April 28th, 2025 Meeting
President Dennis Pratt called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM at Kro Bar.
Officers and Directors: Present – Paul Helbach, Glen Hill, Mick Killoren, Ken Lundberg, Dennis Pratt, Mike Sierszen, Dennis Smet, Jeff Stollenwerk, Walt Swanson, Jim Waletzko, Dean Wellman, Mike Zicus and Ken Zivic.
Minutes of the March Meeting: The minutes as written in the April newsletter were approved following a motion by Dean Wellman, second by Ken Zivic and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Treasurer’s and Financial Secretary’s Reports: Treasurer Jeff Stollenwerk reported that March’s beginning balance was $20,374.92, and the ending balance was $20,990.82 with the following expenses: Transfer to Savings (February donations) $1,310.00; Katie Thompson (March Newsletter) $200.00; Pro Print (March Newsletter) $35.73; WI Division of Gaming (Raffle License) $25.50; 2024 Officer Stipends $500.00; Returned Check (member issued new payment) $50.00; Returned Check Fee $8.00. The Treasurer’s report was approved following a motion by Dennis Smet, second by Jim Waletzko and unanimous approval by voice vote. Financial Secretary Dean Wellman reports that there were $1,155.00 in total deposits into the general fund since the last meeting and that the Club had 7 new members and 24 renewals. The Financial Secretary’s report was approved following a motion by Walt Swanson and a second by Mike Zicus and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Committee Reports
Legislative, Education and Social Media: Nothing to report.
Habitat: Dennis Pratt – We will be assisting DNR with streambank brushing on the Little Brule. Dates chosen are July 26th and August 2nd. We’ll present details in our upcoming newsletters and on our website.
Audit: Jeff Stollenwerk – Jeff Stollenwerk presented the summary of the past year’s audit. The Treasurer’s report was approved following a motion by Walt Swanson, second by Paul Helbach and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Scholarship: Mike Sierszen/Paul Helbach – College Scholarship applications are due in a few days. Six have met the qualifications so far.
Membership: Dennis Pratt mailed left over newsletters to Ed Chaplinski for distribution as he could not make this meeting and gave Jim Waletzko the remainder for distribution.
Other Business
2024 Board Stipends – The Club Treasurer requests a motion and Board approval to transfer $700 from the General Fund to the High School Scholarship Fund, and to transfer $1,600 from the General Fund to the College Scholarship Fund, as requested by Club officers declining their 2024 stipends. The Treasurer’s request was approved following a motion by Mike Sierszen, second by Ken Zivic and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Spring Cleanup Wrap-up – Den Smet reported we had 40 volunteers, and it was a perfect day. The vests purchased and the lunch provided were appreciated by the volunteers.
Club Banner – Dennis Pratt reported that our event banner has deteriorated in storage. Purchasing a replacement costing about $130.00 was approved following a motion by Dean Wellman, second by Mike Sierszen and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Fly of the Month – Dean Wellman indicated it will be Mike Lawson’s Caddis Emerger.
Wild River’s Trout Expo – Dennis Pratt and Club member Doug Anderson represented the Club at this year’s event, which was held on April 5th at Hayward.
Raffle 2025 – Dean Wellman volunteered to make a 4-weight fly rod. We also have a hand-made quilt that was donated to us by a Club member, Lew Boyko. Other items mentioned were a collector’s Rapala fillet knife and our Fly of the Month booklet with a box of the flies. The price of the ticket was suggested at $10. This was approved following a motion by Ken Lundberg, second by Mike Sierszen and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Family Fun Day – Date chosen is August 16th. Currently waiting for DNR approval process.
Vets on the Lake – Mick Killoren made a motion to donate $500.00 to this event, followed by a second from Ken Lundberg and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Challenge Center Canoe Albums – No pictures of Ron Pearson, who initiated the event, exist in the albums. Den Smet mentioned Ron’s sister would like to get some if anyone had any. Several in attendance mentioned they will help with that. Den has received 4 inquiries about the event for this year.
Upcoming Events – Please check our Club Calendar at https://bruleriversportsmensclub.com/category/club-calendar/ for the latest events.
The business meeting adjourned at 7:01 PM.
Recorded by Walt Swanson