State education department searches for ways to improve science, math scores

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February 6, 2025

State education department searches for ways to improve science, math scores

By Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

South Dakota’s math and reading scores are relatively flat, state Department of Education Secretary Joseph Graves told lawmakers Tuesday in the Capitol in Pierre.

That’s based on the biennial National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) rankings, often referred to as the Nation’s Report Card. Students in fourth and eighth grades nationwide took tests between January and March in 2024, and rankings were released last week.

man with white hair wearing suit with tie — South Dakota Department of Education Secretary Joseph Graves talks to others ahead of a House Education Committee in the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre on Jan. 29, 2025. (Josh Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

South Dakota students scored above the national average in fourth grade math and eighth grade reading and math. The state met the national average in fourth grade reading.

“Not a lot of change in there. We’re not seeing the kind of growth we want to see in South Dakota,” Graves said, adding that the state is seeing a similar trend in its annual state assessments.

Math and reading scores nationwide and in South Dakota dipped after the COVID pandemic, Graves said.

Graves hopes a new statewide literacy initiative, using a phonics-based teaching approach known as “Science of Reading,” will help improve reading scores. The department wants to align standards for English and language arts with the framework.

The effort follows a global debate, often called the “reading wars,” about the best approach to improving children’s literacy. Some advocates emphasize phonics, which is understanding the relationship between sounds and letters. Others push a “whole language” approach that puts a stronger emphasis on words’ meaning, with some phonics mixed in. The “balanced literacy” approach gained popularity in the 2000s, which is phonics-inclusive but favors whole language instruction.

Graves told lawmakers on the Joint Appropriations Committee his department wants a similar evidence-based standard for math instruction. Mathematics competency relies on calculation and numeracy, or number sense, Graves said. Math instruction across the nation might emphasize one or another. To have students become proficient in math, they have to “get both of those together,” Graves said.

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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SD Senate narrowly advances bill requiring posting and teaching of Ten Commandments in schools

Carrie Moritz

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February 6, 2025

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SD Senate narrowly advances bill requiring posting and teaching of Ten Commandments in schools

By Joshua Haiar, South Dakota Searchlight

PIERRE — The South Dakota Senate voted 18-17 last week Tuesday at the Capitol to advance a bill mandating public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom and teach their historical significance.

foreground shows name plaque saying Carley and background has man with brown hair — State Sen. John Carley, R-Piedmont, foreground, listens on Jan. 28, 2025, in the South Dakota Senate as Sen. Red Dawn Foster, D-Pine Ridge, speaks about Carley’s bill that would require the Ten Commandments to be taught and displayed in public schools. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

The bill now heads to the state House of Representatives.

Sen. John Carley, R-Piedmont, proposed the legislation.

“These are historical principles that have been used in the tradition and founding of America,” Carley said.

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Opponents characterized the bill as a violation of the federal First Amendment constitutional principle of separation of church and state, and as a burdensome, unnecessary mandate.

Sen. Jamie Smith, D-Sioux Falls, a former public school teacher, said schools already have the option to display the commandments. They are also required to display the national motto, “In God We Trust,” due to state legislation adopted six years ago.

“I’m sitting here in a room full of people that believe in smaller government, less government,” Smith said, referring to the Republican-dominated state Senate. “And we’re making a mandate.”

The bill would require 8-by-14-inch posters with “easily readable font.” Schools would have to additionally display a three-part, roughly 225-word statement near the posters containing information about the commandments’ historical significance.

The legislation would replace existing language in state law allowing local school boards to choose to display the Ten Commandments.

The bill would also require the Ten Commandments to be taught as part of history and civics classes three times during a student’s education — at least once during each of the elementary, middle and high school years. Additional provisions in the bill would require instruction on the state and federal constitutions, the federal Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence.

The bill would require the Ten Commandments to be presented “as a historical legal document, including the influence of the Ten Commandments on the legal, ethical, and other cultural traditions of Western civilization.”

Carley said displaying and teaching the commandments would instill a moral grounding in students.

He pointed to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, which he said upheld public religious displays rooted in tradition. The ruling upheld a football coach’s post-game prayer as protected free speech and religious expression, emphasizing it was personal, voluntary and non-coercive.

Sen. Lauren Nelson, R-Yankton, said the South Dakota bill is not coercive.

“It’s not about forcing people to believe a certain way, but about understanding where we came from as a country,” Nelson said.

Sen. Red Dawn Foster, D-Pine Ridge, unsuccessfully proposed an amendment that would have allowed schools to substitute a list of Native American values for the commandments.

She said many Native Americans view the bill as perpetuating the historical policies of federal boarding schools, where Indigenous children were forced to speak English, convert to Christianity and forsake their own cultural practices.

Carley replied that he didn’t see any documentation that the list of Native American values proposed for inclusion by Foster had an “influence on the foundation of America.”

Sen. David Wheeler, R-Huron, is a lawyer. He raised the specter of lawsuits, pointing to ongoing litigation against a similar law in Louisiana. That state became the first to enact a law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms.

“It’s a guaranteed lawsuit,” Wheeler said.

Wheeler did not vote in favor of the bill, but he did convince senators to add an amendment that would require the state attorney general to defend any lawsuits arising from the legislation at the state’s expense, rather than burdening local school districts.

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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Public Notices published February 6, 2025

Public Notices

Carrie Moritz

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February 6, 2025

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Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for Jan. 28, 2025
Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-41
Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-000207
Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-392

Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for Jan. 28, 2025

THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY COMMISSION CONVENED AT 9:00 AM on January 28, 2025, pursuant to adjournment on January 21, 2025. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT WERE: Beninga, Bleyenberg, Heisey, Karsky, and Kippley. Also present were Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder, and Eric Bogue, Chief Civil Deputy State's Attorney.

Chair Karsky called the meeting to order.

MOTION to Bleyenberg, seconded by Heisey, to Amend the Proposed Agenda by Adding an Item to "Regular Business", immediately before Item 9, to be Titled "Motion to Authorize the Chair to Sign an Application for Party Status, HP24-001, in the Matter of the Application by SCS Carbon Transport, LLC for a Permit to Construct a Carbon Dioxide Transmission Pipeline. 5 ayes.

MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Kippley, to Approve the Agenda as Amended. 5 ayes.

CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Heisey, to Approve the Consent Agenda. By roll call vote: 5 ayes. The consent agenda includes the following items:

Commission Meeting Minutes for January 21, 2025

Bills to be Paid $963,179.98

A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Lease-Rental Agreement $253.02, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Maintenance Contracts $258.16, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Office Supplies $13.03, AARON GEORGE PROPERT Welfare Rent $1535, ACCREDITATION AUDIT Subscriptions $150, ALL NATIONS INTERPRE Interpreters $3501.3, AMAZON CAPITAL SERVI Jury Fees $49.9, ASH LAW OFFICE PLLC Child Defense Attorney $1224.48, AVERA HEART HOSPITAL Hospitals $4290.99, AVERA MCKENNAN Hospitals $35000, BALOUN LAW PC Child Defense Attorney $5.4, BANGS,MCCULLEN,BUTLE Attorney Fees $1713.5, C & B OPERATIONS LLC Bridge Repair & Maintenance $1929.96, C & B OPERATIONS LLC Small Tools & Shop Supplies $154.04, CENTURY BUSINESS PRO Maintenance Contracts $68.99, CENTURYLINK LONG DIS Telephone $8.68, CHAGOLLA, ALBERT Interpreters $115, CHASING WILLOWS LTD Welfare Rent $949, CHUUKESE NATIVE LANG Interpreters $160, CINTAS CORPORATION Janitorial Chemical Supplies $175.8, CINTAS CORPORATION Uniform Allowance $47.59, CMS COMMUNICATIONS I Data Processing Equipment $537, COMPUTER FORENSIC RE Professional Services $750, DAKOTA EMBALMING & T Transportation $6950, DECASTRO LAW OFFICE Child Defense Attorney $5509.5, DELL RAPIDS TOWNSHIP Miscellaneous Expense $16536.77, EH HOSPITALITY LLC Welfare Rent $500, EICH LAW OFFICE LLC Attorney Fees $1092.5, ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO I Miscellaneous Expense $248.94, ENVIRONMENTAL EQUIPM Heavy Equipment $226845, FARNSWORTH, MICHAEL Professional Services $13975, GBR INC Interpreters $120, GLOBAL TEL LINK (GT Miscellaneous Expense $1.86, GLOBAL TEL LINK (GT Telephone $35.13, GLORY HOUSE Miscellaneous Expense $5100, GOEBEL PRINTING INC Printing/Forms $3617.9, GRIESE LAW FIRM Attorney Fees $9824.64, GRIESE LAW FIRM Child Defense Attorney $402.5, GROVE AT ELLIS Welfare Rent $500, GUARDRAIL ENTERPRISE Road Maint & Material $1476.99, GUNDERSEN CLINIC Other Medical Services $323.26, GUNDERSEN LUTHERAN Other Medical Services $2503.25, GUNNER, ANDREA Court Reporters $117, GUZMAN, SANDRA V Interpreters $420, HANSON, MICHAEL W Attorney Fees $1368.5, HARTFORD TOWNSHIP Miscellaneous Expense $8289.92, HEIDEPRIEM PURTELL Child Defense Attorney $3153.43, HEWLETT PACKARD Data Processing Equipment $643.08, HIGH POINT NETWORKS Subscriptions $6286, I STATE TRUCK INC Truck Repairs & Maintenance $451.29, INTERSTATE OFFICE PR Office Supplies $451.66, JCL SOLUTIONS Inmate Supplies $1697.5, JCL SOLUTIONS Kitchen/Cleaning Supplies $1671.61, JEFFERSON PARTNERS L Transportation $762.99, KNECHT, ANDREW J Child Defense Attorney $5313.5, KRUSE LAW OFFICE Attorney Fees $3397, LAUGHLIN LAW LLC Child Defense Attorney $3048.8, LIFESCAPE Miscellaneous Expense $5000, LOGAN DOYLE Sign Deposits $50, LOPEZ, REBECA Interpreters $505, LOVING, PHILIP Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $1595.01, LUTHER, JEFF Medical Director $2750, MARSH & MCLENNAN LLC Notary Exp $228.75, MIDCONTINENT COMMUNI Amounts Held For Others $261.95, MIDSTATES UNIFORM & Miscellaneous Expense $37.6, MINNEHAHA CONSERVATI Miscellaneous Expense $2040, NICHOLSON LAW Child Defense Attorney $966, NORTH RIDGE APARTMEN Welfare Rent $900, NORTHERN TRUCK EQUIP Truck Repairs & Maintenance $314.9, NOVAK Lease-Rental Agreement $79.8, NOVAK Office Supplies $56.44, NOVAK Trash Removal $284, NYBERGS ACE HARDWARE Bridge Repair & Maintenance $62.67, OFFICE DEPOT INC Data Processing Supplies $81.34, OLSON, ROBERT Taxable Meal Allowances $18, OTTERPOHL, EMMA Business Travel $56.28, OVERHEAD DOOR COMPAN Building Repairs & Maintenance $178.57, PAYTON, ARISTARCHUS Business Travel $231.82, PHOENIX SUPPLY LLC Child Care Uniforms $62.7, PRAIRIE WYNN PROPERT Welfare Rent $700, PRICE, THOMAS L Psych Evals $6000, RAC RENTALS, LLC Welfare Rent $1200, RENTOKIL NORTH AMERI Professional Services $81.88, RICE STREET Welfare Rent $1267.02, RILEY COWLES Taxable Meal Allowances $18, RISTY, MAXINE J Court Reporters $141.65, ROOSEVELT ESTATES OF Welfare Rent $795, ROSECREST LIMITED PA Welfare Rent $921, SANFORD CLINIC Contract Services $30101.46, SANFORD CLINIC Lab Costs $873, SD HUMAN SERVICES CE Clinics - Auxiliary Services $32.6, SD PUBLIC ASSURANCE Vehicle Insurance $1444.61, SENTRY SECURITY FAST Safety & Rescue Equipment $1450, SIOUX EMPIRE FAIR AS Miscellaneous Expense $12500, SIOUX FALLS CITY Clinics - Auxiliary Services $2751.2, SIOUX FALLS CITY Electricity $8883.77, SIOUX FALLS CITY Miscellaneous Expense $335396.58, SIOUX FALLS CITY Road Maint & Material $12.48, SIOUX FALLS CITY Water - Sewer $15135.01, SIOUX FALLS CITY Welfare Utilities $445.88, SIOUX FALLS RUBBER S Notary Exp $24.45, SIOUX FALLS RUBBER S Office Supplies $66.95, SIOUX FALLS RUBBER S Other Supplies $36.45, SOUTHEASTERN BEHAVIO Miscellaneous Expense $49921.25, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Daily Scram $3670, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Remote Breath $832, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Notary Exp $30, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Other Supplies $12.04, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Telephone $65, STREICHERS INC Safety & Rescue Equipment $329.99, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Board Of Prisoners-Meals $33168.96, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Child Care Food $706.69, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Inmate Supplies $197.2, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE School Lunch Program $1603.53, TETONKA LLP Architects & Engineers $10000, THOMSON REUTERS - WE Legal Research $1122.76, TRANSOURCE TRUCK & E Truck Repairs & Maintenance $84.21, TRI-STATE NURSING Professional Services $3580, TWO WAY SOLUTIONS IN Communication Equipment Repair $24.75, UNIVERSITY PARK LEGA Professional Services $3231.25, US FOODS INC Professional Services $902.27, VANDERHAAGS INC Truck Repairs & Maintenance $1650, VB FALLS TERRACE Welfare Rent $1200, XCEL ENERGY Electricity $28411.39, XCEL ENERGY INC Welfare Utilities $870.51.
January 2025 Commission Salaries
COMMISSION Salaries $42,381.46

AUDITOR Salaries $65,068.14

TREASURER Salaries $137,802.77

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Salaries $100,932.57

STATES ATTORNEY Salaries $490,016.92

PUBLIC DEFENDER Salaries $316,546.75

PUBLIC ADVOCATE Salaries $91,933.72

FACILITIES Salaries $67,457.11

EQUALIZATION Salaries $124,318.22

REGISTER OF DEEDS Salaries $53,893.77

HUMAN RESOURCES Salaries $41,438.38

SHERIFF Salaries $1,756,288.36

JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER Salaries $249,515.21

HIGHWAY Salaries $164,384.40

HUMAN SERVICES Salaries $176,620.36

MUSEUM Salaries $98,524.88

PLANNING Salaries $47,656.76

EXTENSION Salaries $3,880.00

Routine Personnel Actions
New Hires

1. Sebastian Bastida, Variable Hour Correctional Officer for the 24/7 Program, at $22.55/hour effective 01/18/ 2025.
2. Danielle Claypool, Jordan Jakmejian, & Tyler VanMeter, Correctional Officers for the Jail, at $26.13/hour effective 01/27/2025.

Promotions
1. McKenzie Ide, Correctional Officer to Corporal for the Jail, at $30.26/hour (17/1) effective 02/01/2025.

Step Increases

    1. Matthew Nunes, Correctional Officer for the Jail, at $28.82/hour (14/3) effective 01/04/2025.
    2. Julie Hofer, Public Advocate for the Public Advocate's Office, at $6,008.00/biweekly (25/11) effective 12/17/2024.
    3. Bert Bucher, Deputy Public Defender for the Public Defender's Office, at $3,777.60/biweekly (22/3) effective 01/08/2025.
    4. Bethany Jost, Paralegal for the Public Defender's Office, at $37.80/hour (16/10) effective 12/30/2024.
    5. Leah Bouw, Administrative Secretary for the Sheriff's Office, at $28.12/hour (10/10) effective 02/10/2025.
    6. Kiel Ricci, Sergeant for the Sheriff's Office, at $42.80/hour (20/7) effective 01/09/2025.

Special Personnel Actions

1. To approve a temporary pay adjustment to $26.13/hour for Holly Even, Senior Accounting Technician for the Treasurer's Office effective 01/18/2025.
Abatements Recommended for Approval by the Director of Equalization

Parcel-76743, Haneke Ranch, 2024 Property Taxes, $2,135.77
Parcel-94669, Ronning Enterprises, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,364.62
Parcel-93231, Ronning Enterprises, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,162.49
Parcel-94657, Ronning Enterprises, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,327.81
Parcel-94659, Ronning Enterprises, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,299.49
Parcel-44091, Megan Farmer-Clark, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,890.85
Parcel-87998, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2024 Property Taxes, $326.07
Parcel-23338, Owen & Lois Wiese, 2024 Property Taxes, $62.17
Parcel-88849, Signature Companies, LLC, 2024 Property Taxes, $444.62
Parcel-37381, Marty & Jaime Franken, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,005.50
Parcel-60093, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,263.76
Parcel-52491, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,699.48

LIQUOR LICENSE TRANSFER

Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder, was present for a public hearing to consider a transfer of Retail (On-Sale) Liquor License. The application is for the transfer of Retail (On-Sale) Liquor License currently held by the Garretson Sportsman's Club. The property is legally described as S1/2 SE1/4 (Ex Tr 1 Laurel Ridge Addn & H-1 & H-2) 23-102-49 Mapleton Township; N1/2 NE1/4 26-102-49 Mapleton Township; SE1/4 NE1/4 26-102-49 Mapleton Township; SW1/4 NE1/4 25-102-49 Mapleton Township and is located at 47991 Slip Up Creek Rd in Sioux Falls. The license will be transferred to Nineteen Flags, LLC. d/b/a Mapleton Golf Club. The license would allow for the sale of liquor to be consumed at their establishment located in Minnehaha County.

The application was reviewed by the Sheriff's Office, State's Attorney's Office, and Planning and Zoning and there were no objections or concerns reported.
Chair Karsky asked for proponents and opponents to speak on the topic. Danny Amundson, proponent, spoke for the timeline for the use of the license if approved as well as the need for the license. There were no opponents to speak on the topic.
MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Kippley, to Approve a Transfer Retail (On-Sale) Liquor License for Nineteen Flags, LLC. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

PRESENTATIONS

Staci Jonson, Rachel Shepherd, and Alison Pratt, Lutheran Social Services Family Violence Project, 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 abuse in their relationships. Our services fall under the pillars of what Lutheran Social Services consider to an effective abusive intervention program: Accountability and Accessibility. The presentation also presented several statistics related to the project for both fiscal year 2024 and the first two quarters of fiscal year 2025.

Lynne Keller Forbes, Southeastern Council of Governments Executive Director, gave a presentation on the Southeastern Council of Governments (SECOG) highlighting the following areas: structure of SECOG, 2024 revenues and dues, project development and funding applications, 2024 funding secured with the assistance of SECOG and return on investment, 2024 funding secured by county and infrastructure return on investment for each county, land use regulations. Finally, the presentation highlighted the coordination of the Metro Planning Organization, Southeastern Development Foundation, and Dakota Business Finance.

PARTY STATUS APPLICATION

Upon the request of Eric Bogue, Chief Civil Deputy State's Attorney, MOTION by Heisey, seconded by Beninga, to Authorize the Chair to Sign an Application for Party Status, HP-24-001, in the Matter of the Application by SCS Carbon Transport LLC for a Permit to Construct a Carbon Dioxide Transmission Pipeline. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

AGREEMENT

Jamie Gravett, Juvenile Detention Center Director, requested authorization for the Chair to sign a contract with Guardian RFID for an Inmate Tracking System. The system will track all movements of the youth throughout the facility as well as documenting all safety checks and different activities that the youth are involved in. Guardian RFID is currently being used in the jail. This system will be installed in the facility and will be ready to use when the youth are moved into the new facility. The total cost will be $33,146.25 and has been placed as an owner cost for the project. MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Authorize the Chair to Sign a Contract with Guardian RFID for an Inmate Tracking System. 5 ayes.

JAIL PER DIEM AGREEMENTS

Upon the request of Mike Mattson, Warden, MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Authorize the Chair to Sign the 2025 Jail Housing Per Diem Contracts with Clay County, Hutchinson County, Jerauld County, Lake County, McCook County, Moody County, and Turner County, which Reflects the 2025 Per Diem Housing Rate of $112.00 per day. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

VEHICLE PURCHASE

Upon the request of Josh Phillips, Captain, MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Heisey, to Authorize the Sheriff's Office to Purchase Three (3) 2024 Ford Escape Vehicles from Sioux Falls Ford with a Price of $26,694 for One Vehicle, $24,064 for Another Vehicle, and $25,099 for an Additional Vehicle for a Total Purchase Price of $75,857.00. 5 ayes.

ABATEMENT

Upon the request of Chris Lilla, Director of Equalization, MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Heisey, to Approve an Abatement Recommended for Denial Parcel 52870 for 2024 Property Taxes $1,370.82 as the Property was Exempt for 2024 Pay 2025. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

POWER OUTAGE RESPONSE PROTOCOL

Upon the request of Meredith Jarchow, Assistant Commission Administrative Officer, MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Heisey, to Adopt Proposed Changes to the Power Outage Response Protocol. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Meredith Jarchow, Assistant Commission Administrative Officer, provided an update for the 2025 Legislative session. Some important dates to note regarding the Legislative session are January 30 which is the last day for unlimited bill and resolution introduction; February 5 which is the last day for introduction of individual bills and resolutions; and February 6 which is the last day for introduction day of committee bills and resolutions. The briefing went on to summarize the legislation that the Commission Office is following. The briefing included information on the following House Bills (HB) 1050, 1073, 1083, 1085, and 1087. HB 1050 would authorize municipalities to impose a new tax to fund capital improvement projects. HB 1073 is an act to allow an individual registering as a voter to designate optional contact information as not for public inspection. HB 1083 would modify the requirements for obtaining an agricultural processor's lien. HB 1085 would establish a moratorium on the construction of carbon dioxide pipelines in this state and to declare an emergency. HB 1087 would authorize the recall of county commissioners. The briefing went on to highlight the following Senate Bills (SB) 75, 84, 85, 89, and 90. SB 75 would require an indication of United States citizenship status on a motor vehicle operator's license or permit. SB 84 would be to extend the timeframe for filing a vacancy on the board of county commissioners. SB 85 would provide property tax relief to certain senior owners of owner-occupied single-family dwellings. SB 89 is an act to repeal the requirement that judicial officers be listed on a separate nonpolitical ballot. SB 90 is an act to clarify provisions regarding tax deeds.

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORTS

Commissioner Beninga reported on a recent meeting of the Sioux Empire Fair Board and monthly Elected Official meeting.
Commissioner Kippley reported on the recent meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Commissioner Heisey reported on recent meetings with the County Treasurer and of the Urbanized Development Committee.

Commissioner Bleyenberg reported on an upcoming Museum Mystery Theater event and Juvenile Justice Center Project meeting.

Commissioner Karsky reported on the recent Homeless forum as well as a recent Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce board meeting.

MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Adjourn at 10:10 a.m. 5 ayes.

The Commission adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025.
APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION:

Dean Karsky

Chair

ATTEST:

Kym Christiansen

Commission Recorder

Published at the total approximate cost of $195.53 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 2-6-25_1tc

Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-41

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) SS COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA)

IN CIRCUIT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT In the Matter of the Petition of Austin Mayer, For a Change of Name to Austin David Stirling.

49CIV:25-41

Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition for Adult Name Change has been filed by Austin David Mayer, the object and prayer of which is to change Petitioner’s name from Austin David Mayer to Austin David Stirling.

On the 25th day of Febuary, 2025, at the hour of 11:00 a.m. said Verified Petition will be heard by this Court before the Honorable Clapper, 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 re- quested.

Dated this 6th Day of January, 2025 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Attested by, Cathy Arant Clerk of Court.

Published four times at the approximate cost of $50.69 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 1-16-25-4tc

Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-000207

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) SS COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA)

IN CIRCUIT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT In the Matter of the Petition of James Peter Gross, For a Change of Name to James Peter Edison.

49CIV:25-000207

Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition for Adult Name Change has been filed James Peter Gross, the object and prayer of which is to change Petitioner’s name from James Peter Gross to James Peter Edison.

On the 4th day of March, 2025, at the hour of 11:00 a.m. said Verified Petition will be heard by this Court before the Honorable Pekas, 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 re- quested.

Dated this 14th day of January, 2025 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Attested by, Cathy Arant Clerk of Court.

Published four times at the approximate cost of $51.90 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 2-6-25-4tc

Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-392

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) SS COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA)

IN CIRCUIT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT In the Matter of the Petition of Jason Robert Brannan, For a Change of Name to Jaina Elyse Lockheart.

49CIV:25-392

Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition for Adult Name Change has been filed by Jason Robert Brannan, the object and prayer of which is to change Petitioner’s name from Jason Robert Brannan to Jaina Elyse Lockheart.

On the 18th day of March, 2025, at the hour of 11:00 a.m. said Verified Petition will be heard by this Court before the Honorable Hoffman, 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 re- quested.

Dated this 28th Day of January, 2025 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Attested by, Cathy Arant Clerk of Court.

Published four times at the approximate cost of $53.11 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 2-6-25-4tc

News for 2-6-25

Carrie Moritz

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February 5, 2025

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A woman was found in the alley by the school after an icy crash early Tuesday morning; the Garretson City Council hired DGR Engineering as a city engineer at Monday's meeting; and we introduce you to both Eddie Edmundson and Jakob Etrheim, Garretson natives who have plenty of Garretson-centric stories. Plus, education bills and maternal health concerns, basketball and wrestling, and more!

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Register now to become an SDSU Extension Master Gardener

Carrie Moritz

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February 5, 2025

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Register now to become an SDSU Extension Master Gardener

three women working with plants — Participants learned how to propagate plants at the 2024 SDSU Extension Master Gardener training in Madison. (SDSU Extension photo)

BROOKINGS, S.D. – Registration is open for the 2025 South Dakota State University Extension Master Gardener training.

The course is open to anyone who would like to learn horticulture skills and research-based best practices and share their gardening knowledge with others. Participants will learn which plants are well-suited for South Dakota, including trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, turfgrass, vegetables and fruits. Other topics include soils, plant diseases, insect pests and weeds.

Offered once each year, the course is a hybrid of online and in-person training for South Dakota residents age 18 and over. Registration is required and costs $250 (training plus 40 hours of volunteer work or $500 (training without volunteer hours). For details and to register, visit extension.sdstate.edu/events and search “master gardener”. Applications are due by March 10, 2025.

Extension Master Gardener is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the country, with more than 86,076 volunteers in 49 states. Prairey Walkling, SDSU Extension Master Gardener Field Specialist, said there are many ways to volunteer, including teaching horticulture classes to youth or adults, staffing displays at local events and serving as a resource for home gardening questions.

“It looks different for all, but there are some commonalities,” Walkling said. “There are really endless opportunities, and we can't wait to hear your ideas on how to share research-based horticulture in your corner of South Dakota.”

Most coursework is online and self-directed. Online coursework includes weekly 90-minute live webinar sessions at 7 p.m. CST from April 17 to June 19. Participants must complete an open-book final exam by July 31.

Participants must attend two in-person training sessions to pass the course. They can choose one location to complete their in-person training. This year’s locations are an evening session on April 15 and full day on June 17 in Sturgis, evening session on April 3 and full day on June 12 in Pierre, or afternoon session on April 1 and full day on June 10 in Sioux Falls.

For more information, contact .

Legislative Update: Rep Leslie Heinemann

Carrie Moritz

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February 5, 2025

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Legislative Update: Rep Leslie Heinemann

It is my honor to serve the constituents of District 25 as one of your house representatives. I was pleased to be voted into a leadership position and serve as a majority whip. I serve on the House State Affairs committee, am vice-chair of the House Health and Human Services committee and also on the committee of Retirement law. This is the 100th legislative session and there will be festivities later in April to celebrate this for current and former legislators, staff, interns and pages.

This is an historic year in that our former Governor Kristi Noem gave the State of the state address and then headed to Washington for confirmation hearings. She symbolically gave Larry Rhoden a bat to pass on her “baton” and then on this last Saturday resigned as Governor. Our new Governor Larry Rhoden addressed a joint session on Tuesday and set forth his plans. He will have a public inauguration followed by a capitol ball on Saturday February 8.

Some bills that have started going thru are the “baby box” bill which passed in committee and on the house floor. HB 1044 allows for the construction of baby boxes on sites that posses staff capable of providing emergency medical care.

There were a few local people out for the hearing of HB 1052 on eminent domain. There was spirited debate and it passed onto the Senate side.

I was pleased to see several community members here for the rural water events.

Please let me know if you will be in Pierre so I can greet you and attend your function.

You can reach me with any comments or questions at

Or call 605-773-3851 or my cell 605-864-1274.

Lutheran Social Services calls Musk’s illegal payment claims ‘completely baseless’

Carrie Moritz

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February 5, 2025

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Lutheran Social Services calls Musk’s illegal payment claims ‘completely baseless’

BY STU WHITNEY
South Dakota News Watch

The leader of South Dakota’s primary refugee resettlement program has condemned online attacks by tech billionaire Elon Musk regarding the legality of the organization’s federal funding.

Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota, said her group became aware of social media messages from Musk and former U.S. national security adviser Michael Flynn this past weekend “falsely claiming that Lutheran organizations, including ours, have illegally received federal payments and engaged in money laundering.”

sign out front of a building that says LSS

Kiesow-Knudsen added in her statement to News Watch that the messages “indicated an intention to defund our organization as a result. These accusations are completely baseless and inaccurate.”

"Our work is carried out through legally awarded contracts and grants with local, state, and federal agencies that have entrusted us with these essential services," she wrote. "We are deeply concerned by any effort to misrepresent our work and jeopardize the funding that enables us to fulfill our mission."

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This story was produced by South Dakota News Watch, an independent, nonprofit organization. Read more stories and donate at sdnewswatch.org and sign up for an email every few days to get stories as soon as they're published. Contact Stu Whitney at .

Birthing risks rise in SD as another hospital ends service

Carrie Moritz

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February 5, 2025

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Birthing risks rise in SD as another hospital ends service

Bart Pfankuch

South Dakota News Watch

The elimination of birthing services at Winner Regional Health hospital will force dozens of expectant mothers in a wide swath of south-central South Dakota to drive one to two hours on rural highways to give birth under the care of a doctor.

OBGYN Buehner with baby — Marvin Buehner, M.D., holds a newborn after providing delivery care in Rapid City, S.D. Buehner retired in late 2024 and closed his practice. (Photo: Courtesy Marvin Buehner)

Ending the hospital's labor and delivery services came only after "a lot of tears and sleepless nights," but the difficult decision was ultimately the correct one, according to hospital CEO Brian Williams.

When all factors were considered – especially the high cost of the service and a lack of qualified providers – the decision to end birthing services at the small, independent hospital starting Feb. 1, 2025 boiled down to patient risk and safety concerns, he said.

"The unfortunate thing is we weren't doing the safest things for everybody involved," which included expectant mothers and their babies, Williams said of the hospital that delivered 107 babies in 2024. "This was a horrible decision for us and for the community."

When it comes to maternity, traveling long distances on country highways requires more planning and more time, two things that can be hard to find during the uncertain hours surrounding a delivery. Facing an hourlong drive or more also creates greater risk to both mother and child if any complications arise.

"Anytime someone has to travel in pre-labor or active labor, it could cause a negative outcome," Williams said. "Obviously the closer you are (to a birthing hospital) the better off you'll be."

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A woman was found in the alley by the school after an icy crash early Tuesday morning; the Garretson City Council hired DGR Engineering as a city engineer at Monday's meeting; and we introduce you to both Eddie Edmundson and Jakob Etrheim, Garretson natives who have plenty of Garretson-centric stories. Plus, education bills and maternal health concerns, basketball and wrestling, and more!

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Woman found collapsed near Garretson School early Tuesday

Carrie Moritz

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February 4, 2025

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Woman found collapsed near Garretson School early Tuesday

On early Tuesday morning, the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Department was called out to Garretson for a report of a female found collapsed in the alleyway south of the school. While initial reports suggested the person may be deceased, it was announced that the female was alive but in critical condition. Later, a white SUV was found partially submerged in Split Rock Creek off 5th Street, and was connected to the victim.

Reports indicated the female was traveling east on 5th Street but left the roadway and entered the creek under the bridge. After exiting the vehicle, the individual navigated more than five blocks of city streets in weather that had a "real feel" temperature below 0 degrees F.

While the time of the accident was not given, a report from the Garretson School District stated the individual was found on camera passing the school around 2:45 a.m.

A statement released later Tuesday morning by the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Department read, "On 2/4/25 at approximately 5:27 AM, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a ‘man down call’ in Garretson, SD. An unresponsive female was located in an alley. During the investigation, a white SUV was located in Split Rock Creek. The SUV failed to navigate the curve in the road the [sic] crashed into the creek. The driver crawled out of the SUV and walked to the alley where they were found. The driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The crash is being investigated by the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office.

"In addition to the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, the Garretson Fire Department, Garretson Ambulance, officials from the City of Garretson, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue and Minnehaha County Emergency Management all responded to the scene."

As of press time, the individual was in critical condition, and the family was requesting prayers for the woman's health and recovery. The accident is under investigation, and the story is developing.

UPDATE 2/4/25: Story updated to reflect vehicle's travel direction.

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Legislative Update: Rep Leslie Heinemann

Lutheran Social Services calls Musk’s illegal payment claims ‘completely baseless’

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Birthing risks rise in SD as another hospital ends service

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