Monthly Meeting Summary
Monday, January 19, 2026, 7:00pm - Lakes Activity (Senior) Center, Spirit Lake
Unofficial until approved at February 16, 2026 meeting.
Terry Yarns called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM, with the Pledge of Allegiance. Approximately 14 attendees.
A summary of the December meeting was presented by Secretary Don B. No additions or corrections. Motion to approve as presented by Harold P/Karen S. Carried.
Treasurer’s Report: was presented by Kaylene Kinlen for Elaine Franklin. Balance of $3,366.40 at the end of December. Motion to approve the Treasurer Report made by Karen S./Kaylene K. Carried.
Summary of previous month’s bank activity was presented.
Beginning Balance 12-2-2025 $3,264.11
Receipts:
Donation $50.00
ActBlue Donation $24.01
ActBlue Donation $24.01
ActBlue Donation $24.01
Total $122.03
Expenses:
City of Milford Room Rent for Caucus $20.00
Total $20.00
Ending Balance 12-31-25 $3,366.14
Items of Business for Discussion:
Treasurer Position: Kaylene Kinlen was appointed to fill in and assist Elaine Franklin with all Treasurer duties and responsibilities.
Donation of Mall Dollars Awarded: The Pasta Tree that the Dickinson County Democrats sponsored in the Mall this year won the award for the most items. This provides our organization with a $200 prize to be given to the Charity of our choice. Consideration was given to 7 Charities. It was moved by Patrick K. and seconded by Harold P. that we donate to Meals on Wheels of Dickinson County. Carried.
Involvement and Committees: Chairman Terry provided remarks about our members being and getting more involved with our organization. He stressed that to be organized and function, we need people on committees. We have four committees, which are Events, Communications, Membership and Candidate Recruitment. Terry suggested that the first three listed be of priority at this time. There were people who signed up a few months ago and Terry attempted to contact those with one response. Discussion was given as an overview of the committees spurred by inquiries from new attendees at the meeting. Committee Sign Up Sheets went around for the three committees with several more signing up. Committees will begin meeting to establish their Goals and Objectives with assistance from the Executive Committee.
The Joyce Prior Memorial Summer Sizzler of 2026: Harold Prior reported that the Expo Center has been reserved for Tuesday, August 11th. Rental fee is $900 with half being paid up front. Harold and John Adams, Sr are the Co-Coordinators for the project. Committee or Job Work areas will be set up. Volunteers will be needed and welcomed to help. Harold and others gave an overview of what our Summer Sizzler is about, especially for our new Attendees.
Meeting Location: Do we want to consider another location for our meetings? Some discussion and ideas given at this time were The Peacock, Okoboji Brewery and West O. The Executive Committee will take the suggestions into consideration.
Dickinson County Caucus: Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Milford Community Building Room at 7:00PM.
Bylaws of the Dickinson County Democratic Party: Chairman Terry stated that the Bylaws will be reviewed at the Caucus. Copies will be available. Copies were provided to Attendees that had not received a copy before. The Bylaws are on the DCD website. Secretary Don Breuker has copies available upon request.
Women’s March: Information was presented that there will be a Women’s March at Estherville on Tuesday January 20, 2026 at the library. This is on women’s rights and the Epstein files. Point of consideration was presented by Patrick to have a demonstration down in the Park this weekend during the Winter Games. Comment that we have been working through the organization of Indivisible for our demonstrations that we have participated in the past.
Chairman Terry presented a summary of two articles from the Atlantic of history at the time our Founding Fathers were organizing our Country. Very thought-provoking.
The topic of the method and treatment by ICE officers was brought up with much interaction. Shared suggestions if we are around ICE agents:
Their Vehicles. Usually large from SUV to pickups
3 or even more in a vehicle
They usually travel in a caravan of 2-3 and even 4-5
License Plates – Usually out of state or Dealer Plates
Time, date, type of vehicle you observe
See, watch, what they are doing
Record what they are doing
If you are approached on your property, ask for a Search Warrant that is issued by a Judge
Specify the specific location they are and the time
Check what they are wearing. They don’t always wear a uniform. They are not always masked.
Communicate on an encrypted app
Note the exact location YOU are at
Meeting adjourned at 8:02PM. Motion made Karen S/Harold P. Carried
Don Breuker, Secretary
Next meeting is on February 16, 2026, at 7PM. Spirit Lake Senior Center