ALWA Identity Statement: Concerned citizens using civic governance as an approach to policy making that produces the sustainable civic infrastructure needed to govern for the common good.

ALWA Purpose Statement: To develop the civic imagination and organize the civic capacity and infrastructure needed to partner with local government and restore the waters of Ann Lake to the MPCA standards for nutrients and to protect and preserve the water quality of the Ann Lake watershed.

Civic Standards:

1. All those impacted by the problem are stakeholders and help define the problem in light of civic principles and the realities of their situation.
2. All stakeholders are accountable for contributing resources (leadership/time, knowledge, constituencies and dollars) to solve the problem.
3. All stakeholders are engaged in decision-making and policy-making that contributes to the common good.
4. All stakeholders implement policies grounded in civic principles in the places where they have the authority to act.

The following people were present:  (11) Sharon and Walt Smith, Linda Stoneburner, Rich Anderson, Ray Penwarden, Tracy Hass, Margot Kohl, David and Linda Knosalla, Bobbie and Dennis Hurmi. 

The meeting was started by Margot at 10:04, a welcome and thanks for coming to all.

Agenda for today’s meeting and outcomes from the last meeting on August 8 were accepted.

Treasurers report:   Ray Penwarden gave us the final amount for Bingo on August 22, 2026 and shared the Treasurers report for August

Correspondence:    none to report

Check-in on Old Business:   We are still working on getting T-shirts with the ALWA logo, if anyone has a business that does this please come forward.  Tee-Hive in Brainerd,

may have the original shirt print, still checking on that.

Sharon wanted to thank all the volunteers that helped with the Bingo in August.

Civic Organizing:  Sharon Smith attended the Ann Lake Township meeting, and said there was a homeowner who requested the township pave the dirt road on the north side of Ann Lake in Boulder Estates, but it was decided to table the request due to the cost.   The Township received thank you-s for donations.

August Bingo:  Sharon reviewed August Bingo results and what made the event a success.  She thanked the volunteers who helped: Walt Smith, Ray Penwarden, Bobbie Hurmi, Linda Stoneburner, Michele Vlasak and the Tower Bar for having ALWA Bingo.  She also thanked Dennis Hurmi, Garth Stoneburner, and Dave Knossala who also offered to help which she appreciated!

Check in on New Business: Bingo is scheduled for September 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

Good to the Order:   The group discussed:

Reprinting of the brochure that explain the ALWA mission and goals and distribute to residents of Ann Lake. 

Can ALWA do a zoom meeting this will be checked out by Tracy Hass.

Volunteers to do the chores for the ALWA  are needed and appreciated!  Some of the chores include measuring the lake levels, water secchi clarity,  water quality, leader of the boat parade on July 4^th, and for board offices.  Please consider stepping up.

Walt Smith brought up the County Commissioner has to deal with the cabin on Indian Point that is collapsing and a hazard.

It was brought up to have a Social gathering in January, such as a neighborhood ice fishing day on the lake because, at present, due to the Firepit still closed, there is no official, ice fishing contest planned.  So if you have thoughts let us know.

The sad news was shared that a longtime ALWA member, Wally Kalscheuer passed in August.  Our condolences go out to his family.

Linda and Dave Knosalla’s son had a terrible bike accident on Hwy 47 coming north out of Ogilvie.  Our thoughts are with them along with our hopes for his speedy recovery.

A new removal date of October 15^th was mentioned, for neighbors who hire Daves Docks.  In case anyone needs it, their number is 763-238-7874.

Evaluation:  5, thank you to all in attendance

50 cent drawing:       Tracy Hass

25 Dollar Incentive Drawing:  Dennis Hurmi

Don’t forget to check out the website:  https://annlakewatershedalliance.org

We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting on  October 10, 2026 at 10:00 am at Ann Lake Town Hall 1448 240^th Ave, Mora, MN 55051  

https://maps.app.goo.gl/d1kfY5FLZWiiL3Fe8

Links and Emails:

Kanabec Soil and Water, Emily Larsen:  emily@kanabecswcd.org

 Water quality data can be found here: http://lakes.rmbel.com  (Select the report you wish to see then go to the drop-down menus in the Query Criteria. Under “County” select Kanabec, then select Ann under “Lake”. If you select a report that requires a “Site” choose “201” which should be the only option. Complete any other drop-down menus that may be required depending on the report selected then click “View Reports”.)

ALWA Dues (January through December each year)

$15.00 per individual per year

$25.00 per couple/family per year

$100 individual lifetime membership

(See map below)