"I Gotta Do That GOTA Thing"
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- Written by: Rick Nichols
Fortunately, the buzz in the air the middle of the day on Saturday, June 27 wasn't the sound of bloodthirsty mosquitoes but rather the collective enthusiasm of members of the Santa Fe Trail Amateur Radio Club and visitors to Ensor Park and Museum as Field Day 2026 was about to begin.
Someone Had a Birthday
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- Written by: Rick Nichols
I have been on hand for at least one Field Day that began on Marshall Ensor's birthday, June 22, but this year Field Day got going on the birthday of yours truly and my first one without my mother, Margaret "Peg" Nichols, KDØVQO, SK.
Amelia Earhart -- SPARK-Con Keynote Speaker
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- Written by: J Andera (KØNK)
When the name Amelia Earhart is mentioned to anyone familiar with aviation, the name conjures up the story of the historic Amelia Mary Earhart (1897-1937*) who went missing in July of 1937 someplace in the South Pacific Ocean as she attempted to fly around the world.
But there is another Amelia Earhart, this time Amelia Rose Earhart, who also has a story to tell about flying around the world. That story was heard by those who attended the ARRL Midwest Convention Banquet in Sedelia, MO, on Friday evening, Oct 10. The meal at the Banquet was good, the company of fellow hams was great, however it was the keynote speaker that made the banquet special.
Ameila Rose Earhart addressed a full house at the ARRL Midwest Convention Banquet. KSØJD photo.
The modern-day Amelia Earhart told her story of some the challenges and trials she faced in her life, well before her flight around the world—turbulence as she called it.
Solar Shines at Field Day Before Clouds Prevail
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- Written by: Rick Nichols
Howard Cripe (N0AZ) mans his solar-powered digital station just inside the Peg Barn
Approaching showers forced members of the Santa Fe Trail Amateur Radio Club to begin the tear-down process a couple of hours early during Field Day 2025, but by then Howard Cripe, NØAZ, had already managed to rack up 20 important contacts - count 'em - using his solar-powered digital station located in the Peg Barn at Ensor Park and Museum in Olathe. Pictures from the event may be viewed in the Club Picture Album under the Field Day folder.
A Pleasant Day at the Tallgrass
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- Written by: J Andera (KØNK)
Some of the team had to leave early, but those who remained to the end got in on a group picture in front of a sod roof building. Jeff is behind the camera.
With a light north wind and mostly clear skies, the SFTARC’s annual mini-DXpidtion to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve was among the most pleasant we have ever had. Not only was the weather pleasant, but we had the most SFTARC participants ever. A total of 14 club members participated in this May 17th event! For several participants, this was their first Parks-on-the-Air event from the Tallgrass (POTA designator US-3673).