President Anita Martin brought the meeting to order at 12:18pm. Pledge of Allegiance and 4 Way Test recited. Twenty two Rotarians were in attendance plus 3 on zoom. Guests: (2 teachers of the month and their guests), and 8 student Rotarians were also in attendance.
Program: Teachers of the Month
Traci Voigt from Lake Mills High School has taught math for 29 years. She attends all after school events. She is a big reason to come to school. She gives her time to help students and she wants all students to succeed. Traci thanked the Rotarians and said she loves teaching in Lake Mils.
Wesley Towne from St. Paul’s Lutheran is an 8th grade teacher since 2024. He is also the athletic director. Wesley previously taught in LaCrosse. He is a kind teacher and likes to have fun but understands how important learning is for the students. He is entertaining and you can’t zone out or sleep during class time. “It’s cool to be in school.” Wesley thanked the Rotarians for their dedication to Lake Mills.
Student Rotarians:
Students Rotarians for December and January:
Katie – Lakeside Lutheran HS (fun fact)
Brady – Lakeside Lutheran HS (fun fact)
Frida – Lake Mills HS (fun fact)
Sophie – Lake Mills HS (fun fact)
Gracyn – Lake Mills HS (4 way test and presentation)
Regan – Lake Mills HS (4 way test)
Tyler – Lakeside Lutheran HS (presentation and 4 way test)
Carter – Lakeside Lutheran HS (presentation and 4 way test)
Happy birthday to Denny H. and Tim A.
Happy Rotary Anniversary to Janine F. (8 years) and Will G. (2 years)
Carmen Weldon was nominated on December 9, 2025 as a member at large. Motion made by Jim W. Second by Jenny M. Motion carried. No nominations were brought forward from the floor.
Announcements/Information
Mid year activities handout was given to members. The file will be attached to the next meeting reminder email
Money market rate is 4% if balance is over $50,000.
2026 Pyramid City 5K run proceeds will benefit the LD Fargo Library expansion. (Second Saturday of September)
Calendar Raffle – purchase tickets by cash, check or credit card. Proceeds help with projects, scholarships and the general fund. Unsold tickets need to be returned by February 3rd and no tickets can be sold after first drawing (February 3), per state rules.
Upcoming:
Ed Futa will be the speaker on January 20, 2026 at noon at the Lake Mills High School auditorium. No lunch that day so eat before or after. Doors will be unlocked at 11:30am. Please enter through auditorium doors. Also, please park in the auditorium parking lot.
Lake Mills Rotary Foundation Board meeting will be January 20, 2026 at 7:00am at Agency Insurance office.
Sponsor Thank You event will be January 22, 2026 from 6pm-8pm at the American Legion. RSVP to Beth.
Kid Pet Fair April 25, 2026 at Commons Park. Community event – save the date. More information to follow.
Happy Bucks:
Ed H. and Scott E. played tennis twice in January. Badger basketball is on tonight.
Gerard S.: Illinois won their bowl game.
Jenny M.: Bears won their play off game. Jenny also mentioned that she is campaigning to save the golf course. Sale is contingent on rezoning for homes. Write a letter to planning commission and/or city council to keep golf course in Lake Mills. The 2 local high schools golf teams use the golf course. Anita mentioned that golf is a life long sport.
Tim A. mentioned his oldest son was married in October 2025.
Greg R. mentioned that he is at the mid point of his 3rd novel, “The Summer of 1970.:
Scott E. noted that he was in Vietnam in 1970. Thank you for your service.
Anita M. mentioned that one of her dogs had to be put down. She was out for a walk and a dog came up to her younger dog and they got along great.
