Tom Lewis received the bill from the Hudson Insurance Agency for $1,046. A motion was made by Dave Hansen, seconded by Dan Schlup, to pay the bill. The motion carried.

The Grand Lodge Scholarship is now available on the Grand Lodge Web site.

Brother Allen thanked the Lodge for keeping non-resident members informed. He notes that there is a Brother going through the degrees in Spearfish, with help from other local Lodges. As Education Officer for Spearfish, Allen indicates that Tom Lewis does good work, and that he’s not afraid to “borrow” the education programs Tom presents to our Lodge. He closed by again expressing his deep and eternal appreciation to Galen Jansen, Dave Hansen, Ron West, and Randy Porter for doing the Masonic Service for John.

Grand Lodge provided the timeline for nominations and proposed amendments for the upcoming Grand Lodge session.

At the Mid-Year Communication on January 18th the proclamation prohibiting new life memberships was allowed to expire.

A halt has been placed on the Child ID program effective until the 151st Annual Communication. An amendment to the By-Laws adds a section about filing amendments with the Grand Lodge no fewer than 90 days prior to the Annual Communication with copies distributed to Grand Officers, permanent members and Lodges by mail no later than 45 days prior. Proposals must be read in the Lodge prior to the Annual Communication. An amendment to Article VII adds that no one be eligible for Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master-Grand Master Elect, Senior Grand Warden or Junior Grand Warden who has not been duly elected, installed, and presided over a chartered Lodge as Master. An amendment to Section 2.71 sets forth nomination deadlines to match those of amendment deadlines. Only in the event that no nominations were made in compliance may nominations be made from the floor. The Grand Lodge has established a Lodge Investment Fund for Lodges to place their reserve funds in. These funds are invested like the Grand Lodge Endowment funds. They are intended for reserve funds to be used in a 3-5 year time frame, though preferably longer.

The District 1 meeting was held in Sioux Falls on January 25th. The meeting was attended by Galen. There were 20-25 people there. One of the interesting things found was the $1,000 that Lodges could give away only 11 have taken advantage, four of which were from district 1. St. Johns Lodge was never brought up but Valhalla was. An interesting education program was presented.

Birthdays were read for February.

Galen congratulated the Brothers on the degree work last meeting.

The caterer is booked for the May 4th banquet. Brian is trying to get ahold of Cal Shirts about gettng a shirt for Cole.

For the Valentine roses Randy will present to Steinfadt. Galen will get contact info to Russ for Shirley. Galen will also verify that Tom will present to Linde.

George Washington card party is on the 16th. Greg will provide Bunco. Galen the prizes. Dave, Randy Porter, and Mike (per Galen, with Brian as backup) will bring 2 pies each. Brian will supply blue juice. Ron will bring the ice cream. Brian will get it on the town sign. Tom will get some posters made up. Greg will get it on the bank sign.

Galen is still planning on getting a carpet cleaning quote.

Next Lunch Committee: Brian Sohl.

The education program was presented: “John Wayne: One-of-a-Kind Talent and Freemason”.