February 15, 2023

  • Meeting Location: 605 Metropolis Street, Metropolis, IL.
  • Meeting Conducted By: James “Jay” Smock – President
  • Meeting Called to Order at: approximately 1813 hrs.
  • The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: Jay Smock
  • Members Present:
  • Jay Smock – President
  • Aidan Carnes
  • Geoff Williams  Secretary
  • Lloyd Baker
  • Guests Present:
  • Brian Horn – Director of Emergency Management of Massac County (DEM)
  • Rachel Deaton
  • Minutes of the Last Meeting: January 18, 2023, were read and accepted “as is.”
  • Brian Horn related that the National Weather Service Weather Workshop will be held on March 1. The in-person location will be the Murray State University building located at 4430 Sunset Ave, Paducah, Ky.  Times are 0900-1200 hrs. One may also attend via Webinar
    • It was noted that a couple of our members have already signed up to attend in person.
  • Jay is still trying to get information from the SIU CU. So far he has received to be somewhat inaccurate information. Rachael Deaton gave Jay the name of a person at the Metropolis branch that she believes will assist him with the correct information for an organizational checking account. After we receive our Non-Profit status from the IRS a different type of account will have to be opened.
  • Regarding incorporation as a non-profit: Jay will speak to Randy Rushing – CPA regarding the possibility of him doing the incorporation paperwork for our association.
  • Aidan Carnes suggest that once we begin offering testing for the FCC amateur radio licensing we give the testee an informational sheet containing the DX Engineering, Inc. Technician Starter Package. All agreed that was a good idea.
  • Preston Ursini informed the group via relay by Lloyd Baker that he has reserved the Web address WS1ERA.org for us.
  • Jay relayed that the River to River Relay will be held on April 22. So far members have volunteered to work communications for the event.  Jay Smock & Mike Hicks will be posted at the Tunnel Hill stop.  Ronnie Stone & Geoff Williams will work stop #19.
  • American Radio Field Day will be held on June 24-25. It’s a 48 hour event.  
    • It was suggested that we, SIERA, set-up in Ft. Massac State Park at the pavilion across from the trout pond.
    • DEM (Brian Horn) may partner with us, bringing out the DEM truck and trailer with radio equipment for the public to view.
    • Brian Horn offered to contact WMOK Radio Station to see if they want to do a radio spot on the event.
    • Jay Smock offered to contact Tarra Temple at the Metropolis Planet news paper to see if they would like to do an article regarding the event.
    • It was agreed that our group would participate in the Field Day and begin setting up at 0900 hrs, with plans to work the event from 1200 hrs. to dark.
    • Jay is planning on smoking a pork shoulder for the club members to enjoy.
    • More planning will be done in the near future.
  • Brian Horn’s application for membership was read and accepted. He paid his dues and is now a member of SIERA.
  • There was a general brainstorming session regarding ideas for a club logo.
    • Many good ideas were floated about.
    • More discussion forthcoming at the next monthly meeting.
  • The meeting was adjourned at approximately 1934 hrs.

Minutes submitted by Geoff Williams – Secretary