name and call on the front of the jacket. Thank you, Mike.

Sharon and Bill Hanold will be responsible for treats for the next meeting.

Submitted by: Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY

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Monthly Columbia County ARES/RACES Meeting Notes

December 20, 2007

Attendees: Rich Green KC9FNM, Bill Timme N9NNN, Mike Leggett N9LHR, Don Everson K9JYX, Brian Smith KG9OG, Jay Brendemuehl KB8VMO, Randy Hansen WI9D, Tracy Weaver KC9FWF, Kevin Graham KC9FWE, Gary Sorensen W9ULK, Sandy Eberlein W9SKE, Henry DeBoer KB9YFG Welcome Marquette County members visiting and will be forming their own ARES/RACES group

New Business:

- Moved ECom vehicle from #7 Building to #8 Building. Also generators were moved

- Divine Savior Tower construction has begun behind of Ambulance garage on the south end of the parking lot. Weather Classes are scheduled for March 8. If you have not attended in last two years, it is time to have a refresher. The presentations are always well attended and well done and informative. Encourage all members to attend.

- Weather Classes are scheduled for March 8. If you have not attended in last two years, it is time to have a refresher. The presentations are always well attended and well done and informative. Encourage all members to attend.

- Discussed the need to fill the position on the CellCom Committee. Explored options and will see if we can have someone represent more then one County. Tom K. will be asked to see if this would be acceptable.

- New Member Jay, KB8VMO was recognized. Welcome Jay to the group!

- Emergency Manager for Columbia County, Pat Biggen has asked for representatives from Columbia County ARES/RACES attend the EMS Regional Meeting on February 6, 2008 to discuss what we can do to assist with EMS. We talked about providing link with area hospitals

- Bioterrorism has become a more of a concern in recent months and this would move up the expectation for ARES/RACES communication support. CDC is worried Wisconsin is not prepared to the extent the state should be in the current environment. This makes it important for the impacted agencies to be aware of the resources available with the ARES/RACES group in Columbia County.

- CDC in Wisconsin has been informed on the role of the Columbia County ARES/RACES group by the County Health Officer. They were told how we can shadow key personnel to assure communication is made with Hospitals, EOC, Van and assistance on site.

- We discussed the need to be available for mutual aid to the surrounding counties i.e. Sauk and the new group forming in Marquette. Depending on the situation, it could be counties in other parts of the state and not just adjoining counties.

- Reverse 911 was discussed as a way to activate our members instead of the current calling tree process.

- Bill N9NNN and Mike N9LHR met with the Fire Chief to discuss EOC location at the Fire Station/ City Hall. The office may be moved to the basement where there is more space but it is contingent on budget considerations.

- Antenna will go as planned but may have to changed to account for a new location.

- Mike N9LHR reported on Columbus Hospital. Antenna will be installed in March. It will be located near the EMS entrance near where an antenna is in place on the 2nd story.

- Need to determine the feed line length needed.

- Rich KC9FNM reported that Sauk Prairie Hospital did not apply for the grant money from Homeland Security. Beaver Dam has the equipment but have it stored in a closet.

- Discussed at length the need to recruit new members. We are looking for members to come up with new strategies to gain new members. We discussed developing a Q and A to explain who we are and our role in emergency communications. Explain the tools we use and the role of amateur radio. We are looking for input. We discussed focusing on recruiting Fire and Police officers to get their amateur license and participate in our group.

- Winlink 2000 was discussed and the need to gain proficiency within the organization. We also talked about the value of portable Winlink station as well as have APRS capability during an emergency.

- We focused the remaining discussion on the process of communication and the use of the ARRL radiogram. It is similar to the ICS form 213 but some minor differences. Either way, a consistent format is needed to be transmitted.

- Field Day was discussed and members were encouraged to suggest alternatives to the Rio location. It appears the Rio location will be used again due to the convenience and hospitality.

- Next meeting will be on January 17, 2008 in the usual location.

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Columbia County ARES/RACES

PRESENT:
Richard Green, KC9FNM;
Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY;
Chuck Skooglun, WA9TOZ;
Brian Smith, KG9OG;
Mike Leggett, N9LHR;
Dave Spearing, KB9CSW;
Don Evenson, K9JYX;
Bill Hanold, N9CHN;
Gary Sorensen, W9ULK

Richard Green, KC9FNM, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Mike Leggett reported that he had contacted Shawn Lerch regarding Columbus Hospital activities. His telephone call had not been returned so that he had no progress to report.

There will be no official net next Thursday evening because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Rich picked up the gel for the diesel engines. It was suggested that the van be driven after putting the gel in to mix. The van should probably be exercised periodically to make sure it operates properly.

There is nothing new from Divine Savior Hospital in Portage.

Rich received an e-mail from Pat Behgin that the County EMS Association is interested in learning about amateur radio. They will be meeting on Wednesday, February 6. Rich will send an e-mail indicating that we would like to participate. We should have available the ARES pamphlet s to give to them. Don Evenson, K9JYX, suggested that they be informed of the forthcoming radio classes for the technician class license.

The Health Department had their table top exercise at the Black Forest Restaurant. The amateur radio community was not included in this exercise.

Don Evenson reported that the Sauk County ARES/RACES team was deployed to health facilities in Sauk City as well as at the Ho-Chunk facility. All facilities have Mark II. The problem is that the participants are not trained in operating the radio equipment.

Mike Leggett, N9LHR, reported that he had talked to Rob Walz, the owner of Cascade Ski Resort. He has a key for the gate and permission to install an antenna on the tower at that site. The staff at Cascade have a problem with communication from the ski lodge to the lift area as it is downhill. Rich is going to call Rob Walz to set up a meeting to perhaps help with their communication problems.

Rich reported on the state conference held on October 27-28 at Neenah. He carpooled with Dale Marz, Emergency Coordinator in Dodge County. Dodge County has a small group of ARES/RACES members, about 10 of their 90 members. The Beaver Dam Hospital has all of the radio equipment, but then backed out when the time came to put it up.

The main thing learned from the conference was that we are right on target with the rest of the counties. Bill Niemuth talked about objectives and about the WEM link repeater system. There should be a public activation plan. He also talked about the ICS 211 form for tracking personnel.

The keynote speaker was Dennis Dura,K2DCD, who is the ARRL Emergency Response manager. This position was recreated after the Katrina disaster. This position is to provide support in case of emergency. They have a Memorandum of Understanding with MARA, Southern Baptist, and the Red Cross.

Rich attended a workshop, one of many available. The one he attended was on Esponder which included what is consists of and how it works. Esponder is a software program for emergency management. It is a collaboration tool which is limited by password. It is very secure. Every person will be registered. Next month we will register each person for Esponder participation.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Submitted by Sharon Hanold, KA9GPY

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