Southwest Scouts’ annual meeting was held February 1, 2003, at Supplee’s 4WD with approximately 45 in attendance. The meeting began with introductions from around the room. The first order of business, election of officers, resulted in continuation of the former officers, which are George Barwick, President; Jack McClary, Vice-President; and, Kim Barwick, Secretary/Treasurer - motion by Nona Evitts, seconded by Bill Johnson.

Membership dues were then discussed. During the previous year the club was able to send out newsletters every other month at a cost of $15 per member per year or $2.15 per issue. The club is also a member of the Southwest Four Wheel Drive Association. The club’s membership in the Association is $50 annually with an additional $9 paid per member. These costs result in no excess funding for club activities. It was proposed that membership dues be increased to $35 annually, payable each February.

Discussion was held about alternate ways to reduce the cost of the newsletter. The newsletter is currently produced using a home computer. Copying stores have been investigated and were found to be more expensive. It was suggested that the club try to e-mail the newsletter to members with internet access. Rowdy Gilpin currently posts the newsletter on the Southwest

Scouts’ website. It was noted some programs are not compatible with the program used to produce the newsletter and would prevent opening the attachment. Several members stated that they enjoy the newsletter, like to receive it through regular mail, and felt raising the dues as proposed was well worth the cost. Dues were increased to $35 annually, payable each February - motion by Jennifer Biggers, seconded by Richard Thrasher.

Don Dolph was introduced. Gary Taber invited Don who had been a dealer along with his brother at Dick Dolph International in Midwest City. Don remembered when the Scout came into production. The vehicles were rugged and tough, and floormats were optional. His brother always drove black Scouts, these being special order. Men bought the Scout mostly for hunt or play, then the

spoke to the group. Bill Williams, representative of the Kansas City Four Wheel Drive Assn, asked that he inform our club about the grant their group was able to obtain to develop land for an off-road park near Mound City, Kansas. They hope to have the park ready for use by Memorial Day weekend. All trail levels will be available and camping will be primitive (they are applying for another grant to develop the land further, grants are available each year). The park will charge a daily fee and will be closed to cycles and ATVs. Gary Taber noted that there is a lot of funding available for projects such as the one in Kansas. Land near his acreage has been developed using grants in our state. Gary is currently checking into the criteria.

Richard also shared that a former member of the Wichita club, Just Scoutin’ Around, is trying to resurrect their club. He has expressed interest in changing his website to something such as Mid-America International with links to websites such as Southwest Scouts.



Discussion followed about possible outings for the coming year. Gary Taber will host an outing at his place April 5-6, 2003. The land is near the Lazy E, exit 151 on I-35. Gary will check to make sure activities are not being held that weekend at the Lazy E and to see if the club can set up headquarters again at Pioneer RV Park.