March 05, 2013

New club established for area hams

A group of seven Rusk County Hams recently met to establish a new Amateur Radio club in East Texas. President Keith Ballow says the organization is hoping to promote ham radio to a new generation.

"We hope to bring the excitement of ham radio and electronics to the young people of Rusk County," said Ballow. "Of course, we'll have activities for all ages. Several local hams are interested in storm spotting, community service, emergency preparedness and even just talking to folks on the radio."

The Rusk County Amateur Radio Club is made up local amateur radio operators and their families. "Hams," as they are often called, are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to operate two-way radios on shortwave, VHF, microwave and other frequencies. While most often seen providing emergency communications during natural distastes  many hams enjoy talking around town or around the world nearly everyday.