February's Section Emergency Coordinator's Report

Reporting Month: February
Reporting Year: 2019
Total Number of ARES Members: 1707
Change since last month: 24
Number of DEC's reporting this month: 9
Number of ARES nets active: 399
Number of nets active with NTS Liaisons: 1
Call Signs of DEC's reporting: All minus D4
Number of drills, tests and training sessions this month: 524
Person Hours: 4946
Number of Public Service events this month: 49
Person hours: 418
Number of emergency operations this month: 2
Person hours: 5
Total number of ARES/RACES events this month: 484
Total Person Hours: 5369
Comments: Training! Auxcomm, Wide-area-missing-persons, number of local EOC / agency training sessions all took place. Weather training is beginning already for the spring.
Submitted by and call sign: Stan Broadway N8BHL
Email: stan@standi.com
Files to upload?:

Hi everyone!  Fixed my gutter this weekend…only to have it blown back off the next night. Spring is in the air…moving at a high rate of speed!  Here is the February report.

We have 1707 volunteers counted this month, a change of 24

399 net sessions (91 digital) with 2614 manhours.

524 training sessions for 4946 manhours (excellent!)

49 public service events for 418 hours

2 emergency events (weather) for 5 hours…both in Cincinnati area.

We are getting started on spring severe weather training. Make sure you track when training is available to your county, and encourage your people to attend! It’s a great review every year.  Those northeast had winter weather training this year- something new.  Not available to Wilmington and other NWS regions just yet.

There has been some nice training recently- an AUXCOMM class in Franklin County and a Wide Area Missing Persons Search class staged by Hardin County. Both classes were widely attended.

Activities are starting to take place, with The Arnold in Columbus (and other counties) holding 26,000 ~contestants~ (yeah, 26 thousand- biggest athletic competition in the world).  Amateur radio is critical- every medical team communicates with amateur radio over a number of counties where venues are located.

We’re working on the Ohio ARES Spring Conference- it’s going to be really solid stuff again this year.  April 6, Marion Tech in Marion, Ohio.

SPECIAL NOTE:  BRING A HANDHELD AND A LAPTOP CAPABLE OF FLDIGI!!

Don’t forget NVIS antenna day April 27

Thanks to all who are using ARES Connect!   Improvements are being made regularly, it is getting better!

Keep training and thank you for everything you do!!

-Stan

SEC

We’re getting ready for the Ohio ARES Spring Conference, at Marion. DEC’s have been helping with input for the meeting, and we have some great presentations lined up.  That is April 6.

SEC attended the Missing Person Training at Hardin Co. (Nice job, guys!)

We’re working with the state to improve/repair some antennas at The Sarge. 

Final planning is underway for this year’s NVIS Antenna Day. That will be April 27.

District 1

Congratulations Tim Bergeman KE8IBN for stepping up and taking over as the EC for Erie County.

District 2

Nothing reported

District 3

DISTRICT 3 SUMMARY:  100% of Nine Counties reporting: 305 Members (+3 change); (61 Voice Net Sessions, 12 Digital Net Sessions (73 total Net Events & 326 Net man-hours); 25 Meetings-Drills-Training-Tests (264 man-hours); 2 Public Service Events (52 man-hrs) and 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hrs); for 100 Total Events and 642 Total man-hours.

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY:  (23 members, 0 change):  4 weekly voice net sessions (40 Net man-hours); 0 Public Service Event (0 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours) and 1 other ARES events (5 man-hours) for a total of 5 events and 45 man-hours.

CLARK COUNTY:  (33 members, 0 change):  3 weekly net sessions (11 Net man-hours); 0 Public Service Event (0 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours) and 0 other ARES events (0 man-hours) for a total of 3 events and 11 man-hours.

DARKE COUNTY:  (14 members, 0 change):  4 weekly voice net sessions (7 Net man-hours); 0 Public Service Event (0 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours) and 1 other ARES event (10 man-hours ) for a total of 5 events and 17 man-hours.

GREENE COUNTY:  (58 members, 1 change):  20 weekly voice net sessions, 4 weekly digital net sessions (127 Net man-hours); 1 Public Service Events (32 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours); and 16 other ARES related activities (149 man-hours) for a total of 41 events and 308 man-hours.

     Comments:  Weekly Net participation: GCARES, GCARES/MVMA Mesh Discussion, Greene County DMR Net, BARC, UVARC, GCARES Digital, Dayton East Emergency Response Net (DEER),D3 ARES Net and OHDEN & OH EMA Net. Other activity: Continuing Mesh and Winlink, maintenance, demonstrations, DMR programming and training, served agency equipment inventory and testing underway, served agency meetings, Technician, General and Extra license classes underway.

LOGAN COUNTY (RACES UNIT):  (10 members):  4 weekly voice net sessions (2 man-hours); and 1 other RACES activity (18 man-hours) for a total of 5 events and 20 man-hours.

MIAMI COUNTY:  (25 members, 0 change):  11 weekly voice nets, 3 weekly digital nets (46 Net man-hours); 0 Public Service (0 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours); and 0 other ARES events (0 man-hours) for a total of 14 events and 46 man-hours.

     Comments:  MCES ARES/RACES Net 145.23(-) held each Sunday evening at 2100hrs, 147.21 (+) held each Thursday at 2000hrs, Digital nets using MT63-2KL on 145.23 held each Sunday at 1900hrs & Wires X net on Sunday at 1800hrs.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY:  (87 members, +2 change):  3 weekly voice net sessions, 3 weekly digital net sessions (15 Net man-hours); 0 Public Service Events (0 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours); and 1 other ARES related events (36 man-hours) for a total of 7 events and 51 man-hours. 

     Comments:  Had a total of 3 voice and 3 digital nets for the month. At our Community Meeting our training topic was Damage Assessment.

PREBLE COUNTY:  (16 members, 0 change):  4 weekly net sessions (2 Net man-hours); 1 Public Service Event (20 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours); and 1 other ARES events (12 man-hours) for a total of 6 events and 34 man-hours.

     Comments:  Preble EMA has offered a grant for upgrade of ARES station and antennas. We worked many hours to make a plan and to obtain necessary quotes from vendors. Monthly ARES meeting was held and plans were made to host the next D3 meeting in March.

SHELBY COUNTY:  (39 members):  4 weekly net sessions; 2 digital net sessions (43 man-hours); 0 Public Service Event (0 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours); and 4 other ARES events (34 man-hours); for a total of 10 events and 77 man-hours.

     Comments:  4 Sunday evening Voice Nets 2 Sunday evening C4FM Nets February 18 & 23 Technician Class with 4 participants February 23 - Special Testing Session February 24 - Monthly Meeting.

DISTRICT 3 ACTIVITIES:  4 weekly voice net sessions (34 Net man-hours); 0 Emergency Operation (0 man-hours); and 0 other District 3 ARES activities (0 man-hours); for a total of 4 events and 34 man-hours.

     Comments:  DEC working on Agenda and presentations for District 3 EC Meeting Saturday 23 March to be hosted by Preble County ARES at Preble County EMA Office in Eaton.

     DEC also preparing updated information about Winlink for Ohio ARES website (Introduction, Background, Description, Equipment and Software Requirements and How to Set Up and Operate a Winlink Station.

     Greene County ARES (GCARES) constructed a UHF Winlink Gateway almost two years ago and currently has over a dozen operators with Winlink Stations—some with Go-Kits and also capable of operating HF Winlink.  A DMR UHF Repeater recently was installed in Greene County—currently has about a dozen DMR stations and growing every day.  A GCARES DMR Net is held prior to the GCARES weekly VHF voice and FLdigi data net and a number of GC personnel also are checking into the Ohio ARES DMR Net regularly.  These Greene County resources are intended to also support the West Central Ohio District 3 ARES Region.

District 4

Butler: We had 20 operators in training for the Butler-Warren Counties Severe Weather Net in cooperation with the NWS Wilmington Oh. Our weather siren test was cancelled due to severe weather in the area on test day.

Hamilton: MEETING HOURS-55 ADMINISTRATION HOURS 9

Highland: WEATHER SPOTTER TRAING BY WILMINGTON NWS SPONSERD BY EMA 23 MEMBERS ATT.

District 5

Stark County ARES completed 4 public service nets that totaled 102 check ins. There were no public service events during February. Stark County continues to encourage their members to become familiar with the new ARES Connect System and register their training efforts.

Columbiana County has an EC again. Don Kemp has been reappointed by Scott N8SY. They submitted their report for February with 6 members.

No EC for Carroll County and no reports submitted for Carroll, Trumbull or Portage Counties. 

District 6

No comments submitted

District 7

 Delaware County: Training took place at the county EOC, Director Sean Miller (KD8RBM) provided a "how it works" session. We spent time completing the renovation of the Red Cross station. We prepared for a 3/2/19 event as part of the Arnold.

Marion County: Attended the Missing person training in Hardin county. Great training, Thank you for allowing us to be apart of it. Looking forward to further multi-county training.

Franklin County: Our emphasis this month was preparing for the Arnold Sports Classic at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Ohio Exposition Center. The Deputy Director & ARES event coordinator for this event, Patrick Gibson, KD8ION, reviewed the communications plan while sharing critical tips for everyone. A team deployed communication systems which improved coverage throughout the complex. APRS was used in the transport vans. Hours for this event will be reported next month.

Union County: We had a busy month for February. Jim, KD8KCH did a presentation about FLDigi at the Union County Club/ARES meeting on February 5th. He did a good job. If anyone would like to view it it can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6zG_VnMb9g Craig, KC8FEL from Hardin County invited us to attend a wide area search for a missing person class that was held Feb 9th. Everyone learned a lot that attended it. It was held at the Hardin County Sheriffs office conference room in Kenton. Our simplex digi nets have been going good. There seems to be less issues to work out when working with FLDigi and the MT632KL digital mode. Its good to see the progress our group has been making with it. The new Union County EMA station 720 is coming together. The EMA has been moving into it. We are waiting for the weather to break so the work on the new tower can begin. 73, Ed, KE8ANU.

Fairfield County: ARES/K8QIIK voice nets, ARRL testing, CERT training, Winter weather standby 03-03-2019. Licking County: We had a busy month for some here in the county with planning meetings and training.

Licking Co. will be sponsoring the FEMA IS-300 & 400 class in March and there are several members that have signed up for the class. Several members attended the AUXCOMM Training Class, Thank you to those that set up the class in Central Ohio and there were about 30 in attendance.

Licking Co. had some minor damage from the winds that rolled through the state. We are looking forward to March with several items planned so far. 

District 8

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

Athens: ARRL VE Session Mon, Mar 11, 7 PM, Red Cross of Southeastern Ohio. End of Tech license class.

Ross: Continued radio preparations for the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure

DEC comments: Several public service events coming up in April: Iron Furnace Trail Run, Saturday, April 6, 9 AM to 2 PM, Athens Full and Half Marathon, Sunday, April 14, 8 AM to 3 PM, Athens Gravel Bike Tour Saturday, April 20. MOVARC Hamfest, Saturday, March 16, Gallipolis Portsmouth Radio Club Hamfest, Saturday, April 20, Portsmouth Athens Hamfest, Sunday, April 28, Athens Community Center 

District 9

COSHOCTON CO: The Coshocton OTS group has been successful on 160m with OHDEN nets. Thanks to KB8VIP and N8MXX for 2 way on this band . EC Steve Wheatcraft AA8BN

GUERNSEY CO: Not much activity this month due to sickness and other conflicts. The monthly training was cancelled. EC Richard Wayt, WD8SD

JEFFERSON CO: No Comments. EC Robert Carson Jr. N8CUX

MUSKINGUM CO: NO report.

NOBLE CO: The American Legion Post 641 ARC conducted it first training and information net on Thurs. Feb 14th and its second net on Thurs. Feb 28th. Discussions were mainly setting up emergency drills and working with Noble County EMA. Once again W8BVL meets every 2nd and 3rd Thursday of every month on the Noble County NC8OH repeater 147.285 Mhz and a PL tone of 91.5. EC Gary Oliver KD8OSI

TUSCARAWAS CO: Four weekly nets with 74 operators participating; contact with other ARES members ref. an ARES meeting prior to our regular club meeting in April; contact with AA8BN, Coshocton County EC ref. a combined on air ARES net between both of our counties; also, contacted another Coshocton club member ref. Tuscarawas County participating in their digital net

WASHINGTON CO: No Comments. EC: Joseph. W8jJTW

DEC DIST 9: I want to welcome Frank Wojewodka xx as the new EC for Belmont county. We have not had a EC for this county for some time. Thanks Frank. DEC Sonny Alfman W8FHF. 

District 10

 District 10: Reserve April 6, 2019 on your calendar for the Statewise Ohio ARES conference in Marion! You don't want to miss that! More fun to be had at NVIS day on April 27! ***

Ashtabula County: No comments submitted.

Cuyahoga County: Weekly ARES nets are going well. Members are turning out to volunteer. This month's training topic at our meeting was portable HF operations, presented by Bob K8MD. Mat KC8NZJ had a SkyWarn net control training. He also made a presentation at two local radio clubs on the SkyWarn and ARES programs, sparking several good inquiries from attendees.

Geauga County: No comments submitted.

Lake County: Secured meetings rooms at Tri Point medical center for District 10 Conference on March 2nd. Lake Co. is the host this year for the annual meeting.

Lorain County: No comments submitted.

Medina County: No comments submitted. 

January's Section Emergency Coordinators Report

Reporting Month: January
Reporting Year: 2019
Total Number of ARES Members: 1710
Change since last month: 27
Number of DEC's reporting this month: 10
Number of ARES nets active: 464
Number of nets active with NTS Liaisons: 10
Call Signs of DEC's reporting: (All)
Number of drills, tests and training sessions this month: 566
Person Hours: 4328
Number of Public Service events this month: 47
Person hours: 441
Number of emergency operations this month: 23
Person hours: 881
Total number of ARES/RACES events this month: 636
Total Person Hours: 5650
Comments: 44 counties participated in "Snow Net"- providing situational awareness to the Ohio EMA through HF and DMR nets A revised Ohio Emergency Operations Plan (OSERP) was published. ARES VHF Simplex contest in early January was a success. Some Winter Skywarn training took place in several counties. .
Submitted by and call sign: Stan Broadway N8BHL
Email: stan@standi.com
Files to upload?:

We’re off to a really solid start for 2019!  Our membership reported was up, activity was fairly heavy for a January. Some was due to “Snow Net” with state and local nets in operation! Thanks so much for your enthusiasm- it provided useful information and GREAT awareness of amateur radio to our agencies!

Membership:                    1710

Net sessions: Voice           373

Net sessions: Digi                 91

Total net hours:                2443

Training sessions:               566

Training hours:                  4328

Public Service events:        47

Public Service hours:        441

Emergency ops:                    23

Emergency hours:             881

Total events logged  636   Total hours logged  5650

January, 2019  ARES Monthly Report

OH SEC

We have been working on content for the April Ohio ARES Conference! It will be held April 6, Saturday, at the Marion Technical College/ OSU campus as before.  We want to provide a very useful session worth your time!  Our NVIS day is scheduled for Saturday, April 27.

We have submitted a profile of amateur radio potential and ability to the Ohio EOC’s Watch Desk- the group that maintains a 24-hour staff within the EMA.

Your SEC completed a “Wide Area Missing Persons Search” course staged by Hardin County. We hope to bring some of that information to you all as amateur operators can be an important adjunct to a search activity.

A revised version of the Ohio Emergency Response Plan (OSERP) has been posted on the website.  EC’s are advised to download this and replace your existing OSERP documents.

The ARES January VHF Simplex contest was another success this month! Our SEC article profiles the winners, but thanks to ALL who participated. I hope you learned more about your station’s capabilities during an emergency.

Thank you all for your enthusiastic participation in “Snow Net!”  After conversation with SM Scott, N8SY, and with the Watch Desk, we had also received word that several county EMA Directors had placed ARES on standby as the forecast storm bore down on Ohio. Predictions were dire enough that we opted to call a net on both HF and DMR to provide situational awareness to the desk. We entered our logs into WebEOC on regular intervals. We heard from 44 counties with over 150 reports, split about evenly between HF (which stayed strong through the evening) and DMR’s Ohio Talk Group, which also stayed strong. It was a great test of the system and produced some much appreciated information. Scott received at least 5 calls from EMA Directors who were very complementary of our work.  My hat’s off to you all!! Great work and great PR for amateur radio in Ohio!   This is not something we’ll expect for ~every~ winter storm, but for those which at least have potential to be damaging we can easily activate and provide a similar service.

District 1

 District 1 Skywarn meeting at the Seneca County Safety Building in Tiffin, OH.

District 2

No activity, no comments submitted

District 3

DISTRICT 3 SUMMARY:  100% of Nine Counties reporting: 306 Members (+1 change); (57 Voice Net Sessions, 16 Digital Net Sessions (73 total Net Events & 341 Net man-hours); 19 Meetings-Drills-Training-Tests (441 man-hours); 0 Public Service Events (0 man-hrs) and 5 Emergency Operations (459 man-hrs); for 97 Total Events and 1241 Total man-hours.

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY:  (23 members, 0 change):  5 weekly voice net sessions (50 Net man-hours); 0 Public Service Event (0 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours) and 1 other ARES events (10 man-hours) for a total of 6 events and 60 man-hours.

CLARK COUNTY:  (33 members, 0 change):  3 weekly net sessions (16 Net man-hours); 0 Public Service Event (0 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours) and 1 other ARES events (16 man-hours) for a total of 4 events and 32 man-hours.

DARKE COUNTY:  (14 members, 0 change):  4 weekly voice net sessions (9 Net man-hours); 0 Public Service Event (0 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours) and 1 other ARES event (32 man-hours ) for a total of 5 events and 41 man-hours.

     Comments:  Darke County EC Jeff Yantis KD8KIR reports he completed ICS 300 and 400 in January.

GREENE COUNTY:  (57 members, 0 change):  18 weekly voice net sessions, 5 weekly digital net sessions (110 Net man-hours); 0 Public Service Events (0 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours); and 7 other ARES related activities (65 man-hours) for a total of 30 events and 175 man-hours.

     Comments:  Weekly Net participation: GCARES, GCARES/MVMA Mesh Discussion, BARC, UVARC, GCARES Digital, Dayton East Emergency Response Net (DEER), OHDEN, & OH EM. PREP, D3. Other activity: Continuing Mesh and Winlink maintenance, demonstrations, DMR repeater planning & testing, equipment testing & training, served agency meetings, D-3 Snow Net participation.

LOGAN COUNTY (RACES UNIT):  (10 members):  4 weekly voice net sessions (2 man-hours); and 1 other RACES activity (16 man-hours) for a total of 5 events and 18 man-hours.

MIAMI COUNTY:  (25 members, 0 change):  7 weekly voice nets, 4 weekly digital nets (35 Net man-hours); 0 Public Service (0 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours); and 0 other ARES events (0 man-hours) for a total of 11 events and 35 man-hours.

     Comments:  MCES ARES/RACES Net 145.23(-) held each Sunday evening at 2100hrs, 147.21 (+) held each Thursday at 2000hrs, Digital nets using MT63-2KL on 145.23 held each Sunday at 1900hrs & Wires X net on Sunday at 1800hrs. Miami County took part in the 1/22 Snow Net, no hours provided or number of Miami County operators working this net.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY:  (89 members, +1 change):  3 weekly voice net sessions, 3 weekly digital net sessions (18 Net man-hours); 0 Public Service Events (0 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours); and 2 other ARES related events (20 man-hours) for a total of 8 events and 38 man-hours. 

     Comments:  MoCo ARES had a total of 3 voice and 3 digital nets during the month. Attended the Montgomery County COAD meeting on the 24th & we had our MoCo ARES Planning Meeting on the 29th.

PREBLE COUNTY:  (16 members, 0 change):  4 weekly net sessions (2 Net man-hours); 0 Public Service Event (0 man-hours); 0 Emergency Operations (0 man-hours); and 2 other ARES events (66 man-hours) for a total of 6 events and 68 man-hours.

     Comments:  Operated the section VHF simplex contest. We operated from the repeater site in the year’s first snow storm. We took the county repeater off the air and used the antenna system (400 foot, 50 watts) as a base station under K8YR club call. We worked 18 counties, all of District 3 and as far east as Coshocton. As a big bonus, we worked W8SGT, state EMA with good signal strength. We now have the ability to work into the state EMA on 2 meters direct. We will be adding this ability to our county’s communications plan by using the repeater system as a base station. We had 10 people participate in the event, many new operators. All took a turn at the mic. In addition, several members operated from their home QTH and had a good time. This was a great way to test our capabilities as a group and individual stations. All had a blast! All the snow this month has activated several local weather nets. We responded to a call by the SEC Stan Broadway to be on standby and test our nets and activation capabilities. Our net control operators took turns over the 24 hour period without the EC asking to do so. What cooperation and dedication—very proud of them. We had one new ham pass his test in the county. But with the government shut down, his call has not been issued yet. The new operator has indicated interest in ARES and we’ll accept his application once he has received his call. We will be holding our annual local ARES conference in April 27, 2019. We will be holding several round robin classes on subject of interest to emergency communications. We are looking into CPR/First aid classes for our members.

SHELBY COUNTY:  (39 members):  4 weekly net sessions; 4 digital net sessions (40 man-hours); 0 Public Service Event (0 man-hours); 1 Emergency Operations (7 man-hours); and 4 other ARES events (217 man-hours); for a total of 13 events and 264 man-hours.

     Comments:  1-12-2019 Ohio ARES Simplex Exercise, 1-19-2019 District 3 Snow Net 444.250, 1-26~1-27 2019 Winter Field Day, 1-27-2019 VEC Testing, 1-27-2019 SCARES Monthly Meeting/Training.

DISTRICT 3 ACTIVITIES:  5 weekly voice net sessions (59 Net man-hours); 1 Emergency Operation (191 man-hours); and 0 other District 3 ARES activities (0 man-hours); for a total of 6 events and 250 man-hours.

     Comments:  West Central Ohio District 3 ARES Snow Net was activated by the DEC at 0600L Saturday 19 January and operated in Standby Mode with over 42 ARES and non-ARES participants including 9 (8 ARES and 1 non-ARES) who rotated as Net Control Operators for 24 hours and 10 minutes until the Net was terminated by the DEC at 0610L Sunday 20 January 2019.

Each D3 County was requested to appoint a Liaison Station to monitor the District 3 Snow Net which operated on the District 3 Primary Tactical Net 444.250 Repeater (TAC-1) with the D3 442.750 TAC-2 Repeater designated as backup.  No equipment problems occurred.

D3 ARES assigned Liaison Operators to monitor and maintained communication with Ohio ARES via the HF Voice Net, OHDEN and the DMR Group.  Those operators reported that 80m propagation was generally good for Voice Net, DMR Net worked very well and very little activity on OHDEN--during the time those net, respectively, were operational.

Because of the anticipated potentially dangerous travel conditions, all District 3 Snow Net participants operated from their home stations.

District 4

Warren County had representation on "SnowNet". Highland County was active in Winter Field Day. There was also WFD activity in Hamilton County as a cooperative effort between two of the clubs.

District 5

Accountability for District 5 reports: Reported for three counties submitting Mahoning, Stark, and Summit. Two counties not submitted Portage and Trumbull. Two counties with no EC currently Carroll and Columbiana. 

District 6

No comments submitted

District 7

 Fairfield County:ARES/K8QIK Nets, ARRL Testing, ARES Yagie antenna building & functional testing training, Winter weather standby coordination and monitoring, 26-29 January 2019 : established Comm with ARES Team Members, Fairfield County EOC, FMC, Fairfield County Sheriff, Licking County EC/Operators, additionally established Comm with Franklin and Champaign County's, Reciprocal monitoring and Comm wth Licking County on 146.880, 146.700, 147.030 & 444.500 Frequencies.

Marion County: Even though the Marion Ball drop was cancelled we still had to take the portable tower down. January 19 we were in line for a significant amount of snowfall and strong winds so we opened a Marion County "Snow NET'. We called for hourly check-ins and status updates. We continue to improve our FLDIGI skills and are seeing more people getting involved.This months training was a basic course on Amateur Radio and Emergency Communications. Still trying to figure out ARES Connects.

Licking County: January was a bit of a slow month for us. Planning and building of the new EOC continues along with meetings of upcoming events and training. Thanks to all of the Licking Co. members for being on stand-by during the state wide snownet, though we did not have to much happen here, we did get layer of ice and several inches of snow. Thanks Stan N8BHL for running the snownet, You did an awesome job! We are looking forward to what 2019 will bring and it's looking like it could be a busy year.

Union County: Things were busy in January. The EMA started moving into the new Station 720 on Northwest Parkway. The EMA received the new 2 meter repeater equipment that had been ordered. We will be working on getting this setup and operational so it will be easy to move to the new location after the new tower and antennas are installed there. We had a winter storm that prompted the Statewide Ohio Emergency Net "Snow Net" to form on 80 meters as well as the Ohio state wide DMR talk group. We started a local Weather Conditions Reporting net on the 2 meter repeater in Union County. We had a total of 16 stations participate that covered reports in Union, Campaign, and Logan counties. The net ran from 1pm until 10pm on Saturday taking reports on weather conditions around the top of each hour. A spreadsheet was used to log check-ins and weather information. I later created a google doc spreadsheet, copied and pasted the information from my spreadsheet into it. This made it easy for Grant, KE8JOU to take over as the NCS by sharing the google doc with him. I also shared the google doc with our county EMA director and a few other people so they could see the weather conditions information as soon as it was entered. Our local net was well received by the Union County EMA. The stations that participated in it enjoyed doing so. One of the interesting things that were discovered was how different the weather conditions were in and around the county and in some cases, from 1 side of town to the other side of town. The Union County EC completed the ICS 300 course that was held in Greenville OH in January. Madison County: EC still needed. At this time not sure what members are even active.

Delaware County: Several were on standby for "Snow Net". Planning started for a March 2 "Viking Dash" in cooperation with The Arnold sporting event.

Franklin County: FCOHARES enjoyed a presentation from the Columbus Regional Airport Authority Emergency Coordinator in January. We learned how the airport is coping with the record 8+ million passenger enplane/deplane traffic. Additionally the Emergency Coordinator discussed an upcoming June drill at Rickenbacker Air Base where FCOHARES will be participating. We're gearing up for the Arnold Sports Classic in late February making some improvements in radio coverage inside the Greater Columbus Convention Center. 

District 8

Counties reporting: Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Lawrence, Ross, Scioto EC Comments: Athens: ACARA participated in Winter Field Day from the new Red Cross of Southeastern Ohio HF station.

Lawrence: We had a great turn out for the program "Ham Radio from Across the Street to Outer Space." The program was presented at the Briggs Public Library. After the program The Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association presented the library with a copy of the 2018 ARRL Manual.

Ross: Working with ECs in NW Ohio to plan for communications during the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure.

District 9

COSHOCTON CO: This month an LEPC meeting attended..., monthly ARES mtg... Ohden nets... Simplex event was worked by 7 ARES.......Also a couple snow events, of which one was on standby per, SEC. 13 volunteers were there Saturday and Sunday morn. Mostly a rain event until around midnight when freezing rain snow developed. EC Steve Wheatcraft, AA8BN ..............

GUERNSEY CO: The monthly ARES training covered our new first aid kit. Members also filled out an ICS 205 for a simulated communication event. During the Jan 12th VHF contest three members operated from the EOC. Several in county contacts were made and contacts with three surrounding counties were accomplished. All were made on two meter and 440. For the state "Snow Net" on Jan 19th a Skywarn net was operated on two meters from 3PM to 11PM. Also HF communications were accomplished with state SEC and messages sent. Check in and reports were conducted every two hours and the rest of the time was monitoring. Additionally, one of my AEC's sent many reports via the internet directly to the NWS in Pittsburgh. EC: Richard W Wayt, WD8SDH ..............

NOBLE CO: The American Legion Post 641 ARC, W8BVL will start holding information and training net on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month beginning this February at 7:30 PM. The net will be held on the Noble County 2 meter Repeater NC8OH, 147.285 MHz Pl 91.5. We will then hold a session afterwards on the N2LC Six Meter repeater 53.13 MHz and Pl tone 91.5. The reason for using two frequencies is to determine coverage of both repeaters in Noble County and surrounding areas. EC Gary Oliver, KD8OSI..............

TUSCARAWAS CO: 4 voice nets with 69 participating-138 hours; Tusco Hamfest with 10 operators in attendance; "Snow Net" with 2 net controls and 12 stations reporting- 3 reports to w8sgt; one monthly meeting; communication with county EMA reference Snow Net; Hamfest as the public service. EC Tracy Goddard, K8TAE ..............

WASHINGTON CO: Several Washington County ARES hams participated in statewide "Snow Net" both on HF and DMR. Relayed stations that checked in on HF to the Net control station. EC Joseph Wigal, W8JTW ............

DEC_9: Participated in the State "Snow Net", communicated with the state SEC on HF and DMR over 6 hour period, for a total of 6 Hours. DEC G. Sonny Alfman, W8FHF.

District 10

 District 10: Reserve March 2, 2019 on your calendar for the District 10 Training day at Tri-Point Medical Center in Lake County! ***

Ashtabula County: No comments submitted. ***

Cuyahoga County: We resumed the ARES nets, increasing them to every week. Our monthly training meetings also resumed. The Emergency Activation was a SkyWarn Net, on January 8th. All members are now used to reporting their hours on ARES Connect with very few problems. As long as we keep using this FSD-212 form, the totals for each activity still need to be calculated by hand. ***

Geauga County: No comments submitted. ***

Lake County: Reported into the State wide Snow Net 10.5 inches in Lake Co. ***

Lorain County: No comments submitted. ***Medina County: Sorry It is late. 

December Section Emergency Coordinator's Report

ARRL Ohio Section - FSD-96
Month: December
Year: 2018
Total Number of ARES Members: 1682
Change since last month: 17
Number of DEC's / EC's reporting this month: 8
Number of ARES Nets active: 428
Number of Nets active with NTS Liaisons: varies
Call-signs of DEC's / EC's reporting: N8BHL
Number of drills, tests and training sessions this month: 562
Person Hours: 3319
Number of Public Service Events this month: 60
Person Hours: 690
Number of Emergency Operations this month: 2
Person Hours: 25
Total number of ARES/RACES Events this month: 488
Total Person Hours: 4034
Comments: Unusual Skywarn activation for winds- southwest Ohio
Submitted by and call-sign: Stan Broadway N8BHL
Email: stan@standi.com
Files to upload?:

Ohio Section:  Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Yearend Report, 2018

Ohio ARES members provided at least  $2,674,295.00 in service to their communities during 2018. 

For the year 2018, Ohio Section ARES volunteers donated their time and equipment in large numbers.  The monetary value of their time is calculated using $24.69 according to “The Independent Sector” as used by the ARRL.  We calculate the value of equipment at $300 per volunteer.  December is anticipated based on prior years.

For 2018

Activity                                         2018 Total                    2018 Average Monthly                Monetary Value

Training events / nets	8417	701
Training hours	64035	5336	$ 1,581,024
Public service events	736	61
Public service hours	21856	1821	$    539,624
Emergency events	138	12
Emergency hours	2028	169	$      50,071
Volunteer equipment		1679	$    503,575
		Total contribution	$ 2,674,295

Some major changes were implemented which will assure our volunteers are well-qualified and ready for any activation.

The biggest change was the implementation of “ARES Connect” – a time accounting database managed for the entire nation by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) which is the sponsoring agency for ARES.  ARES Connect tracks events and activities, assigns hours to volunteers, and provides a “real time” report of activity across the nation. Ohio was one of four Sections to BETA test the system, and we are among the top users of the system prior to its full release.  Section Manager Scott Yonally, N8SY, has worked tirelessly to help de-bug the system and provide input on potential problems and suggested improvements.

Ohio ARES modified the training standards to match those which are to come from ARRL. Our lowest level 1 is designated for new recruits and volunteers without NIMS training. They are welcome to work public service events, but will not be on the “first due” activation lists and will not be assigned within EOC environments.  Level 2 volunteers are those who have completed the four NIMS (National Incident Management System) training courses ICS 100, 200 700, 800.  These will be considered full-fledged members. To achieve level 2 certification their certificates of training must be on file with the Ohio ARES training database.  It is suggested paper copies be kept on file at the local EOC.  Level 3 volunteers are those who’ve added ICS 300/400 and other courses such as COML, COMT to indicate their leadership position.  In addition, the “AUXCOMM” course is strongly recommended for all volunteers.

ARES is structured so that each county Emergency Coordinator (EC) operates autonomously with training, relationships and service to served agencies.  A guideline for them is provided in ARRL EC training material, and in the Ohio Section Emergency Response Plan (OSERP).  Under their guidance, radio nets and training meetings help to keep members active and ready.

ARES county organizations participated in numerous drills and exercises throughout the year, from active shooter training to many other scenarios.  ARES members were activated for a number of real events, including missing person searches, storm damage, and other events.  Some counties made use of ARES members during elections as supplemental communications back to the various boards of elections. Others used our volunteers for additional security and situational awareness at fairgrounds, special events, and Halloween observances.  We provided free communication support for hundreds of events including major marathons, Ironman, and numerous other large public gatherings.

ARES members participate in a weekly statewide radio net anchored at the Ohio JDF/EOC where station W8SGT is located right off the main control floor. This activity confirms our ability to communicate from the state EOC to various counties throughout Ohio.  On the same evenings, the Ohio Digital Emergency Net (OHDEN) does a similar exercise using digital message modes, such as would be employed to send forms such as IS-213 messages between counties and from county to state.  Most counties are active in early January for the “Ohio ARES VHF Simplex Contest”, testing our ability to use VHF / UHF frequencies without repeaters to relay messages. In late April, we stage our annual “NVIS Antenna Day”, employing “Near Vertical Incident Skywave” antennas designed to communicate to neighboring and nearby locations. These antennas are the type that might be deployed after a major disaster removes normal communication equipment and antennas.  In late June, we participate in the ARRL’s “Field Day” exercise- where remote stations provide portable antennas, power, and equipment to communicate across the country for a 24-hour period.  All of these activities further our mission to be able to communicate “when all else fails”.

Our ability to provide this important service is dependent on having proper antennas to allow us to make contacts. With these resources in place in our homes and public buildings, we are able to stay ready to provide this important service.

Ohio ARES Monthly Activity Report

December 2018

Ohio SEC 

We’re working on several annual projects, At this writing we’re just getting things ready for the 2019 VHF Simplex Contest on the 12th.  We’re hearing some excitement about this, and several groups are doing some special stuff to have fun- both stationary and mobile.  We have set the date for the annual ARES NVIS Day, that will be April 27. More information will follow.  We’ve begun the reservation process for the ARES Annual Spring Conference.  Two dates are April 6 or April 13, our Marion operatives will be nailing down an open date for us. 

Scott and I are working ARES Connect.  This introduction could be going a lot smoother. Scott has identified a number of distinct issues that need resolved, and we’re waiting on action from the League. I would hope you understand this additional burden will eventually smooth out! I realize it’s another major change to go through right now, but please hang on! 

We’re facing the same problems overall that many service organizations have- we have the ‘old guard’ who’ve been faithful but it’s getting time to look for the second wave…the young guns who can step in and take over the time and dedication to community. The problem is where are the young guns?? We need your ideas on who and how we can recruit existing and new amateurs into our very important community service! 

District 1

Totals include hours for the Northwest Ohio Training and Traffic Net and District 1 Skywarn. I would like to thank retiring Lucas County EC Lowell Kern for all his help and work that he did for the Lucas County ARES group. It was a pleasure working with Skeet. And I would like to thank Tim Grey for volunteering to take the lead as the new EC for Lucas County. I look forward to working with Tim in the upcoming months ahead.

District 2

No comments submitted.

District 3

District 4

Hamilton: Local and State Nets attended. Training meeting sessions. Standby for WX event (high winds).

Highland: Hillsboro Christmas Parade 15 man hrs 72 messages on mars 75 man hrs 

District 5

Stark:  Stark Co ARES completed 3 public service nets for the month of December that totaled 94 check-ins. There were no public service events in December. We continue to encourage our members to become familiar with the new ARES-Connect System and register their training efforts.

(Partial report) 

District 6

No comments submitted.

District 7

Union County: Progress is moving forward on the new EMA Station 720 building on North West Parkway. The tower details are still being worked out. There were water drainage issues that were addressed. The Union County EMA is beginning to move equipment and supplies in this month. The radio room is shaping up nicely. The cubicles are setup for the radio stations. We still need to run coax from the radio locations to the tower location. The EMA also purchased a new Kenwood 2 meter repeater for the new place. That should be coming in soon. We are planning on getting it programmed and setup at the current repeater location then when the new tower and antennas are installed, moving it along with the current DMR repeater to the new location. Attached is a report for our December activities from ARES connect.

Delaware County: Holidays bumped the normal meeting. New Ops Manual is complete, will train in January. Club station rebuild took many manhours, complete and operational. 

Marion County: We have had some mild weather conditions which is good for us in that we haven't had any weather related issues. Although he lived in South Carolina we did loose a valued member to silent key. KD8LBA Darrell Smith. He will be missed. 

Fairfield County: Happy New Year! Licking County; As mentioned last month, our EMA and EOC will be moving soon and several of us disassembled all of the ham equipment at the EOC in preparation for the move to the new location. The feedlines and antennas are still in place so if we need to activate the EOC, we can still set up comms. My rain gauge has recorded 52" of rain for 2018 in western Licking Co. and thankfully there wasn't any severe flooding events only minor flooding this year. Several of us has had time to work on Fema classes. Licking Co. EMA has ICS-300 & ICS-400 classes planned for March 2019. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and have a Blessed and happy 2019. EC: Bret Stemen KD8SCL 

District 8

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

Athens: ACARA Technician license classes Mondays, 7-9 PM, Athens Red Cross from January 7 to March 11 (test session). No charge except for book. SCARF Nelsonville Hamfest on Sunday, January 20, 2019, Tri County Career Center, SR 691, Nelsonville. 

Hocking: HVARC once again assisted with the lineup of the Logan/Hocking Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. We want to wish everyone a very blessed and Happy New Year! 73 from HVARC

District 9

COSHOCTON CO: No comments, EC Steve Wheatcraft, AA8BN

GUERENSEY CO: The monthly ARES training was a table top exercise of a simulated cyber attack on the telephone, internet, and cell services. ARES members were tasked with developing and staffing for 72 hours a communication plan for the EMA. A new very capable first kit was also introduced at the training. Many thanks go to Mark, KC8SBB for obtaining the first aid kit. ARES members also help with the Byesville Christmas parade by providing coordination and communications. On Christmas Eve ARES members staffed a Santa Patrol net to allow children to talk to Santa, EC Richard Wayt, WD8SDH

JEFFERSON CO: Provided logistic and comm. support for the Steubenville Christmas Parade; we continue to enhance our fldigi/NBEMS capabilities with our on-air digital practice, participation in these nets is growing. Thanks go to all who supported our efforts this year, EC Robert Carson Jr., 

N8CUX

NOBLE CO: No comments

WASHINGTON CO: No comments. 

District 10

Now that the holidays are over, watch for good things coming in 2019! 

Ashtabula County: No comments submitted. 

Cuyahoga County: SkyWarn Recognition Day was our public service event this month. We had 15 participants. Our training hours are high because one member completed 83.0 hours of FEMA/ICS courses. Members have been very good at reporting their miscellaneous time on various nets, meetings and trainings. 

Geauga County: Things should be getting back to normal after the Holidays. 

Lake County: Continued our support of the Lake County History Center show by activating the radio room and demoing the telegraph set up for visitors. 

Lorain County: Lorain CO EMARSS ARES activated by LCEMA and Homeland Security To be on standby, for 24-48 hours due to Columbia Gas of Ohio Incident, for possible emergency operations / communications. 

Medina County: Hope you all had a merry Christmas and a happy new year.