Cub Scouts Pack 399

The Cub Scouts program enables boys in grades 1 to 5 to be involved and active in their community and with other Cub Scout packs through various fun scouting activities.

Pack 399 participates in a spring service project, summer day camp, pinewood derby car race, hikes and tours, and holds an annual Blue and Gold banquet to celebrate the birthday of Scouting in America. All events are geared toward encouraging emotional, spiritual and educational growth.

Any boy in grades one through five is eligible to join. Yearly dues are $50 plus cost of uniform. Please note that no boy will be turned away, Scouterships are available to assist with the expenses. Pack meetings, which are for all dens and their families, are held on the last Monday of each month at St. John's Lutheran Church basement. Den meetings, which are for a single grades of scouts, are typically held 2 times each month and are scheduled by the den leaders and parents. Family and parent involvement is encouraged by the Cub Scout program.

Pack 399 holds 2 recruitment events each year, in the spring and again in the fall. Boys don't need to wait for a recruitment event to join.

To join, contact Committee Chair, Susan Goebel at (320) 485-3552 or Cubmaster Mark Loder at (320) 485-2202.

Ducks Unlimited

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 Doug Chalupsky at (320) 485-4480. The mailing address is PO Box 682, Winsted, MN 55395.

Education Minnesota HLWW

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; Mary Waalen, vice president; Addie Mucha, treasurer; and Dawn Kalvig, secretary. Membership fee is $120 and you must be a teacher in the HLWW schools to join.

HLWW FFA Alumni

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.

HLWW Laker Pride

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. Our 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, “Meet the Lakers” 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.k12.mn.us.

HLWW High School After Prom Party

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.

We 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.

Jolly Juniors 4-H Club

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 operate the malt stand at the Winsted Summer Festival, 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.

Knights of Columbus

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 $20 per year and is open to Catholic men 18 years or older and in good standing with the church.

Officers for the current year are: Grand Knight Ken Pelzel, Deputy Grand Knight Robert Kutz, Chancellor Pat Schommer, Financial Secretary Steve Ebert, Treasurer Edward Fasching, Advocate Dick Genty, Recorder Roman Widmer, Warden Joe Casavant, Inside Guard Robert (Bob) Otto, Outside Guard John Lueck; trustees: Walter Kerber, Francis Schommer, 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.

Lake Mary Homeowners Association

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 spear-headed 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 Thoennes at (320) 485-3849 or e-mail him at drmike@hutchtel.net, or write the association c/o Mike Thoennes, 10875 Greer Circle SW, Howard Lake, MN 55349.

Lake Mary VFW Post 9232

Present officers are Rose Heimerl, commander; Dave Gailey, quartermaster; Don Bickmann, 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.

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, and a pancake breakfast the first Sunday 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 Chip at (320) 485-4332 or write the Legion at PO Box 360, Winsted, MN 55395.

American Legion Auxiliary Post 407

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

Each year we sponsor a junior girl f rom the Winsted area to attend Girl’s State. Girl’s State is a week-long event that teaches leadership skills and the importance of political values.

We have several f fundraisers throughout the year. These funds help our V.A hospitals also, we send care or supply packages to our military men and women overseas or provides a scholarship to one local student. On Saturday nights the auxiliary sponsors BINGO at 6:30 p.m. at the Legion. In May our ladies are busy handing out poppy flowers for a donation.

If you would like more information about our organization or membership please contact Karla Otterness @485-4648 (president) or Helen Yager @485-2172 (Membership chair) Denise Hertzog 485-4221 (Gambling Manager).We would appreciate your help! Our meetings are the First Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. with the exception of January there is no meeting.

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

Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce

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. To find out more information regarding these events visit www.winstedchamber.com. 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 web site listed below.

There are presently about 90 members. Officers for 2009 are: President Tom Ollig of TDS Telecom, Vice President Jeff Campbell of IBR Realty and Five Star Direct, Treasurer Amy Gatz of Flagship Bank Winsted, Secretary Sarah Fasching of Herald Journal Publishing, Don Guggemos, past president, directors: Erin Kutz of Flagship Insurance & Financial Services, and America’s Fitness Center, Greg Gehrman of Winsted Hardware, Chip Guggemos of Ameriprise Financial.

For more information or to join, contact any officer, attend any regular meeting, visit www.winstedchamber.com, or call Sarah Fasching at (320) 485-2535.

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

Winsted Boy Scouts

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 Chris Knott and Steve Thisius are assistant scoutmasters.

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 Rosie Knott at (320) 543-2474.

Winsted Girl Scouts

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

The service unit, established in 1978, serves girls in kindergarten through high school in Howard Lake, Waverly, and Winsted. 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 of unit events, and the Winsted Winter Festival, as well as other area and council events.

For more information, call Kathy Condon (320) 485-2860.

Winsted Karate Club

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 is a member of the American Shotokan Karate Federation (ages seven and up).

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

Winsted Lake Watershed Association

The mission of the 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 $20 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.

Current officers are President Bev Schmitz, Vice President Dale Maus, Secretary Gary Daigle, and Treasurer Pat Schommer.

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.

Winsted Little League Baseball Association

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 sign-up notices.

Winsted Municipal Airport Commission

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 2008 airport commission include: Russ Paschke, Kevin Kubasch, Dave Millerbernd, and Sarah Fasching. The city council liaison is Dave Mochinski and city administrator Brent Mareck, 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.

The Winsted Municipal Airport also has a group of hangar owners who conduct fundraising events to help fund projects and/or improvements at the airport.

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

Winsted Sportsmen’s Club

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.

Winsted Volunteer Fire Department

The Winsted Volunteer Fire Department was formed Dec. 3, 1889. The departments 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 30, 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.

WHAT UP Committee

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: Jeff Campbell, Brett Monson, Mike Henrich, Rose Heimerl, Ana Dietrich, Allison Christensen, Terry Fasching, Erin Kutz, Leigha Felder, and Stephanie Wegner.

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

Winsted Arts Task Force

After much planning, a Winsted Arts Task Force is close to forming a standing independent arts council. The Arts Council, once established, will be an independent, non-profit entity.

A kick-off family event took place in June 2009, called “Art in the Park,” which took place at Mill Reserve Park, that gave a snapshot of what the task force was trying to accomplish, according to Arts Task Force team member Greg Gehrman.

“Art in the Park” offered free entertainment for the entire family, including booths of local artists, as well as magician Matt Dunn, and Prairiegrass Band, and a bluegrass band, that performed in the amphitheater.

To find out more about the pending Winsted Arts Council, check out the web site, winstedartscouncil.org. For questions, call (320 485-2443.

Winsted Lions

The newly formed Winsted Lions Club is working to become an independent organization focusing on improving the community and world. It is currently an extension of the Silver Lake Lions Club, but is close to becoming its own independent club soon.

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.

Meetings are on the fourth Monday of each month at the American Legion in Winsted at 6:30 p.m. starting with dinner and the meeting to follow. Anyone with questions about joining the Winsted Lions Club should contact Chairperson Jan Cartwright at (320) 485-3747 or Vice Chairperson Sue Wagener at (320) 485-3251.