John Hart, public information officer for Hoosier Lakes Radio Club, Scans channels on one of the club’s all-band radios

Indiana Governor Michael R. Pence recently signed a proclamation declaring the week of June 23-29 as Amateur Radio Week, and to celebrate this week, Hoosier Lakes Radio Club, based in Kosciusko County, will be hosting field day operations this weekend.

All day June 28 and 29, the public is welcomed to swing by the Kosciusko County Community Fairgrounds in Warsaw to witness amateur radio operators in action. Ham radio operators will be bringing in equipment, such as antennas, generators, radios and other needed supplies, and will begin setting up around 9 a.m.

Saturday on top of a hill just west of the grandstands. They will then begin transmitting at 2 p.m. and will continue doing so until Sunday.

According to the club’s public information officer, John Hart, operators will be more than willing to answer questions people might have about amateur radio.

Hoosier Lakes Radio Club in composed of more than 50 members with Hart stating, “We have doctors, attorneys, farmers, contractors — all different kinds of occupational people in the club.” He noted they have both men and women involved in the club and welcome all ages. “We have one member who received his operating license at age 8.”

Amateur radio, or ham radio, is another avenue to be able to communicate. During severe related weather conditions, ham radio SkyWarn Operators are always observing and reporting current conditions to the National Weather Service.

SkyWarn Operators also communicate with each other from county to county. When power, phones and internet services go down, a battery-powered amateur radio and portable antennas can provide a crucial link to the outside world.

Amateur radio operators take pride in earning their license and are well trained. The number of ham radio licenses is at an all-time high in the U.S. with 723,182 licenses having been given as of April, according to the Federal Communications Commission, Fox News reported. The Amateur Radio Relay League, which provides a good backbone for amateur radio operators, is celebrating its 100th year in improving technology for amateur radio as well.

“It’s a really fun hobby to get into,” said Hart.

If you are interested in earning an amateur radio license, contact John Hart at (574) 353-7870 or [email protected]; or Loren Melton at (574) 858-9374 and [email protected].