June 2025 monthly CCRW meeting
The Codington County Republican Women will meet on Friday, June 13th at 11:30 at 2nd Street Station. ⭐️Our special speakers will be some of our City Council Candidates: Byron Callies (Ward A), Randy Tupper (Ward D), Jason Redemsky (At Large);⭐️ School Board Candidates: Jean Moulton, Craig Buss;⭐️ ⭐️TARS Coordinator: Catherine Barronco. ⭐️Please come and enjoy our very interesting and informative meeting! ⭐️If possible, let me know if you’ll attend. The cost is $12.00. ⭐️ REMINDER: Candidate Forum at the Goss at 5:30 on Tuesday, June 10th.🇺🇸
May monthly CCRW meeting
The Codington County Republican Women held their May monthly meeting on Friday, 17 May 2024 at Pizza Ranch. We heard from our school board candidates: Brock Manzey, Zach Thompson, Kari Lohr and Jon Iverson, and from our auditor: Brenda Hanten. We also delivered a series of "Brave" books to the Watertown Christian School after the meeting.
Lincoln Day Dinner Apr 26 2024 at 2nd Street Station
The 2024 Lincoln Day Dinner was held on 26 Apr 2024 at 2nd Street Station. CCRW members again had a baked goods silent auction fundraiser with the help of TARS, our hardworking Republican students. It was a great evening with many speakers including the keynote, US House of Representatives member Dusty Johnson; SD District 4 House candidates Barb Guenette, Vanessa Namken, Kent Roe and Dylan Jordan; SD District 4 Senate candidates Fred Duetsch and Stephanie Sauder; SD PUC Commissioner candidate Kristie Fiegen; SD National Committeewoman candidate Heidi Engelhart; SD District 5 House candidates Byron Callies, Josephine Garcia and Matt Roby; SD District 5 Senate candidate Glen Vilhauer; Codington County States Attorney candidate Rebecca Morlock Reeves; and Codington County Commissioner candidate Charlie Waterman. A first ever SDFRW legacy award was presented to Judy Trzynka for her many years of service including serving as a former president of SDFRW. Master of Ceremonies was SD Commissioner of School and Public Lands, Brock Greenfield. And to wrap up the evening Roger Papka conducted an auction of a donated patriotic quilt in which the proceeds went to the CCRW. Many Thanks!
April monthly CCRW meeting at 2nd Street Station
Meeting and lunch 19 Apr 2024, at 11:30 AM, at 2nd Street Station in Watertown. We heard from our many amazing candidates running for office. We heard from Becky Morlock Reeves, running for Codington County State's Attorney. Also on the program were our District 4 House Candidates: Barbara Guenette, Kent Roe, Vanessa Namken, and Dylan Jordan; and our District 4 Senate Candidates: Stephanie Sauder and Fred Deutsch. We also heard from our District 5 House Candidates: Dr. Josephine Garcia, Matt Roby, and Byron Callies.
Deuel County Lincoln Day Dinner
Several members of CCRW attended the Deuel County Lincoln Day Dinner in Clear Lake, SD on April 6, 2024. They heard from many candidates or their representatives.
Membership Letters and Forms
New 2025 Membership Letters/Forms are now available as pdf files for printing by clicking on the link/s at the top of this page.
May 2025 monthly CCRW meeting
The Codington County Republican Women will meet on Friday, May 16th at 11:30 at 2nd Street Station. ⭐️Our special speaker will be Bryon Noem, husband of our former SD Governor and current DHS Secretary. ⭐️We will participate in our Mamie Eisenhower Literacy Project immediately following our meeting. ⭐️Please come to hear Bryon share his interesting and exciting story and participate in our Literacy Project! If possible, let me know if you’ll attend. The cost for lunch is $12.00.
Haven Center Visit 11 April 2025
The Codington County Republican Women will visit the Haven Center, at 611 6th St SE, Friday, April 11th, at 2:00pm. We will get a tour and hear from Director Brookney Delgado. Please join us!
April 2025 monthly CCRW meeting
The Codington County Republican Women will meet on Friday, April 18th, at 11:30 at 2nd Street Station. One of our speakers will be Brent Mohrmann, who is running for City Council, Ward A. Meaghan Wharton, from the Watertown Beacon Center will also join us. Please come and hear from these amazing speakerThe cost for the meal is $12.00.
April 2025 monthly CCRW meeting
The Codington County Republican Women will be meeting on Friday, April 18th at 11:30 at 2nd Street Station in Watertown. Our speakers TBD. Please come to our meeting to hear from our amazing speakers! The cost for the meal is $12.00. See you there! Please join us for a very informative meeting!
Heidi Engelhart - September 15, 2023
At the Ladies and Red Dinner Heidi Engelhart was a guest speaker and told a poignant story about a life journey that guided her to pro-life views and the Republican Party.
Jessica Mcclanahan - September 15, 2023
At the Ladies and Red Dinner, the new Executive Director of the Haven Center, Jessica McClanahan, was a guest speaker . She spoke about her background and enthusiasm for her new position. She also detailed the mission of the Haven Center, services they will provide, their immediate needs and how the attendees and community at large can get involved.
Roger papka - Aug 18, 2023
At the August meeting, Roger Papka, a Viet Nam veteran, spoke about his work with and earnest concerns for veterans citing 22 veterans per day are committing suicide. He entreated the audience to talk to a veteran and thank them for their service. Two CCRW members present are also veterans of the Navy and Air Force.
TARS (Teen Age Republican Students) - Aug 18, 2023
Four of the TARS, Kayla Randall, Kaelyn Melville, Aiden Melville and Jayven McNamara, spoke about their experiences at summer camp in the Black Hills and their motivations for membership at the August meeting.
Loren Spivack - Jul 21, 2023
At the July meeting, Loren Spivack, author of 6 Dr. Truth books, parodies of Dr. Seuss about modern political culture, spoke. He is also a trained economist and observer of cultural and political phenomena. His delivery style had everyone laughing.
Candidates for Watertown School Board - June 16, 2023
We heard from Lana Simon and Michelle Schutte, two conservatives running for the Watertown School Board at our June 16th meeting. Also Kathy Busch informed us on what the TARS members have been working on, when they are going to camp and what TARS is all about.
CO2 Pipeline - May 19, 2023
Our May 19th speaker was Karla Lems, our District 16 Representative who spoke in opposition to the CO2 pipeline. Also speaking was Wendy Schulz, a land owner from the area who has been negatively affected by the pipeline
State Senator Jon hanson "Decline to Sign" - Apr 21, 2023
The Codington County Republican Women met on Friday, April 21st and heard from Senator Jon Hanson who spoke on the Life Defense Fund and “Decline to Sign” the SD Radical Abortion Petition. He provided fliers to attendees to distribute to area citizens.
Pastor michael wallenmeyer - Apr 21, 2023
We also heard from Pastor Michael Wallenmeyer who spoke about our new Codington County Pregnancy Center called “Haven".
Rep Carl Perry and Sen Al Novstrup - Feb 17, 2023
The CCRW met on February 17th, and we heard from SD State Representative, Carl Perry and SD State Senator, Al Novstrup. They talked about ESG (Environmental Social Governance) and how it influences our investments in negative and political ways. Rep Perry described the current social score system used in China and efforts to implement it in America. Sen Novstrup detailed the progress World Economic Forum (WEF) has made in establishing Environmental Social Governance (ESG) scores for western corporations and their ultimate goals for control of the west's economic system.
Jeanne Horning - Jan 20, 2023
Jeanne Horning gave a presentation on how the legislative process works and also gave an update on legislative bills at the monthly meeting.
Anne Gabel - Jan 20, 2023
Anne Gabel gave an explanation of Ranked Choice Voting at the monthly meeting.
Lake Area Technical College VP - jan 20, 2023
The CCRW met on January 20th at Pizza Ranch in Watertown. Diane Stiles, V. President of Lake Area Technical College spoke about how LATC’s goal is to be a workforce provider for Northeast SD and to provide affordable education for students.
Monthly Meeting Speakers - Oct 21, 2022
The Codington County Republican Women met on October 21st at Pizza Ranch in Watertown. We heard from Leah Southwell, Regional Field Coordinator for the John Birch Society, who spoke on the “Article 5 Convention.” We also heard from Dr. Bonnie Amdahl from Sioux Falls, who spoke about the devastation caused by “recreational marijuana.” Hugh Bartels, our District 5 Representative, talked about the reasons why we shouldn’t vote for “Expanded Medicare” Amendment D.
Peter Vodenka - Sep 16, 2022
The Codington County Republican Women met September 16th at “2nd Street Station” in Watertown for our 2nd Annual “Ladies in Red” fundraiser. Our guest speaker was Peter Vodenka, who with his wife and children, defected from communist Czechoslovakia in 1983. It was an amazing story to hear and he told us he is so honored to live in America, the home of the free.
April monthly CCRW meeting at 2nd Street Station (Please Note Change of Venue)
Meeting and lunch at usual time (3rd Friday each month), 19 Apr 2024, at 11:30 AM, at 2nd Street Station in Watertown. Nonmembers are welcome to attend as guests. We will have a taco bar available for $15 at the door. Dessert will be included. Please join us to hear from our many amazing candidates running for office. We will hear from Becky Morlock Reeves, running for Codington County State's Attorney. Also on the program will be our District 4 House Candidates: Barbara Guenette, Kent Roe, Vanessa Namken, and Dylan Jordan; and our District 4 Senate Candidates: Stephanie Sauder and Fred Deutsch. We will also hear from our District 5 House Candidates: Dr. Josephine Garcia, Matt Roby, and Byron Callies. Please join us at 2nd Street Station on Friday, April 19th at 11:30. Hope to see you there!
March monthly CCRW meeting at Pizza Ranch
Our guest speaker for the 15 Mar 2024 CCRW monthly meeting was Watertown Mayor Ried Holien. He spoke on what's happening here in Watertown. Ried is also our National Committeeman and he informed us on what is happening with local, state, and national elections. Jeannie Horning also provided a legislative update on 7 of the 500 bills before our state congress this year. In addition, Wendy Schultz talked about some landowners' rights issues.
February monthly CCRW meeting at Pizza Ranch
Our guest speaker for the 16 Feb 2024 CCRW monthly meeting was Kristie Fiegen, Vice Chairman of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. Kristie explained her duties and role as a commissioner and the importance of considering facts and being objective in making decisions concerning public utilities issues. Our other speaker, CCRW member Jeanie Horning, provided an update on the important legislative issues before the our representatives. Also voting delegates attended a gathering at the Backroads Coffee Shop before the meeting.
January monthly CCRW meeting at Pizza Ranch
Meeting and lunch held at usual time and place,19 Jan 2024, at 11:30 AM, at Pizza Ranch in Watertown.
March 2025 monthly CCRW meeting
The Codington County Republican Women will be meeting on Friday, March 21st at 11:30 at 2nd Street Station in Watertown. The cost for the luncheon is $12. Our speakers TBD.The Codington County Republican Women will meet on Friday, March 21st at 11:30 at 2nd Street Station. Our speakers will be Jeanne Horning, who will cover highlights from this past Legislative Session, and Brianne Brown, who will discuss valuable information on Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Please come to our meeting to hear from these amazing speakers! The cost for the meal is $12.00. See you there! Please join us for a very informative meeting!
February 2025 monthly CCRW meeting
The Codington County Republican Women will be meeting on Friday, February 21st at 11:30 at 2nd Street Station in Watertown. The cost for the luncheon is $12. Our speakers will be Jeanne Horning and Brookney Delgado. Jeanne will give us an important Legislative Update. Brookney will talk about what is happening at the Haven Pregnancy Center. Please join us for a very informative meeting!
"Encourage a Legislator" Program
The Codington County Republican Women will also be participating in the "Encourage a Legislator" program this legislative session from January through March. You will be assigned a legislator and a package of postcards will be mailed to you. You are to write words of encouragement and a Bible verse to your legislator each week and mail the postcard back to the address given to you. This is such an easy and wonderful program and so much appreciated by our hardworking legislators! Let me know if you want to participate ASAP. Just put your name and say "yes". I have your address already. Thanks so much!
January 2025 monthly CCRW meeting
NOTE: At 2ND Street Station NOT Pizza Ranch
The Codington County Republican Women will be meeting on Friday, January 17th at 11:30 at 2nd Street Station in Watertown. The cost for the soup/sandwich luncheon is $12. We will have our SDFRW President, Beka Zerbst speak at our Installation Ceremony for our CCRW Officers. We will also hear from Jeanne Horning, who will highlight a few bills that are of interest this Legislative Session. You are welcome to bring a canned/boxed item for the Salvation Army and goodies for our belated Christmas Party, if you like. Please come and hear from these amazing speakers! Don't forget to let us know if you plan to attend by texting (yes) or a (thumbs up). See you there!
Membership Letters and Forms
In late December 2023 the new membership letters and forms were distributed. We plan to add those to the "About" page so people can print them off and sign up.
Monthly CCRW meeting at Pizza Ranch - Dec 17, 2023
Lee and Anne Gable were the featured speakers at the CCRW meeting on December 15th. Lee gave us an update on what the Codington County Commissioners are working on. We received great information from Anne and Lee on ways to help out our Ukrainian refugees here in town. Thank you CCRW members for bringing canned food items that were distributed to our Watertown Salvation Army.
After the meeting, CCRW members distributed canned goods to the Watertown Salvation Army as part of their December “Caring for America” project. Some of the participants were: Donna Ludens, MaryLee Plut, and Audrey Lindgren.
Sign Up for Encourage-a-Legislator Program
We are participating in the Encourage-a-Legislator Program again this year sponsored by the South Dakota Concerned Women of America. They are sending out postcards for those that signed up The participants are to mail one postcard each week to an assigned Legislator and write a bible verse of encouragement. Sign up ended December 15th. This is such a wonderful program. Thanks so much for participating!
CCRW Members Attend SDFRW Meeting
Our SDFRW “Christmas at the Capitol” meeting was held December 2nd. Participants were MaryLee Plut, Julia Tate, Mavis Brink, and Becky Maas. We enjoyed looking at the beautiful trees including this one decorated by our own CCRW ladies!
December 2024 monthly CCRW meeting
NOTE: At 2ND Street Station NOT Pizza Ranch
CANCELED Due To Weather
Next Meeting 17 Jan 2025
The Codington County Republican Women will be meeting this Friday, December 20th, at 11:30 at 2nd Street Station. The cost is $12.00 for the meal. We will hear from our SDFRW President, Catherine Barronco, who will be part of our CCRW Officer Ceremony.
This meeting will also be our Christmas party so feel free to bring bars, cookies, or any kind of treats, if you like. Afterwards we plan to move across the street to “Curated” for more treats, a tour and lots of decorating ideas.
Remember to bring canned or boxed items to help out our Watertown Salvation Army.
If you plan to eat at 2nd Street Station, just send the word, YES, or a thumbs up 👍on Facebook. Come and enjoy the fun!
Note:
CCRW members are invited to bring baked goods to share after dinner.
Note Also:
For those interested in joining us, we are planning to walk over to the new Curated store near the corner of Kemp and 2nd St to browse their beautiful Christmas displays
Change of Monthly Meeting Venue:
It's official Codington County Republican Women will now be meeting at 2nd Street Station for our general meetings. 2nd Street Station will give us the side room, that will accommodate 60 people, at no charge every month. The buffet will be something like the last meeting and cost $12 per person. We will collect the money for the meal when members and guests check in.
December 5th Deadline
"Caring for America Project"
The Codington County Republican Women are participating in a Statewide "Caring For America" Project. We are having a Toy Drive for the SD Kids Belong Foster Kids Charity. These toys will be brought to the December 7th, Christmas at the Capitol meeting. If you would like to participate, please bring an unwrapped toy or gift card to our Codington County Republican Women who will be gathering gifts together in the back room of the Wheel Inn on Thursday, December 5th, from 2-5pm. Thanks so much for helping out our SD Kids Belong Charity!
December 2024 monthly CCRW meeting
NOTE: At 2ND Street Station NOT Pizza Ranch
The Codington County Republican Women will be meeting Friday, December 20th at 11:30 at
2nd Street Station. Please note the change in location. Please join us to hear from our next interesting speaker!
Note:
CCRW members are invited to bring baked goods to share after dinner.
Note Also:
For those interested in joining us, we are planning to walk over to the new Curated store near the corner of Kemp and 2nd St to browse their beautiful Christmas displays
Change of Monthly Meeting Venue:
It's official Codington County Republican Women will now be meeting at 2nd Street Station for our general meetings. 2nd Street Station will give us the side room, that will accommodate 60 people, at no charge every month. The buffet will be something like the last meeting and cost $12 per person. We will collect the money for the meal when members and guests check in.
CCRW Members Visit Secretary of State
Our CCRW members enjoyed visiting with our SD Secretary of State, Monae Johnson, during our trip to the SD Capitol. Pictured are: Julia Tate, Becky Maas, Monae Johnson, MaryLee Plut, and Mavis Brink.
CCRW distribute goody bags to Bryant Firefighters
The Bryant Firefighters say “thank you” for the “goody bags” furnished by the CCRW as part of their November Caring for America Project.
CCRW distribute goody bags to Hazel Firefighters
Shane Struckman, representing the Hazel firefighters, thanks the CCRW for the “goody bags” that were provided to them.
December 2024 monthly CCRW meeting
NOTE: At 2ND Street Station NOT Pizza Ranch
The Codington County Republican Women will be meeting Friday, December 20th at 11:30 at
2nd Street Station. Please note the change in location. This will be our meeting place for the foreseeable future and we thank 2nd Street Station for their amazing food, service and cooperation! The cost will be $12.00.
Please join us to hear from our next interesting speaker!
Note:
It's official Codington County Republican Women will now be meeting at 2nd Street Station for our general meetings. 2nd Street Station will give us the side room, that will accommodate 60 people, at no charge every month. The buffet will be something like the last meeting and cost $12 per person. We will collect the money for the meal when members and guests check in.
Monthly CCRW meeting at Pizza Ranch - Nov 20, 2023
We heard from District 25 Representative Jon Hansen, the co--chair of the Life Defense Fund and the Decline to Sign project. He presented information on the proposed abortion constitutional amendment in SD and its extreme consequences. We also heard from Sheriff Chad Schlotterbeck from the Hamlin Sheriff's Department. We continued our Caring for America project preparing "goody bags" for Hamlin, Hazel and Bryant in appreciation of their wonderful 1st Responders! Thanks to everyone for bringing goody bag items.
Our November meeting speakers were Sheriff Chad Schlotterbeck and Representative Jon Hansen. Representative Hanson spoke on the Life Defense Fund. Sheriff Schlotterbeck from Hamlin County thanked the CCRW for the “goody bags” he received along with the Lake Norden 1st Responders.
After the meeting, this group of CCRW members worked hard filling “goody bags” at our November meeting: Margaret Wickherst, Becky Maas, Barbara Guenette, Martha Wiseman, Ronda Laube, Donna Ludens, and Marlene Jackson.
Christmas at the Capital "Winter Wonderland"
Christmas tree decorating dates were Friday Nov 17 (5-8PM), Sat Nov 18 (8AM-5PM), Sun Nov 19 (8AM-6PM). On Nov 18, these CCRW participants had a great time decorating the tree at the SD Capitol: MaryLee Plut, Barbara Guinette, and Martha Wiseman.
November 2024 monthly CCRW meeting
NOTE: At 2ND Street Station NOT Pizza Ranch
The Codington County Republican Women will be meeting this Friday, November 15th at 11:30 at
2nd Street Station. Please note the change in location. This will be our meeting place for the foreseeable future and we thank 2nd Street Station for their amazing food, service and cooperation! The cost will be $12.00.
Our speaker will be Dale Bartscher, Executive Director of SD Right to Life. Dale has been an inspirational leader who has worked tirelessly to protect the lives of our precious unborn babies! He will speak to us about the many issues SD Right to Life has been involved in and will have much information to share. Please join us to hear from this very inspirational speaker!
Note:
It's official Codington County Republican Women will now be meeting at 2nd Street Station for our general meetings. 2nd Street Station will give us the side room, that will accommodate 60 people, at no charge every month. The buffet will be something like the last meeting and cost $12 per person. We will collect the money for the meal when members and guests check in.
November 2024 monthly CCRW meeting
NOTE: At 2ND Street Station NOT Pizza Ranch
The Codington County Republican Women will hold their next meeting this Friday, November 18th at 11:30 at 2nd Street Station (not Pizza Ranch) in Watertown. Come and learn from the experts at our CCRW meeting!
Note:
It's official Codington County Republican Women will now be meeting at 2nd Street Station for our general meetings. 2nd Street Station will give us the side room, that will accommodate 60 people, at no charge every month. The buffet will be something like the last meeting and cost $12 per person. We will collect the money for the meal when members and guests check in.
SDFRW Social Media Blitz!
Monthly CCRW meeting at Pizza Ranch - Oct 20, 2023
Our CCRW honored our National Guard members at our meeting. They wrote thank you notes and filled goody bags and delivered them to the National Guard Armory. The officers also talked about the 42nd NFRW Biennial meeting in Oklahoma City on 28 Sep. to Oct. 1, 2023 and the SDFRW Quarterly Meeting which took place on Saturday, October 7th, in Oacoma at Arrowood Cedar Shores. Thanks so much for all the donations of items for the goody bags for our National Guard members. State Commiteeman Byron Callies also spoke to attendees.
October 2024 monthly CCRW meeting
NOTE: At 2ND Street Station NOT Pizza Ranch
The Codington County Republican Women will hold their next meeting this Friday, October 18th at 11:30 at 2nd Steet Station (not Pizza Ranch) in Watertown. Our speaker will be Aaron Levisay, a historian, who will speak on: How Our Country Began, and the States vs. the Federal Government. We will also hear from Tyler McElhaney, running for County Commissioner and Glen Vilhauer running for Senate District 5. Roger Papka will speak on Patriotism and Getting Out the Vote. Come and learn from the experts at our CCRW meeting on October 18th!
Note:
We will work on Treats for the Watertown Firefighters (our next Caring for America Project) and will be sending postcards to the battleground states to get out the vote! Please join us for a memorable patriotic day!
October 2024 monthly CCRW meeting
The Codington County Republican Women will have their next meeting on Friday, October 18. Come and learn from the experts at our CCRW meeting on October 18th! See you there!
CCRW Officers attend Quarterly SDFRW Biennial Meeting in Oacoma Oct 7,2023
MaryLee Plut, Mavis Brink and Barbara Guenette attended the SDFRW Quarterly Meeting in Oacoma on October 7th.
CCRW members attend 2023 NFRW Convention Sep 28th - Oct 1st
Mary Lee Plut and Barb Guenette attended the NFRW biennial convention in Oklahoma City as members-at-large for SDFRW.
SDFRW on-line auction Sep 21st - 24th
Some of the items auctioned include a Terry Redlin print, Trumpinator bobble head, Heart patriotic jewelry, Trump coffee table book, 2 mugs, 4 coasters, Redlin note pads.
Ladies in Red Dinner Friday 15 Sep 2023 at 2nd St Station
Attendees had a nice dinner at 2nd Street Station in Watertown followed by 2 compelling talks. The first was by Heidi Engelhart who spoke about "Why I am a Republican". The second was by Jessica McClanahan, Executive Director of Haven Center, who talked about the new crisis pregnancy center in Watertown. The event concluded with a silent auction of donated items such as gift baskets, artwork, T-shirts and baked goods.
- Donna Ludens for Lady in Red Painting
- Jenny for donating room at 2nd Street Station
- Nate Graff for digital billboard advertising and podium poster following
Remember:
Baskets for silent auction table funds used for: - Caring for America - TARS - Local Candidates
South Dakota State Fair - September 1-2, 2023
CCRW operated a booth in the Republican Building at the South Dakota State and offered printed materials, coffee and cookies to fairgoers.
Donation of Fruit Basket to Veteran's Administration - August 29, 2023
The Codington County Republican Women delivered a fruit basket to the Veteran’s Administration Building to show our appreciation to our Veterans and all they have done for us. Participants were: Audrey Lindgren, Carol Johnson, Donna Ludens, Barbara Guenette and MaryLee Plut.
September 2024 Ladies in Red Fundraiser
The 2024 Ladies in Red Fundraiser will be held at noon on Friday, September 20th at 2nd Street Station in Watertown. Speaker will be Melissa Magstadt from the South Dakota Department of Public Health.
NOTE: Silent action will be held at the event. Please limit donated items to one per person unless baked goods then one dozen. Funds will be used for Caring for America Project.
August 2024 monthly CCRW meeting
The Codington County Republican Women will have their next meeting on Friday, August 16th at 11:30 at Pizza Ranch in Watertown. We will hear from Hugh Bartels, Byron Callies, and Fred Deutsch about our very important Ballot Measures that we will be voting on in November and Lee Gabel will provide information on important Watertown issues that we need to know.
NOTE: We will also fill “goody bags” for our Watertown Police and Firefighters. Feel free to bring any of the following items if you can: Slim Jim’s, jerky, nut packs, granola bars, sandwich crackers, any type of candies (not chocolates). Come and learn from the experts at our CCRW meeting on August 16th! See you there!
CCRW Officers attend CO2 Pipeline and Property Rights Debate - August 22, 2023
Monthly meeting at Pizza Ranch - August 18, 2023
Four of the Teen Age Republican Students (TARS) spoke about their experiences at summer camp in the Black Hills (see more under Speakers tab). Also, Roger Papka, a Viet Nam veteran, spoke about his work with and earnest concerns for veterans citing 22 veterans per day are committing suicide. He entreated the audience to talk to a veteran and thank them for their service. CCRW presented Roger Papka with 5 $25 gift cards which he distributed to 5 deserving veterans.
Donation of Brave Books to Watertown Library - July 21, 2023
The Codington County Republican Women presented the Watertown Regional Library with a set of “Brave Books.” These books feature stories with characters who have strong Christian values. Featured in the pictures are: Sarah, the Children’s Library Specialist, Nancy York, MaryLee Plut, Shirlee Valnes, Audrey Lindgren, Marlene Jackson, Donna Ludens, and Maria Gruener, Library Director. A big thank you goes out to our Watertown Library and all who participated!
Monthly meeting at Pizza Ranch - July 21, 2023
At the July meeting, Loren Spivack, author of 6 Dr. Truth books, parodies of Dr. Seuss about modern political culture, entertained the audience.
July 4th Parade 2023
CCRW volunteers decorated a float and rode down Kemp St in Watertown, SD for the 2023 4th of July Parade.
April monthly CCRW meeting at 2nd Street Station (Please Note Change of Venue)
Meeting and lunch at usual time (3rd Friday each month), 19 Apr 2024, at 11:30 AM, at 2nd Street Station in Watertown. Nonmembers are welcome to attend as guests. We will have a taco bar available for $15 at the door. Dessert will be included. Please join us to hear from our many amazing candidates running for office. We will hear from Becky Morlock Reeves, running for Codington County State's Attorney. Also on the program will be our District 4 House Candidates: Barbara Guenette, Kent Roe, Vanessa Namken, and Dylan Jordan; and our District 4 Senate Candidates: Stephanie Sauder and Fred Deutsch. We will also hear from our District 5 House Candidates: Dr. Josephine Garcia, Matt Roby, and Byron Callies. Please join us at 2nd Street Station on Friday, April 19th at 11:30. Hope to see you there!
July 2024 monthly CCRW meeting
The Codington County Republican Women will be holding their next meeting at Pizza Ranch in Watertown on Friday, July 19th. Our speakers will be Melissa Magstadt, our SD Health Secretary, and Allison Kauffman, the developmental director for the Haven Pregnancy Center. Feel free to bring items for the Haven Center such as diapers, new clothing and monetary gifts. Join us for an amazing meeting! Also, anyone who would like to be in a picture sponsored by the Life Defense Fund should gather tomorrow (Wed. July 17th) morning at the Interstate McDonald's parking lot at 10:15. It should take only about 15 minutes to take a picture with our "Vote No on Amendment G" signs by the "Watertown" sign. Thank you! Join us to hear from our next speaker! See you there!
March monthly CCRW meeting at Pizza Ranch
Our guest speaker for the 15 Mar 2024 CCRW monthly meeting was Watertown Mayor Ried Holien. He spoke on what's happening here in Watertown. Ried is also our National Committeeman and he informed us on what is happening with local, state, and national elections. Jeannie Horning also provided a legislative update on 7 of the 500 bills before our state congress this year. In addition, Wendy Schultz talked about some landowners' rights issues.
South Dakota State Fair - September 2022
We were happy to give a complete set of the “Tuttle Twins” books to the McKinley Elementary School in Watertown. We also enjoyed spending an afternoon serving coffee and cookies to everyone at the Republican Building at the SD State Fair and visiting with Representative Dusty Johnson!
Lincoln Day Dinner Apr 26 2024 at 2nd Street Station
The 2024 Lincoln Day Dinner will be held on 26 Apr 2024 at 2nd Street Station 5:30 - 9:00 PM. Ticket price is $50. CCRW members will again have a baked goods silent auction fundraiser with the help of TARS, our hardworking Republican students.
Ladies in Red Fundraiser - September 16, 2022
The Codington County Republican Women met September 16th at “2nd Street Station” in Watertown for our 2nd Annual “Ladies in Red” fundraiser. Our guest was Peter Vodenka, who with his wife and children, defected from communist Czechoslovakia in 1983. It was an amazing story to hear and he told us he is so honored to live in America, the home of the free. We also enjoyed an “Elephant Exchange” by Ronda Laube, who shared her “Elephant Story” and gave away her amazing collection to people who attended the event. Our “silent auction” was a hit and benefitted our group greatly! There were many wonderful items donated and a big thank you goes out to everyone who worked so hard on the auction: Martha Wiseman, Mavis Brink, Donna Ludens, and Barbara Guenette.
May monthly CCRW meeting
The Codington County Republican Women will hold their next meeting on Friday, May 17th at 11:30 at Pizza Ranch. Nonmembers are welcome. We will hear from our school board candidates: Zach Thompson, Kari Lohr and Jon Iverson, and from our auditor: Brenda Hanten. We will also deliver a series of "Brave" books to the Watertown Christian School after the meeting. Please join us to hear from our amazing speakers! See you there!
June 2024 Primary Republican Candidate Ads
Barbara Guenette
Candidate for District 4 South Dakota House Representative
Ad Paid for by Friends of Barbara
Josephine Garcia
Candidate for District 5 South Dakota House Representative
Ad Paid for by Friends of Josephine Garcia for House
June monthly CCRW meeting (GENERIC MONTHLY ANNOUNCEMENT)
The Codington County Republican Women will hold their next meeting on Friday, 21 June 2024 at 11:30 at Pizza Ranch. Nonmembers are welcome. Speakers TBD. Please join us to hear from our amazing speakers! See you there!
SDFRW Convention - September 30th - October 2, 2022
We had a great time at the SDFRW Convention which was held September 30th-October 2nd. The following people were able to attend: MaryLee Plut, Kaelyn Callies, Barbara and Bill Guenette. We listened to amazing speakers, watched the Noem Debate, had a banquet with Governor Daugaard and his wife and met new friends who share our wonderful Republican values! We were honored to receive an award for the “Greatest Number of Associate Members” and also the “Club Achievement Award” for our commitment, dedication and performance. Thank you to all who made this convention such a success!
Monthly Meeting at Pizza Ranch - October 21, 2022
The Codington County Republican Women met on October 21st at Pizza Ranch in Watertown. We heard from Leah Southwell, Regional Field Coordinator for the John Birch Society, who spoke on the “Article 5 Convention.” We also heard from Dr. Bonnie Amdahl from Sioux Falls, who spoke about the devastation caused by “recreational marijuana.” Hugh Bartels, our District 5 Representative, talked about the reasons why we shouldn’t vote for “Expanded Medicare” Amendment D.
November 2022
We enjoyed participating in a breakfast get-together for Bryon Noem and a luncheon with Governor Noem the weekend before the election. It was a fun and informative celebration! We have been very busy working at the Noem Headquarters; making phone calls, door knocking, and waving signs for Governor Noem and our Republican candidates with our Noem Campaign Representative, Sheri Arnold. We are excited to see the Big Red Wave on November 8th!
Monthly Meeting at Pizza Ranch - November 18, 2022
The Codington County Republican Women met on November 18th at Pizza Ranch in Watertown. Our speaker was Ried Holien who is our South Dakota GOP National Committeeman and also our Watertown Mayor. He talked about the midterm elections and how we can improve things at the national level. He discussed the great results we had in our state and local elections! He also discussed all the great things going on in Watertown; such as the new Hockey Rink, the new Watertown Airport, and the new Downtown City Park.
December 2022
A big thank you to Anne and Lee Gabel, CCRW members, for decorating the SDFRW tree at the Capital in Pierre for the annual “Christmas at the Capital” display. This year’s theme was “A Very Prairie Christmas.” It looked beautiful!
December 2022
MaryLee Plut and Anne Gabel attended the SDFRW Quarterly Meeting in Pierre on Saturday, December 10th. After the meeting we enjoyed walking through the halls of the Capital looking at the fantastic display of beautifully decorated Christmas trees!
Monthly Meeting Cancelled - December 2022
Our December Monthly Meeting was cancelled because of the weather. We are looking forward to hearing from the same speakers at our January 20th Monthly Meeting. SD Representative Carl Perry will be speaking on ESG (Environmental Social Governance) with comments from SD Senator Al Novstrup. We are also looking forward to presenting our “Caring for America” food drive project at our January meeting for the Access Ministries Program.
Monthly Meeting at Pizza Ranch - January 20, 2023
The CCRW met on January 20th at Pizza Ranch in Watertown. Diane Stiles, V. President of Lake Area Technical College spoke about how LATC’s goal is to be a workforce provider for Northeast SD and to provide affordable education for students.
SDFRW Legislative Day - February 13, 2023
On February 13th, some of our members attended SDFRW Legislative Day in Pierre and enjoyed touring the Capital and the Governor’s Mansion. Those members were: Kaelyn Callies, Gerry Crocker, Anne Gabel, Donna Ludens, Audrey Lindgren, Becky Maas and MaryLee Plut. We were honored to hear from Melissa Magstadt, our SD Secretary of Health, and daughter of Kaelyn and Byron Callies.
July 4th Parade in Watertown
This is a message for anyone who would like to ride on the CCRW float or walk with us handing out candy, flags and water. We will meet by Mark’s Auto, across from the Post Office and start decorating at 11:00. The parade begins at 2:00. We are usually in the front behind the band. We have shirts for everyone who would like to have one, in a variety of sizes (SM, Med,LG, XL). I can deliver them to you on Wednesday or at the parade. We will sit in white plastic chairs on the flatbed this year. You may need an umbrella since it looks like it will rain. Thanks so much for your help!
Monthly meeting at Pizza Ranch - Feb 17, 2023
The CCRW met on February 17th, and we heard from SD State Representative, Carl Perry and SD State Senator, Al Novstrup. They talked about ESG (Environmental Social Governance) and how it influences our investments in negative and political ways. Rep Perry described the current social score system used in China and efforts to implement it America. Sen Novstrup detailed the progress World Economic Forum (WEF) has made in establishing Environmental Social Governance (ESG) scores for western corporations and their ultimate goals for control of the west's economic system.
March 2023
We joined the Republican Central Committee at the Watertown Home Show, held at the Codington County Extension Building on March 4th-5th. There were many participants from our club who enjoyed sharing what the Republican Party stands for, including: Anne and Lee Gabel, Thom Gebhart, Paula DeJong, Bonnie Thompson, Kaelyn Callies, Becky Maas, Margaret Wickherst, Brenda Hanten, and MaryLee Plut.
April 2023
Our Caring for America Project in March and April will be our diaper donations to the Pregnancy Crisis Center here in Watertown
Monthly meeting at Pizza Ranch - April 21, 2023
The Codington County Republican Women met on Friday, April 21st and heard from Senator Jon Hanson who spoke on the Life Defense Fund and “Decline to Sign” the SD Radical Abortion Petition. He provided fliers to attendees to distribute to area citizens.
Lincoln Day Dinner - May 5, 2023
Members brought baked items for a silent auction. The Codington County TARS students helped out with the bake sale and the money raised will be used for Caring for America projects.
Monthly meeting at Pizza Ranch - May 19, 2023
Our May 19th speaker was Karla Lems, our District 16 Representative who spoke in opposition to the CO2 pipeline. Also speaking was Wendy Schulz, a land owner from the area who has been negatively affected by the pipeline
A Busy June 2023
We have been working on many Caring for America projects: - Diapers were brought for the Haven Center - Flags and programs were passed out at our Memorial Day - New “Brave Books” were purchased for the Watertown Regional Library - Clothes were given to the Access Ministries - Fruit was purchased for the Veterans Administration - Signs for our float were decorated for the 4th of July Parade.
South Dakota Caring for America Project - June 2, 2023
We also participated in a Statewide Caring for America project called: “SD Kids Belong” which raised awareness and brought support to the foster care program in South Dakota. The kids had so much fun playing games, getting their faces painted and winning prizes. A big thank you to Kathy Busch and Barbara Guinette and also to the Codington County TARS and their friends from the Wentworth area for helping: Grace and Max Martenson, Kaelyn and Aiden Melville, Kayla Randall, Lilly and Kallen Serfling, Emma and Tucker Pickard.
Monthly meeting at Pizza Ranch -June 16, 2023
We heard from Lana Simon and Michelle Schutte, two conservatives running for the Watertown School Board at our June 16th meeting. Also Kathy Busch informed us on what the TARS members have been working on, when they are going to camp and what TARS is all about.