Executive Summary:
During the August 8, 2026 meeting there were no motions. The main new topic that was discussed was a life membership to the club. The plan is for the board to come up with a proposal. Other topics discussed included the following: on August 15th, the club is planning to test and buy equipment from Dave Cochran's donation. Upcoming club activities include: Tech Night August 27th, Kansas QSO Party August 29th - 30th, and Pony Express Festival August 30th. Ensor Foundation would like some help to share information about Ensor and area ham radio clubs at the Old Settlers event on September 10th - 12th.
MEETING TO ORDER:
President George, WBØCNK, called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM CST on August 8, 2026. A total of 22 members attended the meeting. There were 17 members in person and 5 attended via zoom.
SECRETARY-TREASURER REPORT:
Marty provided an update on the club finances and the monthly financial report. Jason provided a Secretary's report including membership updates. There was no official club correspondence to report on.
AGENDA ITEMS:
Update: Equipment from Dave Cochran, KBØVRA [Ben – KC9MBC Jim – KØNK]
There is a plan to test and buy equipment donated to the club by Dave Cochran. It is scheduled at Rob Rude's house. Interested club members will test the equipment. Then anyone who would like to buy equipment can make an offer at that time. The event is scheduled for August 15th from around 10 am to 3 pm. See the club calendar for Rob's address and additional information.
TECH NIGHT [Mike- KEØGHU]
The next Tech Night is on August 27th at 7:30 pm. The topic is on radios in the B-25 Mitchell Bomber and the Effect of WWII on Ham Radio today. [Mike - KE0GHU].
Kansas QSO Party, Aug 29th - 30th [Jeff KSØJD]
The Kansas QSO Party is on August 29th - 30th from 9 am - 3 pm each day. You can operate at the Sawyer Antenna facility or from home. Please sign up and reserve a time slot. Details on the event and sign up may be found at sftarc.org in the Trail Bytes blog . If you have any questions about the event or would like help signing up, please reach out to Jeff KS0JD.
Hollenberg Pony Express Festival, Aug 30th, Hanover, KS. KØASA [Jim-KØNK]
Jim provided details about the telegraph station he will set up with period dress on Sunday Aug 30th at the Hollenberg Pony Express Festival, as a demonstration for the public. Other club members are invited to participate with the telegraph station. Details may be found in the club calendar for the event. If you would like to help out, please reach out to Jim.
Volunteering Opportunities AT Ensor Park & Museum & Old Settlers [Rick Nichols]
There are two volunteer opportunities for Ensor Park and Museum. The museum needs people to help with tours in September. Also Ensor would like help with a booth at the Old Settlers event that is September 10th -12th. For this event, there are a few spots open on Friday and more spots are available on Saturday. If you are available, please sign up.
REPEATER UPDATE [Jim – KØNK]
Jim provided a repeater update.
Life Membership - Discussion & Ideas For Possible New Category [Trig – KCØRPY]
There was some discussion about offering a life time membership for club members. The plan is for the board to review this topic and come up with a proposal.
SFTARC WEBSITE UPDATES / Clothing & Badges orders: [Greg – KIØKK]
Greg is working on an online club store to sell shirts, hat, and name badges. He would like some feedback on the club store. Reach out to him if you would like to help test the new site and provide feedback. The plan moving forward would be to have a place on the club website where members could place their orders. In the meantime, feel free to reach out to Jason, Marty, or George if you would like to order clothing or a badge. (See Contact List on SFTARC.org)
Conventions / Hamfests – See Website Calendar [George - WBØCNK]
Recent hamfests/events were reported on including the Warrensburg Hamfest on July 18th and NATICOS presentation at the Amelia Earheart Museum in Atchison, Kansas on July 17th. Upcoming Hamfests were discussed and participation was encouraged along with carpooling or coordinating travel. Provide your name to George if you are interested in attending any of these events. Sign up can be done either on the list circulated at breakfasts/meetings or by viewing the event on the club's website calendar where you will find the Conventions/Hamfest spreadsheet link. Upcoming events include the list below.
- Joplin, MO. Hamfest Aug 21st- 22nd
- Huntsville, Al Hamfest & ARRL National Convention - 2+ day Convention Aug 22nd-23rd
- Kansas QSO Party, Aug 29th – Aug 30th 9am - 3 pm both days
- Hollenberg Pony Express Festival, Aug 30th, Hanover, KS KØASA
- Wichita Area Hamfest & KS ARRL Convention Oct. 3rd, Wichita, KS.
- SPARKCON - Oct. 9th &10th, Sedalia, MO
- Nixa, MO. Hamfest - Nov 14th
Members Who Would Enjoy a Card or a Visit:
- Mike Lane -KEØCIS at: Good Samaritan Olathe Medical Campus
ADJOURN:
The meeting was adjourned. Jeff (KSØJD) made the motion to adjourn the meeting.
