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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WEST Telephone $145.9, GOODCENTS SUBS - 008 Miscellaneous Expense $92.98, GRAHAM TIRE CO NORTH Automotive/Small Equipment $92.47, GRAINGER Jail Repairs & Maintenance $15.16, GRAINGER Small Tools & Shop Supplies $28.08, GREATER SIOUX FALLS Miscellaneous Expense $150, GRIESE LAW FIRM Attorney Fees $6857.64, GUARDRAIL ENTERPRISE Road Maint & Material $1439.25, GUNNER, ANDREA Court Reporters $365.45, GUZMAN, SANDRA V Interpreters $270, H2OSE IT CAR WASH Automotive/Small Equipment $8, HARTFORD'S BEST PAIN Automotive/Small Equipment $166, HATTERVIG, CLAIR Uniform Allowance $56.99, HELPLINE CENTER INC Miscellaneous Expense $4000, HELSETH, RAMONA G. Bd Exp Fees (Minnehaha) $192, HISTORICAL FOLK TOYS Store Inventory $422.41, HOLIDAY STATIONSTORE Gas Oil & Diesel $11.51, HYVEE ACCOUNTS RECEI Other Supplies $122.92, HYVEE ACCOUNTS RECEI Supplemental Food $105.82, IN *BARGAIN BYTES IN Education & Training $2635, IN *BARGAIN BYTES IN Office Supplies $10.95, IN *WILLIAM PETTY Education & Training $900, INGRAM BOOK GROUP LL Store Inventory $699.46, INNOVATIVE OFFICE SO Jail Repairs & Maintenance $32.9, INTEK Contract Services $36816.23, INTERSTATE ALL BATTE Truck Repairs & Maintenance $144.95, INTERSTATE OFFICE PR Office Supplies $1186.07, INTERSTATE POWER SYS Automotive/Small Equipment $4047.15, INTERSTATE POWER SYS Jail Repairs & Maintenance $1466.64, IRONWOOD 6 FLATS LLC Welfare Rent $825, IS RESTAURANT EQUIP Jail Repairs & Maintenance $1700.57, ISI LLC Interpreters $220, JAKI THOMS Sign Deposits $50, JASON KNEIFL Misc Revenue $150, JCL SOLUTIONS Inmate Supplies $1455, JCL SOLUTIONS Kitchen/Cleaning Supplies $5801.1, JOHN M ELLSWORTH CO Heavy Equip Repairs & Maint $41.75, JOHNSON CONTROLS INC Building Repairs & Maintenance $755.51, JOHNSON, KATIE Child Defense Attorney $684.3, JSA CONSULT ENGINEER Architects & Engineers $270, KATTERHAGEN, MARK Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $24, KAUFFMAN, DAVID W PH Psych Evals $2700, KENNEDY, RENEE S Court Reporters $774.2, KIBBLE EQUIPMENT LLC Motor/Machine/Equipment Repair $1032.27, KIND, ARN Program Activities $1176.8, KING'S KOURT APARTME Welfare Rent $1400, KNECHT, ANDREW J Attorney Fees $728.5, KNECHT, ANDREW J Child Defense Attorney $564, KNIFE RIVER Sign Deposits $50, KOCH HAZARD ARCHITEC Courts Building $881.1, KONE INC Building Repairs & Maintenance $4532, KWIK TRIP, INC Gas Oil & Diesel $48.19, LAMP Interpreters $90, LANGUAGELINE SOLUTIO Interpreters $271.26, LANGUAGELINE SOLUTIO Telephone $883.47, LAWSON PRODUCTS INC Small Tools & Shop Supplies $93.18, LENNOX INDUSTRIES IN Fairgrounds $7.69, LEROY & JANET DOWNS Abatement Interest $48.6, LEWIS DRUG #01 Clinics - Auxiliary Services $361.35, LEWIS DRUGS INC Office Supplies $40.45, LEXJET CORPORATION Program Activities $399.73, LinkedIn.com Recruitment $576.4, LISA CARLSON REPORTI Court Reporters $79.1, LITTLE CAESARS 3469- Supplemental Food $237.66, LITTLE DUKES Gas Oil & Diesel $65.09, LOPEZ, REBECA Interpreters $650, LOVING, PHILIP Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $2493.35, LYNN, JACKSON, SHULT Attorney Fees $2751.54, MAC'S HARDWARE Jail Repairs & Maintenance $15.99, MAILCHIMP Advertising $60, MARK & GLENDA DOWNS Abatement Interest $46.92, MARRIOTT JW WASH DC Business Travel $681.78, MARSH & MCLENNAN LLC Notary Exp $50, MCKISSOCK Education & Training $242.94, MENARD INC Building Repairs & Maintenance $130.65, MENARD INC Electrical Repairs & Maint $298.04, MENARD INC Heat, Vent & AC Repairs $559.96, MENARD INC Jail Repairs & Maintenance $137.82, MENARD INC JDC Maintenance $5.94, MENARD INC Parts Inventory $103.55, MENARDS Juvenile Diversion Restitution $212.22, MICHELS PROPERTIES Welfare Rent $375, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY C Natural Gas $5178.19, MIDCONTINENT COMMUNI Subscriptions $648.19, MIDSTATES UNIFORM & Office Supplies $176.48, MIDWAY SERVICE INC Gas Oil & Diesel $19162.39, MIDWEST ALARM COMPAN Maintenance Contracts $886.96, MINNEHAHA COMMUNITY Tea-Ellis Range $60, MINNEHAHA COMMUNITY Water - Sewer $60, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Prisoner/Bond Accounts $34.35, MRG HAUFF LLC Uniform Allowance $0.25, MUELLER PALLETS LLC Sign Deposits $50, MYERS & BILLION LLP Attorney Fees $3496.5, NAPA AUTO PARTS Automotive/Small Equipment $99.94, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Education & Training $618, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Memberships $2376, NATIONAL REGISTRY EM Education & Training $25, NATL ASSOC FOR PUBLI Education & Training $825, NEW CENTURY PRESS Publishing Fees $1067.92, NICHOLE CARPER Child Defense Attorney $433.5, NORTH AMERICAN TRUCK Truck Repairs & Maintenance $347, NORTH CAROLINA DEPT Contract Services $1449.75, NOVAK Lease-Rental Agreement $86.18, NOVAK Office Supplies $957.58, NOVAK Trash Removal $1334.35, NSPE 888-285-6773 Memberships $299, NU CPS REGISTRATION Education & Training $4900, NYBERGS ACE HARDWARE Building Repairs & Maintenance $233.52, NYBERGS ACE HARDWARE Jail Repairs & Maintenance $34.16, NYBERGS ACE HARDWARE JDC Maintenance $13.08, NYBERGS ACE HARDWARE Miscellaneous Expense $19.92, NYBERGS ACE HARDWARE Plumbing & Welding $50.48, O'LEARY LAW OFFICE Attorney Fees $2894.75, O'REILLY 1534 Automotive/Small Equipment $18.64, OFFICE DEPOT INC Data Processing Supplies $291.07, OFFICE DEPOT INC Office Supplies $518.3, OLSON LAW FIRM PLLC Attorney Fees $2020.8, OLSON OIL CO. Automotive/Small Equipment $33.03, OLSON, DAWN Court Reporters $1287.85, OLSON, MICHAEL Investigators Expenses $93.13, OMAHA HARDWOOD LUMBE Program Activities $215.02, OVERHEAD DOOR COMPAN Hwy Shop Repairs & Maintenance $209.18, PANTHER GRAPHICS LLC Publishing Fees $917, PARAGON HEALTH & WEL Blood Withdrawal $4280, PARK VIEW APTS Welfare Rent $502.5, PARSONS TRANSPORTATI Parts Inventory $1710, PAULSON, LORRIE M Welfare Rent $900, PENNINGTON COUNTY Extradition & Evidence $52.5, PEOPLEFACTS Recruitment $20.82, PEX SUPPLY Fairgrounds $634.56, PHARMCHEM INC Testing Supplies $159.75, PHILLIPS 66 Gas Oil & Diesel $138.24, PIERRE RAMKOTA Business Travel $109, PIERRE RAMKOTA Program Activities $846, PIONEER ENTERPRISES Burials $2000, PIONEER ENTERPRISES Welfare Rent $2000, POMPS TIRE SERVICE I Automotive/Small Equipment $403.2, PRAIRIE WYNN PROPERT Welfare Rent $595, PRECISE MRM LLC Software $360, PRECISION KIOSK TECH Testing Supplies $4500, PRICE, THOMAS L Professional Services $2400, PRIDE NEON, INC Automotive/Small Equipment $220, PROMOTIONAL VIDEO IN Professional Services $60, QUALIFIED PRESORT SE Postage $53421.23, QUALIFIED PRESORT SE Publishing Fees $638.26, QUALITY EFFICIENCIES Welfare Rent $675, R&L SUPPLY LTD Plumbing & Welding $3133.79, RAC RENTALS, LLC Education & Training $1200, RATERMAN, CODY D Attorney Fees $944, REDWOOD COURT LTD PA Welfare Rent $700, REDWOOD TOXICOLOGY L Testing Supplies $974.41, REEVES, MEGAN Court Reporters $728.4, RENTOKIL NORTH AMERI Contract Services $994, REPWEST INSURANCE CO Lease-Rental Agreement $363.45, RESOLUTE LAW FIRM IN Attorney Fees $885.3, RILEY COWLES Taxable Meal Allowances $18, RISTY, MAXINE J Court Reporters $425.4, RJ WEELBORG LLC Sign Deposits $100, ROCK COUNTY (MN)SHER Return Of Service $60, ROEMEN'S AUTOMOTIVE Automotive/Small Equipment $26.25, ROEMEN'S AUTOMOTIVE Gas Oil & Diesel $139.04, RUNNING SUPPLY INC Jail Repairs & Maintenance $41.97, RUNNING SUPPLY INC Safety & Rescue Equipment $79.98, RUNNING SUPPLY INC Uniform Allowance $99.98, SABRE COMMUNICATIONS Communication Equipment $80171, SAMP, ROLLYN H Attorney Fees $3432, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH Child Care Items $53.92, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH Furniture & Office Equipment $249.91, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH Other Supplies $158.86, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH Professional Services $93.3, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH School Lunch Program $115.24, SANFORD Attorney Fees $12.75, SANFORD Lab Costs $339.53, SANFORD CLINIC Lab Costs $949, SANFORD CLINIC Miscellaneous Expense $60, SANFORD CLINIC Professional Services $739, SANFORD CLINIC Recruitment $327, SANFORD HEALTH PLAN Insurance Admin Fee $3840, SANFORD LEARN CYBERS Education & Training $860, SAS5 PROPERTIES LLC Welfare Rent $595, SCHAEFER, WILLIAM M Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $24, SCHUMACHER ELEVATOR Jail Repairs & Maintenance $3592.71, SCILAWFORENSICS LTD Professional Services $5600, SD BUILDING OFFICIAL Education & Training $85, SD HUMAN SERVICES CE Psych Evals $1200, SDEMSA Education & Training $100, SDN COMMUNICATIONS Data Communications $540, SDN COMMUNICATIONS Telephone $2773.12, SHELL OIL10015518011 Gas Oil & Diesel $47, SHERWIN WILLIAMS Building Repairs & Maintenance $95.42, SINCLAIR OIL CORPORA Gas Oil & Diesel $89.63, SIOUX FALLS AREA HUM Miscellaneous Expense $7564.32, SIOUX FALLS CITY Gas Oil & Diesel $14609.31, SIOUX FALLS CITY HIDTA Grant $215.55, SIOUX FALLS CITY Miscellaneous Expense $65326.92, SIOUX FALLS CITY Professional Services $1117.2, SIOUX FALLS CITY Water - Sewer $955.48, SIOUX FALLS MINISTRY Welfare Rent $137.47, SIOUX FALLS RUBBER S Notary Exp $24.7, SIOUX VALLEY ENERGY Electricity $455.54, SIOUX VALLEY ENERGY Tea-Ellis Range $383.81, SIOUXLAND ORAL Professional Services $1531.01, SODAK SHRM* 2025 SOD Education & Training $325, SOLARWINDS INC Maintenance Contracts $1984, SOUTHEASTERN BEHAVIO Crisis Intervention Program $4712.31, SOUTHEASTERN BEHAVIO Professional Services $2618.75, SP CLOUD CITY DRONES Other Supplies $23.25, SP MISSOURI STAR QUI Program Activities $43.39, SQ *JIM & RON'S SERV Professional Services $270, SQ *SOUTH DAKOTA NAR HIDTA Grant $100, ST FRANCIS HOUSE Motels $1020, STAN HOUSTON EQUIPME Fairgrounds $285, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Daily Scram $8817, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Remote Breath $2068, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Architects & Engineers $4089.6, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Blood/Chemical Analysis $10590, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Chemicals $143.52, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Commitment - HSC $12687.43, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Commitment - 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!
Crystal Johnson, age 86, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, formerly of Garretson, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the Anna John Resident Care Center in Hobart, Wisconsin. Memorial services for Crystal and her son Michael were held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson. Interment was in the Norway Lutheran Cemetery, rural Garretson. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to the family.
Crystal Sharon (Denny) Johnson was born on July 12,1938 to Elmer Denny and his wife Arvilla Roseine Archiquette at the Tomah Indian Hospital in Tomah, WI. She was baptized in October of 1938 at the Tigerton Chapel in Tigerton, WI.
Tragedy struck that same year when her father died. Her mother, Arvilla, later married Kaiser Webster and Crystal and her brother Elmer lived with their stepfamily. Again in 1947 tragedy struck when at the age of 9, Crystal's mother died.
In 1949 at the age of 11, Crystal lived with her maternal uncle Solomon (Benny) Archiquette, his wife Dorthy and cousin Carol Jean. She traveled with them aboard the United States Army Transport Thomas H. Berry to Bremerhaven, Germany where Solomon was stationed for 2 1/2 years. Following her return from Germany in 1952, Crystal lived with her grandmother Effie Archiquette on the Oneida Indian Reservation in Green Bay, WI. A short time later Pastor Seiler joined with Ole and Ida Bergland of Sioux Falls, SD to raise funds to bring Crystal to Canton, SD to attend Augustana Lutheran Academy and Boarding School where she met her future husband. She traveled this leg of her journey alone by train.
In 1957 Crystal married Paul Johnson and would go on to raise five children: Stephen, Michael, Valerie, Daniel, and James. During this busy time Crystal worked as a nurse's aide at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD and then became a transcriptionist of medical records for Dr. Van de Mark. She went on to work many years at IBM where she enjoyed her business trips to Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, and San Francisco. Crystal spent many hours creating intricate beaded jewelry and reading her favorite author, Stephen King. She also enjoyed golfing with her 'Ladies Day' friends at the Brandon and Garretson golf courses.
Sharing her life was a very special and spoiled chihuahua fur baby, Yoda, who was even sneaked into her hospital room for a surprise visit by a special granddaughter. Crystal was especially happy spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren having movie nights and playing games. Later their visits would bring great comfort to her while she was in hospitals and nursing homes. Crystal's final days were spent in hospice care at Anna John's Nursing Home in Green Bay, WI.
Crystal is survived by her sons; Stephen Johnson and his wife, Carol, of Baltic SD, and Daniel Johnson, Green Bay, WI, and daughter, Valerie Carnicle, Green Bay, WI., 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Arvilla, sons, Michael Johnson, and James Johnson, and grandsons Jeremy Johnson and Benjamin Nelson, and a brother, Elmer Nelson Denny.
Michael Lee Johnson, age 66 of Roslyn, FL passed away at his home on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Memorial services for Michael and his mother, Crystal were held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson. Interment was in the Norway Lutheran Cemetery, rural Garretson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
Michael Lee Johnson was born on November 12, 1958 at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls S.D. He was the second of five children born to Paul and Crystal Johnson. Mike was raised in Garretson, SD with his parents and siblings. As a child, he and his siblings loved spending time with his cousins and often visited Spirit Lake, IA. They enjoyed going to Arnolds Park at Lake Okoboji and would ride the rides and eat seemingly infinite amounts of cotton candy.
Michael attended grade school through high school in Garretson, SD. After high school he joined the Army and was stationed at White Sands, NM. In 1981 he married Debbie (Tran-Brock) Johnson, and in October of 1982 they were blessed with their first child, Jeremy Johnson, who was followed by their daughter Kasee Johnson in April of 1984. Upon his departure from service in the Army, Michael worked at Triple R Paving with his brother James. Later he drove truck for Kroeger Materials, Myrl and Roy's Paving, and even the BIG dump truck that worked the quarry in Sioux Falls.
Michael slowed down and enjoyed the relaxed pace of retirement. He found an old camper and loved fishing and camping along the Sioux River and the lakes in northeast South Dakota and eventually settled down in the small town of Roslyn, SD. He enjoyed fishing, going to church, listening to church seminars, and helping his neighbors.
Michael is survived by his daughter, Kasee Johnson (Kevin Lewis); three grandchildren: Jeremee, Kyleena, Gracie, and a great grandson on the way; his mother, Crystal Johnson; two brothers: Stephen (Carol) Johnson, Daniel Johnson; and a sister Valerie Carnicle. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
He is preceded in death by his son, Jeremy Johnson; his father, Paul Johnson; a brother, James "Jimmy" Johnson; and a nephew, Benjamin Nelson.
This March marks the five-year anniversary since President Donald Trump declared a National Emergency on March 13, 2020, and South Dakota came to a complete halt when Governor Kristi Noem closed schools.
During the opening days of the pandemic quarantine, Garretson residents placed more than 100 stuffed bears on porches and windows in homes and stores so that local children could go a hunting outside with their families. //Gazette file photo
On March 10, 2020, it was announced that five people in South Dakota had confirmed diagnoses of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, after watching it march across the world. By the end of March, 129 people had been confirmed in South Dakota, and emergency quarantine measures were in full effect nationwide.
At the time, the strength and full impact of the virus was unknown, except that it was hospitalizing people at a high rate. Immunity was low, and the potential for devastating spread was high. It was worst for those over age 65 and those who had compromised immune systems, and in the year following, just under 2,000 South Dakotans lost their lives from the virus, whether it was the primary or secondary cause of death. It was the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer in 2020, 2021, and 2022 (the most recent year provided by the SD Dept of Health). Garretson lost long-time community member Carol Braa to COVID-19, and nearly lost a few others, including then-30-year-old Cody Linneweber. Palisade Healthcare lost eight residents when it swept through their facility in October and November 2020.
Since it was brand new, the initial advice from the CDC and NIH was to provide 6 feet of distance, quarantine for 14 days if you had symptoms, and clean all surfaces, and later, masking to prevent spread. Recommendations continued to change as scientists learned more, but the constant change was not easy for some, leading to accusations of impropriety and conspiracy theories that permeated American psyches.
However, scientists needed time to study the virus and understand how to combat it, and the goal was to "flatten the curve," or prevent people from catching it so hospitals wouldn't be overwhelmed.
"I do think we did flatten the curve," said South Dakota Secretary of Health Kim Malsom-Rysdon, in a media call on March 3, 2021. "We never did see the 5,000 hospitalizations, let alone the 10,000 hospitalizations that were being projected in the early days."
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Just after 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15 a break in and robbery occurred at The Gulch Bar & Grill.
A still from the security camera footage showing the burglar helping himself to cash from the Gulch’s business offices.
It was discovered upon opening the next morning, according to the Sheriff's Call Log, which logged the call at 10:49 a.m.
A video posted on Facebook shows the perpetrator headed straight for the office, where multiple bills were stolen from two spaces within the office area.
The perpetrator entered from the east using a pry bar. They were wearing jeans, a hooded sweatshirt, gloves, and mask that concealed their identity, but appeared to be a male.
He was carrying a small nylon backpack with a brand tag still attached. Only cash was taken, and the Gulch was the only business with signs of a forced entry. Notably, the cash was not locked in a safe, and was simply hidden in the office, though the perpetrator seemed to know exactly where to find it.
"Our detectives are pursuing multiple leads, trying to track people down to talk to," said Captain Adam Zishka of the Minnehaha Sheriff's Department.
He pointed out that the posted video is getting attention, which could hopefully lead to some tips. However, since it was an ongoing investigation, he was unable to comment further.
Tracie Jellis, proprietor of The Gulch Bar & Grill, declined to comment to the Gazette on the incident.
The Garretson Fire Department responded to a field fire the afternoon of 3/14/25 at 4:11 pm. Upon arrival crews found approximately 4 acres of field burning along with over 100 corn stalk bales on fire/catching fire. Garretson Crews immediately began extinguishment operations and made a call for mutual aid support from Brandon SD Fire Department and Baltic Fire Department.
//photo courtesy Garretson Fire Dept
Garretson Fire Department and mutual aid departments along with critical support from neighboring farmers made an aggressive attack on the fire and were able to gain control of all active fire within 45 minutes, and remained on scene for approximately 3 more hours managing the scene. The speed with which GFD and mutual aid departments were able to operate at in our extinguishment operations would not have been possible without the gracious, volunteer support of neighboring farming operations and their equipment. We want to thank, by name, the people who answered the call for help in a time of need. Joel Zweep, Ryan Larson (Garretson fire member), Ross Hanson, Nathan Risty, and Brecken Weir. Their generosity of time and the use of their equipment were the turning point in our efforts to extinguish the fire this afternoon. This is why rural America thrives, neighbors helping neighbors. Thanks to everyone who lent a hand. Garretson Fire Department, since 1896.
//photo courtesy Garretson Fire Dept//photo courtesy Garretson Fire Dept
SIOUX FALLS – With the subject of property taxes being on the minds of many, Minnehaha County Director of Equalization Chris Lilla gave his annual briefing to the county commission at the Tuesday, March 18, meeting.
Lilla explained that in a county of 212,000 people, there are 78,600 active parcels of land. And last year, 7,376 were transferred.
Chris Lilla //Dave Baumeister
While most of those were transferred through sales, he said that some were transfers “without money,” such as those between family members.
But all in all, sales did amount to just under $1.5 billion.
Lilla gave an extensive report on the equalization office’s duties, staff, and new improvements, but much of the briefing was taken up with questions from the four commissioners present (Jen Bleyenberg was absent).
Commissioner Gerald Beninga said he was stopped by several people the night before while at a local hardware store and asked about property tax assessments.
A slide presented by Lilla detailed how assessments come from three factors:
1) Cost Approach – This allows the equalization office to treat each independent parcel off the same standard without outside influences.
2) Income Approach – This approach is only used for income producing properties. In order to generate an accurate value, using a 12-month profit and loss statement along with market CAP rates to produce a market value.
3) Sales Comparison Approach– This approach is the most universally used as it is a direct correlation to property value but is not feasible for mass appraisal practices. For this approach, comparable properties are found that have sold that are similar to your subject property. Then adjustments (+/-) are made to those comps to make them more “like” the subject property.
In answering questions, it was further explained that if people disagree with their assessment, they need to contact the Department of Equalization.
As part of the educational part of his job, Lilla said that he enjoys meeting with people to go over assessments.
Sometimes, he said, they do find a reason for people to go through the appeals process to get assessment changes, but often they can go through the data to see that the assessment was correct, and the appeal probably isn’t a good idea.
“Ninety-five out of 100 times, when they see, they understand,” Lilla said.
There were several things said about the recent passage of SB 216 in Pierre, which limits tax increases to 3% a year over the next five years.
Commissioners and Lilla, alike, said there was “misinformation” with this.
“Keloland [TV news] had an article recently that is completely misleading and false,” Lilla said. “They had Realtors on there saying that ‘this is great. When somebody buys a home, they are already going to know that next year their tax bill can’t be more than 3% higher.”
“That is false. If the neighborhood market needs to go up 10%, your value is going to go up 10%. [The 3%] is only at the total value change for budgeting and levy establishment.”
The new legislation does establish the overall cap, but from what was said, the 3% is an average. Some properties could go higher than that if others went down.
It was further pointed out that this only applies to taxes, and not valuation. At the end of the five-year period addressed by SB 216, there could be a big change in tax bills.
However, if property values stabilize, that problem could take care of itself.
The next meeting of the county commission will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, in the third-floor meeting room of the Minnehaha County Administration Building at 6th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls.
