SIOUX FALLS – At the Minnehaha County Commission meeting on May 3, plans were made to look at new pipeline zoning regulations during a public hearing for the ordinance change on Tuesday, May 23, at 9 a.m.
At that meeting commissioners will look at changes to address “transmission pipeline” language for the Minnehaha County Planning and Zoning Ordinance.
In a memo from Planning Director Scott Anderson, he wrote: “The Zoning Ordinance is intended to provide good planning practices and promote public safety. A transmission pipeline will potentially impact future land uses. The siting and use should be evaluated and addressed. A proposed ordinance will accomplish promoting good land use, aid in protecting property values and determine impacts on existing infrastructure.”
Among other things, the ordinance calls for needing a permit from the county Planning and Zoning Department, specifics for plans, and new set-back regulations.
Anderson said there was much discussion about this at the most recent Planning and Zoning meeting.
Approximately 30 people attended the Minnehaha Commission meeting on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 to urge commissioners to take action to try and stop Summit Carbon Solutions of Iowa from putting a carbon-capture pipeline in Minnehaha County. The Commission will be holding a public meeting regarding zoning on May 23, 2023. (Photo by Dave Baumeister)
Parking lot for petitions
Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson brought out the idea of new regulations to move anyone trying to get signatures for ballot petitions out into the County Administration Building parking lot.
County commissioners unanimously accepted Anderson’s proposal, entitled a “Limited Public Use” policy with very little discussion.
While most of what she offered were common sense rules for gathering signatures at the Courthouse and Admin Building, the proposed locations were the biggest change.
The resolution shored up some of the language in the current petition regulations, but it also called for petition signing to be moved away from their present locations near the doorways of each building.
At the Courthouse, signing activities would be moved down onto the sidewalk; but at the administration building, petition activities would be moved west from the main doors, into the parking lot.
Anderson did say maintenance was looking at restriping the parking lot, and she would like to see them stripe off a location for petition activities, but she gave no indication as to when this would happen.
Presumably, though, the new regulations would take effect immediately, moving petition signing activities at the Minnehaha County Administration Building to be in the main traffic pattern of that lot, according to the map Anderson presented at the meeting.
After the proposal was presented, there was no one present to speak in opposition of the resolution, and it was adopted.
The next county commission meeting will be Tuesday, May 16, at 9 a.m. on the third floor of the Minnehaha County Administration Building in Sioux Falls.
ABERDEEN — Craig Schaunaman, who farms thousands of acres, has been invested in the ethanol industry since its early days and even served on the board of an ethanol plant.
But a carbon-capture pipeline supported by dozens of ethanol plants would cross his land, and he’s against it, even though ethanol officials say the pipeline is crucial to the future viability of the industry.
“Eminent domain should not be used for a private company’s gain,” Schaunaman said.
Schaunaman received a letter in mid-2021 from Summit Carbon Solutions, one of the companies planning to build a carbon-capture pipeline across the Midwest, requesting permission to conduct surveys on his land that would involve digging.
“I told them they were not allowed to do surveying without compensation,” he said.
By the fall of 2021, Summit approached him with an initial offer that he considered “under market value” to place a permanent easement on his land.
By May 2022, the company had offered him “three times as much,” but Schaunaman remained adamant about not allowing the construction of a pipeline carrying potentially hazardous liquified carbon dioxide on his property, saying, “It’s about property rights for me.” He declined to disclose the amounts of the offers. But he, like some other farmers, has an active lawsuit against Summit Carbon Solutions claiming the company doesn’t have a right to enter their land.
Craig Schaunaman, who farms thousands of acres near Aberdeen, looks out over his family farm. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)
In South Dakota, where two of every three ears of corn are turned into ethanol, Schaunaman isn’t the only corn farmer on a proposed carbon-capture pipeline route who says the ethanol industry is putting profits over property rights.
Ed Fischbach, a corn farmer near Mellette, never received an initial offer from Summit Carbon Solutions, because he signed on with a lawyer representing opponents of the project as soon as he could.
“I made it very clear in the very beginning that I was against it,” Fischbach said. “The ethanol companies are already making massive profits. They don’t need this to maintain viability.”
However, according to Sioux Falls-based POET, the nation’s largest ethanol producer, pursuing additional profits and higher demand for corn through a carbon-capture pipeline is worth it.
“Bioethanol companies like POET are moving forward with carbon-capture projects because they represent an unparalleled opportunity to create value for family farmers and drive investment in our rural communities,” said Erin Smith, a spokesperson with POET.
Fischbach said it all depends on what people value.
“Ethanol has had its drawbacks, too,” he said. “Land values have gone up, which isn’t good if you’re a young family farmer who has to pay more in taxes. There’s a lot of native grass that got torn up when the ethanol industry became strong, and people started planting corn on more marginal ground.”
Corn and carbon capture
Ethanol, which is typically made from corn, is an additive to gasoline that partially reduces the nation’s reliance on foreign oil. However, while ethanol is a renewable resource, its production still emits greenhouse gases, which trap heat and contribute to climate change. During the fermentation process, organic materials are broken down, releasing carbon dioxide. In addition, the production of ethanol requires fossil fuels for growing, transporting and processing corn.
To address some of that environmental impact, pipelines would capture carbon dioxide emitted from ethanol plants and transport it in liquefied form to be stored deep underground at a carbon sequestration site. The sites are in underground geologic formations where the carbon can be permanently injected.
The Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline would run about 2,000 miles in total, connecting to 34 ethanol plants across South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and North Dakota (and sequestering the carbon at an underground site in North Dakota). It would transport up to 12 million tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Another project, the Heartland Greenway pipeline, would run about 1,300 miles in total, connecting to 31 ethanol plants across South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Illinois (and sequestering the carbon at an underground site in Illinois). It would transport up to 15 million tons of carbon dioxide per year.
The goal of carbon sequestration is to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, in order to mitigate climate change. It would also enable ethanol plants to sell more of their fuel in states and countries with higher emission standards — like California and Canada.
Some corn farmers acknowledge the need to address climate change but oppose building a pipeline that carries a hazardous product on or near their property.
Liquid carbon dioxide pipelines operate at high pressures, typically around 300 pounds per square inch. That high pressure means any leak or rupture in the pipeline can burst with explosive force and release large amounts of carbon dioxide that displace oxygen quickly, posing a risk to nearby people and animals.
The federal government is currently reviewing safety standards for carbon pipelines, and California lawmakers passed a law barring the construction of new underground carbon dioxide pipelines until those standards are finalized.
“Most of the landowners that are against this thing are investors in the ethanol plants,” Fischbach said. “I don’t think I should have to sacrifice my land or my safety so they can make a few more dollars. That’s wrong. The only way that I will negotiate or talk to them is if I’m forced to.”
Eminent domain
Lawmakers rejected legislation introduced during the 2023 session in Pierre that would have prevented the pipeline projects from using eminent domain — a legal process for obtaining access to land from landowners who aren’t willing to grant it.
Last month, Summit initiated dozens of eminent domain proceedings in state court — including against Fischbach and Schaunaman. Those are among more than 100 cases of pending state and federal litigation concerning proposed carbon pipelines in South Dakota.
“I’m being forced to negotiate with a private company, against my will,” Schaunaman said.
Charlie Johnson, who farms land near Madison, is upset about Summit Carbon Solutions suing his landlord.
“I don’t think it’s right for one group of farmers to pirate onto the land of other farmers,” Johnson said. “Maybe we don’t need to be growing so much corn in South Dakota anymore, you know? Maybe we need to start considering more diversity in our crop rotations.”
John Satterfield, regulatory affairs director with Summit Carbon Solutions, said eminent domain has to be on the table; otherwise, no pipeline of any kind would ever get built.
“The expectation that people want to invest in a project like ours, without that tool available, is a misunderstanding of the business,” he said.
Elizabeth Burns Thompson, vice president of government and public affairs with the Heartland Greenway pipeline, said eminent domain is a last resort. Heartland Greenway has yet to leverage eminent domain.
“It does not save us as a company time or money,” she said, “and it does not make us any friends. It’s only for sheer business purposes at its core.”
Schaunaman said a carbon-capture pipeline differs from other projects that have used eminent domain, like electrical power lines and water and oil pipelines.
“First of all, let’s get back to what eminent domain should be used for: infrastructure that benefits the public,” Schaunaman said. “Sure, a pipeline ‘of this nature’ would never get built, because it’s not for public use.”
The pipeline companies and POET said many farmers support the pipelines.
Summit Carbon Solutions said it has signed easements with 2,700 landowners across the Midwest, including with over 60% of landowners along the pipeline route in South Dakota. The Heartland Greenway pipeline is on a similar track.
Craig Schaunaman said the federal government’s payment of $85 per ton of liquid carbon dioxide stored underground, along with additional tax incentives based on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions captured during production, are the primary incentives driving pipeline projects. He claims that without those incentives, the projects would not be proposed.
“That’s the only thing driving this,” Schaunaman said.
Erin Smith of POET said federal incentives are not the only motivating factors.
“In addition to federal incentives, there is increasing domestic and international demand for climate solutions and lower carbon fuels that will build new local markets and drive economic growth across the Midwest for decades to come,” she said.
Furthermore, the $85 tax credit “doesn’t go on forever,” said Satterfield, of Summit. The credit is valid for 12 years from the start of sequestration.
Other ways to store carbon
There are other ways to sequester carbon within the ethanol production process that do not involve pipelines and sequestration sites.
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and convert it into sugars and starches. Those compounds are then transported down into the roots and released into the soil, becoming food for microorganisms, in a process that keeps carbon trapped underground for centuries.
Some farmers suggest using the tax credits and federal subsidies to bolster already existing incentives for natural carbon sequestration practices like no-till farming and planting cover crops, which also result in healthier soils, more wildlife and cleaner water. Schaunaman said that would be better than “just pumping it in the ground and giving large corporations tax credits.”
All native grasslands in the country together sequester up to 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, according to an estimate by Jim Blackburn, an environmental lawyer and professor who spoke to the Washington Post. The nation’s annual carbon dioxide output was nearly 6.4 billion metric tons in 2021, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
POET, Summit and Navigator Co2, the company proposing the Heartland Greenway pipeline, all express support for both natural and pipeline-based sequestration methods.
POET said the company already has a program to incentivize cover crops and less invasive tillage practices.
And Burns Thompson with Navigator said by doing “all of the above,” ethanol will become even more valuable, given the lower carbon intensity score as a result.
“It’s just not enough to produce green fuels,” she said. “We need to be producing green fuels in an increasingly greener fashion.”
The influence of EVs
Former South Dakota U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle played a lead role in passing the 2005 Renewable Fuel Standard. The law set a minimum requirement for the use of ethanol in fuel and made it more attractive for investors and farmers to get involved in making ethanol. Today, the United States is the world’s largest producer of ethanol, having produced over 15 billion gallons in 2021.
While industry officials say the future can be even brighter, some pipeline opponents are skeptical that sequestering carbon via pipelines will create a long-term market for ethanol. They point to the worldwide movement toward electric vehicles.
“By the year 2030, they are going to outlaw the sale of any new vehicle that is not electric,” Fischbach predicted. “They don’t want ethanol. They are not going to get into those markets long-term. It’s just another faulty argument to convince people to support this pipeline.”
Schaunaman argues the state should be positioning young farmers for the economy of the future.
“You’re not going to stop the electric vehicle trend,” Schaunaman said. “That’s competition. Our job is to protect farming for future generations.”
That’s what proponents of the carbon pipelines say they’re doing.
Satterfield, of Summit Carbon Solutions, said while hybrids and electric vehicles will eat into ethanol’s market share, demand for green fuels “is not going anywhere anytime soon.”
And Burns Thompson with the Heartland Greenway pipeline said the ethanol industry and pipeline companies are researching what can be done with carbon, beyond sequestration.
“They are looking at how do you take that molecule and process it into a bio-based plastic, fertilizers or potentially new waves of biofuels,” she said. “But CO2 is going to need growth and efficient transportation to be able to do that.”
Whatever happens in the future, Fischbach said one thing has already been made clear to South Dakota farmers and ranchers.
“Our politicians don’t seem to get the message that using eminent domain for private gain is nothing more than theft,” he said.
Both of the pipeline projects need a permit from South Dakota’s Public Utilities Commission. Public hearings on the permit applications are July 25-Aug. 3 for the Heartland Greenway pipeline and Sept. 11-22 for Summit Carbon Solutions.
A Column by Doug Sombke, President, South Dakota Farmers Union
Summit Carbon Solutions has violated farmers’ landowner rights.
The company attempting to build a CO2 pipeline across the state is suing more than 80 South Dakota farmers who do not want the company and its pipeline on their land.
South Dakota Farmers Union members addressed the importance of landowner rights decades ago in their policy. It still stands as a major issue for today’s members. Our policy strongly supports farmers’ control and use of their own land. News of Summit Carbon Solutions suing 80 South Dakota farmers claiming eminent domain with more to come strikes a nerve at South Dakota Farmers Union.
During the 2023 Legislative Session Farmers Union joined with others to support HB1133. This is a House Bill which would have protected landowners from Summit Carbon Solutions. Unfortunately, the majority of state legislators did not support landowners. The bill failed.
Once again, South Dakota Farmers Union calls on state legislators and our Congressional leaders to not allow misuse of eminent domain laws. No private company should be allowed to rob family farmers of their land rights. If this is allowed, what is next?
Summit Carbon Solutions has shown its true colors and it is no friend to farmers or landowners - period.
Summit Carbon Solutions is a privately held company with millions to lose if they are not able to complete their plans for this CO2 pipeline. They claim eminent domain with the excuse that this pipeline will benefit the public.
The facts are Summit Carbon Solutions in many cases has not dealt fairly in valuing the land or the farmers on an individual case by case bases. Nor have they been up front with them when discussing specifics of safety.
Pipelines can and do leak. And because the CO2 is converted to a liquid when it is pumped into the pipeline, if it springs a leak, the scary fact is, it could explode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14bdGO1Yfrs.
Experts say a CO2 gas explosion would result in death of any human, livestock or wildlife in the vicinity of the pipeline.
To help preserve landowner’s rights, please visit this website and sign this petition: https://sdpropertyrights.com/.
A Minnesota doctor who helps procure mail-order medication abortions for South Dakota women said she plans to continue that practice even if the U.S. Supreme Court outlaws or limits the use of mifepristone, one of the pills used in the process.
“It’s business as usual,” said Dr. Julie Amaon, medical director of Just the Pill.
The Twin Cities telemedicine provider assisted more than 150 South Dakota residents in 2022 and 2023 with online consultations and prescriptions to terminate pregnancies. The organization has provided service to more than 5,000 patients overall since starting as a nonprofit in 2020.
Amaon told News Watch that her “neck is sore from the whiplash” of legal wranglings that have intensified the abortion debate since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in June 2022 to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, allowing states to determine legality and access of reproductive services.
Julie Amaon
The new battleground focuses on medication abortion, which currently accounts for 54% of abortions in the United States, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive health organization.
U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, a Texas-based Trump appointee, issued a ruling April 7 that threatened to halt the Food and Drug Administration’s authorization of abortion pill mifepristone, first approved in 2000.
Less than a week later, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals paused the mifepristone suspension but upheld Kacsmaryk’s rollback of more recent FDA policies that made abortion pills easier to obtain by removing the requirement of in-person provider visits.
On April 21, the Supreme Court issued a stay on that 5th Circuit ruling, reverting abortion access to post-Dobbs status while the appeals process continues, with a decision expected sometime in 2024 on the status of mifepristone and how medication abortion is administered.
Amaon, whose group aims to provide abortion access to women who reside in states with strict prohibitions, said Just the Pill will forge ahead no matter what the Supreme Court decides.
That could mean employing a one-pill regimen to terminate pregnancies if mifepristone is outlawed or using a mobile clinic to dispense pills in person to women who cross the border from South Dakota if FDA regulations change.
“What bothers me most is that the courts and lawyers are deciding matters of general health care instead of physicians and their patients,” she said.
A July 2022 News Watch survey of registered South Dakota voters showed that a majority (57%) of respondents support allowing legal access to abortion medications in the state, including 42% who “strongly support” such access. Nearly two-thirds (65%) said they support having a statewide referendum to determine South Dakota’s laws regarding reproductive rights.
The poll also showed that nearly 8 in 10 respondents (79%) oppose criminal penalties for anyone who helps a South Dakota resident obtain an abortion where it is legal, such as in a neighboring state. An overwhelming majority (71%) also support permitting South Dakota residents to leave the state to obtain abortions.
The random survey was conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy and contacted voters in all South Dakota counties by landline and cellphone. It was co-sponsored by News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota. The margin of error was plus or minus 4.5%.
Medication abortion typically involves two pills. The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which the body needs to continue a pregnancy. That process causes the uterine lining to stop thickening and break down, detaching the embryo. The second drug, misoprostol, taken 24 to 48 hours later, causes the uterus to contract and dilates the cervix, which expels the embryo.
A misoprostol-only regimen involves taking the drug with the same dosage as typically used, then taking it again three hours later, causing the uterus to contract. This process is repeated for three separate doses, three hours apart, until the pregnancy is terminated, Amaon said.
“Because you have to take it more times, the side effects are not fun,” she added. “You might feel like you have the flu, there are some fever and chills, sometimes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Other than that, it’s very safe and effective. There are no greater risk factors or complications because you’re only taking misoprostol.”
There is a slight difference in effectiveness, with 95%-98% of abortions successful with the two-drug regimen compared with 85% with misoprostol only, according to the organization’s website. The two-pill regimen is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Besides Minnesota, Just the Pill offers services in Wyoming, Montana and Colorado, which positions them to provide access to residents from eastern and western South Dakota and North Dakota.
Charging $350 per patient, the nonprofit saw about 1,300 patients overall in 2021. It increased to more than 3,000 in 2022, utilizing online pharmacies such as American Mail Order out of Michigan and Honeybee Health in California.
In the first four months of 2023, the organization served 1,135 patients, including 43 from South Dakota, 31 in Minnesota and 12 in Wyoming.
Patients fill out their information online, sign a consent form and then drive over the border to have a telehealth conversation with a clinician to discuss health history, medication protocols and what to expect. The patient then returns home and is notified when to return to Minnesota or Wyoming to pick up their prescription at a post office or FedEx pickup spot.
There is a telehealth follow-up in seven to 14 days to check on the patient and “make sure everything went as expected, Amaon said. We also reach out at four to five weeks for a pregnancy test at home, to make sure the process is complete.”
The dichotomy of Republican-dominated South Dakota and Democratic-controlled Minnesota as neighboring states during a time of increasing friction over abortion rights is a challenging one for law enforcement.
South Dakota had a “trigger law” from 2005 that took effect when Roe was overturned, making it a Class 6 felony for anyone “who administers to any pregnant female or prescribes or procures for any pregnant female” a means for an abortion, except to save the life of the mother. The crime is punishable by two years in prison, a $4,000 fine or both.
Minnesota, meanwhile, passed a law in January to strengthen abortion rights, establishing that “every individual has a fundamental right to make autonomous decisions about the individual’s own reproductive health.”
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley told News Watch in early February that his office is monitoring the situation of women crossing the border to obtain abortion pills and that he expects state laws to be followed. Those laws focus on the person providing abortion services, not the woman terminating her pregnancy.
Asked if someone providing telemedicine abortion services to South Dakota residents in a different state could be prosecuted, Jackley said that “if you aid and abet or you conspire or you actively participate in a criminal act, our reach can go beyond the state’s borders.”
On May 2, Jackley clarified to News Watch that his office considers it a violation of South Dakota law if abortion medications are mailed to a South Dakota address. That means Just the Pill’s practice of dispensing pills in the state where they were prescribed would not be deemed illegal under current state law.
Jackley and Gov. Kristi Noem have cited safety concerns with medication abortion. If something goes wrong, such as excess bleeding or infection, there won’t be emergency medical care available if a woman is taking the pills at home, they said.
Criminal charges against the person who helped procure the pills could be “much more serious” than a Class 6 felony if a woman suffers harm from taking the medication to end a pregnancy, Jackley said.
The issue gained prominence earlier this year when the FDA expanded the availability of abortion pills to include mail order and dispensing from brick-and-mortar pharmacies, finalizing a rule that started during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Noem and Jackley responded with a Jan. 24, 2023, letter to South Dakota pharmacists clarifying that “pharmacies, including chain drug stores, are prohibited from procuring and dispensing abortion-inducing drugs with the intent to induce an abortion and are subject to felony prosecution under the South Dakota law.”
Along with 19 other state attorneys general, Jackley signed a letter to national pharmacies CVS and Walgreens from Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey citing the Comstock Act of 1873, which the letter said prohibits using the mail to send or receive any drug that will be “used or applied for producing abortion.”
The Supreme Court will likely weigh the relevance of the Comstock Act and the mutability of FDA approvals in the coming year. And Jackley said his office would likely “join any letter or amicus that aligns with state law” while that process unfolds.
Pharmacies must apply for FDA certification to dispense mifepristone.
Amanda Bacon, executive director of the South Dakota Pharmacists Association, said most retail chains have stated “they will only participate in the federal program where it doesn’t conflict with state law,” which means none of them will be procuring or dispensing the drug in South Dakota.
“For South Dakota pharmacies, it’s pretty clear,” Bacon said. “It’s a felony to dispense the medication for that purpose. But it’s also a felony to prescribe it for that purpose, so therefore, it’s just not something we’re even dealing with at the pharmacy counter.”
— This article was produced by South Dakota News Watch, a non-profit journalism organization located online at sdnewswatch.org.
Some South Dakota duck hunters are upset over the Game, Fish and Parks Commission’s Thursday decision to increase the number of duck hunting licenses available to hunters from outside the state.
The approved proposal allows for 100 more nonresident licenses, to be used on private land only, in two areas of the northeastern corner of the state. The proposal also allocates another 200 nonresident and resident licenses to a large area in western and southern South Dakota.
Resident hunter and former GF&P commissioner Jeff Olson spoke during a hearing on the proposal at Custer State Park. He alleged that Game, Fish and Parks Department leadership held a meeting with the owner of a private hunting operation prior to the department bringing the proposal forward.
“Just one guy went to Game, Fish and Parks, and here we have a proposal,” Olson said. “No stakeholder involvement. They didn’t have to come with a petition to the commission.”
A spokesman for the department did not immediately respond to a South Dakota Searchlight message seeking a response to Olson’s comments.
Department Wildlife Division Director Tom Kirschenmann was questioned at the meeting by Commissioner Stephanie Rissler about Olson’s concern with “the process.”
Kirschenmann said decisions regarding license allocations are not dependent on petitions from stakeholders.
A South Dakota duck hunter walks through the tall grass along a wetland with his dog. (Josh Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)
“We don’t bring together stakeholder groups for things like that,” Kirschenmann said.
After hearing no proponent testimony and opposition from multiple hunters and the South Dakota Wildlife Federation, the commission unanimously approved the proposal.
Opponents argued that increasing nonresident license sales will exacerbate the already competitive nature of finding a duck hunting spot in northeastern South Dakota – hurting the experience of residents and nonresidents alike.
“It’s already not good quality hunting for anybody, and they’re going to add to that,” retired GF&P wildlife biologist George Vandel told South Dakota Searchlight. “Frankly, it’s a debacle up there.”
Opponents asked the commission to postpone the decision for one year and work with stakeholders to put together a different plan.
“They should be passing a waterfowl access plan that helps all hunters, and residents,” Vandel said. “We’ve got ideas, too.”
Kirschenmann defended the proposal, pointing to declining resident participation. The number of resident duck hunters has fallen from about 25,000 to 11,000 since the late 1990s. The department is unsure what is driving the trend.
The department’s arguments did not sway opponents.
“We know it’s only 300 licenses, but it’s a slippery slope for us,” said Mitch Richter, a lobbyist for the South Dakota Wildlife Federation. “And we just don’t think enough people were part of this.”
Referencing disputes between landowners and hunters over access to land, Commissioner Robert Whitmyre said the reason fewer residents are duck hunting may be that resident hunters are not respecting landowners like him. He said the proposal to allow private hunting operators to sell more licenses to nonresidents could improve relations.
“If access is an issue, I can’t help but identify that you reap what you sow,” Whitmyre said.
Irvin William Schreurs, age 92, of Baltic, passed away on May 3, 2023, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Garretson. Interment was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Baltic Fire Department, Dell Rapids Ambulance, or St Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
Irvin was born on February 24, 1931, in Larchwood, Iowa, to Leo and Elvera (Wesland) Schreurs. He grew up in Larchwood until moving with his family to Baltic in 1940. He attended Moen Country School and graduated from Baltic High School in 1949. He then farmed and worked for Morrells until enlisting in the US Navy in 1951. He served as a Navy deep sea diver on the salvage ship USS Mender. He participated in salvage operations along the 38th parallel during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge in 1955 Irvin returned to South Dakota and married Betty Breuer on August 3, 1955, in Larchwood. After their marriage, they lived, farmed, and raised their seven children in the Baltic-Garretson area. Betty passed away on January 12, 2007. On December 13, 2008, Irvin married Melvia “Jonnie” Miller Splan.
Irvin’s lifelong passion was farming. He enjoyed everything about it…from spring planting to fall harvest. He continued to be involved in the family farming operation until his retirement on May 3, 2023. He was a member of St Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Garretson. He served on the Baltic Elevator board in the 1980’s and helped with rebuilding efforts after the fire. He enjoyed spending mornings with his Garretson golfing buddies and spending winters in Las Vegas.
Survivors include his wife, Jonnie, Baltic; children: Steve (Tina) Schreurs, Ipswich, Bonnie (Scott) Mews, Crooks, Rocky (Colleen) Schreurs, Baltic, Shawn (Denise) Schreurs, Centennial, CO, Paul (Joy) Schreurs, Tea, Jay (Jackie) Schreurs, Mitchell, and Jess (Ann) Schreurs, Brandon; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Duane (Marion) Schreurs, Baltic; sister-in-law, Stephanie Schreurs, Baltic; stepchildren: Daniel Miller, Brian Splan, Karen Simonson, Kelly Denton, and Mark Splan; and many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty; grandson, Cody Mews, and brother, Dean Schreurs.
The family would like to thank the staff of Orchard Hills for the big impact they made on Irvin’s life over the last few months.
While it looked as though the team might gather its first win of the season last Wednesday, May 3, the Garretson Blue Dragons watched as the opposing team launched itself ahead in a 10-5 loss to the Chester/Colman-Egan/Flandreau Varsity Fliers in a 7-inning game.
The Blue Dragons lost despite out-hitting the Fliers ten to six.
Ian Buettner
In the first inning, the Fliers got their offense started when Treyton Decker's wild pitch allowed one run to score.
Garretson Blue Dragons tallied four runs in the third inning, nearly tying the score at 4-5. The Dragons' big bats in the inning were led by singles by Ian Buettner, Treyton Chester, and JaNathian Malone.
Unfortunately, the Fliers soon took off with the lead, scoring three runs in the fourth inning. They scored their runs on a double by the Fliers' Kolby Peters. Peters went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead [Chester/Colman-Egan/Flandreau in hits.]
Peters got the start for Chester/Colman-Egan/Flandreau Varsity Fliers. The pitcher lasted four and a third innings, allowing six hits and four runs while striking out seven and walking one.
Decker was on the hill for Garretson Blue Dragons. The righty allowed six hits and nine runs over four innings, striking out five. Cole Jessen threw three innings out of the bullpen.
Overall, the Garretson Blue Dragons collected ten hits. Buettner, Malone, and Decker all grabbed multiple hits for Garretson Blue Dragons. Chester, Cole Jessen, Buettner, and Carson Clark each crossed the home plate.
Shaking off their loss, the Garretson Blue Dragons traveled to Sioux Falls on Friday, May 5. Unfortunately, the Garretson Blue Dragons struggled to contain the high-powered offense of the Chargers, ending the game with a score of 0-11.
Sioux Falls Christian opened up scoring in the bottom of the first inning, when Jacob Sanderson singled on a 2-0 count, allowing A. Connell to score one run.
A single by Clark in the first inning was a positive for Garretson.
Sanderson got the start for the Chargers. The pitcher went five innings, allowing zero runs on two hits, striking out 11 and walking zero.
Clark toed the rubber for the Blue Dragons. The pitcher went four innings, allowing 11 runs on nine hits and striking out three.
Buettner and Clark each collected one hit to lead Garretson.
Sioux Falls Christian totaled nine hits. Gabe Long and Austin Connell each managed multiple hits for the Chargers. Long went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead in hits, and the Chargers stole nine bases during the game.
Getting back onto the home field, the Dragons faced off with the Lennox Varsity Orioles on Saturday, May 6. Despite a double in the bottom of the 6th inning, Garretson was unable to score more than 2 points to the Orioles' 13.
Their offense smoking, Lennox scored in the top of the 1st inning on a single by Braedon Wulf, a single by Musser, and a single by Hanneman in the first inning as four Orioles crossed the plate.
Jessen toed the rubber for Garretson Blue Dragons. The pitcher allowed 13 hits and nine runs over four innings, striking out three. Chester threw two innings out of the bullpen.
Conner Eich led things off on the pitcher's mound for Lennox. The pitcher surrendered zero runs on one hit over four innings, striking out eight and walking zero.
Lennox racked up 18 hits on the day. Musser, Wulf, Butler, Talen Eich, Bambas, and Hanneman each collected multiple hits, with Musser going 3-for-5 at the plate to lead in hits. They ran wild on the base paths with eight stolen bases.
Decker, Chester, Tyler Erickson, Dylan Wolf, and Clark each managed one hit to lead the Blue Dragons. The team was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Clark made the most plays with eight. Decker and Chester crossed the plate, giving the Blue Dragons their points.
With three games left on the schedule, the Blue Dragons will likely work hard to end the season on a high note. They play the Dell Rapids Quarriers on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Tandberg Field in Garretson.
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Garretson Track and Field is continuing its strong season, competing in the Baltic Invitational and the Howard Wood Relays last week.
In Baltic on Tuesday, May 2, the team competed against eight schools from Chester, Colman-Egan, Deubrook Area, McCook County/Montrose, Dell Rapids St. Mary's, Howard, and Baltic. Overall, Garretson mens' team placed 5th and womens' team came in 8th, with standout placings by Preston Bohl, Sam Schleuter, Ramsey Schweitzer, Logan Bly, Jordyn Williams, and the 4x100m relay team.
Bohl placed first in 1600m (4:45.83) and 3200m (10:28.20), and Schleuter won in the 300m hurdles event (44.65). Schweitzer took home second with a personal record in the 400m event (55.93), while Bly placed 2nd in the High Jump with a score of 4'11". Williams grabbed third place in the 100m dash (13.39). Third also went to the 4x100m relay team of Raegen Altman, Bly, Williams, and Hannah Frewaldt (54.52).
Sam Schleuter, Carter Siemonsma, Collin Olson and Preston Bohl placed 15th in the 4x800 relay at Howard Wood Field last Friday. Photos by Katie Siemonsma.
Rounding out the top four were Josh Gilbert in the 800m event (2:14.3, 4th), the 4x400 relay team of Schleuter, Collin Olson, Carter Siemonsma, and Schweitzer (3:53.39, 4th), and the 1600 medley team of Tyler Erickson, Schweitzer, Olson, and Siemonsma (4:10.35, 4th).
In fifth place were Williams in the 200m dash (28.20), the 4x100m relay team of Erickson, Cody Facile, Riley Lafferty-Mack, and Tyler Edmundson (51.60), and the 1600m medley team of Aleah Wagner, Brooklyn Trudeau, Jordan DeWitte, and Ava Ockenga (5:23.33).
Carter Siemonsma (Photo by Katie Siemonsma)
Several members of the team saw their personal best at this meet, which means each athlete is only improving.
On Friday, five Garretson athletes competed at the Howard Wood Relays, an event that pulls over 3,000 athletes from all over the state. Jordyn Williams competed in the 100-meter dash, placing 57th.
However, the standout score came from the 4x800 relay team consisting of Preston Bohl, Sam Schleuter, Carter Siemonsma, and Collin Olson. They took home 15th out of 25 competitors, hitting a personal best for the season. They shaved 16 seconds off their previous record, crossing the finish line at 8:40.14.
The Dragon fielders next took to Dell Rapids for the Dell Rapids Invitational on Monday, May 8. Standouts included second place finishes and personal bests from Preston Bohl in the 1600m (4:38.66) and 3200m (10:21.44) runs, second place and personal best from Sam Schleuter in the 300m hurdles (44.18), and second place for the 4x800m relay team consisting of Josh Gilbert, Schleuter, Siemonsma, and Olson (8:55.31).
Williams, Bly, and Siemonsma took home third in their respective events, the 100m dash (13.33), the high jump (4'8"), and the 800m run (2:12.84). Fourth place went to three teams- 4x400m relay team of Schleuter, Olson, Siemonsma, and Bohl, the 4x800m relay team of Ockenga, Trudeau, Lucie Frewaldt, and Eliza Potter, and the 1600m medley team consisting of Altman, Aleah Wagner, DeWitte, and Ockenga.
Now looking towards the end of their regular season, the athletes will be heading to Sioux Falls today (Thursday) to compete in the Big East Conference. They'll have one more regular meet on Monday before heading to regions on Thursday, May 18.
It was a cold and windy day at River Ridge Golf Course as the Blue Dragons hosted the Jesse James Invitational Friday, April 28. Despite the cold conditions, the golfers were able to bring in solid scores to the clubhouse.
Autumn Gaspar defended her home course, putting up a 44, earning top honors for the meet. The strong finishes by all the girls also earned the team first place, edging out strong teams from Howard and Deubrook.
Three ladies medaled, with Maci Rotert and Grace Hove both shooting a 52, placing 10th and 11th respectively.
Cash Pullman placed for the boys, finishing 13th with a 46.
The weather didn't improve much on Monday, May 1 for the Junior High meet in Garretson. However, the golfers battled the conditions, have consistently shown improvement over their short season. Medaling for the team was Jackson Collins, Casen Smith, Isaiah Coburn, Ella Frerk, and Chloe Hermanson.
The Garretson High School team was back in action on Thursday in Colman-Egan, then turned around for the Big East Conference on Friday.
The Garretson Junior High had their Big East Conference tournament on Monday, May 8 (results not available at press time).
Autumn Gaspar (photo by Nora Bonte)
Cash Pullman (photo by Nora Bonte)
Full Garretson Golf Team (photo by Kelsey Buchholz)
Garretson Varsity medalists (photo by Kelsey Buchholz)
Minutes of Minnehaha County Commissioners for May 2, 2023
THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY COMMISSION CONVENED AT 9:00 AM on May 2, 2023, pursuant to adjournment on April 25, 2023. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT WERE: Bender, Beninga, Bleyenberg, Karsky, and Kippley. Also present were Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder, and Eric Bogue, Chief Civil Deputy State's Attorney.
MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Beninga, to approve the agenda. 5 ayes
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Karsky, seconded by Bleyenberg, to approve the consent agenda. By roll call vote: 5 ayes. The consent agenda includes the following items:
Commission Meeting Minutes for April 25, 2023
Bills to be Paid $821,829.38
3200 RUSSELL LLC Motels $600, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Lease-Rental Agreement $353.65, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Maintenance Contracts $420.68, A-1 PUMPING & EXCAVA Tea-Ellis Range $340, AARON GEORGE PROPERT Motels $695, AIRWAY SERVICE INC Automotive/Small Equipment $238.15, AIRWAY SERVICE INC Gas Oil & Diesel $55.17, ALPINE REAL ESTATE Welfare Rent $802.5, AMERICAN FENCE COMPA JDC Maintenance $1370, AMERICAN SOCIETY Program Activities $96, ANDERSON, JENNIFER Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $2713.28, ANDERSON, LEAH Business Travel $258.55, ANGEL, EDWARD P Attorney Fees $1579.08, ARCADIA PUBLISHING I Store Inventory $297.88, AUTOMATIC BUILDING C Contract Services $5345.75, AUTOMATIC BUILDING C Maintenance Contracts $1304, AVERA MCKENNAN Attorney Fees $3500, AVERA MCKENNAN Hospitals $11127.66, AVERA MCKENNAN Professional Services $464.7, AXIS FORENSIC TOXICO Lab Costs $742, BARNETT LEWIS FUNERA Burials $2000, BOB BARKER COMPANY I Inmate Supplies $1910.45, BOB BARKER COMPANY I Kitchen/Cleaning Supplies $70.35, BOSMAN, JOSEPH Uniform Allowance $131.25, BRAUN, MASON Investigators Expenses $190.74, BRIDGEWOOD I LTD PAR Welfare Rent $7626.4, BURNS, JASON Investigators Expenses $125.97, CANFIELD BUSINESS IN Furniture & Office Equipment $35656.74, CDW GOVERNMENT Data Processing Equipment $291.28, CENTER FOR FAMILY ME Professional Services $1494.73, CENTURY BUSINESS PRO Maintenance Contracts $545.11, CHAGOLLA, ALBERT Interpreters $50, CHAPEL HILL FUNERAL Burials $4500, CHEMDRY OF SIOUX FAL Building Repairs & Maintenance $281, CORRECTIONAL MEDICAL Contract Services $359740.99, DAKOTA LAW FIRM PROF Child Defense Attorney $1812.1, DAKOTA POINTE APARTM Welfare Rent $1338, DALSIN INC JDC Maintenance $895.5, DAVISON MOTORCARS LL Automobiles $31953, DECASTRO LAW OFFICE Attorney Fees $8892.9, DELL RAPIDS COMMUNIT Transportation $350, DEMATTEO LAW FIRM Child Defense Attorney $252.5, DOCUSIGN INC Subscriptions $2028.68, DRESSLER, MIKE Welfare Rent $3435, DULUTH Welfare Rent $1185, DUST TEX SERVICE INC Janitorial Chemical Supplies $23.16, ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO I Data Processing Supplies $759.44, FAMILY SERVICE INC Insurance-Other Costs $140, G & R CONTROLS INC Heat, Vent & AC Repairs $458, GALLS QUARTERMASTER Safety & Rescue Equipment $133.25, GALLS QUARTERMASTER Uniform Allowance $94.81, GIRTON ADAMS Heat, Vent & AC Repairs $114.22, GOLDEN WEST Telephone $69.95, GOURLEY, PAUL & KARE Welfare Rent $1890, GRAINGER Heat, Vent & AC Repairs $161.21, GUZMAN, SANDRA V Interpreters $60, HYVEE ACCOUNTS RECEI Pharmacies $97.18, INNOVATIVE OFFICE SO Furniture & Office Equipment $70.31, INNOVATIVE OFFICE SO Janitorial Chemical Supplies $1291.8, INTEK Contract Services $2031.76, INTERLAKES COMMUNITY Miscellaneous Expense $2040, INTERSTATE ALL BATTE Automotive/Small Equipment $190.94, INTERSTATE OFFICE PR Office Supplies $38.12, JCL SOLUTIONS Inmate Supplies $1164, JCL SOLUTIONS Kitchen/Cleaning Supplies $1964.32, JERKE, HEIDI Business Travel $134, JUSTIN VYN Sign Deposits $50, KENNEDY, RENEE S Court Reporters $561.25, KNBE Welfare Rent $1385, KNECHT, ANDREW J Attorney Fees $985.2, KOLETZKY LAW OFFICE Attorney Fees $214, KURITA AMERICA HOLDI Heat, Vent & AC Repairs $530.17, LILLA, CHRIS Taxable Meal Allowances $14, LILLA, CHRIS Work Mileage $58.14, LISA CARLSON REPORTI Court Reporters $1455, LOCKWOOD & ZAHRBOCK Attorney Fees $4922.91, LOCKWOOD & ZAHRBOCK Child Defense Attorney $2710.8, LOPEZ, REBECA Interpreters $375, LOVING, PHILIP Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $3006.71, MARK KRIENS Taxable Meal Allowances $46, MCGOVERN, MIKE Business Travel $82, MEDSTAR PARAMEDIC IN Transportation $4400, MENARD INC Program Activities $905.37, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY C Natural Gas $2631.01, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY C Welfare Utilities $420, MIDCONTINENT COMMUNI Amounts Held For Others $140.39, MILLER, KYLE Welfare Rent $812, MONROE SYSTEMS FOR B Office Supplies $67.04, NICHOLE CARPER Attorney Fees $763.5, OLSON LAW FIRM LLC Attorney Fees $3051.88, OLSON, DAWN Court Reporters $1629.2, OVERHEAD DOOR COMPAN Jail Repairs & Maintenance $239.8, PENNING, LESLIE A Bd Exp Fees (Minnehaha) $880, PENNINGTON COUNTY Extradition & Evidence $4722.75, PIEDMONT PLASTICS Program Activities $2136, PIONEER ENTERPRISES Burials $4500, PRICE, THOMAS L Attorney Fees $3360, QUALIFIED PRESORT SE Postage $154.85, R&L SUPPLY LTD Plumbing & Welding $3.68, RAMKOTA HOTEL Business Travel $232, RESOLUTE LAW FIRM IN Attorney Fees $308.5, RINGING SHIELD,NICHO Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $715, RISTY, MAXINE J Court Reporters $1231.8, ROTOROOTER Outside Repair $225, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH Other Supplies $159.34, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH Professional Services $82.08, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH Safe Home Donations $119.72, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH Security Equipment $269.88, SCHAUNAMAN, KURT Business Travel $88, SCILAWFORENSICS LTD Professional Services $3500, SIOUX FALLS CITY Welfare Utilities $399.84, SIOUX FALLS FORD INC Automotive/Small Equipment $701.76, SLEEP INN SIOUX FALL Motels $716.95, SOUTHEASTERN BEHAVIO Miscellaneous Expense $49921.25, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Daily Scram $4121, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Remote Breath $627, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Education & Training $700, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Lab Costs $40, STEWART TITLE COMPAN Professional Services $75, STREICHERS INC Other Supplies $377.99, STREICHERS INC Uniform Allowance $1041.98, STREICHERS INC Volunteer Pers Items $333.74, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Board Of Prisoners-Meals $106455.76, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Child Care Food $1060.15, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Inmate Supplies $450.17, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE School Lunch Program $2393.4, TAFOLLA, MIRANDA RAE Court Reporters $682.5, TENNAPEL Welfare Rent $2830, THE LODGE AT DEADWOO Business Travel $756, THOMPSON, DAVID J Welfare Rent $5580, TOMACELLI'S TOO Jury Fees $148.82, TOWER OF DAVID Welfare Rent $288, TRANE Heat, Vent & AC Repairs $333.42, TRANE JDC Maintenance $173.45, TRI-STATE NURSING Professional Services $6801.9, TRIANGLE PROPERTIES Welfare Rent $500, TSCHETTER & ADAMS LA Child Defense Attorney $596.63, TWO WAY SOLUTIONS IN Communication Equipment Repair $39.98, TZADIK SIOUX FALLS P Welfare Rent $3231, UNITED RENTALS INC Grounds & Parking Repair $1561.44, UNIVERSITY AND INDUS Misc Revenue $300, US FOODS INC Professional Services $979.1, VB FALLS PARK LIMITE Welfare Rent $483, VB FALLS TERRACE Welfare Rent $957, VITAL RECORDS Records Storage $4141.01, VOGEL MOTORS LLC Automotive/Small Equipment $72, VOGEL MOTORS LLC Gas Oil & Diesel $114, WALTON, MARCUS Attorney Fees $2071.3, WHITTIER APARTMENTS Welfare Rent $276, XCEL ENERGY Electricity $49326.37, XCEL ENERGY INC Welfare Utilities $3987.29, YANKTON COUNTY Return Of Service $50.
The following reports were received and placed on file in the Auditor's Office:
Public Advocate Annual Report for 2022
Juvenile Detention Report for February, 2023
Routine Personnel Actions
New Hires
1. Jeffrey Watkins, seasonal Laborer for the Highway Department, at $17.50/hour effective 5/1/2023.
2. John Duprey, seasonal Park Worker for the Parks Department, at $17.50/hour effective 5/1/2023.
3. Shawna Goldammer, seasonal Planner/Code Enforcement Officer for the Planning Department, at $24.00/hour effective 5/10/2023.
4. Alicia Lanoue, Legal Office Assistant for the Public Defender's Office, at $20.81/hour (10/2) effective 5/1/2023.
Promotions
1. To temporarily promote Cody Schmoyer, Corporal to Sergeant for the Jail, at $35.84/hour (20/3) effective 4/29/2023.
2. To promote Sara Rohde, Records Technician to Senior Records Technician for the Register of Deeds, at $22.98/hour (12/2) effective 4/29/2023.
3. To promote Tricia McKee, Senior Records Technician to Administrative Records Specialist for the Register of Deeds, at $34/11/hour (14/13) effective 4/29/2023.
Steps Increases
1. Jason McCubbin, Maintenance Project Coordinator for the Highway Department, at $30.15/hour (16/4) effective 5/13/2023.
2. Jake Henckel, Computer Support Technician for the Information Technology Department, at $29.41/hour (16/3) effective 4/11/2023.
3. Justin Conlon, Correctional Officer for the Jail, at $25.37/hour (14/2) effective 4/2/2023.
4. Benjamin Green, Correctional Officer for the Jail, at $27.31/hour (14/4) effective 4/2/2023.
5. Julie Ladwig, Correctional Officer for the Jail, at $34.11/hour (14/13) effective 4/2/2023.
6. Ronald Figg, Corporal for the Jail, at $31.67/hour (17/4) effective 4/2/2023.
7. Kyle Johnson, Corporal for the Jail, at $31.67/hour (17/4) effective 3/10/2023.
8. Tyler Eaton, Paralegal for the Public Defender's Office, at $29.41/hour (16/3) effective 4/2/2023.
Special Personnel Action Requests
1. To promote Elise Rasmussen to Deputy State's Attorney in the State's Attorney's Office at $3,325.60/biweekly (22/2) effective 5/13/2023.
To record significant employee anniversaries for May, 2023: 5 years-Holly Schleuter; 10 years-Vincent Fluckey; 15 years-Jennifer Adix, Angela Boeckholt, Benjamin Devlin; 20 years-Phillip Leidholt, Paavo Rasmussen.
To record volunteers in County Departments for April, 2023. This list is on file at Human Resources.
Abatement Applications Recommended for Approval by Department of Equalization
Notice of Disinterment Permit Issued by South Dakota Department of Health for the Remains of Jerome Nicolay
Items within Policy Guidelines
Declare Office Furniture as Surplus for Disposal for the following departments: Treasurer, State’s Attorney, Equalization, Commission, and Auditor.
PLANNING & ZONING NOTICE
Scott Anderson, Planning Director, gave the first reading and requested authorization for the Auditor to publish a Notice of Hearing to consider revisions to the 1990 Revised Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County related to the regulation of transmission pipelines. MOTION by Karsky, seconded by Kippley, to authorize the Auditor to publish a Notice of the Public Hearing at or after 9:00 a.m. on May 23, 2023, to consider an amendment to the 1990 Revised Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County. 5 ayes.
AGREEMENTS
Upon the request of Steve Groen, Highway Superintendent, MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Beninga, to authorize the Chair to sign the construction administration agreement with Civil Design Inc. for Project MC20-14 Structure 50-272-030 Replacement with an amount not to exceed $76,302.11. 5 ayes.
Upon the request of Steve Groen, Highway Superintendent, MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to authorize the Chair to sign the final design agreement with Civil Design Inc. for Project MC20-13 Structure 50-237-120 replacement with an amount not to exceed $52,640.00. 5 ayes.
Upon the request of Steve Groen, Highway Superintendent, MOTION by Karsky, seconded by Kippley, to authorize the Chair to sign the final design agreement with Civil Design Inc. for design of Project MC23-10 Structure 50-197-100 Rehab with an amount not to exceed $58,392.45. 5 ayes.
PRESENTATION
Amanda Halsey, Register of Deeds, gave a briefing on the Register of Deeds Office. As the official records office of the county, the office records, maintains, and archives many different land and personal property records along with the issuance of birth, death, and marriage records as well as the issuance of marriage licenses. The Register of Deeds office provides revenue for the county through the collection of transfer fees, recording fees, copy fees, and the issuance of marriage licenses. In 2022, the office recorded over 31,000 documents affecting real estate, sold 1,723 marriage licenses, and issued over 23,000 copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates. Register of Deeds Halsey went on to highlight the fee structure that is used by the office along with how the fees are split. Some of the active projects that are happening are the digitization of recordings from old books, integration of new and more efficient recording software, and e-recording.
POLICY UPDATE
Leah Anderson, Auditor, presented an update to the public use policy. The current policy is vague regarding the specifications of designated areas where political activity can take place. There has been an increase in the political activities on campus and there is a need to have better control over where these activities can take place. There have been times when petition signature collectors are inside the vestibule area, which creates a traffic flow problem. The updated policy would allow public use outside of the Minnehaha County Courthouse and Administration Building with areas being designated where political activity is permitted. Finally, the updated policy addresses the contact that is expected during political activity. MOTION by Karsky, seconded by Kippley, to approve an update to the limited public use policy. 5 ayes.
PRESENTATION
Julie Hofer, Public Advocate, gave a briefing on the Office of Public Advocate and highlighted the following areas: 2022 caseload, cost savings to the County, and technology and court location changes. The presentation also provided a detailed breakdown of the Public Advocate caseload as well as an overview of the workload of the office.
Traci Smith, Public Defender, gave a briefing on the Office of the Public Defender and highlighted the following areas: how Minnehaha County manages Indigent Defense, background of public defense, and the procedure for requesting counsel. The presentation also provided information on the Public Defender Advisory Board. The following goals were accomplished over the past year: continued collaboration with various stakeholders, improving the role of defense counsel in Problem Solving Courts, and the Annex Remodel. Public Defender Smith went on to highlight the strategies and commitments for the office and provided some financial highlights. Finally, the presentation provided some items that are going to work on in the future, including to prioritize non-incarcerable programs that respect the dignity and humanity of our clients, expand efforts to encourage employee well-being, identify & reduce barriers & inequities that result in disproportionate jail stays & case processing delays, and examine current defense mode to ensure it is conducive to the growing needs of Minnehaha County.
OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Bob Kolbe, Sioux Falls, spoke about the storage of various historical documents.
COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORTS
Commissioner Kippley reported on a recent meeting on Courthouse Safety and tour with Highway Superintendent Groen regarding various highway projects.
Commissioner Bleyenberg reported on a recent meeting with Minnehaha County 4-H and meetings regarding juvenile justice.
NON-ACTION
COMMISSION DISCUSSION
Steve Groen, Highway Superintendent, reported on the recent annual training that was held for the Highway Department.
Tyler Klatt, Assistant Commission Administrative Officer, reported on the upcoming Minnehaha County Bus Tour on May 9, 2023.
MOTION by Karsky, seconded by Bleyenberg, to recess from 10:17 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. 5 ayes
MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bleyenberg, to enter into Executive Session pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1), (3), and (4). 5 ayes.
MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Karsky, to adjourn. 5 ayes.
The Commission adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 16th, 2023.
APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION:
Jean Bender
Chair
ATTEST:
Kym Christiansen
Commission Recorder
Published once at the total approximate cost of $221.73 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 5-11-23-1tc
NOTICE OF HEARING ON AMENDED PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME AND ALTERATION OF BIRTH RECORDS
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) IN CIRCUIT COURT
:SS COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA) SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF
DOMINIC EDWARD JOHNSTON-STEWART,
A MINOR CHILD.
49CIV. 22-3123
NOTICE OF HEARING ON AMENDED PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME AND ALTERATION OF BIRTH RECORDS
Darcy Mia Johnston, natural mother and guardian of Dominic Edward Johnston-Stewart, a minor child, has filed a petition to change the name of Dominic Edward Johnston-Stewart to Dominic Edward Johnston and to alter his name on his birth records. Please take notice that a hearing on the Amended Petition for Change of Name and Alteration of Birth Records will be brought on for hearing before a Circuit Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit, County of Minnehaha, State of South Dakota, at the courtroom in the Minnehaha County Courthouse, Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, on Tuesday, the 30th day of May, 2023 at the hour of 11:00 A.M. or as soon thereafter as this matter may be heard.
Dated this 10th day of March, 2023.
JOHNSON, JANKLOW & ABDALLAH, L.L.P.
BY Kimberly J. Lanham
Kimberly J. Lanham
P.O. Box 2348
Sioux Falls, SD 57101-2348
(605) 338-4304
Email:
Attorneys for Petitioner
Published four times at the total approximate cost of $65.17 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 4-20-4Tc
FACT OF ADOPTION
An ordinance amending Ordinance MC16-90, the 1990 Revised Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County.
The Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance 16-178-23 on April 25, 2023. This ordinance amended Ordinance MC16-90, the 1990 Revised Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County by rezoning the properties legally described as: Tract 4 Oyen’s Addition W1⁄2 NE1⁄4 Section 1 T103N-R50W, Minnehaha County, SD from the A-1 Agriculture District to the C Commercial District and the official zoning map referred to in Article 2.03 is amended to include the properties in the C Commercial Zoning District.
The entire ordinance is on file in the office of the County Auditor and available for inspection during regular business hours.
- Leah Anderson, County Auditor
Published twice at the total approximate cost of $19.17 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 5-4-23-2tc
NOTICE OF HEARING
Notice is hereby given that at a Joint meeting of the Minnehaha County and City of Sioux Falls Planning Commissions to be held at 7:00 p.m. on May 22, 2023 in the Commission Room of the County Administration Building, 415 N Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD, there will be a public hearing to consider the following amendments to the Revised Joint Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls.
REZONE from the A1-Agricultural District to Mapleton Golf Planned Development District, property legally described as the S½ SE¼ (Ex. Laurel Ridge Addition & H-1) of Section 23 T102N-R49W & the N½ NE¼ (Ex. A Triangle Section Beginning in the SW Corner Extending 680’ N & 680’ E) of Section 26 T102N-R49W & the SE¼ NE¼ of Section 26 T102N-R49W & the SW¼ NW¼ of Section 25 T102N-R49W, Minnehaha County, SD.
All interested persons may appear and be heard. Meeting Assistance: Accommodations for meetings will be provided for persons with disabilities upon request. Please contact the County Commission Office at (605) 367-4206 (Voice or TDD) 24 hours in advance of the meeting.
Dated: April 26, 2023
Leah Anderson, County Auditor
Published twice at the total approximate cost of $26.20 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 5-4-23-2tc
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO TAKE TAX DEED and NOTICE THAT RIGHT OF REDEMPTION WILL EXPIRE AND TAX DEED ISSUE.
TO: Robert Fenderson Jr. the owners of record of the hereinafter described real property, and in whose name the property is taxed; Finance Office, City of Sioux Falls; Accounts Management Inc.; and to any other interested person pursuant to SDCL Ch. 10-25.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the following described real property situated in the County of Minnehaha, State of South Dakota, to wit:
Parcel # 40074
LEGAL ADDRESS: Lots 5 and 6 in Block 68 of Meredith's Second Addition to Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, according to the recorded plat thereof.
was sold to Minnehaha County for taxes then due and delinquent for the year 2012 at tax sale, on December 16th, 2013 by the Treasurer of Minnehaha County, South Dakota for the sum of the unpaid real property taxes assessed against the property for the year 2012 plus penalty, interest and costs. That Minnehaha County, South Dakota, is now the lawful owner and holder of tax sale certificate No. 1640
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, That the right of redemption of said real property from said tax sale will expire sixty days from the date of the completed service of this notice as provided by law, and that unless redemption is made from said tax sale at the Office of the Minnehaha County Treasurer prior to the expiration of such time, a tax deed will be made and issued by the Minnehaha County Treasurer to Minnehaha County.
The said tax then due and delinquent with interest and costs accrued and in addition thereto, the cost of service of this notice by personal service or publication, attorney's fees and cost of affidavit, costs of record search, together with such interest as may accrue after this date, which must be paid in order to redeem.
Dated this 23 th day of March, 2023
innehaha County, South Dakota Owner of tax sale certificate
Kris Swanson
Treasurer
Minnehaha County
Published twice at the total approximate cost of $40.26 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 5-4-23-2tc
NOTICE OF HEARING
Notice is hereby given that on May 23, 2023 at or after 9:00 a.m. the Minnehaha County Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to consider the following amendments to MC16-90, the 1990 Revised Zoning Ordinance for Minnehaha County. Such hearing will be part of the regularly scheduled meeting to be held in the Commission Meeting Room of the County Administration Building, 415 N Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD.
ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS related to the following:
Article 3.03 – A-1 Agriculture District – to add Transmission Pipeline as a permitted special use
Article 4.03 – RR Rural Residential District – to add Transmission Pipeline as a permitted special use
Article 5.03 – R-1 Residential District – to add Transmission Pipeline as a permitted special use
Article 6.03 – C Commercial District – to add Transmission Pipeline as a permitted special use
Article 7.03 – I-1 Light Industrial District – to add Transmission Pipeline as a permitted special use
Article 8.03 – I-2 General Industrial District – to add Transmission Pipeline as permitted special use
Article 9.03 – RC Recreation/Conservation District - to add Transmission Pipeline as a permitted special use
Article 12 – Additional Use Regulations – to add subsection 18 – Transmission Pipelines
Article 24.05 – Fees – to add a fee for Transmission Pipeline
Article 26.02 – Definitions – to add a definitions for Gas Pipeline, Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Facility, Regulated Substance, and Transmission Pipeline
All interested persons may appear and be heard.
Meeting Assistance: Accommodations for meetings will be provided for persons with disabilities upon request. Please contact the County Commission Office at (605) 367-4206 (Voice or TDD) 24 hours in advance of the meeting.
Dated: April 25, 2023
Published once at the total approximate cost of $21.65 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 5-11-23-1tc
Minutes of the Town of Sherman for May 2, 2023
May 2 ,2023
The Sherman Town Board met in regular session Tuesday May 2 @ 7:30pm
Members Present: Lee Ellis, Gerry Karpen, Darren Trower and Cheryl Swenson
Others Present: Blake Kluenberg, Trace Fisher, Kayla Perez, Kristy Trower and Dawn Williams.
Ellis called the meeting to order.
Routine Business:
Approval of the agenda- Motion by Karpen to approve the agenda, 2nd by Trower-all ayes, motion carried.
Minutes of the April 4, 2023 meeting were read—Karpen made a motion to approve the minutes, 2nd by Trower—all Ayes, motion carried.
The Treasurer’s report was read—Karpen made a motion to approve the Treasurers report as read, 2nd by Trower—all Ayes, motion carried
Claims Approved to be paid:
Minnehaha Community Water $50.00 water, Garretson Gazette $21.41 for March minutes, $9.23 for notice of equalization meeting, $298.20 for Annual Report, Xcel Energy $53.12 for town hall lights, $423.70 for street lights, $36.97 for park lights, Palisades Propane $287.91 for propane, Jesse James $91.92 gas for snowplow,
Old Business:
1. Town Clean-up Days- will be May 12, 2023, two dumpsters will be brought in.
2. Special meeting for Mike’s Bars Malt Beverage License—Karpen made a motion to approve the renewal of Mike’s Malt Beverage License, 2nd by Trower—all ayes, motion carried
New Business:
1. Gravel—Karpen made a motion to order 6 loads of gravel for Michigan Ave and up to 3 loads of gravel for 1st street for a total of 9 loads, 2nd by Trower—all ayes, motion carried.
2. Dust control—Ellis stated he talked to every resident on Zeliff Ave about putting down dust control substance on Zeliff Ave and all the residents are going in on the cost of putting the dust control substance on and wanted to know if the city would like to go in on it since they have property on Zeliff Ave—the cost will be $265.00 per participant. Ellis excused himself from the vote. Karpen made a motion to participate in the dust control being put down, 2nd by Trower—2 ayes, motion carried.
3. Trace Fisher—Trace presented the board with drawings of building he is planning on putting up. It will be in two stages over a 4 year period. Karpen will look it over for zoning regulations and get back to Fisher.
4. Swear in new Trustee—Dawn Williams was sworn in as new Trustee.
5. Appoint new President: Trower made a motion for Karpen to be President, 2nd by Williams—all ayes, motion carried.
Karpen made a motion to adjourn, 2nd by Trower—all ayes. Next regular meeting will be June 6, 2023 @7:30 pm. Cheryl Swenson Town Clerk
Published once at the total approximate cost of $28.12 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 5-11-23-1tc NOTICE OF
INTENTION TO TAKE TAX DEED and NOTICE THAT RIGHT OF REDEMPTION WILL EXPIRE AND TAX DEED ISSUE.
TO: The Unknown Personal Representatives, Heirs, Devisees and Legatees Donald D Graf, deceased, & Barbara S Graf, deceased, the owners of record of the hereinafter described real property, and in whose name the property is taxed; Any Person in Possession of the herein described real property; Finance Officer, City of Soux Falls; State of South Dakota, Department of Social Services, Office of Recoveries and Investigations; and to any other interested person pursuant to SDCL Ch. 10-25:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the following described real property situated in the County of Minnehaha, State of South Dakota, to wit:
Parcel # 45696
LEGAL ADDRESS: Lot 8 in Block 2 of Schiller Park Addition to the City of Sioux Falls, according to the recorded plat thereof, was sold to Minnehaha County for taxes then due and delinquent for the year 2011 at tax sale, on December 17th, 2012 by the Treasurer of Minnehaha County, South Dakota for the sum of the unpaid real property taxes assessed against the property for the year 2011 plus penalty, interest and costs. That Minnehaha County, South Dakota, is now the lawful owner and holder of tax sale certificate No. 1265.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, That the right of redemption of said real property from said tax sale will expire sixty days from the date of the completed service of this notice as provided by law, and that unless redemption is made from said tax sale at the Office of the Minnehaha County Treasurer prior to the expiration of such time, a tax deed will be made and issued by the Minnehaha County Treasurer to Minnehaha County.
The said tax then due and delinquent with interest and costs accrued and in addition thereto, the cost of service of this notice by personal service or publication and cost of affidavit, costs of record search, together with such interest as may accrue after this date, which must be paid in order to redeem.
Dated this 28th Day of February, 2023
Minnehaha County, South Dakota Owner of tax sale certificate
Kris Swanson
Treasurer
Minnehaha County
Published twice at the total approximate cost of $47.29 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 5-11-23-2tc
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO TAKE TAX DEED and NOTICE THAT RIGHT OF REDEMPTION WILL EXPIRE AND TAX DEED ISSUE.
TO: The Unknown Personal Representatives, Heirs and Legatees of Jean Quinlivan-Smith, deceased, the owners of record of the hereinafter described real property, and in whose name the property is taxed, Any Person in Possession of the herin described real property; Finance Officer, City of Sioux Falls; AAA Collections, Inc.; Rushmore Service Center; State Tax Lien; and to any other interested person pursuant to SDCL Ch. 10-25
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the following described real property situated in the County of Minnehaha, State of South Dakota, to wit:
Parcel # 044803
LEGAL ADDRESS The East Half (El/2) of Lot 6 in Block 4 of Rogers Subdivision in the Southeast
Quarter (SEI/4) of Section 28, Township 102 North, Range 49 West of the 5th P.M., Minnehaha County, South Dakota, according to the recorded plat thereof was sold to Minnehaha County for taxes then due and delinquent for the year 2014 at tax sale, on December 21st, 2015 by the Treasurer of Minnehaha County, South Dakota for the sum of the unpaid real property taxes assessed against the property for the year 2014 plus penalty, interest and costs. That Minnehaha County, South Dakota, is now the lawful owner and holder of tax sale certificate No.14-01324
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, That the right of redemption of said real property from said tax sale will expire sixty days from the date of the completed service of this notice as provided by law, and that unless redemption is made from said tax sale at the Office of the Minnehaha County Treasurer prior to the expiration of such time, a tax deed will be made and issued by the Minnehaha County Treasurer to Minnehaha County.
The said tax then due and delinquent with interest and costs accrued and in addition thereto, the cost of service of this notice by personal service or publication, and cost of affidavit, costs of record search, together with such interest as may accrue after this date, which must be paid in order to redeem.
Dated this 20th day of March, 2023
Minnehaha County, South Dakota Owner of tax sale certificate
Kris Swanson
Treasurer
Minnehaha County
Published twice at the total approximate cost of $47.29 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 5-11-23-2tc
