Work at Repeater Site Costs Ham His County Job In Washington State

Repair work that a ham radio operator and fellow club members conducted on a shared repeater site in Washington State has cost the ham his government job.

Asotin County officials said that Russell Pelleberg KA7MPX was not authorized to give the other members of the Hells Gate Amateur Radio Club access to the secure site and that their work caused a communications outage and a power meter disturbance for other users of the site. County agencies operate two nearby radio repeaters and the local utility, Clearwater Power Co., also has facilities.

According to a report in the Lewiston Tribune, Pelleberg said he had discussed the work with county commissioners and they appeared to be supportive. He told investigators that he had even written a resolution for the county to vote on but there were delays producing the document. The newspaper report said he has apologized on behalf of the club for proceeding ahead of the necessary vote and that the hams meant no harm.

No criminal charges were filed or recommended. Pelleberg, who has worked in government for 35 years, was terminated from his job as the county’s public works director in late January.