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ARRL West Texas Section (WTX) |
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West Section News August 2003 Time is running out if you still plan to file comments with the FCC concerning the BPL threat. The deadline for Reply Comments is August 20, 2003. As of Monday, over 3500 comments had been filed, most from amateur radio operators fearing that BPL will mean the end of amateur radio at the hf and lower vhf band level. It was especially gratifying to see that several ARRL members from West Texas took time to file with the FCC. You can electronically file your comments at the following link http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/upload_v2.cgi Just follow the instructions found on the webpage. The docket # for the first box is 03-104 I would like to welcome three new appointees to the West Texas Section Field Service. Bob Ward, WA5ROE, from Alpine has accepted the challenge of becoming our West Texas Section Emergency Coordinator. Bob has served the western portion of our section for several years as District Emergency Coordinator and as Net Control of the Big Bend Emergency Net. Bob, with the assistance of Dave, N5DO, Brewster County EC and other WTX EC’s is developing a WTX Section Emergency Plan. Bob will be your primary contact person for ARES matters. Sara Gail Cranford, N5ZMP, of Midland is our new Affiliated Club Coordinator. She will be working with our clubs on keeping their records updated and other club matters. This month she assisted the El Paso ARC in renewing their Special Service status. If you need more information on ARRL Club Affiliation or if your club is interested in becoming a Special Service Club, contact Sara Gail. The third appointment for this month is Richard McGee, N5DLX, of Ft. Stockton. Richard is the new EC for Pecos County succeeding Albert Bean, WB5FWR. Albert is having health problems and was unable to continue as EC. August and these 100+ degree days will soon be gone and we can start thinking about the fall hamfest season. First stop is Lubbock where the LACC is holding a swapmeet/tailgate session and BBQ at their clubhouse on Sept. 6, 2003 at 1110 98th Street in Lubbock. Contact Eddie, KC5OBX, or Joey, KC5MVZ, for more information. On the following weekend, the PBARC will be having a swapmeet/tailgate event at the Lee Youth Center at 3500 Neeley in Midland. The date is Saturday Sept.13, 2003. More information at http://www.pbarc.org/tgsw.html The Panhandle ARC is participating again this year in the “Route 66” activities from Sept6-13. Their special call will be N6I. More info at http://almostangels.org/w5wx/ Mark Dec.6, 2003 on your calendar for SKYWARN Recognition Day. Several WTX groups usually participate. Late Field Day report from the Plainview ARC. They operated 1D from a motor home and had lots of fun. NQ0B, Laverne Wilson, is their new president. Their annual picnic is Tuesday, Sept 2 at 7PM in the 7th Street Park in Plainview. Silent Keys this month include Bill Johnson, W5QQ, of Shallowater, Bill Mewhorter,N5QB,of Midland, and Judy Scheiderer, WB5HGL, of El Paso. Judy was the wife of Jack, W5JHS. Congratulations to WA5ROE, N5DO and KD5NSD for completing the EC-001 emergency communications training.