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Mrs. Mac named teacher of the year and retires

Carrie Moritz
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Mrs. Mac named teacher of the year and retires

School election takes shape for this April

Title I Reading teacher Kim Macziewski was named the 2024-25 Teacher of the Year on Monday, as the Garretson School Board met in regular session. At the same time, the board approved a land transfer to Blue Dragon Academy and set the school calendar for next year, as well as the Drivers Education schedule. 

woman in polka dot shirt with short hair and glasses
Kim Macziewski

At the end of the meeting, the board chose to renew the administrative contracts for three administrators, Technology Coordinator Matt Schrank, Business Manager Jacob Schweitzer, and Athletic Director Kevin Steckler.

After the board approved the agenda and the regular business, Board President Natasha Mendoza asked Superintendent Guy Johnson if there was anything of note in the consent agenda that he wished to discuss. 

Supt. Johnson said that Kim Macziewski had announced her retirement after 41 years in education. The board thanked her for her service to the district.

“I’m very grateful to have had my last six years here,” said Macziewski. “I’ve bookended my career here in South Dakota, both beginning and end, and it’s been a good six years here that I’ve truly enjoyed.”

President Mendoza added a personal note about her own children, thanking Macziewski for her work with them.

Supt. Johnson announced that the other resignation on the consent agenda was from Tori Steineke, but this was for her coaching duties in junior high girls’ basketball and volleyball only. Steineke will continue to teach third grade.

Moving onto new business, Supt. Johnson said that he was happy to announce that Macziewski was nominated, and had been awarded, the Garretson School District Teacher of the Year. 

“Her career has spanned working in small schools, big schools and everywhere in between,” Supt. Johnson said. “When she came to us six years ago, we asked her to revamp our Title I program. Every year we’ve made small changes to make things better and when I say we, I mean mostly she. Kim has made a huge difference with our students who need a little bit of extra help. As she’s done her work, the care and concern she has for her students comes through and she presents a positive and calm manner and we see her encouragement not only with the kids but their parents and also other staff members. She has a true passion for helping kids to be the best they can, and we see that daily through her work in the classroom as well the hours that she spends working on school plays, and the hours and challenges it takes to make a student production successful.”

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UPDATE 3/20/25: In the March 13 issue of the Gazette the dates and times for Driver's Ed were incorrect in the meeting packet distributed by the school and in the board meeting. This has been corrected.

More cold weather expected, after a week of high winds and 70 degrees

Carrie Moritz
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More cold weather expected, after a week of high winds and 70 degrees

The saying is, "In like a lion, out like a lamb," and that remained true for last week's weather when, on Tuesday, March 3, winds gusted to over 50 mph with sustained winds over 30 mph. The highest recorded wind gust was 54 mph at 7:54 p.m. on Tuesday. 

Very little tree damage was reported, but one incidence of roof damage was found. Mike and Yvette Jacobson lost part of their roof (see photo), but thankfully were not injured.

roof damage on a trailer house
//photo submitted by Cameron Roberts

While March can get gusty, it was April 2022 that was the windiest month ever recorded in Sioux Falls. 

Near 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Garretson lost power for approximately an hour and a half. Initial reports from Xcel Energy had estimated a 2-hour or longer outage.

The temperature had dropped throughout the day, with its high of 47 degrees measured at 1:56 a.m. 

Much needed precipitation came down on Tuesday and Thursday last week. While Garretson didn't get as much snow as places to the south or east, earlier warmth made for a heavy, wet snow. Since January, the area has only recorded .78" of precipitation and very little to no snowpack. Seventy-two percent of South Dakota is currently at a moderate drought level, according to the National Weather Service, and the rest of the state is in a severe to extreme drought.

Temperatures are higher than normal and are all over the place, as Monday recorded a high of 71 and dropped back down into the 20's overnight, then recorded a high in the mid-40's on Tuesday. Mid-week temps were on the rise again with mid-to-high 60's yesterday and today (Thursday), but another system is predicted for Friday and Saturday that could bring both rain and snow. Next week's temps should be more like normal in the 30's, 40's, and even mid-50's.

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Conversations with Eddie, Part 3

Carrie Moritz
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Conversations with Eddie, Part 3

The last conversation we had with Eddie Edmundson we hinted about his hot-rodding days, so we decided to talk next with him about that time and some of his favorite cars.

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American Legion Aux. For March 6, 2025

Carrie Moritz
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American Legion Aux. For March 6, 2025
two men and two women standing together
(Second from right:) Cheryl Swenson, EMT of the Year 2025 for Post 23. //photo submitted
two women standing next to each other
Denise Schmidt, 2025 Auxiliary Member of the Year for Post 23. //photo submitted


Congratulations to Cheryl Swenson, Garretson SD Post 23 EMT of the Year. The purpose of this award is to recognize outstanding Emergency Medical Technicians, including paramedics, for their service and dedication to the health, safety and well-being of our citizens. Recipients may be volunteers or paid members of a municipal (city) or County Medical emergency agency. Below, Congratulations to the Garretson Auxiliary Unit 23 Member of the year Denise Schmidt!

The American Legion Auxiliary met on March 6 with a salad supper  followed by the 8:00 meeting which was convened by President, Cheryl.  Chaplain, Sue, led us in prayer.

Roll call indicated that one officer was absent.  The secretary’s report was read, approved and placed on file and the treasurer’s report was also read, approved and placed on file for audit.  Membership is now at 200 with more to come in.  Bingo was served at Palisade Healthcare in February with 18 residents participating and 6 volunteers.  Communications were read and there was one bill to be approved.  It was moved by Kathy to approve, seconded by Denise and the motion passed.  

Mary Ann Swenson was present to make a monetary donation to our auxiliary and a donation was given by Wilma Scheurs also.  Our thanks to these contributors!

We are sending four local girls to Girls’ State.  Cheryl and Kathy commented on the very good “Be the One” training that was given at the Midwinter  Conference in Oacoma.  The emphasis nation-wide for the Legion and Auxiliary is suicide prevention and promoting good mental health for our Veterans.

Our District 7 meeting is here on March 30.  We will be providing the food for the noon meal.  About 80 people are expected.  Social hour begins at 11:00, meal at 12:00 and meetings at 1:00.

April 6, Sunday, is the Legion pancake breakfast.  We will be supplying an Easter Bunny to greet the kids and two bikes will be given away.

Our unit member of the year is Denise Schmit.  She has been a great contributor to our auxiliary, serving as sergeant of arms as well as chairman of our poems and essays committee .  She has also made many other generous contributions.  She will be present at our district meeting here on March 30.

For our slate of officers for the upcoming year, a new chaplain will be needed.  We thank Sue Jensen for her continuous years  of service.  The unit scholarship is posted on line and applications are being accepted.

March 12 is Palisades Healthcare bingo and volunteers are being contacted.  April 3 is Legion steak night with the meal at 6:30 and meetings to follow.

Chaplain, Sue, closed our meeting with prayer and the door prize was won by Liz.

-Ethel Kurtz, Secretary

Potter puts herself in the action as legislative page

Carrie Moritz
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Potter puts herself in the action as legislative page

by Gracie Fiegen,

GHS Blue Ink 

There are many career exploration opportunities for Garretson High School students. One of these is being a South Dakotan Political Page. Eliza Potter took advantage of this chance applying for a position. She ventured to the South Dakota State Capitol building in Pierre over two weeks. Pages can be placed in the House or the Senate side of the legislature. Potter was placed in the Senate. 

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Districts a great success for young Blue Dragons

Carrie Moritz
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Districts a great success for young Blue Dragons

from Blue Dragon Youth Wrestling and staff reports

The Garretson Youth Wrestling team began their post-season by sending 31 wrestlers to Flandreau on March 8th to compete at the South Dakota Youth Wrestling District Tournament. 

To qualify for the Region Tournament, each wrestler needed to place in the Top 8 of their respective age and weight class. 

large group of young wrestlers in blue wrestling jerseys and adult coaches
2025 Youth Wrestlers at District Tournament this last weekend. //Photo courtesy Blue Dragon Wrestling

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Boys Varsity Basketball ends season in close loss to Baltic

Carrie Moritz
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Boys Varsity Basketball ends season in close loss to Baltic

The Garretson Boys' Varsity Basketball season came to an end after a heavily-fought game against Baltic last week Thursday, March 6. The rivals managed to eke out an edge the Dragons just couldn't overcome, despite several attempts throughout the game.

male basketball player working to run around defensive player
Cole Jessen //Garrick A. Moritz, Gazette

The two teams were evenly matched throughout the first quarter, as they each battled for the ball. Baltic scored first after several tries, but Garretson wasn't too far behind as Brecken Weir put in a 2-pointer only seconds later.  They ended the first quarter 7-9 after a last-second basket from the Dragons failed to sink.

Garretson's defense did well to block and keep the Bulldogs from getting too comfortable in the second quarter, but Baltic's strategy of waiting out the clock and keeping the ball on their side of the court proved to be successful in keeping the Dragons slightly behind throughout the rest of the game. They entered the half five points behind, 14-19.

Both teams entered the third quarter with a fire in their bellies as they gathered 17 points for the Dragons and 19 points for the Bulldogs. The teams went into the fourth with a 7-point spread, 31-38.

The advantage gave the Bulldogs the lead as they entered the decisive final quarter, but that's when the Dragons went for broke and kept the Bulldogs down to zero while they gathered 8 points, putting them ahead 39-38. With just under three minutes left on the clock, however, the Bulldogs took possession and went on their own run of eight points.

Despite attempts to close that gap, the Dragons just couldn't get the ball through the hoop, and the buzzer sounded with Garretson behind, 39-46.

In the next round of the quarterfinals, Baltic lost to Dell Rapids. The SoDak 16 was scheduled to play on Tuesday with Dells facing Rapid City Christian (results not available at press time).

Garretson ended its season with an overall win-loss score of 9-12. Kudos to the team, and to seniors Cole Jessen, Josh Gilbert, Ian Buettner, Treyton Decker, and Noah Schotzko, on a great season.

That’s a wrap

Carrie Moritz
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That’s a wrap

Girls basketball closes out 5-16 season during first round of region play

by Emma Wolf, GHS Blue Ink 

On Tuesday, February 25, the Lady Dragons’ basketball season came to an end after losing to the Quarriers with a score of 28-59. The season was filled with a roller coaster of emotions, but despite all the challenges, the girls pushed through finishing 5-16. 

female basketball player in white looking to shoot a ball while defensive guard in black stands beside her
Harper Andera looks to take a shot. //Garrick A Moritz, Gazette file photo

The season was marked by a mix of challenges and triumphs, but the girls continuously showed growth and improvement, both individually and as a team. 

Assistant Coach Amber Bos highlighted the team’s progress, “I think that we had a lot of good things happen and we had a lot of highs, and we improved a lot from the beginning of the year.” 

These moments of success were not just about the wins on the scoreboard but about their development on the court and the bonds they formed with each other. Tayler Benson and Ashley Harris were the two seniors that played this season and they were good role models for the younger players to look up to. 

“My favorite part of the season was getting the opportunity to play with the girls for one last season and watching the underclassmen grow and become great athletes,” stated Harris. 

Despite the season not going exactly the way they wanted to, the girls made the best of it and made some good memories along the way. 

Junior Brooklyn Trudeau stated, “My favorite memory was the hype sessions before the games.” 

Agreeing with Trudeau, junior Gracie Fiegen said that some of her favorite memories were made on the bus before games. 

This season also brought some new faces to the Lady Dragons’ roster. Eighth graders Harper Andera and Annalise Hoeck both got pulled up this year to play with the JV and Varsity, bringing a different energy and new talent to the team. This is the first time in memory that junior high students have been pulled up to play at a varsity level for girls’ basketball. Both girls have contributed to the team in many ways and quickly improved throughout the season. 

Bringing these girls up was a reminder to many that there is a bright future for the Lady Dragons and there is exciting potential for the years to come. The Lady Dragons have definitely grown throughout the season not only individually but also as a whole. 

Despite losing two seniors this year, the upcoming years seem promising. 

“I think we can be successful next year if we work together as a team and really put in the effort over the summer,” stated Fiegen. 

Following Fiegen’s statement, Head Coach Matt Schrank stated, “I’m excited about next year. We have a lot of young girls that got a lot of varsity playing time that they hadn’t before and I’m excited to see how they will grow.” 

While the Lady Dragons did not get the outcome that they had hoped for, the season showed a lot of growth and improvement for the girls. Through all the ups and downs, the team made some great memories, and there is a lot of promise for the future of the team. If the Lady Dragons are willing to put in the effort and hard work, next season will be looking bright for them.

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JV and C Team Blue Dragons finish out season

Carrie Moritz
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JV and C Team Blue Dragons finish out season

By Tad Heitkamp, Coach

Blue Dragons Pick Up 1st Win!

On February 22nd, 2025, the Blue Dragons C Team participated in a three team jamboree event down in Parker, which included Parker, Freeman, and the Garretson teams . The Blue Dragon took on the Flyers from Freeman in their first game of the day, which started off very well as they jumped out to a 14-4 lead after the opening quarter. Unfortunately, the Blue Dragons weren’t able to keep that momentum going the rest of the game as they were defeated 40-20. 

“I’ve never seen a team go ice cold in a matter of moments,” explained Heitkamp. “We were getting solid looks at the basket, but nothing was falling. I was overall pleased with our defensive play, but scoring on the offensive side just didn’t happen.” 

Ethan McGregor had a solid game netting 7 points, while Isaiah Coburn and Casen Smith added 4 more points each. Cooper Smith collected 3 points and Jackson Collins rounded out the scoring with 2 points.

In the final game of the day the Blue Dragons took on the host team Parker Pheasants. The Blue Dragons came out struggling again to get the basketball through the hoop as they faced a 20-12 deficit going into the final 6 minutes of play. 

“We couldn’t find any consistency with regards to our offense the first three quarters of play,” Heitkamp stated. “We were again getting quality looks, but nothing was dropping for us.” 

The Blue Dragons came out fired up the final quarter as they erased an 8 point lead from the Pheasants and pulled out a 25 to 21 victory giving them their first victory of the season. 

“I have no idea what clicked, but something happened that they were not going to be denied,” exclaimed Coach Heitkamp. “We were knocking down big shots and played unbelievable defense only giving up one point in the final stanza. The also went 4 of 6 from the charity strip sealing the victory.” 

Ethan McGregor had another nice game as he was the games leading scorer with 12 points. Isaiah Coburn added 5 point of his own, which included 3 free throws at the end securing a victory for the team. Cade Risty collected 3 points, as Myles Hanson and Michael Hanisch netted 2 points each. Casen Smith finished the night with 1 point.

 JV Team Falls To Dells

 On February 24th, 2025, the JV team stepped on the court for the final time in the 2024/2025 season as they played host to the Dell Rapids Quarriers. The opening quarter was back and forth with Dells holding a slight 8-6 lead after the first 6 minutes of the game. The Quarriers put the clamps down on the home team in the 2nd quarter holding the Blue Dragons to just 1 point, while extending their lead going into the locker room at halftime 16-7.

“We couldn’t throw the ball into the ocean that second quarter,” Heitkamp mentioned. “We were getting unbelievable looks at the hoop again, but we just couldn’t finish. Thank goodness we were playing solid defense, which keep us in the game.”

The Blue Dragons came out the 2nd half playing motivated basketball, but were not able to cut into the lead as Dell Rapids led 26-15 going into the final 6 minutes. The Blue Dragons had an offensive explosion the final stanza denting the nets for 14 points, but unfortunately fell a little short as the Quarriers snuck out a 32-29 victory.

“I can’t complain about our efforts the second half,” stated Coach Heitkamp. “The kids did everything asked of them, but it just wasn’t meant to be when the final buzzer sounded.”

Colton Buchholz was the games leading scorer this evening leading the Blue Dragons with 14 points. Ethan McGregor was able to drop down 10 points of his own, while Isaiah Coburn added another 5 points to the score column. The JV Team finished the season with a 10-8 record. The coaching staff once again wants to thank the family and fans for the support all season…see you all next year, so keep hooping!!

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SDHSAA board will elect four new members

Carrie Moritz
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SDHSAA board will elect four new members

By Dana Hess

For the S.D. NewsMedia Association

PIERRE — The board of directors of the South Dakota High School Activities Association will have quite a turnover this year as four of the positions on the nine-member board will be up for election. 

Member schools will be able to make nominations for those board positions at the association’s annual meeting on April 23. Seven positions on the board rotate among superintendents, high school principals and activities directors. Nominees must receive a majority of the votes cast. In the event no candidate receives a majority, a run-off election is held between the two candidates who have the highest vote totals. 

Three board members are at the end of five-year terms. They include:

•Current board chairman Marty Weismantel of Groton. He is the school board of education representative for small schools. 

•Division I Representative Ryan Rollinger of Harrisburg. Division I includes schools in Harrisburg, Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Nominees for this position must be activities directors. 

•East River At Large Representative Trent Osborne of Ipswich. The next representative must be a high school principal. 

At its meeting on Wednesday, the board accepted the resignation of Adam Shaw of Madison, the Division III representative. A high school principal at Madison, Shaw has accepted a position as superintendent and elementary principal at the Marion School District. The high school principal elected to replace Shaw will serve a three-year term. 

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