Here's a link to the online version of the story: https://www.kltv.com/2023/03/02/rusk-county-emergency-managers-storm-spotters-prepare-severe-weather/
March 06, 2023
TV station covers storm preparation
March 05, 2023
Get storm spotter training online!
SKYWARN was developed by the NWS to improve the accuracy and timeliness of severe weather warnings. SKYWARN spotters are volunteers who report severe weather to their local NWS office. Although not all spotters are ham radio operators, many of them are. They provide real-time, ground-level observations of severe weather conditions, such as hail, high winds, tornadoes, and flooding. This information is then used by the NWS to issue more accurate and timely warnings, ultimately saving lives and reducing property damage.
The Rusk County ARC often partners with the Rusk County Office of Emergency Management to host in-person SKYWARN training in Henderson. Another way to become a SKYWARN spotter is through online training which covers the basics of storm spotting, including identifying severe weather,
March 02, 2023
March meeting...Learn to WiSPeR!
Nathan (N5NDC) will lead the presentation with all the ins and outs of WSPR and how you can join in on the fun, probably with the equipment you already have. We will meet at our regular location at the South Main Church of Christ, 402 S. Main Street, Henderson, TX. See you there!
February 06, 2023
Learn about Repeaters! (GMRS + HAM)
The Rusk County Amateur Radio Club will host a special presentation on “Repeaters” this Thursday evening during their regular monthly meeting. Participants can learn how repeaters work, what kind of radio to use and how to find repeaters available right here in Henderson, Tyler and Longview.
“Learning how to use a ham radio or a GMRS repeater is a great way to be prepared for the worst,” said David Chenault, a member of the Rusk County ARC. “Almost anyone can take advantage of these systems that groups and individuals maintain at no cost to users.”
In addition to helping people stay in touch with each other, repeaters--both GMRS and ham--are often used to report severe weather during storms and hurricanes.
The presentation Thursday evening is just one in a series of topics specifically of interest to GMRS users. Chenault says people wanting to use GMRS radios need to get an FCC license. He adds that the good news is the license fee is only $35 and is valid for 10 years. Best of all, almost anyone can get one because there is no test to take like there is for ham radio licenses.
The program is free and open to the public. It begins at 7 p.m., Thursday, February 9, at the meeting room at the South Main Church of Christ, 401 S. Main, in Henderson.
January 16, 2023
All invited for fun and fellowship!
Keith has graciously offered his Deer Camp just up the road at the site. While it would definitely be described as "roughing it" by most, the deer camp does boast a small metal building with carport-style canopy to provide shelter from the elements. There is no commercial power or running water (and no bathrooms) but there are battery operated lights, a propane heater, a campfire and an amazing set of stars in the night sky! The road from the County Road to the camp is also a little rough. A high-clearance vehicle, like a truck, is recommended. However, don't let you car stop you from coming. Someone will be able to meet you at the gate if needed.
We'll have two radios setup; one for voice and one for CW along with multiple antennas. There's be lots of food and fellowship as well! We'll have chili and hotdogs, snacks and more. Although not required, feel free to bring something with you to add to the feast.
Everyone needs to bring their own lawn chair. If you come early enough and would like to fish there is a pond with catfish and lots of roads and trails if you are up to a hike through the woods. Remember, there are no restroom facilities so plan according. Bring a friend and hope to see you there!
Date: January 28th & 29, 2023
Time: Come & Go. Well meet there around 10 am to set up. (The contest starts at 1pm and lasts 24 hours unless we decide to give up early and go home.)
Location: Keith’s (KN5G) Deer Camp 32.174470, -94.735544 (Map)
(The deer camp is on the west side of county road 222, between FM 3135 and State HI way 43, northeast of Henderson, Texas.)
December 04, 2022
A very Merry Christmas to all!
It was very interesting to listen to the variety of conversation around the tables while people visited and enjoyed the meal. Very few of them involved ham radio! After eating, several folks got a chance to tour Lion's Stadium as a small bonus.
Merry Christmas to all and keep the radios on!
August 27, 2022
FREE: "Radio for Everyone" program
Recent changes by the FCC have lowered the hurdles to get a radio license, especially a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license. This means that practically everyone can get and begin using a GMRS radio for a variety for purposes.
GMRS radio are very popular among Jeep enthusiasts and other hiking, off-roading and overlanding groups. Some off-road parks even require the vehicle to be equipped with a GMRS radio. GMRS is also useful for emergency communications situations or for community response teams like CERT and SKYWARN.
Join us Thursday, September 8, 2022 for a special program to learn how GMRS can help you and your family prepare for the unexpected or enjoy the outdoors. The program is free and hosted by the RCARC. It will be held in the Multi-purpose Building (or Community Room) at the South Main Church of Christ, 402 South Main, Henderson, Tx. Parking is available on the Van Buren side of the building.
June 11, 2022
KI5GPN (Gary Jarvis): SK
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Mr. Gary Jarvis, 78, passed away on May 15, 2022 in Palestine, TX after losing his battle with cancer.
Gary was born in Henderson, TX to the late AJ and Evon (Rogers) Jarvis on August 20, 1943 and was a graduate of Henderson High School. Always trying to find a new adventure, he joined the United States Air Force in November 1961 and continued traveling the world as a Merchant Marine before retiring in 2003 as a Chief Engineer for Tidewater. In his spare time, he enjoyed two-way radios, boating, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Dwight Jarvis, and step-father Les Tolbirt.
He is survived by his wife, Betsy of Raleigh, NC; five children, Michelle of Huntsville, TX, Gary Jr. of Houston, TX, William of Montgomery, TX, Julie of Bentonville, AR, and Jillian of Durham, NC; siblings, Phillip and wife Debbie of Brazoria, TX, Patricia and husband Larry of Sugar Land, TX, and William and wife Stephanie of Pecan Grove, TX; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and many friends.
Graveside services for Mr. Jarvis were held on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Rusk County Memorial Gardens at 11:00 AM with Chuck Swindell officiating.
May 07, 2022
RCARC donations now tax deductible!
"I'm so excited to finally have this done," Karan told the club during a recent meeting. "It took some time, but now that we have our confirmation, I'm glad we did it."
The club is now formally recognized by the IRS as a non-profit "501(c)3" organization which allows donors to deduct most contributions when filing income tax forms with the IRS. Most corporations and foundations that offer donations or grants also require receiving organizations to be designated as a 501(c)3. It provides transparency and serves as verification that the organization it committed to a charitable cause. In the RCARC's case, that is to promote the Amateur Radio, provide education in the radio sciences and provide public service using radio such as storm spotting or emergency response. The designation also helps ensure that funds are used appropriately and do not personally benefit club members.
The RCARC is also registered with GuideStar which helps to track non-profit organizations and provide transparency to the public. This opens the door for donations from companies like Amazon which will donate a portion of sales to 501(c)3 groups. (Visit Smile.Amazon.com to have your purchases count!) The RCARC is also recognized by TechSoup, a verification company that qualifies groups for donations from large technology corporations such as Google and Microsoft.
April 11, 2022
ARES Ops support Annual 10K race
"When are so glad to have you all help out," said Kayla, who oversees race preparations. "It was different this year, but your group is always so prepared and ready to go!"
Although the weather was perfect for this year's race, there was a snag during the middle of the event. Several of the 10K runners took a sudden wrong turn during the route and got lost. It was the quick work of the Rusk County ARES operators who were able to spot the wayward runners and report them back on track.
Before the race began, ARES members were deployed to several locations along the race route to report on runners' progress and unexpected emergencies. One operator was assigned to a mobile unit driven by a race official.
The race, once again, proved a valuable training ground for more serious emergency response scenarios while allowing all the operators a fun time to get active. Plus, everyone got a free t-shirt!