Boy Scouts of America

Boy Scouts of America is a youth outdoor organization for boys 12-18. There are currently about 20 members and it meets at St. John’s Education Center on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

Special projects and events include camping, community Service, and volunteering program. James Hallquist is the committee chair. If anyone is interested in joining or has more questions, call Scoutmaster and Tim Steuck at (320) 275-3287.

Cokato Area Chamber of Commerce

The Cokato Chamber meets the first Tuesday of every month, 12 noon, at Cokato City Hall.

The Cokato Area Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary association of business people working to improve the economic and civic vitality of the community.

The officers are: Jill Plowman, president; Dan Stonelake, vice president; Sheila Reike, secretary/treasurer; Joanne Bekkala, past president.

Questions may be directed to Cokato City Hall at (320) 286-5505.

Cokato Community Chest

The Cokato Community Chest was founded in 1954 to be a team of representatives of city organizations that conducts one city-wide fundraiser per year. The board of directors then divides the funds among the social agencies, local, state and national, who have requested funds. Because there is an organization such as the community chest, there is only one door-to-door campaign per year in October.

The organizers meet at the Cokato City Hall in the spring and fall. Officers include Butch Paulson, president; John Bergmann, vice president; Margaret Salo, Secretary; and Susie Keskey, treasurer. If anyone is interested in joining they are to contact any of the officers listed.

Cokato Cub Scouts

The purpose is to provide educational and recreational activities for first through fifth grade boys. There are about 40 members in the Cokato organization. The Cub Scouts usually meets twice a month. The pack meeting is for all the boys, and the second meeting is a den meeting, which is just for the individual grade. Each den has age-appropriate activities for the Scouts. The Scouts also do community education service activities. There is fall recruitment and information that is handed out at the elementary school. Contact Sara Keskey for further information at (320) 286-5001.

Cokato-Dassel Lions Club

The Cokato Lions Club serves both Dassel and Cokato since about half of its members are from Dassel. It is a service driven organization. To join call Mike Lhotka at (320) 286-5378 or Dave Pitchford at (320) 275-4035.

Cokato-Dassel Rotary

The Rotary meets Thursdays at noon in the lower level of Daniel’s Family Restaurant in Cokato. There are approximately 30 members, with special projects that include an annual fall rose sale, golf scramble, lutefisk dinner, root beer stand and Rural Urban Day.

Rotary is a worldwide organization of business representatives providing humanitarian service, encouraging high ethical standards in business and building goodwill and peace in the world.

Kim Keithahn is president.

To become a member for additional information call Kelly Babekuhl at (320) 275-2225.

Cokato Finnish-American Historical Society

The Cokato Finnish-American Historical Society was founded in 1896. The purpose of the organization is to preserve historical buildings and artifacts located at Temperance Corner (north of Cokato on Highway 3), to educate the public and to provide historical information.

There are about 90 members in the organization. The organization meets quarterly at the Temperance Hall, except for the January annual meeting held in the Centennial Room at the Cokato Library. The business meeting is followed by lunch and the Finnish tradition of melting tins.

The society holds two festivals annually, the first being the Saturday before Memorial Day and the second Saturday in October. During these times, all buildings will be open with historical displays and lunch is served. There is also a bake sale and raffle, plus a historical program at noon. Midsummer is celebrated at the site with an evening dessert potluck followed by a bonfire.

Pikkujoulu (Little Christmas) is celebrated the second Saturday in December. A candle lighting at the cemetery takes place in late afternoon followed by a potluck supper.

The public is invited to attend all events. Memberships are $8 for individuals and $15 for couples, and donations help the society with their preservation and educational efforts. The society offers free Finnish language classes for young and old. It also offers two scholarships to a Finnish language camp in the summer. It also publishes two newsletters in the spring and fall.

If anyone is interested in joining, or has more questions, they can call Harvey Barberg, president at (320) 286-5823 or e-mail him at harveyheidib@yahoo.com.

Cokato Fire Department

The Cokato Fire Department meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month.

Officers are Mike Holmquist, chief; Ken Bakke, assistant chief; Jeff Carlson, captain, Jeff Amundsen, first lieutenant; Kurt Dahlin, second lieutenant, Kelvin Nelson, secretary-treasurer; and Skip Asfeld, safety officer.

An ad is placed in the local paper when new members need to be recruited.

Questions about the department may be directed to any Cokato firefighter.

Cokato Historical Society

The Cokato Historical Society Board of Trustees meets the third Thursday of each Month at 7 p.m. (except December and February) in the Centennial Room of the library/museum building.

The historical society raises funds to support the operation of the award-winning Cokato Museum and Gust Akerlund Photography Studio, a National Register Historic site. They host quarterly programs and events, publish a quarterly newsletter, “In the Midst of”, and provide research services for genealogists or persons interested in local history.

Questions about the historical society, museum, or Akerlund Studio may be directed to the Cokato Museum, (320) 286-2427, or visit the web site: www.cokato.mn.us/cmhs/.

Cokato Lake Improvement Association

The Cokato Lake Improvement Association meets May and September and periodically as scheduled.

The association is made up of homeowners on and around the lake — people who are concerned about the care and quality of fishing and recreation on the lake.

Officers are: Joel Hillmann, president; Phil Hanson, vice president; Judy Trolander, secretary; Bette Norton, treasurer. Questions may be directed to Hillmann at (320) 286-2132.

Cokato Senior Citizens Club

The Cokato Senior Citizens meet Mondays at 1 p.m., except when potlucks are schedule at 12 p.m., in the Centennial Room of the Cokato Library-Museum building. During the winter months, the club will meet at 440 2nd Ave. NW Apt. 1 for easier access. Call the city hall for location changes (320) 286-5505.

The senior citizens is a social group. It makes birthday and anniversaries a special event by having a potluck on the second Monday of every other month. Sometimes members go out to dinner or have a dinner catered in. Other activities include a “show and tell” where members can share memories. The group has been in existence since May 14, 1973.

Officers are Glenyce M. Zipf, president; Ruth Abrahamson, vice president; Lucille Larson, secretary; and Mildred Wolff, treasurer.

Membership may be gained by word of mouth from friends, by attending meetings and paying the dues.

Darwin Community Club

The Darwin Community Club is always looking for new members interested in the welfare of the Darwin community to join its team. The organization donates to different local projects and is the major organizer of Darwin’s Twine Ball Day the second Saturday in August. The officers are Al Stone, president; Karen Huhn, secretary; Roger Werner, museum director. If anyone is interested in joining contact Al Stone at (320) 221-4035.

Darwin Lions Club

The Darwin Lions Club has approximately 40 members. The club meets the first Monday of every month at the Darwin Rod and Gun Club. Throughout the year, the club supports international Lions Club projects as well as local projects. Darwin Twine Ball Day is the club’s major fundraiser. The club awards scholarships for Dassel-Cokato seniors and Litchfield seniors each year. The clubs officers are Rick Molenaar, president; Josh Johnson, vice president; Jay Mischke, secretary; John Fink, treasurer. If anyone is interested in joining or learning more about the organization contact Rick Molenaar at (320) 275-9968.

Darwin Rod and Gun Club

The club, one mile east of Darwin on Hwy. 12, meets the second Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m.

The Rod and Gun Club is community-minded with emphasis on hunting, fishing and conservation. It hosts trap shooting leagues in the summer and provides a shooting range for members year round. Several events are held for members and the public each year.

Officers are Philip Smith, president; Merl Cropp, treasurer; and Dave Franzen, secretary.

Annual dues are $15 or $200 for a lifetime membership. Questions may be directed to Vern Porth at (320) 693-8722.

Dassel Area Chamber of Commerce

The Dassel Chamber meets the second Tuesday every other month.

The Dassel Area Chamber of Commerce promotes and serves a growing community of retail service, manufacturing and professional businesses in the Dassel area.

Officers are Kris Rorah, president; Dori Erickson, vice president; Kelly Babekuhl, secretary/tresaurer. Questions may be directed to (320) 275-2454.

Dassel Area Historical Society

The museum in the Universal Lab Building (ULB) is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and during the summer, also Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It serves as an area historical society with monthly meetings the third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Programs are scheduled throughout the year.

The ULB is also available for business and organizational meetings, as well as private rental.

Officers are Deanna Martens, president; Jerry Bollman, chairman of the board; Julie Lindquist, museum director; and Dennis Compton, assistant.

Questions may be directed to (320) 275-3077.

Dassel-Cokato Arts Association

The Arts Association nurtures the arts by supporting arts events in the Dassel-Cokato communities. It has no regularly scheduled meeting times.

Board members are Craig Kay, chairman; Colleen Compton, executive director; Ann Benda, Harvey Peterson, Andy Rosenquist, Sue Rootes, Carolyn Holje and Lee Peterson.

The Dassel Cokato Arts Association is also welcoming new members. The association was originally organized in 2004, to help support and sponsor non school-sponsored arts in the community. There are currently 285 households and businesses that are charter members, and dozens of volunteers that help support the events in various ways.

With a tax-deductible membership, members have the opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public, as well as help make the events possible. To become a member or for more information call (320) 286-4120 or visit www.dc.k12.mn.us/artscenter.

Dassel- Cokato Girl Scouts

The purpose of the Dassel-Cokato Girl Scouts is to provide an environment for girls to learn and explore. There are about 75 members. The girls sell products twice a year, once in September and again in January. They also attend day camp in the summer. There are various troop, service unit, area, and council events throughout the year and open to girls. Officers are Catherine Baumann, service manager; Amy Kaiser, service unit secretary, and Kerry Rossow, service unit treasurer. If anyone is interested in joining or has more questions, they can contact Catherine Baumann at (320) 286-2199 or Amy Kaiser at (320) 275-2388.

Dassel Fire Department

The Dassel Fire Department officers meet the first Monday of the month; regular membership meets the second Monday, and the fourth and fifth Mondays are training meetings. All start at 7 p.m. The Fire-Rescue Department responds to various types of calls throughout the year.

Officers include Dale Grochow, chief; Dave Johnson, assistant chief; Jon Trotter, captain; Kurt Mortenson, assistant captain; Kevin Carlen, lieutenant; Dennis Johnson, training officer; and Brian Gillman, safety officer.

To become a member one has to fill out an application and a hiring process follows. For questions, call the fire station at (320) 275-3260.

Dassel Lamplighters 4-H Club

Meetings are the first Sunday or Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m., at Dassel Covenant Church (lower level).

The Lamplighters Club has 27 members ranging from age 6-18. Members are involved in the community by helping Lakeview Ranch staff with adopt-a-highway two times a year. In addition, they provide child care during the fall parent-teacher conferences at Dassel Elementary School.

The purpose of 4-H is to help youth and adults reach their fullest potential through life skills education and volunteer effort. 4-H’ers learn to make decisions and assume responsibility for their projects. In addition, parents and volunteer leaders are an important part of the 4-H program. The highlight of the 4-Her’s year is the Meeker County Fair. Those who win high honors with their projects at the county level then go onto the Minnesota State Fair.

Officers are Isaac Salfer, president; Lucas Salfer, vice president; Carmen Dischinger, secretary; Brooke Woetzel, treasurer; and Lizzy Cron, reporter. Contact person: Marcia Dischinger at (320) 275-2017 or Catherine Baumann at (320) 286-2199.

Dassel-Cokato MEADA

Dassel-Cokato MEADA (Methamphetamine Education and Drug Awareness) is part of the Wright County MEADA Coalition. It was formed and sponsored by the Cokato Police Commission. The purpose of the organization is to educate and provide information to the public about the dangers of drug use.

Drug literature and videos are available in the local libraries. DC MEADA sponsors events and classes at schools, gives presentations to groups upon request, puts up and hosts displays during community events.

Monthly meetings are held with the Wright County MEADA. General meetings for the local group are held several times a year.

For more information or to request a newsletter, contact Susie Keskey via e-mail at skeskey@hotmail.com. Other questions and requests can be directed to the Cokato City Hall at (320) 286-5505.

Dassel-Cokato PTA

The Dassel-Cokato Parent Teacher Association was founded in 2006. Its mission is to foster communication between schools and families, as well as supporting children in their work of learning. The DC PTA hopes to create a collaborative effort with the schools, community and parents/guardians, to ensure a quality, well-rounded education for children in the DC area.

There are about 100 members in the organization. It meets the first Thursday of every month in the DC High School Media Center from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Officers in the organization are Mari Pokornowski; chair, Kathy Grochow; vice chair, Kathy Camp; secretary, Amy Brustuen; finance, Melissa Weckwerth; membership, Jane Ryan; communications, Tina Schenk and Deb Moen; co-chairs for fund development.

If anyone is interested in joining or has more questions, e-mail chargerpta@yahoo.com or write to Dassel-Cokato PTA, PO Box 632 Dassel, MN 55325.

Dassel-Cokato Ski Club

The Dassel-Cokato Ski Club was founded in 1994 for the purpose of providing an asset-building experience for local youth with activities often including parents.

There are about 120 members in the organization and meets at the high school before being bused to Powder Ridge in Kimball for eight Mondays in the winter.

Special projects include skiing, snow boarding, annual cookout, fourth grade introduction night, Bring-A-Friend Night, DC STARS, and annual ski trip to the Rocky Mountains. The club also puts on an annual ski swap with ski equipment available through donations from the National Ski Patrol in Brighton, Mo. Officers include Steve Benda, Chuck Keskey, and Steve Ryynanen.

If anyone is interested in joining, or has more questions, they can call Steve Benda at (320) 286-6406 or Leslie Arnold at DC Community Education at (320) 286-4100 ext. 1033.

Dassel Community Chest

The Dassel Community Chest was founded in 1959 to collect funds and distribute them to any charities. The annual community chest drive is in September. There are about 15 board members in the organization which meets in September and January at the Dassel Area Historical Society building. Officers include Jewell Christenson, president; Willa Mae Alberts, secretary and treasurer. If anyone is interested in joining or has any questions they can contact Willa Mae Alberts at 850 Willis St., Dassel, 55325.

Dassel Rod and Gun Club

The clubhouse is located at Sportsmen’s Park on the north side of Lake Washington, 1.5 miles west of Dassel. Monthly meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

Main fundraisers include the walleye opener breakfast, spring and fall fish frys, clubhouse rentals, and the 357 Club. Sportsmen’s Park and many conservation groups are supported with the proceeds raised.

Board members include Dean Winter, president; Chris Hansen, vice president; Dennis Isaacson, secretary; Daryl Moritko, treasurer; Scott Drew, Dale Lund, Tom Gayner, and Mike Colberg, board members. Call Dean Winter at (320) 275-2299 or Chris Hansen at (320) 275-3307 with any questions.

Dassel Saddle Club

The Dassel Saddle Club has 70 individual and family members. It helps support the 4-H horse knowledge programs and is a family oriented group that does a variety of horse related activities and clinics. The club also sponsors two WSCA shows a year, one game show in August and a pleasure show in July. The club also has a show in May. In addition to the shows, the club has trail rides and participates in local parades. They also sponsor different clinics throughout the year that are open to club members and 4-H’ers.

Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at Hojies in Dassel at 6:30 p.m. Officers are Cindy Few, president; Charity Johnson, vice president; Audrey Kortz, treasurer; and Catherine Baumann, secretary. If anyone is interested in joining or has more questions, they can contact Cindy Few at (320) 693-2993 or Catherine Baumann at (320) 286-2199.

Dassel Senior Citizens

The Dassel Senior Citizens club meets every Wednesday at the center on 215 Atlantic Ave. West in Dassel. Coffee and treats are served from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The seniors enjoy visiting and playing games such as Rummikub, SkipBo and dominoes. Some of the men enjoy a game of pool in the lower level.

Dassel Senior Citizens welcomes new members and visitors. Officers includes Duane Benoit, president; Verna Stark, treasurer; Joan Benson, secretary; and Steve and Marva Nolan, board members.

FOCAL

Friends of the Cokato Area Library meet the third Monday of the month, 7 p.m., in the library, 175 4th St. SW, Cokato.

FOCAL is made up of community members who wish to support their local library with a membership donation, by volunteering to work at various projects and by speaking out in favor of the library.

A membership form may be obtained by visiting or calling the library at (320) 286-5760.

Horticultural Society

The Meeker County chapter began in 1989 with 20 members from Dassel, Cokato, Eden Valley, Litchfield, Paynesville, and Watkins.

The club’s objective is to help members learn more about gardening and the outdoors.

There are currently 48 members, and they meet the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Litchfield Family Services building.

The meeting includes informational speakers who share their expertise on trees, shrubs, landscaping, garden designs, and attracting birds and butterflies.

The Meeker County Horticulture Society is always looking for members. The membership fee includes a monthly newsletter with gardening information and the monthly meetings. Those interested in joining may contact Gwen Hallquist at (320) 275-2375.

Knapp Busy Bees

The Knapp Busy Bees meet once a month. The club welcomes new members, and participates in fun activities such as learning folk dancing lessons.

Those interested in joining may call Tom Lucken at (320) 286-5005.

Kingston Lions Club

The Kingston Lions meet the third Thursday of the month, 7:30 p.m., at the Kingston Community Center.

It is a service group of men and women who love to volunteer and help people in the community as well as nationally and internationally.

Officers are Robert Hermann, president; Janice Anderson, vice president: Joann Strand, secretary; and Sandra Anderson, treasurer. Questions may be directed to (320) 693-6782 or (320) 236-2632.

Lake Washington Improvement Association

The Lake Washington Improvement Association meets the first Tuesday of the month from February through October, 7 p.m., at the Dassel Rod and Gun Club. Its main goals are to maintain and improve water quality on the lake, keep all stakeholders informed and involved in all matters that impact the lake and surrounding areas, monitor and develop lake management plans, and develop more direct lines of communication with the DNR, PCA, Meeker County Commissioners and township boards.

Kim Winter, president; Steve Ullam, secretary; and Cammy Moses, treasurer. A Lake Washington directory is published every 4-5 years. Membership fees are $50 a year and may be sent to PO Box 68, Dassel, MN 55325. The web site is lakewashingtonassn.com.

Red Cross Bloodmobile

The Red Cross Bloodmobile was founded in 1948 for the purpose of organizing blood drives for Cokato and the surrounding area.

The organization meets at the First Baptist Church of Cokato and has three blood drives each year on the fourth Monday of February, June, and October. Officers include Gladys Peterson, Margaret Salo, and Ruth Schmieg. If anyone is interested in joining or has more questions, they can call Gladys Peterson at (320) 286-5948 or Margaret Salo at (320) 286-5827.

Sew Friendly Quilt Guild

The Sew Friendly Quilt Guild was founded in 1997 for the purpose to teach and encourage people to sew and quilt. There are about 30-plus members in the organization and they meet the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Cokato.

One of the special projects includes making one quilt each year as a group for the annual quilt show. The quilt shows are once a year in Dassel during Labor Day (Red Rooster Days) and in August at the Cokato Corn Carnival. The quilt guild also donates quilts to local residents in need.

Officers in the organization are Theresa Wold, chairman; Lenore Brown, co-chair; Sandy Tracy, secretary; Gayle Carlson, treasurer; and Mary Madson, historian.

If anyone is interested in joining, or has more questions,

they can call Lenore Brown at (320) 286-2259.

Viewfinders Camera Club

The Viewfinders Camera Club was founded in 1983 to promote improvement of photography skills by learning from others. It is open to any method of photography, point and shoot, 35 millimeter and digital.

There are about 25 members in the organization which meets on the first Thursday of the month in September and May.

During the months of December and May the club has a photo contest. In November, the club hosts a community photo contest to non-members. Other projects include the fall shoot out, monthly traveling trophy subjects, guest speakers and field trips.

Officers include Faye Kroeger, president; Bob Wilde, vice president; and Heidi Barberg, secretary/treasurer. Yearly elections are held in May. If anyone is interested in joining or has any more questions, contact Bob Wilde at (320) 275-2953 or Heidi Barberg at (320) 286-5823.

West Central Christian Seniors

The West Central Christian Seniors was founded in 2003 to provide a forum for senior citizens to fellowship, eat a meal, and hear an interesting program and devotional speaker. There are approximately 200-250 registered participants who meet for the monthly catered luncheon at First Baptist Church of Cokato’s fellowship hall from 11:30 to 1:30 on the third Tuesday.

Planning committee members are Lucy Haglin, Ainie Busse, Gladys Andersen, Joan Benson, Viola Larson, Eleanor Partridge, Estelle Rokala, and Orville and Laverne Peterson. Call Ainie Busse if there are any questions at (320) 286-5445.

Willard Hempel Golf Program

The Willard Hempel Golf Program was founded in 2000 for the purpose of teaching and promoting golf skills and etiquette. There are about 100 members in the organizations which meets at the Cokato Golf Course during the summer months.

Special projects and events include summer golf instruction, driving, putting, golf etiquette, cook-out, and end-of-the-year-tournament. Funding is through the Willard Hempel endowment which supports the summer’s golf program annually. Hempel’s vision was to teach youth the fine art of high level golf. Officers are Jessi Strinmoen, Steve Benda, Leslie Arnold, and Anne Tormanen. If anyone is interested in joining or has more questions, they can call Arnold at the DC Community Education office 286-4100 ext. 1033.

Dassel Area Environmental Association

The Dassel Area Environmental Association represents both Long Lake and Spring Lake. Long Lake has a surface area of 163 acres and a maximum depth of 28 feet. Spring Lake has a surface area of 218 acres and a maximum depth of 30 feet.

Membership includes 83 properties and a resort on Long Lake. Robert Pieti of Dassel is the primary contact, and Barbara Duff is the editor of the association’s annual newsletter.

Lake levels, rainfall, and a Crop Production Services’ ditch are monitored. The association is in its third year of a $26,000 clean water partnership grant.

Officers are Rick Craswell, president; Stephen Long, vice president; and Dan Carlson, secretary, all of Dassel.

Lake Washington Improvement Association

Lake Washington has a surface area of 2,639 acres and a maximum depth of 17 feet.

The association includes 400 properties, and not only publishes a quarterly newsletter and directory, but also maintains a web site, www.lakewashingtonassn.com.

The association monitors rainfall, lake level, and exotic species. It also sponsors environmentally sensitive shoreline protection and educational services about exotic species control.

In both 2003 and 2004, the association received a matching grant from the Department of Natural Resources for milfoil treatment.

Officers are Kim Winter of Dassel, president; Gary Christianson of Darwin, vice president; Steve Ullom of Dassel, secretary; Cammy Moses of Dassel, treasurer; and Orlin Ortloff of Darwin, county lake association representative.

Collinwood Lake Community Association

Lake Collinwood has a surface area of 584 acres and a maximum depth of 28 feet. The association represents 82 properties.

Jerry Hesser of Cokato is the editor of the association’s newsletter, published twice a year.

The association treats the lake with copper sulfate for excessive algae growth and acts as a watchdog for abusive pollution practices. It monitors lake level and rainfall, and also is a member of Wright County Association of Lakes, as well as Meeker County’s association.

Officers are Bill Salmela of Dassel, president; Bruce Johnson of Cokato, vice president; Cathy Bergemann of Cokato, secretary; and Dorothy Halvorson of Dassel, treasurer.

Big Swan Area Lake Association

Big Swan Lake’s surface area is about 628 acres and its maximum depth is 32 feet.

The association includes 93 properties and monitors lake level. The association’s officers are Casey Land, president; Jan Grossman, secretary; Cindy Johnson, treasurer; and Chris Land, county lake association representative, all of Dassel.

Lake Jennie Improvement Corporation

Lake Jennie has a surface area of 1,056 acres and a maximum depth of 15 feet. The corporation represents 100 properties and is working to form a lake improvement district for water quality and lake improvement projects.

The association monitors lake level and rainfall.

Its officers are Pete Kerber of Victoria, Mike Wendolek, and Mike Kotila, all of Dassel.

Lake Stella Association

Lake Stella has a surface area of 553 acres and a maximum depth of 75 feet.

The association has an annual newsletter and monitors the lake through the Citizens Lake Monitoring Program, DNR Lake Level Program, and Lake Testing Outdoor Corps of the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

The association also monitors lake levels, rainfall, water temperature, and when the ice goes on and off.

It hosts an annual picnic and participated in the 2004 Lake Management Plan.

Officers are Duane Hoversten and Rick Molenaar, co-presidents; Susan Johnson, treasurer; and N. Jack Schuster, county lake association representative, all of Darwin.

Manuella Lake Association

Lake Manuella has a surface area of 286 acres and a maximum depth of 51 feet.

The association monitors clarity and water temperature, transparency, water level, rainfall, Sucker Creek temperature. The association also has a neighborhood crime watch and a web page link at www.mnlakes.org.

Bob Schwingler of Darwin is the primary contact. Officers are Larry Graf of Darwin, president; Sandy Lennes of Litchfield, secretary; Loren Jilek of Lester Prairie, treasurer; and Steve Stai and Schwingler, county lake association representatives, both of Darwin.

Dunns and Richardson Lake Association

Dunns Lake has a surface area of 142 acres and a maximum depth of 20 feet. Lake Richardson has a surface area of 111 acres and a maximum depth of 47 feet.

The association represents 73 properties and monitors lake levels, and rainfall. The association is in phase one of the Clean Water Partnership Program and publishes a quarterly newsletter.