The ARRL SET will be held on Saturday October 1. 

The second part of the drill will be held on Thursday October 13 at 6:30 at Bliss park.  ARES members should park in the front parking lot of Covenant Cooper Hospital on Michigan Ave at Houghton.

West Michigan Breakaway June 11-12, 2011
Mid Michigan Breakaway July 16-17, 2011
Bavarian Breakaway September 24-25, 2011


The Michigan Bike MS events are held to help the Michigan chapter of The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, raise funds and awareness for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Michigan.  As ham communicators our goals are to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art amateur radio communications to support the MS Society, and at the same time to encourage as many amateurs as possible to participate in what has become the largest Public Service Events in Michigan. We need your continued support to expand and continue this role in communications.

Information for the different events and signup information are listed on the website http://mibikemshams.org/

I look forwarded to seeing all the old faces and new faces at the events this year.

Thanks 73, Fred - W8FSM, Michigan MS-150 Amateur Radio Communications
Manager (ARCM)

Genesee County is looking for radio operators to work the Crimm Race to be held in Flint on Saturday August 27, 2011.

Operators will meet at 5:30 AM at Vogt's Flower Shop parking lot on the corner of Fifth Ave. and Garland in Flint.

If you would like to work this event, please contact KC8YVF.

http://www.crim.org/

The fifth annual Saginaw County Family Preparedness Fair will be held Tuesday August 2 in conjunction with the National Night Out event  from 5 PM until 9 PM at the Saginaw Township Soccer Fields on McCarty Rd in Saginaw Township.  The ARES group will participate in this event and which will showcase Skywarn Weather Safety, Emergency Service, HF and other Amateur Radio capabilities.  This event draws well over 1000 people from around the county so come show your support.

A Special Event station will be in operation from 2100Z to 0100Z (5:00pm to 9:00pm EDT).  Certificates will be available for the QSO by sending your QSO information along with a 9x12 inch self-addressed, stamped envelope to address listed below.
Frequencies will be 14.260, 7.260, 3.860 or close to them.

Dave Schneider
7680 Krisdale Dr
Saginaw, MI 48609.

• Setup will begin at 3 pm at the Saginaw Township Soccer Field
• The Special Event station will be on the air at 5 pm
• The event starts at 6 pm

For more information or to sign up for this event, please Ron KC8YVF at kc8yvf@arrl.net.

The Saginaw County Hazmat team will be conducting at training session for all ARES members on Saturday June 4 beginning at 9AM.  This training will last about 3 hours and will offer presentations and hands on training.  Genesee, Midland and Bay County ARES groups will be invited to attend this session. 

Since this is an outdoor event, please dress for the occasion and bring water, snacks or other food items to sustain you for the duration of the training.
 

This State exercise will consist of a simplex formal message drill.  A message will be sent from the state EOC (SECO) through the NTS network to the local VHF traffic nets to the district .  The message will then be sent via simplex frequency to each county in the district.  A reply will be sent via the reverse route back to the SEOC.  The drill will be handled by the AEC's.
 

Run for Windy
Sunday May 15, 2011

Thank you to everyone that participated in this years event.

The Walk for Windy will be held on May 15, 2011 from 10 until 12 PM at Swan Valley High School.  Volunteer operators should report by 8:30 AM

For more information, please contact Dave, N8ERL at wz8ds@yahoo.com.

Thank you to everyone that participated in this years event.

The 2011 Frankenmuth MS Walk will be held on Saturday May 14.  Operators need to report to the Kern Pavilion at 8 Am for check in and assignments.  For more information contact Emmett W8EAB at w8eab@arrl.net.

Registration: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies: 9:45 a.m.
Official Walk MS Start: 10:00 a.m.
Route Length: 3 miles

The 2011 Midland MS Walk will be held on Saturday April 30.  Operator need to report to Central Middle School, 305 Readon, Midland, MI.  For more information contact Chris KB8UIH at kb8uih@charter.net.

Registration: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies: 9:45 a.m.
Official Walk MS Start: 10:00 a.m.
Route Length: 3 miles
 

Covenant Hospital will sponsor a 5K and half marathon on Sunday April 10, 2011.  6 -10 operators are needed for aid stations, command area and other assignments.  To sign up for this event please contact Ron, KC8YVF at kc8yvf@arrl.net.

Operators need to report to the Thomas Township training room next to the Library on Shields Dr  at 6:00 AM.

 

The National Weather Service Skywarn training will be held Thursday March 10, 2011 at Covenant Cooper Hospital in the Lecture Theater at 7:00 PM.  Those wishing to maintain their spotter skills or have not taken a Skywarn class should plan to attend this session.  For more information contact Ron at kc8yvf@arrl.net.

Attendees should arrive by 6:30 PM to secure a seat.

NOTE: If you did not take the class in 2010, you must attend this session to stay Skywarn certified in Saginaw County.

The 3rd District and ARRL SET will be held on October 2 from 9 am until noon.  A call up of ARES members will begin at 9 am and operators should report to the Saginaw Red Cross by 10 am for their assignments.  More information will be given at that time or contact Ron KC8YVF at kc8yvf@arrl.net.

MS Bavarian Breakaway Bike Race

This first annual event will be held at Frankenmuth Harvey Kern pavilion on Saturday September 25 and Sunday September 26.

Operators are need for one or two day assignments.  If you would like more information or to sign up to work this event, go the web site listed below.

MS Web Site

The fourth annual Saginaw County Family Preparedness Fair will be held Sunday September 19 from noon until 3 pm on Ojibway Island in Saginaw.  The ARES group will be participating in this event and will showcase Skywarn, Emergency Service and ATV. 

If you are interested in working this event, please contact Ron KC8YVF at kc8yvf@arrl.net

Genesee County is looking for radio operators to work the Crimm Race to be held in Flint on Saturday August 28, 2010.

Operators will meet at 5:30 AM at Vogt's Flower Shop parking lot on the corner of Fifth Ave. and Garland in Flint.


 

If you would like to work this event, please contact KC8YVF.

http://www.crim.org/

A lecture by John Ropar from Pittsburgh will be held on August 21, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Covenant Cooper Hospital in the Lecture Theater.  John owned his own technical school for several years and was a Zenith electronics engineer.  Come join us for this special event.

- Flyer
 

  - Map
  - Directions

Genesee County is looking for 30 radio operators to work the Tuuri Road Race to be held in Flint on Saturday July 24, 2010.  Operators will need to report to the parking lot of the Wahley Children's Center at 1137 N. Grand Traverse by 6:30 AM.  The 147.26 MHz (PL-100Hz) repeater will be used for this event.

If you would like to work this event, please contact KC8YVF

On Friday June 11, 2010 Lapeer County is having their emergency drill.  About 10 operators are need and will be a "real time" event.  The drill will run from 6 pm to 9:30 pm.

Those wishing to help out at this years event should contact Tom KD8EBY on the 146.62 repeater (-, 100 PL) or at (810)247-3227 or you can contact Ron at kc8yvf@arrl.net.

The Midland Dow Run will be held on Saturday June 5, 2010 beginning at 8 am. 
Operators should report at 7 am to E. Collins St between Rodd St. and State St.

Those wishing to help out at this years event should contact kc8yvf@arrl.net.

http://www.dowrunwalk.mymcc.org/

Run for Windy

Thank you to everyone that participated in this years

The Walk for Windy will be held on May 16, 2010 from 10 until 12 PM at Swan Valley High School.  Volunteer operators should report by 10:30 AM

For more information, please contact Dave, N8ERL at wz8ds@yahoo.com.

Thank you to everyone that participated in this years

The 2010 Frankenmuth MS Walk May 15, 2010. 

Registration: 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies: 9:45 a.m.
Official Walk MS Start: 10:00 a.m.

Thank you to everyone that participated in this years drill

A Simulated Emergency exercise will be conducted on May 13, 2010.  It will include Midland and Bay Counties.

The event will beginning at 8 AM and last about 6-8 hours.  At this time, we need at least 30 radio operators to work this event.

Operators must have a valid ARES ID card to participate

Pre-staging for out-of-town operators will be held at the McDonald's Restaurant on Michigan north of the Saginaw Red Cross.

Staging will be at the Red Cross back parking lot.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Ron, KC8YVF at kc8yvf@arrl.net.

A Section simulated emergency test is scheduled for Saturday April 10, 2010.
This exercise will begin at 8 am and conclude at Noon.  We will be testing the National Traffic handling system from the State EOC through the HF nets to local VHF nets.  Communications in the district will handled on VHF simplex.  I you would like to help in this exercise, please contact Ron at kc8yvf@arrl.net.

The National Weather Service Skywarn training will be held April 8, 2010 at Covenant Cooper Hospital in the Lecture Theater at 7:00 PM.  Those wishing to maintain their spotter skills or have not taken a Skywarn class should plan to attend this session.  For more information contact Ron at kc8yvf@arrl.net.

Attendees should arrive by 6:30 PM to secure a seat.

NOTE: If you did not take the class in 2009, you must attend this session to stay Skywarn certified in Saginaw County.

The search and rescue group K-9 One from Genesee County will be conducting a demonstration and training for the ARES group on Friday February 5.  This will be held on the the usual SVARA Club meeting night and start one half hour earlier at 7:30 PM.

All ARES members are encouraged to attend.
 

Genesee County is offering Fire/Hazmat training to ARES members. This training will be held at the EOC in the Genesee County Building.  Two sessions are available.

Tuesday October 13, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday October 17, 2009 - 10:00 a.m.

If you are interested in this training, please contact KC8YVF.

Thank you to all that participated in this event

The fall SET has been scheduled for Saturday October 3, 2009.  Call up will begin at 9  am and operators should report to the Red Cross by 10 am for assignments.  We need at least 12 operators for this event including those trained in the hospital packet system and HF.

For more information contact KC8YVF.

The third annual Saginaw County Family Preparedness Fair will be held Sunday September 27 from noon until 4 pm in St Charles.  The ARES group will be participating in this event and will showcase Skywarn, Emergency Service and ATV. 

If you are interested in working this event, please contact Dave Schneider (N8ERL)

In preparation for the October 3 SET, a Packet/Hamgate training and All-Hands-on-Deck meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Red Cross.

This meeting will cover current information for the ARES group, the October SET, Hospital Packet network and Hamgate sytems. 

All ARES members should make plans to attend this meeting.

Genesee County is looking for radio operators to work the Crimm Race to be held in Flint on Saturday August 22, 2009.

Operators will meet at 5:30 AM at Vogt's Flower Shop parking lot on the corner of Fifth Ave. and Garland in Flint.

If you would like to work this event, please contact KC8YVF.
 

Thank you for those that helped out at this years event

  - Map
  - Directions

Genesee County is looking for 30 radio operators to work the Tuuri Road Race to be held in Flint on Saturday July 25, 2009.  Operators will need to report to the parking lot of the Wahley Children's Center at 1137 N. Grand Traverse by 6:30 AM.  The 147.26 MHz (PL-100Hz) repeater will be used for this event.

If you would like to work this event, please contact KC8YVF

The dates have been set for this years Mid Michigan MS150 Bike Ride, July 11 & 12, 2009. We are in need of operators to work the 2 day event.

The MS150 event is the largest Amateur Radio public service event in South East Michigan. It requires a minimum of 75+ amateurs, to cover some 200+ miles of route, plus rest stops, and some 20+ mobile units each day. Each amateur that participates in the two day event supplies his or her own equipment, mainly consisting of a 25 Watt or greater UHF FM radio, Magnet Mount antenna, cigarette lighter socket Y adapter, and power cords.  Food and lodging for Saturday night are provided for by the MS organization. The event starts promptly at 7am Saturday and concludes late Sunday afternoon after the last rider arrives back. The Saturday night entertainment at MSU is a fun time for all.

If you are interested in participating or need any questions answered, please email Fred, W8FSM - fred@moses.bz. We currently have many open assignments for either Saturday, Sunday, and many 2 day assignments as well.

To sign up for the event or get more information visit our website @
http://ms150.moses.bz

73, Fred - W8FSM, MS-150 Amateur Radio Communications Manager (ARCM)
fred@moses.bz

This years Volklaufe Race will be held on Saturday July 4, 2009.  The ARES group is looking to participate in this years event providing communication for Aid Stations. chase vehicles, and shadows for race coordinators.  More information will follow.

ARES members who wish to participate should contact kc8yvf@arrl.net. 

Harvey Kern Pavilion, Heritage Park
601 Weiss Street
Frankenmuth, MI, 48734

Event information can be found at http://www.volkslaufe.org/

Thank you to those who help out at this years event

The Dow Run will be held on Saturday June 6, 2009.  10 to 15 operators from outside Midland County are needed for this event.  Any radio operator who would like to participate, please contact  KC8YVF at  kc8yvf@arrl.net.

Operators should report to Central Middle School at Collins and Rodd Rd at 7:00 am

Thank you to all members who made this years event a great success.

The 2009 Frankenmuth MS Walk is Saturday May 9, 2009.  As last year we will be providing communications for the Aid Stations through a Net Control station located in Heritage Park.  Chase vehicles, logistics and event coordinator shadow will again be used for this event.  ARES members who wish to participate should contact kc8yvf@arrl.net to sign up.

Harvey Kern Pavilion, Heritage Park
601 Weiss Street
Frankenmuth, MI, 48734

Set up and job assignments: 7:30 a.m.
Official Walk MS Start: 9:00 a.m.

Thank you to Mike, John and Emmett that participated in this event

Genesee County is looking for radio operators for their spring SET on Thursday April 30, 2009.
If you would like to work this event, please contact KC8YVF as soon as possible.
 

The National Weather Service Skywarn training will be held April 9, 2009 at Covenant Cooper Hospital in the Lecture Theater at 7:00 PM.  Those wishing to maintain their spotter skills or have not taken a Skywarn class should plan to attend this session.  For more information contact Ron at kc8yvf@arrl.net.
 

Skywarn/Net Control Station training will be held Thursday March 26, 2009 from 7 - 9 PM at the Red Cross building in Saginaw.  This training will cover basics of a NCS, Skywarn Net and table top exercise.  Any ARES member who has not had this training or wished to review this information should plan to attend this meeting.  To sign up, please contact Ron at kc8yvf@arrl.net.
 

Thank you to all members who participated in this years event

The county EOC will be activated for Angles Night (10/30) and Halloween night (10/31).

16 radio operators will be needed for Angles Night.  10 operators will be needed for Halloween night.

Operators are to report to the EOC in the basement of the Saginaw County Government Center at 5:00 PM for assignment.

You must have your ARES ID card for admission to the EOC.

Contact EC KC8YVF for to volunteer.

Thank you to all members who participated in this years event

Saturday October 18th, 2008, 12 - 4 PM
Shields Men's Club, Miller Rd off Gratiot

ARES, Skywarn and ATV demonstrations will be presented.

Set up will begin at 10 AM and tear down at 4 PM.

All ARES members are encouraged to participate in this event.  Contact your EC KC8YVF for more information.

Thank you to all members who participated in this years event

The fall SET has been scheduled for September 27, 2008.  This is a two part exercise with a State SET and a local SET.  The local exercise will be conducted in St Charles with the State exercise taking place at the Red Cross building.

All Operators should report to the Red Cross at 9:00 am Saturday September 27 for staging and assignment.

For further information, contact your EC KC8YVF.

Genesee County is looking for 15 radio operators to work the Tuuri Road Race to be held in Flint on July 26th.  Operators will need to report to Hurley Hospital by 6:30 AM.  The 147.26 MHz (PL-100Hz) repeater will be used for this event.

If you would like to work this event, please contact KC8YVF as soon as possible
 

The dates have been set for this year's Mid-Michigan MS150 Bike tour, July 12 & 13. We are in need of operators to work the 2-day event. The MS150 event is the largest Amateur Radio public service event in South East Michigan. It requires a minimum of 75+ amateurs, to cover some 200+ miles of route, plus rest stops, and some 20+ mobile units each day.

Each amateur that participates in the two day event supplies his or her own equipment, mainly consisting of a 25 Watt or greater VHF/UHF Mobile radio, Magnet Mount antenna, cigarette lighter socket Y adapter, and power cords. Food and lodging for Saturday night are provided for by the MS organization. The event starts promptly at 7 am Saturday and concludes late Sunday afternoon after the last rider arrives back. The Saturday night entertainment at MSU is a fun time for all.

If you are interested in participating or need any questions answered, please email Fred, W8FSM - fred@moses.bz. We currently have many open assignments for either Saturday, Sunday, and many 2 day assignments as well. To sign up for the event or get more information visit our

website: http://ms150.moses.bz.

73, Fred, W8FSM, MS-150
Amateur Radio Communications
Manager (ARCM)
 

Thanks to all that participated in this years County SET.  A de-briefing meeting is scheduled for June 4.  Check the calendar for more information.

• A SET Kickoff meeting will be held on May 20 at the Texan Restaurant on State St at 7 PM.  Anyone who wishes to participate in the SET should attend this meeting.
   
• May 21, 2008 is Saginaw County's next Simulated Emergency Test.  This exercise will culminate our three step training plan starting with the Skywarn spotter training being held on April 10th and the Net Control / Tabletop exercise on April 24th.  ARES members wishing to maintain their Skywarn spotter status for 2008 should plan to attend the April 10th spotter training and should participate in the April 24th tabletop session.  The May 21st county exercise will put into practice what you learned in the first two trainings.  Check the calendar or contact your EC for more information.

A Hazmat Awareness training session will be held on May 8, 2008 and is open to all ARES members.  Please check the calendar or contact your EC for more information.
 

The TNC for the Digipeater has been updated to conform to standards published by the APRS inventor Bob Bruninga.  The RELAY command has been removed and WIDE2-2 has been added instead.   Please use the Path Recommendations listed below.

"In the next month or so we will be making a change to the way the APRS digipeater operates.  We are conforming to standards published by the APRS inventor Bob Bruninga.     Right now the K8DAC APRS digipeater requires a Path string that starts with RELAY.  To follow the new standard, the RELAY needs to be removed and WIDE2-2 needs to be used instead.    

There is another APRS digipeater that covers parts of Saginaw County that already works with the new WIDE2-2 path so you can switch over now and be prepared.   Once we discontinue listening for RELAY on the K8DAC APRS repeater, anyone still using RELAY will not have their packets relayed to the APRS net. 

This change is really good and I encourage you to make the adjustment and test your equipment as soon as possible."
Keith --- N8XD
 

The public service form has been updated to simply and speed reporting.  Please review the new form and category descriptions.

"Angles Night" was a success.  No major incidents were reported.  No activation is planned for Halloween.  Thanks to all that volunteered for this event.

The EOC will be activated on October 30th for "Angles Night".  In cooperation with the Office of Emergency Management, the ARES group has been asked to staff the EOC from 4 pm Tuesday until 4 am Wednesday.  Volunteers are needed and 4 hour shifts will be assigned.  Please contact Ron Huss at kc8yvf@arrl.net for more information or to volunteer.
 

The fall SET went off without any major issues  There was only a minor glitch with data communications from the incident scene that was soon corrected .  Many lessons were learned and thanks to all member who participated in the event to make it a great success.
_______________________

The fall SET has been scheduled for October 6, 2007.  This event will take place at several locations through out Saginaw County and test our repeater, simplex, packet and HF capabilities.  ARES/RACES members are requested to be at their assigned station at 12:00 pm.
 

Carl DeMeritt, KC8YVI announced his retirement as EC of Saginaw County ARES effective September 30, 2007.  The new EC will be Ron Huss, KC8YVF who will take over on October 1st.  We would like to thank Carl for his many years of leadership and dedication to the Amateur Radio Emergency Service group of Saginaw County.  Carl will continue on as a member of the ARES team.
 

• Build out of the repeater has been completed 
• Rib Cage antenna build planned
• Video camera installation planned
   

• 3 - Dell P4 desktops with 19" LCD monitors
   

• 8' x 18' double axial trailer
  • ATV equipment will be installed after build out of interior