June 23rd, 2025 Meeting
President Dennis Pratt called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM at Kro Bar.
Officers and Directors: Present – Ed Chaplinski, Paul Helbach, Courtney Johnson, Mick Killoren, Ken Lundberg, Dennis Pratt, Mike Sierszen, Dennis Smet, Jeff Stollenwerk, Walt Swanson, Jim Waletzko, Dean Wellman and Mike Zicus. Club members Paul Sandstrom, Eric Nelson, and Greg Larson attended.
Minutes of the May Meeting: The minutes as written in the June newsletter were approved following a motion by Jim Waletzko, second by Courtney Johnson and unanimous approval by voice vote.
Treasurer’s and Financial Secretary’s Reports: Treasurer Jeff Stollenwerk reported that May’s beginning balance was $21,612.11, and the ending balance was $18,200.67 with the following expenses: ProPrint (April newsletter) $46.88; DP reimbursement (4/26 spring cleanup) $511.88; Katie Thompson (May newsletter) $200.00; The First Impression Group (river maps) $404.68; DW reimbursement (rod build for raffle) $184.29; Northwestern High School (scholarship) $1,000.00; Transfer to Savings (April donations) $50.00; ProPrint (May newsletter) $71.46. The Treasurer’s report was approved following a motion by Dean Wellman, second by Mike Zicus and unanimous approval by voice vote. Financial Secretary Dean Wellman reported that there were $668.00 in total deposits into the general fund since the last meeting and that the Club had 3 new members and 2 renewals. The Financial Secretary’s report was approved following a motion by Ed Chaplinski and a second by Mike Sierszen.
Committee Reports
Legislative, Audit and Education Committees: 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.
Scholarship: Mike Sierszen/Paul Helbach – Mike introduced our 2025 college recipient, David Gallagher. David gave a short background on his academic and outdoor history.
Membership: Jim Waletzko/Ed Chaplinski – Ed plans on dropping off extra newsletters at several locations on his way home. Jim dropped off some at the Bait Box in Superior.
Social Media: Mike Zicus/Dennis Pratt – Dennis commented that newsletter items need to be delivered to Katie by the first of each month to ensure she has enough time to produce the newsletter.
Other Business
Fly of the Month – Dean Wellman reported that we’ll feature Mike Lawson’s No Hackle Dry Fly.
Raffle 2025 Ticket Distribution – Mike Sierszen reported that we had 300 tickets printed. The first 100 have been distributed to Board Members and 19 tickets have been requested through the website so far.
Family Fun Day – Date chosen is August 16th.
Possible Canoe Donation – Mick and Ken will check out the boat.
Upcoming Events – Please check our Club Calendar at https://bruleriversportsmensclub.com/category/club-calendar/ for the latest events.
The business meeting adjourned at 6:49 PM.
Recorded by Walt Swanson