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Contents ARES Information Calendar of Events Current News Net Information Picture Page Projects Page Public Service Repeater News Skywarn Training Winlink Initiative

ARES Coordinators

Terry Russ - N8ATZ Emergency Coordinator Mobile Number 330-802-0958 Mike Lackney  - KB8MIB Skywarn Operations Phone 330-488-6230 Michele Gill - KC8ZEJ ARES Net Manager - Net Control Coordinator Phone 330-484-3164  Mike Palmer - KD8ENV ARES Assistant Net Manager David Beltz - WD8AYE Assistant EC, EMA Office Phone 330-309-8156 Link to Contact Page

Served Agencies

Training News

The Emergency Alert System. NOAA Weather Radio. Educational Weather  Information Page. The Current National Weather Map. A great source of Emergency Communications (EMCOMM) information.

Skywarn News     (Jun 21, 2011) -- The National Weather Service (NWS) has updated its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ARRL (scroll below to access a link to the document). The updated MoU serves “as a framework within which volunteers of the ARRL may coordinate their services, facilities and equipment with the NWS in support of nationwide, state and local early weather warning and emergency communications function.” In May, ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN, signed on behalf of the ARRL, and in June, NWS Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services’ Director Dave Caldwell signed on behalf of the NWS. The ARRL and the NWS have had a formal working arrangement since 1986. The NWS, in the MoU, acknowledges that Amateur Radio operators can be of valuable assistance in early severe weather warning and tornado spotting. Through its SKYWARN program, the NWS recognizes that Amateur Radio operators have assisted as communicators and weather spotters since the program began in the late 1960s. “In areas where tornadoes and other severe weather have been known to threaten, the NWS recruits volunteers and trains them in proper weather spotting procedures,” the MoU states. “These dedicated citizens help keep their local community safe by conveying severe weather reports to their local NWS forecast office. SKYWARN spotters are integral to the success of our nation’s severe weather warning system.” ************** Storm Spotting and Amateur Radio is a resource for the Amateur Radio operator who volunteers as a trained storm spotter. This book includes information on resources, training, equipment, safety, storm spotter activation procedures, reportable weather criteria, developing a local storm spotter manual, and the experiences of storm spotters from around the country. It also provides some meteorological information about severe weather such as hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, floods, damaging wind, and winter weather. A comprehensive index is included with weather-related web sites and a state-by-state listing of SKYWARN® web sites. This new publication is available from the ARRL Bookstore for $22.95. ************ Gary Garnet with the Cleveland NWS handed out a Spotter Reference Sheet during the Spotter Training meeting. Supplies were limited and were gone before everyone got a copy. He recently provided us a copy in Pdf form that has been added to our website. Click Here to download a copy!  *********** Severe Storms Rock Stark County during Summer 2007.  Click Here for a review of the 2006 severe weather season from Cleveland NWS. Stark County Skywarn Spotter Statistics. Damage Assessments Report over 268 Million in damage to 60 Ohio Counties during February Flooding. Stark ARES Assists Ohio EMA. ************** Emergency Preparedness Guideline Basic Spotter Information An excellent full color booklet titled "Basic Spotters' Field Guide" is also currently available from the National Weather Service On-line library of Publications. CLICK HERE for a listing of their currently available information guides. **************** Other News NOAA Weather Alert Comes to Ham Radio. Severe Weather Paging Notification Comes To An End. *************** Weekly Weather Fact     The National Weather Service is second only to the Postal Service among government agencies in day-to-day contact with U.S. citizens. And the public seems pleased with what it gets. The NWS's approval rating has jumped to 70%, up from 51% in 1948. Those saying that it was doing a poor job fell from 15% to a mere 7%. These numbers would please many a politician.      Amateur Radio  Supporting Homeland Security "Amateur Radio - The only fail-safe method of communication." Riley Hollingsworth FCC Special Council Retired ------------------ "Amateur Radio - The Last Line of Defense" Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator

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National Preparedness Month
Terry Russ, N8ATZ -  Emergency Coordinator

  (Sept 5, 2016) - - September is recognized as National Preparedness Month (NPM) which serves as a reminder that we all must take action to prepare, now and throughout the year, for the types of emergencies that could affect us where we live, work, and also where we visit. Due to the success of last year’s theme, “Don’t Wait, Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today,” will be returning for this September with a continuing emphasis on preparedness for youth, older adults, and people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.  Thank you for taking time help make America more prepared for emergencies.

Amateur Radio operators participate in numerous drills and events throughout the year and are always prepared to respond to any local or regional emergency. The Stark Co ARES maintains a core of trained operators ready to assist our community when needed. We are also a support communications service for the county Emergency Management Agency as well as our county hospitals and local public safety departments.

WE'RE READY !  Are you ?  Click Here to see way's you and your family can get prepared. Make your emergency plan today.

Alliance Rotary Castle Run
Terry Russ, N8ATZ -  Emergency Coordinator

  (Sept 14, 2016) - - The Alliance Amateur Radio Club provided support for the annual Alliance Rotary Castle Run on Labor Day. Affiliated Club Coordinator John Myers, KD8MQ report that six amateurs participated in this annual community event that totaled 13 volunteer service hours.

The following amateurs participated in this years event. John Myers - KD8MQ; Rex Simmons - NX8G; Frank Sanor - WA8WHP; Richard Humpolick - KD6MPN; Ben Davis - KD8KMQ and Shawn  Gentile - KD8ZEZ.

Our thanks to the Alliance Radio Club for providing support and operators for this event !

Canton Repository Grand Parade
Terry Russ, N8ATZ -  Emergency Coordinator

    (Aug 9, 2016) ...  The Canton Repository Grand Parade starts long before the seats along Cleveland Avenue are filled. Long before the first float begins its journey, when the sky has yet to change from starlight black to morning blue. High School Bands are still finding their positions and tuning up their instruments, parade balloon are slowly being filled with helium while their handling teams get last minute marching instructions and the dozens of classic cars that carry football legends and celebrities alike are lined up like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Among the thousands of parade volunteers, Amateur Radio operators  help to organize this vast ensemble of parade participants. These volunteers are members of the Stark County Amateur Radio Emergency Services and multiple other area radio clubs. For over 39 years, amateurs have provided communications services for this event that will total over 200 volunteer hours of service on this day alone. The parade has grown steadily in size over the years and now is the single largest public service event handled by amateur radio operators here in Stark County .

Again this year over 500,000 spectators watched the parade and behind the scenes lies a core of amateur volunteers many of which have over 20 years of experience assisting with the parade. This dedication is one reason that parade organizers have long realized the importance of effective communications that are necessary in organizing a parade of this magnitude. Also over the years, they have come to understand and appreciate the fact that it takes more than a radio to make an effective communicator. Parade General Chairman Pete Truemper realized the limited range of their commercial radio's and he was grateful to learn that our communications was solid throughout the parade route thanks to our wide area coverage ARES Repeater on 147.12 Mhz.  The Canton ARC's club repeater on 146.79 Mhz was also ready to use as our backup if needed.

The last several years, parade officials have used loaned commercial radio's to maintain communications with their committee members.. While this has worked for routine short range communications, parade organizers have relied on the discipline and experience of amateur operators to handle urgent communications needs and especially medical traffic that occurs throughout the nearly two and a half mile parade route.

Continuing this year, in a reorganization of parade communications, our responsibilities covered four separate areas, each with it's own control point. These were Staging, Route Communications, Dispersal and Medical Support.

Staging is where it all begins. Event organizers and radio operators setup and arrange the over 130 units that make up this years parade. Beginning at about 2:00 A.M., this job is like taking a 5,000 piece puzzle and assembling all the pieces to create the final picture in a little over five hours. This doesn't include the setting up of the Television Broadcast area, Parade Communications Center and the Balloon Inflations area, all included in our early morning duties. At exactly 8:00 A.M., the gun sounds and the parade starts down the route. Terry Russ, N8ATZ is stationed at the  television area to act as communications liaison to Parade Chairman and Vice-Chairman Drew Felberg.

Route Communications then kicks in to help maintain the pace of the parade units. The pace of the parade is set by Canton Police Department motorcycle units. Each successive unit is to follow maintaining a certain spacing set by football helmets painted along the entire 2.5 mile parade route. Expected slowdowns occur during the parade in the TV area, where all units slow to perform for the crowd then speed back up to maintain proper spacing.  

Parade spacing and movement is a top priority for event coordinators, a role headed up another committee member who was in charge of all parade marshals positioned throughout the parade route. Shadowed by a ham liaison Dave Beltz, WD8AYE, he monitors the condition of the entire route thanks to our network of radio operators. As spacing became an issue, Dave relayed instructions to all marshals to get everything back in sync. A task that would not be possible without the support of ham radio. This continued to be a daunting task and thanks to amateurs disciplined communications experience, we were effective in minimizing unit gaps throughout the parade. 

In addition, amateurs watched for trouble spots, assisted with broken down floats, crowd control, seating assistance, media relations, and medical support, these being only a few of the responsibilities handled by amateur radio operators. Net Control, under the direction of Ron Hendershot, KA8FTP, helps to ensure orderly parade radio traffic and maintains overall communications with all parade operations. Ron also monitored weather radar, another benefit provided by radio operators.  Twenty-seven radio operators were positioned along the entire parade route to handle this facet of parade operations.

Medical Support has continued to remain one of our most important parade responsibilities as thousands of participants and spectators crowd the route each year and brave a myriad of changeable weather to watch the grand parade. In recent years, county medical squads have updated their communications equipment to provide for better interoperability between the many emergency medical service units called in to assist with the parade. Due to these advances, amateurs' role in this area was decreased although operators along the route were prepared to assist should emergencies arise.  Again this year several emergencies did occur and radio operators again were called upon to support the EMS in providing communications assistance with this ever present problem area. 

As in previous years Emergency Coordinator Terry Russ - N8ATZ maintained communications with the Parade Chairman  in the Parade Communications Center. This provided a link to both Emergency Medical Service and Police personnel.  

Parade Dispersal continues to be an increasingly complex segment of the Grand Parade in recent years. This years responsibility for as  Dispersal Communications Coordinator was Wade Huthmacher - WD8MIU. 

An important part of the parade, dispersal has had to handle numerous situations and problems including reuniting participants and parents and general disassembly of the entire parade. For the eleventh year in a row, additional volunteers were assigned to this area.  With local amateurs running in short supply, volunteers were obtained from the Akron area including members from the Summit County Amateur Radio Emergency Service and several other area radio clubs including both the Canton and Alliance ARC and the Portage County ARC. A special thanks for these additional volunteers, provided through our Mutual Aid pact with neighboring county ARES.   

The 2016 Enshrinement Grand Parade was another great success thanks to the many volunteers including the amateur radio operators who assisted us again this year. Parade General Chairman Pete Truemper and Communications Coordinators Wade Huthmacher – WD8MIU and Terry Russ - N8ATZ want to thank all the volunteers for their help and assistance during this years parade. Their tireless efforts, although largely unnoticed by the general public, have proven their worth time and time again over the years.

Parade Officials were very appreciative of the ham operators assistance in the parade each year, "I really don't think we could pull this thing off every year without ham radio assistance." County EC Terry Russ agreed: For over thirty years, ham radio operators have been the backbone of the parade, providing the bond that keeps it all running smoothly for the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Committee."  

Volunteers for this year’s parade include the following operators:

STAGING/COMMUNICATIONS Center:  Terry Russ - N8ATZ and Dave Beltz - WD8AYE. General Net Control - Ron Hendershot - KA8FTP.

DEMARSHALLING  COORDINATOR:  Wade Huthmacher - WD8MIU.

ROUTE COMMUNICATIONS:  Steve Simon - KD8SPF,   John Wagner - W8JJW, Tony Casebolt - KD8UXK, Bill Treacle - KD8TKX, Don Wade - W8DEA, Vern Sproat - KE8BYW, and Joe Herrick - WD8BGW.

North Route:  Perry Ballinger - W8AU,  Pat Quinlon - KA8DAL, Jeff Gortney - K8JAG,  Ted Faix - KB8PRK, Jim Mulvanne - KD8MUD, Rick Fligor - KD8NYZ, Nikishin - K8INN, Tom Gill - KC8QOD, Al Perry - KE8EHE, Lori Perry - KE8EHF, Dennis Conklin - AI8P, Carl Cunnert - AB8CC, Keith Obermeier - KE8DTS and Dale Lamb - NX8J.

DISPERSAL Team Leader:  Wade Huthmacher - WD8MIU,   Tom Gill - KC8QOD, Denise Gill,  Leonard Johnson - N8XPI, and Frank Koby - N8SGS.   

Congratulations to everyone on another great Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival !

HOF Community Parade Recap
Terry Russ, N8ATZ -  Emergency Coordinator

(Jul 30, 2016) - - With a slight chance of severe weather, members of the Stark Co ARES, Canton & Massillon ARC's once again assisted in the opening events of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival by providing communications support for the Community Parade held this year on Sunday, July 24th.

Again this year amateurs provided both logistical support communications for parade staging as well as medical support covering the EMS units assigned to the parade route and TV Production assistance.

Digital packet communications were utilized to synchronize the over 100 parade units making up this years parade. A voice relay is normally used to relay the exact line up to Tom Gill, KC8QOD and Charlie Scherger, KB8STV who then send this down to Jason, KC8LIN inside the Television Production truck. This system allowed parade officials to make any last minute lineup changes and accurately convey this to the TV producer. 

Packet is used for this function and has proven to be the perfect choice as it allows van personnel to continuously monitor the status of all units in the parade. This marks the 17th year this has been used and is an important aspect of our parade assistance. The best laid plans they say often go south which again happened this year and severe weather forced cancellation of the parade for the first time since the inception of this event.

As the morning continued severe weather was forecast to arrive in Stark County by early afternoon which caused concern with the parade officials. Once again, amateur radio came through as we established our Severe Weather net on the 147.12 Repeater with Dave Beltz, WD8AYE keeping a close eye on the weather radar for us as the storm front moved into our area. Cleveland NWS established a Severe Thunderstorm Warning just before 2 PM and all eyes maintained constant communications with both the NWS and parade officials to determine if the start of the parade would have to be delayed. Unfortunately the worst of the weather arrived at what should have been the start of the parade. Chris Gumpp, Assistant Director of the Canton Chamber of Commerce was thankful we were able to provide timely and accurate weather information. When severe lightning was seen over the parade route, and for the safety for both the participants and spectators the parade was cancelled and nearly 1,500 parade participants mostly children were gathered and taken to shelter in the Canton Civic Center per their severe weather planning. Heavy rain followed shortly there after forcing all to seek cover. Even though we did not complete our normal parade responsibilities, our Severe Weather experience proved invaluable to the Canton Chamber of Commerce and our community. 

Our other parade responsibility and perhaps our most important, would have been our  role in medical support. Amateurs were stationed with Canton EMS units and provided a common communications link to the medical command center in demarshaling area.

Community Parade General Chairman Roger Manse expressed his heartfelt thanks to all the radio operators for their assistance. "Your operators are a vital part of this parade", said Roger, "your continued support year after year makes all the difference". 

A special thank you to the following volunteers who assisted with this years event. The TV Production and logistical support crew included packet operator Tom Gill – KC8QOD, Charlie Scherger - KB8STV and Jason Stroll - KC8LIN in the TV Production Van.  Net Control was handled by Terry Russ - N8ATZ. Medical Unit support included  Mike Palmer – KD8ENV in staging with  Tony Casebolt - KD8UXK and Tim France - WB8HHP in demarshaling.  Igor Nikishin - K8INN, new volunteers Vern Sproat - KE8BYW, Al Perry - KE8EHE, Lori Perry - KE8EHF  provided reports along the Market Avenue Route. Dave Beltz, WD8AYE provided weather updates to parade officials. 

A terrific job from a great crew, thanks again for your support of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival !

ARES Assists With RNC
Terry Russ, N8ATZ -  Emergency Coordinator

(Jul 30, 2016) - - Stark County ARES was active on standby status during the Cleveland Republican National Convention. EC Terry Russ, N8ATZ was a backup operator for the Summit Co Red Cross Operations Center during the event which was staffed around the clock during the convention. Summit Co EMA was the primary agency during the event. Stark County EMA was also prepared to provide support in case it was needed. Summit Co EC Ken Dorsey, KA8OAD expressed his appreciation for our offer of support for the event. Below are some pictures taken on the Summit Co Command Post.

The main Command Post with volunteers

Hourly communications were maintained between the Summit Co Command Post and Cuyahoga County Main Operations Center

One of the operating stations at the command center

ARES Activity in Ohio
Terry Russ, N8ATZ -  Emergency Coordinator

(Jul 17, 2016) - -  Ohio has started an intense week. With the NAACP convention in Cincinnati and the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, many thousands from all over the nation will be in our state. Most, if not all, will never know that amateur radio operators were among the thousands who either as professionals or volunteers gave of their time and energy to make sure their visit was safe and productive.  

And why are we even involved? Number one- to serve our communities, and our various agencies who rely on us to be there.  Number two- to function as a backup communications path in case any of the normal modes fails. Number three- to keep amateur radio involved (in this case, at the highest levels) so we can be seen as an active partner, trained and qualified to assist in times of emergency.  I consider our involvement a “Big Deal!” 

Internally, we are probably all “spun up” for what will be perhaps the most boring assignments we may have in terms of messages and radio traffic.  If their stuff all works the way it should, we shouldn’t be in the limelight. But authorities aren’t playing this game halfway…readiness for ~any~ situation is their plan and that’s as it should be.   If we come away from this with radio logs containing nothing but hourly checkins, it will be a success on our part! I am praying for no violence and that people just behave as adults.  

Given that we are “only” a backup, what do we learn?  For those directly involved, just the preparation has put us through the ringer. In Cleveland, a year’s worth of meetings has led to a much greater understanding of how not only the locals but the national safety agencies think and operate. Add in Cincinnati and Akron, and we were able to have a front-row seat to see how our agencies plan and execute for “a big one.”   

We’ve learned that no matter how big the agency, there are shifts, decisions countering earlier decisions, and changing plans right up to the last minute. Honestly, some of that reminds us that we’re all human, and sometimes it might not roll as we’d expect. But, that’s not on us! Remember ~they~ don’t deal with this stuff every day, either. “Adapt and overcome” along with the serenity prayer are two of our biggest tools when dealing with setup and execution!

We’ve learned that we can’t just “wing it” when it comes to our internal planning: personnel, radio facilities, frequencies, modes, and scheduling are all major considerations that EVERY EC needs to practice!   The “new truth” in amateur radio and ARES is that we probably won’t be able to count on a large number of volunteers to step forward!  For whatever reason (work, health, other valid commitments) we must rely on surrounding counties and even those further away for manpower to fill our schedules.  For perspective, ~so did the cops~!   They were pulling safety officers from across the state.  

We learned that with the development of a variety of digital modes and the Internet apps comes a time to make a choice of which modes we use. You all know that our OSERP is at the basic level- we cannot assume repeaters, internet, or any dependence on any other form other than RF. But this isn’t a communications emergency…there is no deficit (well, except for cell service in downtown Cleveland). So why not apply things like Echolink, DMR talk groups, and RF linking?  We are able to assembly a broad ranging package of communication that functions as a great test for the future! 

This event is giving us (and the State) a chance to test the CIMS credentialing system, for identification to be used with the Red Cross in Akron. It’s been a separate challenge, as it’s the first time the system has actually been put to real use.  SM Scott Yonally, N8SY, has been working with them since this was introduced- and he worked nearly an entire day to get through some last minute hurdles with the State. He’ll have several meetings in the aftermath to help reconcile the system to ‘real life’ incidents.  

We’ve learned that those FEMA certificates make or break our ability to be on the “inside” of these operations. Kudo’s to those of you who’ve stepped up! 

We have learned anew what many in all levels of this ‘emergency’ business will tell- it’s more about the “Who” than the “what”… it’s about relationships. (Where have I heard that before??)  It all works best when we all work together…and part of that is we remember our “place” in the pecking order.  

So if it all were to stop right now, as the events are just getting started, I will regard this as a great success for ARES in Ohio, and for amateur radio!   

The most important thing I can say is, “Thank you!” to all who are going to be involved. And I want to point out some “Superheroes” among us:  Cuyahoga County EC Matt Nickoson, KC8NZJ,   Summit County EC Ken Dorsey, KA8OAD, and Hamilton County EC Bryan Hoffman, KC8EGV.  Along with District EC’s Eric Jessen, N8AUC, Dennis Conklin, AI8P, and Steve Lewis, N8TFD these guys have been absolutely exemplary in organizing their communications, their people, scheduling and most of all interacting with their agencies.  Here is an example of that- from Jim Sage of the Red Cross. Bear in mind this guy had logistics over five states in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, and he’s been all over the world with disaster relief.  

“I am impressed and excited to work with Matt and Ken. They have, so far, demonstrated the best organization and willingness to work with Red Cross that I have seen in the past 20 years of disaster work. Looking forward to an exciting venture.
Jim” 

And that, my friends is what it’s all about!!   I’ll be in my “Canned Ham” communications trailer at the Ohio EOC (The Sarge is not quite into our new station right in the EOC). Talk about adapt and overcome…  

Again, thank you so much for all your time. We’ll try to keep you updated as things go- but remember in these circumstances, “A quiet net is a GOOD net!”

Stan Broadway, N8BHL
Section Emergency Coordinator - Ohio

2015 SET Results
Terry Russ, N8ATZ -  Emergency Coordinator

(Jul 9, 2016) - - The results of the 2015 ARRL Simulated Emergency Test were announced in the July issue of QST Magazine and the Ohio Section scored third in ARES activity in the US with 4,317 points. Ohio has always had strong participation in this annual event.

Stark County also participated in last years SET holding an emergency drill with other northeast Ohio sections on the 147.12 Mhz ARES Repeater placing us 17th in the state in scoring. The schedule for 2016 has not yet been posted but we hope to participate in this annual emergency exercise again this year.

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ARRL CEO, Emergency Preparedness Manager visit FEMA
Courtesy of the ARRL 

    (Jul 12, 2016) - - ARRL CEO Tom Gallagher, NY2RF, and Emergency Preparedness Manager Mike Corey, KI1U, recently visited Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to further explore areas of cooperation and partnership, in line with the Memorandum of Agreement that ARRL and FEMA signed in 2014.

During the June 29 visit, Gallagher and Corey met with FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, KK4INZ. FEMA Chief Technology Officer Ted Okada, K4HNL, also attended the meeting.

Afterward, Gallagher said, “Administrator Fugate’s detailed knowledge of Amateur Radio is impressive, and his support for the Amateur community is very encouraging.” Gallagher went on to say that he was most impressed by Fugate’s observation that “any mode of RF that will connect across the continent is valuable; we don’t have enough backups to the public switched network.” 

Severe Weather Spotter Training
Terry Russ, N8ATZ -  Emergency Coordinator

 (Apr 7, 2016) - - Stark County Skywarn and the County EMA office hosted our annual Severe Storm Spotter Training this year at Jackson High School on Wednesday, April 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Conducting the training was Michelle Sowers, Emergency Management Specialist and Meteorologist from the Ohio EMA Office. Over 130 people attended this years training consisting of Amateur Radio Operators, area public safety forces, hospital, school employees and the general public.

This training included a new powerpoint presentation that included content from last years severe weather here in northeast Ohio.

County EMA Director Tim Warstler and ARES EC Terry Russ would like to thank Michelle Sowers for the great training presentation, Keith Obermeier, IT Director representing Jackson High School for arranging for the use of the great facility. The training was very well received by those in attendance.

I would also like to thank my Assistant EC's for their help with registration for this years community service. They were David Beltz - WD8AYE, Mike Palmer - KD8ENV, Michele Gill - KC8ZEJ and Mike Lackney - KB8MIB.

Registration was busy right up to the start of the training

The training room was packed with new Spotters

Stark County EMA Activation
Terry Russ, N8ATZ -  Emergency Coordinator

 (Feb 6, 2016) - - The Stark County EMA was briefly activated last Monday evening when a train derailment occurred at the Brewster Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway station. Four railroad tanker cars derailed and one carrying butane caught fire at about 5:30 PM. By about 6:15 PM the Stark County EMA was activated uncertain as to the extent of the emergency.

ARES was requested to activate the communications center to monitor the county emergency station and establish and an emergency net in case additional support was needed at area hospitals and the Red Cross Center.

About 100 local residents in close proximity to the scene were evacuated and assisted by the Red Cross.

County Emergency Coordinator Terry Russ, N8ATZ was contacted and also responded to the EOC with Assistant EC David Beltz, WD8AYE  who staffed the Comm Center for several hours assisting with communications. Once the on scene fire and Haz-Mat crews had the situation under control at about 8:00 PM, the EMA was deactivated and our Emergency Net was closed. EMA Director Tim Warstler appreciated the quick response from the Stark County ARES who monitored communications during the emergency.

A Tanker Car Fire

ARES Volunteers Help to Distribute Water in Ohio Community with Lead-Tainted Water
Terry Russ, N8ATZ -  Emergency Coordinator

   (Jan 28, 2016) - - Flint, Michigan, is not the only community with water problems due to high lead content. During the week of January 18, some 8100 water customers in Sebring, Ohio, were notified that they, too, had problems with high lead content in their drinking water. On January 22, both Ohio and Mahoning County emergency management agencies began passing out bottled water in Sebring. Mahoning County ARES Emergency Coordinator Wes Boyd, W8IZC, activated ARES to assist.

“Response on the workday was low, but a handful of ARES volunteers were able to respond,” said Ohio Section Emergency Coordinator Stan Broadway, N8BHL.

Boyd said, “EMA and Red Cross were overjoyed that radio operators came to work not needing a radio.”

ARES volunteers joined others in moving and distributing pallets of bottled water, and another call went for weekend duty. ARES members from neighboring counties volunteered. All told, the volunteers moved more than 166 pallets of water in 6 days.

“This is a perfect example of being ready to serve in whatever capacity we can, in order to help our communities. Sometimes it doesn’t involve only operating a radio,” Broadway said.
 

Gary Garnet Selected as Meteorologist-in-Charge of NWS Cleveland
Terry Russ, N8ATZ -  Emergency Coordinator

  (Jan 17, 2016) - -Gary Garnet has served the National Weather Service for over twenty six years.  Since starting his career in 1989, Gary has held many positions including:  Intern in Charleston South Carolina, General Forecaster in Charleston, West Virginia, Science Operations Officer in Grand Rapids Michigan and most recently sixteen years as the Warning Coordination Meteorologist in Cleveland, Ohio.  Gary has served periods as the Acting Meteorologist in Charge at NWS Cleveland and briefly at NWS Pittsburgh.

Gary has earned several awards throughout his career including the U.S. Department of Commerce Silver Medal for actions during Hurricane Hugo and the NOAA Administrators Award for work with the Great Lakes Marine Program. Gary has provided support to multiple other NWS offices during significant events such as Deep Water Horizon, Super Storm Sandy and the Super Tornado Outbreak of April 2011.

Gary holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Sciences from The Ohio State University and a Masters of Computer Science from Grand Valley State University in Michigan.

Mr. Garnet assumed his new position on January 10, 2016.

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2015 Year End ARES Report
Terry Russ, N8ATZ -  Emergency Coordinator

  (Jan 18, 2016) - - Ohio State ARES was actively involved during 2015. The year end report recently issued by Ohio Section Emergency Coordinator Stan Broadway, N8BHL reported some impressive totals for the year.

Ohio ARES averaged 1,700 active members across the Ohio Section. Those members contributed over 55,500 hours in training, exercises, participation in various net operations and performing public service. Of these hours, over 2,000 was directly involved in providing emergency communications.

ARES is indeed a viable emergency resource in Ohio and we continue to need volunteers to participate in the many scheduled events and emergency activations that happen here in Ohio. Please volunteer your time when we call !

Stark ARES Display
Terry Russ, N8ATZ - Emergency Coordinator

    (Nov 1, 2015) -- Stark ARES hosted an information table at the October 25th Massillon Hamfest. The table was staffed by ARES Net Manager Mike Lackney - KB8MIB and Assistant Net Manager Mike Palmer - KD8ENV.

Our display included a PowerPoint presentation covering basic ARES & Skywarn operations, a display of several versions of Emergency Response or (Go-Boxes) and informational literature. New this year was literature provided by the Stark County EMA Office.

Many visitors stopped by with questions and comments covering our ARES & Skywarn programs here in Stark County. My thanks to both Mike's for staffing the booth during the hamfest !

Mike Lackney, KB8MIB at the ARES Display

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Severe Weather Report
Terry Russ, N8ATZ - Stark Co EC

 (Jun 19, 2015) - - Situation update to the severe weather pattern that came through Stark County last Thursday.

Our initial evaluation of the area shows most of the damage occurred in the Uniontown and Hartville areas.  According to the NWS the winds in our area reached 80 mph.  The wind damage path is several miles wide with a smaller intense path approximately 300 ft wide.  This path was located in the area of the Uniontown Fire Department to the intersection of Smith-Kramer, Middle Branch and Market Avenue following a path to State Route 44 in Marlboro Township. 

The NWS will be out later today to evaluate the pattern of damage to the area.  There is a possibility that this smaller intense path of damage is consistent with tornado activity.  The NWS suggests at this time without further evaluation that it is possible to have had a small tornado embedded within the larger storm. 

All the resource needs in the damaged areas were met locally with the Red Cross providing canteen services to local responders until 3:30 am.  One person was provided shelter by the Red Cross due to specific medical needs. 

The NWS has determined that Stark County had an EF-1 tornado estimated to be 100 yards wide at 105 mph.  The tornado touched down in Uniontown and traveled East-SE along an intermittent path for approximately 9 miles.  Most of the damage was to trees being uprooted or snapped half way up.  A newly constructed dairy barn in Marlboro Township in the area of Rt 44 and Peters Church road had significant roof damage.  Minor roof and siding damage to homes was observed along the path. 

Throughout the event Stark County Skywarn was activated and maintained close communication with the Stark County EMA office in case our assistance was requested.

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ARES Activation
Terry Russ, N8ATZ - Stark Co EC

 (Jan 19, 2015) - - Stark County ARES was activated the evening of January 13th when a telephone outage caused by an equipment failure in a Summit County AT&T switching station caused multiple equipment failures throughout the area. Here in Stark County local emergency service phone line failure resulted in an emergency declaration and the Stark County EMA office was activated.

EMA Director Tim Warstler requested ARES activation to provide communications and logistics support to his office. ARES member David Beltz was first to respond to the office at 9:00 PM only to find that our equipment had been temporarily removed as building renovation was in process.  Dave contacted EC Terry Russ to respond as well. Our portable equipment kit was brought to the EOC to establish communications. Antennas had also been removed and thanks to support from local radio station WHBC and their remote truck, station engineer Dale Lamm, NX8J, we were able to setup a temporary antenna. This completed we established a net on our ARES Repeater.

During net operations, we made contact with the multiple EMA offices affected by the phone outage. We were also in contact with the Ohio EMA office in Columbus. During the next four hours we helped maintain communications links with multiple offices and public safety forces as well as staff the MARCS Statewide Radio System. The Massillon ARC offered the use of their Communications Trailer in case support equipment was needed.

Stark County Sheriff George Maier and EMA Director Tim Warstler were thankful for area amateurs quick response to this short communications emergency. Full phone service was restored and by approximately 1:30 AM we closed down the emergency net and operations from the EOC. 

Click Here to read the ARRL recap of the comm emergency.

County EC Terry, N8ATZ operates using our Go-Box from the radio room.
(Photo courtesy of Dale Lamm, NX8J)

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"Go-Box" Version 2.0
Terry Russ, N8ATZ - Stark Co EC

 (UPDATED Feb 16, 2016) (Dec 27, 2014) - - While I was very satisfied with my latest Equipment or Go-Box based on the Gator 8U Rack Mount Case, it did have several limitations. On my latest design, I tried to correct these limitations and come up with a more useful Field Box.  The full report including several pictures is posted on the Projects Page.  Have a look at it and let me know what you think. Finally I have been able to collect a lot of Go Box pictures from my travels to several ARES Conferences over the last several years. These pictures are now posted on the photo page. Have a look if you are looking to build your version of a equipment Go-Box.

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ARRL ARES E-Letter Posted
Terry Russ, N8ATZ -  Emergency Coordinator

   (Aug 17, 2016) --  The  August 17, 2016 edition of The ARES E-Letter is currently posted and includes the following highlights; 

Spotlight: Boulder, Colorado ARES - A Juggernaut Letters: Lesson Learned - Mag Mounts, Not So Much California RACES/CERT Personnel Assist Seniors During Blackout Letters: Local Simplex Contests Out There? K4CJX to Chair a Regional Auxiliary Communications Working Group San Diego Microwave Network Adds Important New Client Palm Beach County (Florida) ARES Day A Success

Click Here for a direct link.

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- National ARES News  -

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Skywarn Set to Activate in Hawaii as Hurricanes Threaten
Courtesy of the ARRL 

 (Aug 30, 2016) - - A SKYWARN net will activate on August 31 at noon Hawaii Time (2200 UTC) for Hurricane Madeline. It will continue until September 1 at 10 PM HST (0800 UTC on September 2). KH6SW will be on the air from the National Weather Service (NWS) Honolulu Forecast Office on HF, VHF, and UHF frequencies. A second SKYWARN activation for Hurricane Lester will begin on September 2 at 10 PM (0800 UTC on September 3), continuing until Monday, September 5 at noon (2200 UTC). As of early today in Hawaii, Hurricane Madeline was a Category 3 storm packing maximum sustained winds of 120 MPH. The present movement is to the west at 9 MPH, and located approximately 433 miles from Hilo.

“The present track will bring it to south of the Big Island,” Hawaii Section Emergency Coordinator and Hawaii SKYWARN Ham Coordinator Clem Jung, KH7HO, said. “A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the Big Island.” Jung said a Flash Flood Watch also is in place for Wednesday through Thursday night.  Read More...

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Amateur Radio Volunteers Assisting in Italian Earthquake Response
Courtesy of the ARRL 

      (Aug 25, 2016) - - Radio amateurs are taking part in the response to the 6.2 magnitude earthquake on August 24 in central Italy, International Amateur Radio Union Region 1 (IARU-R1) President Don Beattie, G3BJ, reports. IARU Region 1 Emergency Communications Coordinator Greg Mossop, G0DUB, has requested that 7060 kHz (LSB ±10 kHz) be kept clear of non-emergency traffic, as well as any other center-of-activity (COA) frequencies that may be in use for emergency communication within Italy. (On 80 meters, the COA frequency is 3760 kHz). Other frequencies reported to be active include 7045, 3643, and 3580 kHz (PSK).

The earthquake claimed some 240 lives, although rescue operations are still under way. According to the IARU Region 1 website, Italian radio amateurs are active in the emergency response, and no outside assistance has been requested at this time.

According to Beattie, the Italian Amateur Radio volunteers are “following their planned response with their government” and that any requests for information on missing persons should be made via the Red Cross or other recognized relief organizations.

The worst loss of life was in the town of Amatrice, where more than 180 people died. Tremors in the aftermath of the initial quake were felt as far away as Rome. Survivors are staying in tents or otherwise out of doors. A reported 4300 people were said to be active in rescue operations in the region.

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FEMA Teaming with Amateur Radio Clubs to Present Preparedness Information
Courtesy of the ARRL 

    (Aug 21, 2016) - - September is National Preparedness Month. As part of its focus on community education and preparation, FEMA offers a “Family Emergency Communications Plan” to help families work out their communication strategies in the event of an emergency. ARRL is partnering with FEMA to offer this material to interested Amateur Radio clubs that are willing to present it in their localities during National Preparedness Month. While the FEMA presentation focuses on the Family Communications Plan and doesn’t specifically mention ham radio, the material offers Amateur Radio clubs a great opportunity to raise their visibility in their communities.

A webinar with FEMA Region 1 Preparedness Liaison Sara Varela will take place on Tuesday, August 23, at 8 PM EDT (Wednesday, August 24, at 0000 UTC), to offer background and training for any club wishing to present FEMA’s Family Emergency Communications Plan material in September.

Registration is requested. The presentation of the FEMA material to local communities should take approximately 1 hour. It will include a PowerPoint presentation and links to worksheets that families can discuss and fill out together.

Clubs are free to offer additional presentations on their activities following presentation of the FEMA material. 
 

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   Monitor the 147.12 Mhz Repeater for Severe Weather information here in Stark County !

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ARES - SKYWARN Car Magnets and lots of other items available at www.hamcrazy.com
 

 

Our thanks to Mercy Medical Center for their commitment to the Stark County Amateur Radio Emergency Service and for their support of Stark County Winlink.

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The Stark County Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Canton,  Ohio  44701

ARES^®, Amateur Radio Emergency Service and the ARES logo are registered trademarks of the American Radio Relay League, Incorporated and are used by permission.

 

Our Purpose

Welcome to the new Stark County ARES Website. The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of licensed Amateur Radio operators who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public interest when disaster strikes.

Our Mission

ARES News

Click above for official ARES Logo merchandise from the ARRL.

The Official Stark County ARES Name Badge Supplier. Click on the logo for details.

The Stark County ARES is a proud supporter of the Annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival providing communications support for over 25 years !

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Stark County EMA is now on Facebook. They will use the new social media site to provide ongoing public information about disaster related issues in the county.

Please Like and share with your friends !

Look for them by going to "starkcountyema" on facebook.  

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Looking for a ready made "Go-Kit" ?

Checkout Quicksilver Radio for several ready to go VHF Go-Kits. Click on the pix below to see the current specials.

Have a look at our Projects Page for a review of their latest product.

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