By Bruce Brown, Mayor
As I write this, we haven't had any white stuff yet! Fall has been pretty mild and wonderful. The fourth street improvement project has been going well and by the time you read this, it should be close to being done. Thank-you to everyone who worked so hard to get it done and for the patience of those of you who live on 4th St.
December is fun in Garretson! A great event, Hometown Christmas, is just around the corner. (Dec 14th) The Commercial Club has been planning this year’s event since spring and the calendar is full of events. I don't have room to cover every single one, but you can find the complete schedule on VisitGarretsonSD.com. Paper copies are also available from local merchants and a direct mail piece is also planned.
The downtown merchants are actively involved and will be offering specials as well as fun events. Be sure to check out the Treasure Chest, Palisades Art Gallery and the Public Library. There are many things going on at the Legion, starting off with breakfast at 9 AM, at the same time there will be a vendor fair featuring lots of really cool stuff. Later in the day, the Legion will be the site for the silent auction, a bake sale, Army/Navy Game, followed by a Chili Contest and Bingo benefiting the Garretson Fire Department. The Museum will be open from 10-6 with coffee, hot cider and popcorn, as well as commemorative ornaments celebrating 40 years of service by the Garretson Area Historic Society. At 1:00 Santa arrives at the Treasure Chest.
The annual Parade of Lights starts at 6 PM. Dress warm and enjoy the show. Hope to see everyone there supporting this great town.
As we get into the snow season it is very important that you follow Snow Emergency information and rules. Our city crew works very hard to get and keep the streets clear, but they can't do it without your cooperation. Many times, they start at 4 AM after a 2 or more inch snow and work pretty much till it is cleaned up.
Notice of a snow emergency will be posted on the City of Garretson website and app (available through your phone app store). You are going to want to download the app as there is a lot of valuable info at your fingertips on it. A Snow Emergency will also be broadcast on local news stations. But just to review the rules:
1. A snow emergency will be declared when we receive over 2 inches of snow. (You need to remember this if you don't watch TV or don't have the app.)
2. During a snow emergency NO vehicles will be parked on the city streets until they are cleared of snow. Parallel parking only down town on Main Street. If you violate this, your car will be ticketed and towed. Please don't do it, it is expensive and time consuming for everyone.
3. Sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours of cessation of snow. This is a safety issue for people walking and kids going to school. Please get it done! There are consequences for failure to do this.
4. Do not throw snow into the street after it has been plowed. This applies to snow blowing as well as shoveling. I know it is frustrating to have our plows come by and block your just-cleared driveway. You can throw snow into the street before it is plowed, but not after. This helps the crews as well as your neighbors.
5. If you want the PO to deliver your mail the mailbox must be dug out to allow them to pull up to it.
6. It is also a very good idea to scoop out your gas meter, as well as any fire hydrants near your house. Again, these are safety concerns for you and your family.
If you have neighbors who are not able to scoop, do it for them. You're already dressed and warmed up, so help some others out. Pay it forward.
Thank you for your support and for making Garretson a great place to live! Please have a Merry Christmas, be safe and have a Happy New Year!
Bruce Brown, Mayor
Garretson, SD
