The Garretson Gazette

Volleyball celebrates Homecoming with two wins

Carrie Moritz

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October 6, 2022

Volleyball celebrates Homecoming with two wins

Last week Tuesday, September 27, and Thursday, September 29, the Blue Dragon Volleyball team celebrated homecoming week by taking on Alcester-Hudson and Parker and coming away with wins.

In the game hosted in the Dragon's Lair on Tuesday, the athletes overpowered the Cubs and took them down in three sets, 25-20, 25-21, and 25-17.

Logan Bly was on full attack mode, acquiring a massive 20 attacks to add to her season score. Sydney Olson and Bly each got two aces, and Tayler Benson and Aleah Wagner each put one ace in the hole. Benson and Olson were on the game with 12 and 11 digs each, as Wagner grabbed 9 and senior Kaylin Koch took care of 8 digs. Koch got the only solo block of the game, and Grace Hove again lit up the board with assists, adding 29 more to her scorecard.

On Thursday, the fiery Dragons traveled to Parker to match up with the Pheasants, and served them up on a platter. They took their opponents in three sets, 25-15, 25-10, and 25-23.

Bly, Koch, Wagner, and Anna Jones put 10, 9, 8, & 7 kills on their scorecards, while Koch led in aces with 6. Bly followed with 4, and Benson and Olson each put one ace in the hole. Bly acquired the only solo block and assisted with 3, while Hove assisted with 2 blocks. Olson and Bly both saved with 10 digs each while Koch had 9. Hove and Olson each put 16 and 14 assists on their cards.

On Tuesday, the Lady Dragons again hosted in the Lair, this time against Dell Rapids St. Mary's (results not available at press time). Prior to that game, the team win-loss stats so far this season were 11-5. Tonight, they play in Canton, and will be on the home court again this coming Monday to take on Lennox. JV starts at 6:00 and Varsity will be at 7:15 p.m.”

The Sheriff and the Juvenile Detention Center

Carrie Moritz

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October 6, 2022

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The Sheriff and the Juvenile Detention Center

My name is Tom Holmes and I am running for a seat on the Minnehaha County Commission. To help prepare me for that role I have been busy attending county commission meetings and interviewing the heads of each of the departments that provide services to us in the county.

What I have discovered is that we have a dedicated group of professionals who take great pride in their work in providing the best service possible for you and I.

I first visited the Sheriff’s Office and I will share with you some of what I learned. There are 600 square miles that comprise Minnehaha County. The Sheriff’s office is funded by property taxes, 70% of which goes to the schools and half of the remaining 30% goes to law enforcement. The county funds 100% of the jail and sheriff’s office. Salaries, especially for those working in the jail, are a major expenditure.

The other large expense is medication for those incarcerated. Drugs are the primary impetus driving crime in the county. Methamphetamine is the drug of choice, and sometimes heroin.

Those arrested for meth use are evaluated. The Sheriff’s Department has a great working relationship with Avera Behavioral Health and the Human Resources Center in Yankton. However, restoring the health of those suffering from meth addiction takes time and there are simply not enough beds to accommodate everyone who needs help. It is a lengthy and expensive process but necessary to assist these individuals who are seeking a second chance at life.

What about those who are juveniles and violate the law? That is where the Juvenile Detention Center comes in. Low level offenders may be released back to their parents or placed into a program called ARISE, a facility run by LSS that has fifteen beds. Juveniles who have committed felony offenses against people are held at the JDC.

The Justice Department periodically certifies the JDC personnel and how it conducts its business, making sure the kids are safe and free of harassment. JDC personnel work hard to identify the trauma that often leads to issues and to provide the appropriate mental health in the form of medication, counseling, etc. JDC personnel are paid at a rate of $16.25 per hour, making it difficult to hire and retain workers.

In spite of the myriad of challenges that confront those who work at the JDC, they shared with me that their greatest reward comes in seeing kids who have gotten their lives back together, living in the community.

State’s Attorney, Public Defender, Public Advocate

I would now like to share with you what I have learned from my visits to the offices of the State’s Attorney, Public Defender, and Public Advocate.

Currently, there are 32 attorneys working in the State’s Attorney office, however, that number will expand due to the increasing needs of the county. Attorneys deal with juvenile prosecution, abuse and neglect of children, civil cases, as well as misdemeanor and felony cases. Fourteen of the lawyers deal with drugs, property crimes and crimes against persons.

A relatively new component has been the inclusion of diversion classes. The program serves juveniles and first offenders and is tailored to meet the needs of the individual. It utilizes counseling, treatment, and community service to rehabilitate those in the program.The program has been largely successful as there has been only a 9% recidivism rate.

Although methamphetamine is the primary driver of criminal activity in the county, there is growing concern regarding juveniles using guns in the commission of crimes. These guns are stolen out of unlocked vehicles, etc.

The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution guarantees legal counsel to those accused of a crime. For those who cannot afford an attorney, the county provides them with one from the Public Defender’s Office. To qualify, individuals must complete an application verifying that they lack the funds.

Last year twenty-seven attorneys settled 9000 cases, dealing with abuse and neglect and often representing juveniles. If there is a second party contesting the claim made by the first party, a lawyer from the Public Advocate’s Office is assigned to represent that individual.

In South Dakota clients are charged $100 an hour and if they are unable to pay it becomes an automatic lien. The county can also garnish wages or take away a drivers license. Individuals seeking legal counsel often have mental health issues resulting from meth use. This condition is known as Substance Abuse Psychosis. The Public Defender’s Office works diligently with other departments in trying to help these individuals. The work is challenging but it can be very rewarding.

-Tom Holmes, Candidate Minnehaha County Commission

YOU ARE SUPPORTING MORE THAN JUST THE NEWSPAPER WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE

Carrie Moritz

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October 6, 2022

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By David Bordewyk

South Dakota Newspaper Association

This week is National Newspaper Week – an annual celebration of the special role that newspapers have in our nation.

Since well before our statehood in 1889, newspapers have staked a claim in helping to build and connect residents and communities in our great state. Today, that role continues.

Now more than ever, we need good newspapers and good journalism. It’s vital for the health and well-being of our democracy and our republic. Facts and truth matter. Credibility matters. A good newspaper editor knows those things and adheres to them with each story written and every issue that is published and delivered to readers.

Communities and newspapers go hand in hand. A good newspaper is essential in informing a community and connecting residents with local news, updates and advertising information. Most people agree that a good school and a solid Main Street contribute to the makeup of a good community. I would argue that a newspaper is one of those essential ingredients as well.

Across South Dakota, newspapers play an important role in serving their readers and their communities with local, relevant and trusted information. More than 100 weekly and daily newspapers serve our state’s communities and residents. South Dakota has more newspapers per capita than any other state in our nation. Why? I like to believe it’s because South Dakotans value where they live and want to be engaged and knowledgeable about what’s happening in their community. A good newspaper supports those desires.

Last year, South Dakota Newspaper Association commissioned a statewide survey to learn more about what South Dakotans think about their local, community newspaper. Among the findings in the comprehensive survey:

• Every month, 83 percent of South Dakotans read their local newspaper in print or online. That is an impressive statistic I believe supports why our state has such a strong number of community newspapers. South Dakotans value their local newspaper.

• Local newspapers are the primary source for news and information about local government. Whether it is a front-page story about what’s happening at city hall or it’s the public notices such as school board minutes, residents want to know what local government is doing with their tax dollars.

• Newspaper readers vote and are more likely to be civically engaged in their communities and take leadership positions in their communities. Almost nine out of 10 newspaper readers will vote this November.

• South Dakotans overwhelmingly believe that information found in newspaper advertising is important to them. More than two-thirds of South Dakotans use newspaper advertising to decide what brands, products and local services to buy.

Today, community newspapers continue to serve their readers and their communities by utilizing various outlets for delivery of news and advertising information. Digital and social media platforms reach readers when and where they want their news. Still, the printed newspaper packaged with news stories, columns, photos and advertisements remains an essential platform that South Dakotans prefer and look for each day and every week.

So, congratulations to South Dakota’s newspapers. And thank you to everybody who subscribes to and supports their local community newspaper. You are investing in your community and our democracy.

David Bordewyk is executive director of the South Dakota Newspaper Association, which represents the state’s 105 weekly and daily newspapers. Each month, more than 574,000 consumers read South Dakota’s newspapers in print or online.

Bingo Night for the Garretson Historical Society!

Carrie Moritz

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October 6, 2022

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Bingo Night for the Garretson Historical Society!

Mark your calendars for October 15 for an annual night of food and fun courtesy of the Garretson Historical Society! They will be hosting their Bingo Night at the Garretson Legion with a free will donation meal of Loaded Baked Potatoes, Hot Dogs & Chips, and homemade desserts along with a cash bar.

The annual fundraiser is fun for all ages, and half of the ticket's price will go to Bingo winners.

South Dakota Hand Husking Contest Results

Carrie Moritz

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October 6, 2022

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South Dakota Hand Husking Contest Results

aubrey sikkink corn picking — **Aubrey Sikkink of Garretson tries for the first husking in the 14 and under division. She is happy with her picking and hopes others will go next year for a fun time. (submitted photo)**

A windy warm day started the 46th South Dakota Hand Corn Husking Contest at the Fred Fedeler farm near Chester on September 24th. A parade of wagons drawn by horses started the day for the timers, gleaners, and pickers. Another wagon and team provided a ride to watch the contest. Todd Kringen was the announcer for the event.

Here are the 1-3 place winners in each age division that can represent South Dakota at the National Contest October 16th at Good Hope, Illinois.

YOUTH -female 14 and under: 1. Addison Fedeler 2. Jade Dubbelde 3. Aubrey Sikkink.

YOUNG WOMEN-21-49: 1. Lainie Kringen Scholtz 2. Maggie Kringen 3. Jean Gunderson .

WOMEN 50 and older: 1. Mary Clark 2. Carol Kiecksee 3. Angie Boycy.

WOMEN 75 and over: Marcia Rastede

WOMAN'S OPEN: Marcia Rastede

YOUTH-MALE 21-49 1. Adam Fedeler 2. John Goord 3. Casey Fedeler.

MEN 50 and over: 1. Todd Kringen 2. Brian Dykstra 3. Greg Schneider.

MEN'S OPEN 1. Fred Fedeler 2. Bill Doyle 3. Keith Schettler.

MEN 75 and older: Roger Johnson.

This event would not be possible without the Dakota Heritage Club members, the Fred Fedeler family, Todd Kringen announcing, women serving lunch and the sponsors. If you would like to see the schedule of the National Contest go to www.cornhusking.com.

To see more pictures of the South Dakota Hand Corn Contest go on Facebook, visit South Dakota Corn Husking.

Don't forget- the corn picking award night for the winners is at 5:00 p.m. On November 6th at the Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch. The committee suggests next year to bring a friend and husk corn for a fun day to keep this event going.

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2022 Summer Reading Challenge

Carrie Moritz

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October 6, 2022

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Twenty-one students from Garretson Elementary completed the 100 Book/Chapter Summer Reading Challenge this summer. Students were challenged to read 100 books, 100 chapters from a book, or a combination of the two. Mrs. Macziewski, the Title 1 Reading teacher, has put together a summer reading challenge for the last three years and is excited to see the number of students who have participated each year grow. All students grades kindergarten through fifth grade were invited to participate. This fall, students who filled out the required log after completing the reading challenge were able to order a book of their choice from the Scholastic Book Club. The books were purchased by a Garretson family who value reading and want to encourage young readers. Students were also presented with a certificate for a free kid’s meal at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Students in the picture: (from top to bottom, left to right).

Colton B., Harper H., Mariah M., Taylor F.

Caylix, B., Hannah H., Seaton B., Kendra J., Mikayla M., Hailey A., Avonlea R.

Carter B., Coyer B., Hudson H., Cope D., Luciana D.

Lane S., Madi G., Ingrid J., Elsa J., Katy F. (not pictured) Leif M.

Letter from the SD Sec. of State

Carrie Moritz

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October 6, 2022

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To the editor:

Steve Barnett mug — **Steve Barnett, SD Secretary of State**

I wanted to take this opportunity to share important information regarding the upcoming general election, which will be held November 8^th. South Dakota voters have the choice of voting in-person on Election Day or by casting an absentee ballot.

South Dakota’s absentee voting processes have long been in place and provide numerous security measures for voters. Only registered South Dakota voters are eligible to vote absentee. Voters choosing to cast an absentee ballot are encouraged to account for mail processing and delivery times by allowing sufficient time for the return of the ballot to their county auditor.

To request an absentee ballot, voters must submit an absentee ballot application form to your county auditor. Absentee ballot application forms may be requested from your county auditor or downloaded from the Secretary of State’s website at www.sdsos.gov. County auditor contact information is also available on our website. As required by state statute, the application form must be notarized or include a photocopy of an acceptable identification card. Acceptable photo identification cards include a South Dakota driver’s license or non-driver ID card, tribal photo ID, passport or other picture ID issued by the United States government, or a current student photo ID issued by a South Dakota high school or postsecondary education institution. Voters also have the option to in-person absentee vote with your county auditor up to the day before the election. Please contact your county auditor for office hours.

The deadline for voter registration in South Dakota is 15 days prior to any election in which you wish to participate. The voter registration deadline for the general election is October 24^th. If needed, voter registration forms are available on our website or from your county auditor.

South Dakota’s Election Day processes are open to the public to observe and participate. If you haven’t served as an election worker in the past, I’d encourage you to contact your county auditor. These positions offer a rewarding opportunity to serve your community and help strengthen our democracy by playing a crucial role in ensuring free, fair, and accessible elections for all South Dakotans.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time on Election Day. As a result of the legislative redistricting process at the state and local levels, some of your voting district information may have changed. To verify your polling location, please contact your county auditor or visit the Voter Information Portal (VIP) page on our website at www.sdsos.gov. The VIP page also provides your sample ballot and absentee ballot information.

Our state has a great history of civic engagement that continues today with over 654,000 South Dakota residents currently registered to vote. The goal of all election officials in our state is to ensure every South Dakota voter has access to exercise their right to vote in fair and honest elections. Citizens exercising their right to vote is the foundation of our democracy and I encourage everyone to participate.

Sincerely,

Steve Barnett

South Dakota Secretary of State

News for 10-6-2022

News

Carrie Moritz

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October 5, 2022

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Another option for senior housing has opened in Jasper at the former Sunrise Village, Garretson Elementary students were rewarded for spectacular reading this past summer, and there were plenty of activities during last week's Homecoming week- we've got plenty of photos showcased in this week's issue, with more to be included on the website in the coming days!

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Adina Place grand opening at the former Sunrise Village location

Carrie Moritz

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October 5, 2022

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Adina Place grand opening at the former Sunrise Village location

On Saturday, a new option for Senior care and housing opened its doors to residents in Jasper. Adina Place opened in the former Sunrise Village building, which has been empty since the nursing home closed two years ago.

adina place ribbon cutting — Adina Place in Jasper held its ribbon cutting with the Pipestone Chamber last Wednesday. Chamber President Erica Volkir introduced the staff, which includes CEO Dr. Joseph Yoon, Manager Karen Blom, Nursing Supervisor Teresa Drey, Chef Omar Thornton, and Maintenance Supervisor Cal Jans to Chamber and community members.

Adina Place, which is owned by Moden Medical Group, aims to take a different approach to senior housing, said CEO Dr. Joseph Yoon. The business will be geared toward independent living in a family-style atmosphere, but will also have close coordination between physicians and staff in order to best serve residents. It will have a physician's room within the building, and costs include one visit to the facility per month along with telemedicine services.

Common areas include a family room, television area, recreational room, and round tables in the eating area. In the rest of the building, which has undergone an extensive renovation, there are twenty-three beds available in individual apartments. Each apartment contains a handicapped-accessible bathroom with shower, and kitchenette with refrigerator, sink, and cabinets. Two apartments are currently able to house couples, while the rest are individual residences. Laundry services, three meals per day, and housekeeping are provided, and additional, assisted living-type services are available.

Adina Place room — **An apartment at Adina Place, the newest option for senior housing, located in Jasper MN.**

As the business grows, Nursing Supervisor Teresa Drey intends to bring in different recreational opportunities such as bingo, twice-weekly drawing lessons, and performances. She will also be developing close connections to family members.

With those connections, she said, "I can do what I can to make sure [residents] stay healthy."

As a business in a small town, Adina Place will develop close ties within the community by providing services outside the building. Take and bake meals will be available within the next few weeks, as the business has acquired Chef Omar Thornton, who is well-known in Garretson for his former business, O So Good.

"We realized we needed to share his resources with the community, and utilize his talent in a bigger way than just this center," said Dr. Yoon.

"Dr. Yoon is not only helping you feel good [as a physician] but trying to help heal with food," said Thornton. Three meals per day will be offered to residents, along with fresh fruit and vegetables morning, noon and night. Thornton said he's looking forward to learning from the residents.

"They are a wealth of knowledge," he said. While he may offer cooking classes to residents, he's certain they'll teach him more than he could teach them.

Adina Place intends to offer home health care services in the near future as well, which will allow those who are still in their home to stay in that environment. Dr. Yoon stated the take and bake meals will also help with that service.

Those who are interested in learning more about becoming a resident are encouraged to visit adinaplacejasper.com or call (507) 348-8620.

New meeting time for public comments similar to pre-consent agenda schedule

Carrie Moritz

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October 5, 2022

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New meeting time for public comments similar to pre-consent agenda schedule

By Dave Baumeister, County Correspondent

SIOUX FALLS – New times – that were really “old times” –came at this week’s Minnehaha County Commission meeting and went without anyone saying anything.

Last week, the commission adopted a new procedures manual for their meetings that moved public comment closer to the end of the meeting.

And while many people objected to that, there was really very little change to how commission meetings operate.

Earlier this year, before the commission adopted the current consent agenda format, public comment was allocated to the time between routine (paying bills, abatements, county reports, etc.) and regular business.

This typically put public comment between 9:20 and 9:30 a.m.

When that changed, “routine” items were taken care of by a single vote, and public comment times moved up to around 9:05 a.m.

With the new schedule this week, the time for open public comment would have been at exactly 9:33 a.m., if anyone had spoken, and despite the recent furor, time for citizen input was right back to where it had been historically at commission meetings.

However, at future meetings that time could move somewhat, depending on the length of the agenda.

While most business this week was limited, there were several comments on the Minnehaha County 4-H program, especially as it related to crime, the city of Sioux Falls, and a new/remodeled Juvenile Detention Center.

In his briefing on the program, Youth Program Adviser Nathan Skadsen told commissioners that enrollment in Minnehaha County 4-H programs represented 10% of the total 4-H enrollment in South Dakota.

Commissioners Jeff Barth and Cindy Heiberger were both quick to follow up on those comments.

“I think it would do well for the city of Sioux Falls to support 4-H,” Barth said.

Skadsen explained that 4-H was designed to use federal, state and county money for the development of their programs.

However, it is doubtful that money coming in from other sources would be turned away.

“You are right on my page,” Heiberger told Barth. “It seems the city should support an already proven program that is out there.

“When looking for positive places for our youth to be, why not use what we have?”

In the past, Heiberger has said one of her passions is seeing improvements in juvenile justice programs make a difference in the lives of young people.

At the end of the meeting, Barth said he thought it would be a good idea for the commission to write a letter to the city of Sioux Falls encouraging their support of county 4-H programs.

The next meeting will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, on the third floor of the Minnehaha County Administration Building at 6th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls.

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NPNewspaperPublication

Volleyball celebrates Homecoming with two wins

The Sheriff and the Juvenile Detention Center

State’s Attorney, Public Defender, Public Advocate

YOU ARE SUPPORTING MORE THAN JUST THE NEWSPAPER WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE

Bingo Night for the Garretson Historical Society!

South Dakota Hand Husking Contest Results

2022 Summer Reading Challenge

Letter from the SD Sec. of State

News for 10-6-2022

Sample Issue

On-Line Subscribers and Mail Subscribers Access More Features!

Adina Place grand opening at the former Sunrise Village location

New meeting time for public comments similar to pre-consent agenda schedule

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