When disaster strikes and your cell phone doesn't work, Amateur "Ham" Radio does! There's never been a better time to obtain your ham radio license and get "on the air" with others in the area. With your Technician (entry level) Amateur Radio license, you support Emergency Management communications using voice or sending files over the radio, participate in local Severe Weather Safety Nets, or operate your own automatic position reporting system (APRS). You can communicate from the top of a mountain, your home, or behind the wheel of your car.

The Amateur Radio Emergency Service groups of Livingston, Grundy & Carroll Counties are sponsoring a two-day action-packed Technician class and will feature our Amateur Radio emergency station at the Chillicothe Fire Department. Study beforehand, then spend two Saturdays in class. At the end of the second class, students will take the 30 question multiple-choice FCC examination for the Technician class license. Within a week, students can check the FCC online system for their call sign.

No technical experience is necessary - just a desire to join the ranks of ham radio operators, a unique hobby that is both fun and a community resource. Students will learn enough to be able to pass the exam and, from there, members of the local clubs will mentor students to help get them "on the air."

Students are responsible for obtaining their study manual before March 16 in order to begin the structured four-week at home study program. You will receive weekly goals in the manual and be provided Q & A assistance via email and or telephone. You may also sit for the General & Extra exams on the second Saturday. The classes are scheduled for two consecutive Saturdays, April 11 (8 AM-6 PM) and April 18 (8 AM-5 PM) in the Training Room of the Chillicothe Fire Department, 700 2nd Street. Costs are the manual and testing fee (less than $40).

Registration before March 16 is required. Contact Mike Council, WU0G, at mcouncil@ghsat.net or 660-214-0510. Please provide your name, address, telephone number, email address. Instructions on how to order your Manual will then be provided.