ABATE 4C September 2026 Meeting.

 

Shannon CTO Saturday September 26th at 11:05 from the One Shot in Owen. 9 members present. Thank you, Travis and Mary, for sponsoring our meeting. Paul lead the pledge, while Shannon gave a MOS for our lost brothers and sisters in harm’s way. Paul read the August minutes with no additions or corrections. MMS to accept as read by Rainy and Pogie, all aye, motion carried.

 

Tom B reports all accounts are up to date. The car show in Stanley was successful even with the rain. 23 entries wasn’t bad considering the weather. Thanks to all that made this happen. Tom also gave a report from the State meeting. The state sent out requests for surveys from independent shops concerning the right to repair. So far, not a lot of responses. The E-bikes and scooters are a big concern and getting bigger. Many comments from our group about this problem. No respect for the traffic rules, too fast, and no regard for others. Hopefully, something will be done soon. 73 motorcycle fatalities in Wisconsin YTD, waaaay too many. Worm says the Hummer bands for 2027 have been selected. Land closing is Oct 16-18.

 

Legislative Report; Pogie tells us a new Highway bill, HR 8870 has been introduced. The bill will charge electric vehicles to help cover costs. The bill, $580 billion, will allow funding for bridges, public transportation and autonomous vehicles.

 

New Business; Talk of increased attendance for our meetings. Mary suggested bingo at the One-Shot. Or an attendance raffle. We had a former member come to renew his membership because of a helmet law rumor in WI. Paul reminded members that PA, IA, IL, MI, FL, and MO, all had introduced helmet law bills. All members present voted for ABATE General elections.

 

Tom Babbit held the 4C regional election. Sandy Schmidt nominated Paul Schmidt for Regional Rep. Pogie nominated Shannon Kayhart for Regional Rep. Tom asked thrice if there are any other nominations. No other nominations. Shannon Kayhart was elected by a 5 to 4 vote. Shannon agreed to 2 more years. Meeting attendance is his goal.

 

One-shot in Owen was chosen for our Christmas party December 20. Please prepay $10 by the November meeting. Choices are as follows. Cheese, sausage, pepperoni, ham, deluxe, chicken bacon ranch, BBQ chicken, mac and cheese.

 

Upcoming dates; October 9-11 State meeting, 29 Pines, Eau Claire.

October 18th meeting, Behind Barrs, Greenwood 1 pm.

November 15th Mel’s Foxes Den, Thorp.

December 20th Christmas party-meeting One-Shot, Owen. Time TBA.

50/50 won by Bev T.

Motion to adjourn by Rainy at 12:30.

 

 

ABATE 4C October 2026 Meeting.

 

Shannon Kayhart CTO at 1 pm. 10 members present. The Pledge lead by Paul Schmidt, with the MOS lead by Shannon. Thanks go out to Chuck and staff at Behind Barrs for sponsoring our meeting.

 

Sheriff Kerry Kirn was our guest speaker. He spoke of “Flock” cameras. He was instrumental in the removal of them from our intersections. They thought the cameras would help in investigations and missing persons. The general public was not in favor of them either. The cost was $32,500 per year lease, and if one got destroyed it cost $3,500 each. As far as the investigated aspect, it would only take photos of the rear of the vehicle, so no facial recognition. Kerry also spoke of bicycle enforcement through the Mennonite community. He is personally speaking at their schools about this. In the past, our members have had some close calls with bicycles not respecting rules of the road. He was asked about E-bikes and their disrespect of the rules of the road. He has had no problems yet. That’s more of a city problem. Our group thanked him and invited him back any time.

 

Paul read the September minutes without additions or corrections. MMS to accept as read by Shannon and Tom B. Shannon presented District 4 Member of the Year Award to Randy Carl for his contribution of time and efforts in fund-raising. Shannon also presented Paul Schmidt “Share the Road” Award. He has been active in many parades promoting motorcycle awareness, 6 this last summer. Thank you, both members for your time. Treasurer Tom Babbatt reports all accounts are up to

date. He noted raffle license is due soon. He said the car show was a success, as was the fun-run. He has Sweetheart raffle tickets available for members to sell. The draw date is Feb 28.

 

The subjects at the state meeting were, right to repair, biker profiling, internal combustion engines availability, and premium fuels. 81 motorcycle fatalities YTD, 91 at this time last year.

 

Tom stepped down as District 4 Rep. His replacement is Jesse Plawman from WI. Rapids. Thank you for your service to ABATE! Tom also talked of the elections, check out the results in the newsletter.

 

Legislative Report; Pogie spoke of Tesla’s new description of their autonomous vehicles. They’re calling them, “driver assisted” vehicles. ABATE is stressing the need for more “Right to Repair” surveys from our members. Tom mentioned ABATE is not getting involved in the E-bike and scooter issue, as per Steve Panten.

 

New Business; Mary from the One-shot in Owen volunteered to take on the Fun-run for next year. She has a lot of good ideas she wants to implement. Tom said Dawn wants to help also. Mary also spoke of a bingo day or night. More discussion needed. Tabled for next month. Pogie talked of an attendance raffle to attract our present members to attend our meetings. Tentative start date January. More next month. Mary from One-shot said they could host our pool/dart tournament on February 20th.

 

Upcoming dates; Nov 15th meeting Mels Foxxes Den, 1 pm, Thorp. Dec 20th Meeting and Christmas party at One-shot Owen. Feb 25-28 Officer Training Marshfield Hotel. Mar 18 Lobby Day.

 

50/50 drawing won by Sheriff Kerry Kirn, he donated all back to ABATE!

 

Kay motioned to adjourn at 2:25 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted by

Secretary, Paul Schmidt