Monthly Meeting Summary
Monday, February 16, 2026, 7:00pm - Lakes Activity (Senior) Center, Spirit Lake
Unofficial until approved at March 2026 meeting.
Terry Yarns called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM, with the Pledge of Allegiance. Approximately 17 attendees.
The Secretary report of January minutes was presented by Don Breuker, Secretary. Motion to approve the minutes was made by Harold P/Patrick K. Carried.
Treasurer’s Report: presented by Kaylene Kinlen. Balance of $1,914.50 on 2-15-26.
Beginning Balance on 1-1-26 $3,366.44
Receipts None
Expenses Senior Center 650.00
Lakes News Shopper 157.95
Total 807.95
Ending Balance on 1-31-26 $2,558.49
Motion to approve the Treasurer Report as presented was made by Anne Slattery and seconded by Scott Chambers. Carried.
Items of Business for Discussion:
Review of County Caucus Terry Yarns. Monday, March 2, 2026. There were 10 of the 12 precincts represented. Delegates, Alternates were elected and Central Committee volunteers.
Upcoming Key Dates:
County Convention 3/21 Probably Milford – Community Room
District Convention 5/2 Ft Dodge
State Convention 6/13 Des Moines
No Kings 3/28 Spirit Lake Court House 11am-noon
Sizzler 8/11 Spirit Lake Expo Center
Candidate Information:
Withdrawn from their campaign: Nathan Sage - U.S. Senate, JD Scholten - IA House
Dave Dawson – at the Spencer Public Library on Feb 21 at 3:30 and at the Spirit Lake Public Library on Feb 28 at 9:30SL
County Supervisors – Bill Leupold will not run. Barb Clayton said she is. Need more candidates. Their district is part of Spirit Lake and the NE part of the County. Kim Wermersen has stated he will not run. We need to encourage others to step forward to represent us from those areas.
Dickinson County Democrats – Funding. We are running low on funds. This is the time of the year when there are a lot of expenses. Please contribute to our local County organization.
Committees – Need People. Terry requested that we need a volunteer or two to be a Leader for these committees: Membership. Events. Communications. Need for the Committees to meet and organize at, or prior to, the next regular meeting.
Central Committee. Karen Sterk and Barb Sterns have volunteered. A meeting scheduled prior to the County Convention to plan for the Convention and to review Resolutions.
Other Discussion brought forth:
Summer Sizzler Meal: Harold Prior mentioned that Michael Dunn will be contacted first for the meal at the Summer Sizzler.
Summer Sizzler Speakers/Attendees: In need of suggestions and contacts for nationally known and recognized people to speak. After the June primary, those State and National candidates will be invited to attend.
Rob Sand Team: The Team has been in NW Iowa to collect signatures. The goal is to have 100 persons sign a petition in each County. Our County has already exceeded 100 signatures. Lyon, Osceola and O’Brien did not meet the 100 goal.
There was an inquiry about if we can get a list of people by party affiliation by Precinct. It can be accomplished. This will be developed. Also asked for approximate numbers of registered voters in the County. Approximately: Total of 11,000. 2,500 Democrats. 5,000 Republicans. Balance of about 3,500 Independents. Interesting. 2,500 + 3,500 = 6,000 non-Republicans.
Treasurer or Vice Chair needed. Kaylene is filling two positions currently. Harold Prior volunteered to be an Interim Vice Chair. Kaylene volunteered to continue on as Treasurer. Thanks and accepted by those present.
Motion to adjourn was made by Pat B/Scott C. Carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM.
Next meeting is on March 16 21, 2026. Spirit Lake Senior Center at 7:00 PM. Milford Community Room following County Convention, approximately 11:00am.
Don Breuker, Secretary