June 22nd, 2026 Meeting
President Dennis Pratt called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM at Kro Bar in Brule.
Officers and Directors: Present – Ed Chaplinski, Paul Helbach, Glen Hill, Courtney Johnson, Mick Killoren, Ken Lundberg, Dennis Pratt, Mike Sierszen, Den Smet, Jeff Stollenwerk, Walt Swanson, Jim Waletzko, Dean Wellman and Mike Zicus.
Minutes of the May Meeting: The minutes as written in the June newsletter were approved following a motion by Courtney Johnson, second by Mike Zicus and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Treasurer’s and Financial Secretary’s Reports: Treasurer Jeff Stollenwerk reported that May’s beginning balance was $11,649.87, and the ending balance was $11,150.42 with the following expenses: Katie Thompson (May Newsletter) $200.00; DP Reimbursement (Habitat and Clean-up) $573.35; Northwestern HS (Scholarship) $1,000.00. The Treasurer’s report was approved following a motion by Jim Waletzko, a second by Den Smet and unanimous approval by voice vote. Financial Secretary Dean Wellman reported that there were $510.00 in total deposits into the general fund since the last meeting and that the Club had 3 new members and 7 renewals. The Financial Secretary’s report was approved following a motion by Walt Swanson, a second by Ken Lundberg and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Committee Reports
Legislative, Audit, Education: Nothing to report.
Habitat: Dennis Pratt – We will be assisting Paul Piszczek with a brush cutting project August 8th. We’ll meet at the Brule Fish Hatchery to brush the section downstream of the hatchery. Dennis requested permission to purchase another chainsaw and replacement chains from the habitat fund. A motion to approve was made by Walt Swanson, a second by Dean Wellman and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Scholarship: Mike Sierszen/Paul Helbach – Wyatt Hiltner is planning to attend our August 24th meeting. Paul Helbach is working with our High School Scholarship recipient to come to a future meeting.
Membership: Jim Waletzko/Ed Chaplinski – Extra newsletters were split between Ed and Jim for distribution.
Social Media: Mike Zicus/Dennis Pratt – Our July newsletter will feature articles about our two scholarship recipients, and habitat project announcement. Hopefully we’ll also have a short article about the Brule Preservation group who’ve donated to our scholarship funds for the last few years.
Other Business
July Fly of the Month – Dean Wellman. Fly will be the EZ Beetle.
Nebagamon Grade Removal Celebration – Ideas were discussed and once a plan has been set it will be announced.
Raffle status – 28 tickets spoken for so far. Tickets were handed out at the meeting.
Little Brule Culvert Update – Dean Wellman – Culvert is in, bypass culvert is still in, and completion is expected to be July 2nd.
Next In-person Meeting is Scheduled for July 27th
Upcoming Events – Please check our Club Calendar at https://bruleriversportsmensclub.com/category/club-calendar/ for the latest events.
The business meeting adjourned at 6:38 PM.
Recorded by Walt Swanson