Executive Summary:
During the March 14, 2026 meeting there were no major motions. A suggestion was made to provide a donation to Ensor, which was tabled for the next meeting. Major discussion topics included: website has moved to a new hosting provider, ENSORFEST26 is on May 9, volunteers needed for the Ensor museum in June and September; and the Tallgrass Prairie event is scheduled for April 18. Contact Jim if you would like to participate in the Tallgrass Prairie event. Additionally, the ARRL Field Day is on June 27-28. Jim provided an update about the Extra License class, which is now completed.
MEETING TO ORDER:
President George, WBØCNK, called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM CST on March 14, 2026. A total of 25 members attended the meeting. There were 21 members in person and 4 attended via zoom.
SECRETARY-TREASURER REPORT:
Marty gave a short Treasurer report. He provided an update on club expenses and the current bank balance. Jason provided a Secretary's report.
AGENDA ITEMS:
SFTARC Website Changes [Greg – KIØKK]
The club website has been moved to the new provider. The domain name still needs to be moved. Next step will be to update to Joomla 5.
Ensor Foundation [Marty, KEØPEZ Jeff- KSØJD, Howard- NØAZ, Tom- WA2IVD]
MEMO is planning ENSORFEST 26. The event is planned for May 9, 2026. There will be three bands that will come out. Some car clubs will come to show their cars. Reps from Mahaffie Farm will be present. There is a plan to have a fox hunt in the morning. The entire event will end around 5 pm. Plans are still being worked on for a food truck. Volunteers are needed for this event. There is a need for people to help park cars. The Museum is open so we will need volunteers for the museum. Also, there is a need for people to sign up and volunteer to conduct museum tours in June and September. Marty did suggest that someone make a motion to provide a donation to Ensor. George suggested tabling that motion until next meeting.
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Planning POTA [Jim – KØNK]
Jim is planning for the Tallgrass Prairie event on April 18, 2026. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to Jim via email. The goal is to be on the air by 10 am. For those interested in car pooling, or caravaning, the plan is to meet in Gardner, KS. Coordination will be by emails so please contact Jim to be on the list.
Field Day Planning [George - WBØCNK]
A Field Day sign up sheet of organizing teams was available at the meeting and will be available at future meetings and breakfasts. Greg has suggested that all the equipment needs to be tested before Field Day.
Repeater Update [Jim – KØNK]
Jim provided a repeater update.
Tech Night [George – WBØCNK]
The next Tech Night is on March 26th. The topic is on 13.8V DC Power Supplies and Why Good Power is Important. The presenter is Tom, WA2IVD. Topics include power supplies, batteries and wires.
Clothing and Badge Orders [Jason – KFØISL, George -WB0CNK]
George provided an update. Most of the items have been picked up by members. George still has two 2XL shirts and one medium shirt.
2026 SFTARC Ham Radio Classes [Jim – KØNK]
The Extra ham class started with around 21 to 22 students. In the end 11 students took the test, with others taking it later. They used a projector for the class and that worked well. They are thinking about having two classes next year one for Tech and one for CW. In the future the club should consider buying a projector and a PA system.
Salvation Army and Ham Radio [Jim – KØNK]
Jim provided an update about reaching out to the Salvation Army coordinator after the SFTARC Extra classes and an ARES search and rescue drill. The event went well. ARES operators used the Olathe Salvation Army’s radio room as the command center for the drill. It sounded like the Salvation Army was open to future events in the building as well as future classes.
Upcoming Hamfests – See Website Calendar [George - WBØCNK]
- Ozarkcon 2026: March 3 day convention, seminars & kits March 26-28, 2026, in Branson, MO
- Green County OK Hamfest: April 10th-11th. Claremore, OK.
- Ham Bash KC 2026: April 25th 8AM-2PM, Raytown High School 6019 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, MO
- Hamvention: Dayton, OH, May 15th-17th
- Reno County Hamfest: Hutchinson, KS. Aug 8th
- Huntsville, Al Hamfest: Aug 22nd-23rd
- Nixa, MO Hamfest: TBD 2026 (was Nov. 18th in 2025)
A signup sheet for attending thses events is available at meetings and breakfasts, as well as a link to it on each entry on our website caledar to assist those interested in coordinating carpooling or caravaning.
Update On Equpment from Dave Cochran, KBØVRA [Jim - KØNK]
Jim, KØNK is gathering a team to conduct a limited item cost auction for club members in the near future - watch for notices. Ben Rocke, KC9MBC, offered to lead the team.
Members Who Would Enjoy A Card Or a Visit:
- Mike Lane -KEØCIS At: Good Samaritan Olathe Medical Campus
ADJOURN:
The meeting was adjourned around 9:00 am. Jeff made the motion to adjourn the meeting and Howard seconded the motion.
