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Obituary: Lee Orril Hanson, age 89

Carrie Moritz
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Obituary: Lee Orril Hanson, age 89

Lee Orril Hanson, age 89, of Garretson, SD, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the CLC Hospice Care at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center.  Memorial services will begin at 10:30 AM Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, Garretson. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Friday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund, Garretson American Legion, or the Garretson Museum.

Lee was born on December 23, 1935, to William and Hilda (Kjenstad) Hanson in Hendricks, Minnesota. He served in the United States Army from 1955-56. Lee met Judy Ericksen at Luther League and they married on June 19, 1960, in Toronto, South Dakota. They lived and farmed near Brandt until 1964 when they moved to a farm by Garretson. They farmed west of Garretson until moving to another farm south of Jasper. They continued to farm until 1984 and finally moved into Garretson in 1986. Lee continued to work at various jobs until he retired at age of 86.

Lee was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, The Garretson American Legion, and the Garretson Area Historical Society. He enjoyed square dancing and spending time with family, friends, and neighbors.

Lee is lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 65 years, Judy; daughter, Nila Lorenzen, Luverne; sons, Clair Hanson, McCook, Nebraska, and Todd (Patti Larsen) Hanson, Jasper, Minnesota; grandchildren: Ryan Hanson, Joshua Hanson, Sydney Hanson, Katie Lorenzen, Stacy Domeyer, Jordan Lorenzen, Nathan Lorenzen, Christian Hanson, Ben Hanson, Megan Larsen, and McKayla Larsen; great grandchildren: Natalie, Allison, Ashtyn, Samara, Miles, Mason, Torrence, Teagen, Nora, Edith, Hudson, Stella, Lily, Carter, Adelynn, Brynlee, Walker, Kade, and Luke; sister, Dorothy Griffin, Akron, Ohio, brothers-in-law, Harold (Diane) Ericksen, Paul (Roxanne) Ericksen, Donald (Lola) Ericksen, and David (Su) Ericksen; sisters-in-law, Betty (Darwood) Sanberg and Delores Schutte; and many other relatives and friends.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, William and Hilda Hanson, infant brother Clair, parents-in-law, Hans Christian and Hilda Ericksen, sister-in-law Marilyn Hobbs, brother-in-law, Palmer Ericksen, niece, Rebecca Griffin, nephew Brett Sanberg, and many other relatives and friends.

US Department of Education’s impact on South Dakota: Q&A

Carrie Moritz
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US Department of Education’s impact on South Dakota: Q&A

By STU WHITNEY
South Dakota News Watch

At a White House ceremony on March 20, surrounded by schoolchildren in desks set up for the occasion, President Donald Trump signed an executive order with the stated intent of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education.

filipino female teacher in pink sweater teaching class of elementary students
Philippine native Madgelie Camba, shown at Crow Creek Tribal School in Stephan, S.D., on Feb. 7, 2025, is one of a growing number of international educators teaching in South Dakota schools. (Photo: Bart Pfankuch / South Dakota News Watch)

"We're going to eliminate it," the president said of the Cabinet-level agency, which has a budget of $268 billion and is responsible for distributing federal education funds, enforcing civil rights laws and supporting educational research.

In South Dakota, like most of the nation, the executive order was met with expressions of uncertainty among educators, parents and students who searched for concrete answers amidst the politics.

Would the actions reduce Title I funding, which provides resources for schools with high percentages of low-income students? What about federal dollars earmarked for special education, or college student loans administered by the Department of Education?

Those questions are particularly poignant in South Dakota, whose $433 million in federal education funds in 2021-22 represented 21.7% of the state’s total K-12 education budget. That percentage was the second-highest in the nation behind Mississippi (23.3%), partly due to South Dakota's significant Native American population.

Coming off a state legislative session that produced a 1.25% education budget increase – lower than the current inflation rate – and several attempts to allow state funds to be used for private school vouchers, public education advocates describe themselves as being on the defensive.

“There seems to be an attack on public education," said Sandra Waltman, director of public affairs for the South Dakota Education Association, an affiliate of the National Education Association, the nation’s largest teachers union.

"South Dakota's public schools are where 83% of our students attend. They are the heart of our communities, so this is very concerning to us, and it should be concerning to the people of South Dakota."

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, who proposed legislation in November to eliminate the Department of Education, countered that the action is aimed at cleaning up cumbersome federal bureaucracy as a means of improving academic outcomes.

Gov. Larry Rhoden and South Dakota Department of Education Secretary Joe Graves have both voiced support for President Trump's "reduction of federal influence in education," as Graves expressed it in a statement to News Watch.

"Closing the U.S. Department of Education does not mean cutting off funds from those who depend on them," said Graves, a former superintendent of the Mitchell School District. "K-12 students, students with special needs, and others who rely on essential programs will continue to receive federal funding as they have before."

News Watch talked to state education officials, school administrators, teachers and politicians to provide insight on the role of the U.S. Department of Education and how proposed changes could impact South Dakota.

What is the role of the U.S. Department of Education?

Congress established the department in 1979 and President Jimmy Carter signed into law as an effort to consolidate federal education efforts.

Nationally, federal funds contribute about 10% of overall K-12 funding, with most money coming from state and local tax dollars. The agency’s 2024 fiscal year budget of $268 billion represented roughly 4% of total federal government spending.

For colleges and universities, the Department of Education manages the federal student loan portfolio, which includes approximately $1.5 trillion in student loan debt for more than 40 million borrowers. It also oversees the Pell Grant, which provides aid to students below a certain income threshold.

Through its Office for Civil Rights, the department conducts investigations and issues guidance on federal laws such as Title IX, which prohibits gender-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal assistance.

How much federal education funding does South Dakota receive?

South Dakota’s K-12 schools received $433 million in federal funds for the 2021-22 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

two elementary students sitting at a table and working
//photo courtesy SD News Watch

By comparison, the schools received about $954 million from local sources (primarily property tax revenue) and $612 million in state funds that school year.

That 21.7% share of federal money for total education funding was boosted by COVID-19 pandemic-related aid, contributing to a significant increase from 13.7% in 2018-19.

Not all school-related federal money comes from the Department of Education. School lunch programs are funded through the Department of Agriculture and early educational programs such as Head Start are handled by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Of the Department of Education money, the most significant expenditures are for Title I grants to support low-income students and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds for special education and other services for disabled students.

How much do South Dakota schools rely on Title I funds?

The grants are distributed to school districts based on the number of low-income students using U.S. Census Bureau data and school poverty rates such as the percentage of students receiving free and reduced-price lunch.

In South Dakota, schools in larger cities or those based on Native American reservations typically receive larger allotments of Title I funds. In 2024-25, the state’s largest Title I allocations went to public school districts in Sioux Falls ($6.9 million), Rapid City ($6 million), Oglala Lakota County ($5.1 million) and Todd County ($4.6 million). The next highest was Chamberlain at $1.4 million.

Rob Monson, executive director of the School Administrators of South Dakota, said educators make staffing decisions each spring for the following school year and need to factor Title I and IDEA funds into their decision-making.

“I was the principal in Parkston for 15 years, and every year we would say, 'OK, here’s our Title I allocation, what can we afford this year?'" Monson said. "For us, it would typically be a couple of staff members and very limited supplies, maybe a (professional development) piece where you would send those staff people to a Title I conference. There wasn't a lot of fluff, at least in our budget. It was a very narrow margin on what you could afford.”

Can a president eliminate the Department of Education?

The executive branch lacks that constitutional power. Congress established the department, and it would take congressional action to dismantle it and shift its functions to other agencies.

Such action during the current administration would likely face obstacles even with a Republican-controlled Congress. In the Senate, 60 votes are needed to overcome filibusters and advance measures to final votes.

As for appropriated education funding such as Title I being discontinued, that also falls under the power of Congress, not the executive branch. There has been no proposal to cut such funding for the 2025-26 school year.

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon issued the following statement on March 20, the same day President Trump signed the executive order:

“Closing the department does not mean cutting off funds from those who depend on them – we will continue to support K-12 students, students with special needs, college student borrowers, and others who rely on essential programs. We’re going to follow the law and eliminate the bureaucracy responsibly by working through Congress to ensure a lawful and orderly transition."

Why does President Trump want to shut it down?

Eliminating the Department of Education has been a Republican talking point essentially since its inception, with Ronald Reagan pledging to dismantle the agency during his successful presidential run against Carter in 1980.

A Democratically controlled House of Representatives prevented Reagan from achieving that goal. But conservatives have continued to decry the federal government’s involvement in state and local school district decisions, with an eye toward academic outcomes.

Analysis of 2024 test scores by the National Center for Education Statistics showed that America’s children have continued to lose ground on reading skills since the COVID-19 pandemic and have made little improvement in math.

South Dakota reading scores dropped in 2024 compared to 2022 at both the fourth- and eighth-grade levels, while remaining at or above the national average. Math scores for eighth-graders in the state remained about the same as 2022, while fourth-grade test scores improved slightly.

Trump’s current actions were presaged by Project 2025, a blueprint from the conservative Heritage Foundation, which envisioned the Department of Education's role merely as a “statistics-gathering agency that disseminates information to the states.”

Trump also said during his 2016 presidential campaign: “No, I’m not cutting services, but I’m cutting spending. I may cut the Department of Education.”

What sort of changes is Sen. Rounds proposing?

Under his "Returning Education to Our States Act," South Dakota's junior senator has proposed eliminating the Department of Education and redistributing "all critical federal programs under other departments."

“The federal Department of Education has never educated a single student, and it’s long past time to end this bureaucratic department that causes more harm than good,” Rounds said in announcing his plan.

The bill would put the Department of Health and Human Services in charge of special education and also impact aid, which compensates schools for federally connected students or residents not living on taxable property.

The Department of the Interior would absorb Office of Indian Education responsibilities, while Pell Grant and federal loan administration would be shifted to the Department of the Treasury. The Department of Justice would handle Title IX complaints and other civil rights enforcement.

Rounds has also proposed "returning education decisions to the states" in the form of block grants that would allow for more flexibility in how some federal education money is spent.

That's a concern to public education advocates, who said putting Title I and other federal funds in the hands of state legislators or the South Dakota Department of Education could lead to that money being shifted to voucher programs encompassing private or homeschooled instruction.

"The reason that the U.S. Department of Education was created was to ensure that all students have access to quality education and that poor communities had the resources to provide that education," said SDEA's Waltman.

"If you turn those responsibilities over to the states, and I'm assuming the state Legislature would have a say in that, would they hold true to the purpose of (low-income) Title I grants? I'm not sure that would be a priority."

What are other South Dakota congressional members saying?

In a statement to News Watch, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson said that the "Department of Education is not meeting the needs of America’s school children." The congressman used the word "restructuring" rather than "eliminating" or "dismantling" the agency.

"Reform is needed, and I’m open to restructuring the department," Johnson said. "That being said, we have to make sure any restructuring doesn’t hurt important functions like Pell Grants, impact aid and special education.”

U.S. Sen. John Thune told News Watch in a statement that the Trump administration will find a "willing partner" in Congress to make sure that education is "focused on improving outcomes for students and families, not D.C. bureaucrats."

“I have long believed that education resources and decision-making would be best left to teachers and school administrators who are on the ground and closer to the students who are being served," Thune added. "While local control is best, I believe there are certain limited educational responsibilities for the federal government that should be preserved.”

Troy James, principal of Beresford Elementary School, 35 miles south of Sioux Falls, met with Thune, Rounds and Johnson on March 10-12 in Washington. He was joined by other South Dakota educators as part of the National School Leaders Advocacy Conference.

When the group asked Rounds about funding cuts as part of his plan to eliminate the Department of Education, James said, the senator "assured us that they would not be cutting money to the states, only sending that money through other departments."

"I think we're confident in the assurances we received from Sen. Rounds and others that the money that we need to serve our kids will still be coming," James told News Watch. "It's just a matter of who's writing the check."

How will South Dakota's colleges and universities be impacted?

The most pressing concern among South Dakota higher education officials involves federal student aid programs and work study initiatives administered through the Department of Education.

For the 2023-24 school year, South Dakota's six public universities had 5,283 Pell Grant recipients for $26.3 million, while 13,051 students received federal student loans totaling $122.9 million.

"Our students benefit greatly from those programs and the financial resources that come with them," Nathan Lukkes, executive director and CEO of the South Dakota Board of Regents, told News Watch.

"We'd hate to see anything negatively impacting their availability. Based on everything that's coming out of the White House and Washington to date, every indication is that there is no intention to alter the provision of those resources."

The ability to distribute funds efficiently, a challenge in the best of times, will be watched closely now that the Department of Education's staff has been cut approximately in half since McMahon took over the agency.

Also of interest to colleges and universities is the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, which enforces Title IX as part of the law's mandate to prevent sex-based discrimination and provide equitable opportunities for female athletes as well as other legal protections.

Critics said that shifting that role to the Department of Justice could impact the rigor of anti-discrimination efforts, despite recent emphasis from Trump and other Republicans on protecting women's and girls sports.

"I think we're in a solid place in South Dakota in terms of not dealing with some of the challenges or issues you might see surfacing in headlines nationally," said Lukkes.

"The question that remains is similar to some of the other programs within the Department of Education at the moment. What is the plan for appropriately staffing, managing and providing oversight in that area moving forward, whether it gets kicked down to the state level or shifted over to another federal agency. That's the question that people are waiting to see the answer on."

The Associated Press contributed to this story, which 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 .

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Public Notices published April 3, 2025

Carrie Moritz
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Public Notices published April 3, 2025
  • Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for  March 25, 2025
  • Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners joint meeting with the City of Sioux Falls for  March 25, 2025
  • Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Garretson School Board for March 31, 2025
  • NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION
  • NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION
  • NOTICE OF MEETING OF COUNTY EQUALIZATION BOARD
  • Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-001064
  • Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-1161
  • Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 24-4816
  • Minnehaha County Conservation District, Profit and Loss, January to Dec., 2024
  • Sample Ballots for Garretson Municipal Election and Garretson School District Board Election

Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for  March 25, 2025

THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY COMMISSION CONVENED AT 9:00 AM on March 25, 2025, pursuant to adjournment on March 18, 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 by Kippley, seconded by Heisey, to Approve the Agenda. 5 ayes

CONSENT AGENDA

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

Commission Meeting Minutes for March 18, 2025

Bills to be Paid $2,795,932.29

A TO Z WORLD LANGUAG Interpreters $375, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Lease-Rental Agreement $170.52, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Maintenance Contracts $524.43, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Office Supplies $10.86, ACCREDITATION AUDIT Subscriptions $150, AIRGAS USA LLC Gas Oil & Diesel $248.36, AIRGAS USA LLC Small Tools & Shop Supplies $70.49, AIRWAY SERVICE INC Automotive/Small Equipment $2914.69, AIRWAY SERVICE INC Gas Oil & Diesel $141.63, AIRWAY SERVICE INC HIDTA Grant $55.5, ALL ABOUT TRAVEL INC MacArthur SJC Grant $2878.31, ALL NATIONS INTERPRE Interpreters $2606.45, ALPHAGRAPHICS Printing/Forms $705.98, ALPHAGRAPHICS Publishing Fees $495.06, AMERICAN ENGINEERING Elec Motor, Mach, Shop Equip $3202.5, ANDERSON, JENNIFER Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $2419.98, ANGEL, EDWARD P Attorney Fees $453.73, ARCHITECTURE INC Architect, Engineers, and PMgt $61873, AVERA HEALTH PLANS I Insurance-Other Costs $4000, AVERA MCKENNAN Hospitals $1651.22, AVERA MCKENNAN Professional Services $70.3, BANGS,MCCULLEN,BUTLE Attorney Fees $1173, BEAMAN, SUSAN Business Travel $58.29, BERG, SCOTT Uniform Allowance $64.99, BOOT BARN INC Uniform Allowance $175, CDW GOVERNMENT Software $205.48, CENTER FOR FAMILY ME Professional Services $662.75, CENTRAL AG SUPPLY IN Tea-Ellis Range $1471.81, CENTURY BUSINESS PRO Maintenance Contracts $297.35, CENTURYLINK LONG DIS Data Communications $44.08, CERTIFIED LANGUAGES Interpreters $175.45, CHAKS LLC Welfare Rent $1400, CODY SCHROEDER Taxable Meal Allowances $18, CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT Road Maint & Material $135.6, CUMMINS INC Jail Repairs & Maintenance $403.92, DAKOTA EMBALMING & T Transportation $4035, DAKOTA RIGGERS & TOO Automotive/Small Equipment $101.45, DAKOTALAND AUTOGLASS Automotive/Small Equipment $300, DATA SYSTEMS INC Maintenance Contracts $3950, DINGES PARTNERS GROU Safety & Rescue Equipment $86.17, EDMUNDS BRAKE & ALIG Automotive/Small Equipment $89.95, EICH LAW OFFICE LLC Attorney Fees $936, ETHAN PALLUCK Extradition & Evidence $112, ETTERMAN ENTERPRISES Small Tools & Shop Supplies $145.34, FIRST DAKOTA NATIONA Lease Interest $223.32, FIRST DAKOTA NATIONA Lease Principal $3730.1, FLEETPRIDE INC Truck Repairs & Maintenance $58.99, FOX, DANIEL Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $132.75, GEOTEK ENGINEERING & Architect, Engineers, and PMgt $2780, GIRTON ADAMS Road Maint & Material $82.5, GLORY HOUSE Miscellaneous Expense $80, GRAHAM TIRE CO NORTH Automotive/Small Equipment $308.4, GRAINGER Electrical Repairs & Maint $77.27, GRAINGER Jail Repairs & Maintenance $3.1, GREAT PLACE CONSTRUC Repair/Renovations $73969.01, GRIESE LAW FIRM Child Defense Attorney $1067.5, GUNNER, ANDREA Court Reporters $122.1, HEERENGRABER, KRISTA Expert Witness Fees & Expenses $500, HELPLINE CENTER INC Miscellaneous Expense $4080, HENRY CARLSON CONSTR Construction Costs $1931187, HRUSKA, KATHLEEN Interpreters $60, HYVEE ACCOUNTS RECEI Program Activities $44.13, I STATE TRUCK INC Truck Repairs & Maintenance $48.37, INNOVATIVE OFFICE SO JDC Custodial Supplies $43.74, INTERSTATE OFFICE PR Office Supplies $702, JAYMAR Printing/Forms $252.4, JCL SOLUTIONS Inmate Supplies $1697.5, JCL SOLUTIONS Kitchen/Cleaning Supplies $3404.86, KATTERHAGEN, MARK Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $122, KAYCEE SINA Extradition & Evidence $112, KENNEDY PIER & LOFTU Attorney Fees $780, KNECHT, ANDREW J Attorney Fees $1280, KRUSE LAW OFFICE Attorney Fees $3397, LARSON, VALERIE Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $122, LEWIS & CLARK BEHAVI Bd Evaluations (Yankton) $1800, LEWIS DRUGS INC Pharmacies $864.3, LEWNO LAW OFFICE Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $1034.65, LOCKWOOD & ZAHRBOCK Child Defense Attorney $10220.6, LOPEZ, REBECA Interpreters $360, LOVING, PHILIP Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $4904.25, LUTHER, JEFF Medical Director $2750, LUTHERAN SOCIAL SVCS Evening Report Center $3243.87, LUTHERAN SOCIAL SVCS Shelter Care/Reception Center $94754.23, LUVERNE SUPERMARKET Welfare Food $50, MAC'S HARDWARE Small Tools & Shop Supplies $8.58, MEIERHENRY SARGENT L Attorney Fees $2784, MELLETTE COUNTY Board of Prisoners-Housing $148, MENARD INC Program Activities $688, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY C Natural Gas $1795.17, MIDSTATES UNIFORM & Uniform Allowance $118.69, MIDWESTERN MECHANICA Contract Services $615.99, MINNEHAHA CNTY FAMIL Memberships $20, MINNEHAHA PETTY CASH Blood/Chemical Analysis $165, MONTEREY APARTMENTS Welfare Rent $900, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS I Communication Equipment $982.13, NAPA AUTO PARTS Automotive/Small Equipment $359.1, NAPA AUTO PARTS Truck Repairs & Maintenance $52.59, NGUYEN, LAM Interpreters $60, OFFICE DEPOT INC Data Processing Supplies $399.38, PENNINGTON COUNTY Extradition & Evidence $2498.21, PETERSON, MIKE Uniform Allowance $154.98, PFEIFER IMPLEMENT CO Heavy Equip Repairs & Maint $879.7, PHOENIX SUPPLY LLC Child Care Items $161.75, PHOENIX SUPPLY LLC Child Care Uniforms $42, PIONEER ENTERPRISES Burials $2000, PRAIRIE WYNN PROPERT Welfare Rent $700, RATERMAN, CODY D Attorney Fees $180, REDWOOD COURT LTD PA Welfare Rent $2000, REDWOOD TOXICOLOGY L Testing Supplies $150, RENTOKIL NORTH AMERI Contract Services $358.43, RENTOKIL NORTH AMERI Professional Services $81.88, RILEY COWLES Taxable Meal Allowances $18, RISK ANALYSIS & MANA Insurance Admin Fee $2944.5, RISTY, MAXINE J Court Reporters $191.1, ROBERT BOLGER Education & Training $617.5, ROTOROOTER Jail Repairs & Maintenance $185, SALEM, KARLA R Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $3162.5, SANFORD Other Medical Services $7448.17, SANFORD CLINIC Contract Services $30101.46, SD ASSOC COUNTY HIGH Education & Training $400, SD ASSOC OF COUNTY O Due To Other Governments $2966, SD ASSOC OF COUNTY O Education & Training $20, SD ENGINEERING SOCIE Education & Training $675, SIOUX EMPIRE FAIR AS Miscellaneous Expense $12500, SIOUX FALLS CITY Electricity $8138.03, SIOUX FALLS CITY Miscellaneous Expense $340237.59, SIOUX FALLS CITY Water - Sewer $17124.49, SOUTH DAKOTA MAGAZIN Store Sales $9.5, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Daily Scram $4085, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Remote Breath $1081, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Blood/Chemical Analysis $190, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Due To Other Governments $2992, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Miscellaneous Expense $15, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Printing/Forms $538.36, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Professional Services $86.5, STEWART TITLE COMPAN Professional Services $375, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Board Of Prisoners-Meals $33273.69, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Child Care Food $713.93, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Inmate Supplies $161.06, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE School Lunch Program $1621.15, TEGRA GROUP INC Architect, Engineers, and PMgt $13396.48, THINK 3D SOLUTIONS MacArthur SJC Grant $26250, THOMPSON, PAIGE Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $350, THOMSON REUTERS - WE Legal Research $2336.68, THOMSON REUTERS - WE Subscriptions $314.04, TRANE Coliseum $216.74, TRANE Fairgrounds $252.25, TRANE Heat, Vent & AC Repairs $443.66, TRANE HHS Maintenance $331.08, TRANE Hwy Shop Repairs & Maintenance $129.02, TRANE Jail Repairs & Maintenance $310.25, TRANSWEST TRUCK OF Automotive/Small Equipment $67.67, TRI-STATE NURSING Professional Services $2223.25, TWO WAY SOLUTIONS IN Communication Equipment $1668, TZADIK TAYLORS PLACE Welfare Rent $1398, UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX Other Supplies $400, US FOODS INC Professional Services $1175.36, WALMART STORES INC Juvenile Diversion Restitution $57.45, XCEL ENERGY Electricity $2777.67, YANKTON COUNTY Return Of Service $150. 

March 2025 Commission Salaries
COMMISSION  Salaries $34,555.89

AUDITOR   Salaries $64,796.08

TREASURER   Salaries $108,888.08

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Salaries $100,652.92

STATES ATTORNEY Salaries $499,440.96

PUBLIC DEFENDER  Salaries $293,387.38

PUBLIC ADVOCATE Salaries $90,347.45

FACILITIES Salaries $66,784.20

EQUALIZATION   Salaries $125,389.83

REGISTER OF DEEDS   Salaries $53,596.11

HUMAN RESOURCES Salaries $41,480.01

SHERIFF Salaries $1,481,150.20

JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER Salaries $239,200.23

HIGHWAY  Salaries $163,294.20

HUMAN SERVICES   Salaries $177,434.95

MUSEUM    Salaries $98,064.43

PLANNING Salaries $44,083.78

EXTENSION Salaries $3,880.00

The following reports were received and placed on file in the Auditor's Office: 

Mobile Crisis Team Statistics for February 2025

Minnehaha County Coroner Monthly Report for February 2025

Routine Personnel Actions

‌New Hires

1. Dustin Lujan, Deputy State's Attorney for the State's Attorney's Office, at $3,777.60/biweekly (22/3) effective 03/19/2025.

‌2. Ryan Haram, Tax & License Technician for the Treasurer’s Office, at ‌$21.42/hour (10/1) effective 03/24/2025.

Step Increases

1. ‌Michael Awuol, Senior Accounting Technician for the Auditor's Office, at $27.44/hour (12/5) effective ‌03/24/2025.

2. Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder for the Auditor's Office, at $31.04/hour (14/6) effective 04/02/2025.

3. Vicki ‌Fuglsby, Assistant Register of Deeds for the Register of Deeds, at $41.73/hour (19/8) effective 03/18/2025.

4. Jairo Fajardo, Air Guard Security Officer II for the Air Guard, at $29.54/hour (13/6) effective 04/02/2025.

5. Christopher Schultz, Air Guard Security Officer ‌I for the Air Guard, at $27.44/hour (12/5) effective 04/02/2025.

6. ‌Derek Thomas, Air Guard Security Officer II for the Air Guard, at $29.54/hour (13/6) effective 04/02/2025.

7. Samuel Alvine, Deputy State's Attorney for the State's Attorney's Office, at $3,777.60/biweekly (22/3) effective 03/01/2025.

8. Becky Desens, Senior Property Technician for ‌Equalization, at $27.44/hour (12/5) effective 04/02/2025.

9. Grace Abma, Correctional Officer for the Jail, at $29.54/hour (14/4) effective 04/02/2025.

10. Michael Long, Correctional Officer for the Jail, at $29.54/hour (14/4) effective 04/02/2025.

11. ‌Madison Roushar, Correctional Officer for the Jail, at $29.54/hour (14/4) effective 04/02/2025.

12. Patrick Kaiser, Sergeant for the Sheriff's Office, at $42.80/hour (20/7) effective 03/16/2025.

13. Matthew Bullis, Deputy Sheriff for the Sheriff's Office, at $35.98/hour (17/6) effective 04/02/2025.

14. Matthew Larson, Deputy Sheriff for the Sheriff's Office, at $35.98/hour ‌(17/6) effective 04/02/2025.

15. Spencer Matson, Deputy Sheriff for the Sheriff's Office, at $35.98/hour ‌(17/6) effective 04/02/2025.

Other Salary Changes

1. To begin Interpreter specialty pay for Jay Van Vuuren, Correctional Officer for the ‌Jail, resulting in a rate of $26.63/hour (14/1) effective 03/15/2025

Abatements Recommended for Approval by the Director of Equalization

Parcel-94494, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,346.58
Parcel-16511, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,192.83
Parcel-34228, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,946.14
Parcel-77611, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,075.31
Parcel-39744, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,300.66
Parcel-75278, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $959.68
Parcel-32237, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $136.34
Parcel-77798, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2020 Property Taxes, $2,252.42
Parcel-77798, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2021 Property Taxes, $2,222.54
Parcel-77798, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2022 Property Taxes, $2,163.95
Parcel-77798, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,041.61
Parcel-77798, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,965.62
Parcel-76943, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,929.00
Parcel-79325, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $599.58
Parcel-48163, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $125.96
Parcel-48163, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,555.26

Notices and Requests

Notice of Permit Application was received from the US Army Corps of Engineers for the completion of Copper Creek Estates and Copper Creek Heights Developments on the SW Side of the Intersection of East 26th Street and South Six Mile Road in Section 30, Township 101 North, Range 48 West; at Latitude 43.525464 and Longitude -96.633251; in Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, SD; Ronning Enterprises, Inc., Applicant

Authorize the Auditor to Publish the Minnehaha Conservation District Financial Report for 2024 Pursuant to SDCL 38-8-57

PRESENTATION

Carey Deaver, Director of Human Resources, introduced Victoria McGrath from McGrath Consulting to provide a presentation on the job evaluation and compensation study. In August 2024, the Commission approved a contract with McGrath Human Resources Group for a job evaluation and compensation study. The study's purpose was to review the County's current job evaluation process, to conduct a salary and benefits survey; and to identify recommended pay structures for County positions. The presentation highlighted the following areas: study methodology, organizations surveyed, County demographics, factors impacting position classification, overall market standing, current matrix structure, and recommendations for new pay plans for full-time and election positions. The presentation also included recommendations for position classifications and overall compensation approaches. The next phase of the study will include discussions on which, if any, of the study components the Commission may select to implement. 

RESOLUTION

Jason Gearman, Director of Emergency Management, presented a resolution to declare a fire danger in Minnehaha County prohibiting open burning. On March 20th, the National Weather Service issued a "Red Flag" warning for numerous counties in South Dakota, including Minnehaha. The Red Flag warning will most likely continue until our area receives some measurable rainfall. Due to the low humidity, dry and windy conditions, the Minnehaha County Rural Fire Chiefs Association is asking the Minnehaha County Commission to approve a resolution for a burn ban. Director Gearman recommends giving authority to the Commission Chair or the Rural Fire Commission Liaison to rescind the ban based upon conditions and input from the Rural Fire Chiefs Association President Mike Harstad. The proposed action is intended to prohibit open burning. An exception to the ban is allowed for the burning of a substance in a container that is sufficient to prohibit the escape of the burning substance, sparks, flames or hot ashes from the container. The proposed burn ban does not include cities within Minnehaha County.

MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Beninga, to Amend the Proposed Resolution by Adding a Section that the Prohibition on Open Burning may be Rescinded by the Chair of the Minnehaha County Board of County Commissioners and the designated Minnehaha County Rural Fire Department/Emergency Management Commissioner Liaison upon Consultation with the Minnehaha County Emergency Management Director and the Minnehaha County Rural Fire Chiefs. 5 ayes. 

MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Approve Resolution MC25-09, Declaring a Fire Emergency in Minnehaha County and Prohibiting Open Burning, as Amended. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

RESOLUTION MC 25-09
DECLARING A FIRE EMERGENCY IN MINNEHAHA COUNTY AND PROHIBITING OPEN BURNING
    WHEREAS, the Minnehaha County Board of County Commissioners is charged with protecting the health and safety of the citizens of Minnehaha County; and

WHEREAS, conditions of fire danger now exist due to the dry spring conditions, unseasonably warm temperatures, and windy conditions that are currently prevalent in Minnehaha County, South Dakota; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, based on the recommendations of the Minnehaha County Rural Fire Chiefs and the Minnehaha County Emergency Management Director, and under the authority of SDCL 7-8-20 (18), that a Fire Danger Emergency is hereby declared and all open burning as defined in Ordinance MC34-04, is hereby prohibited within the boundaries of Minnehaha County, South Dakota, exclusive of any incorporated municipality within the county; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this prohibition on open burning may be rescinded by the Chair of the Minnehaha County Board of County Commissioners and the designated Minnehaha County Rural Fire Department/Emergency Management Commissioner Liaison upon consultation with the Minnehaha County Emergency Management Director and the Minnehaha County Rural Fire Chiefs that the declared Fire Danger Emergency no longer exists; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution is declared to be necessary for the immediate preservation of public safety in accordance with the provisions of SDCL 7-18A-8 and is effective immediately and shall continue until in force and effect until it is rescinded as set forth above or rescinded by further action of the Minnehaha County Board of County Commissioners.

Dated this 25th day of March, 2025. 

APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 
By: Dean Karsky, Chair
ATTEST: Leah Anderson, Auditor 
Kym Christiansen, Deputy Auditor

PRESENTATIONS

John Parker, Minnehaha Conservation District Manager, gave a presentation regarding the organization's mission, services provided, project highlights including tree potting & irrigation and prairie and pollinator garden kits, education outreach including the Sioux Empire Water Festival and community garden and education space, and organization partners. 

Leah Anderson, Auditor, presented a briefing on the Auditor's Office and highlighted the variety of functions that the Auditor's Office performs. As the county's population grows, many areas of support that we offer continue to increase. The Auditor's Office is not a revenue generator for the county, and the office spends a great deal of time apportioning funds that the county is just a pass-thru of. Those functions include accounting management (payables/liens/capital assets/payroll), document management, property tax administration, budget & finance management, and election management. Accounting management consists of accounts payable (vouchers and 1099 reporting), liens (County Aid and attorney fees-processing and payments), payroll (payroll tax reporting, payroll liabilities and W-2 reports) as well as general accounting functions. Some of the general accounting functions include capital asset tracking, financial statement preparation, account reconciliations (bank accounts & credit cards), insurance calculations, and journal entries, as well as the calculation of pass-thru funds (911/property tax/bank franchise fees). Document Management functions include recording all actions taken by the Commission Board, recording bid opening and requests for proposals, processing various alcoholic beverage licenses and medical cannabis licenses, scheduling various legal publications, tracking and filing of minutes, resolutions, and ordinances, along with managing public record requests. The Property Tax Administration is responsible for completing all property tax calculations and reports for Minnehaha County taxing entities and submitting that information to the Department of Revenue to ensure compliance with State law. An additional function of property tax administration is abatement calculations, adjustments, and flow of abatement throughout the process. Budget and finance management is responsible for the financial and budgetary programs of the entire county, including the following: annual audit, financial reports, budget process, supplements to budget, and grant management and assistance to departments. Auditor Anderson went on to highlight the responsibilities of election management, which include primary and general elections, support for municipal and school district elections, the maintaining of precinct boundaries, voter registration list maintenance, and assisting citizens with voter registration and absentee requests. Finally, the presentation highlighted the legislation that was focused on the elections as well as the department goals for the upcoming year.

Bill Hoskins, Museum Director, gave a briefing on the Siouxland Heritage Museums and highlighted information about the Old Courthouse Museum, Pettigrew Home and Museum, Irene Hall Museum Resources Center, and the Museum Outreach. In 2024, visitors come from 48 states and 27 foreign countries, with the busiest days being Saturday, Friday, Thursday, and Sunday. Also, in 2024, the Museum Staff presented 601 programs with 217 programs being held on-site and 384 off-site to 31,625 people. Director Hoskins explained that museum staff manage a collection of over 129,000 artifacts from the past perfect database. In an effort to expand public access to the museum collection, the museum moved to a new cloud-based management program. This has resulted in public access to the collection through PastPerfect and the Museum Website expanded to 89,000 artifacts. The presentation went on to highlight the conservation/special projects programs being undertaken, including the cleaning and re-leading of five stained-glass windows at the Old Courthouse Museums and other repairs at the Old Courthouse Museums. In addition, two Senator Richard F. Pettigrew's canes were conserved at the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center in Omaha. The museum can draw up to 4% of the average balance of the Endowment Fund, established in August 1993, over the last twelve quarters. Revenue from the Endowment comes into the budget for a specific purpose and is considered obligated funds. The fund has grown significantly over the years, resulting in greater support for museum operations. Finally, Museum Director Hoskins and the Museum staff will continue to build on our relationships and cooperative ventures to better serve the public. Great education programs, diverse exhibits, and outstanding customer service encourage the public to keep coming back.

AGREEMENTS

Upon the request of Jacob Maras, MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Heisey, to Authorize the Chair to Sign an Agreement between Minnehaha County and Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. for Construction Administration for Project MC20-12, Structure 50-087-120 Bridge Replacement for an Amount Not to Exceed $98,552.92. 5 ayes.

Tom Greco, Commission Administrative Officer, presented a request for authorization for the Chair to sign an agreement between Minnehaha County and the University of South Dakota. Minnehaha County was recently awarded a $250,000 grant through the MacArthur Foundation's Safety and Justice Challenge. As part of the grant application, the County identified USD's Center for Rural Health Initiatives to provide project management, data analysis, and community engagement services. The County has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Center of Rural Health Initiatives to provide such services under previous MacArthur grant funding cycles. The current two-year cycle includes funding for services in the amount of $65,000. MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Kippley, to Authorize the Chair to Sign an Agreement between Minnehaha County and the University of South Dakota to Provide Project Management, Data Analysis, and Community Engagement Services Performed by the Center for Rural Health Improvement in the Amount of $65,000. By roll call: 5 ayes.

OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Reone Ullom, Sioux Falls, spoke about election legislation especially related to the residency requirements.

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORTS

Commissioner Heisey reported on the recent meeting with Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership.

Commissioner Beninga reported on the process meeting of the Juvenile Justice Center construction.

Commissioner Kippley reported on the recent meeting on the Planning & Zoning meeting.

Commissioner Karsky reported on the annual meeting for the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. 

Commissioner Bleyenberg reported on the recent meeting of the library board.

MOTION by Heisey, seconded by Kippley, to enter into Executive Session pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1), (3), (4), and (6) at 11:05 a.m. 5 ayes.

Commissioner Beninga excused himself from the meeting at 12:05 p.m.

Chair Karsky declared the executive session concluded at 12:11 p.m.

MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Heisey, to adjourn at 12:12 p.m. 4 ‌ayes.

The Commission adjourned until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025.

APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION:

Dean Karsky

Chair

ATTEST:

Kym Christiansen

Commission Recorder

Published at the total approximate cost of $274.45 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 4-3-25_1tc

Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners joint meeting with the City of Sioux Falls for  March 25, 2025

THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY COMMISSION CONVENED AT 5:00 PM on March 25, 2025, pursuant to adjournment on March 25, 2025. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT WERE: Beninga, Bleyenberg, Heisey, Karsky, and Kippley.  Also present was Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder. 

City Council members present: Barranco, Cole, Merkouris, Sigette, Soehl, Spellerberg, and Thomason. Councilor Basye and Mayor TenHaken were absent.

Chair Karsky called the meeting to order.

MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Heisey, to Approve the Agenda. 5 ayes. The City concurred. 

ZONING APPEAL

Kevin Hoekman, Planner, gave a briefing on an appeal of a decision by the Joint Planning Commission to deny Conditional use Permit #25-10 to transfer one (1) building eligibility from Lots 2 & 3 Lacey's 2nd Addition N1/2 to Lot B of Lacey's Tract 2 N1/2 N1/2 all within Section 35-T102N-R49W Mapleton Township. The property is located east of the intersection of Bahnson Avenue and E 60th Street N. The petitioner and property owner are Glatco Company, LLP. The applicant is requesting to transfer building eligibility from a small undevelopable parcel to a platted lot near a paved road. The transfer would allow the building eligibility to be utilized for the construction of a single-family residence. The Joint Zoning Ordinance allows a transfer of building eligibility with approval of a conditional use permit. The development of this subdivision has taken place over several decades. Three houses exist in the subdivision on lots A, E, and D of Lacey's Addition. One house was built prior to density zoning and uses on building eligibility. The other two houses use building eligibilities that were transferred to the subdivision with two separate conditional use permits in 1992. Lacey's 2nd Addition was platted in 2006 by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation as a small strip of land between Lacey's Addition and N Bahnson Avenue. Much of the surrounding land area was annexed into the City of Sioux Falls in 2007. The Joint Planning Commission heard the item at February 24, 2025, Planning Commission meeting. Both county and city planning staff recommended denial of the proposed transfer because of concerns about future land development in the area. The Joint Planning Commissions unanimously denied the request to transfer building eligibility. MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Beninga, to Defer the Appeal of a Decision by the Joint Planning Commission to Deny Conditional Use Permit #25-10 to April 22, 2025, Joint Sioux Falls City Council/Minnehaha County Commission Meeting.  By roll call vote: 5 ayes. The City concurred. 

PRESENTATIONS

Mayor Paul TenHaken, City of Sioux Falls; Thomas Otten, Vice President, Avera Behavioral Health; Julie Haddock, RN Manager, The Link; and Tiffany Wolfgang, CEO, Southeastern Behavioral Health, provided an update on The Link Community Triage Center. The presentation highlighted the mission, vision, and values of the organization as well as its impact. The services provided at The Link include 24/7 access to a triage assessment with a healthcare professional for immediate care and treatment related to acute intoxication, substance withdrawal, mental health crisis and post-sexual assault care. The Link has a care team comprised of certified nurse practitioners, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses, paramedics and triage technicians, behavioral health technicians, chemical dependency counselors, peer support specialist, and a social worker. The presentation went on to highlight the desired outcomes for The Link, including the following: provide better access to care for our community; reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and reduce jail bookings; reduce inpatient behavioral health hospitalizations, offer coordinated mental health and substance-use disorder services; and normalize the conservation around mental health and addition. Various statistics that are tracked by The Link were highlighted, including the changes in the jail population for protective custody, involuntary commitment for alcohol/drugs & emergency 5 hold. The partnership with Southeastern Behavioral Health was highlighted, including the services provided by the organization and in partnership with Avera, as well as the outcomes. Next, the presentation highlighted the trending drugs in Sioux Falls, including alcohol, which remains by far the most common substance of abuse at The Link, methamphetamines, MDMA (ecstasy), marijuana, prescription drugs, fentanyl and other opioids, cocaine, and heroin. Finally, the presentation highlighted operation hope, current items being explored by the Board, and how to refer someone to The Link.

Logan Penfield, Housing Development Manager, City of Sioux Falls, gave a presentation on the 2024 Housing Overview and 2025 Look Ahead. The presentation highlighted the partnership between the City and County working together on housing issues. The role of the department is to collaborate to: produce, preserve or rehabilitate housing options that are safe, sanitary, and affordable; invest in neighborhoods; understand data-driven needs; and use funding to create long-term financially sustainable programs. The work completed is accomplished by leveraging and maximizing funding from federal, state, and local governments via housing division programs and strategic partnerships. The 2024 impact on the community via the various programs includes $8.55 million, 2,086 people helped, 215 completed projects along with 1,089 households at or below 50% Area Median Income. The presentation went on to highlight the partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and InterLakes Community Action Partnership for Heartland House and Bright Futures. Another partnership between the City of Sioux Falls, InterLakes Community Action Partnership, South Dakota Housing Development Authority and the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House for Community Commons. Finally, the presentation highlighted the upcoming projects being worked on for the year 2025 and beyond.

MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Beninga, to Approve at 6:01 p.m. 5 ayes. The City ‌concurred. 

The Commission adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025.

APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION:

Dean Karsky

Chair

ATTEST:

Kym Christiansen

Commission Recorder

Published at the total approximate cost of $67.73 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 4-3-25_1tc

Minutes of the Special Meeting of the Garretson School Board for March 31, 2025

SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES

Special Meeting         Garretson School District #49-4        6:00 p.m.        March 31, 2025

Present: President Natasha Mendoza, Vice President Tana Clark (arrived at 6:35 p.m.), 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, Joni Heggen & Garrick Moritz.

At 6:02 p.m., the Board convened in the Library at the Garretson School District for a special board meeting. All votes are unanimous, unless specifically noted in the minutes. 

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

There were no comments made during the Open Forum portion of the meeting.

President Mendoza called for any additions or corrections to the Board agenda. There were no additions or corrections presented.

Action 25-084: Motion by Compton, second by VanDeBerg, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried.

Action 25-085: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Compton, to appoint Louis Gerstman as an election worker for the Garretson School District School Board Election on April 8, 2025. Motion carried.

Action 25-086: Motion by Nordstrom, second by VanDeBerg, to go into executive session, pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2, subsection 1: A Personnel Matter and subsection 4: Staff Negotiations. Motion carried. The Board entered executive session at 6:05 p.m.

President Mendoza declared the Board out of executive session at 8:02 p.m.

Action 25-087: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Clark, to extend principal contracts by one year, with specific contract terms to be determined at a later date. Motion carried.

Action 25-088: Motion by Compton, second by VanDeBerg, to amend the Superintendent’s contract as agreed on by the parties. Motion carried.

Action 25-089: Motion by Clark, second by Nordstrom, to adjourn at 8:05 p.m. Motion carried.

Approved by the Garretson Board of Education this _____ day of _________, 2025.

Natasha Mendoza, Board President

Jacob Schwetizer, Business Manager

Published at the total approximate cost of $26.84 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 4-3-25_1tc

NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION

MUNICIPALITY OF GARRETSON, SD

A Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, in Garretson, South Dakota.  If the polls cannot be opened because of bad weather, the election may be postponed one week.

The election polls will be open from seven a.m. to seven p.m. central time on the day of the election.

At the election, the following offices will be filled:

WARD 2- (Two Year Term)

Candidates:

Tony Plahn

Matthew ‘Jake’ Jacobson

Furthermore, the following are unopposed:

WARD 3- (Two Year Term): Brayden Beaner

WARD 1 - (Two Year Term): Alysha Kientopf

The polling place of this municipality is as follows:

       Garretson American Legion

       504 Main Avenue

       Garretson, SD 57030

Any voter who needs assistance, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may contact the municipal finance officer at (605) 594-6721 before the election for information on polling place accessibility for people with disabilities.

Paetyn Dreckman

Finance Officer

Published twice at the approximate cost of $28.12 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-27-25-2tc 

NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 49-4

A School District Election will be held on April 8, 2025, in all the voting precincts in School District No. 49-4, Garretson, South Dakota. If the polls cannot be opened because of bad weather, the election may be postponed one week.

The election polls will be open from seven a.m. to seven p.m. central time on the day of the election.

   OFFICES BEING VOTED ON:

Two at-large school board member positions for a term of three (3) years. Candidates that have filed petitions are Laura Otis, Nathan deWit and Chad Stoterau.

The polling place in each precinct of this district is as follows:

American Legion Post 23, Garretson, South Dakota

    504 N. Main Ave., Garretson, SD 57030

Any voter who needs assistance, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may contact the school business manager at 605-594-3451 before the election for information on polling place accessibility for people with disabilities.

Jacob Schweitzer,

Business Manager

 Published twice at the approximate cost of $26.84 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-27-25-2tc

NOTICE OF MEETING OF COUNTY EQUALIZATION BOARD

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of County Commissioners, sitting as the County Board of Equalization of Minnehaha County, South Dakota will meet in the Commission Meeting Room in said County on Tuesday, the 8th day of April, 2025, for the purpose of reviewing, correcting and equalizing the assessment of said County for the year 2025 and shall continue in session and may adjourn from time to time until all filed property appeals have been determined and equalization is completed but no later than April 29, 2025.

All persons considering themselves aggrieved by said assessment, are required to submit written notice to the Minnehaha County Director of Equalization-220 W 6th St, Sioux Falls SD 57104 no later than April 1, 2025.

Leah Anderson
Minnehaha County Auditor

Published twice at the approximate cost of $21.09 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-20-25-2tc

Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-001064

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) SS COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA)

IN CIRCUIT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT In the Matter of the Petition of Matthew Alan Carter, For a Change of Name to Raen “The Divine” Arrendale.

49CIV:25-001064

Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition for Adult Name Change has been filed by Matthew Alan Carter, the object and prayer of which is to change Petitioner’s name from Matthew Alan Carter to Raen “The Divine” Arrendale.

On the 22nd day of April, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 a.m. said Verified Petition will be heard by this Court before the Honorable Judge Hoffman, at the Court Room 5A 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 7th Day of March, 2025 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Attested by, Cathy Arant Clerk of Court.

Published four times at the approximate cost of $48.28 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-13-25-4tc

Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-1161

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) SS COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA)

IN CIRCUIT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT In the Matter of the Petition of Morgan Arthur Eugene Westendorf, For a Change of Name to Morgan Arthur Eugene Dreesman.

49CIV:25-1161

Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition for Adult Name Change has been filed by Morgan Arthur Eugene Westendorf, the object and prayer of which is to change Petitioner’s name from Morgan Arthur Eugene Westendorf to Morgan Arthur Eugene Dreesman.

On the 22nd day of April, 2025, at the hour of 11:00 a.m. said Verified Petition will be heard by this Court before the Honorable Judge 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 7th Day of March, 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. 3-13-25-4tc

Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 24-4816

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) SS COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA)

IN CIRCUIT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT In the Matter of the Petition of Altisha Ranae Matthews, For a Change of Name to Kwan Ranae Matthews.

49CIV:24-4816

Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition for Adult Name Change has been filed by Altisha Ranae Matthews, the object and prayer of which is to change Petitioner’s name from Altisha Ranae Matthews to Kwan Ranae Matthews.

On the 6th day of May, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 a.m. said Verified Petition will be heard by this Court before the Honorable Judge Mowery, 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 March, 2025 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Attested by, Cathy Arant Clerk of Court.

Published four times at the approximate cost of $49.48 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 4-3-25-4tc

Minnehaha County Conservation District, Profit and Loss, January to Dec., 2024

2024 Minnehaha Conservation Dist Balance SheetDownload
2024 Minnehaha Conservation Dist P&LDownload

Sample Ballots for Garretson Municipal Election and Garretson School District Board Election

Official Ballot - FACSIMILEDownload
SAMPLE BALLOT WARD 2 ELECTIONDownload

News for 4-3-25

Carrie Moritz
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News for 4-3-25

Next week Tuesday's election will be for all Garretson School District voters, but those living in Ward 2 will also have a vote decision to make. We bring you the two candidates that applied for the seat, and where they would like to see the council head in the next few years. Plus, wax museums and grants, baseball, and state youth wrestling!

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Sample Issue

Burn Ban Lifted Wednesday April 2nd 2025

Carrie Moritz
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0
Burn Ban Lifted Wednesday April 2nd 2025

Thanks to a few days of moisture, the burn ban enacted a week ago has been lifted for Minnehaha County.

"On Tuesday March 26th the Minnehaha County Commission enacted a burn ban for rural Minnehaha
County due to the extreme dry conditions," said County Emergency Manager Jason Gearman. "The recent snow, rainfall and cool temperatures have temporarily changed the fire danger conditions in Minnehaha County. The Minnehaha County Commission has decided to end the ban on burning effective immediately."

Please ensure all fire prevention practices are followed, and keep an eye on the Gazette if conditions should again deteriorate after this wet spell has ended.

News for 4-3-2025 (e-edition)

Carrie Moritz
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0
News for 4-3-2025 (e-edition)

This Week's Issue

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Download this week's issue
Community Events Calendar

Next week Tuesday's election will be for all Garretson School District voters, but those living in Ward 2 will also have a vote decision to make. We bring you the two candidates that applied for the seat, and where they would like to see the council head in the next few years. Plus, wax museums and grants, baseball, and state youth wrestling!

This Week's Spotlight Photos

male with long beard and wearing tie
male with dark hair and glasses wearing a dark shirt
baseball player diving into first base while baseman kneels to catch ball
male with dark hair and dark tee shirt shaking hand and receiving check from male in baseball cap and blue button down shirt
group of young children holding large sign saying Garretson Youth Wrestling
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Three will compete for two seats on the Garretson School Board

Carrie Moritz
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0
Three will compete for two seats on the Garretson School Board

With a joint city of Garretson and Garretson School Board election coming up on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at the American Legion Post #23, we sent all our prospective candidates questions about why they want the job and your vote. This week we’ll be featuring the three people seeking two seats on the Garretson School Board. 

man with dark hair and beard
Nathan deWit //submitted photo
woman standing with two children
Laura Otis //photo courtesy Laura Otis
man with brown hair and short beard wearing suit and tie
Chad Stoterau //photo submitted

Nathan deWit:

man with dark hair and beard
Nathan deWit //submitted photo

First, give our readers some background and personal information about you.

Thanks for reaching out and providing the opportunity to answer some questions relating to this position. My name is Nathan deWit. I graduated from Garretson in 2005, BS in Construction Engineering, MS in Architectural Engineering – structural emphasis. I’m a Structural engineer with FDN Engineering.  We specialize in residential foundation repair solutions. I have a wife Nicole, who works for Sanford, daughter Evie (1st grade), and a son, Cade (who attends Blue Dragon Academy).

Why do you wish to become a member of the Garretson School Board?

As a father of two young children beginning their education, I want to ensure the district we are entrusting with their education fulfills its mission “to prepare every student to meet the challenges of learning, living, and leading in a changing world”, optimally equipping them in their formative years.  In addition, I believe a strong school district is a foundational element and key component to the identity of a thriving and successful community.  This is something we need dedicated community members to volunteer and participate in to achieve and maintain.  It is my desire to contribute and help shape that identity.

What is your stance on education and education funding in South Dakota? What do you think about current state funding formula, and funded vs. unfunded mandates for school districts?  What do you think about the tax opt-out formula and taxation policies that schools rely on?

School funding, and by extension taxation policies, in our community are an important and often challenging issue.  If people have specific policy concerns related to school funding, I encourage them to engage their state representative where changes to policy can be enacted.   As a school board member, I will work diligently within the established policies to maximize the value provided by our district to the students.  It will also be important to closely monitor the developments happening at the federal level with the Department of Education.  Federal funding is a significant portion of the district’s budget, and we must be ready to effectively and efficiently respond as it relates to funding and potentially other areas.  

  What do you think is good about the Garretson School District or that they are doing well?

The district has had many long-tenured staff which have, in some cases, even taught the children of former students.  Their dedication to our school is something to be admired and commended.  I also believe that the “small town school” and generally small class sizes are very attractive to families and advantageous to the students.  

What do you think needs improvement or/and what needs to change to make it better?

We have lost a number of students to open-enrollment over the years.  I would like to see open enrollment be a net positive for our district.  I believe one of the root causes for this issue is the expanded academic and athletic opportunities provided by other nearby districts.  Identifying ways for students to pursue those opportunities within our district is important.   Another area of concern is, according to the state of SD information, our standardized testing is below the average district in the state.  The same data shows that from 2021-2024 we have had a less than 50% proficiency rate in all the testing areas: math, science and reading every year.   Given these statistics, there is an opportunity for improvement to better deliver on our mission statement.  I will engage with staff and administrators to identify the areas where the board can support them in their efforts. 

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Open fire burn ban now in effect for rural Minnehaha County

Carrie Moritz
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Open fire burn ban now in effect for rural Minnehaha County

By Dave Baumeister

County Correspondent

SIOUX FALLS – Due to severe dry conditions, Minnehaha County Commissioners voted unanimously to immediately enact a county-wide burn ban at their Tuesday, March 25, meeting.

Emergency Management Director Jason Gearman, and Mike Harstad, the president of the Minnehaha County Fire Chief’s Association, both recommended the ban.

man at podium speaking
Emergency Management Director Jason Gearman //Dave Baumeister

On Thursday, March 20, the National Weather Service issued a “red flag alert” for the area based on lack of moisture/low humidity and high winds.

The past winter saw a historically low amount of snowfall, and so far, that lack of moisture has continued into the spring.

Gearman said he hoped spring rains would soon be plentiful, but last week, the red flag alert was to let people know that conditions exist for the risk of uncontrollable fires.

According to Harstad, so far in March, county volunteer firefighters have responded to 32 grass fires.

And, he added, in 17 instances, those grassfires were part of “controlled burns” that had gotten out of control.

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As of right now, Gearman said, the burn ban is needed.

With this ban, it was set up that it can be lifted at any time by an agreement of the Emergency Management Director (Gearman), the commission chairman (Dean Karsky) and the commission liaison to the county fire chiefs (Joe Kippley). Usually, to lift burn bans, it has to wait until a regular meeting of commissioners.

Gearman hopes conditions change soon with the usual spring rains to alleviate the need for a ban, but until that happens, it is necessary for safety.

The new burn ban applies to any open burning in the county outside of organized cities. Those municipalities have their own regulations regarding fires.

Also, the ban does not apply to burning in enclosed containers “sufficient to prohibit the escape of burning substances, sparks, flames, or hot ash.”

Harstad said he believed that receiving a ticket for unlawful burning brought a $200 fine, but that he didn’t think anyone had ever been issued such a ticket during a burn ban. 

However, people have received a “stern talking to” from sheriff’s deputies when the ban has been violated, he said.

Rural residents tend to abide by a ban, as they know it is for their safety, and that if anything does get out of control, it will likely cause damage to their own property.

Apart from enacting the bans, reports were heard from four different departments at the meeting.

A summary of findings was presented from a “Job Evaluation and Compensation Study” commissioned through the Human Resources Department.

Leah Anderson gave a very detailed annual report for the Auditor’s Office.

John Parker informed the commission about happenings with the Minnehaha County Conservation District.

And Bill Hoskins told commissioners about the Siouxland Heritage Museums.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, April 1, at 9 a.m., in the third-floor meeting room of the Minnehaha County Administration Building at 6th and Minnesota Ave. in Sioux Falls.

Oh, what a Birthday Weekend!

Carrie Moritz
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Oh, what a Birthday Weekend!

submitted by Sam Williamson

On March 18, Joan Engebretson celebrated her 93rd birthday. The weekend before, friends and family joined her for a great old time.

an older lady with white hair posing with her children and their spouses
Joan Engebretson's eight children joined her for her 93rd birthday. //photo submitted

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FFA qualifies 27 for State CDEs

Carrie Moritz
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FFA qualifies 27 for State CDEs

by Brielle Weir, GHS Blue Ink

FFA career development event (CDE) contests just began at the beginning of the month, but the state competition is in two weeks. With contests hosted by Emery, Howard, and Tri-Valley already in the books, there are still a few more contests to come including Lennox and the state competition when students come back from Spring Break. 

The top four teams out of the district qualifier (Tri-Valley on Monday, March 17) earned a berth to the state competition. However if there was not a full team, individuals could qualify if that contestant finished in the top 10. The state competition this year will be at SDSU in Brookings April 3-5. 

Garretson has 27 students competing in nine different categories. Students range from perennial competitors of seniors to first time eighth graders. 

In addition to the CDE competitions, the state tournament will also feature breakout sessions, speakers, recognition of state degree recipients, among other features. Multiple Garretson seniors will be earning their state degrees during the early April state gathering. 

Those students attending State Competition will be:

Alexis Christensen, Chloe Hermanson, Lane Ellefson - Horse Evaluation

Elijah Winterton - Livestock Evaluation

Gavin Coburn, Kaden Hoogland, Colton Buchholz, Chase Costello - Milk Quality

Dylan Artz - Natural Resources

Blair Ellefson, Macy Chapin - Vet Science

Dylan Waltman, Levi Top, Austin Graff, Isaac Stoterau - Ag Mechanics

Cole Schleuter, Brecken Weir, Jakob Gnadt, Colin Shellum - Agronomy

Whisper Apple, Alyssa Garcia, Ella Frerk, Natalie Brazee - Floriculture

Jacoby Costello, Tanner Baatz, Brooklyn Trudeau, Chloe Bryan - Food Science 

Congratulations to Garretson’s FFA members on a successful season so far and good luck in the final contests.

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