EVARC Events/Announcements
July 12, 2026
Vol. 26, No. 27
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EVARC Upcoming Events/Announcements
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Next meeting of the Elkhorn Valley Amateur Radio ClubDate: Saturday,
July 18, 2026 NOTE: The date has changed from the 2nd Saturday to the 3rd Saturday Enter the North doors at the main entrance and follow the signs to
the 5/6th grade class rooms The June 13 meeting minutes are available Visitors and guests are always welcome to the meeting. |
2026 Field Day is in the bagField Day 2026 was a success again this year. We had 4 transmitters set up and running during the event. That included club equipment, and Fred, K0FJW, Frank, KF0ODS, and Gene, W0GLF. We had the club beam set up along with two "G5RV" dipoles, and a vertical. A number of contacts were made throughout the event. Exact numbers are not known yet, but will be reported after the logs have been reviewed and a final report put together.
There was food aplenty for people working on setting up the stations, and we had a great dinner, with a banquet of pulled pork (thanks Fred), baked beans (a-la Frank), numerous salads (thanks to Sonja and others), and cookies and watermelon for desert. Initially we found the bands to be noisy making contacts difficult, but toward late afternoon, the noise level dropped and contacts became easier to make. Contact were made mainly on 10, 15, and 20 meter bands but a few were made on 40 also. Overall, a fun event for everyone. Thanks again to Shane, KE0APG and Jennifer for hosting the club at their QTH. More pictures and details will be in a future report. |
Next Northeast Nebraska Hamfest - November 21, 2026The Northeast Nebraska Hamfest date was a success. Thanks to everyone that attended the 2025 event, D & L Antennas for supporting our Hamfest, to everyone that rented tables and to our sponsors that provided many of the door prizes.. And thanks to EVARC members for supporting the event and all the hard work that went into making everything work smoothly. Even the testing went well. We had 5 individuals take tests with the results being 1 new Tech, 3 new Generals, and 1 new Extra class license. Mark your calendars for the next Northeast Nebraska Hamfest, Saturday, November 21, 2026. For more information contact Aaron, KT0Q Hope to see you in November! |
Pass The Bill - Have You Sent Your Letter Yet?
AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ACT Bipartin Bills - The ARRL grassroots campaign is aimed at securing the passage of federal legislation that would grant Amateur Radio Operators trhe same rights to install antennas on their property as those enjoyed by users of TV antennas, wireless internet, and flagpoles. This campaign follows the reintroduction of the Amateur Radio Emergence Preparedness Act in February 2025. House of Representative bill H.R. 1094 and Senate bill S.459 are designed to prevent restrictive homeowners association (HOA) rules that currently prohibit or severely limit the installation of amateur radio antennas, even when such antennas are hidden in trees, places in attics, mounted on vehicles or look like flagpoles. You can support this by sending a letter to your Representative and Senator. A few clicks at https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/ will send a letter. You can also donate to help pass the bill. For more information see https://www.arrl.org/current-legislation. [Editor Note: None of the Nebraska Representatives or Senators are co-sponsering these bills] |
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Other Information
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Special Operating Events
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Test Sessions within 200 miles of
Norfolk, NE
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07/14/2026 - Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Sponsor: Sioux Empire ARC
Date: Jul 14 2026
Time: 7:00 PM (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead)
Contact: Willis L. Gravning
(605) 961-8466
Email: [email protected]
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Minnehaha County Emergency Mngt Bldg
608 N Sigler Ave
Sioux Falls SD 57104
Website: https://w0zwy.org/
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07/18/2026 - Kearney NE 68847 Sponsor: Midway ARC
Date: Jul 18 2026
Time: 8:00 AM (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead)
Contact: Michael J. Osterberg
(308) 293-0636
Email: [email protected]
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Buffalo County EOC
1512 Central Ave
Kearney NE 68847-6020
Website: https://w0ky.org/
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07/18/2026 - Prescott IA 50859 Sponsor: SWIARA
Date: Jul 18 2026
Time: 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Richard J. Allen
(515) 451-4148
Email: [email protected]
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Williamson Legion Hall
SWIARA HamFest
1120 Sycamore Ave
Prescott IA 50859-8060
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07/25/2026 - Sioux Falls SD 57103 Sponsor: ARRL South Dakota Convention
Date: Jul 25 2026
Time: 9:30 AM (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead)
Contact: Willis L. Gravning
(605) 961-8466
Email: [email protected]
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: West Minster Presbyterian Church
3801 E 26th St
Sioux Falls SD 57103-4113
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07/28/2026 - Sheldon IA 51201 Sponsor: NIARC
Date: Jul 28 2026
Time: 6:00 PM (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead)
Contact: Delmar E. Spronk
(712) 348-0804
Email: [email protected]
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Northwest Iowa Comm college (NCC)
603 W Park St
Bldg C Rm 305
Sheldon IA 51201-1060
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08/06/2026 - Lincoln NE 68506 Sponsor: Lincoln ARC
Date: Aug 06 2026
Time: 6:30 PM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Christopher W. Evens
(402) 613-3484
Email: [email protected]
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: College View SDA Church
4801 Prescott Ave
Heartland Hall B
Enter E Ent #1 Handicap main
Lincoln NE 68506-5428
Website: https://k0kkv.org/get-your-license/
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08/08/2026 - Boone IA 50036 Sponsor: Boone Amateur Radio Klub
Date: Aug 08 2026
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Steven C. Huffman
(515) 230-0459
Email: [email protected]
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Boone Pioneer Senior Center
1112 Story St
Boone IA 50036-2222
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08/08/2026 - Omaha NE 68114 Sponsor: AkSarBen Amateur Radio Club
Date: Aug 08 2026
Time: 1:00 PM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Michael J. Gallagher
(402) 661-9859
Email: [email protected]
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Building
10629 Burt Cir
Omaha NE 68114-2059
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08/11/2026 - Sioux Falls SD Sponsor: Sioux Empire ARC
Date: Aug 11 2026
Time: 7:00 PM (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead)
Contact: Willis L. Gravning
(605) 961-8466
Email: [email protected]
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Minnehaha County Emergency Mngt Bldg
608 N Sigler Ave
Sioux Falls SD 57104
Website: https://w0zwy.org/
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For more testing locations see the ARRL Testing Web page and the W5YI-VEC page Interested in an Online Exams Session? See the Online Exam Session web page -... -.- |
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Hamfests/Conventions/Conferences
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As of: 07/12/2026 |
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07/18/2026 - Southwest Iowa ARA Ham Fest, Prescott, IA 50859
Start Date: 07/18/2026 |
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07/25/2026 - ARRL South Dakota State Convention Start Date: 07/25/2026
End Date: 07/25/2026
Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church
3801 E. 26th St.
Sioux Falls, SD 57101
Website: http://w0zwy.org
Sponsor: Sioux Empire ARC
Type: ARRL Convention
Talk-In: 146.895 MHz PL 146.2 Hz
Public Contact: Willis Gravning , KE0Z
4321 S. Arden Cir.
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Phone: 605-310-5276
Email: [email protected]
Flier: https://w0zwy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-HamFest-flyer-Rev-2.pdf
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08/22/2026 - Huntsville Hamfest, ARRL National Convention Start Date: 08/22/2026
End Date: 08/23/2026
Location: Von Braun Center South Hall
700 Monroe St. SW
Huntsville, AL 35801
Website: http://hamfest.org
Sponsor: Huntsville Hamfest, Inc.
Type: ARRL Convention
Talk-In: 146.94 - PL 100 Hz
Public Contact: Mark Brown , N4BCD
631 Lynchburg Hwy
Huntsville, TN 37359
Phone: 256-503-8887
Email: [email protected]
More Info: https://www.arrl.org/news/registration-is-open-for-the-2026-arrl-national-convention-in-huntsville
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09/26/2026 - Sioux City Hamfest Start Date: 09/26/2026
End Date: 09/26/2026
Location: Morningside Lutheran Church (lower gym)
700 So. Martha St.
Sioux City, IA 51101
Website: http://sc97net.net/SARA.html
Sponsor: Sooland Amateur Radio Association
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 146.970 tone: 110.9
Public Contact: TIM JARMAN , K0UX
1420 Hiawatha Trail
Sioux City, IA 51104
Phone: 712-223-4033
Email: [email protected]
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10/09/2026 - Spark-Con 2026, ARRL Midwest Division Convention, Sedalia, MO 65301 Start Date: 10/09/2026
End Date: 10/10/2026
Location: Missouri State Fairgrounds (Mathewson Exhibition Center) & (Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall)
2503 W. 16th Street, Sedalia, Missouri 65301
Sedalia, MO 65301
Website: https://spark-con.org/
Sponsor: Sedalia Pettis Amateur Radio Klub
Type: ARRL Convention
Talk-In: 147.030 - (179.9) repeater
Public Contact: Bret Kuhns , WØVK
1880 Quisenberry Rd.
Sedalia, MO 65301
Phone: 660-281-6506
Email: [email protected]
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10/10/2026 - North Star Radio Convention, ARRL Dakota Division Convention Start Date: 10/10/2026
End Date: 10/10/2026
Location: Hennepin Technical College
9000 Brooklyn Blvd.
Brooklyn Park, MN
Website: http://northstarradio.org
Sponsor: Minnesota Amateur Radio Consortium
Type: ARRL Convention
Talk-In: 146.76 114.8 tone
Public Contact: Dale Henninger , W0DHZ
8579 Brewster Ave
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076-3518
Phone: 612-747-7587
Email: [email protected]
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10/17/2026 - 3900 Club Hamboree, Boone IA 50249 Start Date: 10/17/2026
End Date: 10/17/2026
Location: Boone County Fairgrounds Commercial Exhibit Bldg
1601 Industrial Park Road
Boone, IA 50036
Website: http://3900club.org
Sponsor: 3900 Club
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 146.85 tone 114.8
Public Contact: Clayton Conard , W0FS
612 Teneyck Ave.
Stratford, IA 50249
Phone: 515-838-2285
Email: [email protected]
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11/21/2026 - Northeast Nebraska Hamfest, Norfolk, NE 68701 Start Date: 11/21/2026
End Date: 11/21/2026
Location: CHC Hall
105 West Elm Avenue
Norfolk, NE 68701
Website: https://www.qsl.net/evarc
Sponsor: Elkhorn Valley Amateur Radio Club
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 146.73 (-) 131.8
Public Contact: Aaron Mathis , KT0Q
84282 566th Ave.
Stanton, NE 68779
Phone: 802-989-9246
Email: mailto:[email protected]
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For a complete listing of Hamfests go to the ARRL Hamfest Search page -... -.- |
News From the ARRL Letters |
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16-Year-Old ARRL Member Wins 2026 Student Coding Competition
Leovy will receive a $5,000 prize awarded by ARRL. His project was selected by a panel of judges based on usability, clarity, stability, and code quality. The judges also recognized his enthusiasm for software development and creativity by awarding him a new MacBook Neo to encourage his continued exploration of programming and technology. “The ARRL Student Coding Competition was created to encourage young radio amateurs to apply their skills to a real-world opportunity that will benefit the amateur radio community and future entrants,” said ARRL Senior Director of Marketing and Innovation Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. “Ben’s project demonstrated the kind of problem-solving skills and creativity that will help shape the future of amateur radio.” The judges were also impressed with the strength of Leovy’s technical approach and the potential value of continuing its development. ARRL has offered him a consulting project this summer, to further refine and improve the application in collaboration with ARRL employees – an opportunity to gain professional experience. Upon successful completion of the project, Leovy will earn an additional $5,000. He will also be eligible for a $5,000 ARRL scholarship when he enrolls in college after high school. “I’m excited about the opportunity to continue improving the application and working with ARRL,” said Leovy. “I hope it helps more people, particularly students my age, to get involved in amateur radio and to join ARRL.” Leovy became interested in amateur radio through his grandfather and through friends involved with the scouts who shared an interest in the hobby. In addition to amateur radio and programming, Leovy participates in his school’s robotics club and enjoys exploring technology through hands-on projects. The ARRL Student Coding Competition was launched in January 2026 as part of ARRL’s ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of radio amateurs. The competition encouraged ARRL Student members ages 21 and younger, who already have ham radio licenses, to combine their interests in amateur radio and software development. “Programs like this help young people discover that amateur radio is more than a hobby — it is a pathway that inspires hands-on, practical, and technical experiences,” said ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA. “By investing in students and their ideas, ARRL is investing in the future of amateur radio.” The competition is another ARRL program intended to develop student interest in future education and careers in STEM/STEAM fields. Other ongoing initiatives include the ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology, the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Program, and the ARRL Foundation Scholarship Program. The competition judges were ARRL First Vice President Kristen McIntyre, K6WX; Hudson Division Director Ed Wilson, N2XDD; previous Director of Education and Learning Steve Goodgame, K5ATA; ARRL VEC Manager Maria Somma, AB1FM; and Education & Learning Support Specialist Max Freedman, N4ML. Additional support was provided by past Pacific Division Director Anthony Marcin, W7XM. Since 2024, ARRL Student Membership has been free for full-time students ages 21 and younger. This no-cost membership opportunity makes it easier for students to become involved in amateur radio and access ARRL resources while they explore radio, technology, and STEM-related learning opportunities. For more information about ARRL Student Membership, visit www.arrl.org/student. -... -.- |
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Florida’s Space Coast Expands Digital Communications Infrastructures
At the center of this effort is the launch of a new BPQ portal, a hub for sending and receiving packet data over radio links, providing amateur radio operators with access to Brevard County’s amateur packet network. The portal bridges traditional RF packet communications with internet-connected BPQ networking, allowing users to connect from virtually anywhere while maintaining interoperability with stations operating over the air. Supporting the RF side of the network are the KD4WLE and N4TDX systems, which continue to provide reliable packet services throughout Brevard County. Complementing the packet infrastructure is Brevard County’s rapidly growing AREDN network. Built on high-speed 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz amateur microwave equipment, the network provides broadband IP connectivity between amateur radio sites across the county. Together, AREDN and BPQ create a powerful hybrid communications platform. “The combination of packet radio and AREDN demonstrates that amateur radio continues to evolve,” said Sean Haga, KD4WLE, Chief Information Officer of the Brevard County ARES® Team (BCAT). “We’re preserving proven technologies while embracing modern networking to create a communications system that is both resilient and accessible.” Licensed amateur radio operators in the Brevard County area are encouraged to participate by connecting through the new BPQ Portal at bpq-live.kd4wle.net or bpq-portal.n4tdx.org. Amateur Radio Emergency Services of Brevard, Inc. is an ARRL Affiliated Club. -... -.- |
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Call for Nominations for ARRL Director and Vice Director
Balloting Official voting documents and instructions will be postal-mailed to members who are eligible to vote no later than October 19, 2026. For those with valid email addresses on file with ARRL, a follow-up email will be sent on October 26, 2026. Votes must be electronically cast by noon Eastern Time on Friday, November 20, 2026. The candidate receiving the most votes will be declared the winner that day. Review Your Email Address Members are encouraged to have a valid email address on file with ARRL to receive follow-up email and reminders to vote. Visit www.arrl.org/myARRL to review your ARRL account and contact Information (you must be logged in to the ARRL website to access your account). If you have multiple email addresses, ARRL will use the address marked “Main.” For assistance reviewing or updating your email address, please telephone Member Services at (860) 594-0200 during business hours. -... -.- |
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In Brief...ARRL Solar Report July 10, 2026 No Earth-directed CMEs were observed in available coronagraph imagery. Solar activity is expected to remain at low levels through July 11, with a high chance for M-class (R1-R2/minor-moderate) flares and a slight chance for X-class (R3/strong and greater) events. This flare probability is almost entirely due to the complexity and potential of Region 4482. Solar wind parameters reflected near ambient background conditions. Solar wind speeds were generally near 400 km/s. The phi angle was predominantly in the positive sector. Enhancements are anticipated to begin on July 9 and continue through July 11 with the arrival of a co-rotating interaction region (CIR) ahead of a negative polarity coronal hole high-speed stream (-CH HSS). The 10.7-centimeter flux: July 9, 137; July 10, 132; July 11, 141; July 12, 128; July 13, 144; July 14, 122; July 15, 148. Predicted sunspot numbers: July 9, 100; July 10, 93; July 11, 106; July 12, 88; July 13, 110; July 14, 81; July 15, 114. For more information concerning radio propagation, visitt the ARRL Technical Information Service, read A Quick Guide to HF Propagation Using Solar Indices, and check out the Propagation Page of Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA. For customizable propagation charts, visit the VOACAP Online for Ham Radio website... Other Items
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Education and Training
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CLOSING ITEMSThe EVARC weekly net meets every Monday evening at 7:30 PM on the club 2 meter repeater (146.73 - ). Check-in to the net to hear an update on activities of other club members, announcements of local interest, and any late breaking information. Everyone is welcome to check in. The DMR net meets every Thursday evening at 8:00 PM on the club DMR repeater (446.200 +) Nebraska Talk Group 3131 . Check-in for general discussion and a weekly trivia question. Want to try your hand as Net Control? Contact Andy, KF0CSI. ... -.- |
The purpose of this
newsletter is to provide information to local hams with items of interest.
It is compiled from local, regional, and national sources. Created by Monty Wilson, NRØA.
Contact the Webmaster with
comments or questions..
ARRL
is pleased to announce that member Ben Leovy, KC3ZPQ, of Ellicott
City, Maryland, has been named the winner of the 2026 ARRL Student
Coding Competition. Leovy, 16, recently completed his sophomore year
at Howard High School. He designed a mobile application to help
users prepare for their amateur radio license examinations. 
The
Brevard County Amateur Radio Digital Network in Florida continues to
expand with a new BPQ portal and growing Amateur Radio Emergency
Data Network (AREDN) infrastructure. .gif)
Attention: Full ARRL
members in the ATLANTIC, DAKOTA, DELTA, GREAT LAKES, and MIDWEST
Divisions, you have the opportunity to choose your Division
Director and Vice Director for 3-year terms on the ARRL Board of
Directors beginning January 1, 2027. A voting Director is chosen by
ballot by the full (licensed) ARRL members. Vice Directors, who
serve in the absence of the Director at a Board meeting and succeed
to the position of Director should a vacancy occur, are chosen at
the same time. Elections are held in five divisions per year.
Please see
Solar
activity reached moderate levels with an M1.5/1N flare on July 8
from Region 4482. There are currently five numbered regions on the
visible disk. Region 4482 demonstrated continued growth and
developed a delta spot within its trailing spot group. Region 4485
displayed new flux emergence. Regions 4486 and 4487 were newly
numbered during the period. Region 4481 was stable and remained an
unremarkable unipolar group. 
Ready
for WRTC 2026! ARRL Headquarters staff member
Max Freedman, N4ML, of New Britain, Connecticut, and his
teammate Willow Mauldin, W7WLW, of Portland, Oregon, have
arrived in the United Kingdom ahead of the World Radiosport Team
Championship –
The
2026 National Scout Jamboree will be held at Summit Bechtel
Reserve in West Virginia from July 22 to 31, 2026. There
will be radio merit badge classes running throughout the event
and two VE testing sessions for potential upgrades and new
licenses. K2BSA will be on the air from the Jamboree, operating
HF on 40 – 10 meters, D-STAR® on REF033A, EchoLink on
*JOTA-365*, and more as time, conditions, and staffing allow.
For more information, visit the
