Meetings: 1st Sunday – 1:30 pm at Jailhouse Saloon, Centerville, WI

 

Greetings from the West Coast of Wisconsin! Our December meeting was at the new venue in Holmen at the Legion Hall. Good turnout and good discussions.

 

Updates for Lobby Day and Officer Training were given as well as getting input for inviting some of our elected folks to a meeting. Can’t predict how those might happen, but still making the invite(s). Van Orden’s staffer did reach out to me.

 

The hot topic of the meeting was the airing out of personal politics on our site. Because ABATE of Wisconsin is an organization that promotes motorcycle rights by using the political process, members have to be cognizant of our relationships within the various groups. We have struggled to get our agenda through by maintaining a consistent focus on supporting anyone that supports our agenda. The midterms are approaching and there is a bunch of work to be done sifting through the sound bites and fluff to make your “informed” vote.

 

I also had some updates on E-bike ordinances from our area law enforcement. There is a lot of grey area regarding this subject, with local enforcement agencies playing catch up. I’m not saying that ABATE should be involved too deeply but when the motoring public witnesses someone on two wheels doing dumb stuff, they will just lump that rider as motorcyclist. The optics are there whether it is correct or not!

 

The region has Sweetheart Raffle Tickets for sale. 2 tickets for $5. Let Betty know if you need some. They will be available at our January meeting. Drawing will be during Officer Training weekend in February.

 

A big “thanks” to Jerry Martell for donating back the money he won from the attendance raffle at the December meeting.

 

Next meeting is 1:30 pm January 4th, 2026, at American Legion in Holmen. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

 

Clint