Polk County News - Breakout

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Amateur radio emergency service has had a long relationship with the Polk County Office of Emergency Management and is continuing to grow further through a vital partnership. (l-r) Robert Herron, KD5UAD, AEC; James “Red” Walker, KA5TBL, AEC; and James “Skip” Straus, W5TXT, EC. Courtesy photo

From Enterprise Staff

While the Upper Lake Livingston Wireless Association’s ARES® Team (ARRL’s Amateur Radio Emergency Service) has had a long relationship with the Polk County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), that relationship has really grown this past year.

The ULLWA ARES® group had dwindled in size and interest but has seen renewed energy and growth since the early part of the year, thanks in part to the appointment of a new emergency coordinator who has promoted training and professional development among the team members.

Earlier in the year, meetings with Polk County Emergency Management Coordinator Courtney Comstock resulted in the decision to upgrade the old equipment and antennas at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Multiple members of the ARES® Team worked with the OEM to suggest the new equipment items. The budget for purchasing those new items was approved by the county for the start of the new fiscal year which began Oct. 1.

Several members of the team participated in the statewide hurricane drill in May at the EOC and on their radios. Following that exercise, the new emergency coordinator, James “Skip” Straus, W5TXT, met with Comstock and asked if it would be possible to order and install the equipment before Oct. 1, which would allow the team to be fully operational should the county experience an emergency during the current hurricane season. Comstock was able to get that approved through the Polk County Commissioners Court.

Installed was a Yaesu FTM-300dr and an Icom IC-7300, along with a new vertical dual-band antenna and an OCF dipole antenna on the roof of the OEM.

The ULLWA ARES® Team has grown from seven members at the first of the year to 19 members presently, 11 of which are qualified to participate at the EOC, if needed. Eight of the members are also credentialed as RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) operators through the Texas Department of Emergency Management.

Amateur radio, or ham radio, is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the internet or cell phones. Many find it fun, social and educational, in addition to being a lifeline during times of need.

Amateur radio operators come from all walks of life – doctors, students, kids, politicians, truck drivers, movie stars, missionaries and even your average neighbor next door. They are of all ages, sexes, income levels and nationalities. Whether through Morse Code on an old brass telegraph key, voice communication on a hand-held radio or computerized messages transmitted via satellite, all hams use radio to reach out to the world.

Locally, the Upper Lake Livingston Wireless Associations’ ARES group has formally worked with the Polk County Office of Emergency Management since 2009. Any questions about emergency service in amateur radio in Polk County may be directed to J.C. “Skip” Straus, W5TXT,  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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STOCK PHOTO

By Sherry Brecheen
Library Director

Technology has made the world increasingly connected. It’s easier than ever to stay in touch with loved ones and find information on everything from health to consumer advice. While some people have grown up with technology at their fingertips, it can be challenging for others to stay up to date. Fortunately, there are free computer classes that can help you master the digital divide. Our volunteers will show you vital skills and explain how technology offers benefits for us as we age gracefully.

Once you learn to navigate apps like Zoom, you’ll be able to stay in touch with loved ones from the comfort of your own home with just the click of a few buttons. Staying connected is one of the most important things you can do for your mental and physical health. That means socializing is easier than ever, even if you have a medical condition that makes travel difficult. Computers help you stay active and can reduce feelings of isolation. In addition, computers can make it easier to attend to medical needs. Instead of arranging medical transportation to see a doctor, you can simply schedule a virtual visit with a healthcare provider, so you don’t have to leave your home. You can also order groceries and pay your bills. Instead of leaving your house or mailing forms, you can simply take care of these tasks online using a home computer, or on the public computers at the library.

Onalaska Library offers fun updated classes designed for beginner to intermediate users and focuses on fundamental skills, including how to navigate a website, and file management. This means tips on the proper ways to copy, delete or rename files. By mastering these skills, you can use a wide range of programs that enable you to connect with your doctor, join virtual events, or video calls with loved ones. The first computer class doesn’t offer specific advice on using different apps or programs. It’s a good choice for beginner users. Following ones take a deeper approach and use specific software that is available for all to use daily in the library.

And let’s not forget that computers are a lot of fun, too. You can access games and puzzles that can provide entertainment. You can play games with your friends and family and enjoy using social networks like Facebook. No matter your skill level or how much time you have available to commit to learning new computer skills, there are plenty of ways you can educate yourself. The best part? The computer classes at the library are free! You only pay for printing.

We offer key online instruction that will teach you everything you need to know to get started. In less than two hours each time, you’ll learn how to use a mouse, open and close software files, connect to the Internet, and print or copy/paste files. The lessons are about 90 minutes each, so you won’t feel overwhelmed, and you’ll be able to digest new information a little bit at a time. In-person classes are a valuable resource for people who prefer hands-on learning. Stop by, visit the librarians, and see if these classes fit your needs. These friendly volunteers can help you start the assessment process and get you registered. Make sure to pay attention in class – there’s a quiz at the end! And certificates are provided, so you can show off your new skills.

For additional information, call the Onalaska Public Library at 936-646-2665.

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From Enterprise Staff

After a month to make nominations, voting begins today for the Polk County Enterprise’s 2023 Best of Polk County Reader’s Choice Awards. The annual awards process provides an opportunity to recognize local businesses, professionals and non-profits.

This fourth year of the annual contest brought changes, with all voting being conducted online and no paper ballots being accepted. The nomination process began Sept. 1 and ran throughout the month. During that time, over 51,000 nominations were received.

During the voting process, which will last throughout the month of October, voters will have the opportunity to select their favorite from the top eight nominees in each category and will be allowed to vote up to once a day per email address. To participate, go to the website easttexasnews.com and click on the Contests tab. To register only involves using an email address.

The culmination of the annual readers’ choice awards will be the recognition of the winners in a special section that will be included in the Dec. 3 issue of the Polk County Enterprise.

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From Enterprise Staff

Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson is reminding Texans to prepare for the upcoming constitutional amendment election on Nov. 7.

“Texans will have the opportunity to vote on 14 proposed amendments to the state constitution, and some local governments will also hold elections this November. Now is a good time to take note of upcoming election deadlines and prepare,” Nelson said.

Important dates include:

•Oct. 10 - The last day to register to vote in time for the Nov. 7 election

•Oct. 27 - Last day to apply for ballot by mail

•Oct. 23 - Early voting begins

•Nov. 3 - Last day of early voting

•Nov. 7 – Election Day, polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Additionally, after the passage of House Bill 357 during the 88th Legislative Session, the Secretary of State’s office is now required to set the date of a runoff election resulting from an election held on a uniform election date. The runoff date for the Nov. 7 election will be Dec. 9. While there are no runoffs for constitutional amendments, runoffs may be required for some local and special elections.

This information and all the details for casting a ballot can be found at VoteTexas.gov, Texas’ official voting resource. Explanatory statements for the constitutional amendments from the Office of the Secretary are available online and the Texas Legislative Council offers Analyses of Proposed Constitutional Amendments complete with background information for each amendment.