4/15/24: The meeting was called to order at the Wauseon Municipal Building Firemen's Training Room, 230 Clinton Street, Wauseon, OH 43567 at 7:35 pm by Bryan Patterson (KB8ELG). 16 members and guests were in attendance, introductions were made and the Pledge of Allegiance was given by all. Gratitude expressed to Jan Tropf for the use of this facility.

Silent Key: none

Members in Distress: W8TUX--hospitalization. KC8ROU? KC8HDG–knee surgery. KE8ITJ son– kidney issues

Corrections to Minutes from Previous Meeting: none

Treasurer's Report: reported by KB8ELG in KB8QJF’s absence. Bill submitted by KB8ELG for $120 for annual use of PO Box in Wauseon: motion for approval by KG8FM and WB8ZOI. Bill submitted by KB8ELG for $200 for club insurance: motion for approval by KD8MNG and KG8FM. FCARC has brought in monies from sales of equipment generously donated to the club.

Solar Eclipse occurred 4/8/24. 14 members of FCARC were stationed around Fulton County at police stations, fire departments and north of Liberty Center. Communication was facilitated by the repeater. Net control was stationed at Fulton County Health Center using the 2m radio and antenna within the facility. An explosion was heard in Swanton and reported. Sketchy cellular including the ability to text or access the internet was observed in Liberty Center and reported. Positive feedback has been received from various agencies.

AA8YY is coordinating AR Newsline to air on K8BXQ repeater on Wednesdays and Sundays 7:00-7:30PM.

KB8ELG is exploring various means of bringing wireless internet to the primary repeater shed. He has discussed with FCHC CTO sharing wireless with them. KD8KBU also discussing with FCHC IT. Waiting for final decision. A quote has also been obtained from Metallink.

Fox Hunt: 3/24/24. N8ZGM was the Fox and did an excellent job hiding in plain site. Deployed from Wauseon Municipal Building. KF8AAX won with the least amount of miles and is the next Fox. 

Repeater: replacement of new cans (4) postponed. KB8ELG obtained quotes from TXRX and Bridgecom. Bridgecom is less expensive than buying from the factory. These are IRLP and Echolink ready. Looking for someone who can climb the tower who is licensed, bonded and insured.

Fulton County Police is requesting our help with various events. 5/27/24 Masonic Lodge breakfast at 0800-- help with parking. Parade from 0900-1100. 

Independence Day fireworks Swanton/Delta held on various dates. Super Cruises in Wauseon, Crosley 7/8/24-7/13/24 at Fulton County Fairgrounds. Parade 7/11/24. 

Discussion about having FCARC table at various events to spark interest and conversation. KE8OKA discussed making up “You’re Invited” cards to hand out to people interested in FCARC and events. 

Summer Hamfest 6/1/24 at Woodlot in Tedrow. Sweet Nate’s Coffee truck? Summer Field Day 6/23-24/24 at Woodlot in Tedrow. May be looking for another place to hold the Summer events in the future. American Legion in Delta? Homecoming Park in Wauseon?

70th Birthday of FCARC. Camping Celebration at Woodlot 7/27/24? Continue to discuss within the club-- final decision next meeting.

Lifetime memberships. Not mentioned in by-laws. Someone can make a proposal for by-laws modification at three consecutive meetings. KG8FM and KE8UJA to pen Qualifications for Lifetime membership. Retirement age?

W8SRD discussed National Incident Management (NIM) training. SIDS #= FEMA ID #. In person classes provided by a member of Williams County Amateur Radio Club. 100 module done. Module 700 will be held at Williams County this Saturday. Module 200 5/4/24. Module 800 June 15.

No new updates re: Tri-County Hamfest in 2025 at Williams County Fairgrounds.

VE update: Saturday March 30, 2024 KD8OEY upgraded to General, and Garrett Miller KF8ASV attained Technician and is a new member of FCARC. Congratulations!

Club Nets:

• AR Newsline on K8BXQ repeater 147.195+on Wednesdays and Sundays 7:00-7:30PM.
• Sunday at 8:00pm on the 1st Sunday is the Simplex Net-- 146.46
• Sunday at 8:00pm on the 2nd and 4th Sunday is the Fulton County Preparedness Net – 147.195+
• Sunday at 8:00pm on the 3rd Sunday is the Emergency Services Net—147.195+
• Sunday at 8:00pm on the 5th Sunday is the DMR Net on Brandmeister 3171544 (K8BXQ).
• Weeknights at 10:30pm Bud's Midnight Madness Net -- 147.195+
• Wednesday at 8:00pm Wednesday Night Net
• Thursday at 8pm 6M Net -- 1st Thursday 50.400 AM, 3rd Thursday 50.125 USB, all others 52.525 FM Simplex

 

Latest Club Information:

• On the web: https://k8bxq.org
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fulton-County-Amateur-Radio-Club-2069395960639…
• E-Mail list: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/fcarc
   

VE Testing: The club gives testing at 10:00 am the last Saturday of each month at the Wauseon Administration Building Firemen's Training Room, 230 Clinton Street, Wauseon, OH 43567. Contact Sandra Schwind KE8UTX if interested. Her email address can be found on the k8bxq.org website under the VE Testing section.

Saturday morning breakfast at the Delta 109 at 9:00 AM, in downtown Delta, OH.

The next regular club meeting will be 5/20/24 7:30PM at the Wauseon Municipal Building Firemen's Training Room, 230 Clinton Street, Wauseon, OH 43567.

A motion to adjourn was made by KG8FM and seconded by KD8PUD all were in favor.  KB8ELG closed the meeting at 8:48pm