Monthly Meeting Summary
Monday, November 17, 2025, 7:00pm - Lakes Activity (Senior) Center, Spirit Lake
Unofficial until approved at December 15, 2025 meeting.
Terry Yarns called the meeting to order at 7:08 PM, with approximately 14 attendees.
A summary of the September meeting was presented by Secretary Don B. No additions or corrections. Motion approved/carried by Harold P/Ann S.
Secretary Report of the previous month’s minutes was presented by Don Breuker, Secretary. Motion approved and accepted. Laurie H/Bonnie F.
Treasurer’s Report: Balance in the checking account at the end of October was $3,140.40. Donations/deposits since last meeting were: $100(check), $24.01(Act Blue) and unspecified donations totaling $320.00. No expenses. Accept report as presented; Kaylene K/Patrick K.
ITEMS OF BUSINESS AND DISCUSSION:
Dave Dawson, Candidate for Iowa’ 4th District was present and shared some views. davedawsonforiowa.com He has already visited 29 of the 36 counties of the District and will complete all counties in December. Dave covered many topics. Property rights. Medicaid. Crisis Stabilization. The cuts to Medicare and Medicaid which cut Moms and kids short. Keep our schools open. Minimum Wage. Tariffs and the elimination of $800 minimums. Prescriptions within Medicare. Government Shutdown. President engaging in activities that are not normal. J. D. Scholten has endorsed him. We can flip our Iowa Districts. Dave commented that this summer at the national legislative level they endorsed a voucher system. Contact Dave through his website to volunteer; as many will be needed. No PAC money will be taken. Dave’s main emphasis is on kids. Mental Health.
Democrats Care
Sunshine Meals. Meals can be purchased at any time at Sunshine Foods (Milford). When purchasing, tell them that credit goes to the Dickinson County Democrats. Meals are for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Each one will cost $9.99. We will meet on Saturday December 6, 10:30am, at Sunshine Foods for a group picture for our donations. Everyone please attend. A motion was made that Dickinson County Democrats donate $140 for the purchase of meals also. Motion by Karen S/Kaylene K Carried. FOLLOW-UP PHOTO As of Dec 6, over 100 bags had been purchased by Dickinson County Democrats.
GREAT LAKES MALL-Spirit Lake FESTIVAL OF GIVING TREES Local businesses and groups are decorating Christmas trees at the Great Lakes Mall as part of the Festival of Giving Trees contest. The Dickinson County Democrats have chosen the theme of "Pastas & Sauces” for their tree. Everyone is encouraged to stop by the mall and leave any pasta or sauce items under the tree. All items donated will be delivered to the Upper Des Moines Opportunity Food Pantry.The tree and lights are furnished by the mall. Karen S. Kaylene K. and Mary C. volunteered to decorate the tree. This project was in approval of all present.
Adopt a Family through Upper Des Moines. Discussion and feeling was not to take this project on this year. No motion of action was taken on this item.
Dickinson County Bylaws. Printed copies were made available. Those presented were asked to review it. Contact Don Breuker for any suggestions, questions or modifications, dickinsondemsia@gmail.com The Bylaws will be reviewed at the December meeting. Voting for approval will take place at the County Caucus on Feb 2.
Dickinson County Democrats Platform. The platform was presented and adopted at the last Caucus process, March 2025. The final version evolved through several steps during and after the caucus and presentation on the future District Regional State Conferences. The existing Platform will be available in print at the next Caucus and revisions, modifications or new resolutions can be proposed and added.
Precinct/Committee Leaders. Our Goal is to have an eligible voter from each precinct to be on the Central Committee. More details are in the Bylaws.
Summer Sizzler 2026. John Adams and Harold Prior have consented to the coordinators for the project. They will “help” but not do all the work. Various work committees will be set up and will need many volunteers. Tentative plans are that it will be held in the Dickinson County Expo Building during the Congressional summer recess, which is typically the first two weeks of August. After the June 6 Primary, candidates will be more willing to attend. There will be nationally known political leaders invited and hopefully attend. Approval to continue planning for the Summer Sizzler was shown by those attending. The event will be known as the: Joyce Prior Memorial Summer Sizzler. Again, volunteers will be a must and needed.
Meeting adjourned at 8:13. Karen S./John A.
Don Breuker, Secretary
Next meeting, Monday, December 15, 2025, 7:00pm, Lakes Activity (Senior) Center, Spirit Lake.