Howard Lake Organizations
Howard Lake Fire Department
The Howard Lake Fire Department consists of about 30 members who donate time from their busy schedules to serve the community on a 24-hour emergency basis.
There is a retirement package granted to members after 20 years of completed service to the community. There is a nominal amount granted to members per call.
Officers for 2011 are Fire Chief Tom Diers, First Assistant Chief Daryl Drusch, Second Assistant Chief Merlyn Drusch, Secretary Joe Sherod, Ambulance Director Steve Brobrowske, Assistant Ambulance Director Jake Drusch, and captains Joe Drusch, Glenn Hofer, and Craig Loebertmann. The fire department also coordinates the ambulance service. Both are part of the City of Howard Lake.
To join, contact any member listed above.
Meetings are 7 p.m. the second and last Tuesday of the month at the fire hall.
Howard Lake Orphans
The Howard Lake Orphans is an amateur baseball team that has been in existence for most of the last 60+ years. The Orphans currently compete in the North Star League and have had five straight state tournament appearances. In 2010, they placed third in the state tournament.
Home games are played at Memorial Park. The game schedule begins the first weekend in May and could last as long as the Amateur State Championship, which concludes Labor Day.
The Orphans’ organization shares maintenance responsibilities with the city of Howard Lake for the Memorial Park Baseball Field.
In 2013, the Orphans will be host the state amateur baseball tournament, along with Maple Lake and Delano. In the fall of 2011, the city and the Orphans began preparations for the tournament at the Memorial Park Baseball Field.
Some of the projects include a new 4-foot fence along the first base line to the outfield, a new 4-foot fence from the dugout to the outfield on the third base line, and a storage shed. The Orphans will also be adding a batting cage and practice area in the right field out of play area.
The president of the Orphans is Mike Mitchell from Howard Lake, team manager is Mike Gagnon from Waverly, and the coach is Bob Heber from Howard Lake.
Visit the Orphans' website at www.howardlakeorphans.com.
American Legion Post 145
The American Legion was established in 1922 as a national organization of veterans of all wars to serve God, country, and their communities to ensure the freedoms that were fought for do not get taken away.
The American Legion conducts Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances each year. It sponsors the Boys and Girls State, Boys and Girls County, Legion baseball, high school programs, and scholarships.
The Legion also provides military funeral honors for deceased veterans. The local post meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
Officers are Legion Commander Darrin Blanchette, Vice Commander Tim Smith, Finance Officer Gene Birkholz, Adjutant Dennis Frey, and Membership Chairman Douglas Frykholm.
There are about 115 members. Membership dues are $30 a year. You must be an honorably discharged member of the Armed Forces who served more than 90 days during a specific period. For more information, contact any post officer.
Legion Auxiliary
The American Legion Auxiliary was organized in 1922 to promote patriotism. There are about 81 members who meet the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the American Legion.
The auxiliary’s annual events include Poppy Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances, volunteering at the VA Hospital in St. Cloud by doing monthly tray favors and collecting paperback books, and sending care packages to local armed forces enlisted personnel.
Officers are Leigha Workman, president; Deb Workman, vice president; Gene Gilbert, secretary; and Carol Burau, treasurer.
Membership dues are $18. To join, call Deb Workman at (320) 543-2647. Members may be a wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, or great granddaughter of a member of the American Legion.
Good Samaritan Auxiliary
The Good Samaritan Society Auxiliary was first organized in 1972. The auxiliary meets quarterly at the Howard Lake Good Samaritan Society. The auxiliary supports the center’s mission to share God’s love in word and deed by providing shelter and supportive services to older persons and others in need, believing that “in Christ’s love, everyone is someone.”
Each year, the group has several fundraisers to meet the needs of the residents. With community support, they have purchased a van with a lift, a large screen television, a beautiful gazebo, and remodeled a room to use as a beauty shop at the care center. Current giving opportunities include therapeutic one-to-one kits used for residents most susceptible to isolation.
The group used money it has raised to set up caregram for residents and their families. The program started in the summer of 2010. It is an adaptive email system that makes it easy for residents and their families to keep in contact.
New members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining, call the Howard Lake Good Samaritan Society at (320) 543-3800, or write 413 13th Ave., Howard Lake, MN 55349.
Howard Lake Lions
The Howard Lake Lions Club was chartered in 1978. As part of Lions International, the Howard Lake Lions are dedicated to service projects here in the community, across the US, and around the world.
The club currently has 45 members and meets at the Lions’ Hall at 625 8th Ave. the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7 p.m.
The club is devoted to drug awareness, diabetes awareness, conservation of hearing and sight, citizenship, educational, environment, youth recreation, health, international and social services, and Lions Quest in the local school.
Major accomplishments include: the addition of restrooms at Lions Park, helping with playground equipment at the elementary school and Lions Park, a veterans memorial, defibrillators for the fire department, scholarships, a handicap ramp and weight room at the local high school, a dock at Lions Park, donations to various local youth sports organizations and youth groups and needy families in the community as well as several contributions to other charitable causes.
A major project of the Lions is helping with the many events during Good Neighbor Days, in cooperation with the Howard Lake Fire Department.
Current officers are Mike Main, president; LaNette Thorson, secretary; and Debbie McAlpine, treasurer. Membership dues are $55 per year. Members are required to be involved in at least four Lions’ functions per year. Attending meetings and/or participating in various Lions’ functions will meet these requirements. To join, contact a Lions’ Club member, or visit the Lions website at www.hllions.org.
Senior Citizens Club
The Howard Lake Senior Citizens Club has been dedicated to providing seniors with a sociable and friendly place to meet since 1969. The group, which includes about 18 members, meets every Friday in the Howard Lake Community Center above the Howard Lake Library.
The group takes trips during the year, including visiting the county and state fairs. They also promote the Outstanding Senior of the Year program.
Officers are Millie Molnau, president; Harlan Adickes, secretary; and Isabelle Yager, treasurer.
To join, you must be age 55 or older. There are monthly dues of $1.25. New members are always welcome. The group’s mailing address is Howard Lake Senior Citizen Club c/o Millie Molnau, PO Box 784, Howard Lake, MN 55349.
Historical Society
The Howard Lake Historical Society has met every so often over the past several years. One of the projects it has worked on over the past few years is updating the Howard Lake history book. A hard-bound version of the book is available to order for $38.
The Howard Lake Historical Society meets on an as-needed basis. Membership is open to any interested individual. Dues are $25. Anyone interested is encouraged to join.
For more information, contact Marilyn Ringold at (320) 543-2141 or (320) 543-3630. The mailing address is PO Box 220, Howard Lake, MN55349.
Education Minnesota HLWW
Education Minnesota Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted promotes and ensures that students in the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted School District get the best possible education resources allow. The association meets the last Monday every other month.
Officers are Duane Lichy, president; Dan Athman, treasurer; and Dawn Kalvig, secretary. Membership fee is $120, and you must be a teacher in the HLWW schools to join.
Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts encourage girls to experience new activities, develop team-building skills, explore and develop leadership skills, and be service-oriented in their community, county, and nation.
Recently, the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valley merged the service units of Winsted, Howard Lake, and Waverly to better serve the girls and follow the school district boundaries. They are served by the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valley Council. Girls meet every two-to-four weeks at the discretion of the troop leader, and are welcome to join any time during the year by paying the $12 registration fee. Registration begins in September, with one or two kick-off events.
Annually, the Girl Scouts participate in a court of awards ceremony, cookie sale campaign, various service unit events, as well as other area and council events. Girl Scouts is open to all girls in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Program information is available at www.girlscoutsrv.org
For local information, call Evelyn Fowler, service unit manager, at (320) 485-4618; or Lisa Baumann, Girl Scout leader for kindergarten and grade one, at (320) 485-7476.
Lake Mary Association
The Lake Mary Association was organized in 1987, to improve Lake Mary’s water quality and protect it as a natural resource, thereby improving the quality of life around Lake Mary.
Lake Mary is located a few miles northeast of Winsted. Through its work, the association has spearheaded blacktopping a road on the east side of the lake, established a neighborhood watch program, provided education on septic systems and testing, and conducted annual meetings, including surveying its members’ interest in lake preservation.
The association is an active member of the Lake Quality Monitoring Program conducted through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The group is currently working on fish stocking and other community-spirited projects for the Lake Mary area. For instance, at the request of the Lake Association Board, the Victor Township supervisors agreed to erect “Watch for Pedestrians, 30 mph” signs around the lake to assure safety for those who desire to exercise, as well as enjoy the beauty of Lake Mary.
Membership is open to anyone interested in contributing to the quality of Lake Mary. To join, call Mike Ollig at (320) 485-4242, or write the Lake Mary’s Homeowners Association c/o Mike Ollig, 10932 Grunwald Avenue SW, Howard Lake, MN 55349.
HLWW High School After Prom Party
The HLWW After Prom Party organization was formed in fall 1988, to provide a safe form of entertainment for Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School juniors and seniors and their dates on prom night. The first after-prom party was in 1989, and has seen a steady increase in attendance every year since then. The students enjoy an all-night party with food, fun, wonderful prizes, and entertainment.
This is a volunteer group that hosts many annual fundraisers, which include bingo during Good Neighbor Days, bake sales at the Howard Lake annual craft and art expo in November and the Business Expo in the spring, a concession stand at home football games, and an annual fall garage sale.
We welcome anyone who is interested in helping. For more information about meetings or other information, visit www.hjorgs.com/hlwwafterprom. Meetings take place in the commons area at the HLWW High School.
Lake Ann Improvement Association
The Lake Ann Improvement Association was originally incorporated in 1984, and has newly incorporated and reorganized with new by-laws and board members in 2003. The objectives of the association are to protect, restore, and preserve the water quality of the lake and its watershed, thereby enhancing the community in which residents live. Lake Ann is located between Howard Lake and Winsted, off of Wright County Road 6. There are 47 property owners who own land surrounding the lakeshore.
For many years, concerned residents have put forth efforts to protect the quality of the waters and the fishery. The original association made much progress in organizing efforts to establish a public landing, stock the lake with walleye, and bring the lake community together. In 1996, the association participated in the MPCA sponsored Lake Assessment Program (LAP). This reset the tone for the association’s focus concerning lake management activities.
As part of the LAP study, the association has worked to get its septic systems around the lake in compliance – and have been successful. Since 1996, the association has continued to monitor precipitation records and DNR lake levels and report them to the state. Since 1999, it has done water clarity measurements on water from the ditch that enters the lake. The board has been very active in the Shoreland Volunteer Program.
Annually, the association hosts spring meetings and a fall picnic, along with other special events to keep the community together and educated on the activities and goals of the association. The association has established a buffer program with the assistance of the Wright County Soil & Water Conservation District, and to-date, the association has established just more than 32 acres of buffer in the watershed and committed just more than $4,000 over five years.
Additionally, the association has cooperated with the farmers and with the SWCD to install various French drains and other diversions to minimize runoff into the streams and lakes. These activities helped earn the association the award as Outstanding Wright County Conservation Cooperator of the Year from the Minnesota Association of SWCD in 2000. The Lake Ann Improvement Association has also been an initiator in developing the Wright County Lakes Monitoring Program, now in action for its second year.
Association membership is available to anyone interested by paying annual dues of $35. For more information, contact Frank Broghammer at (320) 543-2927.
HL Business Association
The Howard Lake Business Association was formed in the early 1950s to promote the city of Howard Lake and support the local economy. The association plays a vital part in leading the growth of the community through its personal improvements and in working closely with the city, citizens, and the school district in the Howard Lake area.
The association sponsors a business expo each spring, which attracts more than 1,000 visitors. Revenue from the expo, along with membership dues, allows the business association to promote businesses and provide financial support to community events, such as Good Neighbor Days and royalty scholarships.
There are currently about 60 members, and the 2011 officers are Randy Heuer, president; Laura Rindfleisch, vice president; Louise Arlien, secretary; and Bonnie Seegmiller, treasurer.
If you are a business owner or manager in Howard Lake, you are encouraged to join the association; the first lunch is free. The association provides a great outlet for networking, staying abreast of community issues, and opportunities to give back to the community. For more information, contact Bonnie Seegmiller at (320) 543-2650, go to the website: www.howardlakebusiness.org, or write to PO Box 521, Howard Lake, MN 55349.
HLWW Laker Pride
Laker Pride is a Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Schools organization made up of school board members, teachers, school staff, parents, and students to support students and school activities, to promote a positive school image, and to provide effective communication. Its mission statement is, “To provide timely and informative communication to district residents, promoting HLWW activities that build positive Laker pride.” Laker Pride is involved in many varying efforts around school, including events such as open house, monthly publications, newspaper articles, school spruce-up, and more.
Volunteers are always needed, and appreciated, on the Laker Pride committee. If you are interested in participating in Laker Pride, either on a regular or event-related basis, contact HLWW via email at lakerpride@hlww.k12mn.us.
Local 4-H organizations
4-H is an organization that focuses on leadership, citizenship, and life skills with a twist of fun.
The clubs around Wright County, 23 in all, are for all children, whether they live in town or rural areas. City children mix with country children, demonstrating that the common belief that 4-H is all about agriculture isn’t true any longer.
Clubs are a part of the University of Minnesota Extension, so programming is based on university research about youth and learning, according to the 4-H web site: www.mn4h.org.
Local clubs include the Marysville Merrymakers, Sunrise, the Woodland Woodettes, and Handy Dandy.
The Merrymakers meet the third Monday of the month at St.John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call Kris Uter (320) 543-1167.
The Woodland Woodlettes meet at Oster Covenant Church the second Sunday of the month at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Tracy Janikula at (763) 658-4677.
The Sunrise group meets at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. For more information about this club, contact Linda Groos at (320) 543-3559.
Handy Dandy, one of Wright County’s newest 4-H clubs, meets the last Monday of every month at 5 p.m. in a family’s home. For more information, contact Lorrie Kozitka at (320) 543-3325.
Two years ago, Wright County started a new home-schooled club called the Wright Explorers. It meets the 2nd Friday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Maple Lake. For more information, call Roberta Lexvold at (320) 398-2287.
Whether it be shooting sports or 4-H camp, Wright County 4-H promises to have something to offer every family. For more information, call (763) 682-7394 or (1-800)-362-3667 or visit the web site www.mn4h.org.
HLWW FFA Alumni
The Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted FFA Alumni was started in 1980 to help support the local FFA chapter and the agriculture department at HLWW High School.
The group, currently numbering about 40 members, meets the third Wednesday of each month at 8:30 p.m. in the high school ag room.
The group’s annual events include the annual auction, meeting, and banquet in December. The group has helped provide equipment for the ag shop, as well as curricular materials, and has acted as an advisory board for the agriculture department.
Membership dues are $15 per year, $100 for MN lifetime membership, or $150 for a national lifetime membership. Potential members must have a willingness to support high school agriculture. To join, contact the officers, advisor Jim Weninger, or the high school ag department at (320) 543-4600.
Ducks Unlimited
The Crow River Chapter of Minnesota Ducks Unlimited has been raising funds for wetlands conservation and waterfowl habitat since 1984.
The chapter hosts a spring banquet and a fall sponsor banquet. There are about 150 members of this chapter.
Since 1984, this chapter has raised more than $250,000 for conservation. More than 80 percent of that money goes directly to the resources.
If you would like to participate with the world’s largest wetlands conservation group, contact Ken Durdahl at (320) 543-3372, or Scott Schmidt at (320) 543-2498.
Cub Scouts Pack 494
Through various Scouting activities in Howard Lake, boys are able to be involved in their community and with other Cub Scout packs, while having fun, as well.
Pack activities include: Good Neighbor Days parade, Waverly Daze parade, Memorial Day parade and services at the Howard Lake Cemetery, the Waverly Memorial Day event, singing Christmas carols at the Howard Lake Good Samaritan Center, Pinewood Derby, overnight campouts at Stearns Scout Camp, and field trips to various museums and parks. The pack’s community service project each year is to cleanup the lakeshore of Howard Lake before fishing season opens.
Boys in grades one through five are eligible to join. Council registration is $10 per year. There is an annual sign-up in September at the school. Sign up information is published in the Herald Journal prior to the event.
The pack is sponsored by the Waverly Knights of Columbus.
To join, or for more information, contact Cubmaster Scott Averill at (612) 226-0800.
Howard Lake Sportsmen’s Club
The Howard Lake Sportsmen’s Club was formed more than 50 years ago, to protect and maintain the natural resources in the area. Meetings take place at the Howard Lake Legion. Dates and times of these meetings are announced in the Herald Journal.
Some of the major accomplishments of the group include land development in the Fish and Wildlife “Victor” project, and providing materials and equipment for the Howard Lake rearing pond. Events put on by the club include the winter fishing contest, helping to run the summer fishing contest, and firearm safety training.
The Sportsmen’s Club is a sponsor for Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever, as well as the NRA and the Deer Hunters Association. In addition, the club donates to the Cub Scouts to clean the lakeshore, take care of the carp trap on the south side of Howard Lake, and the boat landing on the north end.
Officers are Dennis Decker, president; Ken Durdahl, secretary; and Keith ‘Erv’ Luhman, treasurer.
Membership dues are $10. Contact Ken Durdahl at (320) 543-3372, or Joe’s Sport Shop for membership information. Write to the club at PO Box 805, Howard Lake, MN 55349.
Winsted Karate Club
The Winsted Karate Club offers instruction in Shotokan karate for self-defense, competition, and personal development.
The club regularly competes in tournaments and performs various demonstrations throughout the year. Several members have made the US Karate Team and have competed in Japan, England, Ireland, Germany, and throughout the US. Club members have also appeared on KTCA TV, and Channel 2’s “Newton’s Apple.”
Organized in 1981, the club presently has 20 members and meets Mondays and Thursdays at the Winsted Public Elementary School at 7 p.m. The club is a non-profit organization. Dues are $30 per month, per individual; or $60 per month, per family. It’s a member of the American Shotokan Karate Federation (ages 7 and up).
For information, contact Brenda Diers at (320) 543-2900.
Youth sports
Howard Lake offers various team sport participation beyond the public school teams.
The traveling basketball team is for girls and boys, grades five through eight. Practices and game schedules vary, but the season generally runs November through March. For more information, contact Belinda Kaye at (320) 286-6665.
The Junior Olympic Volleyball team is for girls, grades seven through 11. It runs about 10 weeks between January and May. For more information, or to sign up, contact Christina Kittock at (763) 658-4610.
The traveling baseball team for boys ages 11 to 16 meets in the evenings, May through July. For more information, contact John Zander at (320) 543-3964.
The Laker Summer Softball team for girls ages 10 to 18 meets evenings, May through July. For more information, contact Chad Burau at (320) 543-3366 or Mary Pettit at (320) 543-3987.
Howard Lake Watershed Alliance
The goal of the Howard Lake Watershed Alliance is to help protect, maintain, and enhance the waters of and surrounding watershed for Howard Lake. The organization provides educational resources, activities, and tasks to achieve this goal. Information is shared through local cable television and newspaper articles, as well as meetings and newsletters.
The original lake association was deeply concerned with the water quality of Howard Lake. In early 2002, Howard Lake was accepted into a joint study venture with Wright County Soil and Water Conservation and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, which took in the lake, as well as its watershed area. As a result of this broadening venture, the group’s bylaws and incorporation were amended in 2004 and the group was renamed the Howard Lake Watershed Alliance. This action promoted the group to become more focused on total lake and watershed management.
The lake has been monitored since 2000 for trends in clarity and nutrient loading. In 2003, a program to control nuisance aquatic vegetation was initiated. A grant from the Minnesota DNR was received in 2007 for a vegetation study to determine how invasive aquatic species are affecting the lake.
The alliance has a strong body of volunteers who work to achieve the goals of the organization. The board of directors meets quarterly, with an annual meeting in June. A newsletter is published two times per year. Contact Curt Forst at (320) 543-3736 for further information concerning the Howard Lake Watershed Alliance.
Howard Lake Friends of the Library
The Howard Lake Friends of the Library has been supporting library programs since 2004. There are about 30 members, and they work to bring public awareness to all the programs and services offered through the Howard Lake Library. Meetings take place the second Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the library. To join, or for more information, call the Howard Lake Library at (320) 543-2020.
Mothers of Preschoolers
Mothers of preschoolers (MOPS) is an international organization that exists to encourage, equip, and help women become the best moms they can be.
MOPS meets twice each month. At the first meeting of the month, moms learn something new and have a discussion. At the second meeting of the month, moms work together on crafts and enjoy each other’s fellowship.
Join MOPS for food, fellowship, and fun. The meetings take place the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. There is free childcare provided. For more information or to join, contact Jackie Gallus at (320) 457-0765.
MOMSnext
MOMSnext is an organization for all mothers in all seasons – from pregnancy through “whenever,” which began in fall 2011 as an extension of MOPS.
The group meets twice monthly, and this year’s theme is MomSense, a combination of “mom intuition” and “common sense.” The group will be using the book “MomSense: A Common Sense Guide to Confident Mothering,” to guide their discussions throughout the year.
Free childcare is provided at the meetings, as well as refreshments and fun. The meetings take place the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. For more information, or to join, contact Mandy Busse at (320) 543-3798, or email busse@embarqmail.com.
