Thursday, March 17, 2005
Rice Lake Public Library

1. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kippenhan, with 22 in attendance.

2. Secretary’s report was given and approved.

3. Treasurer’s report was given and approved.

Old Business

1. Bill Smith reported on the Jefferson Jackson Day dinner. The dates of May 7, 14, or 21 were discussed and the location will be announced.

2. Chippewa County Democratic Party Chairman, Bill Healy, invited everyone to the Chippewa County Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner to be held April 16 at the Fill Inn Station restaurant. They support Barron County functions and hope to see some Barron County people at their dinner.

3. Congressman Dave Obey will hold public briefings on social security. He will be in Chippewa Falls March 23 at the Chippewa County Courthouse at 9:00 AM and at the Rice Lake Senior Center March 24 at 10:00 AM.

4. The proposed health care resolution was read by Dr. Fred Bannister. It will be presented at the 7th CD in Ashland at the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center and at the District Convention.

5. The phone number for the Democratic Party was discussed. A motion was made to list the number as “Democratic Party of Barron County” in the phonebook, using the same number as Chairman Kippenhan's, at a cost of $9.10/ month. The number will also be listed on our web site. The motion was seconded and passed.

6. April Elections. A motion was made, seconded and passed, to have Bill Smith coordinate an ad for the newspapers to support Elizabeth Burmeister at a cost not to exceed $300.00.

7. There will be a Democratic Leadership Institute April 9 and 10 at Merimac, WI. Steve Paliament from Senator Feingold’s office made a motion for a donation of $100 from the Democratic Party to go to a scholarship fund for youth to attend. The motion was seconded and passed.

8. The state convention activities were explained by Chairman Kippenhan. That convention will be held June 10 – 11 at Oshkosh. If anyone is interested in going, contact Chairman Kippenhan.

New Business

1. Sunshine Report was given.

2. Food pantry items will be taken to Chetek this month.

3. Everyone is invited to attend a peace rally on March 19 by the Main Street bridge in Rice Lake.

4. The next meeting will be held April 21, 7:00 PM at the Barron County Courthouse.

5. 8:50: the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Judy Holloway, Secretary