Chaves County Skywarn is a group of amateur radio operators who are also trained as severe weather spotters.  Each spring the National Weather Service goes into communities all across the country and gives free storm spotter classes to members of public service agencies, amateur radio operators as well as the general public.  Some radio operators, or 'hams' use their communications skills to better support their communities in the event of severe weather by reporting to a net controller who then compiles the reports and relays them to the National Weather Service and other authorities so they may in turn provide warnings and information to the community in a timely fashion.  For more information on how you can become a licensed ham radio operator or a trained weather spotter, e-mail Jim Tucker at kb0qnw@yahoo.com, or call 575.208.9696.  Also, watch our NEWS/EVENTS page for upcoming classes in your area.