Stories

Pequot Lakes High School 2026-27  S.T.R.I.V.E. (Students taking renewed interest in the value of education)

President Zi Hasib of St. Petersburg Rotary Club and President CJ Rimnac of Central Lakes Club exchange Rotary flags at the St. Pete's meeting at the Yacht Club Downtown St. Petersburg

Biff Ulm, a second-generation owner of the 73-year-old Zaiser's retail boutique on Nisswa Main Street, was the guest speaker for the Central Lakes Rotary Club yesterday, September 8.

Since founding Minnesota Nice Enough in 2016, Biff has seen the business experience massive expansion, fueled by his high-quality decal stickers. He draws the designs himself, and the entire production process is completed alongside his team of nine employees. If you see Nice Enough stickers when traveling across the country, know that they were created from the ground up right here in Nisswa, MN.

Members of the Central Lakes Rotary Club, including Pequot Lakes School District Superintendent Kurt Stumpf and Marcia Prescott, had a great time serving popcorn, coffee, water, and treats yesterday at the BlueGrass Festival in Pine River.

The Central Lakes Rotary Club Chair ,Diane Collins ,proudly presents the Paul Harris +5 pin to Pete Schenck. Rotary International  honors Pete's continued dedication to our mission. The Foundation is specifically recognizing his impactful contributions toward:

  - Global service
  - Education
  - Clean water
  - Peace programs

Please join me in congratulating Pete on this incredible milestone!

Central Lakes Rotary Club of Pequot Lakes donated two park benches that were placed by the Splash Pad facing the playground so families and caregivers can sit comfortably and watch their children. 

Pequot Lakes Parade

Central Lakes Rotary Club sells water and Red White & Blue beads. Liam and Jobey from the great Pequot Lakes High School volunteered their time to pull wagons of water. We are grateful for students that take time to serve their community!

Proudly taking the Gavel July 1, 2026-27 Central Lakes Rotary

CJ Rimnac

The Central Lakes Rotary Club applied for a matching Rotary grant in September 2025 to fund two new benches. This request followed feedback from local mothers who had contacted the City of Pequot Lakes Recreation & Parks division. While there were already two benches located at the connected splash pad, they were not conveniently positioned for families and caregivers to monitor their children on the playground.

I am pleased to inform you that the two new benches have been installed facing the playground and are now ready for use.

We served pulled pork sandwiches, chips, and water. 

"Change of the Gavel" took place at Breezy Point Resort's restaurant, Marina II. Pictured is Secretary Marcia and Pete, our President 2025-26. Thank you Pete for your service. I am looking forward to a successful year as new President 2026-27

CJ Rimnac

The Rotary Annual Memorial Day Weekend Sale was a success!

Total sales exceeded $2,600.00, and we are hoping to increase this total with a few remaining items currently listed on the marketplace.

Despite the rain on Friday, May 22, 2026—which was much needed—we successfully made up for the weather during the sale on Saturday, May 23.

Thank you to everyone who donated, helped with setup, and worked at the event.

 Mayor Roggenkamp of Breezy Point, MN

Thank you for your presentation to the Central Lakes Rotary Club this past Tuesday, May 19.

It was very helpful to receive updates regarding the following:

  - Strategic Plan
  - Road Improvements
  - Communications
  - City Hall
  - Butterfly Release Event

Thank you for your time and for sharing these important city updates with us.

Central Lakes Rotary Club is highly involved in the S.T.R.I.V.E. program (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education), mentoring and providing scholarships to students in both the Pequot Lakes and Pine River-Backus high schools. 

The Central Lakes Rotary sponsored a successful blood drive on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes. A sincere thank you goes out to the fellow Rotarians who volunteered their time to manage check-ins and to those who contributed by donating blood. Your service is greatly appreciated!

The Central Lakes Rotary Club actively participates in the S.T.R.I.V.E. program (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education), offering mentorship and scholarships to students at both Pequot Lakes and Pine River-Backus High Schools. The Crosslake Lions Club has generously contributed $10,000 to support the program’s annual scholarships.

The photo, taken at Pequot Lakes High School, includes members of the Lions Club, Central Lakes Rotary Club representatives, a Pequot Lakes High School counselor, and Superintendent Kurt Stumpf.

Can’t make this year's Rotary International Convention in-person? Join virtually for $75.

Central Lakes Rotary Club was chartered in 1992, and we are proud to provide both financial and hands-on support to many community and international projects.  Throughout the years, Central Lakes Rotary has donated to Kinship Partners, Grace House, Interfaith Caregivers, Ski Gull Scholarship Program, 3 Area Food Shelves, Salvation Army, Junior Achievement, Alex and Brandon House, H.A.R.T. Animal Rescue, Mounted Eagles and holiday gift baskets to local families.  One of our recent Community Service Projects was the purchase and installation of playground equipment in the Pine River Dam Park. 

Our International Projects have included partnering with other clubs for construction of clean water wells in third-world countries, construction of schools, a Korean ambulance project, Cows for Cambodia and Shelter Boxes. 

Each year, Central Lakes Rotary provides dictionaries to 3rd grade students in Pequot Lakes, Pine River-Backus, Crosslake and Nisswa Elementary Schools, and our largest literacy effort was the completion of an Early Childhood Literacy Project in cooperation with St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, MN.  More than 700 gift packages were presented to parents of newborns, containing a book, blanket and literature showing the importance of beginning to read to babies right away.

Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.