Call to Order

Brad called the meeting to order at 2:27 pm, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick

Lane called the roll. There were 10 directors, and 62 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. Jack made a motion to accept the minutes as published. Russ seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.

Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina

Fred reported we had income including $228 from merchandise, and $740 in tips from our work at the Will County Fair. Expenses included $397.10 from the appreciation dinner at the show, and $2,567.50 for show banners. Larry made a motion to accept the report as read, it was seconded by Jeff, and it was passed by all present.

Old Business

Brad started off thanking everyone for their delicious contributions to our picnic. Thanks as well to Charlie and Jeannie for hosting us again, and a great place to hold our picnic. He reiterated what a great year we’ve had so far, with great collection tours, events we have attended, and thanked everyone for their hard work.

Brad reviewed the memorial tractor drive hosted by Tractors for a Cure, the weather was very hot but they had a turnout of about 30 tractors. It made for a nice day.

Lane gave a review of the Half Century of Progress show in Rantoul. The show continues to grow, and there seemed to be more machinery there this year than ever before. He was able to find someone to pull the club P&O plow, Bob Jensen with his Avery tractor. The Cat area was huge, with lots of space for the construction equipment to play. The tractor drive held on Thursday was nice, and its return to the showgrounds is the parade. He and Alan counted 92 corn pickers working, which provided corn for Dennis, Tom, Andy, Dan, and John to shell. Steve handled the loading and unloading of our plow at his place before and after the show, and we are very appreciative of all he does for our club.

Jerry was our Will County Fair committeeman this year, and was pleased with the donations we earned there. We ran the golf carts helping handicap attendees in from the parking lot, and were given our usual booth up near the entrance. Al Heatherwick’s Allis D21 and Lane’s D15 were displayed, as well as Russ Jacobs electric model D21 he made. Jeff brought a small corn sheller, and did some demonstrations. Jerry commented that we make a little noise and the crowd comes over to see what we are doing. He thanked his crew, Alan, Bob, Lane, Jeff, Chucj, Russ, Sharon, Ron, Glenn, Dan, Charlie, Dave, Mike, Jack, and Jim for their help.

Jack, Andy, and Dennis attended the Rock River Thresheree near Janesville Wisconsin on Labor Day weekend. They also featured the 100th anniversary of Cat and had an excellent feature turnout. They have an area called Rock and Dirt every year which allows construction equipment to work at the show. They have around 25 steam engines, a large gas tractor display, and a narrow-gauge railroad giving rides with their steam locomotive.

Ron and Russ attended the Central States Threshermen’s show, also held on Labor Day weekend. The weather was rainy, but the crowd was fair. Their tractor pull had a good turnout.

Brad reported that the Sandwich Fair had a good showing in their antique tractor area.

The Central Illinois Green Club plow day at the Rodney & Joel Schwark farm has been postponed due to continued health issues for Rodney.

Bill Burnham held his M&W Power Exposition again, he had a good crowd but the corn and beans had not dried down well due to the cool weather.

5 of the 7 new tables for the club have had their cost covered by donations. Anyone interested in donating to cover the last two should see Brad.

New Business:

A writer for Toy Farmer magazine attended our show and was very impressed with it. She did a write up on it for the magazine and gave us a sparkling review. Brad brought copies to pass around. We hope to keep impressing new attendees every year, and that this review will bring us many new members.

The following directors were up for reelection: Jeff Brandau, Lane Heatherwick, Bob Homerding, Charlie Kestel, Jerry Kinsella, & Ron Schubbe. There were no new nominees. Chuck made a motion to accept the directors for another term. It was seconded by Jean and was passed by all present.

Brian Kestel has made the decision to step down from his position as director, due to other commitments. The two replacement candidates were Kyle Lipowski and Chuck Uthe. A ballot was passed around, and Chuck Uthe was the winner. Russ made a motion to accept Chuck to fill the vacant seat on the board. It was seconded by Kyle and was passed by all present. Chuck will be due for reelection in 2026 at the end of the seat term. We would like to thank Brian for his service as a director during his time on the board.

There are no changes to the officers for the 2025-2026 term. Jeff made a motion to retain the current officers. It was seconded by Jerry and was passed by all present.

Jess put together a group order of WCTA sweatshirts for interested members. They should be in for our October meeting, and payment will be due then.

Adjournment:

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

Meetings:

October 9, November 13, December 11 Wilton Federated Church 7 PM