By Jim Speirs, ExecutiveDirector, Arts South Dakota
In a state as large and diverse as South Dakota, no one organization can advance our creative environment singlehandedly. One of Arts South Dakota’s most significant partners in the daily challenge of providing arts advocacy and arts information is South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB). With 98% coverage throughout our state’s 77,000 square miles, SDPB is a vital link in bringing arts programming to every community.
From interviews with South Dakota artists to broadcasts of the SD Symphony Orchestra to Jazz Nightly, SDPB covers creative expression as thoroughly as they cover the state. Rural communities, reservations, small school districts and homes across South Dakota are entertained, informed and connected by the dedicated, professional and locally oriented programs of SDPB.
Our partners at SDPB face an unprecedented budget cut in the Governor’s 2025 budget proposal. These cuts could lead to a drastic reduction in local programming, which means a reduced focus on the celebration of our state’s creative community. We believe that every South Dakotan will lose a vital resource if SDPB is limited in its ability to reach across the state as it has in the past. This cut would disproportionately affect rural coverage, where SDPB’s programming and outreach are highly valued.
Arts South Dakota is proud to partner with SDPB, recognizing the importance of their network in helping us advance the arts in South Dakota by connecting, advocating and educating. We urge everyone who understands the mission of SDPB to learn more about this legislative issue by visiting the SDPB Friends advocacy page at sdpbfriends.org/advocacy/. If you believe in access to the arts for all South Dakotans, tell your legislators. Let them know that SDPB is a vital resource for our state.
For more about partnership and growing the arts in South Dakota, visit www.ArtsSouthDakota.org.
SIOUX FALLS, SD (12/20/2024)-- The University of Sioux Falls congratulates 550 students who made the Fall 2024 Dean's List.
Joy Fry of Garretson, SD, majoring in Social Work.
Kalista Graham of Garretson, SD, majoring in Elementary Education.
Madden Lardy of Garretson, SD, majoring in Business Administration and Media Studies.
Delaney Olson of Garretson, SD, majoring in Graphic Design.
USD Announces Fall 2024 Dean’s List
VERMILLION, S.D. – More than 2,500 students at the University of South Dakota are being honored for their high achievement during the fall 2024 semester with the release of the Dean’s List and Academic Honors.
Full-time, undergraduate students are named to the Dean’s List if they received a 3.5 GPA for courses they took in the fall 2024 semester, and they had no incomplete or failing grades. For part-time students, those with fewer than 12 credit hours, the recognition is called Academic Honors.
Dean's List: Morgan Marie Damman, Garretson SD; Mattea Leann Fiegen, Garretson SD; Layna Day Lyons, Garretson SD; Jennica Lauryn Pitts, Garretson SD; Taylor Savannah Sage, Garretson SD; Noel Elizabeth Johnson Sherman SD; Tristin NaRene Dunn Jasper MN; Ella Rose Branham Baltic SD; Christopher Joseph Branham Baltic SD; Hannah Renee Dosch Baltic SD; Jenna Marie Hanson Baltic SD. Academic Honors List: Kaleesta Rose Waysman Garretson SD
Augustana University Fall 2024 Dean’s List
Sioux Falls, South Dakota — Augustana University announced today students who have been named to the Dean's List for the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year. The Fall 2024 Dean's List recognizes 981 full-time students who have a minimum of 12 credit hours with grade-point averages at 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale).
Morgan Sophia Moritz, Garretson; Erin Amanda Steen, Jasper MN
South Dakota State announces fall 2024 dean's list
BROOKINGS, S.D. (01/17/2025)-- More than 3,900 students were recognized for their outstanding academic performance over the fall 2024 semester at South Dakota State University by being named to the dean's list.
To earn dean's list distinctions in SDSU's colleges, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credits and must have earned at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Overall, 3,901 students from 40 states and 32 foreign nations are on the list. More than 1,600 students received a 4.0 GPA, and those are indicated with an asterisk.
Congratulations to these distinguished scholars on earning this academic achievement.
Hayden Ask of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Gregory Beaner* of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Preston Bohl of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Nursing.
Elyssa Clark* of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Nursing.
Lexie Daugaard of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Nursing.
Allison Ebbing* of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Education and Human Sciences.
Ryan Flanagan* of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Jayde Halverson* of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.
Grace Hove* of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Peyton Hove of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Education and Human Sciences.
Carson Johnke of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Nursing.
Clay Lardy* of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Education and Human Sciences.
Matthew Rattenborg* of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Natural Sciences.
Jacob Schroeder of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Jenna VanHolland of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
Hemi Woertink of Garretson, South Dakota (57030), in SDSU's Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering.
Jan. Legion Report The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting opened on Thursday, December 2nd at 8:00 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Jon Schmidt with a salute to the Colors, POW/MIA observance, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Chaplain Lampe offered the prayer. 24 members were present.
The Department Vice Commander Districts 3-8, Kevin Hempel was our special guest for the evening. The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. The finance and social reports were approved. Bills were approved for payment.
Brian Siemonsma highlighted that our Post gave back over $11,000 to the community in 2024! Service Officer Nancy Grandy reported that Doris Nedved is doing well and was back in the Garretson area for Christmas. A congratulations card was sent to Brendan Harris on the birth of a child. A condolence card was sent to Jim Huls on the passing of his spouse. Our Adjutant gave the Post donation to the Christmas Fund for the Sioux Falls VA hospital.
The membership report has our 2025 goal at 201 members. We currently have a total of 177 renewed members (88%) at this point. Our January goal is 80%. Great job by the membership team!
Bob Bennett gave the Americanism report. He will be going to the school to promote Boy’s State and the Youth Trooper Academy. We have a student participating in the Oratory Contest! Paul Evenson reported that the Legislature begins on January 14th. The Color Guard took part in Garretson’s Hometown Parade with a trailer float.
Brian Siemonsma reported that the Legion is not saying much yet about the restructuring of the baseball programs to line up with SDHSAA. He expressed frustration with the lack of information coming from the American Legion in South Dakota. Brian will get with the coaches this month to begin work on this year’s season. Andy Lyngen made note that this is the 100 year anniversary for American Legion Baseball.
Our Post hosted the December 14th Hometown Christmas from 9 am to 1 pm with French toast on the menu. The turnout was very large with many generous donations. A motion passed to donate $500 to the Garretson Food Pantry, Garretson Ambulance, Garretson Fire Department, and Midwest Honor Flight. The crowd that gathered to watch the Army Navy game had a good time watching the game at the Post.
The next Post meeting will be February 6th with the meal at 7 pm and meeting at 8 pm. The next Post breakfast will be February 2nd from 9 am to 1 pm and will highlight omelets! The next County meeting will be held at our Post on February 25th. The next District meeting will be held March 30th in Garretson. The Department Mid-Winter Conference will be in Oacoma February 14th through the 16th. Department Vice Commander Kevin Hempel spoke on his campaign for Department Commander. He has served many positions in the American Legion and handed out flyers showing his past experience.
Beth Welch discussed the 2025 raffle tickets and encouraged members to pick up their tickets and begin selling. Schmidt shared a thank you note for the use of a wheelchair. We also received a note from Garretson Fire, and an invitation to the Commercial Club Annual Meeting. A donation and thank you came in from the Dave Stiefvater family.
The monthly raffle drawing took place. There were 5 drawings for January. The lucky winners were: Nick Shotzko, The Renner Corner, Barb Larson, Jacob Schneider, and Tim Lyngen. Each will receive $150!
Commander Jon Schmidt closed the meeting with the usual ceremony at 8:53 pm.
NOTICE OF VACANCIES ON SCHOOL BOARD GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 49-4
CITY OF GARRETSON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-41
Notice to Bidders
Notice to Bidders
Notice to Bidders
Minutes of the Garretson School Board for Jan. 13, 2025
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
PRO. 24-0344
In the Matter of the Estate of KEVIN D. KELLEY Deceased.
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA ) :SS
IN CIRCUIT COURT
COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Notice is given that on the 30th day of December, 2024, in the Circuit Court of Minnehaha County, South Dakota, Boe Kelley was appointed as Personal Representative of the estate of Kevin D. Kelley, deceased.
Creditors of the decedent must file their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or their claims may be barred. Claims may be filed:
1. By Mailing them to the Personal Representative, with a copy being mailed to the undersigned's attorney at the address below; or
2. By Filing the claim at the Courthouse with the County Clerk of Courts and mailing a copy of the claim the Personal Representative.
Boe Kelley, Personal Representative Estate of Kevin Kelley
Dated: 01/02/2025
Harris Law & Co.
5019 S. Bur Oak Pl., Sioux Falls, SD 57108
605-777-1772 Attorney for Personal Representative
Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts 425 N. Dakota Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Published three times at the total approximate cost of $48.92 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 1-9-25_3tc
NOTICE OF VACANCY MUNICIPALITY OF GARRETSON
The following offices will become vacant due to the expiration of the present term or due to the resignation of office of the elective officer:
City Council -Ward 1- 2 year term
City Council -Ward 1- 2 year term
City Council -Ward 2- 2 year term
City Council -Ward 3- 2 year term
Circulation of nominating petitions may begin on January 31st, 2025, and petitions may be filed in the office of the finance officer located at 705 N Main Avenue Garretson SD 57030 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., central time; not later than the 28th day of February, 2025, or mailed by registered mail not later than the 28th day of February, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. central time.
Paetyn Dreckman, Finance Officer
Published twice at the total approximate cost of $22.37 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 1-16-25_2tc
NOTICE OF VACANCY For the Town of Sherman
One three-year term on the Sherman Town Board.
Earliest day to begin petition circulation is Jan. 31, 2025. Deadline
For filing nominating petitions if Feb. 28, 2025 at 5:00 pm. Petitions
may be obtained and must be returned to the Town Clerk by the deadline.
Cheryl Swenson, Town Clerk
Published twice at the total approximate cost of $12.14 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 1-16-25_2tc
NOTICE OF VACANCIES ON SCHOOL BOARD GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 49-4
The following school board positions will become vacant due to the expiration of the present term of office.
Two at-large positions for a term of three (3) years:
Incumbent: Tana Clark
Incumbent: Shannon Nordstrom
Circulation of nominating petitions may begin on January 31st and petitions may be filed in the office of the business manager located at 505 2nd St., Garretson, SD 57030, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. central time, not later than February 28th, at 5:00 p.m., or mailed by registered mail not later than February 28th, at 5:00 p.m.
Jacob Schweitzer
Business Manager
Published twice at the total approximate cost of $17.89 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 1-16-25_2tc
CITY OF GARRETSON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the City of Garretson will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 3rd, 2025, regarding a rezoning request. The purpose of the public hearing is to discuss the proposed rezoning of LOTS 10 TO Lot 23 Block 7 ROYCES 3RD ADDN TO CITY OF GARRETSON from Industrial zoning to General Business zoning within the City of Garretson. The public is invited to attend and comment.
This public hearing will be held at the following time, date, and location:
6:30 P.M.
February 3rd, 2025
American Legion
504 N. Main Ave.
Garretson, SD 57030
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this hearing, please contact the Garretson Finance Officer at (605) 594-6721. Anyone who is deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-disabled may utilize Relay South Dakota at (800) 877-1113 (TTY/Voice). Notification 48 hours prior to the hearing will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this hearing.
Paetyn Dreckman
City of Garretson Finance Officer
Published twice at the total approximate cost of $28.12 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 1-23-25_2tc
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 to Bidders
MC25-01 Chip Sealing and Crack Seal
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project consists of crack sealing and chip sealing approximately 8.00 miles of 2-lane highway in Minnehaha County. Alternate 1 includes an additional 1.00 miles of crack sealing and chip sealing and Alternate 2 could include another 1.15 miles of chip sealing. Work consists of routing and sealing existing cracks, chip sealing the existing asphalt surfacing, fog sealing the new chip seal, and new striping.
Online bids shall be received and accepted via the online electronic bid service through QuestCDN vBid online bidding, or by sealed paper copy by Minnehaha County Auditor’s Office, 415 N Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, not later than 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, February 5th, 2025. Bids shall be publicly opened and read at the Auditor’s Office at 10:30am.
For this project, bids will be received and accepted via the online electronic bid service through QuestCDN vBid online bidding, or by sealed paper copy. Sealed paper copies to be received by Minnehaha County Auditor’s Office, 415 N Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Bidding information can be downloaded at www.questcdn.com. Reference QuestCDN project number 9497788 for a non-refundable charge of $22.00. Contact QuestCDN Customer Support at 952-233-1632 or for assistance in membership registration, downloading digital project information and vBid online bid submittal. Project bid documents must be downloaded from QuestCDN which will add your company to the Planholder List and allow access to vBid online bidding for the submittal of your bid.
For sealed paper bids, specifications and proposal forms that must be used are also available at Minnehaha County Highway Department located at 2124 E 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Bids submitted on forms other than the proposal supplied by the Minnehaha County Highway Department will be irregular and will not be considered.
Minnehaha County reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive technicalities, and make award(s) as deemed to be in the best interest of the County.
Published at the total approximate cost of $26.27 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 1-23-25_1tc
Notice to Bidders
MC25-04 Micro-Surfacing and Crack Seal
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project consists of crack sealing and micro-surfacing approximately 25.57 miles of 2-lane highway in Minnehaha County. Alternate 1 includes an additional 7.00 miles of crack sealing and micro-surfacing, Alternate 2 could include another 6.07 miles of crack sealing and micro-surfacing, and Alternate 3 could include an additional 1.0 miles of crack sealing and micro-surfacing. Work consists of routing and sealing existing cracks, micro-surfacing the existing asphalt surfacing, grinding rumble strips, flush sealing the rumble strips, and new pavement markings.
Online bids shall be received and accepted via the online electronic bid service through QuestCDN vBid online bidding, or by sealed paper copy by Minnehaha County Auditor’s Office, 415 N Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, not later than 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, February 5th, 2025. Bids shall be publicly opened and read at the Auditor’s Office at 10:30am.
For this project, bids will be received and accepted via the online electronic bid service through QuestCDN vBid online bidding, or by sealed paper copy. Sealed paper copies to be received by Minnehaha County Auditor’s Office, 415 N Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Bidding information can be downloaded at www.questcdn.com. Reference QuestCDN project number 9497782 for a non-refundable charge of $22.00. Contact QuestCDN Customer Support at 952-233-1632 or for assistance in membership registration, downloading digital project information and vBid online bid submittal. Project bid documents must be downloaded from QuestCDN which will add your company to the Planholder List and allow access to vBid online bidding for the submittal of your bid.
For sealed paper bids, specifications and proposal forms that must be used are also available at Minnehaha County Highway Department located at 2124 E 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Bids submitted on forms other than the proposal supplied by the Minnehaha County Highway Department will be irregular and will not be considered.
Minnehaha County reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive technicalities, and make award(s) as deemed to be in the best interest of the County.
Published at the total approximate cost of $28.05 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 1-23-25_1tc
Notice to Bidders
MC25-05 Mill and Overlay
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This project consists of an asphalt milling and asphalt overlaying of approximately 6.99 miles of 2-lane highway in Minnehaha County. Alternate 1 includes an additional 1.13 miles of mill and overlay and Alternate 2 could include another 1.00 miles of mill and overlay. Work consists of milling the existing surface using Relative AMG Milling, a 2” asphalt overlay, grinding rumble strips, flush sealing the rumble strips, and new pavement markings.
Online bids shall be received and accepted via the online electronic bid service through QuestCDN vBid online bidding, or by sealed paper copy by Minnehaha County Auditor’s Office, 415 N Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, not later than 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, February 5th, 2025. Bids shall be publicly opened and read at the Auditor’s Office at 10:30am.
For this project, bids will be received and accepted via the online electronic bid service through QuestCDN vBid online bidding, or by sealed paper copy. Sealed paper copies to be received by Minnehaha County Auditor’s Office, 415 N Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Bidding information can be downloaded at www.questcdn.com. Reference QuestCDN project number 9497790 for a non-refundable charge of $22.00. Contact QuestCDN Customer Support at 952-233-1632 or for assistance in membership registration, downloading digital project information and vBid online bid submittal. Project bid documents must be downloaded from QuestCDN which will add your company to the Planholder List and allow access to vBid online bidding for the submittal of your bid.
For sealed paper bids, specifications and proposal forms that must be used are also available at Minnehaha County Highway Department located at 2124 E 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Bids submitted on forms other than the proposal supplied by the Minnehaha County Highway Department will be irregular and will not be considered.
Minnehaha County reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive technicalities, and make award(s) as deemed to be in the best interest of the County.
Published at the total approximate cost of $26.63 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 1-23-25_1tc
Minutes of the Garretson School Board for Jan. 13, 2025
Regular Meeting Garretson School District #49-4 6:00 p.m. January 13, 2025
Present: Board Vice President Tana Clark, Board Member Wyatt Compton, Board Member Shannon Nordstrom, Board Member Justin VanDeBerg, Superintendent Guy Johnson & Business Manager Jacob Schweitzer. Others present: Elementary Principal Katie Hoekman, MS/HS Principal Chris McGregor, Jacki Liester, Carrie Moritz & Sherri Schoenfish. Board President Natasha Mendoza was absent.
At 5:59 p.m., the Board convened in the Library for its regular meeting of the Garretson School Board. All votes are unanimous, unless specifically noted in the minutes.
Vice President Clark led the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed guests and visitors.
Vice President Clark called for any additions or corrections to the Board agenda. There were no additions or corrections presented.
Action 25-054: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Compton, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried.
There were no comments made during the Open Forum portion of the meeting.
Action 25-055: Motion by Compton, second by VanDeBerg, to approve the following consent agenda items as presented. Approval of December 9, 2024 regular board meeting minutes, approval of payments for December 2024 claims, approval of the financial statements for December 2024, and approval of December 2024 payroll. Motion carried.
GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT #49-4
CLAIMS PAID JANUARY 13, 2025
GENERAL FUND
A-OX WELDING SUPPLY CO., INC., AG. CYLINDER RENTALS, $88.83; ALLIANCE COMMUNICATIONS, JANUARY 2025 INTERNET & PHONE SERVICES, $926.00; ALL AROUND WELDING, BUS/SNOWBLOWER MAINTENANCE/REPAIRS, $1,293.75; BRANDON ACE HARDWARE, MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES, $237.09; CARROLL INSTITUTE, DECEMBER 2024 & JANUARY 2025 CONTRACTS, $1,700.00; CLIMATE SYSTEMS, INC., BOILER MAINTENANCE/SERVICE CONTRACT INVOICE, $5,431.50; DAKOTA AUTO PARTS, HAZARD WARNING & TURN SIGNAL, $19.00; DECKER EQUIPMENT, DOOR BUMPERS, $25.25; DON’S AUTO & TIRE CO., MOUNT TRAILER TIRES, $205.05; FIRST BANK & TRUST, 2025 ACH FEES- PREPAY, $220.00; GARRETSON COMMERCIAL CLUB, 2025 ASSOCIATION DUES, $75.00; GARRETSON FOOD CENTER, CLASS MATERIALS/SUPPLIES, $152.12; GARRETSON GAZETTE, ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS/DECEMBER 2024 BOARD MINUTES PUBLICATION, $291.89; GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT, DECEMBER 2024 IMPREST ACCOUNT REIMBURSEMENT, $3,554.29; HAUFF MID-AMERICA SPORTS, BASKETBALL LONG SLEEVE JERSEYS, $923.75; HEALTHEQUITY, HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT CONTRIBUTIONS/FEES, $575.28; HEIMAN FIRE EQUIPMENT, FIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS INSPECTION, $310.00; HILLYARD, CLEANING/MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES, $956.04; HORACE MANN, DECEMBER 2024 PAYROLL ACH’S, $351.58; J.W. PEPPER & SON, INC., MUSIC MATERIAL FOR SPRING 2025, $319.34; JOHNSON, GUY, MILEAGE- CHAMBERLAIN- STATE SUPERINTENDENT’S MEETING, $209.04; LYNN, JACKSON, SHULTZ & LEBRUN, P.C., LEGAL SERVICES, $2,115.15; MCCOOK CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT #43-7, WRESTLING TOURNAMENTS- 1/3 & 1/6/2025, $160.00; OLSON’S PEST TECHNICIANS, BIMONTHLY PEST CONTROL SERVICES, $100.00; PALISADES OIL, CO., BATTERIES/BULK FUEL/TIRE REPAIR, $2,142.51; PITNEY BOWES, INC., EQUIPMENT SERVICE AGREEMENT, $67.50; REGION II MUSIC, 2025 SDHSAA REGION II INSTRUMENTAL SOLO/ENSEMBLE CONTEST, $42.00; RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT REPAIR, WORK ORDER #102133- REACH IN ISSUE, $607.68; SIOUX FALLS AUTO GLASS, 2011 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT, $325.00; STEVE’S ELECTRIC & PLUMBING, INC., BOILER ROOM/ VIDEO BOARD MAINTENANCE, $141.78; STURDEVANT’S AUTO VALUE, CONVENTIONAL OIL/ENGINE OIL, $139.43; WAGEWORKS, DECEMBER 2024 ACH FEES, $2,883.87; WASTE MANAGEMENT, JANUARY 2025 GARBAGE & RECYCLING SERVICES, $700.67; XCEL ENERGY, OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2024 ELECTRICITY, $7,405.42;
TOTAL GENERAL FUND, $34,870.81
CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND
ACCESS SYSTEMS, DECEMBER 2024 & JANUARY 2025 SERVICES, $2,946.43; FIRST BANK & TRUST, SERIES 2020 & SERIES 2023 CERTIFICATES, $51,700.00; GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT, DECEMBER 2024 IMPREST ACCOUNT REIMBURSEMENT, $622.06;
TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND, $55,268.49
SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND
GOODCARE, LLC, DECEMBER 2024 SERVICES, $4,877.97; ISI, LLC, DECEMBER 2024 INTERPRETER SERVICES, $7,623.00; LIFESCAPE, AUGUST-NOVEMBER 2024 SERVICES, $2,900.75; PRAIRIE LAKES EDUCATIONAL COOPERATIVE, DECEMBER 2024 SERVICES, $2,746.08; SIOUX FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT #49-5, NOVEMBER 2024 TUITION, $1,523.37; TOTAL SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND, $19,671.17
FOOD SERVICE FUND
GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT, DECEMBER 2024 IMPREST ACCOUNT REIMBURSEMENT, $97.75; LUNCHTIME SOLUTIONS, INC., NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2024 FOOD SERVICES, $61,778.71;
TOTAL FOOD SERVICE FUND, $61,876.46
TOTAL CLAIMS: $171,686.93
IMPREST CHECKS
DECEMBER 2024
GENERAL FUND IMPREST CHECKS
BOMHOFF, BRAD, BASKETBALL DH OFFICIAL- 12/14/2024, $160.80; BRANDON ACE HARDWARE, EGO LI-ON BLOWER, $179.00; EFFLING, ROSS, BASKETBALL DH OFFICIAL- 12/14/2024, $160.44; EGGERS, TOM, BOYS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 12/12/2024, $120.44; ENTRINGER, AARON, BOYS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 12/20/2024, $125.12; ENTRINGER, PETE, BOYS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 12/20/2024, $124.04; FLANDREAU BOOSTER CLUB, VARSITY WRESTLING TOURNAMENT- 12/7/2024, $175.00; FORSSTROM, DAN, GIRLS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 12/10/2024, $120.44; HALLMAN, JORDAN, BOYS C GAME OFFICIAL- 12/12 & 12/20/2024, $110.30; HANSEN, AL, BOYS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 12/12/2024, $146.18; IMAGINE LEARNING, LLC, SONDAY SYSTEM 2, $545.60; LARSON, CHAD, BOYS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 12/12/2024, $120.44; ORTMAN, PAUL, BASKETBALL DH OFFICIAL- 12/14/2024, $187.52; PLANKINTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #01-1, VARSITY WRESTLING TOURNAMENT- 12/21/2024, $125.00; SCHEPEL, STEVE, BOYS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 12/20/2024, $156.90; SDMEA, MIDDLE SCHOOL ALL-STATE BAND AUDITION FEE, $15.00; SWEETER, DREW, GIRLS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 12/10/2024, $125.84; WASTE MANAGEMENT, DECEMBER 2024 GARBAGE & RECYCLING SERVICES, $700.67; WATERMAN, TONY, GIRLS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 12/10/2024, $155.56;
The Business Manager presented a financial report of cash balances, expenditures, and receipts for the month of December 2024 as listed below:
Cash Balances as of December 31, 2024: General Fund: $520,189.66; Capital Outlay Fund: $1,551,809.84; Special Education Fund: $277,067.20; Food Service Fund: $307,077.40; Driver’s Education Fund: $12,068.52; Preschool Fund: ($10,111.35); Custodial Fund: $58,094.26.
Expenditures: General Fund: Claims, $60,498.57; Payroll, $320,046.82; Capital Outlay Fund: Claims, $4,339.88; Special Education Fund: Claims, $47,159.78; Payroll, $63,660.09; Food Service Fund: Claims, $634.82; Preschool Fund: Claims, $75.90; Payroll, $8,912.15; Custodial Fund: ACH Fees, $3,810.73; Claims, $97,190.47.
Receipts: General Fund: Local Sources, $72,234.06; Intermediate Sources, $1,443.47; State Sources, $343,304.00; Capital Outlay Fund: Local Sources, $43,301.84; Special Education Fund: Local Sources, $27,338.53; State Sources, $32,721.00; Food Service Fund: Local Sources, $21,020.97; Federal Sources, $8,784.60; Preschool Fund: Local Sources, $2,800.00; Custodial Fund: Local Sources, $72,563.67.
Old Business:
None
New Business:
There were no conflicts of interest.
Action 25-056: Motion by Nordstrom, second by VanDeBerg, to transfer $139,620 in expenses from the Special Education fund to the General fund. Motion carried.
Action 25-057: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Compton, to approve the proposed E-Learning plan with permission for the administration to make adjustments to it based on experience and feedback from stakeholders. Motion carried.
There were no Information Items presented.
The First Readings of the following were presented to the Board as a part of the policy adoption process: Policy KLD: Public Complaints About School Personnel or Procedures, Policy KLD-E: Complaints Regarding Employees or Procedures, Policy DJ: Purchasing, Policy JECB-JECC: Admission or Rejection of Nonresident Students - Assignment of Resident Students, & Policy JECB-JECC-R: Admission of Nonresident Students - Open Enrollment Procedures (delete).
The Second Readings of Policy IIGB-RA: Network Acceptable Use Policy (Student) and Policy IIGB-RAA: Network Acceptable Use Policy (Staff) were presented to the Board.
Action 25-058: Motion by Compton, second by Nordstrom, to adopt Policy IIGB-RA: Network Acceptable Use Policy (Student) and Policy IIGB-RAA: Network Acceptable Use Policy (Staff). Motion carried.
Administration provided the Board with four administrative reports:
a. Superintendent’s Report - Superintendent Johnson gave the Board an update on the HVAC system, noting that new seals should be done in the next couple of weeks. He added that Legislative session begins January 14 and discussed several bills being brought to the floor, including bills about vouchers, taxes, National Board Certification, dual credit, the ten commandments, property tax levies, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, and the state Library. Lastly, Superintendent Johnson made the Board aware of a land transfer from the school district to the Blue Dragon Academy daycare.
b. Prairie Lakes Educational Cooperative Report - Board Member Compton reported that the most recent Prairie Lakes Cooperative meeting was 13 minutes. It consisted of approving minutes and financials and increasing the mileage reimbursement rate.
c. Elementary Principal/Curriculum Director’s Report - Principal Hoekman made the Board aware that K-5 students and families collected gifts and items for residents at Palisade Manor and delivered them on December 20. She informed the Board of numerous events taking place in January, including a SOAR Assembly and class spelling bees. Principal Hoekman added that spring parent-teacher conferences would take place February 5 & February 12. Lastly, she updated the Board on the progress regarding social studies and math curriculum.
d. Middle School/High School Principal’s Report - Principal McGregor told the Board about a Christmas card project Mr. Hughes does every year, where he collects cards from students in grades K-12 and disperses them to nursing homes in the Garretson and Sioux Falls area. He informed the Board that this semester 12 students are taking dual credit/online courses, 31 students are taking 35 courses on Edgenuity for electives or credit recovery, and two students are attending the CTE Academy.
Action 25-059: Motion by Nordstrom, second by VanDeBerg, to go into executive session, pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2, subsection 2: A Student Matter. Motion carried. The Board entered executive session at 6:47 p.m.
Vice President Clark declared the Board out of executive session at 6:53 p.m.
Action 25-060: Motion by VanDeBerg, second by Compton, to deny a family’s request for reimbursement. Motion carried.
Action 25-061: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Compton, to adjourn at 6:54 p.m. Motion carried.
Approved by the Garretson Board of Education this _____ day of _________, 2025.
Natasha Mendosa, Board President
Jacob Schweitzer, Buisness Manager
Published at the total approximate cost of $141.22 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 1-16-25_1tc
Local specialty farmer Dan Paulson is a finalist for Specialty Crop Producer of the Year; Garretson 4th Graders had a great time researching Winter Olympians; Annie's will be moving to Brandon; and Basketball had a couple great games this past weekend! Plus, legislative news, Dean's Lists and Honor Rolls, and JH, JV, and C team basketball updates, and more.
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Local specialty farmer Dan Paulson is a finalist for Specialty Crop Producer of the Year; Garretson 4th Graders had a great time researching Winter Olympians; Annie's will be moving to Brandon; and Basketball had a couple great games this past weekend! Plus, legislative news, Dean's Lists and Honor Rolls, and JH, JV, and C team basketball updates, and more.
Kimberly Ann Anderson first moved to Garretson back in 2020.
“I liked the community right away, and it was very welcoming, and right away I started tending bar over at the Sports Cabin. Bartending is something I’ve done for years, so it was an easy thing to slide into, but hair is where my heart is.”
Kimberly Anderson is opening her new hair salon, G-Town Hair We Go, on Main Ave. Officially today, Thursday Jan. 16, 2025. //Garrick A Moritz, Gazette
Kim has done hair for sixteen years, taught at the Stuart’s School of Cosmetology School in Sioux Falls and has been the booking manager of Cost Cutters as well.
“A lot of people asked me, right away, why aren’t you doing hair here in Garretson, and I always wanted to right from the get go, so I suppose it was only a matter of time. Really, this was the final step, and it all just fell into place fairly quickly.”
After her own education in cosmetology in 2009, she worked in the industry for a year before moving up to a management position. By the end, she was managing 16 salons and had cosmetology licenses for South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa. So, she has the experience and all the qualifications she needs, but this is the first time that she’ll be working completely for herself as a small business owner.
“With the signed lease and the business license, I’m ready to start, and my first official day will be January 16,” she said. “I admit, I am nervous. Lots of late nights and getting the place ready for opening. I was here on New Year’s Eve till about 2 a.m., getting the place ready to go.”
She got the name for her new salon as a suggestion from one of her regular clients, as when she told him she was getting ready to pull the trigger on making her own salon a reality and said, ‘here we go,’ he responded that she should call it, ‘Hair-We-Go,’ so G-Town Hair-We-Go was born.
The G-Town Hair-We-Go location is a spot folks from Garretson will be very familiar with on Main Ave. It’s the old location of Downtown Style and Style on Main salons, in the building that most recently housed The Glassmith.
“I don’t necessarily have a favorite thing that I do, I can do anything hair related, full service,” Anderson said. “I’m used to a fast paced, high volume environment. Colors, perms, waxing, and cuts for guys, gals and kids. One big question folks have asked me, is will I do walk-ins, and yes, I believe that I will. I will probably have a day or two, dedicated for walk-ins because that’s something that people like, and appreciate. Fair warning, I’m a talker, and the socialization aspect of the job is probably what I like the most, so be prepared to chat!”
“Obviously, starting something new you’re always nervous, but when I announced on social media that I’d be starting this week, I got three days booked solid right away, so that made me very happy. And who knows, if I get busy enough then I know a few stylists I can set up chairs for too.”
Her hours starting off will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday’s she’ll be closed, Thursdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays by appointment only.
“I’m taking Wednesday’s off because I got into cutting hair for Helping Hands over in Brandon, and I really enjoy doing that, so I want to keep doing that,” she said. “Garretson has been an extremely welcoming place for me, and the people are friendly and kind, so I’m looking forward to running a business in the community.”
Despite a drier winter so far, Garretson School District students will join other districts in South Dakota when it comes to e-learning during snow days, according to a plan passed by the Garretson School Board on Monday.
While two days are currently built into the schedule for any snow events, a plan was developed to begin e-learning should the district need more than that.
"We looked at a number of plans from other schools, and we tried to kind of pull what we thought were the best ideas from each of them," said Superintendent Guy Johnson. The "we" was a committee formed of teachers from all grade levels, including special education teachers.
While the board was accepting of the e-learning program for middle school and high school, they had several questions regarding K-5 student learning.
The 1-to-1 iPad program allows all students in middle school and high school to be online and actively "in class" during the school day.
It is a different story for those in kindergarten through 5th grade. Expecting the younger students to attend online school is difficult, as many of them may have to be in daycare or have parents that are working during snow days, and only 3rd-5th grades have 1-to-1 iPads that are left at school.
For those students, the committee proposed packets that contain "choice boards," or options for students to complete with 1-2 hours of work. It would include options that reinforce what the students are currently learning, along with options from music, PE, and art.
Special education students were another consideration, as "it depends on what their situation is," said Superintendent Johnson. Likely, some students would be meeting more with special education teachers after the snow event was done in order to make up any learning that was missed.
And those students in K-5 who didn't complete their choice packets wouldn't necessarily have any consequences. Middle School and High School students would attend ICU as long as needed to make certain their work was made up.
Despite these potential drawbacks, GSD teachers opted to have the district move forward with the plan regardless.
"Our staff, after we put the plan up there...what we heard from our staff was, let's try it, and then if, after we got our first day done and we need to revise it, we will," Supt. Johnson said.
The two pieces that were the most important for this plan to move forward, and the board clarified with Johnson, was that it would not start until after the second snow day, and that the plan could only be implemented if there was a known likelihood of the snow day by 2:00 p.m. the day before.
That way, parents could be alerted to the potential of an e-learning day well in advance, and teachers could spend time preparing for the e-learning option.
If the weather does not end up turning bad enough for a snow day to be called, or if only a 2-hour late start is needed, the e-learning day would be canceled and students would be expected to head in to school as usual.
Supt. Johnson hopes that this plan will help the school meet its educational obligations during the school year, instead of having to stretch out a school year past Memorial Day.
The board passed the plan, and it will go into effect immediately. So far, Garretson hasn't had to call off any school yet this year. However, after the first two snow days are called, the e-learning plan will take effect.
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A new business will be built in the industrial development, speed limits on Dows Street are changing, and natural gas prices are high. These are only a few of the several topics that were addressed at the most recent meeting of the Garretson City Council.
The short-but-packed meeting opened with City Finance Officer Paetyn Dreckman announcing that natural gas prices were at $1.33, a high number compared to what they were prior to 2021's 3-day "Price Vortex". What used to be a cost-saving measure for residents isn't likely to reappear.
Natural gas prices in 2021 vs 2022
Unfortunately, the companies that supply natural gas never truly dropped their pricing back down after the polar vortex in 2021. That 3-day event saw families in Garretson reel from unexpected bills three times as high as normal, when it jumped from $0.95 to $4.16 per ccf.
The explanation from Bill Lindley of Clayton Energy, Garretson's natural gas commodities manager, was that the weather event came on the heels of natural gas suppliers exporting the commodity overseas, causing speculator prices to balloon astronomically.
Now, rather than saving on costs, winter surge pricing dents the pocketbooks of those who use natural gas to heat their homes nearly as much as electricity.
Record calls, new business
During committee reports, Kurtis Nelson from the Garretson Ambulance reported that they ended the year with 287 calls, a substantial increase from 2023's record 266 calls.
"That's about 8% higher than last year," Nelson explained. "Last year we set a record at 266 and we blew right through that this year. So, it was a busy year for us, and we're up to four calls already this year. It's only the sixth of January, so we're keeping busy."
This means keeping a deep roster of volunteer first responders is important. Nelson pointed out that four Garretson volunteers were registered for an EMT class in Brandon.
In Economic Development, Economic Development Coordinator Chris Fields announced that one of the two lots remaining in the industrial development had been sold on December 20. While details about the business were scarce, he did state that the purchase was somewhat unexpected and hadn't been one of the businesses the development was courting.
As part of that report, Fields also said the development board is working on a petition to build 453rd Avenue east of Hwy 11 into the industrial development. This would allow for another access point into the area.
Slow down on Dows, 5th St
After committee reports, the council moved to a second reading of an ordinance outlining speed limits around Garretson, which passed unanimously.
While most speeds of 20 mph will remain the same, the ordinance amended limits on Dows Street to 20 mph along the entire stretch.
Before, the limits increased on both the west and east edges, but concerns for pedestrian traffic and a lack of sidewalks along the edges of the popularly-traveled stretch encouraged the council members to reconsider.
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