Local amateur radio group welcomes all
Here are some of the members of the Lincoln County Amateur Radio Group. Back row, from left, are Leonard Drayton, Roger Toles and Jim Sinning. Second row, are Janine Wesley, Mary Ann and Miles Schuman. The kids and their dad, Michael, Daniel, Josiah and Tom (Dad).
The Lincoln County Amateur Radio Group has been active since the late 1960s, with members ranging in age from 8 years old to the mid-90s.
Gathered together with a similar interest in amateur, or ham radio, they come from various backgrounds, such as a retired biologist, ex-police/sheriff’s office, pharmacists, forest service, the medical profession and housewives and new young enthusiasts, just to name a few.
The purpose of the group is to promote amateur radio in a positive light to the public as well as being a valuable service to our community in the areas of public communications and maintaining two repeaters within our county.
The group is also active with the Lincoln County Emergency Management in matters of forest fire communications, flooding emergencies and search and rescue operations.
We have a few members dedicated to this important service to our community.
There are several areas to take part in the group.
A member can get involved in different areas, such as emergency communications, repeater maintenance/repair, public relations, CW (Morse code), teaching/mentoring or just for the enjoyment of “meeting” new people from all over the world.
"We are especially pleased with our newest and youngest members, Michael, Josiah, Daniel and Issac, all brothers, ranging between the ages of 8-14," Paula Wesley, secretary for the Lincoln County Amateur Radio Group, said. "Like many kids their age, they are all involved in their local 4-H club, where Michael is president and Josiah is the treasurer.
"Their involvement has given them the opportunity to hone their leadership skills as they learn about raising sheep and rabbits. They also work with leather, wood, small engines, robots and many other things.
Four years ago, at ages 8 and 10, Michael and Josiah became interested in learning about amateur radio. After studying very hard, they took the exam to become technician-level amateur radio operators and passed, to everyone’s amazement.
Since that time, they have enjoyed learning more about their radios.
Michael has recently passed his general level exam and Josiah is presently studying hard for his. Daniel and Isaac are currently studying for their technician-level exam and attend the group meeting once a month.
If you have ever thought of or had an interest in amateur radio, the group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Emergency Operations Center, next to the Ponderosa room at 925 E. Spruce St. in Libby.
For more information, please visit our website at www.lcarg.mt.com or email us at lcarg.mt@gmail.com.