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EVARC Upcoming Events/Announcements
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Next meeting of the Elkhorn Valley Amateur Radio ClubDate: Saturday,
April 11, 2026 Enter the North doors at the main entrance and follow the signs to
the 5/6th grade class rooms The March 14th meeting minutes are available Visitors and guests are always welcome to the meeting. |
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! |
Meeting date changesAt the March meeting the club voted to change the meeting dates for the May and July meetings May 9th moved to May 16 so members can attend the Nebraska
state hamfest on May 9 Please update your canendars! |
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Pass The Bill - Have You Sent Your Letter Yet?
AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ACT GETS CRITICAL HEARING On Tuesday, December 16, the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act (HR 1094) was one of seven bills heard before the Communications & Technology subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Energy & Commerce. While there was no direct testimony related to this bill, its inclusion by subcommittee chairman Richard Hudson (R-NC-9th district) was an important step toward moving the bill to a hearing before the full Energy & Commerce committee. HR1094 now has 22 sponsors. ARRL urges all currently licensed Hams—whether ARRL members or not—to send letters to their two U.S. senators and their U.S. House representative using ARRL’s Grassroots Campaign by logging into the website: https://send-a-letter.org/hoa. Simply insert your callsign, and everything will be handled for you from there. Over 100,000 letters of support have been generated, but that represents a small fraction of all U.S. Hams. More are needed! Please encourage club members, other Hams and even GMRS licensees to send letters. |
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Other Information
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Midwest and Nebraska Section NewsThe Midwest Division has released their February Newsletter. You can read on line .The Division has held a series of town hall meeting on Zoom. The next "Midwest Zoom Town Hall Meeting is Monday, March 23, 7:30 pm CT. Recordings of these sessions can be found on the website also. The latest Nebraska Sections news can be found on the Nebraska Section Facebook page or the ARRL Nebraska Section news web page. |
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Special Operating Events
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Test Sessions within 200 miles of
Norfolk, NE
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04/02/2026 - Lincoln NE 68506 Sponsor: Lincoln ARC
Date: Apr 02 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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04/11/2026 - Boone IA 50036 Sponsor: Boone Amateur Radio Klub
Date: Apr 11 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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04/11/2026 - Huron SD 57350 Sponsor: Huron ARA, Inc.
Date: Apr 11 2026
Time: 9:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Lloyd V. Timperley
(605) 352-7896
Email: [email protected]
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Huron City Hall (Boardroom)
239 Wisconsin Ave SW
Use South Door
Huron SD 57350-1915
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04/14/2026 - Sioux Falls SD 57104 Sponsor: Sioux Empire ARC
Date: Apr 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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04/18/2026 - Kearney NE 68847 Sponsor: Midway ARC
Date: Apr 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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04/18/2026 - Sioux City IA 51101 Sponsor: Sooland Amt Radio Assoc
Date: Apr 18 2026
Time: 10:00 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Tim T. Jarman
(712) 223-4033
Email: [email protected]
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Downtown Public Library
529 Pierce St
Conference Room
Sioux City IA 51101
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/591123127614974
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04/21/2026 - Hastings NE 68901 Sponsor: Amateur Radio Assoc. of Nebraska
Date: Apr 21 2026
Time: 6:00 PM (No Walk-ins / Register or Call ahead)
Contact: Allen D. Harpham
(402) 469-4550
Email: [email protected]
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Adams County EOC Building
2965 S Baltimore
Hastings NE 68901
Website: https://www.w0wwv.org/cms/
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04/25/2026 - Des Moines IA 50318 Sponsor: DMRAA Hamfest
Date: Apr 25 2026
Time: 9:30 AM (Walk-ins allowed)
Contact: Richard J. Allen
(515) 795-2162
Email: [email protected]
VEC: ARRL/VEC
Location: Iowa State Fairgrounds - Elwell Center
E 30th St and E University Ave
Registration @ 9AM!
Handicapped Accessible
Des Moines IA 50318-9999
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04/28/2026 - Sheldon, IA 51201 Sponsor: NIARC
Date: Apr 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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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: 03/29/2026 |
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04/11/2026 - Bellevue ARC Spring Clean-up Start Date: 04/11/2026
End Date: 04/11/2026
Location: Reed Community Center
1200 Lord Blvd.
Bellevue, NE 68005
Website: http://bellevuearc.org
Sponsor: None
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 147.390, 131.8
Public Contact: Dudley Allen , KD0NMD
4509 Anchor Mill Rd.
Papillion, NE 68133
Phone: 402-291-7887
Email: [email protected]
Flier: http://bellevuearc.org/docs/2026SPRINGCLEANUP.pdf
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04/25/2026 - Des Moines IA 50301 - Radio Amateurs Association Hamfest Start Date: 04/25/2026
End Date: 04/25/2026
Location: Iowa State Fairgrounds Elwell Family Food Center
3000 E. Grand
Des Moines, IA 50301
Website: https://dmraa.com/hamfest
Sponsor: Des Moines Radio Amateurs Association
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 146.940- 114.8
Public Contact: Dean Madsen , N0XR
2013 E. 23rd St.
Des Moines, IA 50317
Phone: 515-770-7437
Email: [email protected]
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04/25/2026 - Kansas City Regional Hambash Start Date: 04/25/2026
End Date: 04/25/2026
Location: Raytown High School
6019 Blue Ridge Blvd.
Raytown, MO
Website: //https:k0gq.com/hambash
Sponsor: Raytown Amateur Radio Club, K0GQ
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 145.170
Public Contact: Jeremiah Griffith , K0GQ
314 S. Crane St.
Independence, MO 64050
Phone: 816-384-4231
Email: [email protected]
Flier: https://www.k0gq.com/Hambash 2026 Flyer RevA.01.pdf
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05/09/2026 - ARRL Nebrask State Convention Start Date: 05/09/2026
End Date: 05/09/2026
Location: Sandhills Global Event Center
4100 N. 84th St.
Lincoln, NE 68501
Website: http://www.lincolnhamfest.org
Sponsor: Lincoln Amateur Radio Club, Inc.
Type: ARRL Convention
Talk-In: 146.760 -
Public Contact: Ed Holloway , K0RPT
8310 Sandalwood Dr.
Lincoln, NE 68510
Phone: 402-326-1139
Email: [email protected]
Flier: https://www.lincolnhamfest.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026_ARRL_Nebraska_Convention.pdf
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05/15/2026 - Dayton Hamvention 2026 Start Date: 05/15/2026
End Date: 05/17/2026
Location: Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center
210 Fairground Road
Xenia, Ohio 45385
Website: https://hamvention.org/
Sponsor: Dayton Amateur Radio Association
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 146.94 - PL 123.0
Public Contact: https://hamvention.org/contact-us/
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07/11/2026 - 28th Annual Pioneer ARC Flea Market Start Date: 07/11/2026
End Date: 07/11/2026
Location: North Bend City Auditorium
741 North Main Street
North Bend, NE 68649
Website: http://k0sw.org
Sponsor: Pioneer Amateur Radio Club
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 443.900 +5 MHz
Public Contact: Richard Mehaffey , KB0ARZ
230 West 11th Street
North Bend, NE 68649
Phone: 492-719-7342
Email: [email protected]
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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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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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10/10/2026 - 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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11/21/2026 - Northeast Nebraska Hamfest, Norfolk, NE 68701 Start Date: 11/21/2025
End Date: 11/21/2025
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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Solar Eclipses: What the Bands Revealed…What effect does a solar eclipse have on HF propagation? That was the basic question posed by researchers enlisting ham radio operators’ help during three Solar Eclipse QSO Parties in the last 10 years. The results of that research were presented at the 2026 HamSCI Workshop, held earlier this month in Connecticut and hosted by ARRL. Data was collected based on spots on the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN), WSPRNet, and PSKReporter during total solar eclipses in 2017 and 2024, as well as an annular (partial) eclipse in 2023. In the 2024 eclipse, there was a drop in the number of contacts on 21 MHz as the eclipse neared totality, while there was an increase in the number of QSOs recorded on 14 MHz. The 30-meter band opened earlier than usual; and 40 meters opened earlier than usual for transatlantic contacts, faded out, and then opened up again. Researcher Kuldeep Pandey of the New Jersey Institute of Technology concluded that effects of the eclipse crossed over with the sunset terminator, accounting for the second opening on 40. Effects on 80 and 160 meters were unclear, as only a few stations were active on those bands during the eclipse. It was also noted that there were differences in results between 2017 and 2024, attributed to different phases of Solar Cycle 25 (2017 was relatively early in the cycle; 2024 was at its peak).
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Sci-Tech ARS Girl Scouts “First Contact” Event
The instructors from Sci-Tech included Barbara Irby, KC1KGS; Jocelyn (waiting to take her test); Seth Kendall, KC1PZY; Max Kendall, WØMXX; Brad Moore, KC1TUY; Zachary Sherman, KC1NXK; and lead organizer and instructor Bob Phinney, K5TEC. In the first of many activities, the scouts got to hold a meteorite from an asteroid and one from the moon, discuss earth-to-space communications, then watch a three-minute ARRL video about ham radio. Barbara Irby then talked about ways girls can get involved with ham radio and become a young lady (YL) licensed amateur operator. Jocelyn, a young student waiting to take her license exam, gave an insightful and encouraging talk about her journey to get a radio license with suggestions to the scouts for success. Then it was on to a two-minute video about the workshop where ham radio is highlighted with high-altitude weather balloon launches, followed by a foxhunt with Seth Kendall, who showed off his homemade Yagi antenna that helped the girls find the hidden transmitter. The final activities had the scouts in the radio room where they listened to contacts made with Astronaut Bob Hines on the International Space Station (ISS). Then the girls lined up at the HF station where they all got to make a contact with a YL named Jessica James, KJ5NSH, in Oklahoma. “Events like this are vitally important for the hobby,” said ARRL New England Division Vice Director Phil Temples, K9HI. “To be able to reach out to young girls and put them in contact with mentors who are licensed amateur radio operators, is just a great opportunity.” STARS Secretary and lead organizer Bob Phinney, K5TEC, noted that at the end of the event, the scouts each got an ARRL “First Contact Award” certificate. They were also thrilled to receive an ARRL radio patch and a Sci-Tech logo patch. Fun was had by all...and lots of learning, too. Phinney also encourages scout leaders to get their troops involved in amateur radio because it can become a lifetime of activities and lead to a lifelong hobby. For more information and activities visit New England Sci-Tech. Visit the ARRL website for more information about the ARRL Radio and Wireless Technology Patch Program and for Amateur Radio and Scouting resources. -... -.- |
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FCC Warns Licensee on Out-of-Band Transmissions
According to a letter released by the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, agents investigating an interference complaint from Allegheny County Emergency Services determined that the interfering signal originated from the residence of David Knudtson, KD3ASC, who also holds a General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) license, WSDQ885. The letter states that Knudtson gave the agents a BTech UV-Pro handheld which had been programmed to monitor the county emergency services frequency. Agents determined that its “Audio Relay” feature had been activated, turning the HT “into a simplex repeater that was retransmitting the Allegheny County channel.” The letter continues that Knudtson, who is a relatively new amateur licensee, surrendered the radio to the agents, who then “verified that the interference to the Allegheny County system had ceased.” The letter also notes that Knudtson’s BTech radio was certified as a Part 90 (private land mobile radio) device and that he was not licensed to transmit on the emergency services frequency. Knudtson was warned that unauthorized operation and its associated harmful interference must not resume. He was given 10 days from the date of the March 25 letter to respond with a description of the steps he is taking to avoid a repeat violation. Amateurs are reminded to exercise care when programming non-amateur frequencies into their VHF/UHF radios, and to ensure that transmitting on those frequencies is disabled. -... -.- |
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In Brief...ARRL Solar Report March 26, 2026 The largest event of the period was a C3.7 flare on March 25 from Region 4400. Region 4403, which was numbered last period, is the suspected source of several flares observed beyond the limb prior to its rotation onto the disk. Due to its proximity to the northeast limb, foreshortening continues to prevent a definitive characterization of its complexity and extent. The remaining disk regions exhibited varying degrees of decay and evolution. Region 4397 has dissipated into a small unipolar group, while Region 4398 underwent penumbral decay. Region 4399 remained largely stable, though it continues to fluctuate between a unipolar and bipolar state due to the short-lived trailing spots. Significant internal changes were noted in the more complex groups: Region 4400 experienced extensive reconfiguration and flux emergence, and gained a gamma configuration. Similarly, Region 4401 exhibited persistent flux emergence and an expansion of penumbral area in its trailing spots. Region 4402 showed a decline in its leader spot cluster. No Earth-directed coronal mass ejections (CMEs) were observed in available coronagraph imagery. Solar activity is expected to be low with a chance for M-class (R1-R2/minor-moderate) flares through March 28. Solar Wind Update For the first several hours of the reporting period, solar wind parameters reflected the continued waning influence of a negative polarity coronal hole high-speed stream (-CH HSS). During this time, solar wind speed decreased from approximately 550 km/s to 515 km/s. On March 25, a transient CME began its passage through the near-Earth environment. accompanied by a rise in solar wind speed to a peak of 633 km/s. Solar wind parameters are expected to remain mildly enhanced as current influences diminish. Additional enhancements are anticipated on March 26, following the arrival of another component of the March 22 CME. Following this passage, a gradual return to a nominal, slow-speed regime is forecast through March 28. The 10.7-centimeter flux: March 26, 125; March 27, 130; March 28, 130; March 29, 128; March 30 – 31, 125; April 1, 130. Predicted sunspot numbers: March 26, 115; March 27, 110; March 28, 120; March 29, 106; March 30, 126; March 31, 103; April 1, 129. 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..
The
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The
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has responded to a complaint
involving a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, amateur for operating outside
the privileges of his Technician Class license and causing
interference to local emergency service communications by
transmitting on a public service frequency, 470.4375 MHz. 
Solar
activity was at low levels with seven numbered active regions on the
disk. 