Organizations

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 for veterans of all wars to serve God, country, and community and is the nation’s largest veterans service organization.

Locally, Winsted’s Martin Krueger American Legion Post #407 sponsors the Winsted BSA Scout Troops #3399 and #5399 and annually sponsors youth delegates to Minnesota Boys State. In addition, members visit and provide Christmas gifts for veterans in the area’s care centers and Veterans Administration hospitals and donate to local charities and causes. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the Legion has reintroduced the Blue Star Banner program for families with a loved one in uniform, and the Post has presented these banners locally.

Each year, the Legion conducts a public Memorial Day observance and a Veterans Day dinner and operates the beer tent at the annual Winsted Summer Festival. In addition, an important duty and honor for our members are to render military honors at veteran funerals. Finally, our Post is proud to have served as the fiscal agent and sponsor of the Winsted Veterans Memorial, of which the entire community is rightly proud. For more information, visit www.winstedveteransmemorial.org.

To join the American Legion, you must have served at least one day of active military duty since Dec. 7, 1941, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving honorably. Annual dues are $35. Meetings are on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. (except January) at the Legion club at 161 1st Street North.

With present membership of 81, officers are Commander Jeff Sterner, Finance Officer Chris Otto, and Adjutant/Membership Director Chip Guggemos.

Post #407 welcomes the public to consider hosting their event or meeting at our renovated building, with access to a full kitchen and beautiful views from our large deck overlooking Winsted Lake.

For club rental information, contact building owner Dr. Michael Thoennes at (952) 465-8293 or drmike@tds.net.

To contact our Post, email us at post407@live.com or write to us at PO Box 360, Winsted, MN 55395.

Please follow Martin Krueger Post #407 of the American Legion on Facebook.

The members of Post #407 are grateful to the people of the greater Winsted community for their decades of support and love for our veterans.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 407 was established to help support veterans, soldiers, and their families. It also helps other organizations within our community by volunteering hours or monetary donations.

The auxiliary sponsors a junior girl from the Winsted area each year to attend Girls State, a week-long event that teaches leadership skills and the importance of political values.
The auxiliary hosts several fundraisers throughout the year. These funds help VA hospitals and send care or supply packages to military men and women overseas. In addition, our annual new clothing drive supports hospitalized and homeless veterans. In May, the ladies are busy handing out memorial poppy flowers for donations. All donations are used to support veterans directly.

The president of the American Legion Auxiliary is Ginny Schuelke. If you want more information about the organization or membership, contact Karla Otterness at 320-420-8163 (membership chair). Meetings are at the Legion on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., except in January, when there is no meeting.

Please remember that we need our service men and women serving and protecting our country to be enjoying the lifestyle that we have today.

Cub Scouting is a family program that provides an opportunity for boys and girls to build character and leadership skills, while also participating in exciting adventures. Adventures may include: fall camp-outs, spooky-ree, camporee, rock climbing, archery, biking, hiking, family camp, day camps, Pinewood Derby races, winter/summer parades, and many other activities.

In the Pack, Scouts also learn the importance of being a good citizen and making a difference in their communities, such as participating in Memorial Day services and the annual lakeshore cleanup.

Cub Scout Pack 399 serves the Howard Lake, Lester Prairie, Winsted, Waverly, and surrounding areas. Boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade are eligible to join. If you are interested in joining Cub Scouts, email Pack399scouts@gmail.com. Check out the Facebook page by searching under Cub Scout Pack 399.

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 65 members, meets the third Wednesday of each month at 8 p.m. in the high school ag room. In February we host a family friendly Bingo night and in July member’s families are also welcome at our summer picnic.

The group’s annual fundraising events include a tractor pull Memorial Day Weekend at the Wright County Fairgrounds and the Annual Auction on the third Wednesday in August also held at the Fair Grounds. With the proceeds from these events the group has funded various projects, learning experiences and technical educational supplies for the agricultural education department as well as financially supporting their travel for competition and Ag in Action.

Additionally, FFA members benefit from their mentorship as well as scholarships sponsored by the FFA Alumni.

Membership dues are $25 per year OR $350 for Minnesota and National lifetime memberships. The only requirement for potential members is an enthusiasm to support high school agriculture, no previous FFA experience required!

Please contact Rachelle Krienke, Secretary, for more information at prairiedairy@broadband-mn.com or 320.224.3235

Laker Pride serves as the promotional arm of the HLWW School District. Laker Pride contributes pictures and articles for the Herald Journal newspaper and the district website. We have also had entries in the summer parades.

We welcome you to join us on Facebook at “HLWW Laker Pride,” where you can view district activities’ news, photos, and videos. If you don’t have a Facebook account, don’t worry. The HLWW Laker Pride Facebook page is open to the public for viewing. If you have a Facebook account, we welcome any photos you would like to share. We also welcome your pictures, videos, and comments. Please feel free to post to “Laker Pride” as much as you like.

Please get in touch with us with any comments or suggestions. Somebody can reach us at akoeppe@hlww.k12.mn.us or the district office at 320-543-3521.

 The HLWW After Prom Party organization was formed in the fall of 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 yearly increase in attendance. The students enjoy a late-night party with food, fun, wonderful prizes, and entertainment.

This volunteer group hosts many annual fundraisers, concessions expo in November, cookie sales during home games, and community outreach to local businesses.

We are currently looking for more volunteers and a person to lead the event! Please reach out to the school if interested.

The Winsted Jolly Juniors 4-H Club, established in 1946, promotes positive youth development experiences where youth design and participate in their programs and activities. This unique, learn-by-doing model teaches kids essential, transferable skills that they’ll use throughout their lives, such as problem-solving, decision-making, coping, communicating, and responding to the needs of others.

There are opportunities for everyone. Youth who live in both the country and town are encouraged to participate. Club members participate in various project areas based on their interests and take pride in giving back to their community through service.

Project areas include robotics, photography, woodworking, wildlife, gardening, computer animation, engines, Legos, and self-determined, anything they can think of and present. Community activities include caroling, park cleanup, ice cream social, bingo, bowling, sledding, petting zoo, parades in winter and summer, and the county fair – having fun and getting to know other people in the community through work and play.

There are presently more than 40 youth members. Membership is open to children from kindergarten through one year past high school graduation.

Winsted Jolly Juniors Lisa Bayerl 612-532-4857, Mandy Dammann 320-510-2930, Holly Neaton 763-286-8126, 1st Monday of Month, 3:00 p.m., Winsted Legion. Wide variety of project interests. They also enjoy meeting the needs of their local area with community service projects.

The Knights of Columbus was established to help the needy and support religious vocations while promoting charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism within the order.

Its purpose is to speak out for the lives of the unborn, the aged, and the mentally challenged.

Annually, the Knights conduct a pro-life breakfast and free-throw shooting contest in January, a fish fry on the second Friday in March, a Tootsie Roll drive for people with intellectual and physical disabilities, and several other parish and community events.

The local council also participates in Prairie Days, The Winsted SummerFest, as a sponsor of the Winsted WinterFest, and many other youth and community activities.

The order was formed in 1882 in New Haven, CT. The local council meets on the fourth Tuesday at 7 p.m., with officers meeting on the second Tuesday of each month.

Membership dues are $25 per year, and membership is open to Catholic men 18 years or older and in good standing with the church. Anyone wishing to join or learn more about becoming a member can contact any current member.

Officers for the current year are Grand Knight Jason Malone; Deputy Grand Knight Joe Hartung; Chancellor Mitchel Littfin; Recorder Ken Pelzel; Financial Secretary Pat Schommer; Treasurer Dennis Dunn; Advocate Jason Blashack; Warden Mike Lester; Inside Guard Rich Bauman; Outside Guard Brady Schesso; Trustee Third-year Roman Widmer; Trustee Second-year Jim Condon; Trustee First-year Kevin Seipker Jr.; General Agent Joe Cauoette 320-224-7553; Field Agent Brian Lachermeier 612-685-0506. The Knights’ mailing address is PO Box 250, Winsted, MN, 55395. Also, please email us at winstedkc@gmail.com.

The Lake Mary Homeowners Association is a group of concerned citizens whose fundamental goal is to improve water quality and preserve our valuable resources.

It is important to take numerous measurements in a year to get a true picture of lake water quality and continue that practice over many years. Water quality can vary seasonally and yearly depending on temperature, rainfall, and adjacent land use practices. Wright County Soil & Water has a summer program that we participate in that allows us to monitor total phosphorus, Chlorophyll-a, and Secchi dish Depth. These measurements are very good assessments of water quality. As a result, the water quality is rated as good.

The lake association is dedicated to protecting our lake from aquatic invasive species. We monitor the landing by auditing watercraft with Wright County AIS inspectors and trained lakeshore homeowners. Experts have determined that AIS’s best line of defense is inspecting the watercraft at the landing. Please clean your boat before going into the lake and on the way out.

The lake is 190 acres with a maximum depth of 46 feet. The lake has access owned by the Winsted Sportsmen’s club, open to public use.

We promote interpersonal relationships and friendliness at our annual picnic, which has occurred every year since 1992. In addition, the picnic keeps the community educated about association activities and goals.

We will host our 4th Lake Mary “Annual” Golf fundraiser in July at Pioneer Creek Golf Course. If interested, please call for details.

It’s a wonderful privilege to enjoy Lake Mary by paddle or motorboat. So, please have fun following safe boating practices and respecting the environment and the lakeshore homeowners.

Those wishing to volunteer or help with anything, please get in touch with Joe Hartung at 612-849-0519. In addition, those looking for more information can visit our Facebook page.

The commander is Dave Thompson, and the quartermaster for the Post is Dave Gailey. The Post conducts monthly meetings on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m. In the rear meeting room of the American Legion in Howard Lake.

The organization is trying to get the Post more active. If there are veterans who would like to join, contact Dave Gailey at (320-420-4306)or ljgailey@tds.net or come to a meeting.

The Lake Mary VFW Auxiliary 9232, chartered in 1963, supports many veterans projects, including the annual Troops Coming Home recognition event in McLeod County, Cancer Aid & Research, McLeod Emergency Food Shelf, four veterans hospitals, and five veterans homes. Its primary fundraiser is the chicken dinner, which takes place during the Festival of Lights.

Meetings occur on the second Thursday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at the American Legion in Winsted.

For more information, call President Judy Pease at 619-261-4809 or Secretary Mary Quast at 320-485-3831.

HLWW Lakes Community Girl Scouts encompasses the communities of Howard Lake, Waverly, and Winsted, and is open to all girls entering Kindergarten – Grade 12.

The Girl Scout program levels correspond to what grade you are in at school.

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We provide an all-girl, girl-led, and girl-friendly environment created with and for girls.

At Girl Scouts, a whole world of opportunities is waiting just for you! You’ll always get to think big, try new things, and unleash your inner leader!

For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with HLWW Lakes Community Girl Scouts at lakesprairiesgirlscouts@gmail.com.

Scouts BSA Boy Troop 3399 and BSA Girl Troop 5399 provide unique adventures and opportunities for local youth from the greater Waverly, Howard Lake, Winsted, and Lester Prairie area.

Through troop activities and advancement, the scouts work to develop greater character, citizenship, and personal connection to the communities they serve.

As a member, you’ll have unique access to high adventure opportunities such as exploring the ocean at Sea Base, hiking the mountains at Philmont, canoeing at Northern Tier, or traversing whitewater rapids near Bechtel Summit.

Closer to home you can participate in spring and fall camporees, weekend campouts, kayaking, survival skill challenges, archery, civic events, service projects, and much more.

Each summer, the troops attend a week-long Scout camp, which provides opportunity for sailing, archery, shooting sports, tower climbing, obstacle courses, aqua tramp, mountain biking, ATV riding, fishing, and much more.

Check out our adventures on our Facebook page listed under “Troop 3399 Winsted Minnesota” and contact us at Troop3399winsted@gmail.com.

Membership is open to boys and girls who have completed the fifth grade or are 11 years old, but not yet 18. The troops typically meet two to four times a month.

Mandy Busse is the Scoutmaster for Scouts BSA Girl Troop 5399 and Jon Hucker is the Scoutmaster for the Scouts BSA Boy Troop 3399.

The WHAT UP (Winsted Holding Activities That Unite People) Committee, a youth and family council, was made an official volunteer committee of the city in May 2009.

This committee has created a dynamic program that provides activities for youth and families in the community, such as movies in the park, sports clinics, and game nights, among other events.

Members of the committee are Jeff Campbell, Mike Henrich, Rose Heimerl, Amanda Zeidler, Madison Campbell, Nick Meuleners, and Tyler Bruns.

The regular meeting is on the second Tuesday of each month at city hall. In addition, the group hosts monthly activities. Watch Herald Journal for event notices, or check your monthly utility bill. You can also find them on Facebook.

To learn more about WHAT UP, be part of the committee, or volunteer to help with various activities, call Jeff Campbell at 612-554-7439.

The Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission statement is “To foster a stimulating atmosphere in which business can flourish, thereby adding to the economic and social well-being of our community.”

The Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce was established more than 60 years ago.

The Winsted Winter Festival, The Women’s Expo, Winsted Summer Festival, Business Trick or Treat, and the annual chamber banquet are some of the annual events sponsored by the organization. For more information regarding these events, visit www.winstedchamber.com or visit its Facebook page. It also promotes business appreciation events and sponsors political forums.

Membership in the chamber is open to any interested individual or business

Visit the website for more information on becoming a member.

There are presently about 80 members.

For more than 10 years, the Winsted Arts Council has promoted artistic opportunities in all areas of the arts for all ages promoting diversity, cultural enrichment, economic growth, and balance of life. It is volunteered-run and supported through memberships and corporate partnerships.

The arts council has hosted after-school art explorer classes, ballet classes, and summer art and dance camps at its 141 Main Avenue West space in downtown Winsted. In addition, online crochet classes have been offered during the pandemic.

It has also hosted free outdoor music events during the summer at the lakefront park and paid music events featuring Dervish, Jig Jam, The Okee Dokee Brothers, the Benny Weinbeck Trio, and many others. Any ticket prices are kept affordable with school-aged children, adults, and seniors rates.

The Main Avenue venue has also been home to a traveling Minnesota Historical Society exhibit and exhibits featuring the work of area artists, including photography and fiber arts.

The Winsted Arts Council envisions an artistic community within the local area that inspires a vibrant downtown with thriving businesses and a culturally-engaged citizenry.

Visit its website at www.winstedartscouncil.org or its Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also email the arts council at winstedartscouncil@gmail.com for more information. Become a member, a volunteer, or an instructor.

The mission of the WLWA is to provide a leadership role in improving and protecting the quality of Winsted Lake and its watershed for present and future generations.

The Winsted Lake Committee was started in 1979 and existed until Feb. 11, 1994, when the Winsted Lake Watershed Association was formed. A nonprofit organization, membership is open to anyone interested in contributing to the quality of Winsted Lake and its watershed. Annual membership dues are $30 per family and $100 per business.

The Lake Association encourages members to help with projects and events. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact one of the officers and send your membership dues to WLWA, PO Box 577, Winsted, MN 55395.

WLWA meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month at Winsted City Hall at 7 p.m. and are open to the public. Attend one of our meetings or contact one of the officers if you wish to share an idea or a concern.

The WLWA officers are; vacant president; Gary Lenz, vice president; Evelyn Fowler, secretary; Peggy Lenz, treasurer.

More information is available by going to our web page in the Quick Links section on the City of Winsted’s website, www.winsted.mn.us, or going directly to our site at www.winsted.mn.us/pages/watershed.html. To contact, email winstedlake@gmail.com.

The Winsted Youth Baseball/Softball Association promotes and organizes summer baseball and softball for area youth ages four to 18, focusing primarily on players aged four to eight. However, the WYSBA is partnered with Laker Baseball and Laker Softball to assist players ages nine to 18 to play on teams in Winsted. Approximately 150 children and more than 20 volunteer coaches participate in games, primarily in June and July; baseball players ages nine and up will start with games in May.

Membership is open to anyone interested in playing baseball/softball. In February, sign-ups for players ages nine and up, including the machine pitch and all-player pitch teams. Sign-ups for players ages 4-8 take place in mid-April. A registration fee covers the cost of hats, jerseys/shirts, umpires, and other association expenses.

Business sponsorship of the association is encouraged to help defray expenses and lower player fees. The association meets in winter and spring to prepare for the following year. Parents and volunteers are encouraged to help coach or be part of the association. Watch the Herald Journal for sign-up notices.

More information can be found on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/winstedyouthbaseball/; or by contacting Rick Baumann at 320-490-7006, or rbaumann@tds.net

The Winsted Sportsmen’s Club has helped to ensure quality hunting and fishing for area sportsmen since 1952.

Some activities the group annually organizes are stocking lakes, a lake cleanup, and the raising and releasing of pheasants. In addition, the group builds wood duck houses and wildlife feeders.

The club also owns and maintains boat landings at Dog, Ida, Mary, and Round lakes. In April, the club conducts its annual hog roast fundraiser at the Blue Note in Winsted.

There are presently 75 members. Membership dues are $10 per year. Meetings are on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. During summer, it meets at the Lake Mary clubhouse, a few miles northeast of Winsted; and winter months in locations to be announced.

There are no membership requirements. To join, contact any member or attend a meeting or sponsored event. For more information, contact Tom Kieser at 320-224-3079. The club’s mailing address is 10895 Fetch Ave. SW, Waverly, MN 55390at the Lake Mary clubhouse, a few miles northeast of Winsted; and winter months in locations to be announced.

There are no membership requirements. To join, contact any member or attend a meeting or sponsored event. For more information, contact Tom Kieser at 320-224-3079. The club’s mailing address is 10895 Fetch Ave. SW, Waverly, MN 55390.