It’s March Madness for Iowa girls’ basketball tourney time which means almost always, lousy weather. True to form we have that again this year.

March also means we’re just under two months from the Iowa Division State Convention. This year, the good folks at the Ottumwa Chapter are hosting at their beautiful grounds. If that isn’t enough to peek your involvement how about this? Your National Executive Director, Scott Kovarovics will be the keynote speaker. What a treat and opportunity to hear and ask questions of the League’s public front man. You will be impressed!

So, if you can, make plans to attend. There’ll be a Board meeting and Early Bird reception on Friday, April 25th, the actual Convention including speakers, business, election, auction and Banquet on Saturday, April 26th and finally, a trap shoot on Sunday, April 27th. Quite a full weekend, isn’t it? Come be part.

Dale Braun- President, Iowa Division

Convention Highlights

Keynote Speaker – Scott Kovarovics

Izaak Walton League Executive Director 

Over the last several years, Scott has worked tirelessly to promote the League. Most recently he helped usher in the League’s 100 Year Anniversary celebration. Along with that, to focus our vision on the next 100 Years. He’ll talk to our current and future efforts on water quality/testing, soil health as it relates to agriculture, the Farm Bill and most importantly Citizen participation. How we, as Iowa Division Ike’s, can help the League achieve its goals.

 Saturday Night Music

Hieland Storm Band

Hieland Storm are an Irish Pub Band based in Southeast Iowa. Keeping the good old songs alive since 1998. Come ready to clap, sing along, carry on and have a good time.

Two of the members of the band, Tom and Paul Rodgers, grew up here at the Ottumwa Izaak Walton Chapter with their parents Sam and Millie Rodgers.

• 8:00 – Onsite Registration
• 9:00 – Call to Order
  • Pledge, Invocation
  • Welcome
  • Roll Call
  • Intro to Division Leadership & Guests
• 10:30 – Break
• 10:45 – Keynote Speech – Scott Kovarovics
• 12:00 – Lunch
• 1:00 – Awards Presentation
  • Committee Reports
    • Nominations
    • Legislative
    • Conservation
    • Communications
    • Outreach
    • Other Updates
  • Business Meeting
    • Treasurer’s Report
    • Membership Report
    • Division Elections
    • Other Business (Old / New)
  • Final Remarks
• 5:00 – Social Hour
• 6:30 – Dinner Banquet
  • Officer Installation
  • Live Auction
  • Silent Auction Winners
• 7:30 – Live Music

The Ottumwa Chapter has a contract for 15 rooms at the Cobblestone Hotel and Suites, 108 Church Street, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501, 641-244-3644 Room type is two queen beds at a rate of $129 plus tax for Thursday, April 24, Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26. The Block of rooms will be held until April 3, 2025. They have booked the Board Room on the main floor for the Hospitality Room at a cost of $50 for Friday night and $50 for Saturday night.

For camping options attendees can camp at the Ikes for free, restrooms available in Trap House and Chapter House but they would want a generator to have lights and heat in their campers. Other option for camping is: The Ottumwa Park Campground at the northwest corner of the intersection of Highways 63 and 34. All camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis; no reservations are taken. Campers can use the shower house with restrooms and dumping station. Wi-Fi is available. Fees for the RV camp, with water and electricity is $20 per night.

Please email us with any 2025 chapter conservation highlights, photos etc. to share at the State Convention.

Delegate Registration must be submitted by an authorized chapter leader.

2025 Convention Delegate Registration Form – Fillable (Download and Open with Acrobat Reader, Free)

2025 Convention Delegate Numbers by Chapter (Needed for the Form)