Thursday, July 10, 2003
Rice Lake Public Library

The meeting was called to order byThe meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Jim Heerey with 16 present.

Acting Secretary Clarice Fall read the minutes of the last meeting. Cecil Kippenhan moved for the adoption. Jim Vogel seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer Betty Vogel gave the financial report with a checking account balance of $182.25. Marlene moved for the adoption. Edith Olson seconded. Motion carried.

Old Business – Please be aware that the Badgers schedule that Congressman Obey had distributed is an outdated schedule so we should toss any that we have and new ones will be provided.

Fair Booth – Mary has taken care of the contract with the fair. Betty Vogel has taken care of the insurance through the State Office (for $15.00) and they will send it out to Tim Heffernan. A sign-up sheet was distributed around the room for members to sign up when they are available to work. Jim reported that our fair booth has been broken into. He did some repairs on the door and also filed a report to the police. It was noted that we need new pictures for Feingold, Kohl, Tom Richie and Angie Holmstrom.

Jim Vogel suggested that we distribute the Museum newspaper while working in the fair booth. The motion was made by Jim that copies of “The Pioneer Gazette” be made available to the public from our fair booth. Mary seconded. Motion carried. Also as a reminder, you can buy a season pass for $12.00 for the fair if you are working and need to come in multiple times.

New Business – Jason Rae reported there were 73 visits to the web site this past month. He is in the process of putting all the presidential candidates and what they stand for on the web site. It should be ready very shortly. There are now 56 paid members.

There will be an Obey gala in Polk County to honor all that he has done for the area on Friday August 22 in Amery. It will be $12.50 per plate. This is not intended to be a fund-raiser but just pay for costs. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

Clarice gave an update on the Justice Center.

Mary reported on the budget bill and what all is happening at the State Capitol.

Jason Rae reported on his effort to become a page on the floor for Senator Kohl in Washington D.C. He has applied, Mary has sent a letter and picture of support and he expects to hear back on July 21st. This would be for 18 weeks on the Senate floor in either the spring or the fall session. GOOD LUCK JASON!!

Our chairman updated us on the happenings on the Federal level and had some real concerns over the current legislation that would affect the 4th Amendment to the Constitution which has to do with “probable cause” and “Search & Seizure”. We are encouraged to bring our concerns in writing next month and work on a resolution to send out to express our concerns.

Raffle tickets are available for members to buy and to sell prior to Sunday Night of the fair when the drawing will take place. It was also noted that we should have our Food Pantry promotion again at the fair. This encourages anyone to bring a non-perishable donation of food to the Democrat Booth and they will be given a free raffle ticket. This should be advertised in the paper and on the radio.

At 8:45 p.m. the motion was made, seconded and carried to adjourn.

Submitted,
Clarice M. Fall
Acting Secretary