Page 4 June 7, 2017
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Crystal River Students Collect
Citrus Co. Amateur Radio Operators
PenniesHigh School Business Academy students. The
for Pets
Prepare for Hurricane Season
Special thanks to the Crystal River
If a hurricane hits the Nature Coast Area or a disaster such as a major rainstorm,
students collect pennies for pets for their community service project each year. From the
flood, fire, major electrical grid failure, how will you communicate with loved ones, rela-
money they collect they are able to purchase pet food for the Citrus County PetMeals pro-
tives, friends? The telephone system will be marginal if at all available. Web communica-
gram, which is part of the homebound Meals on Wheels program. Thank you so much to
tions will be either overwhelmed or inoperable.
teacher, Melody Dobbins and all of her students who help with this worthwhile project. It is
How will you be able to determine the nature and extent of the emergency if all
truly appreciated by the senior citizens who participate in Meals on Wheels and have pets.
television, radio broadcasts and electrical power are no longer available? This failure of
Business academy students, names left to right: Bryant Fernandez, Vu Pham and Shannon
commercial communications could last for days or even weeks in the case of a major disas-
Hancock. Not pictured are Gunnar Consol and Adrianna Ordiway.
ter. There is an option. Amateur Radio, also known as Ham Radio.
Hams have long been available before, during and after emergencies to provide
some communications capability to neighbors and friends. But, this capability does not
come automatically. Preparation and rehearsals are necessary to ensure Amateur Radio
Stations are available and can be quickly assembled and manned by knowledgeable opera-
tors.
A major national exercise is scheduled the fourth full weekend in June to simulate
such an emergency. This event is Field Day 2017. Hams across the United States will as-
semble radio stations in the field independent of commercial electrical power, Web, cell
phones and land telephones. Generators will provide electrical power, portable antennas
will be erected, shelters and tents will be assembled, radio equipment capable of nationwide
range will be installed. Ham operators will get "on the air" to contact as many stations
across the United States as possible.
Scores are kept to make the simulation somewhat competitive and to measure
success from previous years exercises. You are invited to the Citrus County Amateur Ra-
dio Club s Field Day 2017 to see such an exercise on June 24 and June 25 at the Old
Courthouse Square in Inverness. The exercise starts at 2 pm Saturday and continues for 24
hours.
All are welcomed. There is no charge. If you are interested in disaster prepared-
ness or have an interest in a mentally stimulating hobby this is a great opportunity to see
B
Amateur Radio Stations in action. For more details call: John Bescher, N4DXI at 352 220
8530. Hope to see you at Field Day!
Drug Citrus County Sheriff s Office is holding a drugJune 21
take-back disposal, take-back
hoto courtesy Citrus County PIO
The
Water District Temporarily Closes
at it s Beverly Hills Substation, June 21, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. The pub-
lic is encouraged to bring their unwanted or expired medication (with
the exception of aerosols, needles and tubes) for disposal, no questions
Two Airboat Slides in Citrus County
asked. The substation is located at 4093 N. Lecanto Hwy. in Bevely
Hills, FL.
P the Moccasin Slough and Water Management District (District) has temporarily
The Southwest Florida
CrimeStoppers Citrus: 1-888-ANY-TIPS
closed
Wysong-Coogler airboat slides in Citrus County due to
safety concerns associated with low water levels.
Current low water levels have exposed the ends of the airboat slides, causing the
slides to be impassable. Attempts to use the slides in current conditions could damage air-
boats or injure passengers.
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and will reopen the slides as soon as water
levels rise.
F
·
The District operates one additional airboat slide in the area, the Brogden Bridge
REE
slide. It is currently open, but could be temporarily closed in the future if water levels con-
REAKFAST ANYTIME
WI-FI
tinue to fall.
For more information, please call the Operations Section at the District s Brooks-
ville Headquarters at 1-800-423-1476 or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4578.
Important Toll Free
Carl Roof, Inc.
League of Women
Numbers
Voters of Citrus County
Land Clearing - Fill - Septic Installation
Citrus Cty Govt.
Carl Roof, Owner
You can make a difference
Citrus Springs & Dunnellon
19371 SE Butler Rd.
Join Today
352-489-2120
Inglis, FL 34449
For infor please visit our website:
Since 1973
Levy Co. Govt. 800-733-5389
352-447-2733
www.lwvcitrus.org
Levy Cty Sheriff 800-538-9767
352-257-8250 cell
email: lwvcc2013@gmail.com