January 27th, 2025 Meeting
President Dennis Pratt called the online meeting to order at 6:05 PM.
Officers and Directors: Present – Dennis Pratt, Mike Sierszen, Jeff Stollenwerk, Walt Swanson, Dean Wellman and Mike Zicus.
Minutes of the November Meeting: The minutes as written in the January newsletter were approved by unanimous voice vote.
Treasurer’s and Financial Secretary’s Reports: Treasurer Jeff Stollenwerk reported that November’s beginning balance was $12,052.57, and December’s ending balance was $14,646.85 with the following expenses: Katie Thompson (November newsletter) $200.00; Pro Print (thank you cards) $367.42; Pro Print (November newsletter) $28.59. Jeff mentioned that one of our short-term CD’s had just matured and suggested that we move an additional $5,000 into a new CD. This was approved following a motion by Mike Zicus, a second by Dennis Pratt, and by a unanimous voice vote. The Treasurer’s report was approved following a motion by Mike Zicus, second by Mike Sierszen and unanimous approval by voice vote. President Dennis Pratt reported for Financial Secretary Dean Wellman that there were $2415.00 in total deposits into the general fund November and December and that the Club had 3 new members and 52 renewals. The Financial Secretary’s report was approved following a motion by Dean Wellman, a second by Walt Swanson, and a unanimous voice vote.
Committee Reports
Legislative, Audit, and Membership: Nothing to report.
Habitat: Dennis Pratt – Walt Swanson contacted Scott Anderson with the Winneboujou Club regarding possible gravel add project at the narrows downstream of the Winneboujou boat house. Scott said that he didn’t see any issues going forward with a project this summer. Dennis will reach out to Paul at the DNR at this point.
Education: Den Smet – The fish at Northwestern are doing just fine. They have hatched and are down in the rocks. Soon, they will start feeding them. Den couldn’t get a response from Superior Senior High. In the past, their eggs have done just fine.
Scholarship: Mike Sierszen sent out application announcements in mid-January.
Social Media: Mike Zicus/Dennis Pratt – Mike has been busy cleaning up the website. Ken Zivic helped by verifying links to videos and Mike Sierszen is looking for a functioning link for a reference in our reading list.
Other Business
Online Meetings – In-person meetings will resume on March 24th at the Kro Bar.
Membership Drive – Dennis sent a membership renewal reminder in late December to all members with email addresses. As of January 23rd, we’ve had 108 members renew their membership. Dennis will send another email reminder at the end of January to those still unpaid.
Fly of the Month – Resumes in our March newsletter
Election Results – All four nominees (Zivic, Sierszen, Waletzko and Hill) were reelected to their board positions. A total of 76 members voted.
TU Letter of Support Request – Chris Collier of TU – Great Lakes has requested a letter of support for continuing funding for their removal of barriers on Lake Superior tributaries. The letter was approved following a motion by Dennis Pratt, a second by Mike Zicus, and a unanimous voice vote.
Upcoming Events – Please check our Club Calendar at https://bruleriversportsmensclub.com/category/club-calendar/ for the latest events.
The business meeting adjourned at 6:33 PM.
Recorded by Walt Swanson