Story and photos by Ken Collins

Ada area ham radio operators were among members of the Kenton Amateur Radio Club who participated in Field Day 2016 Saturday and Sunday.

CHECK THE PHOTOS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY -

The annual Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) 24-hour event involves both a contest aspect and a test of ham radio operators' preparedness to provide essential communications when disasters strike.  Amateur radio clubs nationwide participate.

Working with first responders in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and other crises, ham radio has often provided emergency communications when other systems have failed.

This year the Kenton club set up shop on the grounds of Hardin Hills on the west side of Kenton.

Among the ham operators assisting this year were David Bell, Jon Umphress, David Humphrey, Jerry Lones, Andrew Peterman, Jim Bird, Craig Newland, Doug Ford and Mark Gierhart.