HURRICANE RITA
As with Katrina, I listened mainly to the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio network. Reports were heard regarding power outages, extensive damage, and warnings that people should not try to return to their homes until the Official announcement was made. A weather prediction called for 5 days of heavy rain in the TX/LA border area. A few Ham stations persisted in lengthy tuning on the net frequency and net control frequently had to announce that the frequency was in use for emergency type traffic only. One report stated that efforts were being made to deliver gasoline to various service stations so people returning home would be able to obtain gas. I learned of a valuable feature available at www.satern.org. By entering the name and other ID details of a missing person, their name is placed on a list and efforts made to locate the individual. I used this feature because a friend in Beaumont TX had not been heard from since the Wednesday night before the hurricane made landfall. On Sunday however the person called indicating they were all right and had relocated. I then called the phone number listed on the web site and withdrew the request.

AIR SHOW
In addition to listening to hurricane related communications, I had my scanner on to pick up the activity at the Air Show at the Martinsburg WV Regional Airport which took place 24 & 25 September. Numerous aircraft were on display including the C-5, WWII planes, and some aerobatics aircraft. The 167th Airlift Wing based at the airport will be replacing the present C-130s with the C-5s in October 2006. A Mobile Command Center of the WV Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management was brought to the air show. This unit can provide 911 center operation plus two-way radio communications. While monitoring air-ground and air-air transmissions were observed.

MYSTERY SIGNAL
I now suspect the signal is being carried on the power lines in the area of my residence. I can hear it all along the entire length of my street but can not pinpoint it.

End of Report

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