Certificates of appreciation were presented to Hoosier Lakes Radio Club members during a recent banquet. From left are Jack Worth, John Hart, Hoosier Lakes Radio Club President Gary McDaniel, Sara Wood and Kenneth Ledgerwood.

WARSAW — Hoosier Lakes Radio Club held its yearly banquet at Wyndham Garden, Warsaw, in January. The event recognized some of its members for outstanding service.

Loren Melton, right, Claypool, was presented the President’s Award by Hoosier Lakes Radio Club President Gary McDaniel at the club’s annual banquet.

Charlie Mills, Atwood, received the Ham of the Year Award for his public service, emergency preparedness and dedication to amateur radio. Loren Melton, Claypool, was the recipient of the president’s award for his positive attitude, dedication and service to amateur radio.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to Jack Worth, John Hart, Sarah Wood and Kenneth Ledgerwood for their valuable service to the club

Hoosier Lakes Radio Club was formed in 1951 by a group of local amateur radio operators and electronic experimenters. The group is a part of a worldwide network of radio operators and has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable in the state and the most active club.

Members of the club are ham radio operators and are one of the many tools used by the National Weather Service to get information in and out, especially if the normal infrastructure of communication is not available. These ham radio operators send messages and communicate all over the country to ensure everyone can stay in the loop.

In the case of severe related weather conditions Ham Radio SkyWarn operators are always observing and reporting current conditions to the National Weather Service. When power, phones and internet services go down, a battery-powered amateur radio and portable antennas can provide a crucial link to the outside world.

Gary McDaniel, left, Mentone, president of the Hoosier Lakes Radio Club, presented the Ham of the Year Award to Charlie Mills, Atwood.

Ham or amateur radio operators learn how to communicate worldwide or locally with others as a hobby or in an emergency. They work with local, state and federal governments in times of need when emergencies arise or anytime someone is in need of communications.

The local club hosts several field days each year where the public can see how the radios operate. Frequency testing events are also held during a two-day period to establish radio contacts around the world.

To learn more about ham radio operation visit the club’s website at www.hoosierlakesradioclub.org.