Four Lakes Amateur Radio Club Membership Meeting
February 17th 2026
Meeting called to order at 19:33 by Steve Ujvarosy, W9GZO.
Motion to approve the minutes as published of the January 2026 meeting by Doug Speer, W5WTX. Seconded by Jim Lattis, K9REO, all in favor.
Treasurers report submitted and read by Sam Ledbetter, KI5POE. Current checking account balance is $4362.32 Certificate of Deposit is $4132.70. Thirty six paid members. Motion to approve the Treasurers Report by Thomas Murphy, WN1C. Seconded by Jim Lattis, K9REO, all in favor.
Bragging Rights and Call Sign Changes
Joe Bush passed the exam, waiting on call sign.
Ted Strang, W1SCO, upgraded to General Class.
Jeff Fritsche, KE9CQP, included on a new K1LY music video
Thomas Murphy, WN1C, inaugural activation of Lakes and Lagoons on the Air, US 0100 - Lake Mendota.
Thomas Murphy, WN1C, four years of POTA activations on February 14th.
Alex Curry, K9CE, received a Kenwood D75 radio
VE Report for January 2026
Four volunteer examiners in attendance.
15 candidates resulting in nine new Technician Class licenses and one General Class license three upgrades to General Class and one Extra Class upgrade.
Old Business
FD Planning
Jeff Fritsche, KE9CQP, announced that David Boetcher, Dane County District 25 Supervisor, will be attending. Craig Uselman, KM9K, and Steve Ujvarosy, W9GZO, are working on contacts and sponsorship. Contact Jeff Fritsche, KE9CQP, about operation positions. Zoom meeting will be on March 3rd. Still looking for a social media organizer.
Nicholas Lager, KB9SKW, reported on the activity of Thomas Baden, AC9BJ, and himself for the Minnesota QSO party the previous weekend. After driving to South Dakota and tuning the Ham Stick antennas with a nanoVNA, a high SWR from the radio made them abort the rover op.
New Business
Club Logo Proposal
Joe Bush, offered to assist with further development of the logo.
Motion to approve by Sam Ledbetter, KI5POE. Seconded by Craig Uselman, KM9K, all in favor
2026 Budget Proposal
Review of the 2025 budget found us ahead by $88 actual vs budgeted expenses.
Future new club expenditures are expected to include, but not limited to, rent for meeting space, rent for storage of club property and VE expenses.
Holiday party continues to be budgeted at $250 to cover appetizers with event attendees covering any additional expenses including meals.
ARRL Field Day park rent has increased. Previous park shelter rent was $325 and increasing by about $!50. The budget for food and other expenses carry over from 2025 levels.|
Other expenses include web page hosting, annual Zoom subscription, PayPal fees, liability insurance remain static year to year. Sam will inquire on the ongoing cost of our liability insurance and possibly finding a new insurance carrier or renewing the current policy.
Primary income comes from membership, with seventy two for 2025 and half of that for 2026 year to date.
Club equipment expenditure carries over from 2025.
Joe Senulis, N9TWA, brought up a question about VE expenses with discussion to follow.
Doug Speer, W5WTX, asked how the club acquired a generous bank account in the past with discussion to follow.
Motion to approve by Nicholas Lager, KB9SKW. Seconded by Jim Lattis, K9REO, all in favor.
Winter Field Day logs are due March 1st.
Nicholas Lager, KB9SKW, announced that the Wisconsin QSO Party is March 15th, 1:00pm to 8:00pm CST. Talk to Nicholas if you are interested in operating at UW Space Place for the contest. Discussion about the contest followed.
Presentation
Patrick McCauley, NT9A – NVIS Antennas
Motion to adjourn by Evan Thomas, KE9DFF. Seconded by Doug Speer, W5WTX, all in favor.
Members and Guests in attendance
Ann Reh, KD9ZUE
Thomas Murphy, WN1C
Nathan Harsha, KC9WHJ
Yaron Greenwald
Joe Senulis, N9TWA
Ted Strang, W1SCO
Erick Tracy, KE9BKK
Jeremy Tracy
Alex Curry, K9CE
Joe Bush
Lincoln Anderson, KE9EHX
Mike Hoerstmann, KE9EHU
Sam Ledbetter, KI5POE
Oliver Robisch
Doug Speer, W5WTX
Jim Lattis, K9REO
Jeff Fritsche, KE9CQP
Nicholas Lager, KB9SKW
Steve Ujvarosy, W9GZO
Steve Shay, KC9JPX
Evan Thomas, KE9DFF
Brynne Farrell, KD9YHF
Patrick McCauley, NT9A
Kevin Graniero, KF9AQ
Marshall Alworth, AC9VV
Craig Uselman, KM9K
Sandy Letlebo, KC9LZW
Larry Waldhart, KD9VTR
Sam Rowe, KN9NG
Paulette Quick, WB9VHF