Call to Order

Brad called the meeting to order at 7:06 pm, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick

Lane called the roll. There were 10 directors, and 22 members and guests present.

Secretary's Report -Andy Rousonelos

Brad asked if everyone had received their minutes, and if there were any additions or corrections. Dave made a motion to accept the minutes as published. Pat seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.

Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina

Fred reported we had income including $833 from the Christmas Party silent auction, and $150 in dues. Expenses included $250 as a sponsor of Tractors for a Cure’s Cash Bash, and $165.24 towards our Christmas party. Ron made a motion to accept the report as read, it was seconded by Charlie, and it was passed by all present.

Old Business

Brad reported that our former president, Bob Satterlee, had a major stroke. He has lost most of the use of his right side, but his ability to speak has improved, and he is undergoing therapy. Secretary’s note: Bob has moved into a nursing home in Morris and is receiving therapy.

Charlie wanted to thank everyone for their support following his heart attack just before Christmas. He reminded everyone that if you do not feel well, please go to a doctor and get checked over. He waited a few days, and was told if he had not been in such good shape before the heart attack, he would not have lasted. He received triple bypass surgery at Silver Cross Hospital and is working on his recovery. He thanked everyone for all of their phone calls, cards, and prayers, and said he expects to be all healed up by the show.

Craig Long and Rodney Schwark invited us in to view their collections on February 1st. Both hosts offered their vast collections of tractors, toys, memorabilia, and classic cars for us to tour. Lunch was held at the Herscher Family Restaurant and pub, and Buddy Haert sponsored $500 of our lunch. The club enjoyed the tours, and Brad thanked Lane, Jerry, and Andy for their help in setting the tour up.

Brad asked if there would be any interest in taking more tours this winter, or after the weather improves. Joe Fisher has a large collection of Prairie tractors in Oregon, and there are two 80x180 sheds full of horse drawn equipment and memorabilia near Byron. He was also aware of an IH Collection near Galva that includes several tractors with serial number 1.

The Peotone FFA Consignment auction is on February 23, and this year instead of selling raffle tickets there we will donate a toy IH 560 to be auctioned off. Brad brought in the model for anyone interested to see.

The Case threshing machine is over at George Schaff’s, and inspections for repair have begun.

Our club membership is now over 300, thanks to the great work of our members.

The club is still looking for machine shed storage near the showground.

Sandy DeLair offered an update on the food court. Letters were sent out to our past food vendors in December, to invite them back. Contracts were sent out in January, and 2 have already been signed. The other vendors have agreed to return, we are just waiting for their paperwork. Sandy has been approached by a few more vendors if we run short on options.

New Business

A banner will be made in memory of Richard Lorenz of Grant Park, who passed away in 2023. He enjoyed attending our show for many years with his IH tractors.

Lane reported that work on the tractor drive has progressed, and he ran the route with Jim, Fred, and Andy. Lunch will be served at Steve Isstert’s place near Wilmington, and the route is expected to be around 40 miles, with the afternoon route being shorter than the morning. Brian Kestel will be serving lunch again. The ride will be held on June 7, rain or shine.

The Manhattan Irish parade will be held on March 8, and we could use some younger legs to walk and pass out candy and fliers. Ron, Charlie, and Alan will ride in the truck pulling the hayrack. Charlie’s grandkids offered to help, but we will need more walkers. Please let Charlie know if you are able to help.

Lane, Mel, and Jay have been working on building a hayrack, a cattle panel storage rack, and a flare wagon for the club to use. Bob Homerding donated lumber for decking, and Lane said he is building these out of spare parts he has.

Jeff attended a meeting of the Barnyard Pullers, where they laid out the new rules for the tractor pulls following the Martinton incident. Art Downs provided lists from the Nebraska tests showing the stock engine RPMs for tractors, and those must be followed for the pull. There will not be any overspeed tractors allowed. Art has been booked to announce our pull, and the sled is booked for use. There will not be changed to the weight classes this year.

The spring toy shows will be held on March 2nd in Serena, March 9 in Seneca, and March 15-16 in Sublette. This is the largest toy show in Northern Illinois and they will feature Minneapolis and Oliver tractors up and down the streets of Sublette.

Brad reminded everyone that now is the time to work on new sponsors. Jess updated our sponsor packet for 2025 and uploaded it to our website. She is also working on our merchandise artwork.

Brad thanked everyone who brings treats to our meeting each month, and anyone interested can bring baked goods in for the meetings.

Tractor Supply tractor discovery day was set for June 14. The store is looking forward to having us again.

It has been suggested that we could get speakers for our winter meetings. Anyone with a speaker can contact Brad. Dave Karl and Jeff Brandau offered to bring old slides of our show in for our March meeting.

Adjournment:

Russ made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Jean and was passed by all present.

Meetings

March 13, April 10, May 8 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM

Upcoming Events

Peotone Consignment Sale Will County Fairgrounds April 12, 9AM

WCTA Tractor Drive WCTA Showground June 7, 8AM

TSC Tractor Discovery Day TSC Store, New Lenox June 14

Covered Bridge Tractor Drive Rockville, IN June 29-30