Public Notices published November 2, 2023

Public Notices

Carrie Moritz

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November 2, 2023

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Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change

CIV: 23-2936

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) SS COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA)

IN CIRCUIT COURT

SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

In the Matter of the Petition

of William Lee Croiser,

For a Change of Name to

Jaci Rose Anderson-Hudspeth

CIV: 23-2936

Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition for Adult Name Change has been filed by William Lee Croiser, the object and prayer of which is to change Petitioner’s name from William Lee Croiser to Jaci Rose Anderson-Hudspeth.

On the 28th day of November, 2023, at the hour of 11:00 a.m. said Verified Petition will be heard by this Court before the Honorable Judge Jennifer Mammenga, at the Court Room in the Minnehaha County Courthouse, City of Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, or as soon thereafter as is convenient for the court. Anyone may come and appear at that time and place and show reasons, if any, why said name should not be changed as requested.

Dated this 13th Day of October, 2023 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Attested by,

Angelia Gries, Clerk of Court

Published four times at the approximate cost of $50.69 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com.

10-19-23-4tc

NOTICE: Inter-Lakes Seeking Board Member

The Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership Board of Directors is seeking a member to represent the Low-Income Sector of Lincoln and Minnehaha Counties on their Board of Directors.

An election will be held to fill this vacancy. It is preferred, but not required, that the candidate is below 125% poverty guidelines.

Anyone interested in serving on this Board please contact Julie Anderson, Lincoln County Community Service Worker at 605-940-1909 or Tammie Denning, Minnehaha County Community Services Director at 605-334-2808 Ext 202 by November 9th.

Published twice at the total approximate cost of $16.61 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com.

10-26-23-2tc

Special Meeting of the Garretson School Board:

SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES

Special Meeting Garretson School District #49-4 6:00 p.m. October 24, 2023

Present: President Shannon Nordstrom, Vice President Andy Hulscher, Board Member Tana Clark, Board Member Wyatt Compton, Board Member Jodi Gloe, & Superintendent Guy Johnson. Others present: Garrick Moritz.

At 6:00 p.m., the Board convened in the Library at the Garretson School District for a special board meeting. 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 were no additions or corrections presented.

Action 24-039: Motion by Gloe, second by Hulscher, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried.

Action 24-040: Motion by Clark, second by Gloe, 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 6:04 p.m.

President Nordstrom declared the Board out of executive session at 6:51 p.m.

Action 24-041: Motion by Gloe, second by Hulscher, to adjourn at 6:51 p.m. Motion carried.

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

Board President,

Shannon Nordstrom

Jacob Schweitzer,

Business Manager

Published at the total approximate cost of $17.57 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 11-2-23-1tc

FACT OF ADOPTION

An ordinance amending MC30-02 the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls.

The Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance MC30-47-23 on October 24, 2023. Ordinance MC30-02, the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls was amended to add Vacation Home Rental/Short Term Rental as a conditional use in the A-1 Agriculture District, RR Rural Residential District, RS-1 Residential District, RS-2 Residential District, RD Residential District, RA-1 Residential District RC Recreation/Conservation District; Vacation Home Rental/Short Term Rental in the Additional Use Regulations and a definition for Vacation Home Rental/Short Term Rental.

The entire ordinance is on file in the office of the County Auditor and available for inspection during regular business hours.

-Leah Anderson, County Auditor

Published twice at the total approximate cost of $22.37 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 11-2-23-1tc

Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for Oct. 24, 2023

THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY COMMISSION CONVENED AT 9:00 AM on October 24, 2023, pursuant to adjournment on October 17, 2023. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT WERE: Beninga, Bleyenberg, Karsky, and Kippley. Commissioner Bender was absent. Also present were Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder, and Eric Bogue, Chief Civil Deputy State's Attorney.

Vice-Chair Karsky called the meeting to order.

MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to amend the agenda by removing agenda item #13-Authorize the Chairperson to Sign the Agreement for Design of MC23-13 Gravel Pit Building. 4 ayes.

MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Kippley, to approve the amended agenda. 4 ayes

CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Beninga, to approve the consent agenda. By roll call vote: 4 ayes. Public comment regarding the approval of the minutes was received Chet Ellsworth, Rapid City, SD. The consent agenda includes the following items:

Commission Meeting Minutes for October 17, 2023

Bills to be Paid $1,628,137.17

A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Lease-Rental Agreement $685.38, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Maintenance Contracts $467.75, AARON GEORGE PROPERT Welfare Rent $1390, ABN ARMY SURPLUS COR Uniform Allowance $700, AIRGAS USA LLC Gas Oil & Diesel $114.65, AIRWAY SERVICE INC Automotive/Small Equipment $109.39, AIRWAY SERVICE INC Gas Oil & Diesel $146.14, ALCOHOL MONITORING S Program Supplies $4594.2, ALL NATIONS INTERPRE Interpreters $1040, ALL STAR INVESTIGATI Professional Services $965.5, ANDERSON, JENNIFER Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $1109.16, ANDREW PARROTT MacArthur SJC Grant $198, ARCHITECTURE INC Architect, Engineers, and PMgt $185229.23, AVERA MCKENNAN Hospitals $22826.63, AVERA MCKENNAN Other Medical Services $266.73, AVERA MCKENNAN Professional Services $1000, AVERA QUEEN OF PEACE Other Medical Services $510.36, AXIS FORENSIC TOXICO Lab Costs $1227, BALTIC FIRE DEPT Rescue Squad Donations Exp $400, BOYD, MICHELLE MacArthur SJC Grant $198, BRADY LIEUWEN MacArthur SJC Grant $198, BRENNAN HILLS TOWNHO Welfare Rent $700, CANFIELD BUSINESS IN Furniture & Office Equipment $17653.96, CENTER FOR FAMILY ME Professional Services $134.4, CENTURY BUSINESS PRO Lease Principal $719.04, CENTURY BUSINESS PRO Lease-Rental Agreement $183, CENTURY BUSINESS PRO Maintenance Contracts $772.95, CENTURY BUSINESS PRO Office Equipment Repair $491.67, CINTAS CORPORATION Janitorial Chemical Supplies $537.79, CINTAS CORPORATION Uniform Allowance $161.71, COMPSYCH EMPLOYEE AS Insurance-Other Costs $5922, CONSTELLATION Natural Gas $3581.22, COUNTRY MEADOWS SF L Welfare Rent $500, DAKOTA SEAL 2 LLC Fairgrounds $36352.11, DAKOTALAND AUTOGLASS Automotive/Small Equipment $59.99, DAN GRAPEVINE Uniform Allowance $35.98, DANIELS OLSEN Jail Repairs & Maintenance $40, DEMATTEO LAW FIRM PR Child Defense Attorney $1318.7, DENNIS SUPPLY CO SF Fairgrounds $4.98, DENNIS SUPPLY CO SF JDC Maintenance $236.9, DUST TEX SERVICE INC Janitorial Chemical Supplies $18.58, ENGLISH LAW Attorney Fees $6300, ERIN M JOHNSON PLLC Bd Exp Fees (Minnehaha) $5724.5, ERIN M JOHNSON PLLC Crisis Intervention Program $203.3, FIRST DAKOTA NATIONA Lease Interest $916.32, FIRST DAKOTA NATIONA Lease Principal $2939.43, FIT MY FEET Uniform Allowance $100, FOX, DANIEL Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $654.39, G & R CONTROLS INC Fairgrounds $13.36, GALLS PARENT HOLDING Uniform Allowance $344.31, GOEBEL PRINTING INC Printing/Forms $114, GRAINGER Jail Repairs & Maintenance $127.77, GUARANTEE ROOFING Coliseum $316.33, GUARANTEE ROOFING HHS Maintenance $316.33, GUARANTEE ROOFING Jail Repairs & Maintenance $316.33, GUARANTEE ROOFING Outside Repair $632.65, GUZMAN, SANDRA V Interpreters $60, HELSETH, RAMONA G. Bd Exp Fees (Minnehaha) $48, HENRY CARLSON CONSTR Construction Costs $3093, HERITAGE FUNERAL HOM Burials $2000, INNOVATIVE OFFICE SO JDC Custodial Supplies $316.61, INTERSTATE OFFICE PR Office Supplies $1170.8, JENNA GIRARD Business Travel $60, JERKE, HEIDI Business Travel $40, JIM BORK ENTERPRISES Printing/Forms $946, JONES, DAWN County Cemetery $70, JVR COUNSELING Psych Evals $2000, KATTERHAGEN, MARK Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $52.5, KAUFFMAN, DAVID W PH Psych Evals $2700, KELSEY SJAARDA MacArthur SJC Grant $1413.51, KNECHT, ANDREW J Attorney Fees $1112.8, KOCH HAZARD ARCHITEC Communication Equipment $9262.5, KONE INC Maintenance Contracts $1071.39, KRUSE LAW OFFICE Attorney Fees $2900, KYLE VANDE WEERD Business Travel $40, KYRA ENTERPRISES LLC Welfare Rent $1490.55, LAMP Interpreters $124.2, LARSON, VALERIE Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $45, LEWIS & CLARK BEHAVI Bd Evaluations (Yankton) $2130, LEWNO LAW OFFICE Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $73.38, LINDA K WHALEN Court Reporters $142, LINDAHL, JOSETTE S Professional Services $3000, LOPEZ, REBECA Interpreters $25, LOVING, PHILIP Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $2374.2, LUTHER, JEFF Medical Director $2750, LUTHERAN SOCIAL SVCS Evening Report Center $6538.76, LUTHERAN SOCIAL SVCS Shelter Care/Reception Center $77042.68, MARAS, JACOB Business Travel $60, MEADOWLAND APARTMENT Welfare Rent $661, MEDSTAR PARAMEDIC IN Transportation $1200, METRO COMMUNICATIONS Miscellaneous Expense $208301.96, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY C Natural Gas $58.03, MIDCONTINENT COMMUNI Subscriptions $546.22, MIDCONTINENT COMMUNI Telephone $115.39, MIDWEST CONTRACTING Contracted Construction $183527.03, MIDWEST WELLNESS Professional Services $4620, MINNEHAHA CNTY TREAS Miscellaneous Expense $16.5, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Administrative Charges $10, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Gas Oil & Diesel $32, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Memberships $35, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Miscellaneous Expense $36.75, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Prisoner/Bond Accounts $828.8, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Tea-Ellis Range $26.99, NAPA AUTO PARTS Automotive/Small Equipment $32.26, NAPA AUTO PARTS Other Supplies $43.14, Natalie Surkalovic Business Travel $64, NORIX FURNITURE Inmate Supplies $1171.77, NORTHERN TRUCK EQUIP Truck Repairs & Maintenance $201.85, NOVAK Other Supplies $69.91, NOVAK Trash Removal $597.61, NYBERGS ACE HARDWARE Other Supplies $45.57, OLD ORCHARD CAFE MacArthur SJC Grant $422.62, OLSON, ROBERT Taxable Meal Allowances $18, OMALLEY, JOHN Business Travel $64, OPEKE G NIEMEYER HHS $4669.5, PAYTON, ARISTARCHUS Business Travel $120.36, PECHOUS, COREY Uniform Allowance $106.01, PFEIFER IMPLEMENT CO Heavy Equip Repairs & Maint $31.92, PRAHM CONSTRUCTION I Contracted Construction $566787.5, PRICE, THOMAS L Professional Services $2400, PURPLE COMMUNICATION Interpreters $609.82, REEVES, MEGAN Court Reporters $204, RENTOKIL NORTH AMERI Contract Services $325.84, RINGING SHIELD,NICHO Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $770, RISK ANALYSIS & MANA Insurance Admin Fee $2873, RUNNING SUPPLY INC Uniform Allowance $169.98, SALEM, KARLA R Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $2640, SANFORD Investigators Expenses $19.88, SANFORD Other Medical Services $9119.53, SANFORD CLINIC Contract Services $27777.66, SANFORD CLINIC Professional Services $764.4, SCHILTZ, ANN C Bd Exp Fees (Minnehaha) $32, SD ASSOC OF COUNTY C Miscellaneous Expense $1000, SD STATE BAR Legal Research $500, SF SPECIALTY HOSPITA Professional Services $210, SHERWIN WILLIAMS Building Repairs & Maintenance $354.18, SHERWIN WILLIAMS JDC Maintenance $65, SHORT ELLIOTT HENDRI Architects & Engineers $15946.96, SILOS Welfare Rent $3023.55, SIOUX EMPIRE FAIR AS Miscellaneous Expense $12500, SIOUX FALLS AREA HUM Miscellaneous Expense $4388.79, SIOUX FALLS CITY Electricity $57.57, SIOUX FALLS CITY Water - Sewer $18086.92, SIOUX FALLS RUBBER S Office Supplies $148.77, SPLITROCK FIRE DEPT Education & Training $1275, SRF CONSULTING GROUP Architects & Engineers $207.72, STAN HOUSTON EQUIPME Bridge Repair & Maintenance $1215, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Daily Scram $3215, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Remote Breath $645, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Miscellaneous Expense $43, STREICHERS INC Uniform Allowance $658, SUMMIT FIRE PROTECTI Jail Repairs & Maintenance $540, SUMMIT FIRE PROTECTI JDC Maintenance $246, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Board Of Prisoners-Meals $31115.17, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Child Care Food $707.46, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Inmate Supplies $241.24, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE School Lunch Program $1418.39, SURAJ CHHETRI Taxable Meal Allowances $18, TECHNOLOGY HEIGHTS I Welfare Rent $744, TEGRA GROUP INC Architect, Engineers, and PMgt $28850, THOMSON REUTERS - WE Legal Research $1886, TRISTATE GARAGE DOOR Outside Repair $195.05, TWO WAY SOLUTIONS IN Communication Equipment Repair $4661.76, TZADIK TAYLORS PLACE Welfare Rent $1237, US FOODS INC Other Supplies $147.38, US FOODS INC Professional Services $2211.14, VCI ENVIRONMENTAL IN Bldg/Yard Repair & Maintenance $12120, VER BEEK, KELSEY Bd Exp Fees (Minnehaha) $877.4, VITAL RECORDS Records Storage $3488.13, WHITE MOUNTAIN PUZZL Store Inventory $464.89, XCEL ENERGY Construction Costs $14668.9, XCEL ENERGY INC Welfare Utilities $420, ZISHKA, ADAM MacArthur SJC Grant $198.

October 2023 Commission Salaries

COMMISSION Salaries $35,997.32

AUDITOR Salaries $58,019.89

TREASURER Salaries $100,193.94

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Salaries $92,094.85

STATES ATTORNEY Salaries $439,783.43

PUBLIC DEFENDER Salaries $269,696.82

PUBLIC ADVOCATE Salaries $82,217.53

FACILITIES Salaries $58,919.62

EQUALIZATION Salaries $115,856.86

REGISTER OF DEEDS Salaries $49,781.63

HUMAN RESOURCES Salaries $36,908.29

SHERIFF Salaries $1,381,478.08

JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER Salaries $202,308.10

HIGHWAY Salaries $157,610.42

HUMAN SERVICES Salaries $162,340.52

MUSEUM Salaries $90,439.47

PLANNING Salaries $47,114.29

EXTENSION Salaries $3,497.60

The following report was received and placed on file in the Auditor's Office:

Juvenile Detention Center - August 2023 Report

Routine Personnel Actions

Promotions

1. Amber Whittington, Senior Deputy Public Defender to Senior Trial Attorney for the Public Defender's Office, at $3,856.00/biweekly (23/3) effective 10/14/2023.

Step Increases

1. Kari Benz, Director of Human Services, at $5,058.40/biweekly (24/10) effective 9/23/2023.

2. Tarlue Zulu, Juvenile Correctional Officer I for the Juvenile Detention Center, at $24.16/hour (13/2) effective 10/11/2023.

3. Staci Peters, Events Coordinator for the Museum, at $31.67/hour (14/10) effective 10/31/2023.

4. Eli Show, Museum Preparator for the Museum, at $33.27/hour (17/6) effective 11/2/2023.

5. Jessie Nesseim, Curator of Collections for the Museum, at $2,796.00/biweekly (19/4) effective 10/19/2023.

6. Trista Severson, Paralegal for the Public Defender's Office, at $27.98/hour (16/2) effective 10/1/2023.

7. Craig Butler, Sergeant for the Sheriff's Office, $47.02/hour (20/14) effective 10/31/2023.

8. Nicholaus Michels, Senior Deputy State's Attorney for the State's Attorney's Office, at $3,669.60/biweekly (22/5) effective 10/1/2023.

9. Brooke Quinlivan, Senior Deputy State's Attorney for the State's Attorney's Office, at $3,761.60/biweekly (22/6) effective 10/9/2023.

ZONING APPEAL

Mason Steffen, Planner, was present for the continued public hearing regarding the appeal of a decision by the Minnehaha County Planning Commission to approve Conditional Use Permit #23-51 to allow a Rubble Dump (Tree Grinding Operation) on the property legally described as the N1/2 NW 1/4 (Ex. H-1 & R-1) Section 34-T101N-R51W Wall Lake Township. The Minnehaha County Planning Commission unanimously approved Conditional Use Permit #23-51 at their September 25. 2023, meeting. This appeal was originally heard by the Minnehaha County Commission at the October 17 meeting, at which a motion to approve Conditional Use Permit #23-51, as amended, received an equally divided vote which then required the item to be deferred to this meeting for final action on the appeal.

The Commissioners continued the discussion on the pending motion to approve Conditional Use Permit #23-51, as amended, originally made and seconded on October, 17, 2023.

Vice Chair Karsky outlined the procedures that would be used for the testimony from both the proponents and opponents attorneys as well as the comments made by members of the public.

Attorney Arguments

Paul Tschetter, legal counsel for the proponents, spoke about the petitioner filing of a solid waste permit application with the Minnehaha County Planning Department and that the proposed tree grinding operation would help extend the life of the Sioux Falls Landfill. Mr. Tschetter went on discuss how the conditional use permit approval would allow departments to review the proposed tree grinding operation through the various conditions set by the recommendation from the Planning Commission and that the petitioners would abide by all conditions that are set forth in the conditional use permit.

Lisa Prostrollo, legal counsel for the opponents, spoke about the recent discovery of a Dakota Access Pipeline easement running across a portion of the proposed operations site plan. Ms. Prostrollo believes that the presence of the pipeline easement will cause the proposed operations to change the site plan that was submitted with the conditional use application. In addition, Ms. Prostrollo also highlighted the various concerns that have been raised by surrounding property owners regarding access to the proposed location as well as the for the pipeline easement in addition to drainage, dust, and traffic concerns.

Paul Tschetter, proponent attorney, stated in rebuttal that no changes would need to be made to the site plan with regards to the pipeline or the associated easement. Mr. Tschetter also stated again that the petitioner will comply with any conditions that are associated with the conditional use permit and that there is no requirement to disclose all easements that are associated with property.

Following various questions from the Commission, Vice-Chair Karsky then opened the hearing for public comment.

Proponents:

Abby Murphy, Sioux Falls, SD, spoke about the need for this kind of business and the various records that are kept by the company.

Chad Fortness, Tea, SD, spoke about the trucking of the product that is produced and the number of trucks that would be used at the proposed facility.

Rebecca Jongeling, Sioux Falls, SD, spoke about the company not making alternations to the land and that they are good neighbor to the surrounding properties.

Phil Mueller, Sioux Falls, SD, spoke about the company's history of following all applicable rules and regulations.

Shaun Bruesch, Sioux Falls, SD, spoke about the use of wood chips in the agricultural industry.

Jim Bruns, Sioux Falls, SD, spoke about the traffic that would still be on the road whether or not the business would be in operation or not.

Amendment Opponents:

Lee Kriens, Hartford, SD, spoke about concerns about the pipeline easement that is located on the proposed property and access to the farmland.

Glenn Fuerstenberg, Sioux Falls, SD, spoke about concerns regarding the location of the proposed business, access to the easements that are currently in place on the property, as well as concerns regarding the asbestos that is contained in the buildings at the proposed location.

Chet Hofer, Hartford, SD, spoke about concerns about the highway and the size of the trucks that would be used in the proposed tree grinding operation.

Diane Runge, Hartford, SD, spoke about concerns about the location as well as the company being a good neighbor.

Marilyn Kewley, Hartford, SD, spoke about concerns about traffic that may increase along with county highway.

Cully Valnes, Hartford, SD, spoke about concerns related to the nearby electric substation.

Discussion among the Commissioners included concerns regarding access to the farmland that was not a part of the proposed tree grinding operation, the potential need for an access permit for the farmland, hours and days of the operation as compared to other nearby facilities, notification of the pipeline with regards to the easement, and who to notify if there is debris on the highway.

MOTION by Kippley to further amend the pending motion by amending condition #10 to reduce the number of years for the Conditional Use Permit from 10 years to 5 years, second by Beninga. By roll call vote: 4 ayes.

MOTION by Bleyenberg to further amend the pending motion to amend condition #5 to require that the driveway be hard surfaced, either with asphalt or concrete seconded by Beninga. Following Commission discussion, Commissioner Bleyenberg, with the consent of Commissioner Beninga, amended her motion to state that the first one-hundred fifty feet (150') of the driveway be hard surfaced, either with asphalt or concrete. By roll call vote: 4 ayes.

Eric Bogue, State's Attorney's Office, explained that the previous motions to amend were amendments to the pending motion to approve Conditional Use Permit #23-51, as amended and that such motion to approve was still pending as now being further amended.

MOTION to approve Conditional #23-51, as amended at the October 17th meeting and as further amended at the October 24th meeting, pursuant to SDCL 7-8-18. By roll call vote: 3 ayes, 1 nay-Bleyenberg.

REZONING HEARING

Kevin Hoekman, Planner, was present for the public hearing and gave the reading of an amendment to the 1990 Revised Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County. The rezone would be for a six-lot subdivision approximately 34.22 acres in size from the A-1 Agriculture District to the RR Rural Residential District. The property is legally described as Prairie View Estates Addition in W1/2 NW 1/4 Section 36-T101N-R51W in Wall Lake Township and is located approximately 3 miles west of Sioux Falls. Following the first reading of this rezoning request, staff received a written withdrawal of the rezoning application by the petitioner. This item was noticed in the official county newspapers for a public hearing, but no decision is required with the petitioner's withdrawal.

PRESENTATIONS

Joleen Thompson, Family Visitation Center Director of Services, presented their supervised visitation program highlighting the focus on the long-lasting effects the pandemic has and continues to have on mental health and addiction, causing children in those situations to experience undue trauma. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Family Visitation Center conducted 10 to 15 private pay intakes a month, which has now increased to that amount in a week. In 2022, the Family Visitation Center serves over 700 individuals with 330 being children and most are being referred through Child Protection Services and the others come to the center through the courts.

Jay Marchand, Lutheran Social Services Re-entry Services Director, provided an update regarding the Family Violence Project through Lutheran Social Services. The funding received from Minnehaha County provides for individualized assessments, abusive partner intervention groups and case management for individuals that have used abuse in their relationships. Our services fall under the pillars of what Lutheran Social Services consider to an effective abusive intervention program: Assessment, Action, Accountability and Accommodation. Those pillars hold up the goal of helping our clients create emotional and physical safety for themselves and others.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN BRIEING

Susan Beaman, Finance and Budget Officer, presented a briefing regarding the 2023 3rd Quarter American Rescue Plan Expenditures. The Auditor's Office plans to report to the US Treasury regarding last quarter's expenditures of $901,727.31. The expenditures breakdown as follows: COVID Sick Leave had an expenditure of $26,978.39; Jail Staffing for COVID Isolation Unit had an expenditure of $191,200.04; Retention Bonus had an expenditure of $29,065.50; Burials had an expenditure of $69,034.47; Motels had an expenditure of $12,968.67; Jail Booking Registered Nurse had an expenditure of $146,587.48; Jail Mental Health Counselor had an expenditure of $20,359.00; New Positions had an expenditure of $301.309.12; Welfare Rent had an expenditure of $89,791.83; Welfare Utilities had an expenditure of $5,107.63; Mortgage Assistance had an expenditure of $1,948.93; Emergency Response Infrastructure Improvements had an expenditure of $213.75; Juvenile Detention Center-Psychiatric Services had an expenditure of $7,162.50. The total ARPA expenditures through September 30, 2023, were $20,262,932.71.

RESOLUTIONS

Jacob Maras, Assistant Highway Superintendent, presented a resolution to delete a bridge from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Structure 50-100-066 no longer meets the definition of a structure due to it being removed and replaced with a box culvert that no longer meets National Bridge Inspection Standards length requirements. The new culvert allowed for the removal of guardrail, extra signage, and will experience less deterioration from vehicle weight. MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Kippley, to authorize the Chairperson to sign Resolution MC 23-31 to Delete Structure 50-100-066 from NBI. By roll call vote: 4 ayes.

RESOLUTION MC 23-31

RESOLUTION TO DELETE BRIDGE FROM NBI

The Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners is in agreement with SDDOT that the following structure(s) should be deleted from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) for the following reason(s):

STRUCTURE ID, LOCATION and REASON FOR DELETION:

50-100-066 2.6S COLTON Structure has been replaced with

culverts that no longer meet NBIS

length requirements.

The Commission is aware of the following stipulations once a structure is deleted from the NBI:

1. Federal and State Bridge funds will not be available for structure replacement or rehabilitation and

2. The structure will only be added to the Inventory following replacement, using County funds.

Upon receipt of this resolution, the above structure(s) will be deleted from the inventory.

Vote of Commissioners: Yes 4 No 0

Dates at Sioux Falls, SD, this 24th Day of October, 2023.

APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION:

DEAN KARSKY

VICE-CHAIR

ATTEST:

KYM CHRISTIANSEN

DEPUTY AUDITOR

Jacob Maras, Assistant Highway Superintendent, presented a resolution to delete a bridge from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI). Structure 50-100-051 no longer meets the definition of a structure due to it being removed and replaced with a box culvert that no longer meets National Bridge Inspection Standards length requirements. The new culvert allowed for the removal of guardrail, extra signage, and will experience less deterioration from vehicle weight. MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to authorize the Chairperson to sign Resolution MC23-32 to Delete Structure 50-100-051 from NBI. By roll call vote: 4 ayes.

RESOLUTION MC 23-32

RESOLUTION TO DELETE BRIDGE FROM NBI

The Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners is in agreement with SDDOT that the following structure(s) should be deleted from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) for the following reason(s):

STRUCTURE ID, LOCATION and REASON FOR DELETION:

50-100-051 1.1S COLTON Structure has been replaced with

culverts that no longer meet NBIS

length requirements.

The Commission is aware of the following stipulations once a structure is deleted from the NBI:

1. Federal and State Bridge funds will not be available for structure replacement or rehabilitation and

2. The structure will only be added to the Inventory following replacement, using County funds.

Upon receipt of this resolution, the above structure(s) will be deleted from the inventory.

Vote of Commissioners: Yes 4 No 0

Dates at Sioux Falls, SD, this 24th Day of October, 2023.

APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION:

DEAN KARSKY

VICE-CHAIR

ATTEST:

KYM CHRISTIANSEN

DEPUTY AUDITOR

AGREEMENT

Tyler Klatt, Assistant Commission Administrative Officer, presented a request for authorization for the chair to sign the Construction Manager At-Risk Contract for the Juvenile Justice Center with Henry Carlson Construction. The two contracts establish the terms and conditions of the relationship between Henry Carlson and the County, but do not establish the guaranteed maximum price (GMP). The GMP will be established following the completion of the design documents phase and presented to the Commission for approval prior to the start of construction. Henry Carlson was actively involved in the conceptual design phase, ensuring cost estimates were aligned with building design needs and cost limits. The AIA Document A133-2019 is the standard format agreement between the owner and construction manager used when the basis of payment is the cost of the work plus a fee with a GMP. In recognition of the economic environment regarding construction materials, there is a provision that allows for the increase in price of materials identified and restricts the increase of GMP to no more than 10% of the original cost. The AIA Document A201-2017 is a document of the general conditions applied to the project which include terms and conditions under which the owner, contractor, and architect will work together during the building construction process. The reconstruction services have a total cost of $27,276, while the construction phase fee is 3.5% of the cost of work. MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bleyenberg, to authorize the Chair to sign the Construction Manager At-Risk Contract for the Juvenile Justice Center. By roll call vote: 4 ayes.

OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Gaylin Scott, Valley Springs, SD, spoke in appreciation of the work done regarding the ordinance regulating pipelines.

Sarah Koob, Sioux Falls, spoke about concerns regarding a venue in Sioux Falls.

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORTS

Commissioner Kippley spoke about the recent meeting of the Planning Commission.

Commissioner Bleyenberg spoke about a recent meeting with the Museum and the number of outreach programs that they are undertaking.

Commissioner Karsky spoke about upcoming meetings involving The Link and the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce.

MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to enter into Executive Session pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1), (3), (4), and (6) at 11:23 a.m. 4 ayes.

Commissioner Kippley recused himself from the executive session at 11:38 a.m. without returning.

Vice-Chair Karsky declared the executive session concluded at 11:50 a.m.

MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bleyenberg, at adjourn at 11:51 a.m. 3 ayes.

The Commission adjourned until 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24th, 2023.

APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION:

Jean Bender

Chair

ATTEST:

Kym Christiansen

Commission Recorder

Published at the total approximate cost of $284.36 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 11-2-23-1tc

Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners Joint session with the Sioux Falls City Council for Oct. 24, 2023

THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY COMMISSION CONVENED AT 5:00 PM on October 24, 2023, pursuant to adjournment on October 24, 2023. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT WERE: Beninga, Bleyenberg, Karsky, and Kippley. Commissioner Bender was absent. Also present were Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder, and Eric Bogue, Chief Civil Deputy State's Attorney.

City Council members present were: Barranco, Cole, Jensen, Merkouris, Neitzert, Selberg, Soehl, Starr. Mayor TenHaken was absent.

Vice-Chair Karsky called the meeting to order.

MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Beninga, to approve the agenda.

MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Beninga, to amend the agenda by placing agenda item 2 before agenda item 1. 4 ayes. The City concurred.

MOTION to approve the amended agenda. 4 ayes. The City concurred.

JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT

Mike Gramlick, Interim Metro Communications Director, spoke about the proposed joint powers agreement for emergency communications and the advantages that the agreement will provide.

Mike Milstead, Minnehaha County Sheriff, spoke about the work that was done to create the proposed joint powers agreement and how it is the right thing to do.

MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bleyenberg, to approve the Joint Powers Agreement for Emergency Communications.

MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Kippley, to amend the first sentence of section 4.3 of the proposed joint powers agreement by deleting the clause ",at the direction of the Metro Board," which appears after "The Manager". By roll call vote: 4 ayes. The City concurred.

MOTION to approve the joint powers agreement as amended. 4 ayes. The City concurred.

TEXT AMENDMENT

Scott Anderson, Planning Director, was present for the public hearing and gave the second reading to consider revisions to the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls related to Vacation Home Rental/Short Term Rental as a conditional use in seven (7) zoning districts in the Joint City/County Zoning Ordinance and adds a definition for Vacation Home Rental/Short Term Rental to the Zoning Ordinance. Vacation Home Rentals/Short Term Rentals continue to present themselves throughout the county and the proposed ordinance amendment attempts to provide a fair framework on how the use can be accommodated. A previous ordinance amendment attempted to address this use through the permitted special use process. The process would have allowed the use to occur when specific criteria were met. The permitted special use track was approved by the Joint Planning Commission but was remanded back to the Joint Planning Commission following the August 22, 2023, Minnehaha County Commission/City of Sioux Falls Council meeting and direction was given to staff at the meeting to have the regulation of Vacation Home Rentals/Short Term Rental administered through a conditional use permit process. The elected officials indicated that the ability to recall and/or revoke a conditional use permit was necessary and not available through a permitted special use process. The Planning Commissions have heard from both concerned citizens and advocates of this use throughout the hearing process and two areas of concern have been discussed, including a registry and complaints procedures. The proposed text amendment would require that current owner and any manager information be kept by the current owner and any manager information be kept current at the Planning Department and at the rental property. The criteria proposed by staff is attempting to be fair to the applicant and surrounding neighborhood in order that the use can be compatible. The proposed ordinance sets guidelines for the number of occupants per bedroom and requires minimum parking requirements. In addition, the contact information of the owner/manager will be required to be posted on site and provided to the Planning Department for issues to be addressed by both renters and planning staff. This item was heard during the September 25, 2023, meeting of the Joint Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County Planning Commission and was recommended for approval.

Vice-Chair Karsky asked for public comments on the proposed ordinance amendment. The public comment was received from Tyler Childress.

MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to adopt Ordinance Amendment #23-05. By roll call vote: 4 ayes. The City concurred.

OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Sarah Koob, Sioux Falls, SD, spoke about concerns about the LGBTQ community and their opening of a venue.

Sierra Brousard, Sioux Falls, SD, spoke about the LGBTQ community.

Thomas Warner, Sioux Falls, SD, spoke about concerns with about the city sign ordinance.

MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Kippley, to adjourn at 5:35 p.m. 4 ayes. The City concurred.

The Commission adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION:

Jean Bender

Chair

ATTEST:

Kym Christiansen

Commission Recorder

Published at the total approximate cost of $54.32 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 11-2-23-1tc

News for 11-2-23

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November 1, 2023

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A family still has its home after a fire thanks to quick action from a neighbor and the Garretson Fire Department; a seven-month-long saga has finally been resolved for Mueller Pallets & Grinding west of Sioux Falls; we remember a popular Garretson Elementary teacher, Irene Croston, and see more photos from turn-of-the-century Sherman. Plus, trunk or treat, meat processing, and GHS journalism receives awards!

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Obituary: Jere Lewis, 75

Obituaries

Carrie Moritz

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November 1, 2023

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Jere Lewis, 75, of Falls City, NE, passed away October 27, 2023 at Omaha, NE. He was born March 16, 1948 at Falls City to Wayne and Dorothy (Gebhardt) Lewis.

He married Margaret Aleen Swegler on October 15, 1966 at Falls City and they were divorced in December of 1996.

Jere was raised in rural Verdon, NE and graduated from Dawson Verdon High School in 1966. He then attended Milford Technical College. He then worked various jobs, including at Western Electric for seven years until moving to Garretson, SD and becoming employed at EROS where he worked as a computer programmer. He moved back to Falls City in 1988 and was forced to retire due to the effects of Polio. He was a heart transplant recipient for the last 12 years.

Jere is survived by his children, Jason and his wife Sara of Greenwood, MO, Tom and his wife Stacie of Falls City, Becca Pamperl and her husband Vince of Columbia, MO, brother, Lowell of Cedar Rapids, IA and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Richard and a sister, Julie Estes.

A private family interment service will take place at Steele Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 6-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

News for 11-2-2023 (e-edition)

Carrie Moritz

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November 1, 2023

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This Week's Issue

Download this week's issue

A family still has its home after a fire thanks to quick action from a neighbor and the Garretson Fire Department; a seven-month-long saga has finally been resolved for Mueller Pallets & Grinding west of Sioux Falls; we remember a popular Garretson Elementary teacher, Irene Croston, and see more photos from turn-of-the-century Sherman. Plus, trunk or treat, meat processing, and GHS journalism receives awards!

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This Week's Spotlight Photos

mid-century photo of older woman standing at door with young students lined up outside

FFA toy story costume and exhibit for trunk or treat

historical 1900 photo of three women in a kitchen

horse and buggy from early 1900's with man in buggy and horse standing behind and barn in the background

group of five older ladies dressed in red and purple sitting at round restaurant booth

five people, two adults in Mario and Luigi costumes, two female youth in princess peach and princess daisy costumes, and one male youth in Halo soldier costume

mid-century classroom with students seated at desks

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Halloween Brings Scary Traffic Safety Concerns

Carrie Moritz

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October 27, 2023

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Halloween Brings Scary Traffic Safety Concerns

AAA South Dakota reminds parents and motorists to make safety a priority this Halloween

SIOUX FALLS, SD – Oct. 25, 2023 – As Halloween approaches, AAA South Dakota reminds ghosts and goblins, trick-or-treaters, parents, and party goers too, of the dangerous traffic safety concerns associated with the holiday – increased pedestrian activity and drunk driving – both of which converge this weekend as Halloween activities begin ahead of the holiday itself on Tuesday, October 31.

graphic with jack o lantern and statement be smart, be safe, be seen

Halloween Dangers – Child Pedestrian Safety and Drunk Driving

A scare in good fun is expected on Halloween, but AAA warns, not when it comes to child pedestrian safety.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Halloween is consistently one of the top three days of the year for pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
Deadly after dark – the nighttime fatality rate on U.S. roadways is three times higher than the daytime rate, and 76% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA).
More than 40% of Halloween crash fatalities involve drunk drivers (NHTSA).

“With an increased risk of pedestrian crashes on Halloween night, AAA urges parents to take the time to make trick-or-treaters and their costumes safer and more visible to motorists,” said Shawn Steward, AAA South Dakota spokesman. “In addition, motorists must eliminate distractions, slow down and watch for children, as well as have a completely sober designated driver if drinking is part of a Halloween celebration.”

Halloween is a statistically dangerous night for drunk driving. Because of parties, trick-or-treating, and other festivities, Halloween night can be especially dangerous on our nation’s roads. According to NHTSA:

Between 2016 and 2020, there were 129 drunk-driving fatalities on Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31 – 5:59 a.m. November 1).
Adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (68%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2020. During that same night, 11 pedestrians were killed in drunk-driving crashes.

“Halloween is a time to make happy memories, not tragic nightmares,” said Steward. “The only thing scarier than zombies and witches loose on the streets is an impaired driver.”

AAA South Dakota Halloween Safety Tips

Motorists

Eliminate distractions while driving, focus on the road and trick-or-treaters.
Slow down in residential neighborhoods and obey all traffic signs and signals, give yourself extra time to react to children who may dart into the street.
Look for children crossing the street. They may not be paying attention to traffic and may cross the street mid-block or between parked cars.
Carefully enter and exit driveways and alleys, taking extra care if you are backing up or turning.
Turn your headlights on to make yourself more visible – even in the daylight.

Parents

Make sure Halloween costumes are flame-retardant and light in color to improve visibility.
Be bright at night – have trick-or-treaters use glow sticks or wear retro-reflective tape on costumes and on treat buckets.
Ensure disguises don’t obstruct vision and avoid full facemasks.
Create face masks that coordinate with costumes and won’t obstruct vision.
Ask an adult or older child to supervise children under age 12.
Instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes.
Teach children to stop only at well-lit houses and to never to enter a stranger’s home or garage.
Review trick-or-treating safety precautions, including pedestrian and traffic safety rules.

Trick-or-Treaters

Stay on sidewalks and avoid walking in streets if possible.
If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
Look both ways and listen for traffic before crossing the street.
Watch for cars turning or backing up.
Cross streets only at the corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks, and never cross between parked vehicles or mid-block.
Trick-or-treat in a group if someone older cannot go with you.
Tell your parents where you are going.
Carry a flashlight containing fresh batteries. Never shine flashlights into the eyes of oncoming drivers.

Party Goers

Arrange a safe ride home and/or designate a driver before partaking in any festivities.
Always designate a sober driver.
If you are drunk, take a taxi or ride share service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
Before leaving for a party, load ride share apps or put numbers of local cab companies or your designated driver(s) into your phone.
Walking impaired can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Designate a sober friend to walk you home.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
If you know someone who is about to drive or ride impaired, take their keys and help them make safe travel arrangements to where they are going.

About AAA

AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 64 million members nationwide and more than 100,000 members in South Dakota. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.

Follow Us on Twitter: @AAASDNews

‘Hope Squads’ empower students to tackle suicide prevention

Carrie Moritz

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October 26, 2023

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‘Hope Squads’ empower students to tackle suicide prevention

By Stu Whitney

South Dakota News Watch

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources available by calling or texting 988 or by chatting online at 988lifeline.org/chat.

A suicide prevention program for teens is gaining traction in South Dakota schools, empowering students to look after one another and break down stigmas about depression.

Hope Squad, which operates in 41 states and Canada, uses a simple but powerful premise. Students are asked to name three peers they would turn to if they were struggling emotionally. Those lists help educators choose team members, who are trained how to recognize signs of suicide contemplation and abuse, and when to get trusted adults involved.

Sometimes just having someone to talk to represents a breakthrough.

three people standing in front of banner saying hope squad — Flandreau Hope Squad advisers Chelsea Greenfield (left) and Kari Lena-Helling with Hope Squad founder Greg Hudnall at the 2022 American School Counselor Association Conference in Austin, Texas. (Photo: Submitted)

“I learned that it’s OK to be nervous,” said Kiley Westberry, a freshman Hope Squad member in Flandreau, which was the first South Dakota school district to adopt the program. “It’s OK to not be able to fix everything. Sometimes you need to get other people to help.”

Coordinated with mental health agencies and supported by recent state funding, the student-focused trend comes at a time of heightened concern about teen suicide on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people aged 10-29 in South Dakota, according to South Dakota Department of Health data. The state had the sixth-highest age-adjusted suicide rate in the U.S. in 2021 (22.9 deaths per 100,000 individuals), compared to a national average of 14.1.

In the 2023 Legislature, House Bill 1079, sponsored by Republicans Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt of Sioux Falls and Sen. Sydney Davis of Burbank, appropriated $2 million to the Department of Health to provide grants to support mental health and suicide prevention programs tailored for youth, high school and college populations. Gov. Kristi Noem signed the bill into law March 23.

The issue is personal for Rehfeldt because of her own experience as a suicide loss survivor. Her uncle took his own life, and she witnessed the traumatic impact that tragedy had on her family.

“It really broke my dad,” said Rehfeldt, a registered nurse anesthetist at Sanford Health. “He’s worked through that a lot over the last five to 10 years, but I’ve seen how it really impacts families and individuals generationally.”

'Our world is a different place'

Rehfeldt envisions programs such as the Hope Squad providing young people with avenues to be more open about feelings of insecurity in a social media era when pressures and hopelessness can mount quickly.

“I think the first part is just recognizing that mental health doesn’t have to be taboo, and that it’s an important part of physical health,” said Rehfeldt. “Maybe 20 years ago, you didn’t talk about how you felt or how things were pressing on you, but we have to talk about those things with people we trust. I think our world is a different place.”

The first round of contracts, effective from Aug. 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024, provided $250,000 to the Helpline Center in Sioux Falls to purchase curriculum and implement, train and support Hope Squads at nine schools in South Dakota. There also will be suicide loss response planning and protocol development with K-12 schools. The Department of Health is leveraging federal funds as part of these contracts.

In addition, $390,000 went to supporting Peer2Peer, a mentoring program for college students administered by Lost & Found, a nonprofit suicide prevention organization in Sioux Falls.

A third grant for $192,000 went to Mountain Plains Evaluation in Salem, which will conduct an assessment that compiles and analyzes epidemiological data related to mortality, suicide ideation and mental health in South Dakota.

Hope Squads were already established in Flandreau, Platte-Geddes, Brandon Valley and Scotland using grant money from the Utah-based Cook Center for Human Connection.

Helpline Center CEO Janet Kittams said her organization has enrolled four schools in the Harrisburg district (three middle schools and the freshman academy) as well as Brookings and White River as part of the publicly funded program. They are working on adding more schools.

“Hope Squad offers a critical option for students to receive support through their peers,” said Kittams. “The more opportunities we can create for students to reach out for help, the more likely they are to seek that help.”

Hope Squad program started by Utah principal

The national Hope Squad program was created by former Utah high school principal Greg Hudnall, who said he reached a breaking point in 1997 after getting a phone call that one of his students had killed himself in a public park – one in a string of tragedies in the school district.

“That’s when I told myself, ‘I’m done. I can’t take any more of this,’” Hudnall told People Magazine in 2019. “I vowed that I would do everything I could to prevent it from ever happening again.”

Flandreau was one of 12 school districts chosen nationally as grant recipients in 2021, with the pandemic still causing loss of structure and sometimes family tragedy for South Dakota youth. The state’s 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System revealed that 21.5% of high school students said they considered suicide, while 12% said they had attempted it.

The crisis is particularly staggering for Native American youth, whose suicide rate is estimated by the South Dakota Department of Health to be 2.7 times higher than the white population. Flandreau High School, which has a Native enrollment of 30%, strives to reflect those demographics with its Hope Squad efforts.

“The program focuses on the protective factors of suicide prevention while creating more school connectedness,” said Flandreau school counselor Kari Lena-Helling, who supervises Hope Squads for grades 7-8 and grades 9-12.

'I've definitely felt a change'

Flandreau has 84 total students involved with four Hope Squads: grade 4, grades 5-6 (Junior Hope Squads), grades 7-8 and grades 9-12. The elementary school groups are focused more on anti-bullying messages and being a good friend, while the upper levels get more in depth about suicide prevention strategies.

youth standing with letters spelling out hope — Flandreau High School, which has a Native enrollment of 30%, strives to reflect those demographics with its Hope Squads. “The program focuses on suicide prevention while creating more school connectedness,” said school counselor Kari Lena-Helling (Photo: Submitted)

Students are chosen through peer nominations and discussions with principals and teachers, followed by training to recognize suicide/mental distress warning signs and QPR: question if they are thinking about suicide, persuade to get help, refer to a trusted adult. Confidentiality and the need to get adults involved in the process are paramount.

“We wanted to make sure the kids involved felt comfortable when it started,” said Chelsea Greenfield, who advises the younger grades. “I’ve definitely felt a change.”

One high school Hope Squad member came back after summer break and shared that a classmate was struggling with suicidal thoughts. Advisers were able to reach out to that student’s parents and suggest a mental health assessment, preventing a possible tragedy.

“I would say that every year we have students who struggle with suicidality and self-harm,” Lena-Helling said. “I think the difference is that kids are starting to get help for their peers sooner by recognizing warning signs, so you’re not seeing as many actual attempts.”

Giving counselors an assist

These student-involved efforts complement the work of school counselors, who are tasked with providing not just academic and vocational guidance but emotional support to students and families.

Forging that many personal connections is difficult, so schools are exploring ways to supplement traditional counseling with professional partnerships to make sure teens get the attention they need.

South Dakota has a ratio of about 365 students to every counselor, on par with neighboring states Iowa (370:1), Nebraska (369:1) and North Dakota (297:1). The American School Counselor Association recommends a ratio of 250:1.

In the Sioux Falls area, medical providers such as Avera Behavioral Health, Southeastern Behavioral Health and the Lutheran Social Services PATH program partner with school districts and take on referrals. The Helpline Center encourages students experiencing suicidal thoughts or needing emotional support to call or text 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For many students, though, it helps to have a guiding hand and familiar face in school hallways to counter feelings of hopelessness. Even if sharing those emotions feels uncomfortable at first.

'More kids are willing to talk'

Leah DeHaan, a 2023 graduate of Platte-Geddes High School, recalled her reaction when the school started a student-led Hope Squad through a Cook Center grant her junior year.

“I was skeptical,” DeHaan told News Watch in 2022. “As a teen who has suffered from mental health issues myself, I was concerned that it was just shifting responsibility off the adults and onto the students, like they were using students as makeshift therapists.”

She had a conversation with Platte-Geddes school counselor Sadie Hanson, who assuaged DeHaan’s concerns and told her that the fact that she voiced them made her a perfect candidate to serve on the Hope Squad.

DeHaan said she struggled with depression and anxiety in middle school and the beginning of high school. Her breakthrough came when talking candidly about what she was going through and being part of the team.

“Slowly we broke it down, and it became easier to discuss,” DeHaan said, “Now you see more kids around here willing to talk about their own struggles, the medications they need to take and how they plan to move forward.”

How to get mental health help and watch video series

Resources to get help for yourself or someone else who may be considering suicide:

The Helpline Center: People across the state can be connected to a crisis counselor 24/7 through the 988 Lifeline by call, text or chat.

Call: 988
Text: 988
Chat: 988lifeline.org/chat

Front Porch Coalition: 605-348-6692

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline/Indian Health Service hotline: 800-273-8255 (TALK)

Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741

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

Halloween activities in Garretson!

Carrie Moritz

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October 26, 2023

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by Carrie Moritz, Gazette

Next Tuesday is Halloween, a day all young ghosts and ghouls look forward to each year! That day, Garretson will become Halloween town, with trick or treating happening at all doors with front lights turned on. Before that, though, kids of all ages can enjoy the Trunk or Treat at Split Rock Park on Saturday.

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Starting off the festivities will be the Trunk or Treat at Split Rock Park on Saturday, October 28, where organizations, businesses, and individuals are invited to set up and decorate a trunk or a vehicle in an open camping spot prior to 4:30 p.m. There is no charge to set up, but sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis on the day of the event. Any of the RV sites south of the parking lot will be available for use. Decorators are welcome to start setting up as early as they wish, but must be ready to go by 4:30.

From 4:30 until 6:00 p.m., ghosts, goblins, and ghouls will descend upon the park for treats.

Businesses that will be open are encouraged to invite trick or treaters as well, with specials and candy available as trick-or-treaters head through town.

Capping off the candy-palooza will be the annual evening of trick or treating around town from around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 or 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31.

Anyone driving into or around town between the hours of 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. should be cautious, as young people may be darting into streets.

The key for a successful Halloween event is to be creative and have fun while keeping the community safe, and to encourage everyone to keep an eye out for each other. Drive slowly and watch the streets for little goblins that may dash out in front of you. Parents are encouraged to use reflective gear, lights, or bright colors on their children so they are more easily seen, and those with older children who may trick or treat alone are encouraged to have a conversation with them regarding safety and etiquette prior to the events.

The trunk or treat event is weather permitting. As of press time, Saturday's high is likely to be in the mid-30's with a 40% chance of snow. Anything shy of a blizzard is unlikely to pause trick-or-treating on Tuesday.

Does the State Report Card tell the whole story for Garretson?

Carrie Moritz

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October 26, 2023

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Does the State Report Card tell the whole story for Garretson?

by Carrie Moritz, Gazette

Last week, the South Dakota Department of Education Report Card was released. In that report, the Garretson School District fell short of state performances in testing, though other standardized testing has consistently found that Garretson School students are performing at or well above grade level. That leaves the question, why are the results of the report versus actual academic achievement at the Garretson School District so disparate, and what is the whole story?

Students in grades 3-8 and 11 were tested on Math and English language arts, and students in grades 5, 8, and 11 were tested in science across the state this past spring. The state uses the Smarter Balanced Assessment test, which utilizes common core standards to parse out students' current knowledge levels.

Statewide averages showed English language proficiency was 50%, and Math proficiency stayed steady at 43% for South Dakota students. Science measured at 43%. The Garretson School District scores overall were at 37% for English, 39% for Mathematics, and 37% for science.

In 2020, Garretson students in those same grades measured at 51% proficiency in English language arts, 34% in Mathematics, and 34% in science.

While the increase in math and science proficiency is promising, the drop in English language arts on the report card is concerning.

When asked if the district had identified why that drop had occurred, Superintendent Guy Johnson noted it was likely several items, but the main driver was the curriculum, at least at the elementary level.

"A few years ago we put in place what's called the 'Sondae System'. It has been very effective," he said, "but the issue that our teachers noticed after a couple of years in is that it moves very slowly."

In other words, it teaches the components behind reading and writing exceedingly well, as evidenced by the school's spelling bee last spring where the competitors needed 165 words between twenty-four 3-5th grade students to declare a winner, but students aren't necessarily reaching the standards the state expects to see for their grade level prior to the spring test.

"We were a little concerned that it wasn't moving fast enough to push us forward," said Johnson, pointing out that it was a few teachers, including Garretson Elementary Title I reading teacher Kim Macziewski, who brought the concerns forward.

The school has recently ordered a new curriculum for kindergarten through second grades called "Into Reading," which the administration hopes will strike a better balance between the effectiveness of the Sondae System and the skill level sought by the state test.

"Our hope is that by moving them along a little bit faster, that's going to have an improvement overall [on the report card]," Johnson said.

Despite the low scores, at the high school level the report card showed that 67% of last year's juniors were on track for college readiness, with 86% of students earning at least one advanced endorsement, well above the state average of 72%. The school's average ACT score was 20, only slightly behind the state average.

"It's interesting to me that we can be at that college level, our kids can be ready to enroll in college and not need remediation, but yet the test says 'you didn't do very well'," said Johnson.

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'Our world is a different place'

Hope Squad program started by Utah principal

'I've definitely felt a change'

Giving counselors an assist

'More kids are willing to talk'

How to get mental health help and watch video series

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Meanwhile, Summit project still active and ‘well-positioned to add additional plants’

‘Well-positioned to add additional plants’

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Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change

Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for Oct. 24, 2023