Hi Everyone, I hope this newsletter find everyone doing well. This hot summer seems to be making up for the cold, snow and ice, which we encountered in December and January and which now is only a distant fading memory. I made a New Years Resolution back then not to say in August “gee I’ll be glad when winter get here”. So far I have kept that resolution. Though the temptation is looming ever nearer. Usually I resolve to make no resolutions. It keeps everything simple. As we endure this heat. Remember to drink lots of fluids, hug the shade & avoid the afternoon sun. Also, don’t forget to bring Fido in. If it’s hot for you, think of him wearing a fur coat. And, if you decide to torture, I mean walk the dog in this heat, do so barefooted, so you will get a taste of what you are treating him to. He willp Continue reading →

Hi everyone & welcome to your July ALERT Newsletter. July will be a transition month for ALERT as we welcome our new President Russell Thomas as he assumes the reigns of leadership (and the Presidential Slush Fund – Teresa and I enjoyed our trip to Sydney, by the way). One thing that will be continuing is our newsletter. I’ll be continuing on as Editor In Chief or Minister of Propaganda & the format will remain as it has been. Missspellled words and sorry grammar included. I encourage you to submit items for the newsletter. It’s YOUR newsletter not mine & I welcome your participation. Sometimes the brain lubricant and creative juices run low, so do be sure to help me out, now and then. Our next meeting will be July 12 and dues are due! To respond to ALERT callouts and have access to the NWSChat system you must be an Operational ALERT member. To remain an Operational ALERT Member you must be a paid up member. If you are not paid up you can’t participate. To put Continue reading →

Hi Everyone, I hope all is going well with you. To start our newsletter I’ll give a quick reminder that the ALERT elections will be held at our June meeting. The elections were originally scheduled for May but were preempted due to the aftermath of the April 27^th tornadoes. The NWS, in addition to dealing with numerous storm surveys, were flooded by media, politicians and other dignitaries, including the head of NOAA. So, it seemed prudent for us to reschedule. After the elections there will be changes in ALERT leadership, including a new President, as I decided that after four years as President it was time to pass the office to another worthy soul. As I leave office I wish to thank you for your patience and support over these past four years. I think it has been a productive four years. Much has been accomplished, among which were the ratification of new Bylaws, the achievement, due to the tireless efforts of Ed KD4AY, of Tax-exempt status, and challenges that were encountered and challenges that were answered. Continue reading →

Hi Everyone, Our hearts and prayers go out to the survivors of Wednesday’s tornadoes. So many have lost their lives, so many their homes and so many are left with the stark realization that one’s entire world can be swept away in the briefest moment of time. Though we have endured the severest of blows, one can gain comfort from the example of our community, as see it rallying to the aid of our neighbors and friends. I want to thank Tom Overall WX4WIA & Stephen Moss KB4FKN who responded to the ALERT callout and manned K4NWS and to those who covered the Spotterchat system. Once the storms ended, ALERT’s role and part, which is to provide communications support to the National Weather Service, ended also. Other groups and entities continue with the ongoing response to this disaster. ARES, both local and statewide, BARC, the Sylvan Springs Club, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and many, many others continue working on the scene as I write this. WX4R Continue reading →