Lincoln County Schools Get Ham Radio Donations in memory of SK

   An anonymous donor has given $10,000 to place amateur radio equipment and antennas at the public schools in Lincoln County, Oregon, and to train school staff to operate the equipment as needed during emergencies.

   The generous gift was made in memory of John Wilson, a longtime Newport resident and avid ham radio enthusiast who passed away in recent months.“

   John was a most valuable member of our club,” says Joe Joncas, president of the Lincoln County Amateur Radio Club. “He was very generous and did a lot for the club and our members. We miss John greatly, but we are happy that his contributions to our community are being remembered through this gift.”       Amateur radio is often the only reliable form of communication during disasters and other emergencies, according to Joncas. “When towers fall, cells are jammed, and communications lines are ripped apart, amateur radio will function, even if zero power is available,” he says.

   Joncas describes amateur radio as a versatile hobby that appeals to a wide age range of people with varying interests, whether it be electronics, talking to people around the country and around the world, offering a “brain” sport, and other enticements. However, the focus of the agreement between the radio club and Lincoln County School District is to provide an ongoing program of emergency communications for schools and the community.

   As agreed upon, the club will install an antenna at each school, provide a school-based radio and related equipment, provide training materials and exam fees for staff members willing to earn an amateur radio technician license, and provide a handheld radio unit for the school’s designated volunteer ham operator. The club will retain ownership and responsibility for all radios and equipment.