[LeArc] LEARC Monthly News

[Jesse Risley]

The following is a summary of Wednesday's rescheduled business meeting and Christmas party for the Lamoine Emergency Amateur Radio Club of Macomb.  This is just a summary and should not be considered the official minutes of the meeting.  

The final list of bell ringers was distributed.  LEARC is ringing bells at Farm King on 12/15.

It was reported that the 440 MHz repeater is back online at Lincoln Hall, after being off the air for several years.  You may access the repeater on 444.300 MHz (+) with a 103.5 PL tone.  Mark is still working on getting a UPS backup installed on the VHF repeater.  

The issue regarding access to the UHF repeater was addressed, and the members unanimously agreed that the current president, vice president, and the two repeater technicians (Rich, N9EWQ and Mark, KA9SZX) would be granted access to Lincoln Hall's penthouse to access the repeater if necessary.  A copy of an updated list of these club members that should be granted access to Lincoln Hall was given to WIU's Office of Public Safety on Wednesday evening.  It was noted that this list should be updated whenever any one of these individuals no longer wishes or is able to have access to that location (i.e. election of new officers, resignations, etc.)

The two-meter radio that was purported to be in the Salvation Army canteen is not there.  George suggested that it may be in the Dive Rescue vehicle??

The club is "working" with IL State Senator John Sullivan to explore the possibility of obtaining state funding to help repair the VHF repeater antenna and mount, including the labor necessary to complete the job.  We are currently working on obtaining letters of support from area agencies that have or may one day need the assistance of amateur radio in this area.  The county has already allocated $1500 to help with the expense of replacing both the antenna and the mount, coming from ESDA funds.  Bill Hamrick from Augusta assisted in arranging this meeting with the Senator.  He has reportedly been ill after a recent fall, but is said to be recuperating in Macomb.  We hope to see him in January!

George inquired about the bird watt meter, which may be out at Horn Lodge.  Mark is going to see if that unit is at the repeater site on his next visit.

We are still working on installing Echolink at the VHF repeater site at Horn Lodge.  Mark reported that the issue at this time getting Internet access at the site.  There will be some reconfigurations necessary at that location before any additional progress can be made.

Net Duty for the next four weeks is as follows:

12/16 - Ken, KC9ERB
12/23 - Brandon, KC9ILN
12/30 - Dustin, KC9LRC
01/06 - Ken, KC9ERB

The meeting was adjourned and all settled in to enjoy refreshments and good holiday cheer.

Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday to all!

Jesse, K9JLR



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