SEC's monthly report for November 2014

Your MonsterMail form has been completed, following are the results:

Field	Value
subject	ARES Form FSD-96
State	Ohio
Month	November
Year	2014
Number_of_ARES_Members	1632
Change_In_Numbers	13
Number_of_DECs_EC_reporting_this_month	9
Number_of_ARES_nets_active	209
Number_of_nets_with_NTS_Liaison	7
DEC_EC_callsigns	WD8PNZ W8UY W8KKY N8TFD KC8PD W8MLL KA8RLC N8SUZ W8FHF N8AUC
Number_of_drills_tests_and_training_this_month	331
Person_Hours_for_drill_tests_training	2748
Number_of_Public_Service_events	16
Person_Hours_for_public_service_events	604
Number_of_emergency_operations_this_month	6
Person_Hours_for_emergency_operations	56.5
Number_of_ARES_RACES_Events_this_month	591
Total_Person_Hours	3408.5
Comment	Several winter-weather based Skywarn nets were activated this month. A number of counties are working on the Red Cross MOU appendix, revitalizing ARES relationship with the Red Cross as their coverage areas change within Ohio. We're enthusiastically supporting this renewed partnership. Ohio Emergency Response Plan is in the very final stages of a re-write, it will include a new frequency map for ARES activities per county. We are pushing for meaningful training over the winter months, and several counties had drills and training sessions ranging from hospital activity to EMP.
Signature	Stan Broadway
mailfrom	broadways@standi.com

The Ohio Section ARES Monthly Report..

Hello all, and warm holiday wishes from your SEC!  Our family is busy rehearsing for the Christmas services, having grand-tot birthdays and generally enjoying the pre-Christmas rush. I hope you are able to enjoy those who are most important in your life. Keep your priorities your priorities! 

The winter months are typically slow for public service activity (and we ~hope~ emergency stuff as well!)  It’s a great time to work up some meaningful training!  Don’t forget, EC’s, to press your people to complete the FEMA/NIMS courses! They don’t take a lot of time, your brain won’t overload, and you will have a better concept of how our safety services all work!  Email your electronic certificates to your EC, and get them to the Ohio Section database. Review your winter operations guidelines! Have you put your winter kits in your vehicles yet?

Get with the Red Cross and consider re-invigorating your relationship. The document most are considering is an appendix to the ARRL national MOU, expressing cooperation on the local level. So you’re not re-inventing an MOU, just localizing the national agreement. We’re much in favor of this activity! I think a good relationship will benefit both parties. In the agreement, it’s recognized that our first responsibility as ARES is to our EMA hosts so our priorities aren’t overlapping.

I’d like to send out thanks to those of you who maintain the repeaters in the Ohio Section!  You guys get little thanks most of the time, and we users tend to act like you’re public utilities especially when the machines go down!  In the Ohio Section, our ARES communications depend on strong repeaters- and we certainly have those!  So thank you, for the hours of work in the background, for coughing up your funds to keep equipment current and working, and for being there to provide a vital part of our amateur radio hobby! 

I am almost finished with a re-write of the Ohio Section Emergency Response Plan (OSERP). It’s a solid plan, and we’ve stayed with the basic provisions of the plan. However, there were some necessary changes and additions. There was no mention of the Ohio Digital Emergency Net or digital transmission. We need also to change our focus on frequencies!  80 meters is non-functional during daylight hours, and the evening hours are not much better with QRM and nastiness.  I want to re-direct our primary frequency to our successful 40 meter band- 7.240 is our first choice.  Another slight adjustment takes NIMS and the Incident Command System into consideration. It’s axiomatic that any emergency or major event in a county is going to center around the EMA’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). That’s the first place we’ll be, and that’s generally where the EC should be in order to mesh with the county community. Typically, health, Red Cross and shelter interests would be represented at the EOC as well, so the adjustment just makes sense. We are still using a “County Control Station” and other “Control Stations” as needed at partner agencies, just putting a bit more emphasis on the EOC.  This re-write will also include contact information for each county EC and DEC, and will include something new- an Ohio Section Frequency Map- with as many frequencies as we can gather. Using this, any outside help will be able to at least have a starting point for repeaters and simplex frequencies.

I would like to announce the resignation of my ‘right hand man’, Mark Griggs, KB8YMN.  Mark has lead the ARESMAT organization, and has served the Ohio Section for a number of years in this critical position. In addition, he’s just a great guy. Mark has decided to channel his interest into the very impressive “Ohio Task Force One” organization. I’m jealous!  Thanks, Mark, for all your work.  Our ARESMAT program is continuing, with meetings set for after the holidays to get the “final final” SOG’s in writing, and start serious recruiting.

Another major expert is leaving the active Ohio Section roster- District 5 EC Jim Aylward, KC8PD, has a ton of emergency ‘chops’ and has been one of my go-to experts!  Jim is channeling his efforts to be closer to the EMA organization, so we’ll still have him as a reference.  I have appreciated my conversations with Jim- our coffee meetings always last a while! I am looking for someone to take over District 5- hopefully someone in the Akron-Canton area for travel convenience.

Thank you Jim and Mark, and thank you to all our ARES volunteers for the time and energy you’ve given us.  You all make this happen!

-Stan, N8BHL

Here are our monthly comments-

District 1

Seneca County- No comment
Huron County-1 Skywarn event for Severe Thunderstorm Warning. No damage reported.
Sandusky County- Skywarn activation for Severe Thunderstorm Warning on November 25th with lines down and one powerpole blown over.
Hancock County- No Comment
Erie County- Sky Warn event 11/24/14 5 man hours Severe Thunder storm Warning for Erie Cnty. Many
Wood County-
Lucas County-
Ottawa County-

District 2

Last teaching session in Williams Co. for NIMS/ICS 101(C) Test scheduled for 12/14

District 3

DISTRICT 3 SUMMARY-  Eight of eight counties reporting, 323 Members, 68 Events (37 Voice Net Sessions, 6 Digital Net Sessions, 3 Public Service Events, 0 Emergency Operations, 25 Other Events.

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY- Four weekly net sessions.
CLARK COUNTY- Three weekly net sessions, two other events including monthly ARES meeting featuring presentation on Hamnet Mesh Networking by Greene County Digital Coordinator Bill Curtice WA8APB.
DARKE COUNTY- Four weekly net sessions, one other event; one Public Service Event supporting Greenville Annual Christmas Parade.
GREENE COUNTY- Four weekly voice nets, four weekly digital nets, four weekly Hamnet Mesh discussion nets, support for jointly sponsored license courses and VE test session, GCARES/Miami Valley Mesh Alliance Hamnet monthly meeting, meeting with Beavercreek Township fire chief.
MIAMI COUNTY- Five weekly voice nets, one monthly digital net, four other events including monthly ARES/RACES meeting featuring presentation on Hamnet Mesh Networking by Greene County Digital Coordinator Bill Curtice WA8APB.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY- Four weekly voice nets, one digital net, two other events.
PREBLE COUNTY- Four weekly nets, one public service event assisting Darke County ARES with Christmas parade, seven other events.
SHELBY COUNTY- Five weekly nets, one public serevice ent supporting Wintger Wonderland Parade, two other events including monthly ARES meeting and ICS/EOC Interface Workshop.

District 4

(Partial report, two counties)

Butler- The Dial Radio Club in Middletown installed and

put on the air the first Amateur DMR repeater in Butler County at the end of

November.  With plans of adding one in Hamilton sometime in 2015.  And would

encourage other counties in the District to explore this option if a repeater

currently isn't available.

Clinton- no comment

District 5

Stark County- Stark County ARES completed 4 public service training nets for the month of November that totaled 161 check-ins. ARES members assisted the Massillon ARC with communications support for the annual Massillon Holiday Parade. Seventeen volunteers provided logistics and support communications for this event. The club also provided staging support to assemble the over 100 units that made up this years parade. The event provided 68 hours of community service. Complete details of the event are posted on the Stark County ARES website at www.wd8aye.net.
Summit County- Nothing for this month - Wishing Everyone Happy Holidays!!
Portage County- Again AEC Sandy, KD8JCY does a superb job with training during Portage County's biweekly ARES nets.

District 6

Knox-  Report not filed

Marion- ARES training session subject was effect an Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) would have. A National Geographic video was viewed along with other information on what is an EMP, the effect it would have on the electirc grid and how the ARES members should prepare if one does occure. The Marion ARES also created a RACES group by signing an MOU with the county EMA director. EC Lynn Lovell met with the Red Cross Chapter director to establish a closer relationship between the two organizations. The ARES also now has the Amateur Radio call W8MRN for use on nets and during emergency communications from the EOC at the Marion County Fairgrounds location.

Medina- Report not filed
Richland- Richland County ARES had four weekly nets. Richland County ARES yearly SET was conducted with 12 operators working with the local hospital testing equipment and digital communications.

Wayne-  Report not filed

Wyandot- The Wyandot County Hams met on November 13^th at the Wyandot Memorial Hospital conference rooms. We discussed details pending for a special event station at the Wyandot County Fair. The Christmas dinner party meeing will be December 11^th at 6-00pm at the Corner Inn Restaurant in Upper Sandusky. “73”

District 7

Delaware No Report
Fairfield No Comments
Fayette No EC
Franklin No Comments
Hardin No EC
Licking Licking County ARES had a busy November. We continued our usual nets and support activities for the CERT communications system for the new CERT trailer, worked with the Licking County Red Cross in a discussion with Denison University students who are preparing a grant proposal for communications equipment for the office, as well as working with Jim Sage and Nick Riehl for the Statement of Cooperation between Licking County Red Cross and Licking County ARES. We also took part in a drill based on Infectious Disease Drill with the EMA office. Our part was separate from the primary focus, but involved sending text messages between the 911 Center and Licking Memorial Hospital. Our part in this exercise was successful, and we confirmed several known issues and identified new items to be improved. The After Action Report for our part of! this drill is attached.
Logan No EC
Madison We've added a few new members (some young blood) and are in the final stages of getting our digital setup finished. We also have some other exciting news and will report on that as soon as we get everything done. 2014 has been a good year for us. Nothing major happened and we participated, with good feedback in several emergency tests with the local EMA and hospital.
Perry PERRY County worked on installation of wire antenna at the PERRY County EMA
Pickaway No Comments
Union No Report

District 8

Counties reporting- Athens, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Scioto EC Comments-
Athens- The Athens County ARA and Sunday Creek Amateur Radio Federation joined to support the Bobcat Trail Marathon at Burr Oak Lake State Park on Sunday November 2 with a total of 13 operators utilizing a simplex net.
Hocking- HVARC once again assisted with the set up and preparation of the Logan Veterans Parade. It is always a great privilege for us to participate in this event and to help honor the men and women of Hocking County who sacrificed so much to protect our country and our freedom. A heartfelt thank you to all veterans!
DEC comments- The DEC has been communicating with representatives of Red Cross of Central Ohio regarding the formalization of an MOU for communications support similar to the one between ARRL and American Red Cross. The DEC is working to get signatures to the MOU from the local EC or local radio club where no EC currently exists. DEC has also been creating a list of local repeaters and simplex frequencies used for emergency operations. File attached.

District 9

COSHOCTON CO- Conducted a radiogram instructional class with KL7RF leading the class. How to do the same with 213 forms, etc. I and KB8HEA participated as ground crew for county. Thanks KB8HEA. Did some work on antenna on EMA roof. KB8HEA continues to take care of ARES 145.23. And KL7RF has checked into OHDEN.
GERNSEY CO- On November 22 a Skywarn/ARES net was initiated due to freezing rain in the area. 10 Skywarn / ARES operators checked and reported on traffic and ice conditions. After 1 1/2 hours the net was secured. During the November 22 regular ARES training net two pieces of formal traffic received from the Ohio Single Side band net was passed. ARES assisted with both the Queen's parade and Christmas parade. ARES provide tactical 2 meter FM simplex communications for coordination of both of the parades. The monthly training session was conducted on November 15 with 11 ARES members in attendance. Training included net preambles and radiograms. Members accomplished training radiograms and then transmitted the radiograms on a simplex frequency to a receive station. AECs Bruce, N8JMK and Larry, KD8QYV met with Red Cross to discuss an MOU. AEC Larry, KD8QYV has met several times with the county EMA director to discuss EOC operations and modifying the ICS 213 for ARES use. An emphasis has been placed on the ARES members being able to use their two meter radios on simplex frequencies, using sub-audibles, and generally being able to operate their radios. Larry, KD8QVY was appointed as an AEC and been very involved in building the ARES program in the county.
JEFFERSON CO- We lost a dedicated ARES member with the passing of W8DYF, Joe will be missed by all. Our last meeting was a brain-storming session for winter preparedness, a lot of great ideas were discussed and we are all working to be 'ready' should the need arise
MUSKINGUM CO- County ARES members present at Nov. meet, reviewed Statement of Cooperation between the Red Cross and MCARES (KB8MCA). Also, after a few emails with the Red Cross Leadership, Muskingum County ARES and Red Cross signed Statement of Cooperation
NOBLE CO- No Comments
DEC-9- No reports from Belmont, Monroe, or Morgan Co.Also Red Cross statement of understanding has been sent to all ECs in district nine for review.

District 10
Ashtabula D10 County- November was a great month for AshCo ARES members! We had a number of awards, QSL cards and certificates finally make it in from the events that we participated in over the Summer months. We also took 3rd place in the Ohio State Parks On The Air contest! We are in the test phase, per say, of trying out a couple 440 repeaters that we've acquired in hopes of setting up a decent county-wide, linked system. So far things are looking positive! We are looking forward the club's Christmas dinner/celebration coming up this Saturday. Over 50 people have signed up as of 4 days ago. Here's to a safe start to the snowy season ahead of us! 
Cuyahoga County- November was generally quiet in Cuyahoga County. With the closing of the Continental Airlines Concourse at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, the city decided it was an excellent opportu! nity to practice an "Active Shooting" exercise. This was a local drill for policy formulation, without "scoring" issues. ARES was invited to participate as backup communications. 14 Members from Cuyahoga and surrounding counties adjusted personal schedules and vacation days to participate. ARES role resulted as observers at two points in the terminal with a net control at the Resource Center. With extra manpower we were able to rotate Net Control Duties through the 4 scenarios and test 70CM, 2M, 6M repeaters and simplex frequencies at various parts of the exercise terminal. The necessity of a thought out ICS-205 was proven as the two local primary repeaters failed the day of the test and alternate channels were used. Cuyahoga County wishes all a safe and Happy Holidays.
Geauga County- None
Lake County- None
Lorain- ARES members participated in the Pumpkin Patrol on Nov 1, which positions amateur radio operators on key highway overpasses to be able to spot suspicious activity and alert law enforcement as to potential individuals attempting to throw items on the roadways. On Nov 4, ARES members at the request of the Lorain County EMA, manned vote collection sites around the county to report via radio activity at the sites to the EOC.

SEC's Monthly Report for October 2014

Your MonsterMail form has been completed, following are the results:

Field	Value
subject	ARES Form FSD-96
State	Ohio
Month	October
Year	2014
Number_of_ARES_Members	1715
Change_In_Numbers	1
Number_of_DECs_EC_reporting_this_month	10
Number_of_ARES_nets_active	249
Number_of_nets_with_NTS_Liaison	7
DEC_EC_callsigns	WD8PNZ W8UY W8KKY N8TFD KC8PD W8MLL KA8RLC N8SUZ W8FHF N8AUC
Number_of_drills_tests_and_training_this_month	397
Person_Hours_for_drill_tests_training	3499.6
Number_of_Public_Service_events	33
Person_Hours_for_public_service_events	1194.7
Number_of_emergency_operations_this_month	2
Person_Hours_for_emergency_operations	14.5
Number_of_ARES_RACES_Events_this_month	681
Total_Person_Hours	4708.8
Comment	Lots of counties were active with SET going through basic communications activation, setup with served agencies, voice and digital networking including to the Ohio EOC/W8SGT. We're bolstering the Ohio Digital Emergency Net management by building a broader team. There is a lot of interest in MESH across the state. The Red Cross and ARES are forming a much closer alliance. As their territories expand ham radio will become more important to the Red Cross mission. They are actively engaging ARES as a partner. In many counties ARES is well integrated with EMA's to function as technical advisors and build stronger partnerships for emergency response.
Signature	Stan Broadway
mailfrom	broadways@standi.com

 

October Ohio ARES Report


Many thanks to our Ohio Section ARES members! Your enthusiasm for our SET exercise in October is very much appreciated! I hope it gave your group a chance to practice some of the most basic activities - things we all need to get correct when the real call comes!  A wise fire chief once told me, “The first four minutes of a fire dictate how the next four hours are going to go…” so being able to properly organize, activate and set up a communications network is not to be overlooked. Many of our counties used that basic setup to then key off on additional exercises!  Well done, all!


One thing I’m always thinking about is meaningful training!  The cold has already closed in on us- so it’s time to set up some serious study for your meetings! Think about tapping our partners for help with this! ARES is there to help- communications our first concern, but we can do so much more! Consider these topics which could easily be taught by your EMA people, and think about how much more value you will present when activated:  Damage Assessment. Search and Rescue practices (such as those markings on the front of buildings, and the methods teams might use to grid an area).  You work public events? Consider terror awareness- call the Ohio Department of Public Safety / Homeland Security’s SAIC – Strategic Analysis and Information Center. They put on a GREAT evening that will prepare (and scare!) you. How about arranging an IS-300/400 class, or an EOC class to explain how it all works in that room? Take the number one or two damage potential for your county (your EMA Director’s worst nightmares), do a tabletop centered around that. Here at home, number one most devastating potential is a dam inundation- work up a table top to design a communications network around that. Frequencies? Manpower? Locations? Likely duties?  And don’t forget the Red Cross! Almost any of our prospective activations (even a solid winter storm with power out) can involve a Red Cross shelter- but how many of us has actually operated inside a shelter? What do they even do? Makes for a great class, or even a cooperative drill!


The Red Cross (a partner agency with a national MOU of course) is in the midst of re-drawing districts and responsibilities- if you think you have it big with a county, or a district of eight counties, consider the Columbus Chapter now has pretty much everything from Toledo down to Athens!  That means their communications resources are a bit stretched. Couple that with a renewed interest in using ARES and ham radio, and you can have a fresh new relationship that not only can use your help, but can supply resources (not to mention training) for your needs as well!  Muskingum and Delaware counties have recently held meetings with the Disaster Services Technology Team (DST) leaders Nick Riehl and Jim Sage, AC8FR.  (They are only too happy to show of their gee-whiz comm truck!) 


I have enjoyed visiting with some district meetings, and some clubs around Ohio! Thanks for your hospitality! There are so many projects on my desk- time goes really quickly!  Here’s a sample of what’s happening ‘on the backchannel’.


Districts: Still mulling over moving a couple district border lines. Don’t want to do anything rash, still gathering opinion.


OSERP re-write:  After studying the written format of the OSERP, there were several areas that needed to be rewritten. There was some duplication and redundancy. I am a huge fan of the content- that is, the steps described and the operation outlined by the plan, but I hope it can be made to read more easily. In addition, there is no mention of our Ohio Digital Emergency Net, and frequencies need to be revisited. So that has become a winter project. The goal is to enhance and upgrade the contents where needed, make it shorter and easier to read.


OHDEN: The digital net is an important function of ARES in Ohio- one which will be critical in a widespread emergency!  Yet the entire burden of the net has been carried by my friend Marshall, KD8LAV by himself. We have no other program management in the state without assistants and a team to collaborate, so we are boosting the support for the net. Former manager Gary Hollenbaugh, NJ8BB,  has volunteered to resume the PR and email functions of the net.  Marshall and Gary are working on expanding the technical and training aspects of the team as well- interested?


ARESMAT: We’re in a bit of a lull but everyone has been doing homework and we’ll keep marching until we’re there!


March Madness: No, not basketball. We’re already thinking about how to make our annual meeting worth your time and drive!


April Antennas: You should know we’re talking up a statewide NVIS antenna party! Get your antenna wizards together now to try your best!


Stats: There are at least 1,715 ARES members in our section.  Just in October we had 397 drills or training meetings, 33 public service events and 2 emergencies- accounting for 4,709 hours we gave in service to our neighbors. Well done!


Here are the reports this month from our districts!


***************************************************************

District 1

Seneca County-No comment

Huron County- SET was completed on Oct. 4. Followed the State E/C plan. All of the objectives were completed. Established contact with all 22 county Fire, Police, Sheriff, Hospital , Salvation Army and Health Departments.

Sandusky County- Held our monthly ARES meeting and monthly siren checks for the county. We continue work on our communications trailer by adding sound deadening carpet to the walls. We need to establish SOP for radios in the three county hospitals.

Hancock County-  Quiet Month overall. Findlay Halloween Parade included our ARES communications trailer. Digital Net getting a great turnout after starting again from a summer hiatus.

Erie County-  We had a lot of S E T man hours. No major events

Wood County- October was a relatively quiet month but a month that did offer some training opportunities. Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn requested that we once again act as dispatchers for the very popular and widely attended Apple Butter Festival. Steve Ashenfelter, N8XSF and EC, Bob Schumann, W8NYY jumped at the chance and provided the service. Many complements were received for the service we provided. While we lost a member during the month we did pick up two new members. One of those members is Tom Sanderson, KC8IGC, Chief of the Bowling Green Fire Department. This gave us the opportunity to install an emergency back up antenna at the Bowling Green Fire Department. During the month, Tom Sanderson upgraded his license class to Extra. In reward, several of our members held and antenna raising party and installed a dipole at Tom's residence so Tom is now active on HF and making contacts. Fortunately we had no severe weather during the month.

Lucas County-

Ottawa County- No changes

District 2

Williams Co has started NIMS training (NCS:101) Defiance Co. has completed 147.090 club repeater antenna upgrade with new 4 bay 2 meter antenna and 3/4 " hard line erected at 220 feet, and replaced 442.575 antenna at 150 feet.

District 3 

no comments.  (SEC note: Please keep DEC Bob Rhoades in your prayers! Hoping his health improves!)

District 4

Emergency operations time was in support of the National Weather Service at Wilmington. Public Service events were the inaugural Queen Bee Half Marathon in Cincinnati, and the Run Like Hell 5K (I just discovered there is a race of the same name supported by District 8!)

Hamilton and Clinton Counties were very active in the SET this year. Now, cold weather season starts to collide with Public Service Event season. Dress warm, please don't become a liability when you're trying to be an asset!

District 5

Portage - This is the first year for the Robinson Memorial Hospital Hospice 5 K run. We had 6 ARES volunteers provide communications for the race.

Stark - Stark County ARES completed 4 public service training nets for the month of October that totaled 154 check-ins. There were no public service events for the month however we participated in the annual ARRL SET exercise on October 4th with over 20 participants. A complete report was submitted to both the DEC and SEC. We are expected to assist the Massillon ARC

Summit - This month we participated in the State Wide SET by activating all members on our call list and setting up a net for all members to log into, if possible. We also assisted the Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Radio Club (CFARC) with several stations for JOTA. We also worked, for the second time, an open-house in a 335 acre Girl Scout camp helping with safety and communications on the trails for visitors to the camp. We had a table setup at the net control station with pamphlets about HAM radio and we spoke with many of the visitors about Amateur Radio and how we assist with special events and in emergencies. Pictures of the JOTA and Girl Scout camp setups are attached. The first 6 pictures show the JOTA event including equipment being used including a digital HF station and Broadband Hamnet (MESH) video link setup at the other end of the camp. The last 4 pictures s how the event net control station for the Girl Scout camp.

District 6

Crawford: No EC - Report not filed

Knox:  Report filed – no comment

Marion: SET went well with several tactical groups in action. The Communications trailer team had it set up and ready to go with both vhf and hf antennas deployed and the  generator running. We were able to communicate with the EOC in Columbus via the Marion .47 repeater and on 7240mhz SSB. The digi team were able to communicate via relay from the communications trailer with units located at the Red Cross HQ and a shelter. Great participation on a cold and windy day where all learned new things that went right and how to correct those things that went wrong to be ready when the real thing comes along.

Medina: Report not filed

Richland: Richland County ARES Had 5 Nets and Helped lineup the Halloween Parade in Mansfield. Oct.28th,2014 Was a Cold night had 65 units in parade would like to thank the Richland County ARES Group and IARC Members that helped had 9 volunteers. and Thank Downtown Mansfield Inc. for having us line up parade.

Wayne:  Lights on community Christmas tree are ready.

Wyandot: The main topic at the meeting was repeater and simplex communications. The club is planning their Christmas meeting and dinner party at the Corner Inn in Upper Sandusky again this year. “73”

District 7

Delaware: Participation in the Ohio SET was very good, 14 Delaware ARES members participated and we had a score of 146. Good but we're working to do better. Coming is the signing of the Statement of Cooperation with the Red Cross, Central Ohio group. We are excited about this new relationship with the Red Cross and their desire to incorporate amateur radio into all of their emergency and disaster response efforts. It also helps the Ohio Communications Director for the Red Cross is a fellow ham.

Fairfield: No Comments

Fayette: No EC

Franklin: 10/1/14 Weds night net. 29 check ins, .5 hours = 14.5 10/4/14 SET, 46 check ins, 1 hour = 46 10/8/14 Weds night net, 22 check ins, .6 hours = 13.2 10/9/14 Marathon planning meeting, 7 people, 2 hours = 14 10/12/14 Crop Walk, 5 people, 4 hours, = 20 10/15/14 In Person Meeting, 40 people, 2 hours = 80 10/19/14 Columbus Marathon, 50 people, avg 5 hours = 250 10/22/14 Weds night net, 27 check ins, .6 hours = 16.2 10/25/14 Grandview Pumpkin Run, 9 people, 2.3 hours = 20.7 10/27/14 Leadership Team meeting, 10 people, 2.8 hours = 28 10/29/14 Weds night net, 23 check ins, .5 hours = 11.5 Total Person Hours = 514.1

Hardin: No EC

Licking: October got off to a bang with the SET on October 4. Licking County had a good participation, as summarized in our After Action Report, which is being sent independently. We maintained liaison with our County EMA EOC and the State EMA, even though we did not have HF capabilities in the County EOC at the time. We hope that limitation will be resolved soon. We also were able to establish communications between the County EOC and our local hospital, the Red Cross, and 25 fire stations located around the county. We had fun and learned a lot about some of our strengths and weaknesses. Many thanks to all the folks who helped make this possible

Logan: No EC

Madison: We are on the verge of having a digital setup at the EMA office in London. Next will be working on a new station at the Madison County Hospital.

Perry: PERRY County participated the SET, although a late setup and making contact with 1 surrounding county, it was a good drill on setup of a station at the Perry County EMA facility.

Pickaway: The Pickaway County ARES have a very busy month of October. On October 11, the PCoARES participated in the Ashville Community Appreciation Day put on by the Pickaway County EMA and Box65. There were emergency service groups from around the county there along with an AirLife Helicopter for the townspeople to see. There was also a bean dinner put on to raise money for Box65. On October 14, members from PCoARES helped the Circleville Girls Youth Softball League park cars during the Circleville Pumpkin Show to raise money for the league. Side note: The largest pumpkin this year weighed in at 1964 LBS.!! A new Pumpkin Show record!! On October 28, the PCoARES members walked around downtown Circleville during the Circleville Downtown Business Association Trick-or-Treat. Chief of Police Gray asked if our group would be interested in "being an extra set of eyes" to help keep watch over the trick-or-treaters as the walked around to the busine! sses getting candy. Then on October 30th, the Pickaway County ARES participated in our 5th Annual Goblin Patrol. We had members in different neighborhoods around Circleville walking and driving, helping keep an eye on all the "goblins" that were trick-or-treating throughout the city. We had direct contact with the police dispatcher in the event we seen something that needed to be reported. We have always had great responses from the public, thanking our group for being out and keeping an eye on the kids (especially in the not-so-good neighborhood of the city). I would highly recommend that every ARES group in the state look at doing some type of " Goblin Patrol". I would also be interested in knowing if there are any other ARES group that do this.

Union: No Report

District 8

Counties reporting: Athens, Hocking, Lawrence, Scioto EC Comments:

Athens: Athens County ARA provided comm support for the Annual "Run Like Hell" 5K Fun Run to support cystic fibrosis research. The run was moved from a Saturday night to the Sunday afternoon after the annual Athens Halloween block party which may have contributed to having almost twice the usual number of participants this year. Next event is the Bobcat Trail Marathon on Sunday, November 2 at Burr Oak Lake State Park. Lawrence: We helped Scioto County with there drill Oct 9. We done the JOTA Oct 17&18 we had 8 hams and 10 scouts the boys were able to make many contacts.

Scioto: On 10/9/2014, Scioto County ARES participated in a point-to-point contact drill using our local 2 meter ARES repeater. The purpose of conducting this drill was to test our ability to communicate from various points classified as shelters throughout the county that can and will be used in the event of an emergency. We used this drill to gain knowledge of where in our county we have the most difficulty communicating back to the EOC building through the repeater. We now have a better understanding of where in an emergency situation we can use the repeater with ease, or rather we would need to utilize other nearby repeaters or to activate a simplex relay to pass traffic between the EOC and said shelter(s). This drill was made possible by dedicated, trustworthy individuals within our county that participated as well as ARES members from neighboring counties. This drill was completed successfully despite some local interference is! sues. We look forward to conducting more drills such as this one in the near future.

DEC comments: Only county known to have participated in SET drill was Scioto. ECs were contacted and encouraged to conduct a call out drill sometime soon at their convenience to fulfill the spirit of the SET for this year.

District 9

COSHOCTON CO: The SET was the main event for the month. 16 ARES participated and messages were passed between 6 served agencies. A total of 69 messages on radiograms and 213 forms were completed. Following the OSERP after receiving the call from the DEC we used the calling tree, asked that a NCS be started at an existing station. We also had an OTS at an existing station. The EOC station was on the air soon after activation acting as CCS. Internal traffic was taken to simplex and the 7.045 repeater. The OTS passed traffic to OHDEN and to the OSSBN. The NCS and EOC/EMA were in contact with the state EOC ,W8SGT. We also had fldigi up and running at the EOC and at OTS. Also contact all but one county on our boarders. No answer. All in all a good practice from 09-1330. We are now under way in having a permanent digital station station at the hospital . Thanks to Coshocton Hospital for their support. We also wi! ll be in! stalling an additional 2/440 antenna on the roof of the EMA/EOC. Lessons learned from the exercise. Thanks to AEC N8VV NCS, KD8YTN assisting NC., AEC KL7RF and KC8PUW the OTS ops. Assisting were KC8ZBR and KL7IUC. NF8U and N8TCC and KB8FBN and myself at the EOC. KE8XM and N8MXX at the Sheriff office. WB8SJQ and WN8RGW at the Red Cross. AEC KB8HEA with KC8YXY at the Hospital. I also thank the Coshocton County Health Dept and Coshocton County Career Center for participating. I thank all ARES who volunteered their time and thank our served agencies for there continued support for ARES. AA8BN, Coshocton County EC. Steven Wheatcraft/

MUSKINGUM CO: Muskingum County ARES participated in the Section S.E.T., contacting a few surrounding county and activating the Muskingum County EMA, Muskingum Chapter of the Red Cross and the Muskingum/Zanesville Health Dept. We also pass a few Radiograms to W8SGT via 40 meter SSB. We did have Digital communications setup on 80 meters, but could not hear anything because of line noise. 40 meter digital would have worked fine. We communicated with W8SGT on both HF and VHF direct from our EOC. Muskingum County also had of second S.E.T. PANDEMIC, which is our annual County FLU SHOT CLINIC. 11 ARES members participated ( Kathleen Frederico, KB3RDR, Muskingum County EC, ARRL-VE Liaison ) in this S.E.T.( Brad Newell, KD8QVW, Muskingum County AEC, Liz Nicholes, KC8SIQ, ARRL-VE, Don Parmiter, N8JLF, ARRL-VE, Philip Janke, KJ8N, Alan Day, K8AL, ARRL-VE, Bruce Homer, N8JMK, Guernsey County AEC, Richard Wayt, WD8SDH, Guernsey County EC, Larry Dukes, KD8QYV, ARRL-VE, Sonny Alfman, W8FHF, District 9 DEC, ARRL-VE, Lyn Alfman, N8IMW, PIO, ARRL-VE ), a mix from both Muskingum and Guernsey Counties. We provided a low power FM transmitter ( on 88.5 FM plus Antenna), with messages, to help the County Health Dept. to coordinate and direct the public entering the pandemic S.E.T. area. We also, provided communication help to the partners as needed via 2 meter simplex. Plus, we ate lots of pizza, donuts, ! etc., provided by the Health Dept ( pizza and donuts helped to fight off any infection ) and served by the Muskingum Chapter of the RED CROSS. Muskingum County Amateur Radio Emergency Service ( KB8MCA ), partnered with the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office, Zanesville Police & Fire, Ohio State Highway Patrol Zanesville Post, Genesis Community Ambulance, Mid-East Career & Technology Center, Muskingum County Emergency Management Agency, Muskingum County Fair Board, Muskingum County Information Services, Muskingum Valley Health Centers, Ohio University Zanesville, Red Cross Muskingum Valley Chapter, Zane State College, and Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department, in a PANDEMIC S.E.T. for Muskingum County, OHIO. Muskingum EC, attended an after action meeting with the above partners to discuss pros and cons of the operation. Muskingum EC and partners, present at the after action meeting also sat in on an EBOLA presentation given by the Muskingum County Health Dept to keep us up to date on current pandemic issues. October 22, 2014, Muskingum EC met with Jim Sage, James Applegate ( Muskingum Chapter ) and Nick Riehl ( Region Disaster Services Manager Ohio Buckeye Region ), at the Muskingum Red Cross Chapter Building, on US 40, 3/4mile west, off the Norwich Exit 164 off I-70. I also invited the District 9 DEC and a couple other ECs and AECs from surrounding counties, to attend this meeting. Jim Sage ( Director of Communications for the Red Cross East of the Mississippi ) and Nick, came out and provide the DST ( Disaster Services Technology ) overview to the Muskingum chapter and the local ARES group:. a. They will brought their communication truck for all to view b. Present a 20 min or so overview of DST c. Answer questions d. Met with me, Muskingum County EC Kathleen, KB3RDR and other ARES members to review a draft Statement of Cooperation. Muskingum EC reviewed the draft Statement of Cooperation, and then passed on her comments back to the RED CROSS. At this time we are waiting to hear back from the Red Cross. ! EC Kathleen Frederico KB3RDR

GUERNSEY CO: Guernsey ARES participated in the SET. A week later Guernsey ARES deployed 5 members to Muskingum county and assisted them with their drive through flu clinic. The county EC attended the Local Emergency planning meeting and the county Homeland Security meeting. Two county AEC attended a meeting with the Red Cross. EC Richard W. Wayt WD8SDH.

DEC Dist 9..Only 4 counties set reports this month..Missing were Belmont, Jefferson, Monroe, & Morgan...dec Sonny Alfman W8FHF..

District 10

October was a busy month in district 10! We all found something that needed work during SET. There were 2 public service events on top of that. Excellent job by all in tenth district!

Ashtabula County: Easy going month. Not to much to report on. Just getting ready to batten down the hatches here in NE Ohio. Winter is on her way!

Cuyahoga County: SET was the big event this month. Highlighted shortcomings were: 1) The keeping of useful logs. 2) VHF/UHF contacts were made sometimes made via a remote liaison. 3) The ability to locate other counties using HF. There should be a set of common frequencies to use to find adjacent/section counties on HF should VHF/UHF be out of range. Connections were made by "chance" except for W8SGT.

Geauga County: No Report

Lake County: 17 Amateurs monitored the progress of 435 half Marathoners and 140 Full Marathoners running in the Lake He! alth event. There were no major issues with the runners during the event.A Military Sargent ran the 26 miles in full uniform carrying a 100lbs back pack He was running to call attention to all our Disabled Veterans. The first place 26 miler ran bare foot! That had to be tough on the Headlands road gravel path. OUCH!

Lorain: Lorain County ARES supported the Lorain County Pumpkin Patrol, manning observation points adjacent to bridges and overpasses on Interstates and the Turnpike in conjunction with the Ohio State Patrol - Elyria Post.

 

SEC's Monthly Report for September 2014

Hello all! Here is the monthly report for September. I first want to thank you for all the time and energy you put into this month! The numbers were great. 

You can check the attachment for a full report, but I want to touch on a few. First, the Perry Nuclear Facility held a required federal drill toward the end of September. Three counties (Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula) were fully activated for the drill. This is serious stuff, involving orders like, “Evacuate the major portion of three counties...” and everyone takes it seriously. One county’s graders even asked about the ham operators in their EOC- and were provided paper copies of all FEMA course requirements! Pretty impressive. The test came away with…wait for it…NO faults found. That’s equivalent to getting an “A+” from the hardest professor. Excellent work by all! On the same day, Medina and surrounding counties were involved in a Haz-Mat drill in an AT&T underground bunker, excellent reviews for ARES there as well. Numerous counties held EOC-based drills, that is excellent training for us, and great exposure to public officials!

Important events coming up

~ Jamboree on the Air ~ is set for the 17th-19th weekend coming up. This world scouting event is a lot of fun and promotes amateur radio!

~ MARS – ARES Exercise ~ October 27th-28th. MARS operators (using their ham calls on ham frequencies) want to make as many contacts with Ohio counties as possible to reinforce MARS ability to interact with ARES stations. The MARS operators will be trying to check into VHF nets and HF activities, so I would encourage you to be on the air and listening. One item they’ll need from us is our county “FIPS” code- It’s a federal thing. Here’s the link to find your “FIPS” code (which I believe is the same code used to program weather radios.)

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/codes/cou.html

~ Get out the Handbook/Antenna book ~ Here’s a hint for a really fun activity we’re planning for the end of April. It involves hamburgers, fun, and NVIS antennas. We may have attended several presentations of “NVIS” antennas, and while we think that’s cool, we haven’t really tried any of this stuff. Well, here’s our chance. Study up all winter on what antennas you think will present that ‘killer’ signal, and have them ready for spring. Sometime toward the end of April, we’ll do a statewide Saturday, where we can try out the different antennas, see how many counties we reach and what signal strengths are for each. At the end, we create a table with the antenna, location and reports to reach our “Top Three” suggested antennas that actually work for NVIS! The burgers and coffee should be obvious- this is not a contest for points, it’s designed to rate antennas and just have a good time. ADEC Tim, K8WFL, thought this event that Ashtabula county ARES really enjoys would be something fun for the entire state, and it does sound like a hoot. So you’ve been tipped off- use the extra time to your advantage!

~Red Cross~ I had the pleasure of meeting with Jim Sage, AC8FR, who is in charge of Red Cross communications east of the Mississippi. Jim has been a Columbus Cross guy for years and we met with Donn Rooks, K8AOK Delaware County EC at the Delaware Red Cross facility. One of the duties of ARES in most counties is to communicate for the Red Cross, most likely in shelters or relief operations. While I think the best “home” for us is our local EMA (Red Cross is usually represented at an EOC activation) I would also like to press EC’s to make some face-time available for your local office. Red Cross uses MARCS radios, but there is a resurgence of interest in amateur radio. Jim is interested in each county’s capabilities and there may be some training that you can tap into. It would make for a great monthly meeting! ARRL has an overriding MOU with the Cross, but each county can augment that with a “Statement of Cooperation” or SOG or whatever you want to call it (other than MOU!)

Another agency that is woefully under-communicated and I’m sure will step to the forefront of attention very soon is your county/city health department. It’s a good time to check in with your health officials! If they’re not planning some type of pandemic exercise, they will be soon. These are often communication intensive and ARES volunteers can play a big role. It’s a great place just to exercise our expertise as technical advisers. Consider, for instance, the “Open House” low power transmitters, easily set up to disseminate information to people arriving at a center. Consider video, MESH, and most important fldigi to send digital information to hospitals, EOC’s and other points. While we shouldn’t include names, other specific diagnostics can be sent and not violate HIPAA: “59-year old female, awake alert and oriented, 120/75, P65 R21 stomach cramps, fever –T 102 transporting to your intake facility on county medic 2 ETA 20.” A large-scale patient load that might go to several hospitals could be efficiently handled by sending patient lists using fldigi. Perhaps a monthly training session from Health on “Universal Precautions” and other considerations we might need in a real scenario.

Your time, energy, and professional attitude will help make our served agencies better! We can serve a very important role, but we can’t just wander in and start to work- we need to keep up with our TRAINING so our agencies can be confident in our work!

It’s time to reinforce the need for everyone to complete the four FEMA courses (IS 100,200, 700,800) that are free online and fairly easy to get done. Give an electronic copy of your certificates to your EC, and to the Section data manager Jim Yoder, W8ERW ( w8erw[at]who.rr.com. It’s a good idea to print a copy for your EMA to have on file.

Thanks for everything you do to serve your community!

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ARES Ohio Monthly Report – September, 2014

I think Ohio ARES had a great month in September. Everybody was busy preparing for the SET, and for your own exercises. We had two major exercises at the end of the month. One was the Perry Nuclear Plant emergency drill. This involved three counties (Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula) which were fully mobilized. The outcome of this was amazing. In one of the counties they asked about the amateur operators’ qualifications. Out came the folder and certificates proving the four FEMA classes for each. (Keeping that on file in the EOC is a great idea!) The federal ‘graders’ for the exercise came back with NO faults- that’s like getting an A+ from the hardest professor! Well done! Another exercise at the same date and time was a major Haz-Mat exercise in an AT&T bunker full of Internet gear—and lots of hazardous batteries! It too was a big deal, with some high level observation. Each of these was a big stage to show off amateur radio, and the operators were professional on all counts. Well done!

Another fun event was held in Ashtabula County prior to the nuke drill- they held their NVIS antenna showdown. We’ve all been through several NVIS antenna programs by now in our various meetings- but which antennas actually ~work~? Ashtabula spends a Saturday (with hamburgers and coffee) actually comparing performance of several antennas. This is a fun event and a challenge to new and old timers alike- concoct the best NVIS antenna! I am excited to tell you this will become a spring event for Ohio ARES! More on that in subsequent mailings!

I can’t thank all your members enough for their time and energy devoted to serving our neighbors!

District 1

730.9 Hours

Seneca County-EC Scott Rosenburger KE8JC The group assisted with emergency communications for the annual Tiffin Cross Country Carnival as well as line up for the Tiffin Heritage Festival Parade.

Huron County-EC Clay Benner KB8DNA One Severe Weather event this month for Thunderstorm warning. One Skywarn meeting training session. Planning for SET on Oct. 4.

Sandusky County-EC David Gierhart W8DAG Two Skywarn net activations but no severe weather. Monthly weather siren check for the county.

Hancock County-EC Darl Deeds NA8W Koman Race for the Cure communications were handled by us this month. Several lost children were assisted by amateurs in finding their mothers in the vast pink crowd.

Erie County-EC Bob Heim K8HLH W8SGT Nets, 6 meter wx nets, NORC net Digital nets, Ohio State Parks on the air, contacted over 40 other State Parks.

Wood County -EC Bob Schumann W8NYY No report

Lucas County-EC Brenda Krukowski KB8IUP No Report

Ottawa County-EC James Garber KB8TTR None

District 2

34 hours.

Public Service was the last day of the Van Wert Co. Fair. Williams Co. Culled ARES membership to include those actively participating in training; Williams Co. Began a new series of training programs, September training topic was "Personal Preparedness for ARES Activation" In October training will begin for ICS 100, 200, 700, &800(b) FEMA courses.


District 3

1369.2

(No comments)

District 4

314.2 Hours

The public service event was a new one to Ohio, the Market to Market Relay from Milford (Clermont County, District 4) to Dayton (Montgomery County, District 3). We were privileged to leverage our great working relationship across the district boundary, which really facilitated getting this event done, and well, at that. We lost an active member of the local ham community recently...he was volunteering for another Red Cross job and took ill. Please, always take care of your physical and mental well-being, and those of your family, as your primary responsibility. Upcoming in October are more bike rides, runs (at least one half marathon) and other activities that are scheduled before it is "too cold" to keep doing so. I expect to report an increase in hours for the month, assisted by all of the district's ECs reporting on efforts in their counties.

District 5

738 Hours

Summit County: This month we had two events, the first was an event working an open-house in a 335 acre Girl Scout camp helping with safety and communications on the trails for visitors to the camp. We had a table setup at the net control station with pamphlets about HAM radio and we spoke with many of the visitors about Amateur Radio and how we assist with special events and in emergencies. The first 3 pictures are of the net control station in the park. Our second event, and our largest event of the year, was working communications for the Akron Marathon. We had 32 operators for this event and used 4 separate repeaters and a simplex frequency to handle all radio traffic. We had an operator at all 26 Mile markers, on all 3 Medical Aid vehicles, the SAG vehicle, with 2 on net control and 2 working medical operations at the finish line. We also had APRS on the Aid vehi cles and SAG vehicle that allowed us to know exactly where t! he vehicles were at all times. Once again we had volunteers helping us from several neighboring counties and we couldn't have provided the services the race officials requested without their help. This year there were 15,000 runners in the race, the largest number of runners in race history. The last 5 pictures are of net control, the "temporary" antenna mounts on the Aid vehicles and a shot of the runners on what was a beautiful day. The laptop on top of the net control "go box" was used for the APRS monitor.

Stark County: Stark Co ARES completed 5 public service training nets for the month of September that totaled 205 check-ins. No public service events were scheduled for September although we are looking for volunteers to provide communications assistance to the Massillon Amateur Radio Club for the annual Massillon Holiday Parade in November. Planning continues to determine our participation in this years Annual SET Exercise.

Portage County: Thanks to Sandy KD8JCY for opening and running a SkyWarn net for Portage County.

District 6

574.25 hours.

Knox: No Report filed – no comment

Marion: September ARES meeting had special guest, SEC, Stan Broadway. He gave an excellent talk on the purpose of the ARES program and why maintaining the group structure is important to the success of building a viable organization. He also discussed the upcoming SET and the importance of developing a plan of action and then putting our plan to the test. The rest of the meeting was spent discussing our participation in the SET, tactical groups and ICS protocol.

Medina: Big ARES event was the AT&T exercise with the County EOC. The scenario was a short circuit that lead to a hazardous contamination and injured people. Several fire departments and hazmat groups took part. We helped in dispatching units from staging areas and comm. out of the building. This was an elaborate drill. We also replaced a faulty lightning protector at the EOC and worked some public events. This has been the busiest summer yet for M2M and even though it is tiring we enjoyed the work. Special thanks go to Fred, K8FH for the use of his comm trailer in our events. Use of APRS and digital is increasing. "Go Boxes" are Proving very useful. Thanks to those that put in many hours to help us be more like "ICS professinals". The paperwork is very useful to keep everyone in sync.

Richland: Richland County ARES had four weekly nets in September.

Wayne: Waiting for our new Yaesu Repeater to come.

Wyandot: The Wyandot County Hams had their meeing at the Wyandot County Fair.

The purpose was to look at the areas available to possibly have a Special Event at the Fair next year.

District 7

309.75 Hours

Delaware The Delaware County ARES once again provided communications for the annual All Horse Parade through the streets of Delaware. Billed as the largest parade of its kind east of the Mississippi, more than 110 units, many with two to 10 horses, two local high school marching bands and other non-motorized participants entertained some 10,000 people. Our ARES group provided radio coverage from start to finish with Hams stationed all along the route. And we have been invited to participate again next year. We provided MESH video coverage for the Delaware County Sheriff during the county fair. MESH connections were set up to permit county-owned cameras to be remote-controlled from the Command Unit. The system was in place all week and worked flawlessly. As a result ARES has been asked to help formulate specifications for a major upgrade to the Command vehicle.

Fairfield No Comments

Fayette NO EC Franklin No Report

Hardin NO EC

Licking Licking County ARES members continue to work on the CERT/ARES trailer, especially on the radios and support equipment which will be mounted in the trailer. Our Gator Case for the power supplies, three transceiver bodies, power distribution, and coax jumper connections nearly ready for installation. Control heads for each of these radios will be at the operating positions. We are starting to work on the cabinets and desk tops for the radio operating positions. The EC again has helped the EMA office in editing the Haz-Mat documentation for our County. This has provided an excellent opportunity to get better acquainted with our new Director of the Licking County Emergency Management Agency, Sean Grady W1GDY. Welcome back to Ohio, Sean!

Logan NO EC

Madison We provided communications for the 2014 West Jefferson Ox Roast Bike Tour. All went well with no problems at all. At one point in the race, the value of amateur radio came into light as cell service to both water stops was totally useless. We were able to communicate with and have operators at each stop able to communicate back and forth. This really impressed the race organizers and has already earned us an invitation back next year.

Perry PERRY County provided communication at the North American Wild Turkey Federation (Jakes Day) Youth Activity Day. PERRY County members talked with youth about amateur radio and worked with various youth to make contacts with a control operator.

Pickaway No Comments

Union No Report

District 8

300 Hours

Counties reporting: Athens, Hocking, Lawrence, Scioto EC comments:

Athens: Athens County ARES comprised of Athens County ARA and Sunday Creek ARF activated five state parks (Burr Oak, Strouds Run, Forked Run, Jackson Lake and Lake Alma) during Ohio State Parks on the Air on Saturday, September 6, 2014. All operated on emergency power and temporary antennas except Forked Run which operated on mains service. Both clubs also participated in communications support for the "Run for the Blue Blazes" 5 K Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, September 13, 2014 to support the Buckeye Trail Association that provides maintenance of the Buckeye Trail. Upcoming events include the "Run Like Hell" 5K costume run/walk to support Cystic Fibrosis research on Sunday, October 26, 2014 and the Bobcat Trail Marathon on Sunday, November 2, 2014 which also supports the Buckeye Trail Association.

Hocking: HVARC once again handled the communications for the Hocking Hills Indian Run. It was held on September 20 at Old Mans Cave state park with five operators participating. Beautiful weather and a great crowd.

Scioto: Discussed our course of action for an upcoming drill October 9th at 0900 to test our ability to communicate in the county. This should provide feedback as to who we would need to place where in a time of need as far as operators with mobile capability and those with only an HT.

DEC comments: A district dinner meeting to work on a district response plan was held on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 in Jackson. Scioto County EC Jon Baldridge, KD8PNT and ASEC Gary Stephenson, WW8O were the only ones in attendance beside the DEC. The meeting was still productive as we discussed the Scioto ERP along with some other issues within that area of the district. It has been reported that long-time Lawrence (Southern Ohio ARA) PIO Ken Massie, WN8F is recovering at home following surgery. We wish Ken the best for a speedy recovery.

District 9

125 Hours

GUERNSEY CO: ARES members have been requested to register again so a more accurate roll can be accomplished. There were members who have left the area, become inactive, or just wished not to participate. While the roll is half of what it was, it is a more accurate accounting of members. The roll will probably grow as registration continues. On 19 SEPT 2014 there was ARES training at the EMA. Training covered was duties within the EOC, how to use the ICS 309, ICS 213, and the radiogram. EC: Richard W. Wayt, WD8SDH.

MONROE CO: I have nothing really to report for the month of September. We have began holding regular meetings on the 1st Monday of every month our first one was September 1st. We discussed the repeater idea again and decided to take a different approach this time as far as location of the site. EC: Jeremey Taylor KD8MTK.

COSHOCTON CO: This month an LEPC meeting attended and ARES meeting to discuss Oct SET and continuing test and set up the ARES 145.230 move to a new location. Thanks KB8HEA for working on the repeater. We also had space at the Coshocton County EMA booth at our fair for ARES , Skywarn and CCARA info thanks to the EMA Director. In addition to the repeater Sept was all about setting up for the SET. Talking with our served agencies and making sure equipment and access was a go for Oct 4. In addition to the plans for the SET from the SEC and District 9 instructions, we also plan to have intra county 213 and radiogram traffic. Also following the OSERP, we plan to set up an OTS this time. Coshocton County Ohio ARES® is also now a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ www.nws.noaa.gov./com/weatherreadynation/ambassadors.html. EC: Steven Wheatcraft, AA8BN.

NOBLE CO: Meeting with 911/LEPC/Homeland Security/Healthcare Coalition 1.0 hrs. EC Larry Mason, N8RAF.

MUSKINGUM CO: Muskingum County ARES getting ready for upcoming SET and EC met with served agencies in preparation for up coming Muskingum County FLU Shot Clinic Pandemic SET. EC Kathleen Frederico.

DEC DIST 9: No monthly reports from BELMONT, JEFFERSON, & MORGAN CO. No ARES operations in Harrison & Washington Co. Sonny Alfman DEC..

District 10

880.25 Hours

October was a busy month in district 10! The Perry Nuclear Plant Drill, helping Medina with their HazMat drill, SET, county fairs, and public service on top of that. Excellent job by all in tenth district!

Ashtabula County: Talk about a fun month! Between our NVIS event and our SET drill it showed how much our members shine no matter how bad things get- in this case the weather. Our SET drill especially showed their love of radio. Temps were downright bone-chilling and winds were high but so were our spirits. Few members have had the chance to wait out Mother Nature's wrath in such a comfortable abode, our trailer did well in the elements. Aside from that our Perry drill also went smoothly and members of our EMA were quite happy with our participation and knowledge.

Cuyahoga County: We lost two members (one moved out of state, other removed for inactivity and unable! to contact. We signed up five new members for a net gain of three additional members. Public service events are drawing to a close with four races, plus a hamfest and preparedness fair. Shared resources were sent to an adjacent county for an EMA sponsored disaster drill.

Geauga County: Geauga County Fair, Perry Drill (our SET). Last 2 months have been really good since we have been working with our served agencies.

Lake County: Looking back, it was an active month for Lake Co. First was the OSPOTA which once again proved the value of the NVIS antenna systems. Lake County team contacted 37 Parks in five hours of fun operation. On 9/11 the weather net was on tornado watch for 3 hours. There was the Perry Power Plant practice and FEMA evaluated drills. The PNPP drill will serve as Lake ARES SET for this year. All the elements for the SET were met in the drill plus a lot of direct contact with the served agents. The team of KB8BKE, AA8OY and WB8ZGH worked to complete the installation and programing of the IC5100 in the new County Command Truck. We recommended the relocation of the the antenna so that a better SWR can be a achieved. We hope to have this done before it is used for the Northern Ohio Marathon on October 12th.

Lorain: Assistance was provided in the Susan Koman 5K Run, the River Run Half Marathon, and the Cleveland Forest City Fundo.

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