Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association 
On March 5, 2019 the Lawrence County Commissioners at their meeting approved the use of the courthouse greenspace for the Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association’s “Ohio Courthouses On The Air Special Event”.
Presented at the Commissioners Meeting:
SOARA and ARES are requesting the use of the Lawrence County Courthouse lawn on Saturday, August 24, 2019, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM to set up and operate an amateur radio special event station for the public’s view and participation. The radio station will be part of an Ohio statewide amateur radio event in all 88 of Ohio’s counties celebrating the history of their respective courthouses. We envision partnering with county officials, local government, Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, EMA and other emergency services. There may be people dressed at the event in attire representing the 1800s and presenting history about the courthouse to the public. The news media will play an important role in reaching out to the public about the event and the rich history about the Lawrence County Courthouse. This will provide positive publicity for Lawrence County in general. Additionally, special event QSL cards and/or certificates will be available for the amateur radio operators who contact the Lawrence County Special Event Station, W8SOE. Although this is titled Ohio Courthouses on the Air, Lawrence County will be contacted by radio operators from all over the United States and other countries.
The special event station will allow for emergency training for SOARA / ARES members in setting up and operating the amateur radio station, in field-like conditions, which would be the case in a real disaster.