The Garretson Gazette

Obituary: Dennis Gene Hoven, age 82

Obituaries

Carrie Moritz

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February 5, 2020

Dennis Gene Hoven, age 82, of Garretson, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at the St Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Garretson. Interment was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Garretson Fire Department or the Garretson American Legion.

Dennis Gene Hoven was born on July 24, 1937, to Elmer and Hilda (Bly) Hoven on a farm south of Garretson, South Dakota. He was baptized at Splitrock Lutheran Church and confirmed at Palisade Lutheran Church. Dennis attended school in Garretson and graduated in 1955. During high school, Dennis worked for Mel Engelbrecht in the Red Owl Store. Following graduation, he was a member of the Luverne National Guard and served for nine years. In later years, he became a member of the Garretson American Legion.

In January 1958, Dennis met the love of his life, Madelyn Fairfield, in the circle 2 step at the Arkota Ballroom in Sioux Falls. They were married on May 27, 1961, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wakonda. This union blessed them with five children: Marcel, Jan, Brad, Mary, and Ann.

Dennis worked for Brendsel Plumbing and Heating before starting his own business, Hoven Electric, in September 1963. He was a member of the Garretson Commercial Club. He served on the Garretson Volunteer Fire Department for 37 years and served as Fire Chief for two terms. In 2015, Dennis became a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Dennis loved his family, community, dancing, country music, hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, old cars, and planting geraniums (his favorite flower).

Dennis is survived by his wife of 58 years, Madelyn; children: Marcel (David) Boscaljon, Jan (Doug) Rinken, Brad (Suzette) Hoven, Mary (Steve) Larson, and Ann (David) Fogel; grandchildren: Chelsea (Tyler) Stills, Alyssa (Forrest) Howe, Nate (Anna) Boscaljon, Cole Boscaljon, Gretchen (Matthew) Bisson, Ben (Jen) Rinken, Jed Rinken, Ian (Sadie) Rinken, Ryan (Chris) Larson, Cody Larson, Addison Fogel, and Eli Fogel; great-grandchildren: Ava, Evelyn, and Beckham Stills; Savannah Howe; Owen and Aiden Bisson; Aubrey, Asher, Remi, and Hayes Rinken; Caleb Westerbur; and Luella and Paisley Larson; sisters: Pauline Ellefson, Shirley Johnson, and Janet Davis; sisters-in-law: Dian Hoven and Rita Fairfield; and a brother-in-law, Perry Ellefson. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Robert and Howard; and sisters: LaVonne Howorth, Darlene Grocott, and Helen Ellefson.

www.minnehahafuneralhome.com

Republican Senate leaders won’t take position on HB1057

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February 5, 2020

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Republican Senate leaders won’t take position on HB1057

By Dana Hess, For the S.D. Newspaper Association

PIERRE — The Republican leaders of the Senate wouldn’t say Thursday morning where they stand on HB1057, a bill that outlaws gender altering surgeries and medicines for children under the age of 16.

Their remarks were made during a news conference with more than 30 editors and publishers in Pierre for Newspaper Day, an event sponsored by the South Dakota Newspaper Association.

Senate Majority Leader Kris Langer, Dell Rapids, said the bill hasn’t been discussed in her caucus because it just made it through the House on Wednesday.

Assistant Majority Leader Jim Bolin, Canton, wouldn’t say if he supported the bill, but he did say, “I did not sign on to this bill for a wide variety of reasons.”

Bills like HB1057 show how open the process is in South Dakota, according to Bolin. In other states, a controversial bill might get stymied by the Speaker of the House or other leaders.

“South Dakota has one of the most open processes,” Bolin said. “Every bill gets a hearing.”

Republican leaders said the mood in the Capitol is good, with both parties working together. The frustrations that arise, according to Langer, have to do with money rather than the other party.

Flooding and a dip in the farm economy have made it tougher to find the needed funds in the Legislature.

“It’s not surprising, then, that we take a hit on our budget,” Langer said.

Both parties are trying to find money in the budget for raises for education, Medicaid providers and state employee salaries, according to House Majority Leader Lee Qualm, Platte. In her budget address last December, Gov. Kristi Noem said there would be no money available for increases in those areas.

Lawmakers are hopeful that revenues will come in higher than expected and allow them to offer some increases, Qualm said.

“There is a will to do something,” Qualm said.

Qualm said he couldn’t predict the fate of a bill that would put South Dakota permanently on Daylight Savings Time.

“The idea is everybody is tired of going back and forth,” Qualm said of the twice yearly time change.

Democratic leaders: Marijuana initiatives have a chance

Carrie Moritz

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February 5, 2020

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By Dana Hess, For the S.D. Newspaper Association

PIERRE — Members of the Democratic Party leadership in the Legislature predicted success for two ballot measures that legalize marijuana use in South Dakota.

They made their remarks to more than 30 editors and publishers who were in Pierre Thursday for Newspaper Day at the Legislature, sponsored by the South Dakota Newspaper Association.

“I think those two ballot initiatives probably have a chance,” said Senate Minority Leader Troy Heinert, Mission, of initiatives to legalize the use of recreational marijuana and medical marijuana.

How the Legislature handles the possible passage of those initiatives concerns Heinert, who doesn’t want lawmakers to overturn the will of the people the way they did after the passage of Initiated Measure 22 in 2016. IM 22 revised the state’s campaign finance and lobbying laws.

“Where we come in and strike that down,” Heinert said. “That would be a big mistake on our part.”

Assistant House Minority Leader Steven McCleery, Sisseton, said his biggest concern is infrastructure, especially at the county level. With the state’s rivers full and plenty snow on the ground in some areas, he predicts flooding in the spring.

“I don’t think most people have any idea of what that’s going to look like,” McCleery said.

The state needs to find another revenue source that can be funneled to counties so they can deal with fixing roads and bridges, McCleery said. While he wouldn’t disclose the content of the bill, McCleery said that he has a bill coming that would offer another revenue source.

“We’re going to have that discussion,” McCleery said. “We’re going to talk about revenue.”

The Senate will also be talking about outlawing gender altering surgery and medications for minors as HB1057 passed through the House on Wednesday.

“It’s bad public policy to pass laws for the sole purpose of trying to create a lawsuit,” said Assistant Senate Minority Leader Craig Kennedy, Yankton. “We have more important things, in my opinion, that we should be focusing our time and effort on.”

House Minority Leader Jamie Smith of Sioux Falls said all legislators are working to find extra funding for what’s known as the Big Three: education, Medicaid providers and state employee salaries. In her December budget address, Gov. Kristi Noem said there would be no funding available for increases in those areas.

“That zero was not an option on any of our minds,” Smith said.

Noem defends critical comments about news media

Carrie Moritz

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February 5, 2020

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Noem defends critical comments about news media

By Dana Hess, For the S.D. Newspaper Association

PIERRE — Gov. Kristi Noem started her remarks before a gathering of newspaper editors and publishers with praise for the work that they do. Soon she was defending remarks she has made about the news media.

Noem talked Thursday to a group of editors and publishers in Pierre for Newspaper Day at the Legislature, sponsored by the South Dakota Newspaper Association.

Noem thanked more than 30 people who work at newspapers for the way they help improve their communities.

“You’re really the heart of every single community,” Noem said. “It really is important work.”

Noem has, at times, found fault with that work. She was asked to respond to a quote from one of her campaign letters that said, “You know as well as I do that we can’t trust the media to tell the truth.” She was asked Thursday if any of the media organizations represented in the room couldn’t be trusted to tell the truth.

“There’s always instances that we could specifically point to where you feel like it wasn’t a fair article or coverage,” Noem said. “I could give you specifics today, but I don’t know if that’s beneficial to the conversation.”

Noem said her family was aware of the scrutiny they would face when she became governor.

“You get to be attacked and looked at and examined,” Noem said.

The governor said her criticism wasn’t leveled at newspapers in the state.

“Everyone in this room knows, their heart of hearts, that this doesn’t apply to all of them,” Noem said, noting unfair coverage at a national level. “There are times where there has been biased and unfair reporting.”

One area where South Dakota and the governor have come in for criticism is the “Meth. We’re on it” advertising campaign.

“It was a provocative campaign and we knew that it would be,” Noem said, adding that she did not anticipate the level of discussion that it would spark.

Noem said the next part of the campaign will be a call to action that provides South Dakotans with the tools they need to help people in their lives who are addicted to methamphetamines.

“Overwhelmingly, that’s what people are looking for,” Noem said.

The state’s initial investment of $5 million in ConnectSD has resulted in $25 million in internet infrastructure, Noem said, connecting 6,500 homes and 150 businesses to the internet.

Through the program, Noem said the state became aware of internet providers who weren’t doing all they could to connect more customers.

“It kind of pointed out to us where providers in this industry weren’t necessarily investing in infrastructure,” Noem said.

Johnson sworn in as new county state’s attorney

Carrie Moritz

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February 5, 2020

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Johnson sworn in as new county state’s attorney

By Dave Baumeister, County Correspondent

SIOUX FALLS – Crystal Johnson was sworn in as Minnehaha County State’s Attorney by Second Judicial Circuit Presiding Judge Robin Houwman to begin the Tuesday, Jan. 28, meeting of the county commission.

Johnson was first named interim state’s attorney by Houwman on Dec. 6, after the resignation of the previously elected Aaron McGowan.

That title was made official by a vote of the Minnehaha County Commission on Jan. 21.

In her remarks after the swearing in, Johnson told commissioners she believed most attorneys eventually want to become judges, but in her case, after becoming a magistrate judge in 2015, she was glad to get back to her “passion” of being a prosecutor.

She had previously served in the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney’s office since 2005.

“I wasn’t on the bench very long before I realized that was not where my passion was,” Johnson said. “My passion was being a prosecutor, and as a prosecutor, I get to be an advocate for children who have the worst things happen to them.

“I get to be an advocate for women who have been beaten and raped.

“I get to be an advocate for family members who have lost loved ones in violent crimes.

“So, when I came back to the state’s attorney’s office, I felt like I was coming home.

“I enjoy getting to wear the hat of justice when going into court. I enjoy representing my neighbors and community.”

Johnson will fill this position until a new state’s attorney is elected in November. And possibly longer should she run and win that election.

But in the major business of the week, commissioners heard a projection on spring flooding from county Emergency Management Director Jason Gearman.

He was optimistic that while the current soil moisture is as high as it’s ever been at this time of year, the snowpack in the region and to the north, as well, is lower than usual.

Gearman cited above-average daytime temperatures and freezing conditions at night as facilitating a more gradual melting.

If this continues, he said, the outlook is good; however, if there are “colder temperatures and a bunch of snow, we are going to have some concerns.”

He did foresee more flooding along the Big Sioux River in the Dell Rapids area, “even with normal spring precipitation.”

With that in mind, emergency management is planning ahead for sandbags.

Gearman also said his office has a call out to find a warehouse to store those bags until they are needed.

Dave Johnson from the Glory House briefed the board on improvements to their “halfway house” facility.

He had previously reported of the expansion being done there and said that as of now, they just opened the first building of their Glory House apartments with the first tenant moving in on Dec. 23, 2019.

In the past month, another nine tenants have moved in, and 15 more are in the process of making the transition from prison to the new facility.

Johnson added that the Glory House was at the halfway point of raising $1.35 million in its capital campaign.

The facility is operated with 51 employees and an annual budget of $3 million.

The Minnehaha Commission has its regular meetings each Tuesday at 9 a.m. on the second floor of the county administration building at 6^th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls.

These meetings are open to all, and public comment is always encouraged.

Local Treasure! (Subscribers)

Carrie Moritz

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February 5, 2020

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The Treasure Chest celebrates 7 years this weekend, Feb. 8

By Garrick Moritz, Gazette

The Treasure Chest in Garretson has become a cornerstone on Main Ave. It started with inspiration and a meeting of the minds, and became something that has benefited many.

“At the time, the building was for sale, and it had been for sale for a while,” said Connie Johnson. “Terry came home, and said that he thought that we should buy that building. I didn’t think much of the idea, I didn’t know what we’ d use it for, but I just let it go.”

What happened next, Johnson credits to divine inspiration. She woke in the middle of the night, convinced that God wanted them to buy the building and use it for the benefit of the community. She said she was confused, that she didn’t understand, but that she decided to go give the building a look. In her mind, the word Monopoly for some reason had stuck and wouldn’t go away. And when she had Terry take her inside on a tour, they found an old sign advertising the classic board game in the office section. It struck her like a thunderbolt.

“I didn’t know what was happening,” she said. “I just knew that we had to buy the building because God wanted us to, and because he wanted the building used for his purposes.”

So they bought the building and began painting and redecorating, and a meeting of the minds occurred on Main.

“Kris Frerk had been talking about trying to open up a vendor operation in town. With this building, we could provide that space. It was a meeting of multiple purposes for all. We also were looking for a place to store items that people needed. (With the idea of creating a charitable consignment and thrift store on the model of Goodwill and the Salvation Army.) Clothing donations, toys, furniture, appliances. Donations of every kind. One of my biggest fears was how would we get the people we needed to help, but the volunteers came and have stayed. We have constant volunteers, and they are truly heartwarming people working in fellowship. Lots of people with huge hearts and wanting to help others. No one gets paid, everyone donates their time and it’s truly magnificent. I am constantly amazed. I feel so blessed, and I know my prayers were truly answered.”

“It’s become much more than just a store,” said Kris Frerk. “It’s a gathering place for fellowship in our community. It’s given people a purpose and a place to go. People come for morning coffee and it’s amazing. The outreach of our charitable contributions is widespread. Supporting local families and sending donations all over. I’ve hauled four truckloads of items to Lower Brule this past year, and I know they appreciate it.”

“Our charitable arm has sent items locally and all over the world,” said Johnson. “I can’t count the number of lives we’ ve touched, and we’ re not done. More is coming, I’m sure of it. I recall one man who came into our store. After browsing for a moment, he suddenly began to weep. I asked him what was wrong and he told me he’d looked for this particular picture for more than 20 years and searched everywhere for it. I knew that it had been waiting there just for him, there are no coincidences. I watch all the little things just like that, happening here on a daily basis. It is all about caring for each other, and for people who you may never meet. Our job is just to love everyone who comes through those doors.”

The Treasure Chest will be celebrating their 7th anniversary this weekend, Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. with a free hot dogs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

News for 2-6-20 (Subscribers)

Online Edition

Carrie Moritz

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February 5, 2020

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Click to download and read Issue #6 Full Version

The Treasure Chest is celebrating its 7th anniversary this weekend with free hot dogs and sales. The non-profit has been benefiting people locally, state-wide, and internationally since its start. Election season has begun, and local voters are encouraged to consider petitioning for a local office. The Gazette also has full coverage of this season's legislature, and a rare editorial from Editor Garrick Moritz.

There's a lot going on in our community. Keep up with all of it with the Community Events Calendar on page 4. You can download it here and have it easy to hand! Community Events Calendar

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School Board talks new chiller, lights and lunch provider

Carrie Moritz

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January 29, 2020

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The Garretson school board meeting was a relatively short and efficient for their Jan. 13th meeting.

The main topics of discussion were the accepting of bids for the upcoming projects this summer and discussion about the new food service at the school.

It started with the regular and financial business of the consent agenda. Superintendent Guy Johnson made special note of the payroll, noting that teacher Andrew Terwee’s payroll is increasing because continuing education has caused him to move up a payroll step. Supt. Johnson expressed satisfaction in Terwee’s overall job performance.

The bills paid and the financial payments approved, the board moved on to old business, of which there was none. Straight into new business, Supt. Johnson reported that 7 companies provided bids to the most recently advertised chiller replacement. Of the 7 companies who sent bids, Supt. Johnson and the engineer the school hired had a recommendation to the board as to which they should pick.

The lowest base bid was $301,050 for the chiller replacement from Krier & Blaine Inc. This was significantly lower than estimated. This was good, as other bids that were as received were {potentially} higher. This will also change the controls of the heating/cooling system building-wide.

One of the alternate plans, was to replace the school’s largest boiler with a more fuel-efficient model, as they have made several repairs to the unit over the last few years. However, it is functioning well currently, and the fuel efficiency to be gained wasn’t as significant. Board president Nordstrom compared it to buying a new car vs. a used car. This model they have now is older, not as fuel efficient but it also has been noted for its longevity and ease of repair. Admittedly a gamble, but he, Supt. Johnson and their engineer were willing to wager that the current boiler should last a good while longer, maybe five years or mpre. So instead, the recommendation made to the board was to adopt alternate #2 which would replace all of the lights, building wide, with LED lights.

This will have a higher upfront cost, but the savings in energy utilities would be significant. The higher upfront cost is due to the cost of labor required, rather than the cost of lighting, as the cost of materials has gone down. Since the bid came in lower than expected for the chiller replacement, there would be enough money to do this buildingwide LED light replacement.

These new lights would also come with a 5-year warranty and be easier to work on than the current ballast and bulb system that is used through most of the building.

The board agreed this was the way to go.

Next the board reviewed and approved some policy items; job descriptions for the Administrative Assistant to the Business Manager, Superintendent, & Activities Director, with language amendments made by Board Member Ruth Sarar, regarding at-will employment status, Study Hall Supervisor/MS & HS Attendance Coordinator.

Next came the Administrative reports. Supt. Johnson gave a report to the board regarding the new food service provider, Thrive Nutrition Services Inc. Like the last time the school switched providers, there were some hiccups and some initial complaints but generally things seem to be going well. Principals Theresa Hulscher and Chris Long also spoke about it, Hulscher commenting that breakfasts have never been more popular.

The board then set a date and agenda for the board retreat on Wednesday, Feb. 19.

Supt. Johnson also updated the board on the status of the roofing project, letting the board know that Guarantee Roofing did a “pull out test” to make sure the current roof of the gym is strong enough for the new roof renovation and insulation to be placed using a machinated process. He and board member Sarar also reported on the status of the Prarie Lakes Coop. The coop voted to eliminate their Perkins program participation, meaning that each school will have to individually decide on how they will be moving forward in the near future.

The board went into executive session from 6:33 to 7:55 to discuss a personnel matter. No actions were taken after the executive session aside from adjournment at 7:56.

News for 1-30-20

Carrie Moritz

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January 29, 2020

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The school makes the decision to keep the current boiler and accepts bids for a chiller, the GHS one-act play had its public performance on Sunday and has its first competition today, the South Dakota legislative season is in full swing, and the boys and girls' basketball teams played three double headers last week, plus more!

There's a lot going on in our community. Keep up with all of it with the Community Events Calendar on page 4 in the on-line or paper version. With your on-line subscription, you can download it here and have it easy to hand!

On-line subscribers click here for this week's issue

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Whispers leaves few dry eyes after powerful performance

Carrie Moritz

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January 29, 2020

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Whispers leaves few dry eyes after powerful performance

The cast and crew of Whispers, front row (L to R): Kennedy Lee (tech), Samantha Kruger (Hayden), Morgan Moritz (Jenny), Aliah Lymon (Marie), Mattea Fiegen (Kate), Molly Hulscher (Jessie), Nika Sapunar (Kelly). Back row (L to R): Erika Brown (Director), Amber Hulscher (Jamie), Drew Pederson (Dane), Madden Lardy (tech). Not pictured: Oliviyah Thornton (tech).

The Garretson High School One-Act play, “Whispers,” was performed for the public on Sunday. The cast consists of 8 actors and 3 tech people, telling the story of a young girl, Kate, who has lost her father to enemy fire in Iraq. She and her mother are about to move off the military base to be closer to her mother’s family, and she’s struggling telling her best friend Jamie and with the memories of her father that are being left behind. Woven within the play are the stories of other young people who have also lost their parents in the military, and the superb acting skills of the young cast bring the emotionally-powerful story of love and loss to life. More than a few tears were shed by the audience. The cast and crew, directed by teacher Erika Brown, brought the one act play to regions in Madison on Wednesday, January 29 (results unavailable at press time). If the production makes it to State, it will be performed during the State Competition at O’Gorman High School Feb 6-8.

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Obituary: Dennis Gene Hoven, age 82

Republican Senate leaders won’t take position on HB1057

Democratic leaders: Marijuana initiatives have a chance

Noem defends critical comments about news media

Johnson sworn in as new county state’s attorney

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The Treasure Chest celebrates 7 years this weekend, Feb. 8

News for 2-6-20 (Subscribers)

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School Board talks new chiller, lights and lunch provider

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Sue says that fostering kids has enriched her life

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GHS FFA is walking tall after high marks at state contests

On-line Subscribers Get More!

This Week's Spotlight Photos

Whispers leaves few dry eyes after powerful performance

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