EVARC Events/Announcements
August 23, 2026
Vol. 26, No. 33
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EVARC Upcoming Events/Announcements
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Next meeting of the Elkhorn Valley Amateur Radio ClubDate: Saturday,
September 12, 2026 Enter the North doors at the main entrance and follow the signs to
the 5/6th grade class rooms The August 8 meeting minutes are available Visitors and guests are always welcome to the meeting. |
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Test SessionNext test session: November 21, 2026 Location: Northeast Nebraska Hamfest (KC Hall) 8:30 AM What-to-Bring-to-an-ARRL-Exam-Session1.pdf Congratulations to Lawrence Sinclair, KF0YQM, from Meadow Grove on earning his General Class License at our Aug 23 test session |
Northeast Nebraska Hamfest - November 21, 2026Mark your calendars for the next Northeast Nebraska Hamfest, Saturday, November 21, 2026. Doors open at 8:30 AM. Flea Market Flier: Hamfest_Flier Tables Reservaction Form:
Table Reservation 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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08/25/2026 - Sheldon IA 51201 Sponsor: NIARC
Date: Aug 25 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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09/06/2026 - Lincoln NE 68506 Sponsor: Lincoln ARC
Date: Sep 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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09/08/2026 - Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Sponsor: Sioux Empire ARC
Date: Sep 08 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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09/19/2026 - Kearney NE 68847 Sponsor: Midway ARC
Date: Sep 19 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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09/22/2026 - Sheldon, IA 51201 Sponsor: NIARC
Date: Sep 22 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: 08/23/2026 |
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08/28/2026 - Wyoming HamCon, ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention Start Date: 08/28/2026
End Date: 08/30/2026
Location: Best Western (Downtown)
123 W. E St.
Casper, WY 82601
Website: http://wyohamcon.org
Sponsor: CARC (Casper Amateur Radio Club)
Type: ARRL Convention
Talk-In: 146.940 - 123 Hz tone
Public Contact: Garth Crowe , WY7GC
2342 Sagewood Ave.
Casper, WY 82601
Phone: 307-689-1340
Email: [email protected]
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09/12/2026 - AK-SAR_BEN ARC Flea-Esta, Omaha, NE 68101 Start Date: 09/12/2026
End Date: 09/12/2026
Location: Metropolitan Community College South Omaha Campus CAM Building, Room 120
2709 Edward "Babe" Gomez Avenue
Omaha, NE 68101
Website: http://Aksarben
Sponsor: AK-SAR-BEN
Type: ARRL Hamfest
Talk-In: 146.940 MHz
Public Contact: Dan Buchholz Buchholz , N0POT
2609 Adams
Ashland, NE 68003
Phone: 402-554-4256
Email: [email protected]
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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]
Flier: Hamfest Flier
Table: Table Reservation
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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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Hawaii Amateur Radio Operators Out in Force for Hurricane LalaLast week, while the Midwest was facing heavy rain, wind, and tornados, Hawaii was bracing for Hurricane Lala. The eye of the hurricane skirted Hawaii's Big Island without making landfall but left heavy wind and rain damage. On Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, 2026, amateur radio operators throughout the state assisted emergency management agencies during the hurricane’s approach. Ron Hashiro, KH6D, RACES/AUXCOMM Coordinator for the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA), said there were many amateur operators and agencies involved. “We had great assistance from local, state, county, federal, military agencies, including the National Guard, and now we are also working with FEMA,” said Hashiro. Several Big Island locations received over 3 feet of rain, with Laupāhoehoe recording more than 43 inches in just two days. The Nāhuku Lava Tube and Nene Cabin, one of two A frame vacation cabins located just outside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Volcano, received just over 37 inches of rain. Hurricane-force gusts up to 140 mph were recorded at Mauna Kea’s summit. Last Saturday and Sunday were the worst days as the hurricane headed for the Big Island. National Weather Service (NWS) radar for Saturday, August 15, 2026, 14:10 HST, showed the 50-mile approach of Hurricane Lala to South Point on the Big Island. South Point is the southernmost location in the United States. The greatest damage occured at Naalehu in the Big Island district of Kau, where the runoff from the torrential rains on Saturday night devastated the community. Roads were blocked and damaged, which isolated and impeded response.
Joe Tabrah, AH6T, ran the hourly ARES HF Watch nets on 7090 kHz. Carter Davis, KH6FV, manned the HF position at the HIEMA AUXCOMM radio room, handling reports from the local 40-meter and ARES nets on 7090 kHz and submitted the information through to HIEMA staff, supported by Peter Yuen, KH6JBS, and Ron Hashiro, KH6D. In a wide-ranging and detailed report, Hashiro noted that on the main island of Oahu, the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) activated its RACES unit on Saturday to supplement their emergency response. Michael Miller, KH6ML, and Mark Kaku, KH6LT, headed up the unit with radio operators including Ralph Miranda, WH7PD, and Keith Higa, WH7GG, running the net on the around-the-island RACES VHF repeater network. They kept staff updated with reports sent from the field. Reservist Ralph Toyama, NH6PY, was dispatched to Waikiki to assist the Honolulu Police Department with traffic and pedestrian control to free the officers to respond to other areas. Local television station KHON2 covered the Manoa Stream water levels as they reached 14 feet: Manoa Stream hits record stream flow during Tropical Storm Lala As the hurricane continues to move away, at least one person has died and over 100 homes have been damaged. Road access to Naalehu has been reestablished. At the peak of the storm, over 200,000 customers were without power. Thousands remain without power with 95% restoration to the hardest hit section of Kau district estimated to be done by September 8. Hashiro’s report, with updated information, has been posted to his AH6RH webpage. The complete link is: www.qsl.net/ah6rh/am-radio/hawaii/hurricane-lala.html. -... -.- |
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Entrepreneur and Amateur Radio Operator Invests in the Next Generation of Problem Solvers
The gift will directly support ARRL programs and activities, including the ARRL STEM education initiative within the Education and Technology Program, and ARRL’s work defending access to amateur radio spectrum through the Spectrum Defense Fund. He didn’t stop there, however. Dr. Galm expressed how important ARRL is to the future of amateur radio by designating a significant portion of his gift as unrestricted support to the ARRL Diamond Club, which supports ARRL’s general fund, and the Second Century Fund, ARRL’s unrestricted endowment fund, which will be invested and support ARRL operations in perpetuity. James M. Galm, Ph.D., W8WTS, is from Chardon, Ohio and is a 50-year ARRL member, a member of the ARRL Legacy Circle, and an accomplished amateur radio contester. He frequently operates from PJ2T and has served as President and Secretary/Treasurer of the Caribbean Contesting Consortium, PJ2T. He also operates a popular and reliable DX Cluster at dxc.w8wts.net with both ARC 6 and CC Cluster nodes. With his transformational gift, Dr. Galm will be inducted into the ARRL Maxim Society at the Millennium Class. He joins Margaret Valentine at this extremely generous level of giving. Valentine, along with her late husband Michael Valentine, W8MM (SK), made the first pledge of $1 million to ARRL during the Second Century Campaign. First licensed as WN8WTS in 1975, Dr. Galm has more than 40 years of experience in engineering, research, manufacturing and product development. He holds nine patents and has published many scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals. In 2001, Galm co-founded LayerZero Power Systems, Inc., which grew to become the world leader in ultra-reliable AC power management equipment for mission-critical applications, including AI and machine learning, hyperscale computing data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and financial transaction processing. The two owners sold a majority interest in LayerZero to a global private equity firm in 2025. Dr. Galm holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics from Case Western Reserve University. He is a Professional Engineer licensed to practice in Ohio. Now retired, Dr. Galm serves on boards of directors for LayerZero and Type One Energy. Galm's gift represents a significant investment in ARRL's mission by supporting initiatives that help develop students as innovators, protecting the future of amateur radio spectrum, and strengthening the organization for generations to come. -... -.- | |
Chilean Students Prepare for ARISS Contact
The initiative is part of the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) project, an international program that coordinates live amateur radio contacts by students with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The students toured the mission control room and satellite laboratories, and attended a keynote lecture delivered by space engineer Klaus von Storch, who shared details about the aerospace field and telecommunications. The visit was supported by the Los Molinos Radio Club of Villa Alemana, CE2CQ, a key institution in the students' radio communications preparation. Club treasurer Mauricio Jorquera, CA2BPG, said the visit will have a great impact on the students’ future. "The visit to the National Space Center was spectacular,” said Jorquera. “The high school students, selected for their outstanding performance, were extremely enthusiastic and active participants. For our radio club, it is a source of pride to create these opportunities, which complement the work we are doing for the upcoming contact with the ISS and demonstrate that, through education and amateur radio, there are no limits to exploring the future." ARISS is a cooperative venture of international amateur radio societies and the space agencies that support the International Space Station (ISS). -... -.- |
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Youth and STEM Education Leaders at 2026 HamXThe 2026 ARRL New England Division Convention was hosted by the Northeast HamXposition™, HamX™, August 13 – 16 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts. One only had to walk a few steps into the convention to see the strong youth presence. ARRL Senior Director of Marketing and Innovation Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, met students and advisors from New England Sci-Tech (NESci-Tech) throughout the weekend. NESci-Tech is a nonprofit STEM education center and makerspace dedicated to project-based, hands-on learning for youth and families across New England. Among the NESci-Tech team was founder and President Bob Phinney, K5TEC. Phinney led a youth forum on Saturday afternoon, organized as a roundtable discussion. Young hams, along with some prospective young hams, shared the experiences that inspired their participation in amateur radio. Inderbitzen invited the students to describe ways they could encourage their friends to become involved in amateur radio. He also encouraged the older students to stay involved as they look ahead to college and careers. “What do you think many college students are thinking about as they look ahead to their futures?” Inderbitzen asked. “Jobs,” several students responded. “Right,” said Inderbitzen. He noted that experiences gained through amateur radio can help young people develop practical skills that can set them apart as they enter the workforce. Building and troubleshooting equipment, working with electronics and communications technology, solving problems, collaborating with others, and taking on projects from concept to completion are all valuable experiences that extend well beyond the amateur radio station. Many of the students also staffed a NESci-Tech exhibit in the convention lobby, where they demonstrated their projects. Displays included pyramidal horn antennas used to detect the 1.42-GHz neutral hydrogen line emitted by interstellar gas clouds in the Milky Way, as well as high-altitude balloons carrying electronic sensor packages and radio transmitters.
The Saturday morning keynote speaker was Everton Henriques, KD2ZZT, an engineering and technology teacher at Staten Island Technical High School in New York. Henriques attended the ARRL Teachers Institute on Wireless Technology in 2023 and 2024, and has served as a TI instructor. “One of the brightest success stories of this program is right
here with us,” said ARRL Director of Development Kevin Beal, K8EAL,
who introduced Henriques.
Henriques shared experiences from his work as a coach and advisor to the SITHS Amateur Radio League, WS1THS; a SeaPerch underwater robotics team, and the Seagull Solar Car Racing Team, WSØLAR. Throughout his presentation, Henriques described the experiences that led his students to what he called “this moment” — the culmination and reward that comes from the hands-on hard work and learning that take place when students engage deeply in problem solving. Henriques has helped license more than 600 student hams and teaches nearly 130 students each semester. His experience illustrates how amateur radio, when integrated with hands-on STEM education, can provide young people with opportunities to build technical skills, work as teams, solve real-world problems, and discover pathways to future careers. Keynote presentations at the 2026 Northeast HamXposition: (left) Max Freedman, N4ML, at the DX and Contest Dinner; (right) Katie Campbell, KE8LQR, at the convention banquet. [Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R, photo] The convention's Friday and Saturday evening banquets also featured young amateur radio leaders. Max Freedman, N4ML, delivered the keynote at Friday’s DX and Contest Dinner. Freedman, who was licensed in 2016 at age 12, was part of the 3YØK DXpedition team to Bouvet Island in February and March 2026. Freedman is a member of the ARRL Headquarters staff. Saturday’s convention banquet featured keynote speaker Katie Campbell, KE8LQR. Licensed in 2019 at age 10, Campbell shared experiences of being mentored and encouraged by individuals and organizations. She also discussed the stark contrasts that can exist between younger and older radio amateurs – encouraging ways for young hams to be supported. Campbell is entering college at The Ohio State University. -... -.- |
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In Brief...The ARRL Solar Report August 20, 2026
Solar activity is expected to continue at low levels over through August 21 with a chance for M-class flares (R1-R2/minor-moderate). Solar wind parameters reflected the waning effect of the co-rotating interaction region (CIR) and dominating influence of a negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream near Earth. Solar wind speeds increased from 400 km/s to about 550-600 km/s. Phi angle remained predominantly negative during the past 24 hours. Solar wind parameters are likely to continue reflecting the presence of high speed streams associated with negative polarity coronal hole(s) through August 21. The 10.7-centimeter flux: August 20, 130; August 21 - 22, 125; August 23, 120; August 24 – 25, 115; August 26, 110. Predicted sunspot numbers: August 20, 95; August 21, 89; August 22, 102; August 23, 83; August 24, 105; August 25, 75; August 26, 110. For more information concerning radio propagation, visit 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
announced today a historic and transformational $1 million gift from Dr.
James M. Galm, W8WTS. An entrepreneur and amateur radio operator who
spent his career solving complex energy and engineering challenges, Galm
is now investing in the next generation of problem solvers through his
support of ARRL. 
A
delegation of 30 students from the Mary Graham Bicentennial
Vocational Technical High School in Villa Alemana, Chile, recently
visited the Chilean Air Force's National Space Center (CEN). The
visit was an opportunity to connect classroom content with
cutting-edge technological development, encouraging vocations in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 
Solar
activity has continued at low levels, with most of the C-class activity
originating from Region 4507. The secondary source of C-class flares was
beyond the east limb and was responsible for the largest flare of the
period, a C5.0 on August 19. There were four numbered regions on
the visible disk. Most of them showed some decay, losing
intermediary/trailer spots or penumbra area. Region 4510 continued to
rotate off the west limb. No Earth-directed coronal mass ejection
(CME) was observed in the available coronagraph imagery during the
period. 