American Legion, Martin Krueger Post 407

The American Legion is a national organization, established Aug. 27, 1920, for veterans of all wars to serve God, country, and community.

Sponsoring youth attendance at Boys State, renovating the Legion building, and providing Christmas gifts for veterans in the area’s care centers and Veterans Administration hospitals are among Post 407’s ongoing efforts. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the Legion has reintroduced the Blue Star Banner Program for families with a loved one in uniform, and the post has distributed these banners locally.

The Legion also sponsors the Winsted Boy Scouts, provides drivers for the Meals-on-Wheels program, supports the blood donor program, and makes many charitable contributions. Each year the Legion conducts a Memorial Day observance, a Veterans Day dinner, a pancake breakfast the first Sunday of each month, and dinners as announced.

To join, you must be an honorably discharged member of the Armed Forces who served at least 90 days during a time of conflict. Annual dues are $30. Meetings are the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Legion hall on 1st Street North.

With present membership at 186, officers are: Commander Rose Heimerl, Finance Officer Chris Otto, Membership Chip Guggemos, and Chaplain Gordon Kubasch.

For more information, contact Guggemos at (320) 485-4332 or write the Legion at PO Box 360, Winsted, MN 55395.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 407 was established to help support veterans, soldiers, and their families. It also helps other organizations within our community by volunteering hours or monetary donations.

Each year it sponsors a junior girl from the Winsted area to attend Girls State. Girls State is a week-long event that teaches leadership skills and the importance of political values.

There are several fundraisers throughout the year. These funds help our VA hospitals, send care or supply packages to our military men and women overseas, and provide scholarships to a local student. Saturday nights, the auxiliary sponsors Bingo at 6:30 p.m. at the Legion. In May, the ladies are busy handing out poppy flowers for a donation.

If you would like more information about the organization or membership, please contact Karla Otterness (320) 485-4648 (president), Helen Yager (320) 485-2172 (membership chair), or Denise Hertzog (320) 485-4221 (gambling manager). Meetings are the First Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. with the exception of January, when there is no meeting.

Please remember that without our service men and women serving and protecting our country, we would not be enjoying the lifestyle that we have today.

The Cub Scouts program enables boys to be involved and active in their community and with other Cub Scout packs through various fun scouting activities.

Pack 399 participates in the Winsted Summer Festival parade, the Winsted Winter Festival parade, an annual food drive, summer day camps, the Pinewood Derby car race, and other activities and field trips to encourage growth and education.

Any boy in grades one through five is eligible to join. Meetings, which are for all dens, are scheduled once or twice a month, and locations vary, depending on availability and times. Each month there is plenty to do, with no requirement for attendance at all of the events.

There is a biannual sign-up in April and September. Yearly dues are $50. Pack 399 is committed to serving every boy in this community; no boy interested in scouting will be turned away for financial reasons. There are Scouterships available for those who desire.

Den leaders change from year-to-year, and parent involvement is encouraged and recommended.

To join, come to the annual signup or call Cubmaster Mark Loder at (320) 485-2202.

The local chapter of Ducks Unlimited was organized in 1983, to promote waterfowl habitat and preserve area wetlands.

Annually, the chapter sponsors a banquet the second Tuesday of September. Through fundraising, it supports the national Ducks Unlimited’s mission for conservation.

There are presently 140 members locally, with no requirements for membership. Meetings are every Monday night from July through September at the Blue Note of Winsted on 3rd St. S. Dues are $25 per year.

For more information, contact Dale Gatz at (612) 723-0521.

Education Minnesota Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted promotes and ensures that students in the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted School District get the best possible education resources allow. The association meets the last Monday every other month.

Officers are Duane Lichy, president; Dan Athman, treasurer; and Dawn Kalvig, secretary. Membership fee is $120, and you must be a teacher in the HLWW schools to join.

The Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted FFA Alumni was started in 1980 to help support the local FFA chapter and the agriculture department at the high school in Howard Lake.

The group, currently numbering about 40 members, meets the third Wednesday of each month at 8:30 p.m. in the high school ag room.

The group’s annual events include the annual auction, meeting, and banquet in December. The group has helped provide equipment for the ag shop, as well as curricular materials, and has acted as an advisory board for the agriculture department.

Membership dues are $15 per year, $100 for MN lifetime membership, or $150 for a national lifetime membership. Potential members must have a willingness to support high school agriculture. To join, contact the officers, advisor Jim Weninger, or the high school ag department at (320) 543-4600.

Laker Pride is a Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Schools organization made up of school board members, teachers, school staff, parents, and students to support students and school activities, to promote a positive school image, and to provide effective communication. Its mission statement is “To provide timely and informative communication to district residents, promoting HLWW activities that build positive Laker pride.” Laker Pride is involved in many varying efforts around school, including events such as Open House, monthly publications, newspaper articles, school spruce-up, and more.

Volunteers are always needed, and appreciated, on the Laker Pride committee. If you are interested in participating in Laker Pride, either on a regular or event-related basis, please contact HLWW via e-mail at lakerpride@hlww.k12mn.us.

The HLWW After Prom Party organization was formed in the fall of 1988, to provide a safe form of entertainment for Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School juniors and seniors and their dates on prom night. The first after-prom party was in 1989, and has seen a steady increase in attendance every year since then. The students enjoy an all-night party with food, fun, wonderful prizes, and entertainment.

This is a volunteer group that hosts many annual fundraisers which include bingo during Good Neighbor Days, bake sales at the Howard Lake annual craft and art expo in November, and the Business Expo in the spring, a concession stand at home football games, and an annual fall garage sale.

They welcome anyone who is interested in helping. For more information about meetings or other information, visit www.hjorgs.com/hlwwafterprom. Meetings take place in the commons area at the HLWW High School.

Girl Scouts encourage girls to experience new activities, develop team-building skills, explore and develop leadership skills, and be service-oriented in their community, county, and nation.

Recently, the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valley merged the service units of Winsted, Howard Lake, and Waverly, to better serve the girls and follow the school district boundaries. They are served by the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valley Council. Girls meet every two-to-four weeks at the discretion of the troop leader, and are welcome to join any time during the year by paying the $12 registration fee. Registration begins in September, with one or two kick-off events.

Annually, the Girl Scouts participate in a court of awards ceremony, cookie sale campaign, various service unit events, as well as other area and council events. Girl Scouts is open to all girls in grades kindergarten through 12.

Program information is available at www.girlscoutsrv.org

For local information, call Evelyn Fowler (320) 485-4618, service unit manager; or Lisa Baumann at (320) 485-7476, Girl Scout leader for kindergarten and grade one.

The Winsted Jolly Juniors 4-HClub, established in 1946, promotes positive youth development through support for communities, organizations, and families in the education of their children.

Each year, the Jolly Juniors are interested in helping with community pride projects, they carol at St. Mary’s each December, and exhibit projects at the McLeod County Fair. The group has had four county championships in Share-the-Fun since 1986, including winning in 2002, 2005, and 2007.

There are presently 32 members with dues at $5 per year, which are paid by the club.

Membership is open to children in grades kindergarten through 12. Meetings are held monthly in members’ homes or at Holy Trinity’s school cafeteria.

For more information, call Lori Anderson at (320) 395-2806, Kim Hausladen at (320) 485-2856, or the McLeod County Extension Office at 800-587-0770.

The Knights of Columbus was established to help the needy and support religious vocations, while also promoting charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism within the order.

Its purpose is to speak out for the lives of the unborn, the aged, and the mentally-challenged.

Annually, the Knights conduct a pro-life breakfast and free-throw shooting contest in January, a fish fry the second Friday in March, and a rural life Mass in August.

The order was formed in 1982, and meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., with officers meeting the second Tuesday of each month. Membership dues are $25 per year, and membership is open to Catholic men 18 years or older and in good standing with the church.

Officers for the current year are: Grand Knight Robert Kutz, Deputy Grand Knight Pat Schommer, Chancellor Brian Anderson, Financial Secretary Steve Ebert, Treasurer Tony Hausladen, Advocate Roger Guennigsman, Recorder Roman Widmer, Warden Joe Casavant, Inside Guard Robert (Bob) Otto, Outside Guard Greg Poetz; and trustees: Jean Kappel, Ken Pelzel, and Loren Jilek.

To join, contact any member, or contact membership chairman Robert Kutz at (320) 485-2407. The Knights’ mailing address is PO Box 250, Winsted, MN, 55395.

The Lake Mary Homeowners Association was organized in 1987, to improve Lake Mary’s water quality and protect it as a natural resource, thereby improving the quality of life around Lake Mary.

Lake Mary is located a few miles northeast of Winsted. Through its work, the association has spearheaded blacktopping a road on the east side of the lake, established a neighborhood watch program, provided education on septic systems and testing, and conducted annual meetings, including surveying its members’ interest in lake preservation.

The association is an active member of the Lake Quality Monitoring Program conducted through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The group is currently working on fish stocking and other community-spirited projects for the Lake Mary area. For instance, at the request of the Lake Association Board, the Victor Township supervisors agreed to erect “Watch for Pedestrians, 30 mph” signs around the lake to assure safety for those who desire to exercise, as well as enjoy the beauty of Lake Mary.

Membership is open to anyone interested in contributing to the quality of Lake Mary. To join, call Mike Ollig at (320) 485-4242, or write the Lake Mary’s Homeowners Association c/o Mike Ollig, 10932 Grunwald Avenue SW, Howard Lake, MN 55349.

Present officers are Rose Heimerl, commander; Dave Gailey, quartermaster; Don Bickman, senior vice commander; Dale Gatz, junior vice commander; Dick Genty, judge advocate; Gordy Kubasch, chaplain; Leonard Rozeske, surgeon; and Jerome Thiemann, Don Bickmann, and Dale Gatz, trustees.

The post will conduct monthly meetings the second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion in Winsted, except January.

The organization is trying to get the post more active. If there are veterans who would like to join, contact Rose Heimerl at (320) 224-8599, or Dave Gailey at (320) 485-4306.

The WHAT UP (Winsted Holding Activities That Unite People) Committee, a youth and family council, was made an official volunteer committee of the city in May 2009.

This committee has created a dynamic program that provides activities for youth and family in the community, such as movies in the park, sports clinics and game nights, among other events.

Members of the committee are as follows: Jeff Campbell, Brett Monson, Mike Henrich, Rose Heimerl, Anna Dietrich, Beth Chalupsky, Allison Christensen, Erin Kutz, Leigha Felder, and Stephanie Wegner.

The group meets for monthly activities. The regular meeting is the third weekend of the month. Watch Herald Journal for meeting notices, or check your monthly utility bill.

To learn more about WHAT UP, be part of the committee or volunteer to help for various activities, call Jeff Campbell a (612) 554-7439.

The Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission statement is “To foster a stimulating atmosphere in which business can flourish, thereby adding to the economic and social well-being of our community.”

The Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce was established more than 50 years ago.

The Winsted Winter Festival, Winter Lighting Contest, The Women’s Expo, Brat Busters, Easter Egg Hunt, and the Annual Chamber Banquet are some of the annual events sponsored by the organization. It also promotes business appreciation events, sponsors political forums, and provides a welcome packet for new residents.

Membership in the chamber is open to any interested individual or business. Members receive reminder e-mails prior to the meetings. For meeting times visit the website listed below.

There are presently about 90 members. Officers for 2011 are: President Jeff Campbell of IBR Realty, Vice President Sarah Fasching of Flagship Insurance & Financial Services, Secretary JoLynn Cafferty of Edina Realty, Treasurer Amy Gatz of Flagship Bank Winsted, Past President Tom Ollig of TDS Telecom, and directors Yvonne Maus of Ridgeview Medical Center, Greg Gehrman director of the Winsted Arts Council, Chip Guggemos of Ameriprise Financial, and Don Guggemos.

For more information or to join, contact any officer, attend any regular meeting, or visit www.winstedchamber.com.

The Chamber of Commerce mailing address is PO Box 352, Winsted, MN 55395.

The Winsted Arts Council was officially established in 2010, with a board of directors, articles of incorporation and bylaws. Although it’s not yet an established 501C3, it has a fiscal agent relationship with a tax-exempt organization – Springboard for the Arts, and can therefore receive tax-deductible donations.

In 2010, the council established a Facebook presence, adopted an official logo, and sponsored several events including an evening of short stories in which local writers were showcased, an afternoon/evening event in the lakefront park in which local musicians and artists were showcased, and a student art contest. The old Winsted Creamery is being restored and redesigned by Greg Gehrman, who has a vision of it becoming a regional art center.

Questions about the Winsted Arts Council may be directed to its president, Mary Neff at (320) 485-2388.

Through its patrol meetings and troop activities, the Scouts work to develop the character, citizenship, and personal fitness of Winsted area youth.

The group has seen a steady growth in membership in the past four years. As an active troop, they participate in spring and fall camporees, develop winter survival skills, ski, canoe, fish, and take part in area civic events. Each summer they attend Many Point, which provides Scouts the opportunity for such activities as sailing, archery, tower climbing, obstacle courses, and fishing.

Annually, they sell malts at the Wright County Fair, Christmas wreaths, and popcorn.

Scott Averill is scoutmaster, and Steve Thisius is assistant scoutmaster.

Membership is open to any boy who has completed the fifth grade or is 11 years old, but not yet 18. The Scouts usually meet two times a month. There is a yearly registration fee of $12. To join, call Averill at (612) 226-0800.

The Winsted Karate Club offers instruction in Shotokan karate for self-defense, competition, and personal development.

The club regularly competes in tournaments and performs various demonstrations throughout the year. Several members have made the US Karate Team and have competed in Japan, England, Ireland, Germany, and throughout the United States. Club members have also appeared on KTCA TV, and Channel 2’s “Newton’s Apple.”

Organized in 1981, the club presently has 20 members and meets Mondays and Thursdays at the Winsted Public Elementary School at 7 p.m. The club is a non-profit organization. Dues are $30 per month, per individual; or $60 per month, per family. It’s a member of the American Shotokan Karate Federation (ages seven and up).

For information, contact Brenda Diers at (320) 543-2900.

The mission of Winsted Lake Watershed Association is to provide a leadership role in improving and protecting the quality of Winsted Lake and its watershed for present and future generations.

The lake association was formed in 1979. Membership is open to anyone interested in contributing to the quality of Winsted Lake and the watershed. The only membership requirement is to pay yearly dues of $25 per family, and the group encourages members to volunteer their time on projects when asked. To join, call membership directors, Kevin or Andrea Dietrich at (763) 684-1370, or mail your membership dues to WLWSA, PO Box 577, Winsted, MN 55395. Learn more about the Winsted Watershed Association at www.winsted.mn.us/pages/watershed.html.

The group meets monthly, the first Monday of every month, at 7 p.m. at the Winsted City Hall, 201 1st Street North, in the Vollmer Room. Everyone is welcome to attend and share their ideas or concerns. Nominations for officers takes place January 2011 and elections are February 2011.

Current officers are President Bev Schmitz, Vice President Yvonne Maus, Secretary Gary Daigle, and Treasurer Leah Schwartzrock.

Current Board of Directors are: Board Chairman Mike Nathe, Board Secretary Francis Condon, Board Member Jim Neff and Petie Littfin (past president), and President Bev Schmitz. Gene Hausladen serves as honorary ex-official. The board meets a few times a year or when necessary.

Since becoming its own club in May 2010, the newly formed Winsted Lions Club has been busy focusing on improving the community and world.

Internationally, there are a total of 45,000 clubs, with 1.3 million members serving in 205 countries. The motto of the Lions Clubs International is “to serve.” Lions Clubs do this by working collectively and individually to build stronger communities by addressing needs that are often un-met in their communities. They also provide disaster relief and support programs for assisting the blind and visually-impaired, reaching out to youth through mentoring and educational programs, and raising awareness of health care issues such as diabetes, hearing loss, and vision impairment.

Two of the biggest fundraisers for the Winsted Lions are selling food at Winstock and Higher Ground music festivals. A few of the Winsted Lions projects are sponsoring the Third Grade Dictionary Project and the Lions Write-Off program, along with collecting eyeglasses and hearing aids for distribution among the needy.

Meetings are the fourth Monday of each month at the Winsted City Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a dinner provided by one of the members and the meeting follows. Everyone is welcome to visit and learn more about the Lions organization and join in the fun! Please call President Ron Wagener at (320) 485-3251 with any questions.

Winsted Little League promotes and organizes summer baseball and softball for area youth.

Approximately 130 children and 25 coaches participate in games throughout June and July.

Membership is open to anyone interested in coaching or playing Little League ball. There is a registration fee per child. The league meets each March and April to organize for the upcoming season.

Watch the Herald Journal for signup notices.

The City of Winsted has established an airport commission to serve as an advisory commission to the city council on all matters pertaining to the Winsted Municipal Airport.

Members of the airport commission are appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council annually. The commission is composed of two registered voters residing within the city of Winsted, and one member at-large. In addition, the mayor appoints a city council liaison and a city employee to serve as ex-officio members. The mayor’s appointees for the 2011 airport commission include: Russ Paschke, Kevin Kubasch, Dave Millerbernd, and Joe Johnson. The city council liaison is Dave Mochinski and city administrator Andrew Elbert is the city staff member who works with the airport commission.

The airport commission currently meets the second Tuesday of each month in the council chambers at city hall at 8:30 a.m. The commission meetings are taped for replay on the city’s cable station number 10.

The airport commission meets to discuss issues pertaining to the Winsted Municipal Airport, and makes recommendations to the city council regarding the operation and maintenance of the airport.

If you have any questions regarding the Winsted Municipal Airport Commission, please contact city hall at (320) 485-2366.

The Winsted Sportsmen’s Club has helped to ensure quality hunting and fishing for area sportsmen since 1952.

Some activities the group annually organizes are the “Take a Kid Fishing” event, a firearms safety course, a snowmobile safety class, stocking lakes, a lake clean-up, and the raising and releasing of pheasants. The group builds wood duck houses and wildlife feeders, and supplies feed for wildlife.

The club also owns and maintains boat landings at Dog, Ida, Mary, and Round lakes. In April, the club conducts its annual hog roast fundraiser at the American Legion in Winsted.

There are presently 75 members. Membership dues are $10 per year. Meeting is the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. During summer months, it meets at the Lake Mary clubhouse, a few miles northeast of Winsted, and winter months in locations to be announced.

There are no membership requirements. To join, contact any member or attend a meeting or sponsored event. For more information, contact Tom Kieser at (320) 224-3079. The club’s mailing address is 10895 Fetch Ave. SW, Waverly, MN 55390.

The Winsted Volunteer Fire Department was formed Dec. 3, 1889. The department’s first truck (chain driven Oshkosh) arrived in 1927. In 1944, 33 feet of Meulener’s property was purchased for the construction of Winsted’s first fire station.

Over the years that followed, the bell was replaced by a siren and then by pagers, ambulance service was provided, fire trucks came and went, but one thing has stayed the same over the years – the dedication and devotion of the volunteers that truly make a volunteer fire department.

Currently, the Winsted Fire Department operates with a 27 person, all-volunteer roster, providing fire protection services to the city of Winsted, and portions of Winsted, Victor, Woodland, and Hollywood townships.

Current officers of the Winsted Volunteer Fire Department include: Fire Chief Chad Engel, First Assistant Chief Brian Langenfeld, Second Assistant Chief Jon Davidson, First Captain Tim Kosek, Second Captain Brent Mickolichek, Ladder Captain Shaun Bush, and Secretary Justin Hertzog.