Youth Wrestlers Impress at Region Tournament

Carrie Moritz

-

March 20, 2025

Youth Wrestlers Impress at Region Tournament

Thirty-three Blue Dragon Youth wrestlers traveled to Brookings on March 15th to compete in the South Dakota Youth Wrestling Region Tournament. In order to qualify for the State Youth Wrestling Tournament, wrestlers must finish in the Top 3 of their respective age and weight classes.

several youth gathered together in front of a red wall — The 2024 District Wrestlers. //photo courtesy Blue Dragon Youth Wrestling

WANT TO SEE MORE?

One proposal is headed to voters in 2026; others await the governor’s consideration

By: Joshua Haiar

South Dakota Searchlight

Proposals to restrict citizen-initiated ballot measures have cleared the South Dakota Legislature, and some are awaiting the governor’s consideration.

man with salt and pepper hair and glasses wearing tan suit jacket and maroon tie — State Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, speaks on the South Dakota House floor on Jan. 22, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

The measures — carried by Republican lawmakers — would shorten petition signature collection periods, require signatures from specific geographic areas and increase the voter approval threshold for constitutional amendments. Opponents argue the changes would hinder South Dakotans’ ability to bring issues to the ballot.

The state has three types of statewide ballot measures: constitutional amendments, initiated measures and referendums.

To be placed on the ballot, citizen-backed constitutional amendments need petition signatures from registered voters equal to 10% of the votes cast in the last election for governor. The current signature requirement is 35,017. The Legislature can also send its own constitutional amendments to the ballot.

Initiated measures propose a law, and referendums send a law passed by legislators to the ballot, with each requiring signatures equal to 5% of the votes cast in the last governor’s race. That threshold is 17,508 signatures.

South Dakota was the first state in the U.S. to allow an initiative and referendum process in 1898. In 1972, the state constitution was amended to allow constitutional changes by initiative. In 1988, the state’s voters changed the constitution to eliminate a requirement that an amendment be submitted to the Legislature for approval before placement on the ballot.

Shortening the signature window

One bill would move the deadline for submitting petition signatures from May to February in the year of a general election. Supporters said the change is necessary to ensure adequate time for signature verification and legal challenges before the election.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids, helped lead a legal challenge against last November’s constitutional amendment that would have placed abortion rights in the state constitution.

The bill’s opponents, including voting-rights advocates and some Democrats, argued that reducing the signature collection window by three months will make it harder for grassroots campaigns to qualify for the ballot. They contended that South Dakota already has a restrictive petitioning process, and the change would disproportionately favor well-funded groups that can afford to hire professional signature collectors.

Signatures from every district

Another bill would require petition signatures for constitutional amendments to be gathered from each of the 35 state senatorial districts in the state.

The bill requires that a petition gain signatures from a number of registered voters in each district equal to 5% of the total votes cast for governor in that district during the last general election. The bill also retains the requirement that the total number of signatures on the petition must equal at least 10% of the votes cast statewide for governor in the last general election.

Supporters said the bill would ensure amendments have broad, statewide support before they reach the ballot. They said the current system encourages petitioners to focus on Minnehaha and Pennington counties, where most registered voters live.

Opponents said voters across the state already have a say when they cast their ballots, making an additional hurdle unnecessary.

Joe Kirby, of Sioux Falls, helped lead an effort during the last election that would have instituted an open primary election system in the state. He called the bill “effectively the death of constitutional initiatives.”

“This gives any one county veto power over whether an initiative gets on the ballot, no matter how many people want it on the ballot,” Kirby said.

Raising the threshold for constitutional changes

The bills addressing the signature window and geographic requirements are on the governor’s desk, for his decision to sign them into law or veto them.

A resolution passed by the Legislature that does not require the governor’s signature will ask voters to increase the approval threshold for constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%. The measure will appear on the general election ballot in November 2026. Ironically, the measure will need only a simple majority for approval.

Supporters said the change is necessary to protect the state’s constitution from being amended by outside interests and prevent policy from being inserted into a document that’s intended only to stipulate the structure and powers of the government.

Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, sponsored the resolution.

“Our constitution is more than a statute,” Hughes said in a statement. “It is a contract between the state itself and the people that assures us that if we live here, raise our families here, worship here, and conduct our vacations here, we can count on certain core values remaining constant.”

Opponents said initiated constitutional amendments are necessary because lawmakers sometimes refuse to adopt a popular policy, and because lawmakers can repeal or amend a regular initiative on their own but can’t change the constitution without public approval. They said raising the threshold would make it significantly harder for South Dakotans to amend their constitution.

Opponents also alleged that the measure is an attempt to stifle citizen-driven initiatives and would ensure that only proposals with backing from powerful political and financial groups can succeed.

Other legislation

Other bills approved by the Legislature that would impact the ballot measure process include legislation that would require petition signers to list the address and county where they are registered to vote, rather than merely the address where they reside, and prevent the Secretary of State’s Office from counting signatures without the information; change how petitions for ballot initiatives must be formatted, including stipulations about minimum font sizes; allow fiscal estimates for ballot measures to be updated closer to elections (that bill has been signed by the governor); and require the secretary of state to review ballot initiatives for compliance with the state’s single-subject rule, which is already required for constitutional amendments.

Some other bills addressing ballot measures failed.

One failed resolution would have required ballot measures rejected by voters to wait a full election cycle before being resubmitted. Another failed bill would have banned paid petition circulators and imposed felony penalties for violations.

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.

SUBSCRIBE

Public Notices published March 20, 2025

Public Notices

Carrie Moritz

-

March 20, 2025

0

Minutes of the Garretson School Board Dist. #49-4 for March 10, 2025
Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-001064
Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-1161
Minutes of the Town of Sherman for March 4th, 2025
Notice to Bidders: Town of Sherman, Tiger Park Maintenance
NOTICE OF MEETING OF COUNTY EQUALIZATION BOARD
Minutes of the City of Garretson, Meeting as a Board of Equalization on March 17, 2025
Special Meeting of the City of Garretson For March 17, 2025

Minutes of the Garretson School Board Dist. #49-4 for March 10, 2025

SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES

Regular Meeting Garretson School District #49-4 6:00 p.m. March 10, 2025

Present: Board President Natasha Mendoza, Board Vice President Tana Clark (joined via Zoom), 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, Ang Bly, Joni Heggen, Jacki Liester, Kim Macziewski, Garrick Moritz & Sherri Schoenfish.

At 6:00 p.m., the Board convened in the Library for its regular meeting of the Garretson School Board. All votes are unanimous, unless specifically noted in the minutes.

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

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

Action 25-073: Motion by VanDeBerg, second by Compton, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried.

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

Action 25-074: Motion by Compton, second by VanDeBerg, to approve the following consent agenda items as presented. Approval of February 10, 2025 regular board meeting minutes, approval of February 25, 2025 special board meeting minutes, approval of payments for February 2025 claims, approval of the financial statements for February 2025, approval of February 2025 payroll, and approval of the following personnel actions: Kim Macziewski resignation/retirement and Tori Steineke resignation (Junior High Girls Basketball & Junior High Volleyball only). Motion carried.

GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT #49-4

CLAIMS PAID MARCH 10, 2025

GENERAL FUND

A-OX WELDING SUPPLY CO., INC., AG. CYLINDER RENTALS, $93.52; ACCESS SYSTEMS, STAPLES FOR PRINTERS, $206.99; ALLIANCE COMMUNICATIONS, MARCH 2025 INTERNET & PHONE SERVICES, $807.00; BOHL, PRESTON, 2024-2025 WRESTLING SEASON- TRACKWRESTLING, $240.00; CAROLINA BIOLOGICAL SUPPLY CO., HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE CLASS MATERIAL, $107.10; CARROLL INSTITUTE, FEBRUARY & MARCH 2025 CONTRACTS, $1,700.00; CHRISTENSEN, AARON, 2024-2025 WRESTLING SEASON- TRACKWRESTLING, $120.00; CHRISTENSEN, WILLIE, 2024-2025 WRESTLING SEASON- SCOREBOARD, $360.00; CITY OF GARRETSON, GAS/SEWER/WATER. $9,622.27; CLIMATE SYSTEMS, INC., MAINTENANCE/REPAIRS, $772.07; CULLIGAN WATER, PURIFIED SALT, $78.00; DAKOTA AUTO PARTS, FOG LAMP/SEAT BELT, $100.06; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- BOOKS FOR CLASS, $662.60; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- LIBRARY BOOKS, $31.97; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, CASEY’S- STAFF IN-SERVICE BREAKFAST, $231.42; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, KIBBLE EQUIPMENT- BOLTS/NUTS/WASHERS, $13.52; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, PIZZA RANCH- REGION WRESTLING MEETING MEAL, $71.57; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, STAGE PARTNERS- SPRING PLAY SCRIPT, $480.05; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, YESWAY- FUEL- DELEGATE ASSEMBLY, $27.20; GARRETSON FOOD CENTER, CLASSROOM MATERIALS/SUPPLIES, $259.13; GARRETSON GAZETTE, BOARD MINUTES/NOTICE OF VACANCIES PUBLICATIONS, $177.00; GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT, FEBRUARY 2025 IMPREST ACCOUNT REIMBURSEMENT, $20,610.77; GRAHAM TIRE, SILVER VAN- TIRES, $469.44; HEALTHEQUITY, HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT CONTRIBUTIONS/FEES, $475.28; HERMANSON, ANDREW, 2024-2025 WRESTLING SEASON- TRACKWRESTLING, $60.00; HILLYARD, CLEANING/MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES, $1,394.06; HORACE MANN, FEBRUARY 2025 PAYROLL ACH’S, $459.44; HOWE, BETSY, MINNESOTA NURSING LICENSE FEE- RENEWAL, $86.83; INNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS, ELECTRIC PENCIL SHARPENERS, $140.25; JJ & ZAK, 2025-2026 ICU RENEWAL- 3-YEAR RENEWAL, $4,797.00; JOHNSON, SAM, 2024-2025 WRESTLING SEASON- TRACKWRESTLING, $240.00; JOSTENS INC., GRADUATION CORDS, $73.20; KIENTOPF, ALYSHA, CLASSROOM ITEMS/SUPPLIES- REIMBURSEMENT, $137.97; LYNN, JACKSON, SHULTZ & LEBRUN, P.C., LEGAL SERVICES, $1,194.50; MARTENS, TONY, 2024-2025 WRESTLING SEASON- SCOREBOARD, $240.00; MIDWEST BUS PARTS, INC., TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIES, $106.93; MUDDER, DAVID, 2024-2025 JUNIOR HIGH BASKETBALL OFFICIAL, $50.00; NASSP, FISCAL YEAR 2026 NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY AFFILIATION, $385.00; NORTH CENTRAL BUS & EQUIPMENT, INC., TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIES, $599.36; OLSON’S PEST TECHNICIANS, BIMONTHLY PEST CONTROL SERVICES, $100.00; PALISADES OIL, CO., DIESEL FUEL, $900.92; PALISADES PROPANE, CO., PROPANE/TIRES- DISMOUNT/MOUNT, $1,382.64; PERFORMANCE PRESS, INC., PROGRAM BOOKLETS, $205.00; POPPLERS MUSIC, INC., BAND SUPPLIES, $211.74; PRINCIPAL’S CONFERENCE, 2025 PRINCIPAL’S CONFERENCE REGISTRATION, $400.00; RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT REPAIR, WORK ORDER #102842 WALK-IN COOLER, $243.84; SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS OF SOUTH DAKOTA, WILD WEST LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE REGISTRATION, $100.00; SHAW, BRANDON, 2024-2025 WRESTLING SEASON- SCOREBOARD, $60.00; SMITH, ERNIE, 2024-2025 JUNIOR HIGH BASKETBALL OFFICIAL, $400.00; SOUTH DAKOTA COUNSELING ASSOCIATION, CONFERENCE REGISTRATION, $105.00; STEVE’S ELECTRIC & PLUMBING, INC., MISCELLANEOUS MAINTENANCE/REPAIRS, $1,058.62; STOLTENBERG, CURT, 2024-2025 BASKETBALL SEASON- 35-SECOND SHOT CLOCK, $480.00; STURDEVANT’S AUTO VALUE, AIR FILTERS/BRAKE LINE, $103.47; SWATEK, TAYSON, 2024-2025 WRESTLING SEASON- SCOREBOARD, $180.00; VANDERSNICK EXCAVATING, LLC, FEBRUARY 2025 SNOW REMOVAL, $1,355.00; WAGEWORKS, FEBRUARY 2025 ACH FEES, $1,454.26; WAGNER, DAVE, 2024-2025 WRESTLING SEASON- TRACKWRESTLING, $180.00; XCEL ENERGY, DECEMBER 2024-JANUARY 2025 ELECTRICITY, $7,494.23;

TOTAL GENERAL FUND, $64,096.22

CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND

ACCESS SYSTEMS, MARCH 2025 SERVICES, $1,403.06; COMBINED BUILDING SPECIALTIES, INC., BLEACHER SERVICE- INSPECT/SERVICE, $1,060.00; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL- GARBAGE CARTS, $2,351.11; PITNEY BOWES, EQUIPMENT LEASE- 1/1/2025-3/31/2025, $218.82;

TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND, $5,032.99

SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND

A TO Z WORLD LANGUAGES, INC., FEBRUARY 5, 2025 INTERPRETER SERVICES, $120.00; GOODCARE, LLC, FEBRUARY 2025 SERVICES, $5,748.22; ISI, LLC, FEBRUARY 2025 INTERPRETER SERVICES, $8,505.50; LIFESCAPE, JANUARY 2025 SERVICES/TUITION, $4,314.00; MITCHELL SCHOOL DISTRICT #17-2, ABBOTT HOUSE PLACEMENT, $1,971.42; PRAIRIE LAKES EDUCATIONAL COOPERATIVE, FEBRUARY 2025 SERVICES, $2,872.27; SIOUX FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT #49-5, JANUARY 2025 TUITION, $1,702.59; TEACHWELL SOLUTIONS, JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2025 SERVICES, $19,989.00; ZELL, MALLORY, WORKSHOP IN SIOUX FALLS- MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT, $25.06;

TOTAL SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND, $45,248.06

FOOD SERVICE FUND

LUNCHTIME SOLUTIONS, INC., FEBRUARY 2025 FOOD SERVICES, $37,217.02;

TOTAL FOOD SERVICE FUND, $37,217.02

CUSTODIAL FUND

FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- POPCORN BAGS FOR CONCESSIONS, $49.99; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- STUDENT COUNCIL SUPPLIES, $27.98; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- STUDENT COUNCIL VALENTINE’S DAY CANDY, $29.98; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, ANNIE’S- GIFT CARDS FOR STUDENT COUNCIL, $69.00; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, DOLLAR GENERAL- BOWLS/ICE CREAM/UTENSILS, $19.91;

TOTAL CUSTODIAL FUND, $196.86

TOTAL CLAIMS: $151,791.15

IMPREST CHECKS

FEBRUARY 2025

GENERAL FUND IMPREST CHECKS

BOMHOFF, BRAD, GIRLS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 1/31/2025, $150.20; BOONE, COLIN, WRESTLING QUAD OFFICIAL- 2/14/2025, $234.84; CASH, STATE WRESTLING MEAL MONEY, $920.00; CHESTER BAND BOOSTERS, BIG EAST CONFERENCE HONOR BAND- FOUR STUDENTS, $52.00; CITY OF GARRETSON, GAS/SEWER/WATER, $13,441.48; FORSSTROM, DAN, BASKETBALLL DOUBLEHEADER OFFICIAL- 2/20/2025, $160.44; HALLMAN, JORDAN, GIRLS JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 2/20/2025, $65.15; JOSTENS, INC., GRADUATION OUTFITS, $2,159.70; KELLENBERGER, ADAM, BOYS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 2/24/2025, $117.20; KOST, TODD, GIRLS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 2/6/2025, $144.84; METTLER, ZACH, WRESTLING QUAD OFFICIAL- 2/14/2025, $240.20; MONTROSE SCHOOL, CONFERENCE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT LOSS SHARE- 2/8/2025, $127.98; POPPEMA, MIKE, GIRLS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 1/31/2025, $120.44; SKOGSTAD, KURT, GIRLS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 1/31/2025, $119.72; SLYKHUIS, CLARK, WRESTLING TRIANGULAR OFFICIAL- 2/13/2025, $245.56; SLYKHUIS, MADDIX, WRESTLING TRIANGULAR OFFICIAL- 2/13/2025, $312.56; SMITH, ERNIE, BOYS BASKETBALL C/JV OFFICIAL- 2/20/2025, $60.00; STALLMAN, TRACY, SCIENCE FAIR BREAKFAST ITEMS, $49.49; SWEETER, DREW, BASKETBALL DOUBLEHEADER OFFICIAL- 2/20/2025, $165.84; VANDEBERG, AARON, BOYS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 2/24/2025, $148.86; VOSSEKUIL, CHAD, BOYS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 2/24/2025, $117.56; WAGNER SCHOOL DISTRICT #11-4, BOYS WRESTLING TOURNAMENT- 2/1/2025, $150.00; WALSH, STEVE, GIRLS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 2/6/2025, $118.64; WASTE MANAGEMENT, FEBRUARY 2025 GARBAGE & RECYCLING SERVICES, $700.67; WATERMAN, TONY, BASKETBALL DOUBLEHEADER OFFICIAL- 2/20/2025, $195.56; WEBSTER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT #18-5, BOYS WRESTLING TOURNAMENT- 1/4/2025, $175.00; WELBIG, JEFF, GIRLS BASKETBALL OFFICIAL- 2/6/2025, $116.84;

TOTAL GENERAL FUND IMPREST CHECKS, $20,610.77

TOTAL IMPREST CHECKS: $20,610.77

Financial Report

The Business Manager presented a financial report of cash balances, expenditures, and receipts for the month of February 2025 as listed below:

Cash Balances as of February 28, 2025: General Fund: $498,393.52; Capital Outlay Fund: $1,465,626.61; Special Education Fund: $194,399.40; Food Service Fund: $278,680.18; Driver’s Education Fund: $12,068.52; Preschool Fund: ($22,043.83); Custodial Fund: $51,134.33.

Expenditures: General Fund: Claims, $35,364.52; Payroll, $314,270.94; Capital Outlay Fund: Claims, $77,392.68; Special Education Fund: Claims, $39,638.38; Payroll, $64,065.20; Food Service Fund: Claims, $38,071.50; Preschool Fund: Payroll, $9,866.32; Custodial Fund: ACH Fees, $2,388.98; Claims, $84,294.62.

Receipts: General Fund: Local Sources, $58,732.63; Intermediate Sources, $1,467.26; State Sources, $392,182.05; Capital Outlay Fund: Local Sources, $39,770.86; Special Education Fund: Local Sources, $33,237.01; State Sources, $29,894.00; Food Service Fund: Local Sources, $27,321.51; Federal Sources, $18,473.29; Preschool Fund: Local Sources, $3,000.00; Custodial Fund: Local Sources, $108,134.81.

Old Business:

None

New Business:

There were no conflicts of interest.

Superintendent Johnson announced that Kim Macziewski was selected as the Garretson School District Teacher of the Year.

RESOLUTION 2024-2025-4: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Compton, to pass a resolution for the property transfer to the Blue Dragon Academy. Resolution carried.

Action 25-075: Motion by Compton, second by VanDeBerg, to approve the Driver’s Education programming and cost. The prices for Driver’s Education will be $260 for Garretson School District students and $330 for out-of-district students. Motion carried.

Action 25-076: Motion by Nordstrom, second by VanDeBerg, to approve the 2025-2026 school year calendar as presented. Motion carried.

Board President Mendoza led a discussion on board members attending area equalization meetings. Tana Clark will attend the City of Garretson meeting, Wyatt Compton will attend the Highland Township meeting and Palisades Township meeting, Shannon Nordstrom will attend the City of Sherman meeting, and Justin VanDeBerg will attend the Edison Township meeting.

Action 25-077: Motion by Compton, second by VanDeBerg, to appoint Jade Bertotti, Aimee Gilbert, Gerry Karpen, Cortney Rogich, and Ruth Sarar as election workers for the Garretson School District School Board election on April 8, 2025. Motion carried.

Action 25-078: Motion by VanDeBerg, second by Nordstrom, to select Tana Clark and Wyatt Compton as the representatives from the Board for negotiations with the Garretson Teachers Association. Motion carried.

Action 25-079: Motion by Compton, second by VanDeBerg, to appoint Natasha Mendoza and Tana Clark to conduct research and make recommendations for a third-party climate survey. Motion carried.

Action 25-080: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Compton, to authorize the administration to issue teacher contracts. Motion carried.

The following information items were presented to the Board: iPad Handbook, Elementary Handbook, and Middle School/High School (Secondary) Handbook.

The First Reading of the following was presented to the Board as a part of the policy adoption process: Policy DJ: Purchasing (delete Policy DJD: Local Purchasing and Policy DJF: Purchasing Procedures).

There were no Second Readings.

Administration provided the Board with four administrative reports:

a. Superintendent’s Report - Superintendent Johnson gave the Board an update on legislative actions taking place in Pierre. This included Senate Bill 55 (bill for state funding, which ended up being 1.25%), three property tax bills, and House Bill 1239.

b. Prairie Lakes Educational Cooperative Report - Superintendent Johnson made the Board aware that the most recent Prairie Lakes meeting took about 15 minutes and consisted of paying the bills.

c. Elementary Principal/Curriculum Director’s Report - Principal Hoekman informed the Board that there was 95% attendance in elementary for parent-teacher conferences. She added that March 3-7 was Read Across America week and that the 4th graders were attending numerous events, including the Sioux Empire Water Festival, South Dakota Young People’s Concert, & the Wax Museum.

d. Middle School/High School Principal’s Report - Principal McGregor congratulated Danika Juhl for placing 6th at the State Wrestling Tournament. He also congratulated Daniel Hoskins, Jake Jones, Nathanael Roberts, & Joey Tonsay for being selected to attend South Dakota Boys State (all four will be sponsored by the Garretson American Legion Post 23). Principal McGregor also made the Board aware of numerous successes from the FFA, including that Lane Ellefson, Tyler Erickson, Jakob Gnadt, Colin Shellum, & Martin Welch will receive their state FFA Degrees at the State FFA Convention in April.

Action 25-081: Motion by Compton, second by VanDeBerg, to go into executive session, pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2, subsection 1: A Personnel Matter. Motion carried. The Board entered executive session at 6:47 p.m.

President Mendoza declared the Board out of executive session at 8:01 p.m.

Action 25-082: Motion by Compton, second by VanDeBerg, to renew the administrative contracts of Matt Schrank, Jacob Schweitzer, & Kevin Steckler, with specific contract terms to be determined at a later date. Motion carried.

Action 25-083: Motion by Nordstrom, second by VanDeBerg, to adjourn at 8:03 p.m. Motion

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

Natasha Mendoza, Board President

Jacob Schweitzer, Business Manager

Published at the total approximate cost of $175.41 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-20-25_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

Minutes of the Town of Sherman for March 4th, 2025

March 4, 2025

The Sherman Town Board met in regular session Tuesday March 4, 2025 @ 7:30pm

Members Present: Gerry Karpen, Larry Sutton and Cheryl Swenson.

Absent: Dawn Williams

Others Present: Robin Berg

Karpen called the meeting to order.

Routine Business:

Approval of the agenda- Motion by Sutton to approve the agenda with adding Tiger Park to agenda, 2nd by Karpen-all ayes, motion carried.

Minutes of the February 4, 2025 meeting were read—Sutton made a motion to approve the minutes, 2nd by Karpen—all Ayes, motion carried.

The Treasurer’s report was read—Sutton made a motion to approve the Treasurers report as read, 2nd by Karpen—all Ayes, motion carried.

Open floor to comments: none

Claims Approved to be paid:

Minnehaha Community Water $60.00 for water, Palisades Propane $334.73, CAN Surety $50.00 for notary fee, Garretson Gazette $28.44 for Jan minutes, $12.14 for notice of vacancy, Xcel Energy $64.64 for town hall lights, $29.55 for park lights, $289.35 for street lights.

Old Business:

1. Date for equalization meeting—March 18, 2025 @ 7:30pm, Karpen will call for school board member to attend.

2. Petitions—Received 1 petition—no election will be held.

New Business:

1. Annual Report—Swenson presented the annual report.

2. Property assessment role—Swenson will pick up.

3. Mowing bids need to be in by April meeting.

4. Tiger Park—Karpen got a bid to till up and add 3 inches of mulch to Tiger Park—Will put ad in paper for more bids.

Sutton made a motion to adjourn, 2nd by Karpen—all ayes. Next regular meeting will be April 1, 2025 @7:30pm. -Cheryl Swenson, Town Clerk

Published at the total approximate cost of $21.41 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-20-25_1tc

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 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

Minutes of the City of Garretson, Meeting as a Board of Equalization on March 17, 2025

City of Garretson March 17, 2025

The Board of Equalization for the City of Garretson, Minnehaha County, South Dakota convened on March 17, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., at the Garretson City Hall, with Mayor Bruce Brown presiding.

ROLL CALL: Bruce Brown, Dave Bonte, Brayden Beaner, Matthew ‘Jake’ Jacobson, Alysha Kientopf. Jackie Rotert and Ryan Story absent

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Paetyn Dreckman and Carrie Mortiz

CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL:

A: Agenda – 03-17-2025 Equalization Meeting

Council member Bonte made a motion to approve the agenda with a second from council member Kientopf, 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Motion passed.

PARCEL 97033: Filed by property owner DeBoer Properties – property owner was not in attendance. No action was taken.

PARCEL 64789: - Filed by property owner Theresa Dillon – property owner was not in attendance. No action was taken.

6:04 pm council member Kientopf made a motion to adjourn the 2025 Equalization Board with a second from council member Bonte. 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Equalization Board is adjourned for 2025.

Bruce Brown, Mayor

ATTEST

Paetyn Dreckman

Finance Officer

(Unapproved)

Published at the total approximate cost of $15.98 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-20-25_1tc

Special Meeting of the City of Garretson For March 17, 2025

City of Garretson

March 17th, 2025

The City Council of the City of Garretson, Minnehaha County, South Dakota met in special session on Monday, March 17th, 2025, immediately following the 2025 equalization meeting at Garretson City Hall with Mayor Brown presiding.

6:04 P.M. Mayor Brown called the regular meeting to order.

ROLL CALL: Bruce Brown – Mayor

Alysha Kientopf – Ward I

Ryan Story – Ward I - absent

Dave Bonte – Ward II

Matthew ‘Jake’ Jacobson – Ward II

Jackie Rotert – Ward III - absent

Brayden Beaner -- Ward III

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Paetyn Dreckman, and Carrie Mortiz

CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL:

A. Agenda –03-17-2025 Special Meeting

Council member Jacobson motioned to approve the meeting agenda and council member Kientopf seconded the motion. 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent, motion passed.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: none

NEW BUSINESS:

 Combining Municipal Election with School Board Election April 8th – Council discussion ensued, and council member Kientopf motioned to combine elections with a second from council member Bonte. 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Motion passed.

 Approval of Election Workers – Dreckman presented the 2025 Municipal/School Board Election workers as Jade Bertotti, Aimee Gilbert, Gerry Karpen, Courtney Rogich, and Ruth Sarar. Council member Bonte made a motion to approve election workers with a second from council member Kientopf. 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent. Motion passed.

OTHER ITEMS BROUGHT BEFORE COUNCIL: none

EXECUTIVE SESSION: Pursuant of SDCL 125-2 (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6)

6:11 council member Bonte motioned to adjourn with a second from council member Kientopf. 4 ayes, 0 nays, 2 absent, motion passed.

Meeting Adjourned.

Bruce Brown, Mayor

ATTEST

Paetyn Dreckman

Finance Officer

(Unapproved)

Published at the total approximate cost of $24.60 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-20-25_1tc

News for 3-20-25

Carrie Moritz

-

March 19, 2025

0

A weekend robbery rocked a local business and a Friday fire took the efforts of local fire departments and farmers working together to put out; we look back at how COVID-19 affected Garretson on its 5-year anniversary; construction season is back on with next week's resumption of 4th Street construction. Plus, 5th grade girls basketball had an amazing season and 24 wrestlers are headed to State Tournament, and more!

E-Edition Subscribers and Mail-Edition Subscribers Access More Features!

The front page is always free! Subscriptions ensure the future of this newspaper, a valued piece of the community.

E-Edition subscribers get access to a Subscribers' Area, and are able to view extra photos, articles, and an issue of this week's paper in both a Flipbook and PDF format. Mail-Edition subscribers receive access to full front page articles and extra photos, as well as full archives.

This Week's E-Edition

SUBSCRIBE

Community Events

Community Events Calendar Download

Get your news in your email

The Garretson Gazette sends a weekly newsletter to let you know when the next issue is available, along with a weekly run-down of the week's articles. To receive the Gazette in your email inbox, please ensure you enter our email address () into your "safe emails" list and subscribe to our newsletter using the form below. Thanks!

Enter your email to receive our weekly news updates!

Email

Name

Submitting...

Thank you for signing up!

Sample Issue

News for 3-20-2025 (e-edition)

Carrie Moritz

-

March 19, 2025

0

This Week's Issue

Download this week's issue

Community Events Calendar

A weekend robbery rocked a local business and a Friday fire took the efforts of local fire departments and farmers working together to put out; we look back at how COVID-19 affected Garretson on its 5-year anniversary; construction season is back on with next week's resumption of 4th Street construction. Plus, 5th grade girls basketball had an amazing season and 24 wrestlers are headed to State Tournament, and more!

This Week's Spotlight Photos

security camera footage of a perpetrator stealing money

referee holding up arm of female wrestler in blue jersey

Community Events Calendar Download

[/s2If]

SEE ALL ARTICLES

4th Street Construction to resume March 31st

Carrie Moritz

-

March 18, 2025

0

4th Street Construction to resume March 31st

First Rate Excavate plans to begin removals on Phase 2 starting on Monday, March 31st, weather permitting. This project saw Phase 1 completed last fall, and included the area west of Eastern Avenue along with the side streets on Center, Canyon and Eastern between 3rd and 4th Streets. Phase 2 will include the area east of Eastern Avenue to Oak Drive.

The first part of removals will be from the west entrance of the Palisade Healthcare Center to the west side of the Fourth Street and Oak Drive intersection. On-street parking within the project limits will not be permitted. Access to Palisades Healthcare Center and the Avera Health Clinic will be maintained throughout the project. Gravel ramps will be installed to help facilitate vehicle traffic at Sherman Avenue and the west entrance of Palisade Healthcare Center. The attached exhibit outlines temporary parking locations for healthcare staff, patients, and Fourth Street residents.

In addition, a temporary mailbox cluster will be utilized for mail delivery during the project. These mailboxes will be located at the northeast corner of Fourth Street and Eastern Avenue. Garbage-N-More will also be placing temporary dumpsters at various locations along the project. Garbage truck access will be limited so please utilize the dumpsters for garbage collection and removal.

Following the asphalt removals, First Rate Excavate plans to begin installing sanitary sewer. They will also be adjusting water service curb stops and grading topsoil within the Phase 1 project limits. Once grading is complete, Splitrock Landscaping will place seed, fertilizer and mulch on all Phase 1 disturbed areas. Please note, the roadway improvements on Sherman Avenue and Eastern Avenue will begin later this spring / summer.

To receive the biweekly project newsletter, please email Carrie at or call the office at (605) 332-7211. Thank you for your on-going patience with the project!

I-90 and Brandon interchange construction to re-start

Carrie Moritz

-

March 18, 2025

0

I-90 and Brandon interchange construction to re-start

On Monday March 24, 2025, lane closures will be placed on westbound Interstate 90 at Brandon (exit 406) as part of the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) reconstruction project.

The traffic diversion on S.D. Highway 11 over the Exit Bridge at I-90 will remain as one lane of traffic north and one lane of traffic south from Ash Street North. This configuration will be in place until the second half of the structure is complete. Access to businesses between exit 406 and Ash Street North will remain as only right-turn in and right-turn out.

The second phase of reconstruction includes completing the remaining on and off-ramps, the eastbound lanes of I-90, the Exit Bridge, and the replacement of the eastbound I-90 bridge over the BNSF railroad. Weather dependent, all phase two construction is anticipated to begin in early April.

Danielson celebrates with a full house at The Treasure Chest

Carrie Moritz

-

March 13, 2025

0

Danielson celebrates with a full house at The Treasure Chest

Last Saturday, The Treasure Chest celebrated Rachel Danielson's retirement and her 96th birthday. Danielson has been an integral part of The Treasure Chest since its inception, known as their local fashionista. She dressed mannequins and had a hand in setting up the adult clothing areas. She regularly brought clothing home to tailor and fix it during her off hours.

older woman smiling with young child sitting next to her and cake in front of them — Rachel Danielson enjoys some cake with her great-grandson, celebrating her retirement and her 96th birthday. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette

Danielson is also a beloved community member, known for her sweet demeanor, humility, and a willingness to strike up a conversation.

The retirement party brought in over 100 attendees in its two hours, and Danielson enjoyed the love and affection showered upon her.

older man and woman standing together and holding money bag — Rachel Danielson and Art Nordstrom. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette

three women standing and laughing — Rachel Danielson and Art Nordstrom. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette

"Did you know my granddaughter flew in from New York?" she asked the Gazette, happily. Her children and great-grandchildren were also in attendance.

"Rachel is just a sweetheart," said Kimberly Konda, owner of The Treasure Chest. "We are going to miss her. She asked if we could still bring clothes to her to fix."

Konda was glad so many came for the party. Art Nordstrom presented Danielson with a full bag of paper bills- money, he said, that was a gift.

Danielson was a volunteer at The Treasure Chest for twelve years, and hopes to still visit during coffee hour at the shop.

SUBSCRIBE

GGarretsonGAZETTE

NPNewspaperPublication

WANT TO SEE MORE?

More article below - Read with a mailed subscription or full on-line subscription!

Already have an account? Log In:

WANT TO SEE MORE?

More article below - Read with a mailed subscription or full on-line subscription!

Already have an account? Log In:

WANT TO SEE MORE?

More article below - Read with a mailed subscription or full on-line subscription!

Already have an account? Log In:

One proposal is headed to voters in 2026; others await the governor’s consideration

By: Joshua Haiar

Shortening the signature window

Signatures from every district

Raising the threshold for constitutional changes

Other legislation

Minutes of the Garretson School Board Dist. #49-4 for March 10, 2025

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

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

Minutes of the Town of Sherman for March 4th, 2025

Notice to Bidders: Town of Sherman, Tiger Park Maintenance

NOTICE OF MEETING OF COUNTY EQUALIZATION BOARD

Minutes of the City of Garretson, Meeting as a Board of Equalization on March 17, 2025

Special Meeting of the City of Garretson For March 17, 2025

E-Edition Subscribers and Mail-Edition Subscribers Access More Features!

Community Events

Get your news in your email

Thank you for signing up!

Sample Issue

This Week's Issue

This Week's Spotlight Photos

Follow us

Proud Member

Latest news in your inbox

Thank you for signing up!

Community Links

GGarretsonGAZETTE