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Garretson Economic Development: Looking to the future and finding those who can make it possible

Chris Fields, Economic Development Coordinator

man with bald pate and short beard wearing blue suit and maroon tie smiling
Chris Fields //photo submitted

As I reflect on my first 11 months here in Garretson, working with Garretson Economic Development, I continue to think of all the different ways Garretson continues to impact the region, from Garretson’s tourism impacts to being an ag-friendly community, supplying farmers across the region. We are all proud of our “City of Parks” and share that with visitors annually.

This community has so much of which to be proud. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes as they say to make Garretson such a great community to raise a family. City staff, Mayor Brown, and council, as well as all the civic organizations (Garretson Historical Society, Garretson Commercial Club, Garretson Economic Development, FFA, the churches, etc.) work so hard, so diligently to create a world-class environment for people to visit, work, live, play, and raise a family.

One challenge every growing small town has in their growth journey is finding those new leaders willing to get involved in public service, civic engagement, and/or community development. It’s that old adage, right, “the same 10-15 volunteers are on every single community board of directors.” Or even the fact that each community board has had the same officers and board members for the last 10-20 years, which leads to burnout.

Neither of those examples are optimal for growing communities like Garretson, and we are extending an opportunity to those who care about Garretson and want to have a real say in advising the direction of the GED board of directors on projects, fundraising, events, and more.

During our Annual Meeting in March, the board passed Resolution 2025-1, creating five Resource Committees – the Events, Tourism, Industrial Park, Main Street, and Fundraising Resource Committees. This is your chance, if you’re someone who posts great ideas to the community social media accounts, to have a seat at the table for the future of Garretson. If you’re new to the community and don’t know how to get involved or get your foot in the door, this is your chance to get out and meet community leaders and have a say in guiding the board. Or if you’re just someone who has thought about getting involved in public service and civic engagement, this is your shot to get your feet wet.

Garretson 4th of July Spectacular poster

The time commitment is very minimal. Currently, our Events Resource Committee meets weekly as we’re just 4 weeks away from the 4th of July Spectacular, but once that event is over, we’ll go down to meeting bi-monthly or even quarterly. Other committees may only meet monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly, depending on what’s happening here and now. Right now, the members of the Fundraising Resource Committee have not been established. The other committees will start up in the coming weeks.

Also, if you or your organization are looking to fundraise, or even just volunteer to show off our great community, we are having space available for booths at our 4th of July Spectacular up near the ball fields. The event this year will be held on the 4th of July but is currently slated to recur annually on the first Friday in July.

If you have any interest in volunteering in any capacity on our Resource Committees or during the 4th of July Spectacular, or if your organization would like to set up shop for the 4th, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, Chris Fields at 605-910-3640, or via email at .

Urgent Need for Blood Donors, Community Blood Drive Scheduled

Garretson, SD – Community Blood Bank and Garretson Fire Department will host a community blood drive on Saturday, June 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Garretson Fire Station (612 3rd St, Garretson, SD), to take place during the Jesse James Days celebratory events. Donors can schedule a donation appointment by logging onto cbblifeblood.org, selecting “events”, and June 14th or call us at 605-331-32222. All those who donate will receive a $10 D.Q. gift card as a thank you gift. 

“Committing to give blood is a decision to improve the lives of people in the community requiring health services. These individuals could be very vulnerable, potentially fighting a serious illness, and with just one donation of blood, their lives could be changed,” states Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “Often times, people don’t consider donating blood until a loved one requires a blood transfusion. We need blood every day from individuals that decide to volunteer and give without knowing how their donation will affect another’s life. We encourage you to step forward and support the community’s blood supply at the Garretson Fire Department on June 14th. You will not be disappointed with the feeling you receive knowing you saved a life.” 

Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form), weigh 110 lbs or more and be in good general health. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating blood. Please bring an ID with you at the time of donation. For more information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org, call Community Blood Bank at 605-331-3222. Community Blood Bank is only blood provider to all Sioux Falls area hospitals.  

Community Blood Bank is not affiliated with other blood bank organizations and takes pride in being a self-sufficient organization, thanks to the generosity of our local blood donors. 

Results for the Blue Dragons State Track meet at Howard Wood 

Last weekend, several Garretson athletes headed to Howard Wood field in Sioux Falls for the State Track Meet, competing with thousands of athletes from across the state. While it was a great experience, the tough competition meant the athletes had trouble placing in the top eight.

athletes running on a track with Garretson athlete out front
Harper Andera (front). //SDPB

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17 U Baseball vs. Clark & Madison

Garretson Post 23 17U baseball is in full swing, with three games under their belt as of press time Tuesday. Last week Wednesday, May 28, they hosted Clark Post 60 in a double header, and on Monday, they traveled to Madison to compete against Post 25 Junior Legion.

baseball player in blue jersey swinging at baseball
Jacoby Costello on the swing. //Garrick A. Moritz, Gazette

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14 U Baseball wins over Madison

Garretson 14U baseball went home victorious from Madison on Wednesday, May 28, their second win on the season, ending the game 10-8.

Colton Buchholz looks to catch a runner at first. //Gazette file photo

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Public Notices published June 5, 2025

  • Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for May 27, 2025
  • Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners Special Meeting for May 27, 2025.
  • Notice of Summons for Bryan Kiers
  • Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-2308

Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for May  27, 2025

THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY COMMISSION CONVENED AT 9:00 AM on May 27, 2025, pursuant to adjournment on May 20, 2025. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT WERE: Beninga, Bleyenberg, Heisey, Karsky, and Kippley. Also present were Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder, and Eric Bogue, Chief Civil Deputy State's Attorney.

Chair Karsky called the meeting to order. MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Heisey, to Approve the Agenda. 5 ayes

CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Heisey, to Approve the Consent Agenda. By roll vote: 5 ayes. The consent agenda includes the following items:

Commission Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2025 

Joint Dell Rapids/Minnehaha County Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2025

Bills to be Paid $2,697,797.75

A BAR K INC Truck Repairs & Maintenance $170.63, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Office Supplies $10, ACCREDITATION AUDIT Subscriptions $150, ACTIVE DATA SYSTEMS Records Storage $1250, AHRENDT, CYNTHIA J Attorney Fees $5822.1, AIRGAS USA LLC Small Tools & Shop Supplies $208.58, ALL NATIONS INTERPRE Interpreters $5555.35, AMBER WHITTINGTON Business Travel $78, AMERICAN ASSOCIATION Memberships $322, ANDERSON, LEAH Business Travel $657.88, APX CONSTRUCTION GRO Museum Renovations $58498.15, ARCHITECTURE INC Architect, Engineers, and PMgt $30187, AUTOMATIC BUILDING C Jail Repairs & Maintenance $516.32, AVERA MCKENNAN Professional Services $496.83, AVI SYSTEMS INC Office Supplies $265.8, BALOUN LAW PC Child Defense Attorney $3735, BUTLER MACHINERY COM Truck Repairs & Maintenance $4.65, BX CIVIL & CONSTRUCT Contracted Construction $74019.2, CARPENTER, DONOVAN Chemicals $34.18, CENTURY BUSINESS PRO Lease Principal $719.04, CENTURY BUSINESS PRO Maintenance Contracts $570.5, CHAGOLLA, ALBERT Interpreters $90, CHARMTEX INC Child Care Items $2.9, CHARMTEX INC Child Care Uniforms $243.6, CINTAS CORPORATION Janitorial Chemical Supplies $182.5, CINTAS CORPORATION Uniform Allowance $46.68, CLAYTON HAUG Sign Deposits $50, COMPUTER FORENSIC RE Attorney Fees $2480, CONSTELLATION Natural Gas $20301.61, CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT Bridge Repair & Maintenance $1786.25, CORE & MAIN LP Road Maint & Material $4360.8, CORRECTIONAL MEDICAL Contract Services $354948.91, DAKOTA EMBALMING & T Transportation $9500, DAKOTA FLUID POWER I Building Repairs & Maintenance $202.3, DAKOTA FLUID POWER I Truck Repairs & Maintenance $164.35, DAKOTA SUPPLY GROUP Jail Repairs & Maintenance $2230.77, DERHAGOPIAN LAW PROF Attorney Fees $695, DETERS, REECE Business Travel $46, DONELAN, TRAVIS Business Travel $69.68, DUST TEX SERVICE INC Janitorial Chemical Supplies $43.59, EICH LAW OFFICE LLC Attorney Fees $4371, ELLENS,NATE Business Travel $46, FLEETPRIDE INC Parts Inventory $20.49, FLEETPRIDE INC Truck Repairs & Maintenance $104.41, GEOTEK ENGINEERING & Architect, Engineers, and PMgt $4795, GIRTON ADAMS Road Maint & Material $87.54, GRAINGER Jail Repairs & Maintenance $159.64, GRAINGER Sign Supply Inventory $1935.29, GRAINGER Small Tools & Shop Supplies $31.38, GRAVETT, JAMIE Business Travel $214, GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COM Electrical Repairs & Maint $210.9, GRAYBAR ELECTRIC COM HHS Maintenance $432, GUARDIAN RFID Maintenance Contracts $18000, GUNNER, ANDREA Court Reporters $290.2, GUZMAN, SANDRA V Interpreters $150, HEIDEPRIEM PURTELL Attorney Fees $3788.05, HENRY CARLSON CONSTR Construction Costs $1535180, HERUM, ROY Business Travel $38, HIGH POINT NETWORKS Subscriptions $13346.25, HOLLAWAY BRIDGE & CU Sign Deposits $50, HONERMAN, MARK Business Travel $38, HYVEE ACCOUNTS RECEI Jury Fees $35.92, I STATE TRUCK INC Truck Repairs & Maintenance $12.7, INNOVATIVE OFFICE SO Jail Repairs & Maintenance $89.7, INTEGRATED TECHNOLOG Repair/Renovations $498, INTERSTATE COMMERCIA Jail Repairs & Maintenance $492.7, INTERSTATE OFFICE PR Office Supplies $773.42, ISI LLC Interpreters $100, JCL SOLUTIONS Inmate Supplies $3712.85, JEO CONSULTING GROUP Architects & Engineers $4714.71, JOHN MUCHOW Sign Deposits $50, JONES, DAWN County Cemetery $290, JW NIEDERAUER Safety & Rescue Equipment $29.1, KAUFFMAN, DAVID W PH Psych Evals $5400, KENNEDY, RENEE S Court Reporters $1318.05, KRUSE LAW OFFICE Attorney Fees $3397, LACEY RENTALS INC Lease-Rental Agreement $140, LAMP Interpreters $45, LG EVERIST INC Bridge Repair & Maintenance $817.2, LG EVERIST INC Road Maint & Material $814.25, LIEBL, KAYLA Business Travel $46, LOPEZ, REBECA Interpreters $405, LUTHER, JEFF Medical Director $2750, MAC'S HARDWARE HHS Maintenance $31.96, MAC'S HARDWARE Jail Repairs & Maintenance $94.16, MALLOY ELECTRIC Jail Repairs & Maintenance $214.12, MARSH & MCLENNAN LLC Notary Exp $50, MARVS BODY SHOP INC Truck Repairs & Maintenance $4110.42, MAYER, MICHAEL P Uniform Allowance $26.98, MENARD INC Building Repairs & Maintenance $108.89, MENARD INC Road Maint & Material $69.97, MERTZ, ROBERT L Attorney Fees $6150, MIDCONTINENT COMMUNI Amounts Held For Others $121.39, MIDLAND INC Jail Repairs & Maintenance $157.3, MIDWEST OIL COMPANY Parts Inventory $400.08, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Automotive/Small Equipment $32.03, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Business Travel $14.95, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Gas Oil & Diesel $35, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Investigators Expenses $152, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Office Supplies $53.24, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Postage $24.6, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Professional Services $55.27, MINNEHAHA COUNTY Uniform Allowance $28, MYRL & ROYS PAVING I Road Maint & Material $13621.1, NAPA AUTO PARTS Automotive/Small Equipment $-53.94, NAPA AUTO PARTS Parts Inventory $73.71, NAPA AUTO PARTS Truck Repairs & Maintenance $272.86, NGUYEN, LAM Interpreters $60, NORTH CAROLINA DEPT Contract Services $257.6, NOVAK Lease-Rental Agreement $86.18, NYBERGS ACE HARDWARE Other Supplies $7.21, OLIVIER MILES HOLTZ Attorney Fees $2567.7, OSTERMANN, ELLIOTT Business Travel $38, PENNINGTON COUNTY Board of Prisoners-Housing $79.94, PETERSON, MIKE Business Travel $38, PHOENIX SUPPLY LLC Child Care Uniforms $210, PRICE, THOMAS L Professional Services $300, PRICE, THOMAS L Psych Evals $12240, PURPLE COMMUNICATION Interpreters $213.5, QE LLC Welfare Rent $950, QUALITY WELDING & MF Jail Repairs & Maintenance $107.5, REDWOOD TOXICOLOGY L Testing Supplies $30.59, RELIANCE TELEPHONE I Telephone $4, RENTOKIL NORTH AMERI Professional Services $81.88, RESOLUTE LAW FIRM IN Attorney Fees $420.9, ROTOROOTER Jail Repairs & Maintenance $470, SALBERG, AARON DEAN Attorney Fees $1656, SANFORD CLINIC Contract Services $30101.46, SANFORD CLINIC Lab Costs $1368, SEVERTSON, ALLEN Chemicals $41.32, SIOUX EMPIRE FAIR AS Miscellaneous Expense $12500, SIOUX FALLS CITY Miscellaneous Expense $345568.52, SIOUX FALLS CITY Professional Services $71.95, SITZMAN, ABBY Business Travel $150, SOLHEIM, VIRGINIA Chemicals $42.34, SRSTKA, ERIN MacArthur SJC Grant $679.67, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Daily Scram $3419, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Remote Breath $866, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Inmate Supplies $2120.4, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Notary Exp $60, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Printing/Forms $665, STATON, NATHAN Business Travel $203, STRANGE FARRELL JOHN Child Defense Attorney $541.98, STREICHERS INC Uniform Allowance $60, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Child Care Food $2156.29, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Inmate Supplies $402.45, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE School Lunch Program $4900.46, SWANSON, KRIS Business Travel $350.82, TEGRA GROUP INC Architect, Engineers, and PMgt $12753.28, TESSMAN SEED COMP Grounds & Parking Repair $318.9, THOMSON REUTERS - WE Legal Research $2000.86, TRANE Heat, Vent & AC Repairs $1467.92, TRANE Jail Repairs & Maintenance $8895.7, TRANE JDC Maintenance $1253.65, TRANSWEST TRUCK OF Truck Repairs & Maintenance $27.69, TRI-STATE NURSING Professional Services $716, TWO WAY SOLUTIONS IN Communication Equipment Repair $2310.45, TYLER TECHNOLOGIES I Education & Training $2398, ULTEIG ENGINEERS INC Architects & Engineers $881, US FOODS INC Other Supplies $34.09, US FOODS INC Professional Services $949.67, VANDERBY, ANDREA MAN Interpreters $660, VINCE HANSON Sign Deposits $50, WALTON, MARCUS Attorney Fees $3529.5, WALTON, MARCUS Child Defense Attorney $3935, WEERHEIM LAW OFFICE Bd Exp Fees (Minnehaha) $6996, WEERHEIM LAW OFFICE Crisis Intervention Program $288, WOODS FULLER SHULTZ Child Defense Attorney $672, XCEL ENERGY Electricity $5792.39.

Routine Personnel Actions
New Hires

1. Ridge Fisher, seasonal Grounds Worker for Facilities, at $18.25/hour effective 5/27/25.

2. Ainsley Bauman and Emily Riedemann, seasonal Intern for the Museum, at $16.00/hour effective 5/27/25.

3. Alexis Rennerfeldt, variable hour Museum Aide for the Museum, at $16.00/hour effective 5/27/25.

4. James Heisinger, variable hour Museum Aide for the Museum, at $16.00/hour effective 5/29/25.

5. Doug Blomker, variable hour Professional for Emergency Management, at $23.00/hour effective 6/2/25.

6. Rex Harrison, Correctional Officer for the Jail, at $27.44/hour (14/2) effective 5/26/25.

7. Haley Krier, Caseworker for Human Services, at $28.82/hour (16/1) effective 5/27/25.

8. Keli McPhillips, Pretrial Coordinator for Pretrial Services, at $26.13/hour (12/3) effective 6/2/25.

9. Khriztyn Kriniger, Deputy State's Attorney for the State's Attorney's Office, at $3,777.60/biweekly (22/3) effective 6/2/25.

10. Craig Olson, Digital Discovery Technician for the State's Attorney's Office, at $27.44/hour (14/2) effective 6/2/25.

Step Increases

1. Kyle Johnson, Corporal for the Jail, at $35.98/hour (17/6) effective 3/10/25.

2. Michael Fetter, Correctional Officer for the Jail, at $28.82/hour (14/3) effective 5/15/25.

3. Markus Thiel, Correctional Officer for the Jail, at $27.44/hour (14/2) effective 3/25/25.

4. Sabrina Garcia, Juvenile Correctional Officer II for the Juvenile Detention Center, at $31.81/hour (16/3) effective 5/27/25.

5. Mason Steffen, Planner I for the Planning Department, at $33.42/hour (16/5) effective 6/1/25.

6. Monica McFarland, Administrative Assistant for the Public Advocate's Office, at $29.54/hour (12/8) effective 5/1/25.

7. Sara Rohde, Senior Records Technician for the Register of Deeds, at $26.76/hour (12/4) effective 4/29/25.

8. Kinze Stradtman, Legal Office Assistant for the State's Attorney's Office, at $22.51/hour (10/2) effective 5/20/25.
Special Personnel Actions

1. To temporarily approve two Deputy Sheriff positions for the Sheriff's Office above the authorized payroll budget

2. To approve an exception to the ‌Hiring of Relatives policy in order to hire Aidan Mullaney ($20.00/hour effective 5/14/2025) as a seasonal Intern for the State's Attorney's Office.

3. To promote Carrie Carey and Arika Bartels to Senior Records Technicians in the Register of Deeds Office at $26.13/hour (12/3) effective 5/24/25.

4. To record the elimination of a vacant Records Technician position from the Register of Deeds payroll budget.  

Notices and Requests   

Approval to Display Fireworks at Blue Haven Barn, 46954 268th Street, on June 14, 2025

Notice of Permit Application was received from the US Army Corps of Engineers to Construct Roadway and Associated Arterial Connections Located from the end of North Veterans Parkway at 57th Street and the Previously Permitted South Veterans Parkway ending at Sycamore Avenue in Sections 8, 9, 16, and 17, Township 100N, Range 49W; and Section 31, Township 101N, Range 48W in Minnehaha County, SD; SD Department of Transportation, Applicant

PRESENTATIONS

Julie Hofer, Public Advocate, presented the Public Advocate's Office Annual Presentation. Discussion followed on Budget Request for an 8th Attorney; Abuse and Neglect Caseload; Office of Public Advocate and Public Defender's Office Abuse and Neglect Comparison; Juvenile Delinquency Caseload; and Logistical Challenges.

Traci Smith, Public Defender, presented the Public Defender's Office Annual Presentation. Discussion followed on the Role of the Public Defense and the Public Defender Advisory Board; Procedure for Requesting Counsel; Minnehaha County Management of Indigent Defense; 2024 Caseload Analysis; Financial Highlights; and Looking Ahead on Recruitment & Retention and Departmental Goals.

RESOLUTION

Upon the request of Maggie Gillespie, Senior Deputy State's Attorney, MOTION by Heisey, seconded by Kippley, to Authorize the Chair to Sign Resolution MC25-12 Authorizing the Commencement of a Civil Action. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

RESOLUTION MINNEHAHA COUNTY 25-12
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COMMENCEMENT OF A CIVIL ACTION

WHEREAS, the Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners declared the following described property to be a public nuisance on August 22, 2023, in violation of Minnehaha County Ordinance MC33-04, which Ordinance is entitled Declaration and Abatement of Public Nuisances (hereinafter Nuisance Ordinance); and
WHEREAS, such property is located at 26345 463rd Avenue, Hartford, South Dakota 57033, and is legally described as S½ S½ NE¼ (Ex. W 990') of Section 9, Township 101 North, Range 51 West, Minnehaha County, South Dakota (hereafter referred to as “Subject Property”), which property is owned by Kim Halverson and Victoria Halverson (hereinafter Owners); and

WHEREAS, the Board allowed the Owners additional time to voluntarily abate the public nuisance to remove the abandoned property comprising the public nuisance; and

WHEREAS, after the nuisance was not voluntarily abated, the Planning Department contacted a contractor to abate the nuisance at the property pursuant to the nuisance declaration; and

WHEREAS, according to the Planning Department, when the contractor arrived at the above- described property to abate the nuisance, the Owners refused to allow the contractor to access the property to abate the nuisance; and

WHEREAS, as the Planning Department reports that the public nuisance continues at the property unabated, the Board of County Commissioners finds that it is now necessary and in the best interests of the County to pursue legal action seeking a Court Order granting access to the County and any hired agent of the County to abate the public nuisance;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of County Commissioners of Minnehaha County, South Dakota, that the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney is hereby authorized to institute and proceed with a civil action seeking the appropriate Court Order granting access to the property to abate the public nuisance.

Dated this 27th day of May 2025.

Dean Karsky Chair
Minnehaha County Board of Commissioners
ATTEST: Leah Anderson, Auditor
Kym Christiansen, Deputy Auditor

AGREEMENT

Upon the request of Brett Johnson, Community Engagement Manager, MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Beninga, to Authorize the Chair to sign the Services Agreements between Minnehaha County and Sioux Falls Housing and South Dakota Urban Indian Health. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

ALOCOHL LICENSE RENEWALS

Upon the request of Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder, MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Kippley, to Approve the 2025-2026 Malt Beverage & SD Farm Wine License Renewal Applications for Post 307 and Buffalo Trading Post. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORTS

Commissioner Beninga provided an update on the Request for Proposals for Campus Master Planning.

Commissioner Bleyenberg reported on the recent Drug Court graduation.

Commissioner Karsky spoke about the recent Airport Authority meeting and the Memorial Day program. 

MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Heisey, to Enter into Executive Session Pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1), (3), (4), and (6) at 10:25 a.m. 5 ayes.

Chair Karsky declared the executive session concluded at 11:28 a.m.

MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Adjourn at 11:29 a.m. 5 ayes.

The Commission adjourned until 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION:

Dean Karsky

Chair

ATTEST:

Kym Christiansen

Commission Recorder

Published once at the total approximate cost of $174.13 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 6-5-25-1tc

Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners Special Meeting for May 27, 2025.

THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY COMMISSION CONVENED AT 3:30 PM on May 27, 2025, pursuant to adjournment on May 27, 2025. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT WERE: Bleyenberg, Heisey, Karsky, and Kippley. Commissioner Beninga was present via electronic means. Also present was Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder.

Chair Karsky called the meeting to order.

MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Heisey, to Approve the Agenda. By roll call vote: 5 ayes

MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Heisey, to Enter into Executive Session Pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1) at 3:33 p.m. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

Chair Karsky declared the executive session concluded at 5:34 p.m.

MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Heisey, to Adjourn at 5:35 p.m. By roll call vote: 5 ayes

The Commission adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION:

Dean Karsky

Chair

ATTEST:

Kym Christiansen

Commission Recorder

Published once at the total approximate cost of $13.42 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 6-5-25-1tc

Notice of Summons for Bryan Kiers

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA IN CIRCUIT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

CARLITA PENEAUX, PLAINTIFF

VS.

VICTOR EDUARDO GARCIA, DEFENDANT

49DIV-000122

SUMMONS

THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT, BRYAN KIERS:

You are hereby summoned and required to answer the Complaint of the Plaintiff in the above entitled action, a copy of said Complaint was filed at the Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts, 425 N Dakota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 on March 12th, 2025, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint upon the Plaintiff and file with the Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts, within thirty (30) days after the service of this Summons upon you, exclusive of the day of such service, and you will hereby take notice that in case of your failure to answer said Complaint, judgment by default may be rendered against you as requested in the said Complaint.

Published four times at the approximate cost of $48.28 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 5-29-25-4tc

Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change 49CIV 25-2308

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) SS COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA)

IN CIRCUIT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT In the Matter of the Petition of Brooke Lynn Rognstad, For a Change of Name to Brooke Renee Lyncrest.

49CIV:25-20308

Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition for Adult Name Change has been filed by Brooke Lynn Rognstad, the object and prayer of which is to change Petitioner’s name from Brooke Lynn Rognstad to Brooke Renee Lyncrest.

On the 1st day of July, 2025, at the hour of 11:00 a.m. said Verified Petition will be heard by this Court before the Honorable Judge Pekas, at the Court Room in the Minnehaha County Courthouse, City of Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, or as soon thereafter as is convenient for the court. Anyone may come and appear at that time and place and show reasons, if any, why said name should not be changed as re- quested.

Dated this 19th Day of May, 2025 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Attested by, Karla Klab Clerk of Court.

Published four times at the approximate cost of $49.48 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 5-22-25-4tc

News for 6-5-25

front page for 6-5-25

The Combine/Sports Cabin has taken up the mantle of Meals on Wheels, which allows for communal meals again for those age 60+; Garretson native Kim Bartling of Humanity Launch had a great message about bullying last week; and another year of State Track is in the books. Plus, the Branch Pile is under scrutiny, Economic Development is looking for volunteers, and more!


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News for 6-5-2025 (e-edition)

This Week's Issue

The Combine/Sports Cabin has taken up the mantle of Meals on Wheels, which allows for communal meals again for those age 60+; Garretson native Kim Bartling of Humanity Launch had a great message about bullying last week; and another year of State Track is in the books. Plus, the Branch Pile is under scrutiny, Economic Development is looking for volunteers, and more!


This Week's Spotlight Photos


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Love, Bravery, and Conviction

Pastor Julie’s Memorial Day Message to Post #23

Pastor Julie Han Gregg of the United Church of Garretson gave the Memorial Day address on Monday, May 26.

woman standing at podium and speaking

Pastor Julie Han Gregg was the featured speaker at Post #23’s Memorial Day service on Monday.

“It takes love, bravery, and conviction to lay down your life for others,” she said, then quoting John 15:13. 

“Sacrifice is the cost of freedom and there is no democracy without freedom. Without democracy, society cannot thrive and be at its very best. In this divided time that we live in, it’s important to remember that all people are different, and we should honor and respect those differences.”

She quoted 1st Corinthians 12:12-27, that the body is made of many parts, each different and serving a function, and that the body cannot be whole without the sum of its parts.

“Our differences and diversities should be celebrated, honored and respected, because only together working as one can we be healthy and strong. Unity is not uniformity, it is diversity and devotion to a vision of working toward a better world, a world where Christ’s message of love and caring for one another holds sway.”

Pastor Gregg said that war has a shadow side. Not only is there loss of life, but there’s an impact on loved ones. Those who survive war may suffer for the rest of their lives. 

man kneeling and placing flowers in front of small white cross next to small American flag
Post #23 Chaplain Josh Lampe laid the memorials.

She praised the work of one of her parishioners, Bob Bennett and Post #23 for their support of the “Be the One” initiative, which is helping veterans to live better lives and to cope with the stress and trauma that comes with war. Its goal is preventing suicide.

“Take care of each other, work together to make the lives of veterans and the families of those who have lost better, and know that all of us are worthy of divine grace, that God sees you and understands you, and cares for you.”

color guard at arms

Pastor Gregg is one of two pastors at the United Church of Garretson. She holds a BA from Emory University, Masters in Counseling Psychology from Trinity University and a Masters in Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and is the Spiritual Director for the Sioux Falls Area.  She was born in Seoul, South Korea and came to the US with her family when she was 11. She’s lived all over the United States, settling in Sioux Falls in 2005. She and her husband Brian serve as joint pastors for the United Church of Garretson and they have two children.

County to start civil action to obtain court order for nuisance clean up

By Dave Baumeister

County Correspondent

SIOUX FALLS – In the case of a public nuisance violation, the Minnehaha County State’s Attorney received the go-ahead to commence a civil action against Kim and Victoria Halverson of rural Hartford.

garage and yard with junk and junk vehicle in front of it
These file photos show some of the reasons the property at 46345 463rd Ave. in rural Hartford was declared a public nuisance two years ago. Current photos were not available, but the property owners won’t allow clean-up crews on their land, so it is suspected that little has changed. //Dave Baumeister

That authority was granted by the county commission at the Tuesday, May 27 meeting after two years of attempts to gain access to the Halversons’ property at 23645 463rd Ave., as explained in the resolution.

In August of 2023, the commission declared the Halversons in violation of the county’s public nuisance ordinance after neighbors complained, and the Halversons failed to clean up their property of burned down buildings, “loads” of discarded HVAC equipment, and other problems, according to previous stories in the Gazette.

These problems went back to the summer of 2022 and before when commissioners gave the Halversons the chance to abate the problems on their own before the county acted.

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