This will be the first of what I hope will become monthly updates on city projects I’m working on as a city council member for Garretson. My goal with these updates is to keep you informed about what’s happening in our city and to invite feedback from you, the community, on the issues that matter.
At the March city council meeting, I introduced an ordinance that would have required any materials distributed to council members also be posted on the city website. While the ordinance didn’t pass, I’m happy to report that council materials are now being posted on the website ahead of meetings. This is a great step forward for transparency and record-keeping.
During the April meeting, I brought forward several ordinances aimed at updating Garretson’s Code—a task that’s been neglected for far too long. This is just the beginning of an ongoing discussion about which ordinances should remain in place. Personally, I believe that less is more—especially when a city ordinance simply duplicates state law. Outdated, obsolete, or redundant ordinances can clutter our code and make the truly important ones harder to find and enforce.
Some examples: Garretson still has ordinances from around 1923 banning public dances (yes, I made a Footloose reference at the meeting), traffic codes untouched since 1942, and lingering COVID-era rules requiring social distancing and limiting gatherings to ten people. These kinds of laws no longer serve us and only add confusion.
Cities are limited in that they can’t pass ordinances that conflict with state law. And as state law changes, so must our local ordinances. But prosecuting and updating these ordinances is expensive and, in most cases, unnecessary. Especially when it is very unlikely, they’ve been enforced in the last two decades. I believe state law is better equipped to handle most of these issues, with more resources and stronger enforcement capabilities.
Eliminating outdated or redundant ordinances is a simple and effective way to make our city government smaller and more efficient.
I also introduced an ordinance that formally recognizes the Garretson Volunteer Fire Department and Garretson Community Ambulance as Garretson’s provider of essential city services. This move helps ensure that our volunteer firefighters qualify for certain state life insurance-like benefits such as free college tuition for their surviving children.
Lastly, several community groups requested the use of city streets and parks for upcoming events. I gladly supported their approval and am excited for the experiences these events bring to our community.
As always, if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to contact me. Thanks for being engaged and helping make Garretson a better place to live.
The first outdoor meet of the Garretson Track & Field season was held last Saturday on the home track, and despite a hefty wind that threw the high jump matting into runners, twice, and forced last-minute changes to the schedule, the GHS team performed well.
Leading the pack: Ethan McGregor, Nate Roberts, Miles Sievers. //Garrick A. Moritz, Gazette
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Two games on the home field produced two wins for the Garretson Blue Dragon baseball team this past weekend, making up for two losses last week. The team had faced Dell Rapids on Tuesday, Tri-Valley on Friday, and played a double on Sunday against Hot Springs and Scotland/Menno in a game-heavy week.
Brecken Weir slips past a base trap. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette
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It’s out with the new and in with the old again for students in South Dakota’s English and Language Arts classrooms.
The South Dakota Board of Education Standards approved revisions to the English and language arts state standards Monday in Rapid City, aligning them with a once-abandoned instructional approach in hopes of improving students’ reading comprehension.
Students work on schoolwork at Harrisburg School District’s Journey Elementary School in Sioux Falls on Dec. 5, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)
The revision follows a global debate — often called the “reading wars” — about how best to teach children to read. One camp advocates for phonics, which focuses on the relationship between sounds and letters. The other prefers a “whole language” approach that puts a stronger emphasis on meaning, with some phonics mixed in. A phonics-based approach was widely used in the 20th century until a “balanced literacy” approach that includes phonics but favors whole language gained favor in the 2000s.
Low reading scores in recent years led to a push to reconsider the merits of the phonics-based “science of reading” methodology.
Just under 50% of South Dakota students didn’t meet English and language arts standards last year, according to the state report card.
School district credits science of reading for 50-point jump in proficiency
Studies in recent years have re-ignited interest in phonics as a learning tool, and one South Dakota school district presented results Monday that suggest it can work.
Fifty-five percent of Douglas elementary students in the spring of 2019 did not meet expected standards for reading ability, according to district student assessments. The district made systemic changes, such as hiring instructional coaches and allowing all students to apply for Title I interventions, in addition to implementing science of reading methodology.
In the same year the district implemented the science of reading strategy, rates above expected standards increased to 64% of students. That grew to 72% district-wide by the spring of 2024.
“Our teachers are working tirelessly to meet the needs of all students, and this success doesn’t happen overnight,” said Ann Pettit, Douglas executive director of elementary curriculum and instruction.
Board of Education Standards Board President Steve Perkins said the data shows “things can be done” to address English and language arts proficiencies in the state.
The state put $6 million toward training teachers in phonics during the 2024 state legislative session. Part of the funding will go toward courses to train teachers in phonics-based teaching methods, and some will be used to pay for a literacy conference on Science of Reading strategies.
A $54 million Comprehensive Literacy State Development federal grant awarded, meanwhile, is set to help local school districts implement a phonics-based approach over the next five years. The grants will be awarded based on the number of low-income students in a district, and can be used for literacy coach salaries, teacher training or curriculum reviews.
On Monday, Perkins said the changed standards are a “big deal.”
“If kids can’t read — or don’t read to standard is a better way to put it — then we’re shortchanging them,” Perkins said.
The unanimous vote came after a fourth public hearing on the standards.
Board approved Indigenous content standards despite opposition
Board members also approved optional content standards for computer science and the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings, which educate students on the culture and traditions of Indigenous South Dakotans.
Several opponents with connections to South Dakota’s tribal nations borders spoke against the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings revisions.
Opponents criticized the underrepresentation of Dakota and Nakota tribes in the revised standards, and said there should be a more concerted effort to involve tribes.
“The problem with this process is it was conducted without meaningful, reciprocal, formal tribal consultation,” said Sarah White, founder and executive director of the South Dakota Education Equity Coalition.
White and others asked the board to hold off and reach out to tribal government leaders. But board members unanimously approved the revisions.
South Dakota Department of Education Secretary Joe Graves told board members the revision “was not a rushed process,” and incorporated opinions from a 34-member review committee, as well as tribal education leaders on the Indian Education Advisory Committee.
Perkins told opponents before casting his vote that the changes move the state in the “right direction.” He added that he takes direction from Gov. Larry Rhoden to press “reset” on tribal-state communications.
“What I hear is that what we may have isn’t perfect, and we clearly need to work harder on communication,” Perkins said.
The standards will be available for use by the South Dakota teachers who choose to teach them in fall 2026.
South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence.
· Minutes of the City Council of Garretson for April 7, 2025
· RESOLUTION NO 2025-7
· RESOLUTION 2025-8
· RESOLUTION 2025-9
· Minutes of the City Council of Garretson, Special Meeting to Canvass the April 8th, 2025 Election
· Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 24-4816
· NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF TRUST ADMINISTRATION AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEE
· Canvassing of the April 8, 2025 Election by the Garretson School Board 49-4
Minutes of the City Council of Garretson for April 7, 2025
City of Garretson
April 7th, 2025
The City Council of the City of Garretson, Minnehaha County, South Dakota met in regular session on Monday, April 7th, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Garretson American Legion with Mayor Bruce Brown presiding.
6:30 P.M. Mayor Brown called the regular meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: Bruce Brown – Mayor
Alysha Kientopf – Ward I
Ryan Story – Ward I - absent
Dave Bonte – Ward II
Matthew Jacobson – Ward II
Jackie Rotert – Ward III
Brayden Beaner -- Ward III
Kaitlyn Steinhoff – Student Advisory Council
Alexis Potter – Student Advisory Council
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Paetyn Dreckman, Jordan Doane, JR Hofer, Carrie Moritz, Colleen Collier, Tad Heitkamp, Tony Plahn, Kelli Schleuter, Tracie Jellis, Mike Ebbing, Kurtis Nelson, Derrick Godbey, Liz Etrheim, and Riley Rinehart (NOTE: All attendees hereinafter to be referred to by last name and first initials when necessary)
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL:
A. Agenda – 04-07-2025 Regular Meeting
B. Claims Approved Dated 04-07-2025
C. Minutes 03-03-2025 Regular Meeting, 3-17-2025 Special Meeting, Local Equalization Board Meeting.
Council member Rotert motioned to approve agenda items with a second from council member Kientopf. 5 ayes (Kientopf, Beaner, Rotert, Jacobson, Bonte), 0 nays, 1 absent (Story). Motion passed.
MONTHLY REPORT OF VOUCHERS PROCESSED
FOR APRIL 7TH, 2025, REGULAR MEETING
Report Title Claims Report Period 02/27/2025 To 04/02/2025
Vendor Name References Invoice Amount Transaction # Date
Services & Fees 101-4142-422
INT BANKING ACH ITEMS ACH Bank Fees $ 1.60 03/31/2025
INT BANKING ACH ITEMS Banking Fees $ 1.60 02/28/2025
FIRST BANK & TRUST Fee for Office Equip. $ 205.47 40239 04/01/2025
PURCHASE POWER Postage $ 75.61 40195 03/03/2025
PURCHASE POWER Postage $ 50.00 40235 04/01/2025
FIRST BANK & TRUST FO Office $ 206.43 40199 03/03/2025
A&B BUSINESS EQUIPMENT PRINTER CONTRACT $ 43.93 40222 03/18/2025
FIRST BANK & TRUST Leg. Conference $ 275.75 40199 03/03/2025
GL Account Total - Travel/Continuing Education $ 275.75
Repairs & Maintenance 101-4192-425
STEVE'S ELECTRIC 5th St Shop $ 455.19 40233 04/01/2025
GL Account Total - Repairs & Maintenance $ 455.19
Supplies & Materials 602-4335-426
QUILL CORPORATION paper $ 22.99 40211 03/18/2025
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES SHOP SUPPLIES $ 41.62 40221 03/18/2025
JESSE JAMES COUNTRY STORE Fuel Charges $ 83.03 40216 03/18/2025
GL Account Total - Supplies & Materials $ 147.64
Supplies & Materials 604-43250-426
QUILL CORPORATION paper $ 23.00 40211 03/18/2025
AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES SHOP SUPPLIES $ 41.62 40221 03/18/2025
JESSE JAMES COUNTRY STORE Fuel Charges $ 83.03 40216 03/18/2025
GL Account Total - Supplies & Materials $ 147.65
Services & Fees 101-4412-422
SIOUX FALLS HUMANE SOCIETY animal control $ 90.90 40209 03/18/2025
GL Account Total - Services & Fees $ 90.90
Utility Services 101-4324-428
SIOUX VALLEY ENERGY 254th dump $ 76.46 40208 03/18/2025
GL Account Total - Utility Services $ 76.46
Rentals 101-4520-424
THE TREASURE CHEST FREBRUARY RENT $ 94.60 40207 03/18/2025
GL Account Total - Rentals $ 94.60
Services & Fees 101-4317-422
TWO WAY SOLUTIONS, INC VEHICLE RADIOS $ 77.99 40206 03/18/2025
GL Account Total - Services & Fees $ 77.99
Water Purchased 602-4331-4262
MINNEHAHA COMMUNITY WATER CORP BULK WATER $ 9,400.10 40213 03/18/2025
GL Account Total - Water Purchased $ 9,400.10
Services & Fees 617-4381-422
CITY OF CROOKS DEKATHERMS-FEBRUARY $ 2,982.15 40219 03/18/2025
GL Account Total - Services & Fees $ 2,982.15
Supplies & Materials 101-4520-426
JESSE JAMES COUNTRY STORE Fuel Charges $ 83.03 40216 03/18/2025
GL Account Total - Supplies & Materials $ 83.03
Report Total $ 147,517.44
Public Comment – Mike Ebbing requested council take another look at speed limit change ordinance. Ebbing collected data from other cities and council advised reasoning being more activity with kids along Dows and traveling for baseball and football fields.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Natural Gas/Finance – Dreckman presented natural gas prices at $1.14 per ccf being down 10 cents from March meeting. Council member Rotert motioned to approve as presented with a second from council member Jacobson. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Dreckman also provided balances in packets and requested council schedule meeting to canvas votes for 2025 Ward 2 election. Decided on April 14th 5:30pm at City Hall. Advised audit field work beginning the first week of May. Council member Rotert motioned to approve finance report with a second from council member Kientopf. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
Street/Maintenance/Parks – Doane gave update on 4th St Improvement Projects and plan to sweep streets. J. Hofer gave an update on hiring for summer and refinishing SRP road. Advised 2-inch water line being installed to service ballfields. Advised 24 open building permits.
Code Enforcement – J. Hofer gave update on behalf of officer.
Economic Development – Dreckman advised of update provided by Econ. Development Director.
Engineering – R. Rinehart gave update on projects DGR is currently working on.
Emergency Services (Garretson Fire, Minnehaha CO Sheriff, Garretson Ambulance) – Heitkamp advised 49 calls for Garretson Fire Department in January to end of March. Mayor Brown read through CO Sheriff report provided. Nelson gave update on EMS training in the area and advised call numbers for the Ambulance at 74 calls YTD and Legion breakfast on April 27th.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS:
Ordinance 715 – Repeal Obsolete Ordinances – Council member Beaner requested council feedback on preferred process to repeal ordinances he feels are obsolete. Questioning defaulting to state statues or keeping these in city ordinances but amending to update and align with state laws. Council discussion ensued over city attorney’s recommendations and council member Beaner’s recommendations. Council member Rotert motioned to table ordinance until council has more time to review. Council member Bonte seconded the motion. Roll call vote requested 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. (Kientopf, Beaner, Rotert, Jacobson, Bonte, Aye. 0 nays, Story absent.)
Ordinance 716 – Enacting Regulations Relating to Nuisance Plants – Council member Beaner read ordinance aloud. Advised refreshing full nuisance plant section of city ordinance. Council discussion ensued. First reading. No action taken.
Ordinance 717 – Amending Certain Provisions Relating to Streets – Council member Beaner advised of changes to current ordinance section. Council discussion ensued over outdated items. First reading so no action taken.
Ordinance 718 – Adopting Emergency Service Providers – Mayor Beaner read ordinance aloud. Council member Beaner advised discussed with Fire Chief and Head of the Ambulance and would like to discuss further with city attorney. No action taken.
Resolution 2025-7 Conditional Use Permit – MDT – Mayor Brown presented resolution for conditional use permit on general business district building to allow residential use in a portion within existing building. J. Hofer advised apartment within is built to code. Council discussion ensued and council member Rotert motioned to approve as presented with a second from council member Kientopf. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
RESOLUTION NO 2025-7
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
WHEREAS, Chapter 7.03 of the Municipal Zoning Regulations of the City of Garretson authorizes conditional use permits for mixed-use commercial/residential; and
WHEREAS, MDT LLC owns the property at 108 Railroad Avenue described as LOTS 19, 20, 21, 22 BLOCK 4 ROYCES 1ST ADDITION TO THE CITY OF GARRETSON, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, and has applied for a conditional use permit to allow for living quarters inside section of existing building, while still operating as general business within the remaining section, and
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Garretson, that a conditional use permit is hereby granted for the above-described property under the following conditions:
1. The property, described as LOTS 19, 20, 21, 22 BLOCK 4 ROYCES 1ST ADDITION TO THE CITY OF GARRETSON, Minnehaha County, South Dakota will be allowed to continue to operate as a general business, and
2. allowing for living quarters within a portion of the existing building.
3. Any other ordinances or sections of the Municipal Code of the City of Garretson that may apply, will be complied with.
4. This conditional use will not apply to any subsequent owner.
Adopted the 7th day of April 2025.
Bruce Brown, Mayor (SEAL)
ATTEST:
Paetyn Dreckman
Municipal Finance Officer
Published at the approximate cost of $19.17 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 4-17-25-1tc
Resolution 2025-8 – Adopting Park Rules – J. Hofer advised going from ordinance form to resolution form so changes to the rules in the future are not required to go through two readings to amend. Mayor Brown read resolution aloud. Council member Beaner motioned to approve as presented with a second from council member Rotert. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
ADOPTING RULES FOR THE PARKS WITHIN THE CITY OF GARRETSON
RESOLUTION 2025-8
RESOLUTION TO ADOPTING RULES FOR THE PARKS WITHIN THE CITY OF GARRETSON
WEREAS, in order to maintain and clean our City Parks and prevent injury.
HEREBY,
Check in Check out:
Check out is 2 pm. Check in is 3pm.
Off road vehicles:
Use of UTV, ATV, Dirt bikes, go carts, or any vehicle designed for off road use is not allowed on property operated by the City of Garretson. This includes both combustion and electric motors. Exemption: Vehicles listed above which are licensed and equipped for road use. Other rules listed in this section still apply to licensed vehicles. No vehicle listed above shall be driven by any person under the legal driving age or without a valid driver’s license. No vehicle listed above shall be driven on any surface other than those maintained as a roadway. This exclusion includes hiking trails and paths, and grass areas.
Length of Stay:
All campers are limited to a 5-day maximum length of stay at Split Rock Park Campground. We have no water or sewer hook-ups, only electricity. Campers must vacate the park for a minimum of 24 hrs. After five days campers must select a different site following the 24hr out period.
Quiet Time:
Quiet time is from 11pm to 8 am.
No Dumping:
There are no gray or black dumping water tanks at sites. However, there is a DUMP STATION at 612 5th Street, one block away.
Firewood:
Firewood must be purchased locally. Do not bring firewood from other areas. Use fire pits for wood burning only. Do not discard glass, aluminum cans, plastic, or Styrofoam in fire pits. Firewood is available for purchase locally.
No Fireworks:
Fireworks are prohibited.
Contact Information:
Park Staff is available from 8am to 8pm. You can call for assistance at the campground number listed on your Reservation Confirmation Page. If you have a problem after hours, the Sherriff’s Office non-emergency line is (605) 367-7000. If it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Picnic Shelter:
The picnic shelter is rented by the day. Hours of use are 9 am - 9 pm.
Extra Vehicles:
Sites may only fit 2 vehicles, but there is overflow parking in the main parking lot.
Pet Policy:
Pets are welcome at the park but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after. Pets who disturb fellow campers will receive one warning only. If your pet persists in disturbing other campers, you will need to pull up your camping site and leave the park.
Nuisance:
A person violating these rules constitutes a nuisance.
Trespass:
A person constituting a nuisance may be trespassed from the public parks.
Adopted this 7th day of April, 2025.
Bruce Brown, Mayor
Attest:
Paetyn Dreckman, Finance Officer
Published at the approximate cost of $37.63 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 4-17-25-1tc
Resolution 2025-9 – Vacate Unused Street and Alleys – Mayor Brown presented petition submitted by Rod Tillma owner of MDT to vacate unused alleys and road on current platted property as 216 Dows Street. Council discussion ensued and council member Bonte motioned to approve as presented with a second from council member Jacobson. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
RESOLUTION 2025-9
PETITION TO VACATE portions of unused Royce Street and unused alleys immediately north and south running parallel to requested vacation of unused portion of Royce Street bounded by Burlington Northern Railroad on the east and west borders, all located in Blocks 6 and 7, Royce’s Third Addition, City of Garretson, Minnehaha County, South Dakota.
WHEREAS, the property owner adjoining the real property located at 216 Dows Street Garretson, SD, petition the Council to vacate the existing unused street and alley as described above, and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Garretson has investigated and considered the matter and heard the evidence in testimony by all interested parties and from such investigation has found all of the facts and matters stated in the petition to vacate to be true, and,
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it would be in the best interest of the City of Garretson to vacate the hereinafter described roadway and alley, and,
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Garretson that the following described location in the City of Garretson, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, to-wit:
The portion of unused Royce Street running east and west between BNSF Tracks located West of Railroad Ave. and north of Dows St. of a width of approximately eighty feet (80’) and a length of approximately one hundred feet (100’); and,
The unused alleys immediately North and South running parallel to the requested vacation of Royce Street as described above of a width of twenty feet (20’), with the alley north of Royce Street running east to west for a length of approximately twenty-one feet (21'), with the alley south of Royce Street running east to west for a length of approximately one hundred seventy-five feet (175').
Both the described street and alleys are bound by Burlington Northern Railroad on the east and west borders, all located in Blocks 6 and 7, Royce's Third Addition, City Of Garretson, Minnehaha County, South Dakota.
is hereby vacated by the City of Garretson, a Municipal Corporation, Minnehaha County, State of South Dakota.
It is further resolved that the City of Garretson makes the determination that all abutting or adjoining property owners were petitioners and that the City of Garretson joined in said vacation proceeding.
Adopted this 7th day of April, 2025.
Bruce Brown, Mayor (SEAL)
ATTEST: Paetyn Dreckman
City Finance Officer
Published at the approximate cost of $31.24 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 4-17-25-1tc
NEW BUSINESS:
City Ballfield Use – FFA Egg Hunt – member of Garretson’s FFA presented planned event for egg hunt on city property. Council member Beaner motioned to approve FFA’s use of ballfields with a second from council member Jacobson. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
Color Run Street Closure-May 10th – L. Etrheim presented request to close section of streets around the school for a mile run walk sponsored by the Garretson PTO on Saturday May 10th from 8:30-11 am. Council member Beaner motioned to approve request with a second from council member Kientopf. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
Special Off-Premise Liquor License – The Gulch – Mayor Brown presented license application submitted by Tracie Jellis and The Gulch. Council discussion ensued and council member Beaner motioned to approve license with a second from council member Kientopf. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
Jesse James Street Dance Closure – C. Moritz request to close portions of Main Avenue Friday evening and Saturday of Jesse James Days weekend. Council discussion ensued and council member Kientopf motioned to approve so long as Commercial Club communicates with effected businesses on Main Avenue. Council member Bonte seconded the motion. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
Abatement – Mayor Brown presented and council member Beaner motioned to approve with a second from council member Kientopf. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
Surplus Server – Dreckman requested council allow of surplus of server in City Hall as it is outdated and needed to be replaced. Council member Bonte motioned to approve the surplus with a second from council member Kientopf. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
DGR Task Order 002 – GIS Services – R. Reinhart presented task order to begin process of converting city’s paper utility maps to digital and GIS compatible. Council discussion ensued. Council member Jacobson motioned to approve task order with a second from council member Rotert. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
OLD BUSINESS:
DSG-Water Meters – Doane recapped presentation from March’s meeting and estimate to begin switch over to water meters as current are at end of life. Council discussion ensued and council member Beaner motioned to approve moving forward with a second from council member Rotert. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
Election Workers – Dreckman advised change to approved election workers as one is no longer able to work. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent.
OTHER ITEMS BROUGHT BEFORE COUNCIL – Mayor Brown presented A. Potter and K. Steinhoff with certificates of appreciation for serving as student advisory board. D. Godbey requested variance for a fence but was advised to visit City Hall to apply.
7:58pm Council member Rotert motioned to adjourn meeting with a second from council member Jacobson. 5 ayes 0 nays 1 absent. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned.
Bruce Brown, Mayor
ATTEST
Paetyn Dreckman
Finance Officer
(Unapproved)
Published at the approximate cost of $363.91 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 4-17-25-1tc
Minutes of the City Council of Garretson, Special Meeting to Canvass the April 8th, 2025 Election
City of Garretson
April 14, 2025
The City Council of the City of Garretson, Minnehaha County, South Dakota met in special session on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Garretson City Hall with Mayor Brown presiding.
5:30 P.M. Mayor Brown called the regular meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL: Bruce Brown – Mayor
Alysha Kientopf – Ward I
Ryan Story – Ward I-absent
Dave Bonte – Ward II
Matthew Jacobson – Ward II
Jackie Rotert – Ward III
Brayden Beaner -- Ward III
OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Paetyn Dreckman
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL:
A. Agenda – 04-14-2025 Special Meeting
Councilmember Bonte made a motion to approve the agenda with a second from councilmember Rotert. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Motion passed.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: No Requests
NEW BUSINESS:
o Canvassing Election
Dreckman advised of election results being Tony Plahn with 6 votes and Matthew ‘Jake’ Jacobson with 28 votes. Alysha Kientopf ran unopposed for Ward 1 and Brayden Beaner ran unopposed for Ward 3. Councilmember Rotert motioned to Canvass the 2025 Ward 2 Election with a second from councilmember Kientopf. 4 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent, 1 abstained.
OTHER ITEMS BROUGHT BEFORE COUNCIL: none
5:32 PM councilmember Kientopf motioned to adjourn with a second from councilmember Bonte. 5 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent. Motion passed.
Meeting Adjourned.
Bruce Brown, Mayor
ATTEST
Paetyn Dreckman
Finance Officer
(Unapproved)
Published at the approximate cost of $21.73 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 4-17-25-1tc
Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 24-4816
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) SS COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA)
IN CIRCUIT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT In the Matter of the Petition of Altisha Ranae Matthews, For a Change of Name to Kwan Ranae Matthews.
49CIV:24-4816
Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition for Adult Name Change has been filed by Altisha Ranae Matthews, the object and prayer of which is to change Petitioner’s name from Altisha Ranae Matthews to Kwan Ranae Matthews.
On the 6th day of May, 2025, at the hour of 10:00 a.m. said Verified Petition will be heard by this Court before the Honorable Judge Mowery, at the Court Room in the Minnehaha County Courthouse, City of Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, or as soon thereafter as is convenient for the court. Anyone may come and appear at that time and place and show reasons, if any, why said name should not be changed as re- quested.
Dated this 28th Day of March, 2025 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Attested by, Cathy Arant Clerk of Court.
Published four times at the approximate cost of $49.48 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 4-3-25-4tc
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF TRUST ADMINISTRATION AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEE
In the Matter of the Estate of BETTY ZIMPRICH
Deceased
Notice is given that on March 31, 2025, the following person: Tamara Pease; 4701 W. 14th Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
was appointed as the Trustee in the trust administration for Betty Zimprich. As Trustee, Tamara Pease has full power and authority to settle all claims and administer the Trust Estate of Betty
Zimprich.
Creditors of the decedent must file their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication ofthis Notice or their claims may be barred.
Claims may be filed with the above-named Trustee by mailing a claim notice with supporting documentation to the address above. Alternatively, claims may be emailed or mailed to the Trustee's attorney.
Dated this 31» day of March, 2025.
Tamara Pease, Trustee, 4701 W. 14th Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Tamara Pease, Trustee
4701 W. 14th Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
LINDSAY M. HARRIS, JD
Attorney for Trustee, Tamara Pease HARRIS LAW, PROF. LLC
5019 S Bur Oak PI., Sioux Falls, SD 57108 605-777-1772
Published at the approximate cost of $41.54 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 4-17-25-1tc
Canvassing of the April 8, 2025 Election by the Garretson School Board 49-4
The school's outdoors will see some changes this spring and summer with a new statue and playground equipment; another burn ban has been placed due to drought conditions; and we deep dive into why city codes and ordinances need updating. Plus, Garretson hosted a successful track meet despite winds, baseball clocks two more wins, and much more!
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The school's outdoors will see some changes this spring and summer with a new statue and playground equipment; another burn ban has been placed due to drought conditions; and we deep dive into why city codes and ordinances need updating. Plus, Garretson hosted a successful track meet despite winds, baseball clocks two more wins, and much more!
April 4, 1935 ~ April 5, 2025 Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Our dear Irish angel passed peacefully into God’s gracious light at home surrounded by family and friends.
Brigid was a beloved Catholic Educator who cherished the unique giftedness and dignity of every child.
Funeral Mass 10.30 a.m. Saturday, May 10th at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Road. Please wear something green! In lieu of flowers, do something for a child in need. May we be living her legacy.
Rachel Vannie Danielson, age 95, of Garretson, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Wednesday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson.
Rachel was born on April 30, 1929, on the Edmundson family farm to Martin and Dorothy (Mason) Edmundson. She grew up on the farm and graduated from Garretson High School. On February 7, 1948, she married Robert “Bud” Danielson in Garretson. Rachel and Bud farmed west of Garretson on different farms until finally setting on the old Bucher farm. Rachel taught school for one year and then worked at Montgomery Wards in Sioux Falls. She also enjoyed being the photographer for Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny at the mall. In 2008, they moved into Garretson. Bud died on October 2, 2013.
Rachel was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson and greatly enjoyed her time volunteering at the Treasure Chest in Garretson. She also loved spending time with her family and friends.
Survivors include her children: Michael (Linda) Danielson, Sioux Falls, Peggy (Jeff) Stoterau, Sioux Falls, and Tom Danielson, Garretson; grandchildren: Lance (Dani) Danielson, Kim (John) Massey, Jessie (Vonnie) Hariri, Austin (Jill) Danielson, and Andy (Amanda) Stoterau; great-grandchildren: Justin Danielson, Katie Danielson, Mack Massey, Rex Stoterau, Renly Danielson, Wes Danielson, Leo Danielson, Rye Danielson; brother, Eddie Edmundson, Garretson; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Robert “Bud” Danielson.
Roger Dale Elverson, age 93, of Sioux Falls, formerly of rural Sherman, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at his home in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Highland Lutheran Church, rural Sherman. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Tuesday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson.
Roger was born on June 11, 1931, on the Elverson family homestead (which is now celebrating its 151st anniversary) in Highland Township to Theodore and Clara (Semmen) Elverson. He attended Highland District 45 country school and graduated from Jasper High School in 1949. He served in the United States Army until the death of his father in 1953. He was honorably discharged and returned home to run the farm. On November 5, 1956, he married Clara June DeToy in Pipestone. In addition to farming, Roger sold insurance for over 50 years and served on the boards of the Minnehaha County Farm Mutual Insurance in Baltic and the DeSmet Farm Mutual Insurance Company. After retiring from farming, Roger and Clara moved into Sioux Falls on March 15, 1999. Clara died on April 17, 2005.
Roger was a lifelong member of Highland Lutheran Church. He enjoyed watching all professional sports, and was also a SDSU Jacks fan. He had great passion for playing cards and it was impossible for any of his kids to beat him. But above all else, his greatest love was for his family, and because of that, our lives have been immeasurably blessed. He simply was the best husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, brother, friend, and bridge partner anyone could hope for.
Survivors include his children: Carlene (Willie) Lodermeier, Johnston, Iowa; Tom (Cindy) Elverson, Sherman, SD; Lisa (Mike) Wahowske, Eagan, MN; and Amy (Marty) Weismantel, Columbia, SD; son-in-law, Doug (Amy) Ode, Brandon, SD; grandchildren: Allison (David) Gier, Ryan (Lauren) Ode, Erik (Gracie) Ode, Ted (Christine) Elverson, John (Taylor) Elverson, Katie Wahowske, Hattie Weismantel, and Elliana Weismantel, granddaughter-in-law, Kimberlee Lodermeier; great-grandchildren: Elmer, Walter, Emma, Edwin, Wyatt, Adeline, Ellis, Bowen, Rosalie, and Dawson; sister-in-law, Marie Martinson; brother-in-law, Joe Zimprich; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara, daughter, Jennifer Ode, grandson, Luke Lodermeier, and sisters, Pearl Stoterau and Doris Koch.
