The Kent Amateur Radio Society (KARS, Inc.) was founded by the following members: Jim Bortner SK, WA3UJE; Jeff Hamm, WA6LHQ; Bill Clark, N3DOU; Charlie Tiemeyer, W3RMD; Ray Zimmerman, KA3HJG; Lou Grahamer, KA3KTF; Jack Dilley, KA2BYY; and Cal Coursey, N3QA The first meetings were held at the Kent County Court House in Chestertown , Maryland with the first meeting taking place on Wednesday, March 5, 1986 . The club was organized to provide emergency communications for Kent County, Maryland; public service communications for the community; and to provide training and testing for people interested in obtaining an amateur radio license.
Today the KARS club station is located in Chestertown, MD. at the Kent County Emergency Management Agency Office. It is affiliated with the ARRL, amateur radio’s National organization.
Former Presidents have been: Bob Lovell, KB3ENU; Jim Bortner SK, WA3UJE; Bill Clark, N3DOU; Jeff Hamm, WA6LHQ/3; Rod Hemminger SK, W3YEA; Chris Singleton, KE3MC; Cindy Hamm, N3TF; Rick Councell, AA3TQ; Elizabeth Gibbs SK, W3HIH; Richard Budden, K3JB.