Southern Illinois Emergency Radio Association

Meeting Minutes

December 21, 2022

  • Meeting location: 605 Metropolis Street, Metropolis, IL
  • Meeting Conducted By: Ronnie Stone – VP
  • The meeting was called to order at approximately 1745 hrs.
  • The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ronnie Stone – VP.
  • Members present:
    • Ronnie Stone – Vice President
    • Lori Klingensmith-Treasurer
    • Lloyd Baker
    • Geoff Williams
  • Guests Present:
    • Tom Bebe (W9RY)– ARRL Illinois  Section Leader
  • Minutes of the last meeting were read –
    • Motion to accept as read by Lloyd Baker
    • Seconded by Lori Klingensmith
    • Passed unanimously.
  • Ronnie Stone discussed the December 15th Paducah A.R.E.S. which he and Geoff Williams attended.
    • Garry Wheatley discussed –
      •  WinLink and its use during emergency situations whereby E-mails can be sent via RF.
      • TelNet via computer over Internet.
      • FEMA classes required by most EOCs for volunteers to be able to work the centers during declared emergencies – IS-909 Community Preparedness.
        • Classes: 100, 200, 700 and 800.  All classes are available on-line.
    • There will be an amateur radio class available for children between the ages of 8 – 12 yoa to be held on February 18, 2023 beginning at 1700 hrs. The location will be the Gospel Assembly Church in Paducah, Ky.
    • Ron briefly discussed our, SIERAs possible future involvement with Paducah ARES & the National Weather Service during severe weather events.
  • A group tour of the Paducah office of the NWS will be looked into and a future date set.
  • Tom Bebe –
    • Stated he has been working closely with the Paducah NWS to coordinate amateur radio operator’s assistance in weather emergencies.
    • He has donated a HT for the use of the NWS personnel.
    • He has also assisted them with work on their antenna rotor, which has been out-of-service.
    • Tom is putting the finishing touches on a regional activation plan and will return to go through it with us once it is finalized.
    • Tom advised that SkyWarn and ARES are NOT the same thing. There appears to be some confusion along those lines with some amateur operators.
    • Volunteers On The Air (VOTA) W1AW, will be operating a year-long activity for 2023.
    • Tom advised that we, as an ARRL club, are required to have a Public Information Officer (PIO).  This information came during discussion of the November meeting minutes regarding the PIO position.
    • There will be a new Illinois Section Web page coming on-line in early 2023.
    • Tom requests that all clubs forward club activity photo images to him via E-mail for him to use in the printing of a new Section banner for special events.
    • There is an Illinois ARRL directory that can be found at <i/clubs.org>. Club information can also be dropped at the site.
    • Tom informed us that he and three other Extra class operators offer a one day Technician class. The usual hours are 0800-1700 hrs.
      • He reported that they have had very good results with a vast majority of attendees passing their test.
      • They need a minimum of 10 participants to put on a class.
      • There is no fee for testing.
    • They also offer a two day General operator’s class.
  • During discussion of our future special event participation Ronnie Stone mentioned he could have a banner identifying our group made locally. Tom Bebe stated  he has banners he can loan to us and other clubs for events. We just need to let him know in advance so he can get them to us in a timely manner.
  • We need to decide on a club Web site address. Suggestions are requested. Send them to Jay Smock – President.
  • Lloyd Baker – Volunteer Examination Coordinator, discussed the ARRL and WY5I VE programs.
  • The meeting was adjourned at approximately 1911 hrs.

Meeting Minutes submitted by: Geoff Williams