Ban prompted by several area fires, including Garretson
On Tuesday, Minnehaha County Emergency Management placed a burn ban county-wide due to the dry conditions being experienced around the state.
Earlier in March, local firefighters and farmers worked together to put out a field fire. //photo courtesy Garretson Fire Dept
Eastern South Dakota is under a moderate drought but the Grassland Fire Index is high, and fires are likely to start and spread quickly in the area.
"Volunteer Rural Fire agencies have responded to numerous grass fires in the month of March," wrote Minnehaha County Emergency Manager Jason Gearman. "Many of these fires were caused by open burns becoming out of control. This burn ban will be effective until Minnehaha County receives significant rainfall or the grassfire index changes. The Minnehaha County Commission, Rural Fire Chiefs and Emergency Management will monitor these conditions to determine when the burn ban should be rescinded."
Open burning within the rural areas of the county will not be allowed under this ordinance, and other burns must take place inside a container that prohibits the escape of sparks, flames, or hot ash from escaping. Any violations of this ban are a Class II Misdemeanor.
Fires in the area have been quite common lately. On Monday evening, a portion of Highway 11 by 255th Street was closed for a time for clean up as sparks from a blown tire caused a trailer to start on fire. No injuries were reported, but the driver was unable to release the trailer from the vehicle due to the amount of smoke. On Sunday, GFD responded to a fire off 248th and 483rd just northwest of Garretson for a backyard garbage burn that sparked and spread, damaging the yard but no structures nearby.
I wanted to get this out before April so that I could cover a number of things happening early in the month.
The monthly city council meeting is scheduled for Monday April 7th at 6:30 PM at The Legion. This is a great way to get involved in city government and to provide input. Everyone is welcome!
The city and the school have combined elections. Election of city officials and election of school board members will both be on April 8th, 2025, at the Legion. Please exercise your civic duty and vote. We have 2 people running for the seat on the council for Ward 2. If you live in Ward 2 PLEASE VOTE.
City Rummage Sale Days are April 24th, 25th, and 26th. Great way to get rid of stuff you no longer need or want. Watch for more information on Garretson Living Facebook group. (Just a note- this is not the city website.)
City Wide Clean Up is scheduled for May 3rd. Garbage N More is cooperating with the city to allow you to clean up stuff.
Last but not least I want to remind everyone that if you have animals in the city limits, they must be registered with the city. Ordinance 90.20 states that all animals kept in the city must be licensed and registered with the city. You are required to provide proof of rabies vaccination from your vet. Registration is due by June 1st. If your pet is neutered the fee is $5 per year, if not then $10 per year. This ordinance applies to ALL animals except birds and fish. This is for the protection of public safety. It is quite easy to get your license and tag, just stop down at city hall. Failure to license your animal is punishable by a fine/and or imprisonment. (Ordinance 90.21) It is also important to not let your animals run at large. Animals on public property must be leashed. On private property they must be restrained, this can be a fenced yard, tether, or invisible fence. Fines for animals running at large range from $25 to $100 per occurrence. (Ordinance 90.99)
While on the subject of pets it is also important to clean up after your pet. Ordinance 90.04 requires you to clean up your pet's defecation. This is on both private and public property. Failure to clean it up can result in a fine.
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota State Historical Society’s State Historic Preservation Office, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will be hosting their annual Archaeology Camp in Pierre June 10-12 for students going into grades 4-6.
At Archaeology Camp, campers will be introduced to the field of archaeology. They will learn the purpose of archaeological digs and the stories that artifacts can tell people about the past. In addition to excavation at the site, campers may enjoy other fun activities such as processing artifacts, practicing with atlatls, and visiting historic sites around town including the Oahe Chapel. This camp is an active, outdoor experience on a real archaeological site. Campers should be prepared to hike, work in dirt, listen carefully, and follow directions from camp leaders and professional archaeologists.
The camp will run June 10-12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program requires students to attend all three days and is for students going into grades 4-6 for the 2025-26 school year (no exceptions). Registration is limited to the first 20 applicants who have not previously attended. Prior participants may apply, but their names will be added to a lottery and only considered if there are fewer than 20 new campers. Prior registration is required.
Registration will begin Thursday, May 1, at 8 a.m. CT and will close when the camp is full or on Saturday, May 3, whichever comes first. Registrations are automatically logged in the order in which they are received. In previous years, registration was full and closed within 20 minutes of opening. The registration fee is $50 per camper. Once available, registration will be linked at the top of the page here: https://history.sd.gov/preservation/ArchaeologyCamp.aspx
For more information on the camp, please visit https://history.sd.gov/preservation/ArchaeologyCamp.aspx or contact Katie Wasley at (605) 773-8370 or .
Garretson’s middle blocker signs on to continue career in Orange City, IA
by Khloe Susie, GHS Blue Ink
It is getting to that time of the year again, where the seniors make their decision of what college they want to attend. Garretson High School has had a few signings lately but their most recent one was senior Bella Sysa.
Bella Sysa signed with Northwestern College on Monday, March 17, and to help her celebrate the moment, the 2024 volleyball team came down during the signing experience. //Photo by Khloe Susie
Sysa was a key player for the Garretson volleyball team. She also played for Kairos out of Sioux Falls during the off-season. Sysa was a 6 '2 middle hitter for Garretson High School and Kairos. On Monday, March 17 Sysa signed with Northwestern College to play volleyball and study advertising and marketing. Sysa also got an offer from Dakota State University but decided Northwestern was the better fit for her. Sysa chose Northwestern because of “how welcoming the community was very welcoming and the campus is really nice.” “It is also very close to home,” stated Sysa.
Bella will more than likely be a middle blocker for Northwestern. Coach Whalen talked about Sysa and the impact that she had on the team. “Bella is not very hard to see because of her height, so she was a huge presence at the net. So that will be pretty tough to fill next year.” Sysa didn’t start playing volleyball until her sophomore year of high school and despite only playing for three years Sysa accomplished a lot. “One great thing that stands out about Bella is she doesn’t really get down on herself and she is a very consistent player,” stated Whalen. Sysa is very excited to meet all of her new teammates and make new friends. The Garretson community is also very excited to support Sysa throughout her collegiate career.
10U and 14U teams both win tournaments last weekend
//submitted photo//submitted photo
The JO club volleyball season has started and the Blue Dragons are working hard and playing tuff!! Congratulations to the 10u team on championships in Madison at the Dakota State University tournament Saturday March 22 and Sunday March 23 in Adrian!!
The 10U team consists of: Brylee Jacobson, Olive Story, Alaina Lentsch, Elsa Jacobson, Quinn Williamson, Kendra Howe, Madilyn Jessen, Kennedy Frerk, Coach Dana Doane and Coach Maci Rotert.
14U team //submitted photo
Congratulations to our 14u team for winning the championship on Saturday March 22 at the Dakota State University tournament. Top left to right: Cecelia Fiegen, Brooklyn Schwebach, Annalise Hoeck, Harper Andera, Ava Peters, Brenna Smith, Coach Dennis Northrup bottom row left to right: Briann Jacobson, Brynlee Stiefvater, Haylee Rotert, Jordyn Graff.
Garretson hosts our home tournament this weekend Saturday March 29th and Sunday March 30th. Saturday the 13u and 14u teams play starting at 9am and Sunday the 10,12, and 16u teams play starting at 8am. Come support your Blue Dragon volleyball players!!
BRIDGEWATER, S.D. – As bird flu ravages poultry farms across the country – including in South Dakota – fears are growing that the highly contagious avian influenza virus could mutate and begin to spread widely among the world's human population.
Farmer John Wipf, shown in 2019, oversees agricultural operations at the Oaklane Hutterite Colony in Hanson County. The colony has suffered two outbreaks of bird flu in the past two years. (Photo: Bart Pfankuch / South Dakota News Watch)
The virus already has caused devastating effects in the state, which has seen the second-highest number of outbreaks in commercial poultry flocks in the nation.
The 114 commercial outbreaks in South Dakota, along with another 26 backyard flock infections, have led to the death or intentional killing of more than 6 million turkeys, chickens and other birds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Many of the outbreaks in the state, the latest coming in January, have been at turkey farms operated by Hutterite colonies in the eastern half of the state, including at the Oaklane Hutterite Colony near Bridgewater.
But in 2024, the virus was detected in a flock of farm-raised pheasants in South Dakota, leading to the killing of about 30,000 of the birds that draw hunters from around the world each fall. As in other states, the virus has also spread to mammals in the state, causing the death of a handful of cattle and more than a dozen domestic cats.
So far, no human cases have been reported in South Dakota. Nationally, however, about 70 people have been sickened by the virus, mostly farm workers or veterinarians who were exposed to infected birds or cattle. In January, an elderly resident of Louisiana with underlying medical conditions became the first person to die of bird flu in the U.S. after being exposed to sick birds.
166 million birds destroyed
The current outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or H5N1 virus, began in the U.S. in February 2022. Since then, the virus has been detected in all 50 states, causing more than 1,600 individual outbreaks in commercial and backyard poultry flocks and leading to the death or euthanasia of 166 million chickens, turkeys and other birds.
While the most tangible outcome of bird flu for consumers has been the rising cost of eggs and chicken breasts, a different, more ominous concern is rising among scientists and public health officials who closely monitor bird flu and study ways to prevent its spread.
There has been no known human-to-human spread of bird flu so far in the U.S, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And yet, numerous scientists are becoming concerned that bird flu could become the next pandemic and potentially cause devastating consequences to human populations across the world.
"We're afraid this virus could cause a human pandemic because humans have very little immunity against this particular avian flu virus," Scott Hensley, a leading bird flu researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, said in a Januaryvideo presentation. "The problem is that flu viruses acquire mutations all the time. And we know that the virus is only one or two mutations away from being able to cause severe disease in humans."
The current risk to humans, especially those outside the agriculture industry, remains "very low," according to the CDC. So far, the bird flu virus has not been found to bind well to human cells or take hold in the human respiratory system.
But the virus has already shown a ready ability to mutate, not unlike how the Influenza A and B and COVID-19 viruses show slight mutations each year. Bird flu can be spread through direct contact, by breathing airborne particles or through shared water sources.
The spread of infection from wild migrating birds to captive poultry flocks, and the subsequent mutations from birds to bovines and now cats is a cause for alarm, said Todd Tetrow, the director of veterinary services at Dakota Provisions, a large turkey processing company in Huron.
"It can jump species, so anytime there’s virus out there, and other species can be exposed, it can sure jump," Tetrow told News Watch. "Anytime it jumps into a new species, there’s more concern and thoughts that this thing is getting to where it’s scary for humans."
Turkey farms hit hard by bird flu
South Dakota has been a hotbed for bird flu infections for two reasons.
The state is along the flyway for many species of migratory birds, which are the known carriers of the virus.
Also, South Dakota is a major producer of turkeys that are mainly raised indoors within concentrated animal feeding operations. The state also has smaller chicken and pheasant breeding operations that can be susceptible to bird flu outbreaks.
The 41 Hutterite turkey producers who make up the farmer-owned Dakota Provisions cooperative have suffered so many bird flu outbreaks in the past three years that the group has purchased its own industrial firefighting foam system. Firefighting foam, which eliminates oxygen when dispensed, is the current preferred method of quickly and efficiently "depopulating" a flock of infected birds.
The Oaklane Hutterite Colony west of Sioux Falls has endured two bird flu outbreaks in the past two years, which in total required the killing of about 21,000 adult turkeys and poults, said colony director John Wipf.
On both occasions, Wipf said, he noticed that water consumption among his turkeys had fallen, and some birds showed signs of malaise and a few died. Both times, birds were sent to South Dakota State University for confirmation that bird flu was the cause.
When any bird is infected, all birds from that barn must be destroyed, he said. The USDA sends in experts to monitor the killing, which was done by a local firefighting agency.
Watching his flocks be depopulated is heart wrenching, he said.
“The smallest ones really wanted to live and they tried to climb on top of the foam, but it wouldn’t hold them up,” he said.
Dead birds are then composted in a landfill onsite, and the barns must then be sanitized and approved by the USDA before reopening.
The value of the lost birds was likely about $300,000, though the federal government indemnifies farms for bird flu and pays farmers an adjusted amount to cover most losses.
Wipf said he takes precautions to prevent further infection, such as requiring staff to wear boots and other protective clothing, and by keeping things clean and disinfected.
He isn’t sure how his flocks became infected, but he believes migratory birds are the likely culprits.
“It’s a bad luck situation for sure because it’s very difficult to diagnose where it came from and how it got in here," Wipf said. "We have no clue, but I think part of it was bird migration, geese and ducks that fly over and poop on the barn and our materials. Or it could have been brought in by wild birds that get into the barns.”
Pheasant farmers lose major flock
The bird flu outbreak that struck the Gisi Pheasant Farm near Ipswich, 30 miles west of Aberdeen, began with a single bird testing positive in December 2023, according to farm co-owner Loretta Omland. Ultimately, three positive tests for bird flu were confirmed, she said.
To the family members that run the farm, the flu cases appeared isolated to one of six barns at their breeding operation at nearby Craven. No other birds appeared to be sick or dying in those barns or at other locations in Wessington Springs and Miller, Omland said.
Suddenly, the family found itself embroiled in a difficult, emotionally draining effort to save their other breeders and hens. Gisi Farms in 2022 provided about 480,000 ringneck pheasants to a large number of customers that mostly include South Dakota hunting resorts and preserves.
In the days following the positive tests, they ran up against USDA officials who were unwilling to make exceptions to rules stating that entire flocks of birds must be destroyed quickly, even if only one or a few birds test positive for bird flu.
“We told them, ‘We don’t care about indemnification,’ because those were our birds,” Omland told News Watch. “I had to call all these customers and tell them that we can’t get your birds, and that affects the restaurants, the grocery stores, the preserves and all these people in the hospitality and hunting industries.”
The family sought the help of the South Dakota state veterinarian and the state congressional delegation to ask for an exception that would allow them to mitigate the loss of birds and investment.
“The USDA came back and said that if we didn’t kill those birds, we’d be in jeopardy of losing indemnification and that South Dakota could be in violation of international trade laws,” Omland said.
The family ultimately relented and agreed to the killing of about 30,000 pheasants, later receiving roughly $1 million in indemnification that did not cover their full losses and cleanup costs, Omland said.
“It was horrible, just horrible because those were all healthy birds,” she said.
Since then, Gisi Farms has enhanced its biosecurity efforts to prevent further outbreaks, Omland said.
“We test and test and test and clean and clean and clean, but you can only get so far in what you do,” she said. “You do everything you can, but at the end of the day, you just say more prayers.”
Research and prevention steps underway
News is breaking almost weekly about the impacts of bird flu and the efforts of the scientific community to slow or stop its spread and to reduce its ability to infect humans.
In January, a new strain of bird flu called H5N9 was determined to be the source of infection of a commercial duck farm in California. While that new strain was not seen as more infectious or dangerous to birds or humans, scientists said it shows how quickly the virus is mutating.
In mid-March, thousands of geese were found dead in and along Lake Byron in Beadle County and state game officials said they believe bird flu was the cause of the mass die-off.
Some experts worry that if separate viruses intermingle – such as a person who has influenza A is then exposed to H5N1 – that a cross-virus mutation could occur and open the door to greater human infections or birth of a virus that can spread among humans.
In December, the USDA launched its National Milk Testing Strategy, which among other things tests milk held in silos for H5N1 prior to distribution to humans. South Dakota is one of 45 states to sign up for silo testing.
The CDC, USDA and Food and Drug Administration are all working to monitor bird flu outbreaks and spread. The USDA has created an easy-to-navigatewebsite where bird flu data is tracked by state and the CDC has a bird fluinformation page.
The farm-level response to bird flu in South Dakota has centered around close monitoring of bird health and behavior and through testing of poultry flocks prior to slaughter, Tetrow said.
Some farmers in South Dakota and other states have used cannons or fireworks to scare away migratory birds or have tried to eliminate ponds where migratory birds congregate near their barns.
Tetrow said he hopes the agricultural, governmental and scientific communities can work together to take more steps to evaluate the causes and effects of bird flu and take preventative methods to slow its spread.
"I'd like to see us reevaluate what we're going to see if there are more approaches and tools we can add to our toolbox to fight this," he said.
The USDA in February gave conditional approval to a bird flu vaccine for poultry, made by the firm Zoetis. But to date, the U.S. has not followed the path of other countries such as China, Mexico and some European countries where use of poultry vaccines is widespread.
Tetrow, who spent more than a decade working in the South Dakota state veterinarian's office, said he supports the concept of vaccinating poultry in order to protect both bird and human populations.
"It won't prevent infection, but it decreases mortality and the amount of virus that is shed," he said. "If we can find a vaccine that can do those things, I think we need to figure out how to employ that."
Hensley, the University of Pennsylvania biologist, said a major goal of ongoing research is to develop a human vaccine. "We want to be able to respond if this virus acquires the mutations that are needed to effectively transmit from human to human," he said.
This story was produced by South Dakota News Watch, an independent, nonprofit organization. Read more stories and donate atsdnewswatch.org andsign up for an email to get stories when they're published. ContactBart Pfankuch at .
Further impacts feared from Trump administration plan to cut 80,000 employees
By Joshua Haiar,
South Dakota Searchlight
Staffing cuts in the federal Department of Veterans Affairs are disproportionately affecting the veterans that the department preferentially hires, said members of a South Dakota veterans’ advocacy group.
They worry the Trump administration’s goal of cutting 80,000 VA employees will put more veterans out of work without a vetting process, and erode the quality of services provided.
Vietnam infantry veteran James Sanden carries a flag on Mar. 14, 2025, during a protest at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center. Sanden and others were protesting Veterans Affairs staffing cuts. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)
Eugene Murphy, of Sioux Falls, is a past national commander of Disabled American Veterans and a Vietnam War vet who was paralyzed by gunshot wounds.
“How are you going to treat my brothers and sisters like that?” he said. “This is not right.”
The VA provides services for veterans including health care, housing options, life insurance, pensions, education stipends and more. One-quarter of the VA’s 482,000 employees are veterans.
Disabled American Veterans of South Dakota says the Trump administration’s initial round of cuts to probationary employees disproportionately impacted disabled veterans. The national organization shared testimonials on its website of some of the disabled and decorated veterans who have already been fired.
“I found out I lost my job off the clock, on my day off, without a warning, without a meeting, without even a termination letter,” said Navy veteran Kara Oliver, of Michigan. “Just a locked computer screen and a stunned supervisor confirming the news. And here’s the worst part: The veterans lost more than I did.”
About 2,400 of the VA’s roughly 46,000 probationary employees — generally those who’ve been in their jobs less than two years — were terminated last month.
Judges have ruled that the mass firings of federal probationary workers that began last month were illegal, and ordered the workers reinstated pending further litigation. The Trump administration has begun the process of reinstating tens of thousands of them, though most are just being placed on administrative leave as the government cites the “burdens” of rehiring, court filings reviewed by States Newsroom show.
The cuts are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration and the world’s richest person, Elon Musk, leader of Trump’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency, to reduce government spending.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said in a recent video that he intends to return the agency to 2019 staffing levels of around 398,000. He said the savings will be reinvested in health care and services.
“The federal government doesn’t exist to employ people. It exists to serve people,” Collins said.
He said doctors and nurses are not being fired.
“You know where we’re going to be looking? At the bureaucracy layer that goes from my doctor to the central office in Washington, D.C.,” Collins said.
‘Makes my blood boil’
That doesn’t ease the concerns of Marty Pennock, an Army veteran who directs the South Dakota department of Disabled American Veterans, headquartered in Sioux Falls.
“It just makes my blood boil knowing the politicians doing this never have to worry about where their paychecks are going to come from,” he said.
Pennock referenced the example of a disabled veteran and single mother who served 16 years in the military and was recently fired from the Sioux Falls VA hospital.
“I have great concern that all these cuts are going to impact the services provided, but I’m also concerned about the impact on those let go,” Pennock said. “Many of the people working for the department are disabled veterans. And if not, they’re all people who have put in time to serve people I care about. They deserve better than being fired without any justification or a basis.”
U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-South Dakota, serves on the Armed Services and Appropriations committees. He said the volume of calls his staff receives has more than doubled following the Trump-Musk cuts. He said they will continue monitoring the situation and advocate for rehirings when appropriate. He shares concerns about firing veterans.
“I think that’s what we have got to be on guard for,” Rounds said.
The cuts come at a time when veterans’ health care needs are increasing. The VA enrolled 400,000 veterans in its benefits system from March 2023 through March 2024, 30% more than the prior year. It also expanded eligibility for former service members to receive VA health care.
The agency has grown in recent years in response to the increase in veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan needing services as they age, as well as a new benefit from a 2022 toxic exposure law known as the PACT Act. The law is intended to help veterans exposed to the military’s use of open-air burn pits in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Because of that, Pennock said, VA staff cuts will hurt benefits.
“Since the PACT Act, demands on the system increased greatly,” Pennock said. “Many of the new people were brought on to help with a backlog of disability claims.”
Staff shortages have led to long wait times for care, with some VA clinics so understaffed that they are unable to take new patients for primary care or mental health needs.
Pennock met with the state’s congressional delegation about one month ago in Washington, D.C. While Secretary Collins said benefits could ultimately improve via a reallocation of funding, Pennock said he left D.C. not feeling optimistic.
Pennock is worried that options presented in the Congressional Budget Office’s recent report on reducing the federal deficit may soon come true. Possibilities include eliminating disability compensation for households making over $137,000 (or “means testing”), reducing disability benefits for retired veterans, and making veteran disability income taxable.
“Most families would lose their benefits if that means-testing option is implemented,” Pennock said. “This is huge.”
Rounds said the Congressional Budget Office’s report does nothing more than offer options where cuts could be made.
“None of those have been presented as a proposal to be voted on,” Rounds said.
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, said in a statement that he has heard concerns about changes to the VA, “and I’m seeking more information on the administration’s plans.”
“Despite the claims of some, Congress won’t cut VA benefits as a part of this year’s appropriations process,” Johnson said. “Of course, we’ll work to find efficiencies, but saved dollars will be reinvested in the system to improve care.”
SD veteran protests
Protests last week drew more than 100 people to the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
Sheila and Donald Aaker attended the protest. The two are worried veterans’ health care services will be negatively impacted. Donald served in Vietnam, “and he did his duty,” Sheila said.
“It’s just not right,” Sheila said. “It’s not right for people to have to struggle with an illness and wonder if their health care will be available. He was promised that, and I think the country owes it to him.”
Air Force veteran Larry Williams said witnessing gruesome deaths during a deployment to Europe during the 1970s wore on his mental health.
“I got the help that I needed,” Williams said. “And today I’m doing a lot better than I was. But I am here for my fellow comrades. These services are vital. We signed a blank check saying we will surrender our lives in battle, but some of us have come home. And we’re still being treated like s—.”
Jody Fleischhacker is an Air Force veteran. She said what is happening in D.C. is “unbelievable.” Her daughter was a federal employee fired by the Trump administration.
“There is such a disregard for a lot of people,” she said. “And they don’t care. It’s the billionaire boys club out there. Rounds, Thune and Dusty Johnson are worthless. They sit up there and turn their backs on South Dakota.”
Bruce Watts joined the Army out of high school and served in Korea. He too wants to see South Dakota’s congressional delegation take action.
“Step up and protect veterans’ rights,” he said. “And stop this anti-democratic move happening in Washington.”
State-provided veterans benefits and staffing will not be impacted by the federal cuts, according to the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. Public affairs officers with the Sioux Falls and Rapid City VA offices did not respond to requests for comment.
South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence.
Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for March 18, 2025
Annual Report: Minnehaha County for the year ending in Dec. 31, 2024
City of Garretson, Water quality report for 2024
NOTICE OF HEARING UPON APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL ON-SALE LIQUOR LICENSES
Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-001064
Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-1161
Notice to Bidders: Town of Sherman, Tiger Park Maintenance
Notice of Permit Issuance Minnehaha County Solid Waste Permit
CITY OF GARRETSON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL OFF-PREMISE LIQUOR LICENSE
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO VACATE PORTIONS OF STREET AND ALLEY
NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION MUNICIPALITY OF GARRETSON, SD
NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 49-4
Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for March 18, 2025
THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY COMMISSION CONVENED AT 9:00 AM on March 18, 2025, pursuant to adjournment on March 4, 2025. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT WERE: Beninga, Heisey, Karsky, and Kippley. Commissioner Bleyenberg was absent. 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 Heisey, seconded by Kippley, to Approve the Agenda. 4 ayes
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Beninga, to Approve the Consent Agenda. By roll call vote: 4 ayes. The consent agenda includes the following items:
Commission Meeting Minutes for March 4, 2025
Bills to be Paid $3,239,482.06
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Redfield $900, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Data Communications $200, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Due To Other Governments $2006183.39, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Education & Training $150, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Extension Background Checks $20, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Fingerprint/Tax $291.03, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Lab Costs $120, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Misc Revenue $72.5, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Miscellaneous Expense $412.5, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Mug Shots $0.47, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Notary Exp $60, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Printing/Forms $396.05, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Property Search Fees $217.76, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Sign Supply Inventory $800.22, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Store Sales $124.74, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Telephone $679.05, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Witness Fees/Expenses $800, STREICHERS INC Uniform Allowance $538.5, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Board Of Prisoners-Meals $101977.64, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Child Care Food $1369.84, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Inmate Supplies $279.99, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE School Lunch Program $3175.89, SUPER 8 MOTELS Business Travel $338.46, SURAJ CHHETRI Taxable Meal Allowances $18, SURE TEST Professional Services $1234.8, TAYLORS 05 Gas Oil & Diesel $40.4, TCN INC Telephone $48.25, TECHNOLOGY HEIGHTS Welfare Rent $700, THE DAKOTA SCOUT LLC Publishing Fees $1912.31, THE DAKOTA SCOUT LLC Subscriptions $58.57, THE HOME DEPOT 4301 Bridge Repair & Maintenance $119.88, THE PUBLIC SAFETY ST Safety & Rescue Equipment $19.99, THE UPS STORE 2125 Postage $16.44, THOMPSON, PAIGE Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $300, THOMSON REUTERS - WE Amounts Held For Others $862.16, THOMSON REUTERS - WE Legal Research $2000.86, TOMACELLI'S TOO Jury Fees $189.1, TOWNSQUARE MEDIA INC Lease Interest $151.55, TOWNSQUARE MEDIA INC Lease Principal $348.45, TRACTOR SUPPLY COMPA Uniform Allowance $-119.99, TRANE Fairgrounds $1087.32, TRANE JDC Maintenance $893.38, TRANSUNION RISK & AL Investigators Expenses $88.8, TRI-STATE NURSING Professional Services $5101.5, TSCHETTER & ADAMS LA Attorney Fees $4528.48, TURNWELL MENTAL HEAL Professional Services $2609, TWILIO INC Maintenance Contracts $90.01, TWO WAY SOLUTIONS IN Communication Equipment Repair $821.98, TZADIK HIDDEN HILLS Welfare Rent $2000, TZADIK SIOUX FALLS I Welfare Rent $1353, TZADIK SIOUX FALLS P Welfare Rent $3047, US FOODS INC Other Supplies $34.09, US FOODS INC Professional Services $946.35, US POSTAL SERVICE Postage $3019.23, USA CLEAN BY JON-DON Motor/Machine/Equipment Repair $332.31, VALHALLA PAINTING LL Jail Repairs & Maintenance $152000, VER BEEK, KELSEY Attorney Fees $445.12, VER BEEK, KELSEY Child Defense Attorney $2746.92, VERIZON CONNECT FLEE Subscriptions $239.25, VERN EIDE MOTORCARS HIDTA Grant $1200, VITAL RECORDS Archive/Preservation Supplies $709.95, VITAL RECORDS Records Storage $5038.34, WALMART STORES INC Child Care Food $169.86, WALMART STORES INC Child Care Items $6.15, WALMART STORES INC Clinics - Auxiliary Services $0.67, WALMART STORES INC Furniture & Office Equipment $69.94, WALMART STORES INC Inmate Supplies $70.14, WALMART STORES INC Miscellaneous Expense $40.17, WALMART STORES INC Office Supplies $101.18, WALMART STORES INC Other Supplies $79.14, WALMART STORES INC School Lunch Program $194.06, WALMART STORES INC Small Tools & Shop Supplies $33.76, WALMART STORES INC Supplemental Food $149.12, WALTER, MAX Attorney Fees $150, WASTE MANAGEMENT OF Trash Removal $3418.24, WEERHEIM LAW OFFICE Bd Exp Fees (Minnehaha) $6480, WEERHEIM LAW OFFICE Crisis Intervention Program $120, WILLIQUORS Program Activities $359.12, WILLOWS EDGE Welfare Rent $700, WILLUWEIT, WESLEY Welfare Rent $700, WINNER POLICE DEPART Extradition & Evidence $509.22, XCEL ENERGY Electricity $33045.96, XCEL ENERGY Road Maint & Material $33.93, XCEL ENERGY INC Welfare Utilities $925.41, YAKIMA COUNTY SHERIF Return Of Service $10.95, YANKTON COUNTY Attorney Fees $1983, YANKTON COUNTY Return Of Service $150, YOUNGBERG Attorney Fees $1032, ZABEL STEEL Small Tools & Shop Supplies $390, ZORO TOOLS INC Construction Safety $295.23, ZORO TOOLS INC Small Tools & Shop Supplies $38.81.
The following reports were received and placed on file in the Auditor's Office:
February 2025 Building Permit Report
Sioux Falls Area Humane Society Service Report for February 2025 Auditor's Account with the County Treasurer for February 2025
Auditor's Accounting Month End Reports for February 2025
Register of Deeds Statement of Revenue Report for February 2025 Highway Monthly Construction Updates for March 2025
Human Services 2024 Annual Report
Routine Personnel Actions
New Hires
1. Connie Nelson, Tax and License Technician for the Treasurer's Office, at $21.42/hour (10/1) effective 03/11/2025.
Step Increases
1. Mark Russell, Air Guard Shift Supervisor for the Air Guard, at $43.85/hour (17/14) effective 03/07/2025.
2. Justin Sieler, Air Guard Shift Supervisor for the Air Guard, at $43.85/hour (17/14) effective 03/07/2025.
3. Alexander Suurmeyer, Air Guard Shift Supervisor for the Air Guard, at $35.11/hour (17/5) effective 03/07/2025.
4. Craig Wittrock, Air Guard Shift Supervisor for the Air Guard, at $42.80/hour (17/13) effective 03/07/2025.
5. Keith Wynia, Air Guard Division Supervisor for the Air Guard, at $49.60/hour (20/13) effective 02/08/2025.
6. Andrew Anderson, Groundskeeper for Facilities, at $23.64/hour (09/05) effective 03/06/2025.
7. Clair Hattervig, Highway Maintenance Team Member for the Highway, at $26.13/hour (12/3) effective 03/27/2025.
8. Jeanette Spaans, Caseworker for the Human Services, at $38.76/hour (16/11) effective 03/11/2025.
9. Steven Millage, Program Analyst II for Information Technology, at $56.14/hour (21/14) effective 03/16/2025.
10. Braden Gustafson, Correctional Officer for the Jail, at $27.44/hour (14/2) effective 02/03/2025.
11. Ashley Hohn, Correctional Officer for the Jail, at $27.44/hour (14/2) effective 02/19/2025.
12. Michael McGovern, Lieutenant for the Jail, at $4,380.00/biweekly (22/9) effective 02/27/2025.
13. Eric Schmidt, Corporal for the Jail, at $36.89/hour (17/7) effective 03/11/2025.
14. Albert Chagolla, Juvenile Correctional Officer I for the Juvenile Detention Center, at $30.26/hour (13/7) effective 03/04/2025.
15. Anthony Helland, Pretrial Coordinator for Pretrial Services, at $26.76/hour (12/4) effective 01/31/2025.
16. Emilie Harrold, Legal Office Assistant for the Public Advocate's Office, at $22.51/hour (10/2) effective 02/26/2025.
17. Nathan Moser, Deputy Sheriff for the Sheriff's Office, at $36.89/hour (17/7) effective 02/20/2025.
18. Jonah Rechtenbaugh, Deputy Sheriff for the Sheriff's Office, at $33.42/hour (17/3) effective 02/20/2025.
19. Paul Schuster, Deputy Sheriff for the Sheriff's Office, at $35.98/hour (17/6) effective 02/24/2025.
20. Tanner Coil, Tax and License Technician for the Treasurer's Office, at $24.85/hour (10/5) effective 02/19/2025.
Authorize Chair to Sign UMR Administrative Services Agreement Amendment
Abatement Applications Recommended for Approval by the Director of Equalization Parcel-59618, City of Sioux Falls, 2024 Property Taxes, $3,428.37 Parcel-51700, City of Sioux Falls, 2024 Property Taxes, $3.61 Parcel-55004, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,149.30 Parcel-83770, City of Sioux Falls, 2024 Property Taxes, $4.89 Parcel-96735, City of Sioux Falls, 2024 Property Taxes, $351.18 Parcel-96736, City of Sioux Falls, 2024 Property Taxes, $269.55 Parcel-46894, Sheila Smith, 2024 Property Taxes, $666.39 Parcel-83769, City of Sioux Falls, 2024 Property Taxes, $6.89 Parcel-54489, City of Sioux Falls, 2024 Property Taxes, $7,984.50 Parcel-79599, Richard Reichow, 2020 Property Taxes, $2,653.16 Parcel-79599, Richard Reichow, 2021 Property Taxes, $1,624.86 Parcel-79599, Richard Reichow, 2022 Property Taxes, $1,558.90 Parcel-79599, Richard Reichow, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,307.26 Parcel-79599, Richard Reichow, 2024 Property Taxes, $2,230.95 Parcel-89286, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $853.46 Parcel-89286, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,965.62 Parcel-82761, Platinum Properties, 2023 Property Taxes, $7,940.83 Parcel-82761, Platinum Properties, 2024 Property Taxes, $7,327.48 Parcel-13538, David Sorenson, 2024 Property Taxes, $3,442.39 Parcel-62378, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $703.89 Parcel-25338, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,030.81 Parcel-33666, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $838.48 Parcel-96421, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2024 Property Taxes, $2,255.59 Parcel-89770, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2024 Property Taxes, $566.98 Parcel-51809, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2024 Property Taxes, $166.49 Parcel-18269, James & Kristen Jonson, 2024 Property Taxes, $256.50 Parcel-43902, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $734.50 Parcel-34604, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,965.63 Parcel-52123, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $979.33 Parcel-53004, Assessment Freeze, 2024 Property Taxes, $1,023.85
Notices and Requests
Request for Approval to Display Fireworks at the Blue Haven Barn on March 29, 2025
South Dakota Department of Health Notice of Disinterment Permit for the Remains of Alexis Lovaas
PRESENTATIONS
Nathan Skadsen, 4-H Youth Program Advisor, and Aubrey Anderson, 4-H Youth Advisor, gave a briefing on the Minnehaha County 4-H highlighting the purpose of the 4-H program, which includes the number of members and volunteers. The presentation went on to highlight the traditional programming for the past year as well as the individual achievements of 4-H members. The following outreach programming was completed during the 2023-2024 programming year: Adopt-a-Cow; Chicks in the Classroom; Boys and Girls Club of the Sioux Empire; and a Robotics Club as well as community events at Ag Days at the Washington Pavilion, Sioux Empire Water Festival, and Women in Science. Finally, the presentation highlighted the upcoming events for 4-H including traditional programs such as Mastery Opportunities, Shooting Sports, Club Leaders Transitions, and Day Camps with outreach programming at BGC of Sioux Empire, YMCA Camp Leif Ericson, Sioux Empire Fair, and Chicks in the Classroom.
Chris Lilla, Director of Equalization, provided an annual presentation for the Equalization Department. The presentation highlighted the following Equalization Department duties: maintaining and updating county data, previous year sales, real estate assessment and market adjustment for Minnehaha County properties; approaches to value types; and track the development and growth of the County. The Equalization Department administers various exemption and benefit programs, including owner-occupied, elderly freeze, discretionary, disabled veteran, renewable energy credit, religious/educational/charitable exemptions, and agricultural exemption. Finally, Director Lilla highlighted the 2024 accomplishments and 2025 agenda and goals for the Equalization Department.
JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER CONTRACT
Jamie Gravett, Juvenile Detention Center Director, requested authorization for the Chair to sign a contract with Lutheran Social Services for Shelter Care and Reception Center. The proposed contract would continue our partnership with Lutheran Social Services. The Shelter Care Services and the Reception Center both serve as alternatives to secure detention. Shelter Care enables us to hold lower-level offenders in the right place until the Court process is complete. The Reception Center is utilized to reunify youth with their parents when arrested and the parents are not immediately available, and placement is not needed. The proposed contract did include a budget with a cost increase of 4% in the second and third years of the proposed contract. Minnehaha County is billed for actual costs for the usage of the facility. MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Kippley, to Authorize the Chair to Sign a Contract between JDC and Lutheran Social Services for Shelter Care and Reception Center. By roll call vote: 4 ayes.
SOLID WASTE PERMIT
Mason Steffen, Planner, presented a request for a Solid Waste Permit #25-01 for the purpose of a rubble site on the property legally described as Tract 1 Mueller Addition N1/2 NW1/4 Section 34-T101N-R51W, Wall Lake Township. The site for the tree grinding operation is located on the property addressed as 46349 267th Street, which is approximately a half mile west of the Sioux Falls Regional Landfill. The Minnehaha County Solid Waste Ordinance defines tree branches and other similar materials as rubble and defines a rubble site as a site where rubble is deposited. The solid waste ordinance also states that a solid waste permit must be obtained by the operator of a rubble site, prior to operations beginning on the property. Mueller Pallets obtained a solid waste permit from the county for this site in November 2023. However, Mueller Pallets recently amended their existing conditional use permit to change the allowed materials accepted at the site. Conditional Use Permit #25-11 to amend CUP #23-51 was heard and unanimously approved by the Planning Commission on February 24, 2025. Since the Minnehaha County Solid Waste Ordinance does not have a permit amendment process, the petitioner is required to obtain a new solid waste permit to reflect the changes made during the conditional use permit amendment. Public comment was received from Paul Tschetter, representative for the applicant. MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Kippley, to Approve Solid Waste Permit #25-01 for the Purpose of a Rubble Site on the Property Legally Described as Tract 1 Mueller Addition N½ NW¼ Section 34 T101N-R51W Wall Lake Township. By roll call vote: 4 ayes.
VEHICLE PURCHASE
Upon the request of Joe Bosman, Captain, MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Beninga, to Authorize the Sheriff's Office to Purchase Six Ford F-150 Responder Vehicles through Iowa State Bid Holder, Stivers Ford (Contract #24051) with a Price of $48,282.00 Per Vehicle and a Total Purchase Price of $289,692.00. 4 ayes.
RURAL ACCESS INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING
Jacob Maras, Interim Highway Superintendent, presented a request for authorization for the Chair to sign a funding agreement between Minnehaha County and Wall Lake Township for Rural Access Infrastructure Funding. The Rural Access Infrastructure Program was enacted during the 2021 South Dakota Legislative Session to assist with the replacement of large culverts and small bridges on township roads. The Minnehaha County Commission awarded Rural Access Infrastructure funding for 2025 at the January 7, 2025, Commission meeting. Wall Lake Township applied for and was awarded funding to replace one culvert for a project total of $30,000.00. Wall Lake Township's share is $6,000.00 with the remaining $24,000.00 provided by the County through the State-funded Rural Access Infrastructure Fund. MOTION by Heisey, seconded by Kippley, to Authorize the Chair to Sign a Funding Agreement between Minnehaha County and Wall Lake Township for Rural Access Infrastructure Funding. By roll call: 4 ayes.
Jacob Maras, Interim Highway Superintendent, presented a request for authorization for the Chair to sign a funding agreement between Minnehaha County and Logan Township for Rural Access Infrastructure Funding. The Rural Access Infrastructure Program was enacted during the 2021 South Dakota Legislative Session to assist with the replacement of large culverts and small bridges on township roads. The Minnehaha County Commission awarded Rural Access Infrastructure funding for 2025 at the January 7, 2025, Commission meeting. Logan Township applied for and was awarded funding to replace one culvert for a project total of $359,950.00. Logan Township's share is $71,990.00 with the remaining $287,960.00 provided by the County through the State-funded Rural Access Infrastructure Fund. MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Heisey, to Authorize the Chair to Sign a Funding Agreement between Minnehaha County and Logan Township for Rural Access Infrastructure Funding. By roll call vote: 4 ayes.
BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT
Jacob Maras, Interim Highway Superintendent, presented a Bridge Improvement Grant (BIG) Agreement between Minnehaha County and the South Dakota Department of Transportation. The Minnehaha County Highway Department was awarded a South Dakota Bridge Improvement Grant (BIG) for the replacement of structure 50-149-140. This is an 80/20 grant with the State where Minnehaha County will fund 20% of construction and 20% of construction engineering, and the State will fund 80% of construction and 80% of construction engineering up to $814,500.00. Structure 50-149-140 was load posted in 2024 at a rating of 18 tons for a single unit and 30 tons for a combination unit. The new structure will be a 3-cell 12'x9' box culvert. Construction is anticipated in 2026. MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Heisey, to Authorize the Chair to Sign the SD Bridge Improvement Grant (BIG) Agreement between Minnehaha County and SD Department of Transportation for the Replacement of Structure 50-149-140. By roll call vote: 4 ayes.
BRIDGE IMPROVEMENT GRANT AGREEMENT AMENDMENT
Jacob Maras, Interim Highway Superintendent, presented an Amendment to the Bridge Improvement Grant (BIG) agreement between Minnehaha County and South Dakota Department of Transportation. The Minnehaha County Highway Department was awarded a South Dakota Bridge Improvement Grant (BIG) for the preliminary engineering for the replacement of structure 50-160-199. This is an 80/20 grant with the State where the County funds 20% of preliminary engineering and the State funds 90% with their costs not to exceed $37,000. The proposed amendment provides for additional hydraulic analysis due to the multiple drainage in the area and future development needs. The State will not participate in the $11,842,68 cost of this additional work as it exceeds their BIG agreement commitment. MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Kippley, to Authorize the Chair to Sign Amendment 1 to the Bridge Improvement Grant (BIG) Agreement between Minnehaha County and SD Department of Transportation for the Preliminary Engineering of Structure 50-160-199 Replacement in the Amount of $11,842.68 with an Increased County Share from $9,250 to $21,092.68. By roll call vote: 4 ayes.
UNAUDITED 2024 FINANCAL RESULTS AND PUBLICATION OF ANNUAL REPORT
Susan Beaman, Finance & Budget Officer, gave a briefing on the unaudited 2024 Financial Results and publication of the unaudited Annual Report. As required by SDCL 7-10-04, the Auditor's Office has prepared the Annual Report which will be published in the newspaper by March 30th as well as on the County's website in our Finances section. Overall, the unaudited operating results for all funds show a favorable 2024. Some of the key numbers for the report include: total revenue from all funds for 2024 was $142,691,471; total expenditures from all funds for 2024 were $131,974,870; and long-term debt outstanding on December 31, 2024, was $97,780,371. The General Fund Operating Results show revenue exceeding budget by $9,387,344 with several key items, including significantly higher than anticipated interest income, bank franchise and board of prisoner revenue, contributing to this impact; expenses were under budget by $13,138,866, which includes a combination of personnel and department savings, much of which was unanticipated. Federal grant funding through the American Rescue Plan Act has continued to have a favorable impact on our General Fund operations. This funding for operations expenditures ceased at the end of 2024. While the unaudited financials for 2024 were favorable, it was noted that the higher revenues and lower expenditures were somewhat anomalous compared to previous budget cycles and should not be considered as likely in future cycles. Finance & Budget Officer Beaman went on to highlight the unaudited Financial Results for the Highway Fund Operating, which include revenue exceeding budget by $1,416,839 with several key items, including interest income, contributing to this favorable impact while expenses were under budget by $5,444,530, which is primarily due to the multi-year nature of highway projects. The Building Fund operating results, unaudited, include revenues exceeding budget by $1,808,589 with interest income contributing to this favorable impact while expenses were under budget by $3,017,996, which is primarily due to uncompleted projects. The presentation went on to highlight the unaudited ARPA Fund Operating Results reporting federal grant revenue of $9,053,283 and the actual expenses were $9,053,283 with the remaining $1,099,826 of unused ARPA funds will be used in 2025 to complete the remaining projects. The Capital Projects Fund unaudited operating results report on the ongoing financial transactions of our major capital projects which was Juvenile Justice Center. The unaudited revenues were overbudget due to interest income of $2,206,384, which was primary on the JJC project, and this interest income is required to be used for the purposes of the applicable project. Actual expenses for the Capital Projects Fund were $14,307,075 with the primary expenditure being the JJC project. The County's Bond Redemption Fund unaudited operating results report were consistent with the 2024 budget. The Bond Redemption Fund revenue services the debt service for three of the county's bond issues, including the JJC project and the Jail Expansion. The presentation also provided summaries of the financial results for our 13 non-major funds, which show the results of those funds being consistent with the 2024 budget and normal operations. Finally, the unaudited statement of cash flows shows a healthy cash position for the County from the reported funds.
HEARING NOTICE
Upon the request of Susan Beaman, Finance & Budget Officer, MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Heisey, to Authorize the Auditor to Post Notice of Budget Hearing April 1, 2025, for Carryover and Other Budget Supplements. 4 ayes.
AGREEMENTS
Tom Greco, Commission Administrative Officer, presented a request for authorization for the Chair to sign an agreement between Minnehaha and the Sioux Empire Triage Center (The Link). The 2021 and 2023 Safety and Justice Challenge (SJC) Grant awards have remaining surplus funds because of lower-than-expected costs associated with travel, programming, and other budgeted activities. As a result, the SJC Implementation Team explored opportunities to reallocate the funds for projects or programs that align with the grants' goal. In coordination with stakeholders, to include the Link, and based on recommendations from an SJC-sponsored Technical Assistance Visit to the Link in September 2024, it was determined that allocating a portion of the excess funds to the Link would be warranted. The proposed agreement allocates $82,302.61 to The Link for the purpose of assisting with the hiring of staff and/or obtaining other technical assistance to directly serve The Link in carrying out its purposes, including general operations, strategic decision-making, resource allocation, service delivery, coordination with the general community's crisis response priorities. This funding will further enhance The Link's ability to continue providing important crisis services to the community. MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Beninga, to Authorize the Chair to Sign an Agreement between Minnehaha County and The Sioux Empire Triage Center (The Link) using Surplus 2021 and 2023 Safety and Justice Challenge Grant Funds in the Amount of $82,302.61. By roll call vote: 4 ayes.
Tom Greco, Commission Administrative Officer, presented a request for authorization for the Chair to sign an agreement between Minnehaha County and Think 3D. 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 Think 3D's "Bridges" Program as a beneficial use of a portion of the grant funds. Think 3D has partnered with the County to provide similar programming during the last two grant funding cycles. The current two-year cycle includes funding in the amount of $47,500 per year, payable in four installments. "Bridges" is a 16-week program where the Think 3D staff meet with jail participants once a week for 90 to 120 minutes to administer the key components of the program. In total, four 16-week programs will be administered non-concurrently at the Jail. In addition, Think 3D will provide four two-hour training sessions to jail staff each year. The program’s outcomes were briefly highlighted. The proposed contract expires on February 28, 2027, and includes a series of reporting requirements outlined in the agreement. Chief Deputy Gromer provided some comments on the proposed agreement. MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Heisey, to Authorize the Chair to Sign an Agreement between Minnehaha County and Think 3D to Administer the “Bridges” Program and Staff Training in the County Jail using Safety and Justice Challenge Grant Funds in the Amount of $95,000. By call vote: 4 ayes.
COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORTS
Commissioner Kippley reported on a recent meeting with the State's Attorney.
MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Heisey, to Enter into Executive Session pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1), (3), (4), and (6) at 11:15 a.m. 4 ayes.
Commissioner Kippley excused himself from Executive Session at 11:58 a.m. Chair Karsky declared the executive session concluded at 12:06 p.m.
MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Heisey, to adjourn at 12:07 p.m. 3 ayes.
The Commission adjourned until 9:00 a.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 $535.16 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-27-25_1tc
Annual Report: Minnehaha County for the year ending in Dec. 31, 2024
NOTICE OF HEARING UPON APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL ON-SALE LIQUOR LICENSES
Notice is hereby given that a hearing will be held in the Minnehaha County Commission Meeting Room, County Administration Building, 415 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls, South Dakota on April 15, 2025, at or after 9:00 a.m., to consider applications for fourteen Special On – Sale Liquor Licenses.
APPLICANT: Red Rock Bar & Grill, Inc, 48181 SD-42, Brandon, SD 57005
At which time and place anyone interested may appear to file objections to the granting of the same.
Dated at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this 18th day of March, 2025.
Leah Anderson, County Auditor
Published at the total approximate cost of $15.98 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-27-25_1tc
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 to Bidders: Town of Sherman, Tiger Park Maintenance
The town of Sherman is currently accepting
Bids to till up the 2,500 sq ft playground at Tiger Park at 2nd & Zeliff. And additionally adding 3” of
Wood chips to the playground area. Submit bids To Cheryl Swenson at 160 Zeliff Ave Sherman, SD, By April 1, 2025
Published twice at the approximate cost of $10.22 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-20-25-2tc
Notice of Permit Issuance Minnehaha County Solid Waste Permit
The Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners has issued a solid waste permit to Mueller Pallets LLC. for the purpose of a rubble site on the property legally described as Tract 1 Mueller Addition N1⁄2 NW1⁄4 T101N-R51W, Minnehaha County, SD, which is addressed as 46349 267th Street. The permit shall become effective March 18, 2025, unless the permit is appealed to Circuit Court as set forth in SDCL 7-8.
Date: March 18, 2025
Published at the total approximate cost of $7.81 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-27-25_1tc
CITY OF GARRETSON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the City of Garretson will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 7th, 2025, regarding a conditional use permit applied for by the owner of 108 Railroad Avenue Garretson SD 57030 N1/2 VAC ALLEY LYING ADJ & S56 LOTS 19, 20, 21, & 22 Block 4 ROYCES 1st ADDN TO CITY OF GARRETSON. Upon approval, the conditional use permit will allow for apartment space within existing building be used as living quarters. Space would not be marketed as a rental. The public is invited to attend and comment.
This public hearing will be held at the following time, date, and location:
6:30 P.M.
April 7th, 2025
American Legion
504 N. Main Ave.
Garretson, SD 57030
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this hearing, please contact the Garretson Finance Officer at (605) 594-6721. Anyone who is deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech-disabled may utilize Relay South Dakota at (800) 877-1113 (TTY/Voice). Notification 48 hours prior to the hearing will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this hearing.
Paetyn Dreckman
City of Garretson Finance Officer
Published at the total approximate cost of $19.17 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-27-25_1tc
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL OFF-PREMISE LIQUOR LICENSE
Notice is hereby given that the City Council in and for the City of Garretson, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, on the 7th day of April 2025, at 6:30 p.m. will meet in Regular Session to consider the following application for Special Off-Premise Liquor License to be held within the City of Garretson, Minnehaha County, South Dakota:
Saturday, June 14th, 2025 – Main Avenue in front of The Gulch
Notice is further given that any person, persons, or their attorney or attorneys may appear at said public hearing and present objections to any or all of the above applicants, if any objections there be.
Dated this 18th day of March 2025.
Paetyn Dreckman
Finance Officer
Published at the total approximate cost of $12.07 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-27-25_1tc
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO VACATE PORTIONS OF STREET AND ALLEY
Notice is hereby given that MDT, LLC, owner Rodney Tillma has presented a Petition to the City of Garretson, South Dakota, requesting the vacation of the following described portions of Street and Alleys:
The portion of Royce Street running east and west between BNSF Tracks located West of Railroad Ave. and north of Dows St. of a width of approximately eighty feet (80’) and a length of approximately one hundred feet (100’); and,
The alleys immediately North and South running parallel to the requested vacation of Royce Street as described above of a width of twenty feet (20’), with the alley north of Royce Street running east to west for a length of approximately twenty one feet (21'), with the alley south of Royce Street running east to west for a length of approximately one hundred seventy five feet (175').
Both the described street and alleys are bounded by Burlington Northern Railroad on the east and west borders, all located in Blocks 6 and 7, Royce's Third Addition, City Of Garretson, Minnehaha County, South Dakota.
MDT, LLC. further petitions that, if vacation is approved, they wish to be granted possession and responsibility for all vacated property as described above.
Said Petition will be heard on the 7th day of April, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. or as soon after that hour as is practical, at The Garretson American Legion, 504 N Main Avenue, Garretson, SD. All interested parties may appear at the public hearing and show cause why the Petition should be approved or rejected.
Paetyn Dreckman
City Finance Officer
Published at the total approximate cost of $20.95 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-27-25_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
With an election coming up in two weeks, the Gazette held a Q&A with the three candidates for school board; a burn ban is in effect for Minnehaha County until further notice thanks to dry conditions; and local matriarch Joan Engebretson had a great time celebrating her 93rd birthday. Plus, Sysa signs to play volleyball and JO Volleyball is off to a great start, and much more!
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With an election coming up in two weeks, the Gazette held a Q&A with the three candidates who are running for two seats; a burn ban is in effect for Minnehaha County until further notice thanks to dry conditions; and local matriarch Joan Engebretson had a great time celebrating her 93rd birthday. Plus, Sysa signs to play volleyball and JO Volleyball is off to a great start, and much more!
