by Carrie Moritz, Gazette

            The Garretson community experienced a very tough year in 2022, as hard news and hard issues were followed by controversy and the loss of a beloved fifth grader. The town was largely spared from significant spring weather events, but Sherman was hit by high winds and tornadic activity.

            However, the strengths of the community came through as people banded together to support each other, standing up for what they believed was right and providing time and resources to those suffering. They helped their fellow neighbors and welcomed new faces with open arms and hearts, and ended 2022 on a high note.

January

            January 2022 opened with a change in legislative districts, which impacted many voters both north and south of Garretson. Brandon and Valley Springs were placed into newly-formed District 2, while Flandreau was added to District 25. Ward lines were modified slightly to accommodate population changes within Garretson city limits.

            Long-time City Maintenance Supervisor Craig Nussbaum retired, and at the end of the month, City Finance Officer Anna Uhl resigned to take a new position, which meant changes among city staff as Maintenance Supervisors Jordan Doane and Ryan Nussbaum and newly-hired City Finance Officer, Paetyn Dreckman, took the wheel early in the year.

            News came about in mid-January that a carbon-dioxide (CO2) transport pipeline was in the works by Navigator CO2 Ventures, and that it would pass within mere miles of Garretson. A public meeting held at the Legion found farmers and landowners willing to listen to the presentation with an open mind, but were left dissatisfied by a lack of solid answers as to what impacts the pipeline would have on their land. While it was touted as a way to reduce CO2 levels in the environment, other concerns about environmental and health impacts weren't satisfactorily addressed, and rumors about underpayment for the land and the use of eminent domain ran rampant. On the other side of the county, another pipeline venture, Summit Carbon Solutions, was also being fought by landowners.

            A local man was arrested on several counts of sexual abuse of a minor after said child brought up the issue in school, which was well-handled by Guidance Counselor Michelle Pliska and Principals Chris Long and Teresa Hulscher. After the news broke, the community gathered around to support the affected victim and families.

February

            At the end of January, the Garretson Lady Dragon basketball team took first overall at the Big East Conference for the first time in twelve years. The team went 3-0 during conference play against Chester, Sioux Valley, and Flandreau.

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