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Due to recent events, which by the way are still on going, we feel compelled to post the following explanation as to the use of our repeaters. This is in no way being implemented to reduce the effectiveness or proper use of the repeaters but to ensure its proper and intended use.
Public Notice:
To who it may concern, the following repeaters in Marshal County are privately owned and maintained repeaters. These repeaters are open to all duly licensed amateur radio operators; these repeaters are also open to any duly licensed amateur for use in times of emergency.
These repeaters are NOT supplied, maintained or financed by, or under the control of the SKYWARN, ARES, EMA or any other organizations. They are amateur radio CLUB or PRIVATELY OWNED, maintained, sponsored and ‘controlled as required by the federal communications commission’ repeaters.
These repeaters are to be used for general amateur communications or club activities only, as decided by the club membership. Any nets or other activities will be conducted on the repeaters at the discretion of the club or owners of the repeater.
No group, organization or organizations will be allowed to use any of these repeaters for nets or any other activity without written permission of the club or person that owns that repeater.
That being the case these repeaters in times of emergency have been and will be available for use by any amateur or group of amateurs that need to use them ‘in times of emergency only’ in order to assist the community. Priority being given to the organizations that have a MOU agreement with the repeater owners. Part 97.205 subpart e.
With that being said, the occurrence of a disaster does not, in itself, constitute a communications emergency. Regardless of how severe a disaster may be, if normal or adequate facilities exist there is no communication emergency. Quite often we fail to distinguish between communication emergencies and the disaster itself and we are overly enthusiastic to create our own communications emergency. Remember that amateur services will probably be called upon only as a last resort. Therefore, be sure that there is a need for the services.
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