SKYWARN Spotter Training & Certification 2022

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Calling all Lancaster County Amateur Radio SKYWARN spotters. We’re back! It’s been three years since our last training session at the Severe Weather Symposium. For that reason, all spotters are required to attend a training session on Saturday, April 16, 2022, to recertify for deployment.

The new Lincoln Amateur Radio Club facility, 4420 NW 41st Street, will be the location for this training session. It is in northwest Lincoln’s Airpark industrial area. We hope to have the club station operational for tours, but please keep in mind this is a new installation, and we may not be fully functional by SKYWARN training day.

We’ve booked an in-person presentation with Brian Smith, National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist. Training event sponsors NeARES, Lincoln Amateur Radio Club, and Lancaster County Emergency Management Agency will have team members on-site to assist.

If you’ve previously completed “Role of the SKYWARN Spotter” and “Spotter Convective Basics” online courses, you’re not required to retake them if you’ve submitted your certificate to me for our official records. However, retaking it as a refresher is recommended. Go to www.neares.net and find the links to these courses on the right-hand column. Please add Ed Holloway, KØRPT, as your instructor, and upon completion of these courses, the system will email your completion certificate to me.

It has been a long time since we’ve issued Lancaster County Emergency Management ID cards, and we will resume this process on training day. The procedure includes completing a form, updating your ARES information, and taking your photo. Please bring your driver’s license, as we’ll need it to complete your registration. Your data will be securely stored and never shared or published online in any form.

Here is the training day schedule:

  • 08:00 am to 12:30 pm – Salamander and ARES Registration
  • 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm – Brian Smith Presentation
  • 1:45 pm to 2:15 pm – Mark Hosking – Lancaster County EMA – Credentials Exam
  • 2:15 pm to 3:00 pm – Ed Holloway, KØRPT – EC Presentation

We are in the process of updating storm spotter packets. After completing the credential exam, Salamander, and ARES registration, we’ll send your 2022 storm spotter packet in an email. A limited number of print copies will be available on training day.

We will follow Lancaster County DHMs. If the mask mandate is in effect, please have yours available and wear it properly. I’m excited and looking forward to seeing everyone.

Ed Holloway, KØRPT

January Club Meeting

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In-person: Northern Lighthouse Church (6141 N 14th St, Lincoln).
Zoom: bit.ly/LARCProgram (meeting: 937 5139 3405; Passcode: 554816).

Per the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department’s recommendations, all in-person attendees are requested to wear a mask. Thank you in advance!

Matt Jones, ALØR, is a professional tower and antenna system designer and installer. He is going to talk to us about tower and antenna installation, grounding, and safety. This presentation is part of a new series about the specifics in theory in Amateur Radio communications.

KCØLXQ/SK

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It is with deep sorrow that I report to you the passing of a long-time friend and fellow amateur radio operator. Larry Ohs, KCØLXQ passed this morning after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Larry was a member of the LARC and a long-time member of ARES. Larry filled the role of FEMA Liaison to LEOC. Some of you may remember the tornado that took out Hallam, NE. Larry was assigned to Point 5.0. Located just a mile west of Hallam, the tornado completely destroyed his car. Fortunately, Larry escaped.

Recently, Larry and I rode together to Cass Co. for a SE Nebraska NeARES presentation held by James Nelson. We had some real laughs and some serious talks about life in amateur radio. As a retired Lawyer of business contracts, Larry’s input and assistance have paved the way for many of the club’s ventures. Larry not only assisted LARC but, many other clubs including the formation of NeARES.

Our long talks on the phone and the many laughs will be greatly missed. R.I.P, Larry! KCØLXQ /SK

** UPDATE **
Larry’s Funeral is scheduled for Thursday, December 30 at 10:30 am at Southgate United Methodist Church, 3500 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln NE.

73 de, Ed, KØRPT

December Club Meeting

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LARC Annual Business Meeting & Board Elections

In-person: Northern Lighthouse Church (6141 N 14th St, Lincoln).
Zoom: No Zoom option this month. All members must be present to vote.
DHM: Per the Lancaster County Directed Health Measure (DHM), all in-person attendees are required to wear a mask. Thank you in advance!

It is time to elect club members to the LARC Board. It is critical for all members to come and vote.

See the December LOG short write-ups from each candidate and details on how this year’s election will be handled. Come to the club meeting and vote for the candidates you want to see on your LARC Board of Directors.

November Club Meeting

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In-person: Northern Lighthouse Church (6141 N 14th St, Lincoln).
Zoom: bit.ly/LARCProgram (meeting: 937 5139 3405; Passcode: 554816).
DHM: Per the Lancaster County Directed Health Measure (DHM), all in-person attendees are required to wear a mask. Thank you in advance!

Following the Board nominations, Jim Nelson, WØJRN, will give a presentation on propagation, and antenna and grounding basics. A question and answer session will follow this presentation.

December: Elections will be held at the December Club Meeting. Members must be present to vote.