http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705313380,00.html
“Amateur radio operators ham it up in Utah County”
By Amy Joi O’Donoghue
Deseret News
Published: Saturday, June 27, 2009 1:32 p.m. MDT
SPANISH FORK —
SNIPPET: “It’s not all fun and games. The communication device that first debuted back in the ‘30s has proven itself invaluable in real-life emergencies.
“In a disaster, the first communication to go is a cell phone, and the last to be restored is a cell phone,” Williams said. “With all this instant messaging with parents, our spouse, our kids, our friends — we are spoiled, quite frankly.”
Using emergency power, hams assembled emergency stations in parks, shopping malls, schools and even backyards around the country. In Utah, the favorite place to set up a remote station is on a mountaintop.
There are 660,000 amateur radio operators in the country and more than 2.5 million around the world. Years ago, most hams were radio technicians or engineers. Today, many hams joined the hobby as a way to prepare for emergencies, but they also make great friendships along the way.”
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/1290135.html
Posted on Fri, Jun. 26, 2009 11:12 PM
“Amateur radio operators to participate in emergency exercise”
SNIPPET: “Between 1 p.m. today through 1 p.m. Sunday, operators will gather in public places and attempt to contact as many other Field Day stations as possible, simulating what might happen during an emergency.
One place to see the action is behind the Raytown City Hall, 10000 E. 59th St., where members of the Raytown Amateur Radio Club will be stationed.”