Northland Amateur Communications Group

03/20/2026

📡 BIG News for Iowa Hams — W1AW/Ø is Coming to Iowa TWICE in 2026!

Iowa gets not one, but TWO chances to represent on the air as the official ARRL Headquarters station, W1AW/Ø, will be activated right here in the Hawkeye State!

📅 April 22–28, 2026
📅 August 5–11, 2026

This is your chance to help fellow hams across the country check Iowa off their Worked All States (WAS) list — a major achievement for any amateur radio operator! Every contact you make puts Iowa on the map. 🗺️

Here’s what makes this special:
🔹 All bands from 160 meters to light — only 30m excluded
🔹 12 2-hour operating slots daily — CW, Digital, and Phone for each slot
🔹 Operate as much or as little as you want, on the mode you love
🔹 CW operators especially needed — it was the most-requested mode during the 2023 Volunteers on the Air event!

Whether you’re a seasoned Extra class op or a newly licensed Technician eager for a new experience, there’s a slot for YOU. Sign up at:
👉 http://www.ham-qtv.com

Once registered, coordinator Bruce WBØGAG will confirm your access and get you everything you need to get on the air.

Don’t miss your chance to represent Iowa on the national stage. Let’s make both weeks a huge success! 💪

03/09/2026

Anyone interested in helping with a training exercise? 2702

02/24/2026

With the wintry mix moving through the region this afternoon, let us know what is falling outside your window with the mPING app!

01/08/2026

Don't forget, the first meeting of 2026 is tonight!

Attention Northland Hams! 🎙️

We are kicking off 2026 with our first meeting of the year this Thursday, January 8th! Whether you are a long-time member of the Northland Amateur Communications Group or just curious about amateur radio in the Mason City area, we’d love to have you join us.

📅 When: Thursday, Jan 8th @ 6:30 PM
📍 Where: Emergency Management Building (2716 S Federal Ave, Mason City)

What’s on the radar for January:

2026 Vision: I’ll be sharing some goals for the club's upcoming year.

Streamlining Meetings: We’re implementing some simple steps to keep our business sessions brief and organized—meaning less time on "paperwork" and more time for radio! I’ll have a handy one-page "cheat sheet" for everyone to take home.

Your 2026 Elected Officers:

President: Russ Hoffman (KF0JOU)

Vice President: Al Lubkenman (KE0YHT)

Secretary & Treasurer: Darcy Piper (KE0LUK)

Let's make 2026 a great year for Northland radio. See you Thursday!

73, Russ Hoffman, KF0JOU President, NACG (KE0POU)

01/05/2026

📻 2026 NACG Membership Renewals

It’s time to renew! Help keep KE0POU on the air and support our local repeaters and events in Mason City.

💰 Dues: $25/year

How to Pay:

In Person: See Russ, Al, or Darcy at this Thursday’s meeting or our weekly breakfast.

By Mail: Make checks payable to Northland Amateur Communications Group and send to:

Attn: Darcy Piper 2305 21st St SW Mason City, IA 50401

Thanks for keeping our club strong!

01/04/2026

Attention Northland Hams! 🎙️

We are kicking off 2026 with our first meeting of the year this Thursday, January 8th! Whether you are a long-time member of the Northland Amateur Communications Group or just curious about amateur radio in the Mason City area, we’d love to have you join us.

📅 When: Thursday, Jan 8th @ 6:30 PM
📍 Where: Emergency Management Building (2716 S Federal Ave, Mason City)

What’s on the radar for January:

2026 Vision: I’ll be sharing some goals for the club's upcoming year.

Streamlining Meetings: We’re implementing some simple steps to keep our business sessions brief and organized—meaning less time on "paperwork" and more time for radio! I’ll have a handy one-page "cheat sheet" for everyone to take home.

Your 2026 Elected Officers:

President: Russ Hoffman (KF0JOU)

Vice President: Al Lubkenman (KE0YHT)

Secretary & Treasurer: Darcy Piper (KE0LUK)

Let's make 2026 a great year for Northland radio. See you Thursday!

73, Russ Hoffman, KF0JOU President, NACG (KE0POU)

12/29/2025

🥶 We're starting out with frigid temps and treacherous travel north of I-80:

* I-35 north is still CLOSED to the Minnesota border.
* Most of northeast Iowa is TRAVEL NOT ADVISED.
* Many partially snow-covered roads west/northwest.
* Improved road conditions south of I-80.

12/29/2025

I35 is still closed. Many roads are impassible. Motorist are encouraged to not travel. If you become stuck responses from emergency responders and tow companies will be delayed for extended periods of time.

Please do not travel unless it is an emergency.

Clear Lake and Ventura snow ordinances are still in affect.

12/29/2025

Isolated blowing and drifting snow is expected to remain as gusty winds out of the northwest continue through the morning, with gusts up to 45 mph expected. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for northwest to north central Iowa until noon. Hazardous travel is still expected, so please be very careful out there!

12/09/2025

Monthly meeting for December is this Thursday, December 11th at 6:30 PM at Cerro Gordo County Emergency Management. See you there!

12/06/2025

⚠️ A Winter Storm Watch is in effect Saturday for northwest into central Iowa where 4-7+ inches of snow will accumulate, according to US National Weather Service Des Moines Iowa.

Plan ahead with the help of this checklist & adjust plans to keep you & your family safe.

Ready.iowa.gov/winter-weather