Saturday’s Junior-Senior Prom was dubbed “Casino,” and had a very Las Vegas-geared theme, with blackjack cards, a roulette table, and poker chips as part of the decor.
Perfect form: Adair Hanisch (right) and her date Cole Rozenboom of Hills chose to wear matching sneakers as part of their outfits.Brecken Weir & Raegen AltmanTreyton Decker & Morgan Damman (photo by Angie Bly)Photo by Angie Bly
The day after the Junior-Senior Prom, Blue Dragon Academy held a Day with a Princess and Superhero dance for the younger crowd to celebrate the opening of the new expansion. Youth and their “dates” had fun with balloons and dancing.
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SIOUX FALLS – This week, Bob Thimjon, the chairman of the county’s Financial Action Network presented Minnehaha County Commissioners with seven recommendations for financial moves they believed should be taken.
The committee, which previously met in 2017, is made up of 10 area business and accounting professionals (four returning members), along with four county government officials.
Starting last December, the group was tasked with analyzing the county budget data to provide guidance on goals approved by the commission.
Thimjon went over the recommendations made by this team, which mainly focused on how future budgeting and opt-outs should be handled.
As to budgeting the Financial Action Network offered that the county should implement more of a “buffer” that would include a “targeted end-of-the-year reserve.”
Thimjon emphasized that for the past few years, the county has had the benefit of $6 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds, but he warned that they will dry up soon, and that the county has to be ready with future plans.
And the first recommendation of the FAN was that the county needs to develop a five-year forecast for budgeting.
Bob Thimjon, chairman of the Minnehaha County Financial Awareness Network, presented the recommendations of that committee to county commissioners on Tuesday, April 3. (Photo by Baumeister)
They feel that to get the money to operate, the county may need to implement opt-outs for each of those five years, and the forecast would help them determine exactly what is needed.
Thimjon added that the group felt the county should have an “opt-out strategy” that would help educate the public on the need of any opt-out, as well as where that money will be spent.
He also stressed they should ask for more incremental opt-outs to reduce the burden on taxpayers.
As another recommendation, the committee suggested the county keep reserve funds, specifically calling for a three-month cushion in the budget.
And along with the five-year forecast plan, they felt Minnehaha County needs to develop five-year capital expense plans to better plan for needed future building projects.
But overall, even though they had suggestions, Thimjon said the committee felt they couldn’t find an “inefficient area that was just glaring.”
“We think Minnehaha County is being very well run, and they are efficient for the taxpayers.”
April proclamations
Toward the beginning of the meeting, the commission voted to sign three proclamations for later this month.
April 9-15 was recognized as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week recognizing all of those that represent the first line of first responders who field calls in emergency situations.
Commissioner Dean Karsky said he was happy to recognize this group, as they don’t get the “closure” that others get.
“They get very intense phone calls, but they have to pass them on. It is a difficult job; challenging job, and they definitely don’t get the credit they deserve,” he said.
The second proclamation was read by Human Resources Director Carey Deaver for Volunteers Week.
The week of April 16-22 brings recognition to the 213 (average) monthly volunteers, who by giving their time, allows the county to operate at that efficient level Thimjon spoke of.
The proclamation pointed out how volunteers help save Minnehaha County tens of thousands of dollars annually.
The final proclamation recognized April 16-22 as National Work Zone Awareness Week.
County Highway Superintendent Steve Groen said that, nationally, there were 774 work zone fatalities last year, and another 44,000 injuries.
A major purpose of the week is to remind drivers to slow down around work zones and be alert.
The next county commission meeting will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, on the third floor of the Minnehaha County Administration Building at 6th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls.
MidAmerican Energy’s 6% natural gas rate increase in South Dakota will be rolled back to 5.4%.
The over 100,000 South Dakotans who get natural gas from the company can expect the change to take effect in May. The rate change will affect commercial customers as well as residential.
MidAmerican proposed the 6% increase last May. The Public Utilities Commission and its staff had six months to investigate and make a decision before the company temporarily implemented the rate increase in November, but the three-member commission did not declare its decision in that timeframe.
The commission subsequently had another six months to make a retroactive decision, but meanwhile, the requested rate went into effect as an “interim rate hike.” That’s something the Public Utilities Commission describes as standard procedure.
“We do receive some criticism on, ‘Can’t you get this done within this period of time?’” Commissioner Gary Hanson said during Tuesday’s hearing. “People simply don’t appreciate the amount of work that goes into these.”
The reduced rate hike of 5.4% was reached through discussions among the company, PUC staff and a MidAmerican customer, Steve Wegman, whose standing as a formal intervenor in the rate case allowed him to participate in the process. Customers can expect refunds to make up for the extra portion of the higher temporary increase that’s already been collected.
Commissioner Kristie Fiegen said the rate hike is primarily due to safety investments in southeastern South Dakota, like replacing old steel infrastructure.
Public Utilities Commission adviser Greg Rislov asked MidAmerican if the company is requesting a rate hike in other states. “The answer is no,” replied a MidAmerican spokesperson.
As part of the new rate-increase agreement, MidAmerican cannot request another rate adjustment for three years.
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.
GHS Athlete Hunter Abraham has committed to play football at Northwestern. He officially signed with them on Friday, March 24. -Photo by Kelsey Buchholz
The Garretson 6th grade girls ended their season in the Harrisburg Big Sioux Youth Basketball Season (BSYB) on March 25th. The year was full of hard-fought, close games. The season consisted of ten games with all but one of those decided by more than single digits. The wins were close and even the lone regular season loss was a difference of just three points.
The girls finished the BSYB regular season with only one loss giving them the top seed going into the year-end tournament. With so many close games throughout the season, the title of champion was bound to be up for grabs. Securing a first round bye as top seed, the girls faced a much-improved Harrisburg team in the second round. Harrisburg’s tough defense stifled the girl’s scoring ability, and the team came up short. Although the Dragon girls didn’t end the tournament the way they wanted, they had a very successful season and so much to be proud of.
Picture Left to Right, starting in the back row. Coach Jill Schwebach, Brynlee Stiefvater, Brenna Smith, Brooklyn Schwebach, Haylee Rotert. Front row left to right; Ava Peters, Sahara Millwood, Annalise Hoeck, Harper Hanisch, Harper Andera. Not pictured – Assistant Coach Chad Hanisch. (photo submitted)
Beyond the BSYB season, the girls added two other non-league tournaments in Baltic and Hills-Beaver Creek. They came away from Baltic with a 1st Place finish and Hills-Beaver Creek with one loss.
The girls have worked hard and improved so much over the years. One of the most impressive attributes of the team this season was how much they grew as a “TEAM”. Every player contributed scoring points, rebounding, assists, and steals. It was evident they understood the team wins and loses together and they accomplish more with unselfish play.
Thank you to Coach Jill Schwebach for giving of her time this season and past seasons!
Thank you and congratulations to the 6th Grade Girls for a great season! We all look forward to what you will accomplish both on and off the court.
County governments serve a unique role in the infrastructure of South Dakota local government. Where the State is the body, counties serve as the arms and legs carrying out a number of directives mandated by the State. Counties are required to issue important documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates, walking in stride with our citizens throughout significant landmarks of their lives. These services are vital but they come with a cost. In fiscal year 2023, 88% of the county’s budgeted general fund expenses were driven by providing services the state requires counties to fund. In Minnehaha County, our most significant focus and expense comes from public safety. Nearly 70% of County expenses are driven by public safety, which includes law enforcement, courts, and legal.
Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for Minnehaha County. When you pay your property taxes, Minnehaha County has the unenviable responsibility of being the organization that you write your check to. However, a small portion of that check actually stays with the County. The majority of your property tax payment, typically around 80%, is sent out to the school districts, cities, townships, and various other taxing entities. State law limits the amount of increase in property taxes to either 3 percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. In an economic environment that is consistently feeling the pressures of 6 percent inflation, it is a challenge for county revenue to keep up with expenses.
Recognizing that Minnehaha County is limited in revenue opportunities and obligated to pay certain expenses, Minnehaha County assembled a Financial Action Network (FAN) in 2017 to consider these unique challenges. This group consisted of a number of business, accounting, and finance professionals who gave guidance to the Commission on financial preparation for the next five years. In December 2022, the Commission restarted the FAN with the same mission, help Minnehaha position itself to be financially successful for the next five years.
The FAN has created a final report for the Commission outlining their recommendations for the county. These recommendations range from strategic budgeting using a five-year forecast to continuing to think creatively about solving problems in the most efficient and economical way.
I’m thankful this group was able to meet and provide their valuable time to helping our County. Their recommendations will be an important resource as we craft budgets over the next five years.
Garretson has a new champion in the form of a big tree; Minnehaha County commissioners suggest the CO2 pipeline companies should be responsible for outfitting emergency responders in the case of a potential leak; and the Garretson School Board received its first change order for the Athletic Complex and netted some extra savings. Plus, two formal dances were held this last weekend, the 6th grade girls basketball season went well, and a partial rollback of natural gas price increases was decided by the PUC last week, plus more!
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Garretson has a new champion in the form of a big tree; Minnehaha County commissioners suggest the CO2 pipeline companies should be responsible for outfitting emergency responders in the case of a potential leak; and the Garretson School Board received its first change order for the Athletic Complex and netted some extra savings. Plus, two formal dances were held this last weekend, the 6th grade girls basketball season went well, and a partial rollback of natural gas price increases was decided by the PUC last week, plus more!
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The new expansion at Blue Dragon Academy is officially opening this week, and to celebrate, area youth and their "dates" will be heading to Blue Dragon Academy for a Day with a Princess and Superhero dance.
BDA Student Ethan Morgan eating lunch in the new lunchroom and rockin’ a sweet Iron Man shirt.
Mother/son, father/daughter, and grandparent/grandchild pairs are encouraged to participate in this fun event, which will benefit the new expansion on the Blue Dragon Academy building.
"We've been so blessed with how this has all come together," said Garretson Childcare Corporation board member Kris Frerk. "I have spent a lot of time in prayer."
The 4,000-square-foot addition is having a soft opening this week, as the finishing touches are put in adjoining rooms and items are moved into the new addition. Blue Dragon Academy students enjoyed their first meal in the common room on Tuesday, showcasing the separate space for meals, a larger play area, and a place where the community will be invited to gather.
"We're always looking for volunteers," said Frerk. "Folks to rock babies, to help with meal prep, and now, they can come walk around the new space with little ones."
The addition was intentionally left open-concept. Blue Dragon Academy intends to run its before- and after- school programming in the new expansion, opening up a room on the other side to allow for more programming for toddlers.
BDA’s new open concept main room. Look at all that space!
During the day, while older children are in class, the younger children will use the space. During the summer, the center intends to run summer camp programming in the mornings for school-aged youth. They've been taking registrations for the camp program for approximately a month.
Future plans include providing a rental space for baby/wedding showers, family reunions and get-togethers, and more.
"We should be able to host about 64 people up there," Frerk said. She noted that round tables and chairs, along with a full kitchen, will be available as part of the rental possibilities. Other opportunities for budding entrepreneurs would be fitness classes such as yoga or Zumba, rec nights for youth groups, Bible studies, and dance classes.
"This is going to be a huge benefit to the community," Frerk added.
The new space also includes separate bathrooms, and does not immediately connect to the area where infants through pre-school children are cared for, which helps to keep everyone safe.
Once they have the staffing in place, the center will be able to accommodate another sixty students, which is helpful as they've been at capacity with a waiting list for the past three years.
Blue Dragon Academy students enjoyed their first meal in the new addition on Tuesday, which includes more space for meals and an expanded kitchen.
They opened their doors to the new building in 2019 and will be celebrating four years on June 4. Prior to that, two daycares, Dragonland and Lil' Dreamers, had been under the non-profit Garretson Childcare Corporation, but were run in two separate facilities for several years. They merged into one facility with 80 students and opened their doors with 100 students enrolled for the summer in 2019, and are currently at 110 students.
The Day with a Princess or Superhero dance will be held on Sunday, April 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
"The public is invited, not just students of Blue Dragon Academy," said Executive Director Heidi Fink. The tickets, which are priced at $25 per pair or $30 at the door, will include photos by Photography by Ashley, hors d'voeures, and the dance in the new addition. Fink mentioned that pre-sale tickets are available for $20 at Jesse James Country Store.
On Facebook, Blue Dragon Academy is hosting a Summer Basket giveaway where one lucky winner will receive a ticket, a one-day entry to Wild Water West for two, and mini golf entry at Thunder Road. To enter, find the post on Facebook.com/GarretsonEarlyChildhood and share.
Sunday will also be the kick-off for their Spring Raffle, a benefit that has been successful each year. This year, they will have a John Deere lawn tractor, two half-a-hogs, and a hand-made quilt for raffle winners. The drawing will be held over Jesse James Days, the same weekend they will be holding the official Open House for the new addition.
All monetary donations to the Garretson Childcare Development are tax-deductible, and Frerk said the center has been extremely blessed with the support the community has shown.
"It is a first-class facility," she said. "It's amazing, other communities and centers call us, asking how we do it, asking for advice."
"I'd also like to commend the staff," Frerk continued. "It's been growing pains, dealing with the construction and the mud." Through all that, she said, they've been doing projects with the students and keeping the center running like a finely-tuned machine.
To purchase dance or raffle tickets, contact Blue Dragon Academy at (605) 594-KIDS or Venmo @bda2017, or stop in at the facility located at 701 1st St in Garretson. Rental inquiries may also be directed to the same phone number.
On Monday, March 27, the South Dakota Prairie Rose Community Fund presented their 2023 community fund awards, totaling $39,500. The fund also granted three Garretson High School students with $1,000 scholarships.
The grants are awarded to those 501(c)3 organizations that are looking to make improvements in the lives of nearby communities, such as health and wellness, education, arts and cultural activities, and more.
Luke Dreckman (left) on receives a $5,000 check on behalf of the Garretson Commercial Club.
The South Dakota Prairie Rose Community Fund has been in existence since 2014 and has granted a total of $401,504 in community enhancement grants/scholarships in the Townships of Logan, Highland, Edison and Brandon. Funding is provided by Prairie Rose Wind LLC, owner of Prairie Rose Wind Farm and subsidiary of Enel Green Power North America.
This year, Garretson organizations that received grant funding were the Garretson Ambulance, the Garretson Fire Department, the Garretson Park Board, Garretson Childcare Corporation, Blue Dragon Foundation, and Garretson Commercial Club.
“It is truly a joy for the Board to provide these funds to our communities for education, community enhancement and safety,” said Board President Steven Munk. He noted the board had received $72,000 in requests, which speaks to a need for the fund and was grateful to Prairie Wind Development and Enel for providing it. The funds are promised to be available each year for the next eleven years.
Munk encouraged those receiving their awards on Monday to express how the fund has helped their organization in the past, as several of the recipients have been multi-year grantees.
Kevin Brown (left) from the Logan Township. Kora Schaeffler (left) from the Garretson Ambulance. The Garretson Fire Department received a grant for $4,000 for bunker gear. Tom Godbey (left) on behalf of the Garretson Parks and City Council. Kris Frerk (left) and Heidi Fink (right) from the Garretson Childcare Corporation and Blue Dragon Academy. Tad Heitkamp (left) on behalf of the Garretson Ball Association
The Prairie Rose grant fund has been a key supporter of Blue Dragon Academy, awarding funds to help with the new building and expansion, storm shelter, and playground. They were also a supporter of Garretson’s Park committee, awarding funds in 2021 that helped the playground shade structure to be built in Split Rock Park, and in 2022, to purchase more playground equipment for the Jaycee's Complex (installation was delayed to this summer). They've helped in the past with the ambulance's power loader, which allows them to place gurneys into the back of the ambulance more easily, and for the fire department, the fund has helped with grassland fire gear and a rescue dummy for practice sessions.
The Prairie Rose Board is comprised of Steven Munk, Steve Howe, Angela Bly, Wayne Liester, Tom Elverson, Tom Brown, John Richard Weir, Dale Zweep, and Mike Siemonsma.
2023 Community Grant Recipients are:
Dell Rapids Fire Department, $6000 granted towards the purchase of a Jaws of Life cutting unit, which helps remove victims who are trapped in vehicles.
Brandon Volunteer Fire Department, $2300 granted towards the purchase of two multi-gas detectors, allowing the unit to know what gases are on the premises of a call and in what concentration.
Logan Township, $3000 granted towards the purchase of a 20-foot steel shipping container for road safety signage storage.
Garretson Ambulance, $2500 granted towards the purchase of one radio package with an encrypted scrambling program to protect patient privacy.
Garretson Volunteer Fire Department, $4000 granted towards the purchase of two sets of protective bunker gear fire suits.
Garretson Childcare Corporation, $6700 granted towards the funding of a Procare Security System, which include fire and surveillance protection for the new expansion.
Blue Dragon Foundation, $2000 granted towards the replacement cost of trees along the first base line which have been impacted by storms.
Garretson Parks, $4000 granted towards the purchase of replacement trees in Split Rock Park, which have been heavily impacted by storms and removal in preparation for the emerald ash borer infestation.
Garretson Commercial Club, $5000 toward the purchase of a sound system on Main Street that will allow for music, PSA's, and other uses to improve resident and visitor experiences downtown.
The following individuals each will receive a $1000 scholarship that will be used for the 2024 spring semester: Logan Bly, Hunter Abraham, Peyton Abraham, all from the Garretson School District, and Krista Burkman from the Brandon School District.
For information on the Prairie Rose Community Fund go to www.prairierosesd.com.
