October 27th, 2025 Meeting

President Dennis Pratt called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM at Kro Bar.

Officers and Directors: Present – Ed Chaplinski, Paul Helbach, Glen Hill, Courtney Johnson, Mick Killoren, Dennis Pratt, Mike Sierszen, Den Smet, Jeff Stollenwerk, Walt Swanson, Dean Wellman, Mike Zicus and Ken Zivic.

Minutes of the September’s Meeting: The minutes as written in the October newsletter were approved following a motion by Courtney Johnson, second by Ken Zivic and unanimous approval by voice vote.

Treasurer’s and Financial Secretary’s Reports: Treasurer Jeff Stollenwerk reported that September’s beginning balance was $8,359.88, and the ending balance was $8,040.56 with the following expenses: DW reimbursement (map frame supplies) $92.00; Katie Thompson (September newsletter) $200.00; Computing Done Right (annual web host) $385.00.  The Treasurer’s report was approved following a motion by Dean Wellman, second by Den Smet and unanimous approval by voice vote.  Financial Secretary Dean Wellman reported that there was $170.00 in total deposits into the general fund since the last meeting and that the Club had 1 renewal and 2 new members. The Financial Secretary’s report was approved following a motion by Ed Chaplinski and a second by Mike Zicus.

Committee Reports

Legislative and Audit:  Nothing to report.

Education:  Den Smet – Den will contact the teachers to be sure they participate this year. If so, he will get the eggs.

Habitat:  Dennis Pratt –Paul Piszczek contacted us and asked if we would consider cutting Alders above Stone’s Bridge. A discussion followed and pros and cons were brought up. Ultimately the Board decided not to do this. Some replacement chainsaw chains need to be purchased.

Scholarship:  Mike Sierszen/Paul Helbach – Paul mentioned that Breena Kroll from Northwestern High School asked if the Board wanted to do the selection process instead of the teachers. A short discussion followed with the recommendation that the process should continue as it is. Walt Swanson brought up that it would be nice for Breena to bring the recommendation to the Board meeting in person if possible. Paul is going to ask.

Membership:  Ed Chaplinski – Ed stopped at St Croix of Park Falls Ltd and Elk River Custom Rods LLC on the way home and dropped off ten newsletters at each. He was planning on dropping this batch at Lund’s Fly Shop.

Social Media:  Mike Zicus/Dennis Pratt – Mike received two inquires: First, could we add private vs public land information to the lower river map? A discussion followed and the concern was the map would be too cluttered. Second, does the Club do landing and trail maintenance to remove trees on the trails? The short answer was this work does not fall under our habitat work. Mike Sierszen is working on a couple of articles for our upcoming newsletters.

Other Business

Paper Newsletter Printing Delay Continues – Dennis Pratt got all 95 mailed on Friday.

Great Waters Flyfishing Discussion – To be held March 13 – 15. Mick Killoren and Ed Chaplinski made a motion not to attend this year if we can’t find someone to lead the event soon.  This is likely to be revisited over the winter.

Winter Meeting Schedule Discussion – Until March the Board members will meet online.

New Membership Stickers Status – Ed Chaplinski. When complete the new sticker order will be mailed directly to Dennis Pratt.

Officer Nominations – 2026-2027 Terms. Dennis Pratt nominated Jeff Stollenwerk for Treasurer, Dean Wellman nominated Walt Swanson for Recording Secretary, Glen Hill nominated Dean Wellman for Financial Secretary, Paul Helbach nominated Dennis Pratt for President, Dean Wellman nominated Ed Chaplinski for Vice President. All five accepted the nominations.

2026 Raffle Discussion – Dean Wellman. Dave Norling Rod, fly tying package and Weber knife are the prizes being considered.

Iron River Hatchery Friends Group Donation – Den Smet read a letter he received from the Iron River Hatchery Friends Group about their $680.80 donation to the Club because of the group’s dissolution. Pratt will send them a thank you letter.

Club Store Updates – Dennis Pratt. Framed poster will be listed as out of stock until Dean returns. Discussion on the transition away from paper newsletters, with printing issues and delivery timelines this is getting difficult.

Upcoming Events – Please check our Club Calendar at https://bruleriversportsmensclub.com/category/club-calendar/ for the latest events.

The business meeting adjourned at 7:12 PM.

Recorded by Walt Swanson