Emergency Coordinator – Dane and Iowa County ARES and RACES

September 2024 Monthly Meeting

Well, after a weekend back in the stone age my internet service is back today!

We are meeting in person this week on Wednesday, 9/25 @ 7PM at the Dane County EOC at 2982 Kapec Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53719

In various ways over the last few months I’ve been answering questions about “Getting Started.” I realize I need to update that information on our website for new and old alike. I’d like to start that update at this week’s meeting. There are some new things to take note of and some reminders of things that have been out there for a while.

For those unable to join us in person you can use the Google Meet virtual space. (Google Meet information went out in an email to Hams in the area, If you did not receive the email please send a request with your Call Sign to KB9ORN@gmail.com

Please also note that due to scheduling conflicts and holidays this will be our last in-person meeting for 2024. However the Net meetings at 8PM every Wednesday will continue as usual.

Badger Challenge 2024 Cancelled

The Badger Challenge was cancelled this year due to flooding and storms. This is not the first year this has happened. It is worth noting that, before you step out to support the ride (or to ride) check their Facebook or Instagram page for announcements.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadgerChallenge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BadgerChallenge/

Dairyland Dare 2025

The Dairyland Dare for 2025 will be on August 2, 2025. Stay tuned!

2025 Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Emergency Management & Homeland Security

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Emergency Management & Homeland Security.

It will take place March 10-12, 2025, at the Oneida Hotel in Green Bay.

Find additional information on the conference website and watch for registration to later this year.

Early registration fees will be $275. Late registration will be $325.

Whether you work in communications, health, the private sector, emergency response, or homeland security, together, we can promote greater community preparedness to build a more secure and resilient Wisconsin.

We look forward to seeing you in March!

No In-Person Meeting on August 28, 2024

We are all on Summer Break. We won’t be meeting in person on August 28, 2024. We will hold the Net Meeting at our usual time.

No In-person Meeting July 31, 2024

We will NOT be meeting in person on the last Wednesday this month, instead we will hold our regularly scheduled FM Net meeting at 8PM on Wednesday on the MARA 147.150 repeater PL (or CTCSS or TSQL) 123.0.

April 24, 2024 Monthly Meeting

ARES: What is our Superpower?

We will meet this Wednesday, April 24 at 7pm at the Dane County EOC at 2982 Kapec Road, Fitchburg. Please use the west door (facing Kapec Rd) to enter the building. If you are unable to attend in person please send an email to KC9UNZ@arrl.net for Google Meet information to attend virtually.

I’d like to review the purpose of ARES and how ARES fits into the other HAM activities as well as our served agencies here in Dane/Iowa county and get all your opinions on how we think about our mission here. What makes ARES distinctive? What is our Superpower? This piggy-backs on to a number of conversations I’ve had with organisations around the county and State of late and some of the concerns that have cropped up.

Dane/Iowa County ARES/RACES Membership Meeting
Wednesday, April 24 · 7:00 – 8:30pm
Time zone: America/Chicago
Google Meet joining info:
Request connection information from kc9unz@arrl.net

Cross-Band Repeating

At our March in person meeting on the 27th Luke, KC9IFF shared a presentation on cross-band repeating and how it is used for Events and Emergencies using Ham Radio. Thanks so much Luke!

Below you will find a recording of Luke’s presentation as well as a link to his slide deck. #HamRadio

Dane/Iowa County ARES/RACES March In Person Meeting – Cross Banding

Monthly ARES/RACES Meeting on February 28th

We will be meeting at the Dane County EOC at 2982 Kapec Road, Fitchburg on February 28 at 7:00 PM. If you’ve not been there take the McKee Rd exit off Verona Rd (State Rt 18) and go west about 500 feet. The EOC is at the corner of Kapec and King James Way, just behind the Kwik Trip. Enter on the West side of the building. If you have trouble getting in, Call my number (below) or call KC9UNZ on the MARA “15” repeater and we’ll send someone to the door.

If you are unable to join us in person I will be hosting a virtual meeting. If you would like the Virtual Information please send your name and Call Sign to kc9unz@arrl.net and I’ll send you the connection information.

Storm Spotter Classes Scheduled for Spring 2024

The ARES Standardized Training Plan AKA The ARES Task Book, suggests that all ARES operators should have Storm Spotter Training at least every other year. To support the National Weather Service has scheduled 4 Storm Spotter training in our area (Dane and Iowa Counties) this spring.

The classes are scheduled as follows:

March 21, 1:30PM, Iowa County Sheriff’s Department Conference Room
March 21, 6:30PM, Iowa County Sheriff’s Department Conference Room
April 2, 1:00PM, Mount Horeb Public Library
April 2, 6:30PM, FItchburg, Dane County EOC

For more information on attending and on how to register for virtual attendance if needed please go to the NWS web site here: https://www.weather.gov/mkx/spotter-schedule . Please note you may have to register, click on the event in the calendar on the page for any additional information.