The American Legion is a national organization, established Aug. 27, 1920, for veterans of all wars to serve God, country, and community.

Locally, the Post sponsors the Winsted Boy Scouts, and youth delegates to Minnesota Boys State. Members visit and provide Christmas gifts for veterans in the area’s care centers and Veterans Administration hospitals, as well as donating to local charities and causes. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the Legion has reintroduced the Blue Star Banner

Program for families with a loved one in uniform, and the Post has distributed these banners locally.

Each year, the Legion conducts a public Memorial Day observance, a Veterans Day dinner, and hosts a Winstock Music Festival breakfast fund raiser.

American Legion Post 407’s building is owned by Dr. Michael Thoennes. We welcome the public to contact “Dr. Mike” to rent the club space for their event.

If you have served at least one day of active military duty since December 7, 1941 and were honorably discharged or you are still serving active military duty honorably, you are eligible for membership with The American Legion. Annual dues are $35. Meetings are the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Legion club at 161 1st Street North.

With present membership at 77, officers are: Commander Jeff Sterner, Finance Officer Jeff Asse, and Adjutant/Membership Chip Guggemos.

For more information, contact Chip Guggemos at (612) 229-4157, or write the Legion at PO Box 360, Winsted, MN 55395 or post407@live.com. For club rental information, contact Dr. Michael Thoennes at (952) 465-8293.

Find American Legion Post 407 on Facebook by searching “Martin Krueger Post #407 of the American Legion – Winsted, MN.”

American Legion Auxiliary Post 407 was established to help support veterans, soldiers, and their families. It also helps other organizations within our community by volunteering hours or monetary donations.

Each year, the auxiliary sponsors a junior girl from the Winsted area to attend Girls State, a week-long event that teaches leadership skills and the importance of political values.

The auxiliary hosts several fundraisers throughout the year. These funds help VA hospitals, and send care or supply packages to military men and women overseas. In May, the ladies are busy handing out poppy flowers for donations.

The president of the American Legion Auxiliary is Margory Kritzeck.

If you would like more information about the organization or membership, contact Helen Yager (320) 485-2172 (membership chair). Meetings are at the Legion the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., with the exception of January, when there is no meeting.

Please remember that without our service men and women serving and protecting our country, we would not be enjoying the lifestyle that we have today.

Crow River Habitat for Humanity, Inc (CRHFH) is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God's love into action by building homes, communities and hope. We partner with local businesses, churches, and volunteers to help build homes with qualifying families. Volunteers provide most of the labor, and individual and corporate donors provide money and materials to build Habitat houses.

Most importantly, partner families play a large role in the construction of the home. They invest 200 hours of labor "sweat equity" into building their homes and supporting the mission of CRHFH. They also invest time into attending virtual homeownership courses to learn about property taxes, selecting homeowners insurance, and managing their mortgage payments.

With the generous support of donors and volunteers, CRHFH has made a lasting and meaningful impact in our community by helping families throughout McLeod County realize their dreams of home-ownership and furthering Habitat's goal of safe and affordable housing throughout McLeod County.

1020 Highway 7 West, Suite A, Hutchinson, MN 55350

320-587-8868

www.crhfh.org/donate

Cub Scout Pack 399 - serves the youth in the Howard Lake, Waverly, Winsted, and surrounding area. Pack 399 is committed to providing a positive fun experience for today's youth who will be leaders tomorrow.

Yearly dues are $50. Pack 399 is committed to serving every boy in this community; no boy interested in Scouting will be turned away for financial reasons. There are Scouterships available for those who desire.

Den leaders change from year to year, and parent involvement is encouraged and recommended.

To join, contact David Anderson at (612) 986-9461, or danderson@digitallakeinc.com.

Youth Agricultural Organization
Developing students Premier Leadership, Personal Growth, and Career Skills.

(320) 543-3900

hlwwffa@hlwwschools.org

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes help parents meet the challenges of parenting and help young children (birth to 5 years) develop socially, physically, emotionally, intellectually and linguistically. The program sets the stage for parent involvement and children’s success in school while strengthening the parent-child relationship. ECFE is a public school program staffed by licensed parent and early childhood educators. ECFE operates on a sliding fee scale; no one is turned away for inability to pay.

A typical ECFE class includes parent discussion, facilitated by a parent educator, while children play together in an early childhood classroom. Parents and children later join each other for fun learning activities. In other classes, parents and children spend the entire time playing and learning together, while a few are parent discussion only. Most classes meet once a week for less than two hours.

To learn more go to: https://hlww.k12.mn.us/ce/ecfe/

HLWW Lakes Community Girl Scouts encompasses the communities of Howard Lake, Waverly, and Winsted, and is open to all girls entering Kindergarten - Grade 12.

The Girl Scout program levels correspond to what grade you are in at school.

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We provide an all-girl, girl-led, and girl-friendly environment created with and for girls.

At Girl Scouts, a whole world of opportunities is waiting just for you! You'll always get to think big, try new things, and unleash your inner leader!

For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with HLWW Lakes Community Girl Scouts at lakesprairiesgirlscouts@gmail.com.

The Knights of Columbus was established to help the needy and support religious vocations, while also promoting charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism within the order.

Its purpose is to speak out for the lives of the unborn, the aged, and the mentally-challenged.

Annually, the Knights conduct a pro-life breakfast and free-throw shooting contest in January, a fish fry the second Friday in March as well as many other activities to support the community.

The order was formed in 1982, and meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., with officers meeting the second Tuesday of each month. Membership dues are $25 per year, and membership is open to Catholic men 18 years or older and in good standing with the church.

The Knights’ mailing address is PO Box 250, Winsted, MN, 55395. Also, email us at winstedkc@gmail.com.

Originally meetings were held at Eddie Corrs’ Resort on Lake Mary, hence the name of the organization.  Our mission is to support the Veterans of Foreign Wars, serving veterans, active-duty military and their families, and spreading patriotism nationwide.

We help support 4 VAHCS and 8 Veterans Homes.  Cancer Aid, and Research, Eagles Healing Nest, gifts at various holidays to our veterans in Garden House and St Mary’s residents.  (St Mary’s is now Monarch).  We have Voice of Democracy, and Patriot Pen Essays and Contests with our local youth and there are many opportunities for Scholarships for students.  We have our Flag Exchange Program which replaces tattered and torn flags in surrounding areas of Winsted spreading Americanism in our community.

 Fundraisers that we hold annually is the 2 day breakfast at the Legion Building during the weekend of Winstock (Friday and Saturday)  and also the First Friday of December we have our chicken dinner at the legion building during the Winsted Winter Festival. 

President:  Judy Pease 619-261-4809

Treasurer:  Rhonda Decker 763-242-9383 

Secretary:  Mary Quast 612-760-7385

Monthly Meetings occur on the second Thursday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at the American Legion Building in Winsted.

The Lake Mary VFW Auxiliary 9232, chartered in 1963, supports veterans by donating to the McLeod County Veterans Emergency Fund and the McLeod Emergency Food Shelf, providing gift baskets at Christmas, and more. Its primary fundraiser is a chili feed, which takes place each January.

Meetings take place at 2:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the American Legion in Winsted.

To learn more about becoming a Lake Mary VFW Auxiliary member, contact president Amy Gatz or treasurer Rhonda Decker at (320) 485-3831.

Our mission at United Way of McLeod County is to improve people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of McLeod County.
Our volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization is dedicated to advancing the common good. It is less about helping one person at a time and more about changing systems to help all of us. Making change  not just a possibility, but a reality!
We are all connected and interdependent. Ultimately, when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when people are healthy we all win. We believe the building blocks to a good life are education, basic needs and health.  United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done.
We invite you to be a part of the change right here in our community. You can give, you can advocate and you can volunteer.  That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED!

Website: www.unitedwaymcleodcounty.org

Email: Connect@unitedwaymcleodcounty.org

The WHAT UP (Winsted Holding Activities That Unite People) Committee, a youth and family council, was made an official volunteer committee of the city in May 2009.

This committee has created a dynamic program that provides activities for youth and family in the community, such as movies in the park, sports clinics, and game nights, among other events.

Members of the committee are: Jeff Campbell, Mike Henrich, Rose Heimerl, Amanda Zeidler, and Tyler Bruns.

The regular meeting is the second Tuesday of each month. The group hosts monthly activities. Watch Herald Journal for event notices, or check your monthly utility bill. You can also find them on Facebook.

To learn more about WHAT UP, be part of the committee, or volunteer to help for various activities, email Jeff Campbell at jrcampbell@tds.net .

The Winsted Ambassador organization is a program that serves as the city's public relations representatives. Each August, during the Summer Festival, young women are chosen to represent Winsted as Ambassadors. They travel across central Minnesota, attending various events in different communities, showcasing Winsted's spirit. In addition to participating in events outside of Winsted, the Ambassadors also volunteer at local community events throughout their reign.

Open registration for the Winsted Ambassador program takes place each spring, allowing young women to apply as candidates for the summer leading up to the coronation which takes place during the Summer Festival weekend, held the second weekend in August. Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 19 (by May 31st), have a Winsted address or phone number, or attend either Holy Trinity or Howard Lake Waverly Winsted school. During their candidacy, they participate in a scaled-down version of the activities they would engage in if crowned as a Winsted Ambassador. This process helps candidates decide if they are interested in and committed to the program for a year, if selected.  The committee strives to remove any barriers for these young women by providing the wardrobe they will wear to events if crowned, soliciting community members to pull the float if their parents are unable to, and chaperoning events if needed. The goal is to offer this opportunity to any young woman who wants to be part of the program.

For over 30 years, the Ambassador program has seen numerous young women flourish, gaining self-confidence and pride in the Winsted community. The program aims to foster community involvement, create a sense of pride and spirit, and provide tools and support for the young women to develop their capabilities in poise, public speaking, and volunteerism.

Contact Lisa Baumann, Michelle Campbell or Beth Ollig at

winstedambassadors@gmail.com

The Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission statement is, “To foster a stimulating atmosphere in which business can flourish, thereby adding to the economic and social well-being of our community.”

The Winsted Area Chamber of Commerce was established more than 50 years ago.

Learn More Here

In 2008, a small group began meeting to discuss development of an arts organization in Winsted. Several attendees participated in the Blandin Community Leadership Program in October 2007, and returned with a vision for arts in Winsted. The group morphed, and in early 2010 officially formed the Winsted Arts Council (WAC), complete with articles of incorporation, bylaws, a board of directors and officers, a federal ID number, and 501©3 status. Membership is tax deductible and supports all the activities of the WAC.

The Winsted Arts Council envisions an artistic community within Winsted that inspires a vibrant downtown with successful businesses and a culturally engaged citizenry.

Its purpose is to provide artistic experiences for all ages, by presenting a voice and an outlet for the community; making the city an appealing location for families and businesses.

Highlights of the previous year include an after school art club, summer art camp, a photography exhibit featuring Winsted native Trudi Sexton; and musical guests like Dervish, Lehto & Wright, the Tex Pistols, and a Homecoming Concert featuring the incredible talent of Winsted area musicians. Visit our website at www.winstedartscouncil.org and our Facebook page, or email us at winstedartscouncil@gmail.com.

Through its patrol meetings and troop activities, the Howard Lake, Waverly, and Winsted Scouts work to develop character, citizenship, and personal fitness.

The group has seen a steady growth in membership in the past four years. As an active troop, they participate in spring and fall camporees, develop winter survival skills, ski, canoe, fish, and take part in area civic events.

Each summer, they plan a campout at various locations, including Many Point, Camp Ripley, and Medicine Mountain (near Mount Rushmore), which provides Scouts the opportunity for such activities as sailing, archery, tower climbing, obstacle courses, and fishing.

Annually, they sell malts at the Wright County Fair, as well as Christmas wreaths, and popcorn.

Steve Goebel is Scoutmaster, and Steve Thisius is assistant Scoutmaster.

Membership is open to any boy who has completed the fifth grade or is 11 years old, but not yet 18. The Scouts usually meet two times a month. There is a yearly registration fee of $12. To join, call Steve Goebel at (320) 485-3552.

The Winsted Lake Watershed Association has been working since the 1980's to better the waters of Winsted Lake and its watershed.  Our efforts have been to improve water quality, fish habitat and to control invasive aquatic plant species.  We continue to work with the City of Winsted to operate and maintain a winter aeration system and with the McLeod County Environmental Services and the Minnesota DNR to treat for Curly Leaf Pond-weed.  We also sponsor shore land cleanup activities and other events to better utilize Winsted Lake.

More information is available by going to our site at http://winstedheraldjournal.com/index.php/watershed-association/.

At the Winsted Public Library, we know the magic of a good story—it brings people together, sparks imaginations, and adds joy to everyday life. Serving the Winsted community since 1976, we're a small-town library with a big heart, dedicated to sharing that magic with everyone who walks through our doors.

 Whether you’re searching for your next great read, using our public computers or printing services, or simply taking a moment to browse the shelves, we’re here to welcome you. As part of the Pioneerland Library System, we connect our patrons to books and resources from across Minnesota.

Find us in the heart of downtown—stop in, say hello, and see what stories are waiting for you!

180 Main Avenue West | PO Box 175 | Winsted MN 55395

https://www.winsted.lib.mn.us/

320-485-3909

The Winsted Sportsmen’s Club has helped to ensure quality hunting and fishing for area sportsmen since 1952.

Some activities the group annually organizes are a firearms safety course, a snowmobile safety class, stocking lakes, a lake cleanup, and the raising and releasing of pheasants. The group builds wood duck houses and wildlife feeders, and supplies feed for wildlife.

The club also owns and maintains boat landings at Dog, Ida, Mary, and Round lakes. In April, the club conducts its annual hog roast fundraiser at the American Legion in Winsted.

There are presently 75 members. Membership dues are $10 per year. Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. During summer months, it meets at the Lake Mary clubhouse, a few miles northeast of Winsted; and winter months in locations to be announced.

There are no membership requirements. To join, contact any member or attend a meeting or sponsored event. For more information, contact Tom Kieser at (320) 224-3079. The club’s mailing address is 10895 Fetch Ave. SW, Waverly, MN 55390.

The City of Winsted is currently making an effort to improve the quality of life for its aging community by working with multiple organizations to create more awareness of the abundant offerings!  As this effort  continues to grow, we’ve enlisted the help of Cindy Fiecke as a main point of contact and to act as a spark to ignite partnerships. 

To learn more about the history of this movement, please visit http://www.hjblogs.com/winsted-aging-task-force-is-working-to-improve-the-lives-of-senior-residents/

If you’d like to connect to the program, Cindy Fiecke is the Age Friendly Community Coordinator. Her role is to establish a regular calendar of connections, find volunteer opportunities, plan occasional events, and share information about each of these opportunities.

Cindy Fiecke can be reached at (612) 518-2870. Or, if you are interested in becoming an advisor on the task force, please contact Nancy Fasching at nancyf@swifoundation.org.  

SAW Task Force meetings take place the second Thursday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at Winsted City Hall. Check out their monthly calendar here.