This community is made of several good pieces: strong businesses, volunteer efforts, unique individuals, and tourism, just to name a few. But normally, Garretson only finds the Sioux Falls news eye turned on it when something “bad” has happened.
However, Garretson has recently made the local Sioux Falls news broadcasts, and this time, it wasn’t for a robbery or drowning. Two local community members were interviewed by KDLT, Palisades State Park had a short feature on KELO, and this week, the GHS Future Farmers of America event “Meals of Hope” was featured on KELO.
Business owner Omar Thornton and “O” So Good keeps making the news. After winning local contests, paying it forward with 75 free meals to those in need around the holidays, and winning over local news broadcasters with his jambalaya, Thornton was interviewed recently on KDLT’s “Someone You Should Know” series. This series visits people, businesses, and helpers around the area to place the spotlight on 
interesting people that make up southeast South Dakota. Thornton made the series after KDLT heard of his effort to make the 75 free meals available.
Tyler Ramsbey, pastor of Renovation church and founder of Garretson’s “The Blue Light Podcast,” also made the “Someone You Should Know” series. Each week, Ramsbey interviews a different member of the community in order to showcase the talent and unique stories of Garretson. The goal behind the video podcast (and accompanying blog) is to bring the community closer together, by allowing people to get to know one another. Having a community podcast is rather unique, and has been a venture the local Commercial Club was eager to get behind earlier last year when it was proposed to become more than a personal venture of Ramsbey’s.
Palisade’s State Park was covered by KELO as it may be the recipient of $500,000 in appropriated funds from the South Dakota Legislature. A bill proposed by Governor Kristi Noem in her budget address last month would allow the funds to be used towards improvements, such as more campsites, hiking trails, and improved wildlife habitats. It has not yet been passed, but the legislature will still be in session for another three weeks. Palisades is a gem that is a significant piece of the driving force behind Garretson’s tourism industry. The Gazette also found there was a recent land purchase by the State of South Dakota of 79 acres southwest of the park that is currently being finalized. Since Palisades is one of South Dakota’s smallest State Parks, this is great news. More details will be released as it is learned.
Meals of Hope is also featured in this week’s Gazette, and was also featured in stories on both KELO and KSFY on Monday night!
