The August 21, 2004 meeting was held in Rita's Restaurant, in the Red Coach Inn at I-135 and 1st St in Newton, KS. The meeting was called to order at 9:11 by President Kent Harder. Present at the meeting were Dan Inskeep, Roger Wilson, Kent Stutzman, Ken Lundgren, Lon Buller, Kent Harder and Bob Ogden.

Minutes were read without correction.

Treasurer's Report: No change from last months report. Checking account balance was report as $538.37, with $120 in petty cash.

Roger Wilson handed out flyers for the 5th Annual Valley Center HamFest. The HamFest is scheduled for October 9, 2004 from 8:00am to 1:00pm. Admission: $2.00. Contact k0rh@cox.net

Roger Wilson also passed out maps of the MCC Flatlander Bike Ride, September 11, 2004. There are four seperate routes, from 8 to 35, 45, and 65 miles each. Some routes do overlap. The event organizers at MCC are requesting at least five to six operators for the event.

Roger Wilson is also seeking a few volunteers for an antenna party in honor of his station upgrades. He has proposed September 12, weather permitting. Those interested in helping are welcomed.

Roger Wilson detailed the Wichita Amateur Radio Club expedition to Riverton, KS for the Route 66 Special Event on Labor Day. They anticipate setting up the station in front of Eisler Brothers General Store. Only 13 miles of this famous highway pass through Kansas.

Kent Stutzman reported to the Club that Mike Harvey now has the cans for the 444 repeater. The repeater has been coordinated for 444.675(+5). Mike will be testing the performance and making final adjustments to the machine before gathering the crew needed to go to the Mill to access the roof. The antenna will be mounted where the 1.2Ghz antenna owned by N0NEK is now attached.

Kent Stutzman brought up the discussion occuring on the Public Relations reflector regarding the image of ham radio. First impression is a lasting impression. Often mistaken as CB station, there is the opportunity to educate the public about the differences. The perception most oft mentioned on the reflector is that hams show up, too many buttons on their jackets, 3 radios on their belt and ready to fix the world. Other more common impressions are over-weight radio geeks, who are typically unshowered and unshaven, ready to help.

General discussion broke out with all in attendance for several minutes.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:05am