Photo Provided The Mid-Ohio Valley Radio Group has recognized local repeater owners. From left, Kenny Harris of Waverly, Jon Marshall of Marietta, Max Barker of Williamstown, Bryan Taylor and Berth Edwards of the Great Bend Radio Group in Meigs County, Bob Marlow of Parkersburg and Joe Thomas of Parkersburg. Not pictured are Randy Thomas of Newport, Bret Ritchie of Calhoun County, Mike Villers of Wirt County, John Hescht of Williamstown, Dave Shields of Albany, Ohio, Cory West of St. Marys, Athens County Amateur Radio Association and Miller Communications.

PARKERSBURG – The Mid-Ohio Valley Radio Group has recognized area repeater owners in appreciation of them allowing General Mobile Radio Service operators to use their systems free of charge.

The certificates of appreciation were presented at a picnic on May 17 at Fort Boreman Park where the group also had radio gear on display that could be used for communications at emergency scenes.

Receiving certificates of appreciation were Randy Thomas of Newport, Bret Ritchie of Calhoun County, Mike Villers of Wirt County, John Hescht of Williamstown, Dave Shields of Albany, Cory West of St. Marys, Kenny Harris of Waverly, Jon Marshall of Marietta, Max Barker of Williamstown, Bob Marlow of Parkersburg, Joe Thomas of Parkersburg, the Great Bend Radio Group of Meigs County and Miller Communications.

The Mid-Ohio Radio Group began in 2022 and was organized in 2023, Barker, a member of the Radio Group, said. The organization supports and promotes multiple forms of radio communication, including amateur and CB radio, but primarily specializes in General Mobile Radio Service operations.

General Mobile Radio Service is a two-way radio service regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. A license is required, but can be obtained online for $35 and is valid for 10 years and covers the entire family.

Anyone interested in learning more about alternative or emergency communications can contact the MOV Radio Group through Facebook, by email at movradiogroup@yahoo.com or by phone at 681-417-0990.

The organization also holds regular meetings on the third Monday of each month at the Parkersburg-Wood County Library on Emerson Avenue.