August Meeting

Monthly Meeting Summary
Meeting was called to order on Monday, August 17, by Terry Yarns at 7:08 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Attendance was 31.

Chairman Terry asked for everyone to introduce themselves.

Secretary Report of previous month’s minutes was presented by Don Breuker Secretary.  Motion to approve the minutes was made by Harold Prior and seconded by Michael Dunn.  Carried.

Treasurer Report was presented by Kaylene Kinlen.  Summary of activity was presented.  Beginning Balance on 7-14 was $2,724.31.  Total Receipts were $12,386.91.  Total Expenses were $5,784.98.  Ending Balance on 8-17 was $9,326.24.  Motion to approve the Treasurer Report as presented was made by Sonya Johnsen and seconded by Marti Nodland.  Carried.

Items of Business for Discussion:

IA House Representative.  Karen put out a plea from Ryan Milton for someone to submit their name to be on the ballot for IA House Representative for our District opposing John Wills.  Name needs to submitted by the end of this week.

Sizzler Recap.  Harold presented a preliminary recap of the event.   Thanks to so many who helped.  This was the best one of the 4 years.  The event finished ahead of schedule due to great organization for the event.  The Candidates in attendance and staff raved about our event.  Over 330 tickets were sold with attendance near 300 with speakers and guests.  Jen reported that T-Shirt and Hoodies sales were good.  There are some short and long sleeve T-Shirts left.  Contact Jen.  A detailed Sizzler Report will be compiled and presented at the September meeting.

Yard Signs.  There is a supply of yard signs for all candidates.  Send an e-mail to:  dickinsondemsia@gmail.com  to request signs.  We also have our own Dickison County ‘Blue Wave’ signs available for purchase at $20. Encourage people to put up signs and ask friends if they would like signs.

Dave Dawson Fund Raiser.  Karen Sterk presented a recap.  There was a fund raiser for Dave Dawson planned by four individuals.  The event was held on Sunday the 16th at the Winchester Store.  The private group raised over $3,000 after expenses for Dave.  The DCD was not involved with the event but did an in-kind donation. 

Senior Fair.  The Lakes Activity / Senior Center is hosting a Senior Fair Saturday August 22 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  We (Dickinson County Democrats) will have a table and display with information available.  

Clay County Fair – Democrats Booth.  Cheri Shatto provided information on the booth.  Volunteers are needed.  Three people per shift.  3 shifts per day (9-12, 12-4, 4-8).  You would be able to get a free pass ticket for helping.  Sept 12 – 20.  Contact Cheri at 712-221-0053.  Or e-mail dickinsondemsia@gmail.com with your name and phone number.

Clay County Democrats Picnic.  Clay Count Dems are having their 30th Annual fund raiser picnic with some candidates attending on Sunday August 23rd.  Oneota Park in Spencer.  420 10th Ave SE. Time: 5:00 PM.  Free Will Donation.

Campaign Limits.  Chairman Terry reported that clarification on donations to Candidates has been obtained.  Our County Organization can donate to one or more Federal Candidates a combined total of $1,000.  State Candidates, there is no limit to how many Candidates or for how much each one or total dollars.  

Donations Given.  It was moved by Harold Prior and seconded by Jen Johson that we donate $1,000 to Josh Turek.  Carried.

A motion was made by Shirley Gillespie and seconded by Sonya Johnsen to donate $500 each to:  Taylor Wattach, Kymm Jones, John Norwood, Nate Willems and $1,000 to Rob Sand.  Carried.

Central Committee Precinct Members.  Dickson County Democrats will need one member from each of our precincts to be on the Central Committee.  Chair Terry had a sheet with precincts and names that were sent around and requesting volunteers.  

Spirit Lake School District.  Jen commented that the Spirit Lake School Board is proposing $75,000,000 be spent on additions and improvements to the buildings and school grounds.  Jen had a Petion for anyone that wanted to sign requesting that it be put on the Ballot in November.  (Note, at a school board meeting of August 19th, the following transpired:  Meyer/Stecker moved/seconded to move forward to get community support for the plan to update district facilities with a $69,990,000 general obligation bond.

Canvassing Event.  Alex Jones, state campaign representative, informed us that there will be a canvassing event on August 29th 9-12 and 30th  Noon-3.  Meet at Memorial Park in Spirit Lake.  It will focus on Independents and Undecided that are felt to be persuadable people.  You will partner up.  Having about 20 to 25 stops.  Brochures will be available.  Script is available.  Call Alex:  443-991-0429 prior to the event.  More information will be sent out next week.

Meeting Adjourned.   Motion By Bob Gordon and seconded by Anne Slattery to adjourn.  Carried.   8:12

Next Meeting:   September 21, 2026.  At the Spirit Lake Activity / Senior Center. At 7:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Don Breuker, Secretary