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Quiet scanners add another layer of opaqueness to law enforcement

Carrie Moritz
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Quiet scanners add another layer of opaqueness to law enforcement

Op-Ed By Dana Hess, South Dakota Searchlight

            Police are called on to “protect and serve.” In South Dakota that’s what they do, but they do it on their own terms. Too often those terms lack transparency.

            This became apparent again recently with the announcement that on Nov. 13, privately owned police scanners in the state’s two largest counties would go quiet as law enforcement agencies there will encrypt their radio traffic.

            The public will be shut out of listening to scanners in Minnehaha and Pennington counties. Officials described the change as an effort to protect law enforcement officers, witnesses and crime victims, according to a Rapid City Journal story about a press conference announcing the change.

            “The public has an expectation that if they call the police, we’re going to track down the suspects and apprehend them, and this job is difficult when the bad guy can listen to our playbook on their cell phone,” explained Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick.

            Keeping information away from the public seems to be baked into the DNA of South Dakota law enforcement. In this state, investigative reports for closed or inactive cases are not considered open records. Neither are calls for service.

            In South Dakota there is no requirement for releasing the tapes of 911 calls or body cam or dash cam video. Reporters who move to South Dakota from other states are often astonished at the amount of information that they can’t get from law enforcement.

            There have been some strides toward law enforcement transparency. About a decade ago, the Legislature approved allowing public access to a police log of incidents. Typically these are filled out with the sparest of language. What they lack in detail they make up for in brevity.

            In 2017, the Legislature approved releasing booking photos, also known as mug shots, for people who have been arrested for felonies. While this is some progress, note that it took new laws approved by the Legislature to provide access to those records. It’s hard to tell what any future attempts to add transparency to South Dakota law enforcement would look like. Republicans, who hold super majorities in both houses, were once known as the law and order party. With their leading candidate for the presidency facing four felony indictments, who’s to say what they believe these days.

            One of the largest line items in any city or county budget is law enforcement. Now, at least in Pennington and Minnehaha counties, the people whose taxes pay for that law enforcement will be shut out of knowing what their police agencies are up to when they hear the sirens blare.

            Newsrooms, too, traditionally monitor law enforcement scanners. It’s hard to tell people what’s going on in local public safety without the heads-up from scanner traffic.

            Recently, when six Brooklyn precincts encrypted their scanners without warning, the New York Daily News editorialized against the move, citing the need for news media access to what’s being said on the airwaves by police. “They hear the first, unfiltered version of crime reports, including police shootings of civilians, which is essential given that when police departments are in sole control of the narrative, they have an understandable incentive to recount events in a way that makes them look good,” the editorial explained.

            If this move against transparency continues, perhaps in the name of protecting officers they should all be made to wear plainclothes and drive unmarked vehicles. That way the public won’t be able to hear what they say or know where they are. If law enforcement in South Dakota gets any more opaque, soon the Crime Tips number will be unlisted.

            While the change to encrypted transmission may be inspired by increased safety for officers, it’s hard to remember an instance when law enforcement claimed lives were lost or witnesses jeopardized because of what someone heard on a police scanner. Open communication on police scanners has worked for decades, providing important tips for journalists and a window into what’s happening in the community for curious taxpayers.

South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence.

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Settlement over petition ban reached by Dakotans for Health, Minnehaha County

Carrie Moritz
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Settlement over petition ban reached by Dakotans for Health, Minnehaha County

By Dave Baumeister

County Correspondent

            SIOUX FALLS – At this week’s meeting, Minnehaha Commission Administrative Officer Tom Greco told county commissioners about a lawsuit settlement between the county and Dakotans for Health.

            On May 2, after less than two months month job, Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson brought a measure to the commission to ban petition gatherers from collecting signatures outside the county administration building’s main entrance, even though they had been able to do that for decades.

            Her proposal called for any people seeking signatures to be relegated to a small area in the main vehicle traffic area of the building’s parking lot.

            At the time the main group collecting signatures were members of Dakotans for Health, who were circulating petitions to have the principals of Roe vs. Wade codified in the South Dakota Constitution.

            Almost immediately after Anderson introduced her proposal and the county commissioners unanimously approved it, Rick Weiland and Dakotans for Health sued the county over restricting free speech.

            Judge Roberto Lange then issued an injunction to keep the ordinance from taking effect.

            Following that, Dakotans for Health and the county entered into litigation and negotiations over the ban, resulting in the settlement Greco spoke about at the meeting.

            While the commission still needs to adopt the settlement agreement next week, Greco explained that a new policy was drawn up by both Dakotans for Health and the county, which removed the previous “designated area” for signature gathering and adopted a “non-interference zone.”

            While this new policy is essentially the same rules as the county followed prior to Anderson’s May 2 proposal, it does establish that “non-interference zone” to the north of the main entrance and right at the doors.

            However, it still allows people to collect signatures and conduct other political activities to the immediate south side of the entrance.

            The agreement also details that people should not be harassed or followed into the building by political activists, but those conditions existed before.

            The settlement agreement also makes clear that, as the administration building is also a polling place, all political activities must cease during absentee balloting and election days.

            While Greco did seem to say there was no monetary amount involved in the litigations, court and legal fees were incurred.

Scott Wick wearing blue shirt standing at podium and speaking
The director of the Sioux Empire Fair, Scott Wick, gave a presentation to county commissioners on the 2023 fair held last August. Despite some bad weather, Wick explained, this event turned out to be one of the best ever, earning a $275,000 profit for the nine-day fair. (Photo by Dave Baumeister)

Cannabis: round 2

            Deputy auditor Kym Christiansen presented information to commissioners on the selection process for the county’s single medical marijuana dispensary license.

            Approximately two months ago, the previous licensee, Genesis Farms, LLC, forfeited the license it won in a lottery in December of 2021.

            This time around, Shangri-La Dispensaries of Brandon was the only outlet to apply for the forfeited license, so Christensen said it was automatically awarded to them.

            Even still, the license won’t be officially awarded until sometime early next year, after a review is completed by the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Department, the State’s Attorney and Planning and Zoning.

            The next commission meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, in the third-floor meeting room of the Minnehaha Administration building at 6th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls.

Alliance gives $1,000 to the Food Pantry, encourages all to give generously this holiday season

Carrie Moritz
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Alliance gives $1,000 to the Food Pantry, encourages all to give generously this holiday season

            The Garretson Food Pantry works with the school's backpack program. They currently send 20 backpacks home with children every weekend. Each backpack feeds 2 kids allowing them to feed 40 kids per weekend.

two women standing together in a food pantry holding a check
Sam Williamson of Alliance presented food pantry volunteer Kris Frerk with a check for $1,000 to supplement the Backpacks for Kids program.

            Alliance Communications' recent promotion allowed them to donate $1,000 to the Garretson food pantry on Monday. When a customer upgraded old equipment (router or TV set top box), Alliance donated $10 per piece of equipment into the fund.

            The food pantry buys the goods they need from the Garretson Food Center and the food pantry is funded locally by the community through donations.

            If you have the need, the Garretson Food Pantry operates by appointment.  The contact information to set up a time is posted on their door.

            Any donation is appreciated, but here are a few items they could use: Cereal, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, hamburger/chicken/tuna helper, canned chicken, tuna, fruit cups, pudding cups, hygiene products.

            Thank you for helping those in need!

South Dakota leads in DUI fatalities over Thanksgiving weekend

Carrie Moritz
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South Dakota leads in DUI fatalities over Thanksgiving weekend

By Jacob Boyko

South Dakota News Watch

            The Jerry AllCar App has some sobering news for South Dakota drivers this Thanksgiving. The state ranks No. 1 for the percentage of fatal car accidents involving drunken drivers during the holiday.

            Over recent Thanksgiving weekends, which begin 6 p.m. Wednesday and last until 6 a.m. Monday, the state saw an average of 0.79 drunken driving fatalities per 100,000 people.

car flipped upside down with police lights behind it
Authorities said the driver of this car was charged with driving under the influence after rolling it on a Lincoln County road in 2016. A 2022 Forbes survey found 52% of South Dakota drivers have seen someone they know drive drunk after a holiday party. (Photo: Lincoln County Sheriff's Office)

            That means 57% of the total fatal crashes involved drunken drivers.

            The vehicle fatality report shows South Dakota far ahead of runners-up North Dakota and South Carolina at 0.55 and 10th-place Nebraska at 0.35 per 100,000 people between 2012 and 2021.

            The report is a blow to Chris Olson, an associate professor of computer science at Dakota State University in Madison. He's been warning people about the consequences of drunken driving since Good Friday 2001 when he found himself paralyzed on the side of a road near Madison after he and his fiancee got into a vehicle with an impaired driver.

            "We were smart enough to know all of us shouldn't drive vehicles, so we all got into one vehicle," Olson recounted about the night. "It's a 13-and-a-half mile drive, we made it 12-and-a-half before entering the ditch and we hit an approach."

            Olson, who was 23, wasn't wearing a seat belt. He was thrown from the backseat of the vehicle and broke his neck. His fiancee, 21-year-old Tana Thompson, was ejected from the passenger seat and killed.

            "She was a DSU student going to school for teaching, and she loved kids and loved teaching," Olson said. "We had hoped to spend our lives together, have a family, help on the farm and have the American dream."

            Though his crash was Easter weekend, the premise is the same, Olson said. People, especially young people, are coming home to hang out during the holiday weekend. And nobody thinks they will be the ones to get into an accident.

            In fact, the average drunken driver will have driven impaired about 80 times before his or her first arrest, said Rachel Martens, manager of victim services for the South Dakota chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

            "The choice of an individual to take an impairing substance and then drive has long-lasting effects on every sphere of their life," she said. "Drunk and drugged driving is not an accident. It is a choice that can lead to a car crash, and that choice changes individuals' and families' lives forever."

            A 2022 Forbes survey found 52% of South Dakota drivers have seen someone they know drive drunk after a holiday party, which is the highest in the country.

            Olson went on to graduate from DSU with bachelor's and master's degrees in information systems, earned his doctorate from Northcentral University and got married in 2016.

            But the impact from choices made that night remains.

            He's paralyzed from the shoulders down. He has some movement in his arms but none in his hands, so he types with plastic sticks or uses voice recognition software. He faces increasing health challenges related to the accident and can't walk, get out of bed on his own, feed himself, dress himself or do many of things he could before that night.

            Despite the troubling Thanksgiving statistics, South Dakota is making headway, said South Dakota Highway Patrol Capt. Robert Whisler.

            "Our percentage of alcohol-related fatalities is at a five-year low," he said. "To this day, it's a 35% decrease from last year at this time."

            Whisler said Highway Patrol and other law enforcement personnel will be out running sobriety checkpoints, which he hopes will be a deterrence for anyone considering taking the risk.

            "South Dakota motorists are aware that we conduct sobriety checkpoints," he said. "And with that information, we hope the public makes a better decision before they decide to get behind the wheel."

            South Dakota defines drunken driving as anyone operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content greater than 0.08%, or while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescribed medication that renders them incapable of safely operating a vehicle.

            Drivers operating commercial vehicles are held to stricter 0.04% limit, and anyone under 21 years old is held to a 0.02% limit.

            According to Responsibility.org, South Dakota reported 5,522 drunken driving arrests in 2019, with 60 of those arrested being minors.

A first-time conviction for driving under the influence in South Dakota carries a maximum penalty of up to a year in jail, a $2,000 fine and a license suspension of at least 30 days.

            Despite the overall improvements, Olson said it's disheartening to learn that even after 20 years of trying to educate those around him, drunken driving is still so prevalent in South Dakota.

— This article was produced by South Dakota News Watch, a non-profit journalism organization located online at sdnewswatch.org.

As South Dakota veteran population declines, honor guards carry on

Carrie Moritz
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As South Dakota veteran population declines, honor guards carry on

By Stu Whitney

South Dakota News Watch

(Editor's Note: The story published in the November 23, 2023 issue of the Gazette was an abridged version. The full version is below.)

It was 2017 when Tony Gonsor, a 74-year-old Vietnam veteran and Custer resident, took charge of the community’s veterans honor guard, presenting military honors at funerals and on holidays such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

He quickly realized that there was no shortage of funerals for veterans at Black Hills National Cemetery and other sites, but finding able-bodied veterans to fill out the honor guard was a challenge.

Several older men in dress blues military uniform standing at attention in a line
The Custer Veterans Honor Guard presents military honors at funerals and on holidays such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. “The average age is around 70, and a lot of them are slowing down,” said organizer Tony Gonsor. Finding new members has been a challenge. (Photo: Submitted)

“The average age is around 70, and a lot of them are slowing down,” said Gonsor. “We’re always trying to find younger members.”

The problem is emblematic of a larger trend in South Dakota, where the number of military veterans has declined nearly 20% since 2010, from 69,780 to 56,590, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Veterans comprise 8.3% of the state’s adult population, down from 11.4% in 2010 but still more than the national average of 6.2%.

South Dakota ranks 22nd among U.S. states in the number of veterans per 100,000 adult residents, ahead of neighboring states North Dakota (25th), Nebraska (30th), Iowa (35th) and Minnesota (41st).

Only 176 veterans of WWII in state

For Gonsor, honor guard duties were traditionally filled by those who served in World War II, Korea or Vietnam, proud members of the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars who faced the inevitable drumbeat of time, accelerated in some cases by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Census data show that there are just 176 World War II veterans (0.3%) alive in South Dakota, compared with the Korean War (2,056; 3.6%) and Vietnam (19,363; 34.2%). Those who served in the Gulf War before 9/11 (15,116; 26.7%) and after 9/11 (16,317; 28.8%) make up the majority in the state.

Connie Johnson, president of the South Dakota Veterans Council, pointed to research that veterans under age 65 are more likely than their older peers to seek mental health counseling, with services increasingly available through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

“A lot of older veterans were in organizations like the VFW and American Legion, and that’s where they went to find that camaraderie,” said Johnson. “In some ways, that served as mental health therapy for them. You see less of the (Gulf War veterans) in those groups because they can seek treatment and camaraderie through different levels of resources available.”

Military rites include 21-gun salute

Gonsor’s first step in reviving the Custer Veterans Honor Guard was combining the ranks of Custer Post 46 and VFW Post 3442. That increased the number of volunteers available to perform military ceremonies such as the playing of taps, flag presentations and the 21-gun salute.

Still, there were growing pains as the squad – ranging in age from 47 to 85 – accepted requests to appear at sites throughout the southern Black Hills, as many as three funerals a month in addition to special ceremonies.

“Six years ago, there weren’t two guys dressed the same,” Gonsor said of the squad. “Now everybody has a uniform and we’re all on the same page most of the time. A lot of the ceremonial weapons were showing their age for a while and would sometimes misfire. But now we’ve got a good set of rifles, the same type used in World War II.”

It takes 14 volunteers to pull off each ceremony, with color guard, firing squad, bugler, officer of the day and commander. One of the more notable recent events was the 75th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2019, at the 1881 Courthouse Museum in Custer.

Among the World War II veterans honored at that event was Harold Stickney of Custer, who served in 41 missions as an engineer gunner on a B-24 in the U.S. Air Force. Stickney was a member of American Legion Post 46 and served as mayor of Custer.

This year, Gonsor’s crew will perform a military salute on Veterans Day at Custer Veterans Park.

The honor guard suspended operations for a year during the pandemic and is still trying to meet the demand of military burials. The state Department of Health estimates that 3,281 people died from COVID-19 in South Dakota, with the elderly most at risk.

“Once we started back up, we were busy just about every weekend,” Gonsor said. “With the cremation process, a lot of (veterans) were sitting on the shelf waiting to be buried. We’re close to getting caught up.”

'How can we help them?'

Connie Johnson served in the Army from 2002-05, spending 11 months in northern Iraq during the Second Gulf War. She received a Purple Heart for injuries suffered when her 101st Military Police Company convoy was struck by a roadside bomb.

woman in military camo uniform saluting while standing near a gravestone
Connie Johnson, president of the South Dakota Veterans Council, said that paying tribute to those who served their country should be prioritized. “No matter where you go, there’s someone whose life has been affected by the service," she said. (Photo: Submitted)

She was able to return to duty but dealt with nerve damage and post-traumatic stress disorder after returning to South Dakota, with scars on her neck as a remnant of war.

Her South Dakota Veterans Council role keeps her active in advocating for former soldiers, with the recognition of changing times and shifting needs. In South Dakota, 12.4% of military veterans are female, according to Census data, compared to 7.7% in 2010.

More than one-third of all veterans in the state are under the age of 55. A recent study by the Rand Corp. showed that post-9/11 veterans are more diverse and educated than their older cohorts but also more likely to meet the criteria for serious psychological distress.

“As society changes, veterans change,” said Johnson, noting the protests and resentment that many Vietnam veterans faced upon returning home. “War is the same, people are the same, but the way we deal with our veterans has evolved. It's more accepted today for veterans to seek mental health care because our society is recognizing that there are problems. There’s more willingness to say, ‘How can we help them?’”

Suicide rate for vets higher than civilians

In 2020, the suicide rate for veterans was 57% higher than for non-veteran adults, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Earlier this year, the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center campus was expanded with a mental health outpatient clinic focused on substance abuse, vocational rehabilitation and suicide prevention services.

Some veterans still find solace and support in groups such as the American Legion and VFW, while others take a more personalized approach.

“I love the civic duty and being around that atmosphere,” said Johnson, a South Dakota State University alum who serves as the school’s coordinator of veteran affairs. “Other people do not. They don’t like talking about their experiences or being reminded of them, or maybe they prefer to do it behind closed doors with a counselor. It’s about figuring out what works best.”

Gonsor was drafted into the Army in 1969 and served 14 months in Vietnam as a combat engineer and gunner. Part of his inspiration for the honor guard comes from his late father, a World War II veteran.

“I went to the VSO (Veterans Service Officer) to inquire about military rites and was told they would take care of it,” said Gonsor. “On the day of the funeral, we went to the cemetery and there was no military presence there. I vowed to myself that I would never let that happen again.”

Part of that means finding younger honor guard members, with Custer County a good place to recruit. It ranks first among South Dakota counties in percentage of adults who are military veterans (15.2%), followed by Fall River (14.1%), Meade (13.2%), Pennington (11.9%) and Day (11.7%).

Honor guard finds new members

Helping with the youth movement is Richard Bierle and his wife, Kristen, who are members of American Legion Post 46. In August 2023, Kristen became the first female member of the honor guard by helping to provide military honors at the funeral of a Custer veteran.

Their son, Brandon, a senior at Custer High School, has served as a flag bearer in the color guard and will soon be trained as a member of the firing squad, bringing youthful energy to the corps at a time when it’s much needed.

That’s a source of satisfaction for Johnson, who doesn’t believe the dwindling number of veterans in South Dakota should impact the legacies of those who came before.

To help do that, she started the Freedom Acres initiative in which she puts on her uniform upon request and delivers flowers to the gravesites of veterans whose families want to memorialize their service.

“I feel like we need to continue to have these remembrances,” she said. “No matter where you go, there’s someone whose life has been affected by the service. Whether it’s at a funeral or Veterans Day or Memorial Day, these things are worth acknowledging.”

As for Gonsor, his future plans were made clear to his fellow honor guard veterans.

“I’m going to end up in the National Cemetery up in Sturgis – that’s my next move,” he said. “I told the guys that it would be an honor for them to bury me.”

— This article was produced by South Dakota News Watch, a non-profit journalism organization located online at sdnewswatch.org.

Vaccinations slump as SD Health Department reorganizes community health system

Carrie Moritz
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Vaccinations slump as SD Health Department reorganizes community health system

By Jacob Boyko

South Dakota News Watch

            Quiet changes made to the South Dakota Department of Health's Community Health Services and the Women, Infants and Children program have left many counties without resident community health nurses, exacerbating an already-declining trend in some vaccinations across the state. 

girl getting vaccinated
Photo by CDC on Pexels.com

            Clay County Commission chair Betty Smith told South Dakota News Watch that her county reported zero vaccinations in the month of September after the DOH restructured community health and told its staff they could choose to work either in WIC or community health but not both, as they had before.

            When Clay County nurses opted to work for WIC, there was suddenly nobody allowed to administer vaccines.

            "Vaccinations occur when mothers come in for WIC services, and they're not happening," Smith said. "This is a system guaranteed to decrease the vaccination rate."

            Clay County now shares a community health nurse with neighboring Lincoln County. Smith has concerns about the long-term effectiveness.

            "...The Lincoln County nurse is really, really busy and doesn't have time," she said. "We've had from the end of August to (the end of October) two nurse visits, and we used to have three days a week of nursing service."

Graphic courtesy South Dakota Department of Health

            Smith said she was told the nurse wouldn't come to Clay County for single vaccinations, and they would instead have to bundle services with other clients on specific days.

            "For people who are working, they have to take time off from work for which they are likely not paid to go to these appointments," Smith said. "If you live in poverty, you don't have the capacity to decide necessarily when you can go and do these things."

            DOH told commissioners during a Nov. 6 call that the restructure addresses the "changing needs of our clients and citizens of South Dakota" while also helping the WIC program stay within budget, which they said has been exceeded by $1.2 million.

            "Our public health infrastructure, which kind of started with WIC, was built around having nurses provide WIC services," DOH Office of Child and Family Services administrator Katelyn Strasser told commissioners. "And it can be costly."

            Strasser told commissioners she wants to get the service to a point where it will no longer rely on federal assistance or an increase of state assistance.

            After nurses were given the choice between working for community health or WIC, 18 went to WIC and 35 chose public health nursing, according to DOH.

            Smith said she did not receive any official communication about the change in her county, only hearing about the restructure from her county's WIC staff weeks later.

            "We weren't consulted whatsoever in this restructure, and I think that's problematic," said Klimisch, who told News Watch he didn't receive official communication either. "We're supposed to be have a partnership with the state on county public health, and the counties have an interest in public health and the welfare of our citizens."

            Yankton County Commission chair Don Kettering said he didn't receive official communication either but is open to the changes.

            "If you're going to not raise property taxes and other taxes, (the money's) got to come from some place if you're going to keep funding all of these things, and I think that's their challenge," Kettering told News Watch.

            South Dakota Codified Law Chapter 28-13 requires counties to assist their residents who are unable to pay for necessary medical care. Klimisch fears with less available service, more people will need relief.

            "If people aren't getting the care ahead of time to fix health issues, they may become much more expensive to the counties down the line," he said.

            DOH said the restructuring does not equate to less service.

            "I think there may be a little bit of a misconception that we're taking away public health nursing services, that maybe if the nurse in your county chose (to work with) WIC and is now working full time at WIC that you'll be receiving less public health services, and that's just not our intent at all," Strasser told commissioners.

            DOH also told commissioners clients felt they were "receiving too many services at the same time," and that they would go to the office for WIC not realizing they'd be getting immunizations, pregnancy care appointments or other services that could prolong the appointment.

            Officials from the Department of Health declined an interview and instead sent a statement from Secretary of Health Melissa Magstadt.

            "Client satisfaction surveys indicated that they wanted different service delivery options and that receiving several services in the same appointment was burdensome and too time consuming," she said.

            Strasser said having shorter appointments will help people who work by requiring them to take less time off. But she didn't say anything about the decrease in service days or possibility of needing to make two or more appointments to receive WIC and community health care. She also highlighted a push to schedule entire families into one appointment to increase efficiency.

            Klimisch is concerned about what may be down the line.

            "There's a history of the state just dropping these responsibilities onto the counties with no monetary way for us to pay for them," Klimisch said. "It's very troubling and I hope it's not what's happening here, but it certainly seems like that."

— This article was produced by South Dakota News Watch, a non-profit journalism organization located online at sdnewswatch.org.

Public Notices published November 23, 2023

Carrie Moritz
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Public Notices published November 23, 2023

Minutes of the Garretson School District #49-4 for Nov. 13, 2023

Regular Meeting    Garretson School District #49-4    6:00 p.m.    November 13, 2023

            Present: Board President Shannon Nordstrom, Board Vice President Andy Hulscher, Board Member Tana Clark, Board Member Wyatt Compton, Board Member Jodi Gloe, Superintendent Guy Johnson, & Business Manager Jacob Schweitzer. Others present: Elementary Principal Katie Hoekman, MS/HS Principal Chris McGregor, Jacki Liester, Natasha Mendoza, Garrick Moritz, Kathi Nolz, Amy Pullman, Randall Pullman, Kelli Schleuter, and many others. Others that were present did not sign in and are unable to be recorded in the minutes.

            At 6:00 p.m., the Board convened in the Library for its regular meeting of the Garretson School Board. All votes are unanimous, unless specifically noted in the minutes. 

            President Nordstrom led the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed guests and visitors.

            President Nordstrom called for any additions or corrections to the Board agenda. There was one addition presented. President Nordstrom requested an item be included at the end of the agenda before executive session, to appoint a hearing officer in executive session regarding a student matter.

            Action 24-046: Motion by Compton, second by Clark, to approve the agenda as presented with the proposed addition. Motion carried.

            Natasha Mendoza spoke during the Open Forum portion of the meeting. She discussed the restrictions placed on children at the school’s activities/sporting events and her perception of negative effects it is having on the community.

            Action 24-047: Motion by Clark, second by Gloe, to start the review process at the December 11, 2023 board meeting of the board policies as it relates to child and community expectations at school related events. Motion carried.

            Action 24-048: Motion by Hulscher, second by Compton, to approve the following consent agenda items as presented. Approval of October 9, 2023 regular board meeting minutes, approval of October 24, 2023 special board meeting minutes, approval of November 6, 2023 special board meeting minutes, approval of payments for October 2023 claims, approval of the financial statements for October 2023, approval of October 2023 payroll, approval of November 1, 2023 fuel quotes, Diesel Fuel from Palisades Oil - $3.309, and 10% Ethanol from Palisades Oil - $2.489, and approval of surplus property, which consists of four ThinkPad X130e machines, sixteen Thinkcentre M71z machines, two HP P4015N printers and four Epson projectors. Motion carried.

GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT #49-4

CLAIMS PAID NOVEMBER 13, 2023

GENERAL FUND

A-OX WELDING SUPPLY CO., INC., AG. CYLINDER RENTALS, $59.95; ACCESS SYSTEMS, COPIER/PRINTER STAPLES- REFILL, $65.89; ALL AROUND WELDING, BUS MAINTENANCE/SUPPLIES, $525.00; ALLIANCE COMMUNICATIONS, NOVEMBER 2023 INTERNET & PHONE SERVICES, $837.00; ASSOCIATED SCHOOL BOARDS OF SOUTH DAKOTA, SCHOOL LAW SEMINAR- 10/18/2023, $125.00; AUTOMATIC BUILDING CONTROLS, ANNUAL MONITORING CONTRACT- 11/1/2023-10/31/2024, $480.00; BASS, DENAE, MATH CURRICULUM BUNDLE- REIMBURSEMENT, $50.00; BENNETT, LIZ, FALL EVENT TICKET TAKING, $40.00; BENSON, TAYLER, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $120.00; BONTE, NORA, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $150.00; BRANDON ACE HARDWARE, SAW BLADES, $249.17; BUCHHOLZ, KELSEY, JOURNALISM ANALYSIS/EVALUATION SUPPLIES- REIMBURSEMENT, $58.03; CARROLL INSTITUTE, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023 CONTRACT, $1,536.00; CITY OF GARRETSON, GAS/SEWER/WATER, $2,644.35; CLIMATE SYSTEMS, INC., ACTUATOR MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS/SERVICE CONTRACT, $10,179.29; DE WITTE, JORDAN, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $130.00; DEBATES, KASSIDY, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $60.00; DON’S AUTO & TIRE CO., MTP 48/H6 BATTERY FOR 2011 BLUE GRAND CARAVAN, $175.95; ELLIS, KODIE, FALL EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER, $20.00; ELO’S CPA & ADVISORS, FISCAL YEAR 2023 AUDIT SERVICES, $7,500.00; FIEGEN, GRACIE, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $30.00; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, ACCUTRAIN CORPORATION- CONFFERENCE REGISTRATION, $3,208.00; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- CLEAR PLASTIC STORAGE BINS, $108.22; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- CONAIR HAIR DRYER, $9.98; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- MOUSE PAD, $10.89; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- SPECIMEN CUPS, $28.98; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, CRISIS PREVENTION INSTITUTE- COURSE WORKBOOKS, $422.91; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, FLYBOY DONUTS- IN-SERVICE BREAKFAST, $129.19; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, HOTELS.COM- CREDIT FOR HOTEL ROOMS, ($1,071.12); FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, MARRIOTT MARQUIS CHICAGO- CONFERENCE HOTEL, $1,263.24; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, SAWSTOP- ARBOR NUT, $118.32; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, SDASBO CONFERENCE- REGISTRATION CREDIT, ($100.00); FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, SOUTH DAKOTA MUSIC EDUCATION ASSOCIATION- MEMBERSHIP, $103.00; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, SHAPE SOUTH DAKOTA- CONFERENCE REGISTRATION, $220.00; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, TRAVEL GUARD- FLIGHT INSURANCE, $56.00; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, UNITED AIRLINES- TRAVEL TO CHICAGO FOR CONFERENCE, $711.24; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE- POSTAGE, $8.56; FIRST DAKOTA INDEMNITY CO., WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE- ENDORSEMENT #1, $2,695.00; GARRETSON FOOD CENTER, LAUNDRY DETERGENT/SCIENCE CLASS SUPPLIES, $26.84; GARRETSON GAZETTE, AUDIT FISCAL AFFAIRS/SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES PUBLICATION, $374.78; GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT, OCTOBER 2023 IMPREST ACCOUNT REIMBURSEMENT, $6,994.71; GRAHAM TIRE, TIRES FOR SILVER VAN, $527.56; GUARANTEE ROOFING & SHEET METAL, ROOF LEAK ABOVE KITCHEN- REPAIR, $379.18; GUIJARRO ALIER, LAURA, FALL EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER, $20.00; HANSEN, JADA, FALL EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER, $20.00; HARRIS, ASHLEY, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $100.00; HEALTHEQUITY, HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT CONTRIBUTIONS/FEES, $200.00; HERMANSON, ZACHARY, FALL EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER, $20.00; HILLYARD, CLEANING/MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES, $3,849.46; HORACE MANN, SEPTEMBER 2023 ADMIN. FEES/OCTOBER 2023 PAYROLL ACH’S/FEES, $526.63; HOSKINS, DAN, FALL EVENT CLOCK/SCOREBOARD, $40.00; HOVE, ADDISON, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $80.00; HOWE, BEV, FALL EVENT CLOCK/SCOREBOARD, $40.00; HOWE, BETSY, CHILD ABUSE CONFERENCE- REGISTRATION REIMBURSEMENT, $150.00; INNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS, LLC, CLASSROOM & OFFICE SUPPLIES, $60.50; INTELLIPRO SECURITY, LLC, BUS CAMERAS, $584.44; JOHNSON, GUY, MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT- SCHOOL LAW SEMINAR, $159.12; JUHL, DANIKA, FALL EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER, $40.00; KOCH, KAYLIN, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $80.00; KSB SCHOOL LAW, TITLE IX EMPLOYEE TRAINING, $50.00; LASTING IMPRESSIONS UNLIMITED, INC., SOCCER AWARDS, $52.50; M.J. DALSIN, INC., LEAK REPAIR/MAINTENANCE, $452.12; MAC DOCTORS, MACBOOK AIR REPAIR, $592.00; MIDWEST BUS PARTS, INC., PARK BRAKE, $196.85; NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY, FALL 2023 DIGITAL TEXTBOOKS, $673.79; NORTHRUP, NORINDA, BINDER- REIMBURSEMENT, $17.50; OFFICE OF WEIGHTS & MEASURES, RETAIL SCALES, $56.00; OLSON’S PEST TECHNICIANS, BIMONTHLY PEST CONTROL SERVICES, $95.00; OLSON, SYDNEY, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $80.00; PALISADES OIL, CO., BULK FUEL, $3,445.65; PALISADES PROPANE, CO., BULK PROPANE, $822.69; PETERSON, CHARLI, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $50.00; POPPLERS MUSIC, INC., BAND MUSIC/INSTRUMENT REPAIRS, $167.98; RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT REPAIR, BREAKER ISSUE- MAINTENANCE, $243.84; ROBERTS, CAMERON, FALL EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER, $60.00; RODNEY LOWE CONSTRUCTION, LOT GRADING, $96.94; ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL ORAL INTERP., ORAL INTERP ENTRY FEES- 10/27/2023, $12.00; ROTERT, JACKIE, FALL EVENT CLOCK/SCOREBOARD, $320.00; ROTERT, MACI, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $90.00; SCHOOL SPECIALTY, LLC, PAPER ROLLS/PLASTIC BINDING, $301.24; SCHRANK, MATT, MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT- E-RATE TRAINING, $27.95; SOUTH DAKOTA SOCIETY FOR TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION, 2023-2024 MEMBERSHIP, $30.00; SIKKINK, AUBREY, FALL EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER, $20.00; STURDEVANT’S AUTO PARTS, TEFLON TAPE/WEATHER STRIPPING, $34.06; SWATEK, BRYN, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $60.00; SYSA, ISABELLA, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $120.00; THOMAS, COLEENA, FALL EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER, $20.00; TOM HILSENDEGER REFEREE SERVICES, 2023 SOCCER OFFICIATING SERVICES, $169.00; TWO WAY SOLUTIONS, INC., BUS MAINTENANCE/LICENSING RENEWAL, $571.91; WAGEWORKS, OCTOBER 2023 ACH FEES, $967.98; WAGNER, ALEAH, JUNIOR HIGH VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL, $90.00; WALTMAN, CONNER, FALL EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER, $20.00; WASTE MANAGEMENT, NOVEMBER 2023 GARBAGE & RECYCLING SERVICES, $686.75; WRIGHT SPECIALTY PREMIUM TRUST, INSURANCE PREMIUM- ELECTRIC BUSES, $3,777.00; XCEL ENERGY, AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2023 ELECTRICITY, $10,085.98; ZWEEP, AVERY, FALL EVENT VIDEOGRAPHER, $20.00;

TOTAL GENERAL FUND, $71,807.99

CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND

            ACCESS SYSTEMS, NOVEMBER 2023 SERVICES/PRINTER SERVICES, $1,685.63; APPTEGY, INC., THRILLSHARE ROOMS SUBSCRIPTION, $5,665.00; HAUFF MID-AMERICA SPORTS, WRESTLING SINGLETS, $1,258.95; IXL LEARNING, INC., LICENSE SUBSCRIPTION, $4,375.00; JJ’S ELECTRIC, EV BUS CHARGERS- INSTALLATION, $7,033.00;

TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND, $20,017.58

SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND

            A TO Z WORLD LANGUAGES, INC., INTERPRETER SERVICES, $250.00; CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY, SEPTEMBER 2023 TUITION, $2,571.27; GOODCARE, LLC, SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2023 SERVICES, $12,960.45; ISI, LLC, OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023 INTERPRETER SERVICES, $12,292.50; LIFESCAPE, SEPTEMBER 2023 SERVICES/TUITION, $8,119.50; PRAIRIE LAKES EDUCATIONAL COOPERATIVE, OCTOBER 2023 SERVICES, $3,333.91; SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS OF SOUTH DAKOTA, 504 WORKSHOP, $50.00; TEACHWELL SOLUTIONS, AUGUST-OCTOBER 2023 SERVICES, $26,959.00;

TOTAL SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND, $66,536.63

CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND

MAMMOTH SPORTS CONSTRUCTION, COMPLEX PROJECT- APPLICATION #6, $101,905.29;

TOTAL CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND, $101,905.29

FOOD SERVICE FUND

            LUNCHTIME SOLUTIONS, INC., SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2023 FOOD SERVICES, $66,904.27;

TOTAL FOOD SERVICE FUND, $66,904.27

CUSTODIAL FUND

            FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- CAN OPENER, $14.90; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, DOLLAR GENERAL- BINGO PRIZES, $65.83; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, DOLLAR GENERAL- ELEMENTARY SUPPLIES, $13.70;

TOTAL CUSTODIAL FUND, $94.43

TOTAL CLAIMS: $327,266.19

IMPREST CHECKS

OCTOBER 2023

GENERAL FUND IMPREST CHECKS

BIG EAST CONFERENCE, ORAL INTERP. TOURNAMENT ENTRIES, $25.00; BLEGEN, MICHAEL, VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL- 10/2/2023, $119.72; BOSCH, RANDI, VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL- 10/20/2023, $129.38; BRANDON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, ORAL INTERP. ENTRIES, $24.00; BROOKING SPEECH & DEBATE, FALL FESTIVAL ORAL INTERP. ENTRIES, $15.00; BUCHHOLZ, KELSEY, PRAXIS TEST- REIMBURSEMENT, $138.06; CASH, BIG EAST CONFERNCE CHOIR REGISTRATION FEES, $70.00; CASH, CHOIR REGISTRATION FEES/MEAL MONEY, $66.00; CASH, ALL-STATE CHOIR MEAL MONEY, $420.00; CHRISTENSEN, JILL, VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL- 10/5/2023, $163.04; DIVISION OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION, BACKGROUND CHECK, $43.25; DUNCANSON, BRIAN, SOCCER OFFICIAL- 9/30/2023, $102.24; FIEST, DANIEL, VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL- 10/20/2023, $120.08; FIRST DAKOTA INDEMNITY CO., POLICY TERM 7/1/2022-7/1/2023 INSURANCE ADJUSTMENT, $3,164.00; HESLER, LOUIS, SOCCER OFFICIAL- 9/30/2023, $126.10; JESSE JAMES ROAD RACE, WORLD STRIDES CHECK- REIMBURSEMENT, $113.00; KOERNER, HERBIE, FOOTBALL OFFICIAL- 10/6/2023, $133.28; LEE, TREVOR, SOCCER OFFICIAL- 9/30/2023, $74.32; PARKER VOLLEYBALL FUND, JUNIOR VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT ENTRY FEE, $70.00; PIERSON, DEAN, VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL- 10/24/2023, $114.68; PIERSON, ROD, VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL- 10/24/2023, $156.92; REINESCH, TREVOR, FOOTBALL OFFICIAL- 10/6/2023, $137.24; REISDORFER, JASON, VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL- 10/10/2023, $120.80; ROOK, BRIAN, VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL- 10/10/2023, $177.32; SIOUX FALLS CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL, REGION 2A CROSS COUNTRY MEET EXPENSES, $197.08; SNELL, KRISTEN, ACTIVITY TICKETS- REIMBURSEMENT, $150.00; SOULEK, TY, FOOTBALL OFFICIAL- 10/6/2023, $151.28; SOUTH DAKOTA MOTOR VEHICLES DIVISION, ELECTRIC BUSES- PLATE/TITLE FEES, $80.10; STITZ, JILL, VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL- 10/5/2023, $122.60; WEBER, DOUG, FOOTBALL OFFICIAL- 10/6/2023, $189.26; WEED, KIM, VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL- 10/2/2023, $136.52; WEIER, NATHAN, FOOTBALL OFFICIAL- 10/6/2023, $144.44;

TOTAL GENERAL FUND IMPREST CHECKS, $6,994.71;

TOTAL IMPREST CHECKS: $6,994.71

Financial Report

            The Business Manager presented a financial report of cash balances, expenditures, and receipts for the month of October 2023 as listed below:

            Cash Balances as of October 31, 2023: General Fund: $52,859.82; Capital Outlay Fund: $1,189,811.58; Special Education Fund: $85,928.48; Capital Projects Fund: $207,001.51; Food Service Fund: $316,035.84; Driver’s Education Fund: $10,212.22; Preschool Fund: ($16,417.91); Custodial Fund: $119,812.00.

            Expenditures: General Fund: ACH Fees, $112.40; Claims, $62,665.77; Payroll, $301,600.92; Capital Outlay Fund: Claims, $1,133,916.97; Special Education Fund: Claims, $17,319.17; Payroll, $57,009.89; Food Service Fund: Claims, $12,714.73; Preschool Fund: Payroll, $9,236.62; Custodial Fund: ACH Fees, $1,582.21; Claims, $64,266.13.

Receipts: General Fund: Local Sources, $46,835.71; Intermediate Sources, $1,363.46; State Sources, $203,701.00; Capital Outlay Fund: Local Sources, $22,528.40; Special Education Fund: Local Sources, $14,273.44; State Sources, $15,411.00; Food Service Fund: Local Sources, $24,870.22; Federal Sources, $3,422.35; Preschool Fund: Local Sources, $4,400.00; Custodial Fund: Local Sources, $113,737.01.

Old Business:

None

New Business:

            There were no conflicts of interest.

            Board President Nordstrom and Superintendent Johnson took a moment to Recognize American Education Week and thank all the employees that are involved in the education and growth of the children in the district.

            President Nordstrom went through each of the standing positions and resolutions that will be reviewed and discussed at the Associated School Boards of South Dakota Delegate Assembly on Friday, November 17, 2023.

            Action 24-049: Motion by Gloe, second by Hulscher, to approve an exception to policy KG: Community Use of School Facilities and allow the Junior Olympics volleyball program to use the district facilities without charge. Motion carried.

            The following information items were presented to the Board; Policy KK: Visitors to Schools and Policy KMC: Annual Notification to Parents.

            The First Readings of the following were presented to the Board as a part of the policy adoption process: Policy KLB: Public Complaints About Curriculum or Instructional Materials and Policy KLB-E: Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials.

            The Second Readings of Policy BDDD: Quorum (new policy) and Policy KBAA: Public Records were presented to the Board.

            Action 24-050: Motion by Gloe, second by Hulscher, to adopt Policy BDDD: Quorum (new policy) and Policy KBAA: Public Records. Motion carried.

            Administration provided the Board with four administrative reports:

            a.         Superintendent’s Report - Superintendent Johnson showed the Board some telematics/screenshots of a few of the electric bus routes, along with some data on fuel efficiency and energy usage.

            b.         Prairie Lakes Educational Cooperative Report - Board Member Hulscher reviewed the minutes from the most recent meeting.

            c.         Elementary Principal/Curriculum Director’s Report - Principal Hoekman informed the Board of a 96% participation rate at parent-teacher conferences. She also reported on the Innovative Schools Summit Conference in Chicago, the Veteran’s Day program held on November 10, and Restraint training and Instructional Leadership training. The K-2 Music Concert is scheduled for November 30th. Lastly, she told the Board that she would be ordering samples and working with middle school & high school math and English/language arts teachers to determine needs and begin work on implementation of Social Studies standards.

            d.         Middle School/High School Principal Report - Principal McGregor made the Board aware that American Education week is November 13th-17th. He then informed them that the middle school had a 55% participation rate for parent-teacher conferences, while the high school had a 32% participation rate. Next, Principal McGregor told the Board about upcoming events: middle school/high school band and choir concert on November 14th, winter formal on December 2nd, and a middle school/high school Christmas concert on December 11th. Lastly, he added that Elizabeth Roth qualified for the State Oral Interp. competition in Poetry.

            Action 24-051: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Gloe, to appoint Sam Kerr as the hearing officer for executive session as it relates to a student matter. Motion carried.

            Action 24-052: Motion by Gloe, second by Clark, to go into executive session, pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2, subsection 1: A Personnel Matter and subsection 2: A Student Matter. Motion carried. The Board entered executive session at 7:03 p.m.

            President Nordstrom declared the Board out of executive session at 8:06 p.m.

            Action 24-053: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Gloe, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation for expulsion in the student matter regarding policy violation of the school handbook along with violating state law. Expulsion starting 11/13/2023 and ending at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. Motion carried.

            Action 24-054: Motion by Clark, second by Hulscher, to approve the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and final decision as submitted by the Board of Education’s attorney in a parental complaint matter, and to authorize the Board Chair (President) to execute the same to direct the Board of Education’s attorney to serve the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and final decision to the parties. Motion carried.

            Action 24-055: Motion by Gloe, second by Clark, to adjourn at 8:08 p.m. Motion carried.

            Approved by the Garretson Board of Education this _____ day of _________, 2023.

Board President, Shannon Nordstrom

Business Manager

            Published at the total approximate cost of $206.72 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com.            11-23-23-1tc

NOTICE OF AUDIT OF THE FISCAL AFFAIRS OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF GARRETSON

            Notice is hereby given that the records and books of account of the Municipality of Garretson, South Dakota, have been audited by Schoenfish & Co., Inc., Certified Public Accountants of Parkston, South Dakota for the two years ended December 31, 2021. A detailed report thereon, containing additional information, is filed with the Municipality of Garretson and the Department of Legislative Audit in Pierre, South Dakota for public

            The following findings and recommendations referred to in the report are hereby listed in accordance with the provisions of SDCL 4-11-12.

CURRENT AUDIT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Finding:

            A material weakness in internal controls was noted due to a lack of proper segregation of duties for revenues. This has been a continuing audit finding since 2001.

Recommendation:

            1. We recommend that the municipal officials be cognizant of the lack of segregation of duties for the receipts, disbursements, and payroll functions and attempt to provide compensating internal controls whenever and wherever possible and practical.

Management's Response:

            The Municipality of Garretson Mayor, Greg Beaner, is the contact person responsible for the response for this comment. This comment is due to the expertise of staff and the size of the Municipality of Garretson, which precludes staffing at a level sufficient to provide an ideal environment for internal controls. We are aware of this problem and are attempting to provide compensating controls.

Finding:

            Material weaknesses were noted in internal accounting control and record keeping resulting in diminished assurance that transactions were properly executed and recorded and that assets were properly safeguarded. This has been a continuing audit finding since 2017.

Recommendations:

            1.         We recommend that financial information be more accurately presented.

            2.         We recommend that all necessary accounting records be established and properly maintained.

Management's Response:

            The Municipality of Garretson Mayor, Greg Beaner, is the contact person responsible for the response for this comment. We will attempt to be more accurate and complete when preparing the financial statements and obtain sufficient expertise to do so.

Finding:

            Expenditures were in excess of the amounts budgeted in the Second Penny Sales Tax Special Revenue Fund and several departments in the General Fund and Liquor, Lodging and Dining Sales Tax Fund in 2021. Expenditures were also in excess of the amounts budgeted in the Liquor, Lodging and Dining Sales Tax Fund and one department in the Second Penny Sales Tax Fund in 2020. In addition, the Liquor, Lodging and Dining Sales Tax Fund was budgeted to spend more than available in 2021. This has been a continuing audit finding since 2013.

Recommendation:

            4. We recommend that budgets be adopted in accordance with SDCL 9-21-9 and that the expenditures be limited to amounts budgeted or budget supplements be made in accordance with SDCL 9-21-7 and SDCL 9-21-6.1 to allow for expenditures.

Management's Response:

            The Municipality of Garretson Mayor, Greg Beaner, is the contact person responsible for the corrective action plan for this comment. The Municipality will be more careful to follow the budgetary guidelines prescribed by law.

Finding:

            The Municipality of Garretson has committed several violations of laws. This has been a continuing audit finding since 2020.

Recommendation:

            5. We recommend that all laws and regulations be followed by the Municipality.

Management's Response:

            The Municipality of Garretson Mayor, Greg Beaner, is the contact person responsible for the corrective action plan for this comment. We will follow all laws and regulations and gain proper education to become aware of the current laws.

RUSSELL A. OLSON, AUDITOR GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF LEGISLATIVE AUDIT

            Published twice at the total approximate cost of $88.82 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com.            11-23-23-2tc

NOTICE OF HEARING

            NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Garretson City Council, acting as a Board of Adjustment, will hold a public hearing on the 4th day of December, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the Garretson American Legion to consider the request for a conditional use permit to allow an owner operated dog grooming business within said property.

            Robert and Tamara Feauto own the property described as parcel 82813 LOT 9 BLOCK 2 JOHNSONS 2ND ADDITION TO THE CITY OF GARRETSON, Minnehaha County, South Dakota,

            NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any interested persons, their representative, or their attorney may appear and be heard.

            Dated this 15th day of November 2023.

Paetyn Dreckman

Finance Officer   

            Published twice at the total approximate cost of $20.45 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com.            11-23-23-2tc

NOTICE OF SALE OF COUNTY SURPLUS PROPERTY

            Notice is hereby given that Minnehaha County will hold a public auction of surplus property at www.purplewave.com. The auction will take place on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023.

            The following items will be auctioned:

            A 2008 Ford F-250 Extended Cab 4X4 with 178603 miles VIN 1FTSX21Y58EA36303, A 2010 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 4X4 with 189639 miles VIN 1FTSW2BY1AEB17368 and a 1999 JLG 2033E  20’ Scissor Lift.

            Items will be available for review at www.purplewave.com.  All items are subject to sales tax.  All items are sold as is, where is, and must be removed from the auction site and payment made as per Purplewave’s direction.

            Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Minnehaha County Highway Department at 605-367-4316, or by visiting the Purplewave webpage at www.purplewave.com and viewing the December 5th sale information.

            Dated this 14th day of November, 2023

Leah Anderson, County Auditor

            Published at the total approximate cost of $14.20 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com.            11-23-23-1tc

News for 11-23-23

Carrie Moritz
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News for 11-23-23
11-23-23 front page

We have a great Thanksgiving issue for you this week! Garretson Elementary third graders were busy with their celebration, writing out turkey recipes and what they're grateful for and capping it off with a Thanksgiving Day Parade; Minnehaha County Commissioners have settled the boundaries for petition signing near the courthouse after a lawsuit had been brought; and Alliance Communications helped out the Backpack Program through the food pantry. Plus, DUIs at Thanksgiving, a college sports signing, and more!

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We have a great Thanksgiving issue for you this week! Garretson Elementary third graders were busy with their celebration, writing out turkey recipes and what they're grateful for and capping it off with a Thanksgiving Day Parade; Minnehaha County Commissioners have settled the boundaries for petition signing near the courthouse after a lawsuit had been brought; and Alliance Communications helped out the Backpack Program through the food pantry. Plus, DUIs at Thanksgiving, a college sports signing, and more!

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two women standing together in a food pantry holding a check
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Obituary: LaVonne Loy (Tieszen) Preheim, 80

Carrie Moritz
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Obituary: LaVonne Loy (Tieszen) Preheim, 80
LaVonne Preheim

            LaVonne Loy (Tieszen) Preheim was born on July 24, 1943 and went to her heavenly home at the age of 80 years on November 11, 2023.  LaVonne was raised on a farm near Marion, South Dakota by her parents Dave R. and Lydia (Adrian) Tieszen and attended country school.  She went on to graduate from Freeman Academy High School and married her high school sweetheart, Arden Preheim, on October 20, 1962. They enjoyed 31 years of marriage before Arden passed away in March, 1994.

            LaVonne was baptized at the Silver Lake Mennonite Brethren Church, Dolton, SD where she maintained her membership and actively attended for many years. Her love for music was apparent by playing organ and piano in church, and singing in school trios, church trios and choir.

            Arden and LaVonne started their family in the Marion/Freeman area and made a move to Evanston Illinois where they joined several other families from this area.  Soon the Illinois gang moved back to South Dakota and took root.

            LaVonne waitressed over several years at Julies Café, Mr. B’s, Corner Coral, Home Café (Marion). She decided to become a massage therapist and started her own business in 1993.  She worked as a massage therapist for 25 years also while working at the Salem Home for the Aged for 25 years.

            Besides raising her family and helping with the Shorthorn cattle business, she was an avid bowler.  In 1987, her team won the SDWBA State Tournament.

            After Arden died, LaVonne moved from the farm into Freeman. She got involved in helping each year at Schmeckfest, became a Lion’s Club member, hosted Domino Lady’s group and attended women’s Bible study at First Church of God.

            Everyone knew her love for lighthouses and Elvis.  She collected Precious Moments, Snowbabies, Thomas Kinkade, Angels, Owls and magnets from each trip she took.  She also enjoyed gardening and walking.

            Most importantly her faith was evident in her walk with Jesus.  She entrusted Jesus as her Savior and passed it on to her kids.  She was faithful in her prayers and Bible reading. 

            Grateful for being her family are: daughter, Lorie and her husband Ron Luke, Garretson, SD; and granddaughter Lindsey (Kyle Thill) Luke with great-grand daughter Lakin, Sioux Falls SD and granddaughter Lara (Cole) Joachim, Spearfish SD; son Reynold and his wife Heidi, grandson Tanner and granddaughter Victoria, Clear Lake SD and grandson Dallis Preheim, Sioux Falls SD; and son, Ryan Preheim, Sioux Falls; brother Duane and his wife Marlys Tieszen, Marion SD; brother-in-law Garris and his wife Pearl Preheim, Houston MO; and sister-in-law Ione Tieszen, Freeman SD; her nieces, and nephews; and her many friends.

            Proceeded in death are her parents, her husband Arden, brother Vernon (Viola) Tieszen, sister Edna (Hank) Wentzel, brother Alden Tieszen, and sister Aryss (Ralph) Langrock.

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