MEETING TO ORDER:
President George, WBØCNK, called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM CST on September 13, 2025.
AGENDA ITEMS:
MOMENT OF SILENCE:
A moment of silence was called in memory of Gil Ludwig – WAØYCY, who passed away. A card will be sent to his wife. Memories were shared about him.
INTRODUCTIONS:
Attendees introduced themselves with name and call sign. There were a total of 28 members present, 24 members attending in person and 4 joining via Zoom.
REPORTS OF SECRETARY and TREASURER:
The Treasurer's report was given by the Treasurer, Marty, KEØPEZ. He provided the current bank balance and an update on expenses and income.
The Secretary’s report was given by the Secretary, Jason, KFØISL. He noted that the club currently has 79 members. No new club correspondence has been received since the last meeting.
501(c)(3) IRS Non-profit Status
An additional expense this month was the cost to apply for 501(c)(3) non-profit status. The paperwork for that application is extensive and has been completed and submitted. The required paperwork includes documentation of how the organization is supporting charitable efforts, which for this club are related to education and training, and how expenses align with these efforts. It was noted that income into the club needs to be primarily donations supporting the work of the club.
A reminder was also provided that all club inventory needs to be tracked and documented on the Google Drive file.
Clothing and Badge Orders [Jason – KFØISL]
Jason reported that additional orders have been received this week for shirts, hats and badges. He is in process of sending out confirmation emails on orders received. Once those orders have been confirmed he will have a complete order list. He hopes that process will be completed this weekend. George, WBØCNK, does plan to purchase a few additional shirts for the club to have available for distribution. Debra, Tom’s wife, has agreed to do the embroidery work which is appreciated. If anyone still wants to place an order it can be done this weekend. It was recommended that all members consider purchasing an orange shirt and name badge to wear at events. It is a great way to connect with other ham radio members. It was noted that there could be a delay if any of the shirts are on back order.
Additional Net Control for SFTARC Weekly 2M Net [Trig-KCØRPY]
Trig, KCØRPY, agreed to participate in a rotation with Woody, KEØNTU. Appreciation was offered for the skills he already demonstrated in doing this.
Annual Business Meeting In November
The annual business meeting will be held on November 9th. Reports on club activities for the previous year will be given by the current club officers along with the election of new officers. The yearly report will be created. Following the report, the election will be held for the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and two Board Members at Large. A handout was provided to those attending the meeting with a portion of the Club Constitution and Bylaws related to the election process and officer roles. Nominations of names for these positions can be received up to the casting of votes on November 9th. A ballot box will be used for voting. The newly elected officers will start their terms following the adjournment of the December meeting.
Nominations were received from the floor during this meeting:
An initial nomination was for Trig, KCØRPY, for Vice President. George, WBØCNK, nominated Trig, KCØRPY, for President. Del, nominated George, WBØCNK, as President. Del nominated Marty, KEØPEZ, as Treasurer.
Recap on Past Events
Pony Express Festival – August 31st . Jim, KØNK, announced that the Pony Express event was held on the weekend of August 31 at the Hollenberg Pony Express Festival. It was a scaled down event impacted by threats of possible bad weather. The weather turned out beautiful and those who attended seemed to enjoy it. The Pony Express station was setup to resemble a 1860s-style telegraph office. There was not an amateur radio experience this year, but they did have an opportunity to listen to traffic.
Kansas QSO Party - Aug 30 & 31st . .This event was very successful. Marty, KEØPEZ, reported that club station KS0KS logged a total of 678 contacts over all bands and modes. Our club also operated a 1x1 distributed statioon, WØE, and the combined total of qsos was 421. The online signup sheet for operating slots worked well and was very helpful for remote participation.
Huntsville Hamfest Aug 21 & 22nd [Howard-NØAZ,Tom-WA2IVD, Jeff-KSØJD]. This event was held and was a great success and gave some nice visibility to the Ensor Museum. Club members brought the Omnigraph. Several interviews were conducted interviewing club members regarding it. YouTube videos of the interviews can be viewed on the Club Website in the Trail Bytes blog section..
Upcoming Ham Radio Events
Oct 10-11, Spark-Con, Sedalia, MO. (ARRL Midwest Division Convention). Attendance was encouraged at this event. Five states will be participating in this regional event. Some members of the club are already registered for the weekend events.
May 17 , 2026 Dayton Hamvention. This event was also recommended as a great gathering of ham radio enthusiasts across the country and internationally.
Club Christmas Party
Jim, KØNK, announced that the annual club Christmas party will be on December 19th at the Gardner Senior Center from 5 pm to 9 pm. Club members are encouraged to bring potluck dishes to supplement catered barbecue. If anyone has any ideas for entertainment that would be appreciated. Videos related to club member activities are always appreciated.
Repeater Update [Jim - KØNK]
Jim, KØNK, provided an update on current repeaters and potential planning for the future.
Tech Night - September 25
George reminded everyone that an excellent Tech Night is scheduled on September 25th . Joe Eisenberg, KØNEB, will be presenting on Kit Building Techniques for Success.
2026 SFTARC Ham Radio Classes
Extra Class ham radio classes are scheduled to start January 10th and run through February 28st from 8:30 till around noon at the Salvation Army building. An exam session is expected on Mar 7. These classes are for anyone wanting to update from General level to Extra. If anyone is interested in being an instructor, let Jim, KØNK, know.
Equipment From Dave Cochran, KBØVRA:
Dave donated his tower trailer to the club in 2024 . He recently has communicated that he has additional equipment that he would like to donate to the club. A list will be created.
Members who would enjoy a card or visit:
Mike Lane, KEØCIS, at Good Samaritan Olathe Medical Campus
OTHER BUSINESS:
October Monthly Meeting – Motion to Move to 10/18/2025
Jim made a motion that the October meeting is moved to October 18th. This was seconded by Tim. No objections heard. Motion was approved.
Announcements for Public Service Event Needs
Bike MS: September 20-21st, Kansas City - 2 radio volunteers needed
Octoginta: October 12th Lawrence, Kansas - 2 positions needed; 1 mobile, 1 stationary
ADJOURN:
Jeff made the motion for adjournment at 9:08 AM. Bob seconded the motion. All were in favor and the meeting adjourned at 9:08 AM.
