LATE BREAKING NEWS
David Aiken

On Easter Sunday April 23 about 12:30 PM the main transmitter for TV39 went down. At the time all the stations were linked so all COACB stations went down. We were scrambling to find what had happened and trying to get the stations back on the air. After about 20 minutes it was discovered that the bias supply that provides the protective bias for the transmitter tube had failed. The automatic transmitter monitoring system had immediately detected the failure and shut down the transmitter to protect its $4,000 transmitting tube. This bias supply is located deep within the transmitter and was removed for repairs. It was quickly apparent that parts needed for its repair were not available on Easter Sunday so we bypassed the output stage and had the transmitter back on the air at a greatly reduced power by 2:30 PM.

On Monday at 8:00 AM we started trying to locate parts for the transmitter. Quickly we learned that those special parts had not been manufactured for over five years and all normal sources had exhausted their supplies years ago. Technology is changing so quickly that replacement parts are only available for seven years after the equipment was built. That really made us feel bad when we realized that our transmitter is almost 30 years old.

At 10:30 we were able to rig a temporary fix which will probably be a lot more permanent than we had planned. At 2:30 PM Ben Kalb reported that he had found the needed parts in Nevada, I excitedly said "bring them in as an overnight shipment." The transmitter has served us well but we need to start planning for its replacement. A new transmitter will cost at least $27,000.

FAMILY PORTRAITS

COACB stations are having a family portrait project to raise money for needed projects this year. Volunteers from each station will be selling coupons. The cost of each coupon is $5.00 and is good for one 10"x13" family portrait. The proceeds from the sale of these coupons will benefit special projects. TV48 is selling the portraits to raise money for new cameras, while TV56 hopes to retire some debt and upgrade the studio. Pictures will be taken the weekend of May 20^th.

If you can help with sales or wish to purchase coupons, please contact Reta at (740) 383-1794.

GOSPEL SINGINGS

The first Saturday nights of each month we have live gospel singing at our studio in Delaware, Ohio, 36 Spring Street. The next scheduled singing is May 6, 2000 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Featured groups will be Minnie Martin, Ted & Judy Pearson, Terri Hubbard, and others.

The third Saturday night of each month we have a live gospel singing in Studio A at TV39, 1282 N. Main Street, Marion, Ohio. Our next gospel singing will be held May 20, 2000 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Featured groups The Pathways, Huron; Sisters of Light; Annette Johnson and Jack Smith, Marion, Ohio.

Also, the fourth Saturday night of each month we have a live gospel singing at our studio in Kenton, Ohio, 14 North Main Street. The next scheduled singing at Kenton is May 27, 2000. Featured groups will Mike Abram, Chuck Berry and Diane Pfeiffer.

HEAVENLY ONION CASSEROLE
by Thelma Aiken

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
3 medium sweet Spanish onions, sliced
8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 cup (4 ounces) Swiss cheese (shredded)
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
2 teaspoons soy sauce
6 to 8 slices French bread (1/2 inch thick)
6 to 8 slices Swiss cheese (about 4 ounces)

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium high heat, sauté onions and mushrooms till tender. Place into a 12"x 7 ½" x 2" or 2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Combine soup, milk and soy sauce and pour over cheese. Top with bread and cheese slices. Cover and refrigerate four hours or over night. Bake loosely covered at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 to 20 minutes longer or until heated through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Yields 6 to 8 servings.

Seven Layer Cookies
By Lisa Vanover

1 stick margarine
1 - 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
1 cup of chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup coconut
1/2 to 1 cup of pecan or walnut pieces
1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk.

Melt margarine and mix graham cracker crumbs into it. Press mixture evenly in 13"x9"x2" baking dish. Spread evenly as follows: chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and coconut. Drizzle 3/4 can of Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk over ingredients, then sprinkle pecans or walnuts. Distribute remaining Eagle Brand over mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Allow cooling and cutting into squares. Yields 20 cookies.

INTERNET UPDATE
Ben Kalb

It is hard to believe the number of people that are watching the COACB stations over the Internet—that is, until you read the comments and prayer requests. Reaching the Whole Wide World, www.coacb.org is visited by over one thousand people every month! In addition to being able to watch TV-39, tour our stations, view a broadcast schedule, visitors can send us prayer requests. Each request is prayed for during Prayer Line, and also prayed for by those visiting the site. It is hard not to get excited when people like Harry Tombas of Malaysia or Benjamin Howard from Great Britain sends a prayer request. Through the recent explosion of technology and the help of our "new project club" members, we are able to reach almost anywhere in the world!

COACB LOVE GIFT FOR MAY

LIVE GOSPEL SINGING

The grants can be made to honor or celebrate anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, graduations, and other joyous occasions, or just to promote the gospel. The grant can also be made in memory of loved ones. To reserve a day, contact Reta at (740) 383-1794.

COACB
1282 North Main Street
Marion, Ohio 43302-1523