Garretson American Legion Henry G. Fix Post #23 for March

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March 20, 2025

Garretson American Legion Henry G. Fix Post #23 for March

The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting opened on Thursday, March 6th at 7:01 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Jon Schmidt with a salute to the Colors, POW/MIA observance, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Chaplain Lampe offered the prayer. 21 members were present.

Special guests were Cheryl and Kevin Swenson and 5 family members. Also present was Taielar and Sarah DeZotell and Dave Dawson. Taielar completed her Basic and Advanced Individual Training last week. She is a new member of the Legion. Dave Dawson was introduced as the most recent new member. Cheryl Swenson was presented the EMT of the Year Award. She has served the Garretson community as a thirty one year veteran of the Garretson Ambulance Service.

The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. The finance and social reports were approved. Bills were approved for payment. Rob Meyer mentioned the successful Pizza and Puzzle night held by the Garretson Commercial Club at the Post last month.

Service Officer Nancy Grandy sent a get-well card to Gary Winterton. Gary also received a condolence card for the death of his brother Paul. Nancy sent a get-well card to both Lee and Judy Hanson who have both been in the hospital recently. A congratulations was given to Gary and Cheryl Lyngen on the birth of their granddaughter. Denise Schmidt was picked as the Auxiliary 23 Unit Member of the Year!

The membership report has our 2025 goal at 201 members. We currently have a total of 189 renewed members (94%) at this point. There are currently 9 members that have not renewed for this year. Our April goal is 95%. Great job by the membership team!

Bob Bennett gave the Americanism report. The cord for Danika Juhl’s recent enlistment has arrived. It will be presented at the school Awards Banquet in May. Bob is working to complete the applications for 4 boys to attend Boys State this summer. The Post will recognize the Post Good Samaritan Award in April and the Firefighter of the Year in August.

Paul Evenson reported that the Legislature continues to meet. A bill to allow for-profit companies to charge Veterans for preparing disability claims is on the Governors desk to sign. State and local organizations can to do this for free for Veterans. The Honor Guard gave Funeral Honors at the State Veterans Cemetery for a local Veteran.

No baseball report was given. Paul Evenson, Jim Kurtz, and Nancy Grandy attended the Mid-Winter Conference in Oacoma. The “Be the One” training was called out as being exceptional training.

The next Post meeting will be April 3rd with the meal beginning at 6:30 pm, and meeting at 8 pm. This is our annual steak feed for new members! New members will be recognized, and we will have our election of new officers.

The next Post breakfast will be April 6^th from 9 am to 1 pm and will highlight pancakes and sausage. A surprise Easter Bunny will be present for the kids! There will also be a bike given away to a lucky boy or girl!

The next County meeting will be April 29^th at Dell Rapids at 7 pm. The next District meeting will be held March 30^th in Garretson. Our Post will prepare the meal. Brian Siemonsma was chosen as Post 23 Legionnaire of the Year. Congratulations to Brian for all he does for our Post and community!

Commander Schmidt shared thank you notes from the Garretson Community Scholarship and Midwest Honor Flight for recent donations. The 2025 Go-Getter Awards were presented to: Reid Christopherson, Paul Evenson, Tony Grandy, Nancy Grandy, Gary Lyngen, Rob Meyer, and Beth Welch.

The monthly raffle drawing took place. There were 4 drawings for March. The lucky winners were: Garretson Insurance Agency, Denise Schmidt, Heidi Fink, and Richard Bakken. Each will receive $150!

Commander Jon Schmidt closed the meeting with the usual ceremony at 7:50 pm. Following the meeting, Post Historian Mark Wiesner read the Annual History Reading. Comments followed from all past Commanders of Post 23.

Respectfully submitted, Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian

Obituary: Debra L. LaCross

Obituaries

Carrie Moritz

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March 20, 2025

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Debra passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, March 17, 2025. Debby grew up in Garretson, South Dakota with her parents, Marvin and Dorothy DeSchepper, and her siblings, Beverly, Julie, Paul and Karen. She graduated from Garretson High School in 1969 and then attended University of South Dakota located in Vermillion, SD. She obtained her BS in Business Management &Accounting at Huron University and became a certified CPA. Debby moved to Sarasota, FL in 1972 and agreed to go on a blind date water-skiing and happened to meet the love of her life, Mark Edward LaCross. The two were married July 28th, 1973 in Venice, Florida. Debby and Mark lived as newlyweds in Jacksonville, FL where Mark was stationed in the United States Navy. In 1975 they welcomed their son Jonathan and in 1978 their daughter, Amy. Also in 1978, they moved their family back to Garretson, SD where Mark worked with John Deere, staying in South Dakota until 1998. Over the next 21 years they made homes in Devils Lake, ND, Appleton, WI, Eau Claire, WI & Ramsey, MN. Finally in 2016, they retired in beautiful Venice, FL where she loved hosting visits from her family. Throughout her life Debby enjoyed golfing, reading, bowling & crocheting. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Garretson, South Dakota and Epiphany Catholic Church in Venice, Florida.

Debby is survived by her husband Mark LaCross, her children Jonathan (Jessica) Lillian, Luke LaCross, Amy (Robert) Zaya, and Conrad Neifert and siblings Beverly DeSchepper, Paul DeSchpper, and Karen Schwenk.. Debra is proceeded in death by her parents Marvin and Dorothy DeSchepper, and her sister Julie Heinemann.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, March 25th at 2:30 in the Sarasota National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to Garretson, South Dakota Fire Department.

Obituary: John Kevin McDonald, 77

Obituaries

Carrie Moritz

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March 20, 2025

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John Kevin McDonald of Rock Rapids, IA passed away on March 16, 2025 at the age of 77. He was surrounded by his wife of 38 years and all five of his children.

John was born on January 29, 1948 to Joseph and Miriam McDonald in Garretson, SD where he attended the Garretson public school system, graduating from Garretson High School in 1966. John was an accomplished, and well rounded high school athlete. He participated in football, basketball, track and field and baseball, earning many honors and leading Garretson to a number of district championships. Until the day of his passing, Garretson remained a magical place to him. He cherished his time there and often recounted memories of his youthful shenanigans with his friends and family. As years passed, many of the faces and places in and around Garretson were adopted by John’s family and children as center stage for their frequent get-togethers and family outings.

After graduating high school in 1966, John attended General Beadle State Teachers College (Dakota State University) where he studied Education. After graduating, John accepted his first role as a teacher and coach in Glenham, SD in 1971. While his time in Glenham was relatively brief, he carried many of the close friendships he developed there with him for the rest of his life.

In 1974, John accepted a teaching and coaching position at Central Lyon High School in Rock Rapids, IA. In this role he would teach English and continue his coaching career. Central Lyon became his adopted home and a place he would never leave. In his nearly 35 at years at Central Lyon he had a long list of accolades, accomplishments and honors. He dedicated decades of his time and love to the athletic programs at Central Lyon. In those years, he spent periods of time as head coach of basketball, baseball, track and field and also served as Athletic Director. He is also a member of the Central Lyon Athletic Hall of Fame. While John enjoyed all of his on-field successes as a coach, it was the long-lasting relationships he formed with his athletes that drove him and what he always viewed as his real reward. John took his role as an educator very seriously. He worked tirelessly and pushed students to the absolute limit of their abilities. In later years, former students commonly contacted him and credited his teachings of grammar and general motivation as elements that led to successes in their own lives. In all his years at Central Lyon, John considered the greatest of his accomplishments and joys to be meeting and marrying his wife Polly and having the ability to teach and coach all 5 of his children, Chad, Jennifer, Kelli, Karli and Korey.

After his retirement from teaching, John quickly settled into a very happy life filled with travel and time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. Many of his most cherished days were spent at the family lake home on Big Sand Lake near Park Rapids, MN. The time spent there may have been the pinnacle of happiness in his life. It was there that he was surrounded by friends and family, and it was there where all could appreciate the greatness of his quick witted and sharp comedic mind, his kindness, his hard work and his soft-spoken love and dedication to all of those whom he loved the most.

John was preceded in death by both of his parents, four of his siblings, and both of his in-laws. He is survived by his wife Polly; son Chad McDonald and his children Lincoln and Chaning; daughter Jennifer Paasch (Brad) and her children Noah, Emma and Addi; daughter Kelli Docker (Ben) and her children Ellie, Brody and Kaycie; daughter Karli Hyde (Tim) and son Korey McDonald. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves behind four sisters, two brothers, many nieces and nephews and a community full of loving friends and “adopted" family members.

A reception will be held Friday, March 21 from 4-8 PM. Family will be present from 6-8 PM. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 22 at 11 AM. Fittingly, both events will be held at the Central Lyon Activities Center Gymnasium where John spent so much of his time and experienced so much joy in his life. He is loved, and he will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Central Lyon Foundation or one of the three memory care support services that have been instrumental in John’s care: Active Generations, Friendly Horizons, and Visiting Angels.

5th Grade Girls Basketball 9-0

Carrie Moritz

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March 20, 2025

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young girls in basketball jerseys with two adults — Back row: Coach Laura Lentsch, Elsa Jacobson, Kinley Zweep, Rylee Hoogland, Alaina Lentsch, Coach Jason Williamson. Front row: Madi Jessen, Quinn Williamson, Brae Williamson, Kennedy Frerk. //Photo submitted

The 5th Grade Girls Basketball team had a great season, ending in a win! Competing in the Sioux Falls YMCA 5th Grade Basketball Division, they finished the season with a perfect 9-0 record and went undefeated in the end-of-season tournament with a 3-0 record. Congratulations on a great season!

In the photo above, back row: Coach Laura Lentsch, Elsa Jacobson, Kinley Zweep, Rylee Hoogland, Alaina Lentsch, Coach Jason Williamson. Front row: Madi Jessen, Quinn Williamson, Brae Williamson, Kennedy Frerk. //Photo submitted

Youth Wrestlers Impress at Region Tournament

Carrie Moritz

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March 20, 2025

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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.

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Public Notices published March 20, 2025

Public Notices

Carrie Moritz

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March 20, 2025

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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!

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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

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