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<body>
<!-- Header -->
<header>
<div class="header-inner">
<div class="brand">
<div class="brand-icon">📡</div>
<div class="brand-text">
<h1>Knox County ARES</h1>
<p>Amateur Radio Emergency Service</p>
</div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.w9gfd.org/" class="club-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener">W9GFD – KCARC</a>
</div>
</header>
<!-- Hero -->
<section class="hero">
<div class="hero-content">
<span class="badge">Now Active Again</span>
<h2>Knox County ARES<br>Has Returned</h2>
<p>
Licensed amateur radio operators are once again organized and ready to provide emergency and public-service communications for Knox County and the surrounding community.
</p>
<div class="hero-cta">
<a href="#about" class="btn btn-primary">Learn About ARES</a>
<a href="#join" class="btn btn-outline">Get Involved</a>
</div>
</div>
</section>
<!-- Main -->
<main>
<!-- About ARES -->
<article class="card" id="about">
<h3><span class="icon">🛡️</span> What is ARES?</h3>
<p>
The <strong>Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®)</strong> is a program of the
<a href="https://www.arrl.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: var(--secondary);">American Radio Relay League (ARRL)</a> —
the national association for amateur radio. ARES consists of licensed amateur radio operators who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment with local ARES leadership for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes.
</p>
<p>
ARES is an <strong>all-volunteer service</strong>. Members donate their time, skills, and personal equipment to support their communities at no cost to local government or served agencies.
</p>
<div class="highlight-box">
<p>
“When All Else Fails®” — Amateur radio can continue to operate when commercial infrastructure (cell towers, internet, landlines, and power systems) is damaged, overloaded, or unavailable.
</p>
</div>
</article>
<!-- Role in Emergency Communications -->
<article class="card">
<h3><span class="icon">📢</span> Our Role in Emergency Communications</h3>
<p>
During emergencies and disasters, normal communication systems can fail or become congested. ARES volunteers step in to provide reliable backup communications for:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Local emergency management and public safety agencies</li>
<li>Hospitals, shelters, and critical facilities</li>
<li>Damage assessment and search-and-rescue teams</li>
<li>Disaster relief organizations</li>
<li>Public-service events (parades, races, community gatherings)</li>
</ul>
<p>
Operators train in message handling, digital modes, emergency power operation, and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) so they can integrate smoothly with professional responders.
</p>
</article>
<!-- Two feature cards -->
<div class="grid-2">
<div class="feature">
<h4>🤝 Service to the Community</h4>
<p>
Beyond disasters, Knox County ARES supports community events and public-service activities. These opportunities keep skills sharp and strengthen partnerships with local agencies while giving back to the residents of Knox County.
</p>
</div>
<div class="feature">
<h4>📻 All-Volunteer & Part of ARRL</h4>
<p>
ARES is organized under the ARRL Field Organization. Local Emergency Coordinators work with Section and District leadership. Every licensed amateur is eligible to join — ARRL membership is not required for basic participation.
</p>
</div>
</div>
<!-- Call to Action -->
<section class="cta-section" id="join">
<h3>Ready to Serve?</h3>
<p>
Knox County ARES is rebuilding. Licensed amateur radio operators interested in emergency communications and community service are encouraged to get involved.
</p>
<p style="font-size: 0.95rem; opacity: 0.9; margin-bottom: 1.25rem;">
Training, nets, and exercises help members stay prepared. Whether you are new to emergency communications or an experienced operator, there is a place for you.
</p>
<div style="background: rgba(255,255,255,0.12); border-radius: 8px; padding: 1.1rem 1.25rem; margin-bottom: 1.25rem; text-align: left; max-width: 420px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<p style="margin: 0 0 0.35rem 0; font-weight: 600; font-size: 1.05rem;">Bill Genter, KE9BPB</p>
<p style="margin: 0 0 0.35rem 0; opacity: 0.95;">Knox County ARES Emergency Coordinator</p>
<p style="margin: 0;">
<a href="mailto:KE9BPB@arrl.net" style="color: #90cdf4; text-decoration: none; font-weight: 500;">KE9BPB@arrl.net</a>
</p>
</div>
<a href="mailto:KE9BPB@arrl.net" class="btn btn-primary">Email the EC</a>
<p class="mt-1" style="font-size: 0.85rem; opacity: 0.85; margin-top: 1.25rem;">
You may also reach out through KCARC (W9GFD) for club meeting and general information.
</p>
</section>
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<article class="card" style="margin-top: 1.75rem;">
<h3><span class="icon">ℹ️</span> Additional Resources</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.arrl.org/ares" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: var(--secondary);">ARRL ARES Official Page</a> — national program information and registration guidance</li>
<li><a href="https://www.w9gfd.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: var(--secondary);">KCARC (W9GFD)</a> — club meetings, repeaters, and local activities</li>
<li><a href="https://www.arrl.org/Groups/view/illinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: var(--secondary);">Illinois Section</a> — ARRL Field Organization contacts</li>
</ul>
<p style="font-size: 0.9rem; color: var(--gray); margin-top: 1rem;">
ARES® and Amateur Radio Emergency Service® are registered trademarks of the American Radio Relay League, Inc.
</p>
</article>
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<footer>
<div class="footer-links">
<a href="https://www.w9gfd.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">W9GFD.org</a>
<a href="https://www.arrl.org/ares" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ARRL ARES</a>
<a href="https://www.arrl.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ARRL</a>
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<p>
Knox County ARES • Serving Knox County, Illinois<br>
Part of the American Radio Relay League Amateur Radio Emergency Service®
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.5rem;">
EC: Bill Genter, KE9BPB • <a href="mailto:KE9BPB@arrl.net">KE9BPB@arrl.net</a>
</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0.6rem; font-size: 0.8rem;">
Page prepared for the KCARC (W9GFD) website
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