Nauvoo Emergency Communications Network News
9/20/2025 - The Hancock County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency has installed a GMRS repeater for the city of Carthage, IL. They are launching a network similar to this one that will give the residents of Carthage a way to call for help when regular communications are down. More info at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hancockcoilalerts. Search for GMRS
7/18/2025 - Two of our network members have volunteered to serve as Team Leaders. Michele Roberts and Beth Rice will assist Gary Fagersten and the Officer Staff to keep the network running smoothly, especially during emergency situations. We welcome their support. If you would like to also volunteer, let us know.
4/30/2025 - As the summer storm season approaches, the Hancock County Emergency Services has provided us with information on when they will be monitoring the radio network. Whenever we are in a severe thunderstorm watch on a Level 3 Enhanced Risk, Level 4 Moderate Risk or a Level 5 High Risk, they will have a dedicated member monitoring the radios and will probably have the county Emergency Operations Center staffed. During Marginal and Slight Risks, Levels 1 & 2, they will continue to monitor the weather until the storm has cleared the county. They will still have members monitor the radio but will also be doing other tasks.
The Hancock County Emergency Services office is our link to the 911 dispatchers. If you need 911 services and cannot use your regular phone, your lifeline is the NEC radio network channel 22 (or channel 30 for repeater users).
3/31/2025 - Another antenna tower has been donated for use by our network. Part of this tower will allow us to raise the height of our repeater antenna on the Temple House hotel. This will increase the range of our network so as to better connect with folks living outside the Nauvoo city limits. We need a few helpers to help us take down the donated tower. No particular skills are needed. Send an email to nauvooradio@gmail.com if you would like to help.
11/20/2024 - It looks like the popularity of GMRS radio is spreading. Several new repeaters in our area are now online. The list now includes, Mount Pleasant, Donnellson, Burlington, Quincy and Keokuk. If you would like to have your radio programmed to access these repeaters, send us an email at nauvooradio@gmail.com. Our Nauvoo repeater is remains our primary repeater and the only one that will be used by the NEC network during emergencies.
11/02/2024 - We have our first report from a member whose radio developed a fault. The radio still works fine, but the display screen has partially failed. This is unfortunate but not unexpected. Even though we test every radio model that we recommend, there are bound to be occasional manufacturer defects that slip by. Even high-priced radios are subject to that. If you ever have trouble with your radio, let us know and we will help you get it fixed or replaced.
09/14/2024 - We have 6 MP31 model radios available for anyone who needs a radio. They have been re-programmed to qualify as FRS (Family Radio Service) radios, so no license is required to operate them. Because they are low power, they are best suited for people living within the Nauvoo City limits. Send email to nauvooradio@gmail.com with any questions.
09/01/2024 - The procedures document for applying to the FCC for a GMRS license has been updated and added to this website as a new page. Click here to view.
08/15/2024 - This is a list of radio models we have recommended in the past but are no longer in production. We still support these radios and we always will until no one on the network uses them anymore. Retevis RB27, PoFung P11UV, Baofeng UV-11R
08/08/2024 - We have purchased 6 Baofeng GM-15 PRO radios to have on hand just in case. These are entry-level radios that are easy to use. We got a good deal buying in bulk so if you need a radio you can buy one from us for $20.
06/11/2024 - The battery backup components for our GMRS repeater have been installed. Under normal conditions, this setup should be able to run the repeater for 10-12 hours during a power grid failure. Plenty of time for us to get a generator up and running.
05/03/2024 - Thanks to the generous support of so many, our GMRS repeater has been purchased and installed. This device greatly extends the range of our emergency network allowing folks living outside of Nauvoo to participate.
04/23/2024 - We have purchased 6 PoFung P11UV radios to have on hand just in case. These are entry-level radios that are very easy to use. This same radio was also sold as a Retevis RB27. They are all being replaced by newer models and may not be in-stock much longer. If simplicity and easy-of-use appeals to you, and if you can't find them for sale online, let us know and you can buy one from us for $30.
03/27/2024 - It's official, we are now listed as a non-profit. Specifically, a 509(a)(2) Public Charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).
03/15/2024 - Form 1023-EZ filed with the IRS to apply for 501c(3) non-profit status. This will allow a tax break for financial donors for our GMRS repeater and other equipment.
12/09/2023 - The tower is installed. There are two antenna on the tower. At the top is a VHF (ham radio) antenna. Just below it is our GMRS antenna for the NEC walkie-talkie network. Once we have raised enough money for the repeater, this antenna will greatly extend the range of the network.
12/02/2023 - The antenna tower is scheduled for Friday 12/8. It looks like the weather will cooperate with a balmy 53 degrees. If you want to help with the tower raising, call Bruce Bromley at 309-333-8083.
11/05/2023 - Work continues on the radio room at the Woodruff Hotel. Much appreciation goes out to the Christensen's for allowing us to use the hotel for our new antenna tower and repeater equipment. All the equipment needed for the antenna and tower have arrived. The tower raising will happen within the next 2 weeks if the weather cooperates.
10/18/2023 - The antenna system for the GMRS repeater has been ordered. Thanks to all who donated to the GoFundMe. The antenna tower installation is scheduled for the first week of November, weather permitting.
9/25/2023 - Rollout of the NEC network began with flyers, newspaper articles, and a Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550823432552 Please spread the word.
9/30/2023 - The first NEC 'Roll Call' / 'Practice Session' will be held on Sunday, November 5th at 7pm
9/10/2023 - GoFundMe drive launched to raise money for the Nauvoo GMRS repeater.