On December 12, 2024, the Garretson C and JV Boys Basketball Team tipped off the 2024/20025 season against Estelline/Hendricks RedHawks.
In the opening game the Garretson C Team battled the entire game, but came up a little short, losing to the RedHawks 42-32.
More article below - Read with a full on-line subscription!
The Premiere Playhouse opened its fourth season of A Christmas Carol this past weekend, a new holiday tradition that drew in local Garretson Middle School student Leif Moritz when he was a mere 8 years old.
More article below - Read with a full on-line subscription!
The show continues through Saturday, with performances tonight (Thursday), Friday, and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and a matinee on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be pre-purchased by calling the Washington Pavilion box office at (605) 367-6000 during business hours or online at https://thepremiereplayhouse.com/productions/a-christmas-carol/.
By Dave Baumeister
County Correspondent
SIOUX FALLS – As the end of the year gets closer, at his week’s meeting on Tuesday Dec. 17, Minnehaha County Commission looked at moving around money in the 2024 budget to cover gains and losses.
For separate commission action, Budget and Finance Officer Susan Beaman looked at shortfalls in certain areas, but then followed up by presenting totals of various grants, donations, and reimbursements to cover these shortfalls.
More article below - Read with a full on-line subscription!
SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting Garretson School District #49-4 6:00 p.m. December 9, 2024
Present: Board President Natasha Mendoza, Board Vice President Tana Clark, Board Member Wyatt Compton, Board Member Shannon Nordstrom, Superintendent Guy Johnson & Business Manager Jacob Schweitzer. Others present: Elementary Principal Katie Hoekman, MS/HS Principal Chris McGregor, Jacki Liester, Carrie Moritz, Sherri Schoenfish & Kevin Steckler. Board Member Justin VanDeBerg was absent.
At 6:00 p.m., the Board convened in the Library for its regular meeting of the Garretson School Board. All votes are unanimous, unless specifically noted in the minutes.
President Mendoza led the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed guests and visitors.
President Mendoza called for any additions or corrections to the Board agenda. Superintendent Johnson proposed one addition to executive session, pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2, subsection 2: A Student Matter.
Action 25-048: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Compton, to approve the agenda as presented with the proposed addition. Motion carried.
There were no comments made during the Open Forum portion of the meeting.
Action 25-049: Motion by Clark, second by Compton, to approve the following consent agenda items as presented. Approval of November 11, 2024 regular board meeting minutes, approval of payments for November 2024 claims, approval of the financial statements for November 2024, approval of November 2024 payroll, and approval of December 5, 2024 fuel quotes, 10% Ethanol from Palisades Oil - $2.15 & #2 Diesel from Palisades Oil - $2.993. Motion carried.
GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT #49-4
CLAIMS PAID DECEMBER 9, 2024
GENERAL FUND
A-OX WELDING SUPPLY CO., INC., AG. CYLINDER RENTALS, $91.52; ALLIANCE COMMUNICATIONS, DECEMBER 2024 INTERNET & PHONE SERVICES, $806.00; AUTOMATIC BUILDING CONTROLS, ANNUAL CHECKOUT OF FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS, $3,196.00; BENNETT, LIZ, TICKET TAKING, $80.00; BENSON, TAYLER, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL/LINE JUDGE, $130.00; BLY, LOGAN, VOLLEYBALL LIBERO TRACKER, $40.00; BONTE, NORA, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL/LINE JUDGE, $190.00; BRANDON ACE HARDWARE, MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES, $103.50; BROWN, ERIKA, ORAL INTERP. JUDGE, $150.00; CARROLL INSTITUTE, NOVEMBER 2024 CONTRACT, $850.00; CLIMATE SYSTEMS, INC., HEATING MAINTENANCE/REPAIRS, $2,419.41; DAKOTA AUTO PARTS, TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIES, $31.72; DE WITTE, JORDAN, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL/LINE JUDGE, $10.00; DEBATES, KASSIDY, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL/VIDEOBOARD, $70.00; FIEGEN, GRACIE, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL/LINE JUDGE, $100.00; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- ADJUSTABLE STANDING DESK, $108.13; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- CLASSROOM PAINT, $176.81; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- DRY ERASE SURFACE CLEANER, $37.18; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- HANDLE WITH CARE BOOKS, $196.65; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- KEYS FOR ELEMENTARY, $12.55; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- MOUSE PAD, $9.48; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- THE INNOVATOR’S MENDSET BOOKS, $121.05; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMERICINN- STATE CROSS COUNTRY MEET- HOTEL, $178.18; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, COFFEE CUP- STATE CROSS COUNTRY MEET- FUEL, $47.66; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, EASYKEYS.COM- KEYS FOR ELEMENTARY, $28.25; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, EXXON- STATE CROSS COUNTRY MEET- FUEL, $43.30; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, FEDEX- SHIPPING CHARGES, $49.03; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, HEADSETZONE- CLOCKS, $1.639.88; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, KIBBLE EQUIPMENT- GREASE FOR BUS DOOR, $9.54; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, TARGET- LOST & FOUND CART MATERIALS, $38.76; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, THEATREFOLK- ONE-ACT PLAY SCRPT, $187.95; GARCIA, ALYSSA, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL/LINE JUDGE, $10.00; GARRETSON GAZETTE, NOVEMBER 2024 BOARD MINUTES PUBLICATION, $168.38; GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT, NOVEMBER 2024 IMPREST ACCOUNT REIMBURSEMENT, $829.00; HARRIS, ASHLEY, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL/LINE JUDGE, $160.00; HAUFF MID-AMERICA SPORTS, CHESS AWARDS/CUSTODIAL STAFF SHIRTS/HOODIES, $605.70; HEALTHEQUITY, HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT CONTRIBUTIONS/FEES, $575.28; HILLYARD, CLEANING/MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES, $3,550.18; HORACE MANN, NOVEMBER 2024 PAYROLL ACH’S, $351.58; HOVE, ADDISON, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL/LINE JUDGE, $80.00; HOVE, GRACE, VOLLEYBALL LIBERO TRACKER, $40.00; JOHNSON, VIVIAN, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL BOOK/CLOCK, $150.00; KAUFMAN LAW OFFICE, LEGAL SERVICES, $9,836.78; KOCH, JANA, VOLLEYBALL LINE JUDGE, $140.00; LARSON, SYLVIA, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PHYSICAL- REIMBURSEMENT, $150.00; LASTING IMPRESSIONS UNLIITED, INC., CROSS COUNTRY/FOOTBALL/VOLLEYBALL AWARDS, $179.00; LYNN, JACKSON, SHULTZ & LEBRUN, P.C., LEGAL SERVICES, $7,855.09; MENARDS, AG. MECHANICS CLASS LAB SUPPLIES, $69.98; PALISADES OIL, CO., BULK FUEL/SHOP PARTS, $1,216.71; PALISADES PROPANE, CO., PROPANE FOR BUSES, $972.37; PETERSON, CHARLI, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL/LINE JUDGE, $90.00; PITNEY BOWES, POSTAGE/POSTAGE SUPPLIES, $516.93; ROBERTS, NATHANAEL, SOCCER SCOREBOARD, $20.00; ROTERT, JACKIE, VOLLEYBALL CLOCK/SCOREBOARD, $420.00; ROTERT, MACI, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL BOOK/CLOCK, $80.00; SANFORD HEALTH OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EXAM, $100.00; SIOUX FALLS AUTO GLASS, 1998 CHEVY SUBURBAN- WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT, $345.00; SOUTH DAKOTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT REGISTRATION, $120.00; STECKLER, KEVIN, TOTES FOR UNIFORMS- REIMBURSEMENT, $106.16; STEVE’S ELECTRIC & PLUMBING, INC., BUILDING MAINTENANCE/REPAIRS, $13,116.63; STRAND, MAIYA, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL VIDEOBOARD, $30.00; STURDEVANT’S AUTO VALUE, ENGINE COOLANT/OTHER TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIES, $42.69; SWANK MOVIE LICENSING USA, SITE LICENSE 12/10/2024-12/9/2025, $615.00; SYSA, ISABELLA, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL/LINE JUDGE, $80.00; TONSAY, JOEY, SOCCER SCOREBOARD, $20.00; WAGEWORKS, NOVEMBER 2024 ACH FEES, $3,131.50; WAGNER, ALEAH, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL/LINE JUDGE, $70.00; WALTMAN, MADISON, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL BOOK/CLOCK, $30.00; WILLIAMSON, SAM, FOOTBALL CLOCK/SCOREBOARD, $75.00; WOLF, EMMA, JH/C TEAM VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL/LINE JUDGE, $50.00; XCEL ENERGY, SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2024 ELECTRICITY, $9,044.64;
TOTAL GENERAL FUND, $66,196.15
CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND
ACCESS SYSTEMS, NOVEMBER 2024 SERVICES, $1,403.06; HAUFF MID-AMERICA SPORTS, SOCCER UNIFORMS, $2,718.00; PITNEY BOWES, LEASE INVOICE, $218.82;
TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND, $4,339.88
SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND
A TO Z WORLD LANGUAGES, INC., OCTOBER 23, 2024 INTERPRETER SERVICES, $195.00; ASHA, 2025 DUES, $278.00; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, ADDY’S SPORTS BAR- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT- MEAL, $17.80; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- DRIVER ADAPTER/DUAL CARD READER, $18.99; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, CHEESECAKE FACTORY- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT- MEAL, $37.63; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, EVENTBRITE- SOUTH DAKOTA SPECIAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE REGISTRATION, $320.00; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, HILTON HOTELS- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT- HOTEL, $841.41; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, PEARSON EDUCATION- AUDIO FILES/MANUAL, $178.10; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, PEARSON EDUCATION- FLUENCY BOOKLET, $46.45; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, PEARSON EDUCATION- STIMULUS BOOK, $416.80; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, PILOT- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT- FUEL, $34.10; GOODCARE, LLC, NOVEMBER 2024 SERVICES, $7,027.45; ISI, LLC, NOVEMBER 2024 INTERPRETER SERVICES, $8,476.00; PRAIRIE LAKES EDUCATIONAL COOPERATIVE, NOVEMBER 2024 SERVICES, $3,224.85; SIOUX FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT #49-5, OCTOBER 2024 TUITION, $1,792.20; TEACHWELL SOLUTIONS, AUGUST-OCTOBER 2024 SERVICES, $24,255.00;
TOTAL SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND, $47,159.78
FOOD SERVICE FUND
LUNCHTIME SOLUTIONS, INC., CATERING/SMALLWARES/VETERAN’S DAY MEAL, $634.82;
TOTAL FOOD SERVICE FUND, $634.82
PRESCHOOL FUND
GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT, NOVEMBER 2024 IMPREST ACCOUNT REIMBURSEMENT, $75.90;
TOTAL PRESCHOOL FUND, $75.90
CUSTODIAL FUND
FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- NON-SLIP FLOOR MAT, $45.97; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, AMAZON- WINTER FORMAL MATERIALS/SUPPLIES, $91.37; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, PIZZA RANCH- FFA MEAL, $151.00; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, PIZZA RANCH- MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE MEAL, $141.74; FIRST BANK & TRUST CREDIT CARD, WALMART- CLOTHING/SHOES, $87.03;
TOTAL CUSTODIAL FUND, $517.11
TOTAL CLAIMS: $118,923.64
IMPREST CHECKS
NOVEMBER 2024
GENERAL FUND IMPREST CHECKS
BOSCH, RANDI, VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL- 10/28/2024, $135.08; FEIST, DANIEL, VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL- 10/28/2024, $120.08; PEDERSEN, SHEILA, 2024 DENTAL INSURANCE COVERAGE- REIMBURSEMENT, $525.84; ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL, ORAL INTERP. ENTRY FEES, $48.00;
TOTAL GENERAL FUND IMPREST CHECKS, $829.00
PRESCHOOL FUND IMPREST CHECKS
ANDERSON, STACEY, HEAD START TRAINING- MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT, $75.90;
TOTAL PRESCHOOL FUND IMPREST CHECKS, $75.90
TOTAL IMPREST CHECKS: $904.90
Financial Report
The Business Manager presented a financial report of cash balances, expenditures, and receipts for the month of November 2024 as listed below:
Cash Balances as of November 29, 2024: General Fund: $487,036.52; Capital Outlay Fund: $1,512,847.88; Special Education Fund: $324,744.54; Food Service Fund: $277,906.65; Driver’s Education Fund: $12,068.52; Preschool Fund: ($3,923.30); Custodial Fund: $86,331.79.
Expenditures: General Fund: Claims, $53,306.26; Payroll, $327,417.45; Capital Outlay Fund: Claims, $17,900.86; Special Education Fund: Claims, $19,286.17; Payroll, $71,576.54; Food Service Fund: Claims, $73,494.19; Preschool Fund: Payroll, $10,201.12; Custodial Fund: ACH Fees, $4,058.36; Claims, $70,298.04.
Receipts: General Fund: Local Sources, $614,510.77; Intermediate Sources, $1,536.58; State Sources, $200,600.00; Capital Outlay Fund: Local Sources, $384,844.80; Special Education Fund: Local Sources, $235,636.94; State Sources, $32,721.00; Food Service Fund: Local Sources, $27,729.76; Federal Sources, $10,257.49; Preschool Fund: Local Sources, $17,429.06; Custodial Fund: Local Sources, $103,221.18.
Old Business:
None
New Business:
There were no conflicts of interest.
RESOLUTION 2024-2025-3: Motion by Compton, second by Clark, to pass a resolution to oppose the voucher program in South Dakota. Resolution carried.
Action 25-050: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Compton, to adopt Girls’ Softball as a school sanctioned sport, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Motion carried.
The following information items were presented to the Board: Policy DJ: Purchasing, Policy JECB-JECC: Admission or Rejection of Nonresident Students - Assignment of Resident Students, & Policy JECB-JECC-R: Admission of Nonresident Students - Open Enrollment Procedures.
The First Readings of the following were presented to the Board as a part of the policy adoption process: Policy KLD: Public Complaints About School Personnel or Procedures, Policy KLD-E: Complaints Regarding Employees or Procedures, Policy IIGB-RA: Network Acceptable Use Policy (Student) and Policy IIGB-RAA: Network Acceptable Use Policy (Staff).
The Second Reading of Policy GCDB/GDDB: Employee Criminal Background Check was presented to the Board.
Action 25-051: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Clark, to adopt Policy GCDB/GDDB: Employee Criminal Background Check. Motion carried.
Administration provided the Board with four administrative reports:
a. Superintendent’s Report - Superintendent Johnson gave the Board an update on the heating issues in the new gym and the timeline for a resolution. He informed them of some schedule changes that will be taking place as a result. Next, Superintendent Johnson made the Board aware that he attended the State Superintendent’s meeting in Chamberlain on December 4. He added that the first of two book studies is underway and that there are eight participants. Lastly, Superintendent Johnson reported to the Board that meetings have taken place with staff at all levels to explore possibilities for online learning in the event of make up days due to weather. He added that a proposal would be presented to the Board regarding this in January.
b. Prairie Lakes Educational Cooperative Report - Superintendent Johnson reported to the Board that changes are being made to the psychologist’s evaluation process.
c. Elementary Principal/Curriculum Director’s Report - Principal Hoekman informed the Board that elementary students participated in a coloring contest for American Education Week and staff discussed how students are holding themselves accountable for their actions as part of the elementary’s SOAR initiative. She added that a student support teams training took place December 3-5 and NWEA/MAP testing will occur the week of December 9-13. Next, she praised the 5th grade for the job they did at their band concert and made the Board aware that the K-2 music program is on December 19. Lastly, Principal Hoekman reported that MS/HS social studies curriculum has been selected, next steps are being taken on MS/HS math curriculum, and work with elementary staff has begun to transition to the new social studies curriculum for the 2025-2026 school year.
d. Middle School/High School Principal’s Report - Principal McGregor complimented the band & choir for their performances at the November 19 concerts. He added that the middle school dance on November 22 was well attended, and all had a good time. Next, Principal McGregor congratulated the five students that participated at the FFA State Leadership Development Contest in Rapid City. Lastly, he informed the Board that 40 senior students took the NCRC test on December 5 and semester tests will take place December 18-20.
Action 25-052: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Compton, to go into executive session, pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2, subsection 1: A Personnel Matter and subsection 2: A Student Matter. Motion carried. The Board entered executive session at 7:11 p.m.
President Mendoza declared the Board out of executive session at 7:35 p.m.
Action 25-053: Motion by Nordstrom, second by Clark, to adjourn at 7:36 p.m. Motion carried.
Approved by the Garretson Board of Education this _____ day of _________, 2025.
Natasha Mendoza, Board President Jacob Schweitzer, Business Manager
Published at the total approximate cost of $171.89 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 12-19-1tc
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) SS COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA)
IN CIRCUIT COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT In the Matter of the Petition of Idris Sisto Nada, For a Change of Name to Endrias Sisto Nada
49CIV:24-5023
Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition for Adult Name Change has been filed by Idris Sisto Nada, the object and prayer of which is to change Petitioner’s name from Idris Sisto Nada to Endrias Sisto Nada.
On the 7th day of January, 2025, at the hour of 11:00 a.m. said Verified Petition will be heard by this Court before the Honorable Mandi 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 27th Day of Sept., 2024 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Attested by, Karla Kalb, Acting Clerk of Court.
Published four times at the approximate cost of $50.69 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 12-4-24-4tc
Pro. 24-318
In the Matter of the Estate of DANA K. JENSEN, Deceased.
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) :SS
COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA)
IN CIRCUIT COURT
SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
Notice is hereby given that on the 27th day of November, 2024, Mary Greenlee and Galen Jensen, Jr., whose addresses are 2301 145th Street, Lubbock, Texas, 79423 and P.O. Box 151, Pierpont, South Dakota, 57468, respectively, were appointed as Personal Representatives of the Estate of Dana K. Jensen, deceased.
Creditors of the decedent must present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or their claims may be barred.
Claims may be delivered to or mailed to the Personal Representatives or may be filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and a copy of the claim mailed or delivered to the Personal Representatives.
Dated this 27th day of November, 2024
Mary Greenlee -
Personal Representative
2301 145th Street
Lubbock, Texas 79423
Galen Jensen, Jr. -
Personal Representative
P.O. Box 151
Pierpont, South Dakota 57468
ANGELIA M. GRIES
Clerk of Circuit Court
Minnehaha County Courthouse
425 N. Dakota Avenue
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104
605) 367-5900
Dell Rapids, Law Firm
P. O. Box 100
Dell Rapids, SD 57022-0100 (605) 428-5444
Attorneys for Personal Representatives
Published three times at the total approximate cost of $58.15 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 12-4-3tc
The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting opened on Thursday, December 5th at 8:00 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Jon Schmidt with a salute to the Colors, POW/MIA observance, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Chaplain Lampe offered the prayer. 18 members were present.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. The finance and social reports were approved. Bills were approved for payment.
Brian Siemonsma gave the Service Officer report and stated that an anniversary card was sent to Gary Winterton.
The membership report had our 2025 goal at 201 members. We currently have a total of 159 renewed members (79%) at this point. Our December goal is 75%.
Bob Bennett gave the Americanism report. He said the Veterans Day program at the school on Veterans Day was very well attended. Over 20 Veterans had lunch with the students that week. Paul Evenson gave the Legislative report. The American Legion has concerns about education credits earned in the military being honored at higher education facilities. Also there are concerns about funding for the education of service members at our state facilities. The Honor Guard performed at the Veterans Day Program at the school.
Brian Siemonsma reported that the Legion is not saying much yet about the restructuring of the baseball programs to line up with SDHSAA.
Our Post will host the December 14th Hometown Christmas from 9 am to 1 pm with French toast on the menu. A motion passed to donate all proceeds to the Garretson Food Pantry, Garretson Ambulance, Garretson Fire Department, and Midwest Honor Flight. We will have the Post set up to watch the Army Navy game from 2 pm to 5 pm.
The next Post meeting will be January 2nd with the meal at 7 pm and meeting at 8 pm. The next County meeting will be held at our Post on February 25th. The next District meeting will be held March 30th in Garretson. The Department Mid-Winter Conference will be in Oacoma February 14th through the 16th. Commander Schmidt shared a thank you note from the Garretson students thanking our Veterans for attending the Veteran’s Day program and for their service.
The monthly raffle drawing took place. There were 4 drawings for December. Winners were: Jack Annis, Hunter Myers, Betsy Howe, and Cory Buchholz. Each will receive $150! A special $500 drawing took place with Dan Lenz and Marie Peterson as the lucky winners!
Commander Jon Schmidt closed the meeting with the usual ceremony at 8:46 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
-Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It's our annual holiday issue, with the winners of the Gazette drawing contest, Santa Letters, and a look at Hometown Christmas; Garretson resident Amanda Schotzko connected with her heritage this past September, impacting her greatly; and basketball is off to a roaring start. Thank you to our local businesses who helped ensure the success of our holiday issue!
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It's our annual holiday issue, with the winners of the Gazette drawing contest, Santa Letters, and a look at Hometown Christmas; Garretson resident Amanda Schotzko connected with her heritage this past September, impacting her greatly; and basketball is off to a roaring start. Thank you to our local businesses who helped ensure the success of our holiday issue!
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by Carrie Moritz, Gazette
On Monday, the Garretson School Board gave the go-ahead to sanction a new sport at Garretson High School. During the same meeting, the board voted to sign a resolution standing against school vouchers, discussed the heating issue in the New Gym, and heard good news about career-readiness.
School vouchers have been a topic at the top of the board's mind since last meeting, when they discussed an initial legislative resolution outlining why they were not a good idea. During that time, it was understood to likely be a bill that would be going through the committees and legislature this coming winter. However, during Governor Kristi Noem's budget address last Tuesday, she proposed putting $4 million to "Education Savings Accounts" that would help students with up to $3,000 in tuition reimbursement for alternative forms of education such as private school or homeschooling, by-passing bill requirements and feedback.
During Noem's proposal, she said it wouldn't cut any funds from the public school system.
“Public schools are very important to our state’s educational future,” Noem said during the address. She then proposed a lower-than-inflation 1.25% increase in public education funding, and increases in mental health funding for children.
But at the same time, she wanted to acknowledge that up to 20% of South Dakota students wanted alternative forms of education.
“Good education starts in the home,” Noem said. “And parents should have the tools to choose what educational path is best for their kids.”
However, the same budget proposed cutting significant funding from South Dakota Public Broadcasting, the state library, public and social services, and dual credit for high school students, all areas that improve public education.
"A lot of pitfalls and unintended consequences," said board member Wyatt Compton when he discussed the Associated School Boards meeting that was held about the proposal last week. "And then the amount of oversight that it should require, and what the state has for resources to support that."
"This idea of vouchers, or giving parents a chunk of money to pay for private education is old," replied Superintendent Guy Johnson, when asked if he had more information. "The earliest system that did this was in Milwaukee in the '90s, and they've got, obviously, tons and tons of data on whether this actually improves student outcomes or if it doesn't. And in the long run, the interesting part is, it doesn't- neither academic achievement nor attendance."
Simply put, he continued, it dilutes resources for public schools and weakens the system, historically. Further, the initial amount was not going to serve very many students and would likely end up increasing in the future. He asked where would that money come from when the state does not believe in replacement funding.
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Rich Holzapfel displays the unique features of the DSED railroad display model train for Mrs. Schroeder’s 1st grade class from Garretson Elementary at the Garretson First Bank & Trust Holiday Open House last Friday.
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By Dave Baumeister
County Correspondent
“Remember, you are there to serve all citizens, not only a particular group,” is the advice out-going Minnehaha County Commissioner Jean Bender would give to anyone seeking a political office, especially a local one.
Bender, who has served on the commission for the past 10 years, decided after the last time she ran for re-election in 2020, that she would not run again. She made an agreement with her husband Mike that would be it.
Bender was originally appointed to fill a vacancy on the commission when then-commissioner Judge John Pekas was appointed to the Second Judicial Circuit in 2014.
After that, she was re-elected in 2016, and again in 2020.
“It was never a life-long goal of mine to be on the commission,” Bender said, “but I saw it was something I could do using the skill set I’ve been given.”
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