The April 21, 2009 meeting was held in the Newton Public Library.  The meeting was called to order at 7:09pm by Vice-President David Godshall.  Present were David Duerksen, David Godshall, Bob Harder, Marion Harper, Mike Harvey, Dan Inskeep, Bob Ogden, Joe Palmer, and Kent Stutzman.

Minutes: The March Minutes were read and approved.

Treasurer's Report: No change.

Advanced Storm Spotter's Training: Various club members attended and talked about some information they learned from the course, including telling the relative strength of the storm based on the leaning and by looking at the Doppler radar screen.

Club Equipment: An update was given on the current status of the Club's equipment.

MCC Relief Sale: Bob and Lorna Harder, David Godshall, David Duerksen, and Kent Harder showed up and helped with Amateur Radio.  There were some difficulties with the First Aid location being locked and the nurse on duty not reachable to unlock it so Bob could set up the radio station.  It turned out the nurse has her ringer turned too low and she couldn't hear her phone.  Later she was needed when a mild burn victim came in and she was again not reachable by phone.  David Godshall had the two auction locations and the announcement van give out a call for her, and she responded -- this time her phone did not have proper coverage when in certain buildings.  Bob lent her an FRS walkie-talkie and she also made sure to check in on a regular basis from that point on, as well as report when she switched buildings.  The sale raised over $433,000 for relief work, and David gave other statistics from the website: http://kansas.mccsale.org/

Repeater: Doing pretty good but has some sensitivity issues and should be looked at.  Would like to have a working backup repeater before working on the current repeater.

Kansas QSO Party: The website (http://ksqsoparty.org/) now contains the official rules and prize categories, including a youth category, which may be unique to this new Kansas QSO Party.  Prizes will for the "Kansas Consumable Award" may be Buffalo Jerky, Sunflower Seeds, Popped Wheat, or Sandhill Plum Jelly.

Nebraska QSO Party: This coming weekend; Bob has not decided yet if he will be participating as a rover in this one.

Field Day: June 27-28, 2008  Bob Harder said he would not be available this year due to a wedding conflict, however the Stutzman Retreat Center location is reserved and available, as long as a Hesston College employee is there.  David Godshall is planning on being there.

McPherson Amateur Radio Club: Planning a Tailgate Party, May 16th, in McPherson at Lake Shore Park and Kansas Avenue, 8am-Noon. No fee, just show up.

Vertical Antenna for Sale:  Bob Ogden would like to sell his vertical.  He is moving.

Show and Tell: Mike Harvey showed off a new bug key he got that straps on to a person's leg.  Bob showed the special edition (75th Anniversary) Clean Sweep crystal mug he received for the recent CW Sweepstakes competition.

Meeting adjourned at 8:22pm.

-- David Godshall, Secretary/Treasurer