Elbow Lake Chatter

ELCOA Meeting Minutes from Sunday, August 2, 2026

Location: Boat Launch

Present: Mark Scott, Donnie & Tonya Patterson, Jonathan Kelly, Sally Rouse, Eric Rouse, Marty Neighbors, John Krieger, Frank DeVuono, John Collins, Lisa Wick, Tyler Hay, Kendra Koman, Scott Cupp

Absent: None

Guests: Angela Kraetke, Cassie Kelly, Mary Ann Wood, Deb Smith, Charlie Smith, Lucky Mottausch, Erie High

The meeting was called to order at 10:01 a.m. by President Mark Scott.

Minutes: Sally Rouse read the minutes from Saturday, July 4, 2026. A motion was made to approve as is by John Collins and seconded by John Krieger. Motion passed.

Treasurer's Report: The financial report was read by John Kelly, noting a starting balance of $6,531.97 with expenses and new income resulting in an available balance of $5,446.01. It was noted that the fish fund allotment should be $1,000.00, not $500.00, on the report. The current total for fish is $1,900 as of this meeting (not including donations).

Membership Report: Tonya indicated there were 9 new memberships submitted and a total of 59 members as of today. A discussion took place on how to grow membership. It was mentioned to bring back the Welcome Package. Deb Smith is willing to do this, but she needs to know how to get new residents' info. It was suggested to contact Clare County and purchase the tax roll for $10.00. It was also mentioned to bring back street captains, put welcome info in the newsletters, and provide packets inside the bulletin board. More discussion at the next meeting.

Neighborhood Watch: Frank indicated there was a big explosion the night before. It sounded like an M-80. Many members heard the noise, but no one knows exactly where it came from.

Facebook/Website: No updates on the website or Facebook. It was mentioned that Tyler did a fantastic job on the newsletter.

Memorial Day Parade: Cassie Kelly has volunteered to chair the Memorial Day Parade for 2027.

Boat Parade: Shirley Miller submitted the scoring sheet for the previous day's parade. Winners: Neighbor's 1st, Miller's 2nd, Beck's 3rd, Logan's 4th. Cash prizes of $25, $20, $15, and $10 respectively were awarded.

Annual Picnic: Kendra has everything ready to go for today's event.

Hay Ride: Sally and Tonya to chair the hayride/chili cook-off. Folks will be encouraged to bring a dish to pass. Hot dogs and pop will be provided. A hot chocolate station will be included this year. Times have yet to be determined. Tonya would like to have the house decorating contest again this year. Judging of the winners will take place on Friday, October 9th. A tractor and trailer are needed for the event. Mark is hoping his truck will be ready so he can transport the wagon up north. Kendra made a motion to allow a one-time transfer of $200.00 from the Memorial Day Parade budget to the Hayride/Chili Cook-Off for 2026, since the Memorial Day Parade does not spend its allotted amount. Sally seconded. Motion passed.

Beach Beautification: Nothing new to report.

Fish Planting: Frank is going to call this week to get pricing information.

Old Business: Discussion about the illegal dumping of wood at the boat launch wooded area was brought up again. There was a suggestion to use a woodchipper and blow the chips into the woods.

New Business: The cornhole trophies have run out of room for new winners; more rings are needed, and Marty will handle it. Mark brought up that there is room on the board for more members. Nominations were made to add the following individuals to the board: Erie High, Cassie Kelly, Angela Kraetke, Deb Smith, Lucky Mottausch, Mary Ann Wood. Mark asked each individual if they would accept the position. All agreed and accepted.

A motion was made to adjourn at 10:57 a.m. by Kendra. Seconded by Tyler. Motion passed.

Respectfully submitted by Sally Rouse, Secretary for ELCOA.

Source: As printed in the October 2026 Elbow Lake Chatter (transcribed from the secretary's document).

ELCOA Board Meeting Minutes from Saturday, September 5, 2026

Location: Boat Launch

Present: Mark Scott, Donnie & Tonya Patterson, Jonathan Kelly, Sally Rouse, Eric Rouse, Marty Neighbors, John Krieger, Frank DeVuono, John Collins, Kendra Koman, Angela Kraetke, Deb Smith, Scott Cupp

Absent: Lisa Wick, Tyler Hay, Erie High, Mary Ann Wood, Lucky Mottausch.

Guest: None.

The meeting was called to order at 10:02 a.m. by President Mark Scott.

Minutes: Sally Rouse read the minutes from Sunday, August 2, 2026. A motion was made to approve as is by John Collins and seconded by Donnie. Motion passed.

Treasurer’ s Report: The financial report was read by John Kelly noting a starting balance of $7,476.01 as of 8/2/26 with an available balance of $5,323.63 after expenses.

Membership Report: Tonya indicated there are a total of 73 members as of today. Membership fees have been slowly coming in. Kevin and Tammy Brady have rejoined the association. Deb Smith indicated that Mary Ann did not get the roll call list from the county. Deb Smith gave 2 newsletters to the new folks in the association. Deb has a welcome letter and provides a copy of the recent newsletter.

Neighborhood Watch: Frank indicated that there was nothing to report at this time.

Facebook/Website: Tyler was absent, nothing was reported.

Memorial Day Parade: Cassie Kelly has volunteered to chair the Memorial Day Parade for 2027.

Boat Parade: No discussion. Chairperson still needed for this event.

Annual Picnic: No discussion.

Hay Ride: Mark Scott will bring up his wagon and it has new tires. Frank will talk to Love at Hunter’s Paradise to see if they plan on sponsoring the event. Sally spoke to the Wright’s and they plan on providing the tractor for the hayride.

Beach Beautification: Kendra reported that both property owners next to the beach are ok with the tree trimming and putting up a privacy fence. RJ volunteered to trim trees on both sides. Kendra said the play structure has met its life expectancy and a new swing set is needed. She asked the board to watch on Facebook, marketplace or end of season deals and to let her know. She would like to put up a snow fence, a new display board and would like to build an enclosure for the porta john.

Fish Planting: Frank called and put in an order for 1900 fish. Ideally, it would be nice to get some photos or video of the fish being dropped. Tyler will be asked to be present if able.

Old Business: It’s possible that Ed Erskine and Caleb Stenger may take care of the illegal dumping at the boat launch area. Marty informed the board the boat launches light costs about $26.00 a month, but the majority of the cost is the administrative fees, it’s $312.00 a year to have. A discussion took place about having a motion activated light or having a drop with plug to get electricity with a lock box. Tonya will look into it.

New Business: The trophies for the cornhole tournament have been engraved and upgraded. Donnie will talk to his friend to see if he has any more tents to sale, the board is interested in purchasing a newer one that will take less time to assemble. A motion was made to have porta johns from May to October, all were in favor. Motion passed.

A motion was made to adjourn at 10:56 a.m. by Kendra. Seconded by Donnie. Motion passed.

Respectfully submitted by Sally Rouse, Secretary for ELCOA.

Source: Secretary's original document (Sally Rouse).