Current Events
Completed Events
2010
The Crimm Race

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/

 

Digital Signal Processing Lecture

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
 

Tuuri Road Race

  - 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

 

Lapeer County SET

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.

 

Dow Run

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.

 

MS Walk 2010

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.

 

Saginaw County SET

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.

 

Section SET

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.

 

NWS Spring Skywarn Weather Training 2010

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.

 

K-9 One Training

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.
 

2009
VE Testing Session

A VE Testing Session will be held at the American Red Cross building on south Michigan. Saturday November 14.  Registration begins at 9:30 am and testing begins at 10 am.

Only Technician tests will be available at this session.

For additional information, contact Emmett Bengry (W8EAB) at w8eab@arrl.net.

 

Fire/Hazmat Training

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.

 

ARRL Fall SET

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.

 

Saginaw County Family Preparedness Fair 2009

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)

 

All-Hands-On-Deck Meeting and Training Session

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.

 

The Crimm Race

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.
 

Tuuri Road Race

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

 

MS 150 Bike Ride

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

 

Frankenmuth Volkslaufe Race

ARES was not request at this years event.

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/

 

Dow Run - Midland County

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

 

MS Walk 2009

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.

 

Genesee County SET (4/21/09)

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.
 

NWS Skywarn Training - Completed

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 (3/10/09)

Thank you to all members who participated in this training.

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.
 

2008
Angels Night/Halloween Night EOC Activation (10/31/08)

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.

Saginaw County Family Preparedness Day 2008  (9/18/08)

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.

ARRL Fall SET planned (9/25/08)

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.

 

Tuuri Road Race (7/29/08)

Thanks to those that helped out at this event.

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
 

MS150 Bike tour (6/26/08)

If you are planning to participate in this event, please contact the EC

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)
 

Operation "Twister" (5/30/08)

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.

 

Hazmat Awareness Training (4/9/08)

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.
 

K8DAC APRS Digipeater Changes (2/11/08)

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
 

2007
Updated Public Service form (11/5/07)

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

 

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation  (10/31/07)

"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.
 

ARRL Fall SET planned (10/8/07)

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.
 

Saginaw County Family Preparedness Day  (9/19/07)
Sunday September 30th, 2007
Frankenmuth Heritage Park
ARES, Skywarn and ATV demonstrations
(check the Calendar for meetings and further information)
 
New EC announced (9/7/07)

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.
 

Saginaw County ARES responds to Genesee County mutual aid request  (8/27/07)

On Friday night, August 24, 2007, Fenton Michigan took a hit from an EF2 tornado.  The quarter mile wide path cut through the city downtown area and Saginaw County ARES was there to help.  6 members of the group responded to the mutual aid request to man the Red Cross shelter, run the talk-in net control and do damage assessment.  Thank you to all members who participated in this emergency.
 
New ATV equipment has arrived (spring 2007)
  • Build out of the repeater has been completed 
  • Rib Cage antenna build planned
  • Video camera installation planned
     
New Radio Room computers have arrived (spring 2007)
  • 3 - Dell P4 desktops with 19" LCD monitors
     
New County Command trailer (spring 2007)
  • 8' x 18' double axial trailer
    • ATV equipment will be installed after build out of interior
       
 
Revised 09/02/10