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Palisades Healthcare to receive tech upgrades thanks to grant support from SB 80

Carrie Moritz
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Palisades Healthcare to receive tech upgrades thanks to grant support from SB 80

            Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS), a division of the South Dakota Department of Human Services, is awarding $2 million in technology equipment grants to 73 long-term care providers across South Dakota. Funding for the technology grants was approved during the 2024 legislative session through Senate Bill 80.

            The grant funds were designated for the purchase of technology equipment to improve the quality of life and health outcomes of elderly residents and clients as well as to support health care workers. Awarded projects must be completed within one year from the date of the award.

“More than 4,000 residents and clients across the state will be directly impacted by the technology grant projects that we’ve been able to award,” said Shawnie Rechtenbaugh, Cabinet Secretary for the South Dakota Department of Human Services.

            LTSS received 107 applications totaling $7.47 million. Of these requests, 73 awards were made totaling approximately $2 million.

Funded projects include:

•          Technology-advanced food preparation and storage equipment, which will reduce dependence on skilled labor and improve resident experiences;

•          Video monitoring and sensory technology systems, which will enable staff to monitor residents remotely and ultimately improve health outcomes;

•          Telecommunication equipment to enhance communication between staff and residents;

•          Integrated SMART vital sign equipment to improve patient care and health outcomes;

•          Interactive Technology for therapy and quality of life enrichment;

•          Diagnostic technology equipment to improve patient care and health outcomes; and

•          Various other technology equipment.

A full list of the facilities receiving awards is provided below:

•          Avera Mother Joseph Manor Retirement, Aberdeen

•          Prairie Height Healthcare, Aberdeen

•          Diamond Care Center, Bridgewater

•          Sun Dial Manor, Bristol

•          Wheatcrest Hills Healthcare, Britton

•          United Living Community Brookings, Brookings

•          Centerville Care and Rehab Center, Centerville

•          Sanford Health Chamberlain, Chamberlain

•          Avantara Clark, Clark

•          Fay Wookey Memorial Assisted Living, Clark

•          Roetell Senior Housing Clark, Clark

•          The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, Corsica

•          The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, DeSmet

•          Avera Eureka, Eureka

•          Faulkton Senior Living, Faulkton

•          The Meadows Assisted Living, Faulkton

•          Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe Care Center, Flandreau

•          Riverview Healthcare Center, Flandreau

•          Palisade Healthcare Center, Garretson

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Federal health officials tout AI for medical research in South Dakota

Carrie Moritz
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Federal health officials tout AI for medical research in South Dakota

National Institutes of Health funding projects led by state medical teams

By John Hult, South Dakota Searchlight

Health researchers in South Dakota and across the U.S. want to use artificial intelligence (AI) to do things like cure cancer, predict the onset of Alzheimer’s and diabetes earlier, and diagnose and address disparities in the impact of kidney disease.

But first, they need data. 

Lots of data. 

Data housed by government agencies, hospitals and other health care facilities, drugmakers, research institutions and insurers.

black and gray laptop computer turned on doing computer codes
Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels.com

Two leaders with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) told lawmakers this week that connecting researchers with data to train and refine AI medical applications also must be done in a way that safeguards citizen privacy and includes data from underserved and vulnerable populations.

The NIH representatives spoke virtually on Wednesday to members of the Legislature’s Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Regulation of Internet Access by Minors.

“Data is what drives artificial intelligence,” said Susan Gregurick of the NIH. “We need data relevant to individuals and to patients in real time and in high quality.”

The NIH has put nearly $1 billion into research and development of machine learning and AI medical research since 2019, Gregurick said, with $296 million in spending in 2023 alone.

A University of South Dakota professor named Bill Harris has been awarded multiple NIH grants over the course of his career. His latest award, for $506,000, supports research into an AI-powered model that looks at patterns of fatty acids in blood samples to predict a patient’s odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease about four years sooner than doctors can now.

Dr. Harris is a professor at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, but is pursuing the AI research through his company, OmegaQuant.

Another South Dakota project falls under the NIH’s “Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity,” program, or AIM-AHEAD. That project has South Dakota State University Professor Semhar Michael looking into the use of machine learning to ferret out disparities in health outcomes for populations affected by end-stage kidney disease.

The SDSU project, which includes partners from Dakota State University, Sanford Health and other researchers in and outside of South Dakota, was awarded a two-year grant worth just over $1 million.

Gregurick of the NIH said that the SDSU project is one of 274 around the country funded through the AIM-AHEAD initiative.

Gregurick said AI research in health care is still in its beginning stages. The NIH hopes to see more “multimodal” AI projects in the future. Such efforts would seek to integrate AI-informed data produced by analyzing things like blood or tissue samples with other sources like voice recognition data. Voice recognition data could help train AI models to detect changes in speech patterns in hopes of triangulating the trajectory of cognitive decline and offer earlier interventions for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

Privacy concerns

But none of the research can be done ethically unless there are guardrails to protect patient data, according to Lyric Jorgenson, the NIH’s associate director for science policy.

Anonymizing data to scrub names and other personally identifying information will be important, as will gaining the consent and support of patients at the point of data collection.

“We do want to understand the risks of sharing information, especially with people who shouldn’t have access to it,” Jorgenson said. “Think of it as putting information in a safe, and only your family has access.”

She said communication with patients and communities will be key – the NIH is funding outreach and education efforts on AI and data collection, in addition to research into data use – but basic data security practices also need some adjustment. 

Putting data in the cloud, versus putting it on a flash drive that can be passed from person to person, will be part of that.

Data in the cloud can be walled off and provided only to those who’ve been vetted, according to Jorgenson, and a cloud dataset’s manager can see who is accessing the data and when. Data that’s downloaded and saved onto a hard drive or flash drive can’t be tracked and managed with that level of precision, she said.

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-South Dakota, told state lawmakers that the U.S. is in a better position to protect privacy than countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia or China, the last of which collects data through surveillance systems to monitor its citizens. 

“Do you want AI to be developed in a place like that?” Rounds said.

Rounds to state lawmakers: Encourage AI development in South Dakota

Rounds has been a leader in the Senate on AI issues, part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers that’s met with tech industry heavyweights in hopes of informing other elected officials about the benefits and potential pitfalls of the technology.

AI research, particularly in the areas of data quality, represents an opportunity for South Dakota’s younger generation, he said, as an AI model is only as good as the data it’s trained on. 

Schools like Dakota State University, which has invested heavily in cybersecurity and other data science programs, are well-positioned to do that work.

“These huge databases have got to be accurate,” Rounds said. 

Pumping funds into medical research might seem expensive, he said, but so is managing a host of diseases that AI research could prevent or cure with the right investment.

“It’s not inexpensive, but compared to what we pay to try and limit and prevent the illnesses to be cured, the investment is miniscule,” Rounds said.

Lawmakers on the study group wanted to know what, if anything, they could do to help move the research along. 

“You talked about not slowing down the progress of AI, but at the same time, there’s got to be policies and oversight managing the implementation of this, and probably training as well,” said Rep. Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls. 

The main goal, Rounds said, should be to “stay ahead” of AI development. Supporting education programs that focus on AI systems and maintaining a business-friendly atmosphere could help position the state to take advantage of the new technology, Rounds said.

“I would do everything I could to incentivize the development of AI databases here, in all different areas,” Rounds said. “It becomes a nexus for other things to happen.”

Companies looking to develop data centers or AI hubs, Rounds said, are “going to go where doing business is as simple as possible.”

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.

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Legislative interest in statewide school cellphone ban underscores myth of local control

Carrie Moritz
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Legislative interest in statewide school cellphone ban underscores myth of local control

Editorial Commentary by Dana Hess, South Dakota Searchlight

            It’s like something out of one of those old Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland musicals: “Hey gang, my dad’s got a barn! Let’s put on a show!”

            Instead of putting on a show, the state’s Department of Education and some legislators are eager to follow in the footsteps of several school districts that have banned students from having cellphones in school.

            “Hey gang, this sounds like a great idea! Let’s make it a rule for everybody!”

            The fact that the department and lawmakers are even talking about taking action on a cellphone ban for students underscores the myth of local control.

            Supposedly, each local school board is in charge of making its own rules and regulations. That’s true until some hot idea sweeps the Capitol, causing lawmakers and policymakers to hype each other into a frenzy and start making rules that apply to everyone, or in this case, every school district.

            What got the buzz going in legislative circles is the decision in some South Dakota school districts to prohibit students from using cellphones during the school day. Gettysburg, Kimball and Platte-Geddes are among the schools that have implemented this policy.

            Students’ phones will be placed in pouches that need to be opened with a magnetic key. In some cases, phones will remain available to students who need an app to monitor a medical condition.

            Schools are implementing this policy because, in many cases, students are too connected to social media. Administrators want their lunchrooms to be filled with student conversations, not just the sounds of chewing and tapping. (It’s easy enough to consider someone else giving up their cellphone while you, ahem, read this column on your phone.)

            There have been some questions raised about whether this is the right way to get students to use their phones responsibly. With the phone locked in a bag, can they be responsible to an employer who needs to tell them about a schedule change? Can they be responsible to a parent who needs them to pick up younger siblings after school? Is hiding away their phones really the right way to teach them how to use social media responsibly?

            These questions aren’t stopping conversations from taking place about how to implement these kinds of policies in other schools. Conversations like that taking place at the legislative level means that someone will probably come up with a one-size-fits-all bill that forces this kind of policy on school districts, whether they want it or not.

            According to a story in The Dakota Scout, there has been talk about the school cellphone bans among members of the summer study committee on Artificial Intelligence and Regulation of Internet Access by Minors. According to Rep. Will Mortenson, a Pierre Republican, “How to bring this about while respecting local control is the part we’re working through.”

            Yet, here’s the rub: how lawmakers can inflict their will on school districts while maintaining the myth of local control.

            Lawmakers love local control until they want to be the ones in control. School districts learned that lesson the hard way in the last legislative session when lawmakers decided the state’s school districts needed to implement a $45,000 minimum salary for teachers. Lawmakers mandated the salary, but failed to provide any extra funding for the 37 school districts that didn’t yet meet the salary minimum.

            While some school districts are scrambling to find the funding to pay their teachers the legislatively enforced minimum salary, others will be looking for money to get them started on their own school-wide cellphone ban. According to The Dakota Scout, the Gettysburg School district needed about $4,000 to start the program.

            Maybe the school cellphone ban is a good idea. It certainly has generated some interest from educators and lawmakers. But just because it’s popular doesn’t mean that it has to be the law in every school district.

            Lawmakers should fight their baser instinct to try to make everything right by passing a new law. Instead of mandating the school cellphone ban, they could consider funding it: Leave the decision about banning cellphones up to each school district, but start a fund those schools can tap to cover their costs. That would give a leg up to what may be a good idea for some schools while allowing school boards to go on believing that they are in control.

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.

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Nordstrom’s Automotive to be host for an EV training location

Carrie Moritz
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Nordstrom’s Automotive to be host for an EV training location
gray electric car parked on a charging bay
Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels.com

            This week Friday, Nordstrom's Automotive will be the location for an electric vehicle training put together by the South Dakota Professional Towing Association.

            The one-day class will give a multi-disciplinary overview and training on all electric and alternative fuel vehicles for both towing and first responder professionals, covering topics such as fire, extrication, towing, jump starts, environmental issues, and computer overrides.

            The class will be held from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 23. Registration is at itecc.org/training and coupon code 2024S0 can be used to waive the registration fee.

GHS Soccer kicks off fall sports season!

Carrie Moritz
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GHS Soccer kicks off fall sports season!

            The Girls' Soccer season began with a tie last Friday, as the Blue Dragons hosted Belle Fouche.

            The two teams were evenly matched, as they kept the ball traveling from one side of the field to the other throughout the first half of the game. Both went into the half at 0-0.

two soccer players battle for a ball
Anna Ebbing worked to keep the ball from the Broncs at last Friday's game. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette

            Coming back out of the half, it appeared that the Broncs were out for blood. However, the Dragons weren't letting them have it, and kept the ball solidly in play. 

soccer player moving ball down the field
Ella Frerk. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette

            With a little over 32 minutes left on the clock, the Broncs managed to slip past the Dragon defense, scoring the first point in the game. The Dragons fought back, and drove the ball to their side of the field, where they were determined to keep it. With less than twenty minutes on the clock, the Dragons were able to take advantage of a chaotic play and sneak the ball into the net, tying the game. Despite some valiant attempts to gather one more point, the Dragons ended the game at 1-1.

            Standout offense and defense in the first game of the season came from newcomer and seventh grader Lydia Frerk, who as a midfielder and defensive player nimbly kept the ball from the Broncs and sent the ball to her teammates several times. What truly stood out was the coordination between all the members of the team, who worked well together.

            On Saturday, the team headed back to the Athletic Complex to host St. Thomas More of Rapid City. The Cavaliers came out of the gate ready to play, keeping goalie Cortney Rogich on her toes as she caught the first attempt less than one minute into the first half.

soccer player passing ball
Amaya Millwood successfully passed the ball to a teammate despite attempts by the Broncs to stop her. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette

            Solid team play from the Dragons kept the Cavaliers from attaining their goal as quickly as they had hoped. The opponents managed to exploit an opening down the center field halfway through the first half and take the first point of the game.

            They went into halftime 0-2. St. Thomas More didn't allow the Dragons too many chances at the net, going for a full press throughout the game. Halfway through the second half, an error by St. Thomas More allowed the Dragons to take a shot at the net, and Ava Ockenga took full advantage with a perfect kick.

soccer player kicking ball
Harper Andera. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette

            Unfortunately, it was the only good look they got at the back of the net, while the Cavaliers took home two more points, ending the game 1-4.

            The Blue Dragons headed to Groton on Tuesday to take on the Tigers (results not available at press time), and will be playing at West Central on Saturday. They'll be at home against Huron and Worthington next Tuesday (4:00 p.m.) and Thursday (5:00 p.m.).

  • Alyssa Olson. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette
  • Brooklyn Trudeau. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette
  • Meiah Olson. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette
  • Anna Ebbing. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette

GHS is gettin’ ready for some football

Carrie Moritz
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GHS is gettin’ ready for some football

            GHS Football 2024 begins this Friday, and Head Coach Jerry Weiland is excited to get things rolling. Starting training camp a few weeks back, he said they’ve been on focusing on honing their strengths and shoring up their weak spots as a team.

football player scrimmage
At the GHS Football practice this week, the players scrimmaged to practice plays. //Garrick A Moritz, Gazette

            “The team focused on raising the level of themselves and of their teammates from the spring thru the fall camp,” Weiland said. “We entered fall camp with high expectations of player and team development from a leadership and an individual player standpoint.  We have some players that will be rotating in different position to gain a mismatch or a misalignment from the opponent’s defense.”

            “Also, quality quarterback reads, pre and post snap actions will be critical,” he said. “We will take what our opponents give us, and with the offense in place, that should be plenty.  We fully expect the upperclassmen to raise their level as they should be the ones with the most playing experience and being the most mature.  However, don’t count out the underclassmen, who are pushing for some play time.”

            This first game of the season is against the Hanson Beavers and starts at 7 p.m. at the Athletic Complex. Go Big Blue!

2024 GHS Blue Dragon Football Team Roster:

NUMBER  PLAYERS  POSITION HEIGHT WEIGHT

30        12        BROCK BONTE RB/LB  5'11     160

51        12        MARTIN WELCH          OL/DL  6'2       205

20        12        TYLER ERICKSON         WR/DB 5'7       140

11        12        JOSHUA GILBERT        WR/DB 5'6       125

17        12        COLE JESSEN   QB/DB 5'10     145

23        12        IAN BUETTNER            TE/DE  6'0       175

6          12        TREYTON DECKER       TE/DE  6'5       215

44        11        COLE SCHLEUTER        OL/DL  5'11     185

61        10        JACOBY COSTELLO      OL/DL  5'10     225

4          10        COLLIN OLSON            RB/LB  6'1       175

56        10        LUCAS SCHOTZKO       OL/DL  5'11     245

14        10        TY VAN HOLLAND       OL/DL  5'7       160

12        10        AIDEN JOHNSON         OL/DL  5'9       160

66        10        TANNER BAATZ           OL/DL  5'11     285

50        10        BLAKE CARMODY        OL/DL  5'7       175

3          10        JACKSON ARENDS       WR/DB 5'9       140

27        9          CADE RISTY     WR/DB 5'6       125

80        9          SHEA SMIDT    WR/DB 5'8       130

71        9          CASEN SMITH  OL/DL  5'8       215

63        9          CONNOR SMITH          OL/DL  6'0       180

52        9          TREVOR BUCKLAND    OL/DL  5'9       195

7          9          CHASE ARENDS           QB/DB 5'6       135

Blue Jays finish the season strong with win against Parker, loss against Dells

Carrie Moritz
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Blue Jays finish the season strong with win against Parker, loss against Dells

By Coach Austin VanHoe

Jays vs Pheasants

            The Jays beat the Pheasants 6-3.

      Before the game Nick Bonte said, “Let’s wear our baby blue tarps,” and they looked sharp. Tayson took an old trick out of Big Arm Buckneberg's book and took BP in a cutoff; boy, he didn’t fill the shirt out though. Nick Bonte threw an absolute gutsy gem against a stellar Winner team, going 8 innings striking out 9 and giving up one earned run. What a hunk!

baseball player in orange shirt and blue helmet coming into base while player in white waits for a ball
//photo by Sheryl Chute

            The Jays pounced on Winner in the second inning, scoring 5 runs, and finally Jack Sparo could breathe again; he was so nervous. A base runner in the 4th tried stealing second, and Brady Bonte had a heck of a beat on it but decided to throw a laser right into his brother Nick’s elbow, who was pitching.

            The umpire said, “I know you guys get in some fights, but that’s too far, Brady!” The Jays had 4 errors: Trey Buckneberg spiked a ball into the ground at third, Coach Vanhove closed his eyes trying to catch a ball at first, Robin Chute let one go between his legs, and Dylan Kindt almost let a fly ball hit him in the face.

            Tayson Swatek showed off his arm by gunning a guy out at home in the 5th. Dustin Steckler made an absolute web gem at second.

            Austin Vanhove found his bat again, going 3-4 but striking out when it mattered the most. Jesse Brockhouse had a bunt hit again, and Scott Splett made two great catches in center.

            Assistant Coach Bohl finally made the game and wanted to come in the dugout with some brews, but we didn’t want to get kicked out of the tourney again, so we didn’t let him.

            Cole Koch’s dad forgot to buy beers after the game, so the Jays went thirsty. Fan of the Year Shirley Johnson was primed and ready, letting those pesky Pheasants hear it. The 9th rolled around, and we had two guys on and nobody out; we brought Steckler in, and he struck out 3 of the 4 batters.

            After the game, Coach Vanhove went to him and said, “Wow, your change-up was working.” Steckler said, “Those were all fastballs. Thanks, Coach.” My bad! The Jays play in the semi-final against Dells PBR. Don’t know a thing about them other than we like their beer. #JaysFlyTogether

Jays vs Dells PBR

            The Jays' season ended with a heartbreaking 5-3 loss to the Dells PBR in a grueling 12-inning game. The team battled through a demanding week, playing four games from Sunday to Saturday night, all as late games, and getting home around 2 a.m. each night after the drive. Jack Sparo mentioned he hadn’t been this tired since he binge-watched the Harry Potter trilogy on DVD in one night.

pitcher throwing ball
//photo by Sheryl Chute

            Dylan Kindt started on the mound, and boy did his blonde hair shine. The night before, he confessed he was so nervous he might puke, but those nerves seemed to settle as he gave up no earned runs.

            The Jays took an early 2-0 lead thanks to a big hit from Robin Chute, who was a beast at the plate all tournament. However, Chute did make an error at shortstop during the game and, in frustration, kicked the trash can so hard it left a foot-sized dent. We had to turn it around to avoid getting kicked out of the tournament again.

            Scott Splett made a great catch in center field, and Jesse Brockhouse also came through with a fantastic catch. Before the game, Jesse said, "Start my brother; he's a gamer," so we did just that. Austin Vanhove played first base and caught the ball with two hands—never too careful. He also tried legging out an easy ground ball to short and pulled his groin, making it two pulled groins for the tourney.

            Nick Bonte played second base and told me before the game he didn’t even know how he was still standing after throwing a gem the night before against Winner. Brady Bonte got a hit!

            Trey Buck smashed a 400-foot drive to center, but it was caught. Tayson Swatek played the last three innings despite chronic diarrhea, saying, "My underwear isn’t white anymore after the game."

            The 8th inning rolled around with two guys on and no outs, and we brought in ol' trusty Norby (Dustin Steckler). Despite us booting more balls than hits, he really showed his heart by throwing 4 scoreless innings after pitching 3 of the last 4 nights for us. What a hunk!

baseball player catching ball overhead
//photo by Sheryl Chute

            The Jays played their hearts out and made their town proud, with eight Garretson hometown kids playing every game in the tournament, which is unheard of. We have a ton of talent on the bench that will be pushing for starting spots next year.

            The future of the Jays looks bright and blurry at the same time.

            As the season ends, the Jays would like to thank everyone for their support and the community for always being there for us.

            We didn’t charge admission this year again and invested in new jerseys and a bat bag. We’ll be holding our Golf Tournament on September 21 and are aiming for a full tournament to raise more funds for the team and improve the field for everyone to enjoy. More details will come.

             Assistant coaches Bohl and Frewaldt will again be giving free massages before tee-off times. The Jays finished the season by polishing off a cooler of beer in the parking lot, sharing stories of the season, and reminiscing about the good times.

            Thank you, Jays Nation. As always, #JaysFlyTogether!

Interstate 90 Lane Closures and Traffic Diversions Planned at Brandon

Carrie Moritz
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Interstate 90 Lane Closures and Traffic Diversions Planned at Brandon


BRANDON, S.D. – Beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday Aug. 27, 2024, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will temporarily close eastbound and westbound lanes on Interstate 90 and divert traffic through the on and off-ramps at exit 406 at Brandon. This traffic diversion will be maintained through the overnight until 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. This traffic pattern switch is being scheduled to set bridge girders.  


Lane closures and traffic diversions on I-90 at exit 406 at Brandon are also planned from 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, through the overnight until 7 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. This second night of the scheduled traffic diversion is to install components to build the bridge deck.

Traffic on S.D. Highway 11 will be maintained during both overnight traffic diversions. Flaggers will be posted to guide Highway 11 traffic. Dates for the traffic diversions are weather dependent, and will be rescheduled as needed.

This project includes the reconstruction of exit 406 (Brandon) with added lighting, signals, and mainline Interstate work. This project also includes three structure replacements. The interchange will be reconstructed as a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). Westbound I-90 lanes (along with the railroad structure on I-90) will be reconstructed in 2024 and the eastbound lanes in 2025. The interchange itself and new structure over I-90 will be reconstructed between the 2024 and 2025 construction seasons.

Featured Project Information:
Find more information about this project on the SDDOT website at https://dot.sd.gov/i90-exit406-brandon-pcn-4433.

Sign Up for Text Notifications:
For updates on MAJOR traffic changes about this project, subscribe to a free text-in service. To subscribe, simply text "I90Exit406" to 605-566-4041. Subscribers can unsubscribe at any time. 

The prime contractor for this $41.3 million project is T & R Contracting of Sioux Falls, S.D. The anticipated overall completion of the DDI reconstruction project at Brandon (exit 406) is June 2026.

About SDDOT:
The mission of the South Dakota Department of Transportation is to efficiently provide a safe and effective public transportation system.

For the latest on road and weather conditions, road closures, construction work zones, commercial vehicle restrictions, and traffic incidents, please visit https://sd511.org or dial 511.

Read more about the innovative work of the SDDOT at https://dot.sd.gov.

Public Notices published August 22, 2024

Carrie Moritz
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Public Notices published August 22, 2024
  • Minutes of the Garretson School Board #49-4 for Aug. 12, 2024
  • Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name & Gender Marker Change
  • Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change

Minutes of the Garretson School Board #49-4 for Aug. 12, 2024

SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES

Regular Meeting      Garretson School District #49-4       6:00 p.m.     August 12, 2024

            Board President Natasha Mendoza, Board Member Wyatt Compton, Board Member Justin VanDeBerg, Superintendent Guy Johnson, & Business Manager Jacob Schweitzer. Others present: Elementary Principal Katie Hoekman, MS/HS Principal Chris McGregor, Jacki Liester, Garrick Moritz, Amy Pullman, and Randy Pullman. Board Vice President Tana Clark and Board Member Shannon Nordstrom were absent.

            At 6:01 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. President Mendoza requested one deletion and one addition. She asked that item b. (Discussion: Board Committees) in New Business be removed. She also requested that a report be added to the Report section of the meeting for the Board President to discuss the recent ASBSD/SASD Convention.

            Action 25-014: Motion by Compton, second by VanDeBerg, to approve the agenda as presented with the proposed changes. Motion carried.

            There were no comments made during the Open Forum portion of the meeting.

            Action 25-015: Motion by VanDeBerg, second by Compton, to approve the following consent agenda items as presented. Approval of July 15, 2024 regular board meeting minutes, approval of payments for Ju1y 2024 claims, approval of the financial statements for July 2024, and approval of August 1, 2024 fuel quotes, 10% Ethanol from Palisades Oil - $2.668 and 10% Ethanol from Midway Oil - $2.69. Motion carried.

GARRETSON SCHOOL

DISTRICT #49-4

CLAIMS PAID AUGUST 12, 2024

GENERAL FUND

A-OX WELDING SUPPLY CO., INC., AG. CYLINDER RENTALS, $88.83; ADBO PUBLISHING CO., LIBRARY BOOKS, $325.35; ALLIANCE COMMUNICATIONS, AUGUST 2024 INTERNET & PHONE SERVICES, $779.00; APPLE, INC., APPLE 4K TV, $149.00; ASCAP, 2024-2025 MUSIC LICENSE FEE, $442.75; BMI, 2024-2025 MUSIC LICENSE FEE, $181.97; BRANDON ACE HARDWARE, MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES, $130.44; CAROLINA BIOLOGICAL SUPPLY CO., MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE CLASS SUPPLIES, $197.94; CLIMATE SYSTEMS, INC., SERVICE CONTRACT, $4,625.25; DAKOTA AUTO PARTS, PAINT FOR BUS BARN, $62.18; DON’S AUTO & TIRE CO., SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL/TUBE, $71.00; FRONTLINE CROP SOLUTIONS, GLYPEX/TRIAD SELECT, $155.00; GARRETSON GAZETTE, BOARD MEETING MINUTES/SALARY PUBLICATIONS, $735.32; GARRETSON SCHOOL DISTRICT CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT, JULY 2024 IMPREST ACCOUNT REIMBURSEMENT, $5,619.96; HAUFF MID-AMERICA SPORTS, ATHLETIC SUPPLIES, $3,606.15; HEALTHEQUITY, HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT CONTRIBUTIONS/FEES, $575.28; HILLYARD, CLEANING/MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES, $2,761.09; HORACE MANN, JUNE 2024 ADMIN. FEES/JULY 2024 PAYROLL ACH’S/FEES, $414.23; INNOVATIVE OFFICE SOLUTIONS, LLC, OFFICE SUPPLIES, $1,494.29; LAKESHORE LEARNING MATERIALS, LLC, BUILDING MATH SKILLS WRITE & WIPE BOARDS, $46.98; M.J. DALSIN, INC., ROOF LEAKS- MAINTENANCE/REPAIRS, $1,766.13; MEDICAID, FISCAL YEAR 2024 QUARTER 2 ADMIN. FEE, $137.66; MENARDS, CEILING TILES/OTHER MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES, $483.68; PALISADES OIL, CO., BULK FUEL/TIRE REPAIRS, $915.02; PERFORMANCE PRESS, INC., ACTIVITY PASSES/SOAR POSTERS, $511.99; POPPLERS MUSIC, INC., INSTRUMENT REPAIR, $160.00; SANFORD HEALTH OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION EXAMS, $200.00; SAVVAS LEARNING CO., LLC, MATH CURRICULUM GRADES 6-12, $6,838.00; SCHOLASTIC, INC., READING BOOKS, $87.95; SCHOOL NURSE SUPPLY, INC., NURSING SUPPLIES, $1,079.49; SCHOOL SPECIALTY, LLC, ART ROOM/CLASSROOM SUPPLIES, $5,399.45; SDAESP AREA I PRINCIPALS, AREA I PRINCIPAL DUES, $90.00; SHUTTERFLY LIFETOUCH, LLC, YEARBOOKS PAYMENT, $749.59; SOUTH DAKOTA UNITED SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION, 2024-2025 MEMBERSHIP DUES, $450.00; SOUTHEAST AREA PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION, 2024-2025 MEMBERSHIP DUES, $125.00; STEVE’S ELECTRIC & PLUMBING, INC., SCOREBOARD- ELECTRIC, $10,356.52; STURDEVANT’S AUTO VALUE, TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIES, $159.35; SUPERIOR-SHOWBOARD CO., SCIENCE FAIR MATERIALS, $627.50; VERNIER SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY, INC., HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE EQUIPMENT, $516.85; WAGEWORKS, JULY 2024 ACH FEES, $6,796.16; WARD’S SCIENCE, SCIENCE LAB SUPPLIES, $101.10; WASTE MANAGEMENT, AUGUST 2024 GARBAGE & RECYCLING SERVICES, $700.67; XCEL ENERGY, MAY-JUNE 2024 ELECTRICITY, $6,410.52;

TOTAL GENERAL FUND, $68,492.16

CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND

ACCESS SYSTEMS, JULY 2024 SERVICES, $1,624.72; INTELLIPRO SECURITY, LLC, CAMERAS/SECURITY SYSTEM HARDWARE, $85,000.00; M&H HARDWARE & APPLIANCE, FRIDGES, $1,370.00; STEVENSON’S ASPHALT, PARKING LOT MAINTENANCE/REPAIRS, $15,800.00; VERNIER SOFTWARE & TECHNOLOGY, INC., HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE EQUIPMENT, $4,296.00;

TOTAL CAPITAL OUTLAY FUND, $108,090.72

SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND

GOODCARE, LLC, JULY 2024 SERVICES, $977.51; NCS PEARSON, INC., Q-GLOBAL VIDEO PROCTORING, $259.00; SCHOOL SPECIALTY, LLC, WIGGLE SEATS, $80.08;

TOTAL SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND, $1,316.59

FOOD SERVICE FUND

            RESTAURANT DESIGN EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY, KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, $22,127.84; STERLING COMPUTERS CORPORATION, COMPUTER FOR POINT OF SALE IN KITCHEN, $900.00;

TOTAL FOOD SERVICE FUND, $23,027.84

TOTAL CLAIMS: $200,927.31

IMPREST CHECKS

JULY 2024

GENERAL FUND IMPREST CHECKS

GODBEY, THOMAS, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PHYSICAL- REIMBURSEMENT, $150.00; MCGREGOR, CHRIS, LYFT RIDE- NATIONAL CONFERENCE- REIMBURSEMENT, $26.29; MCGREGOR, CHRIS, PARKING FEE- NATIONAL CONFERENCE- REIMBURSEMENT, $48.00; MOSYLE CORPORATION, MOSYLE ONEK12 LICENSE FEE, $4,695.00; WASTE MANAGEMENT, JULY 2024 GARBAGE & RECYCLING SERVICES, $700.67;

TOTAL GENERAL FUND IMPREST CHECKS, $5,619.96;

TOTAL IMPREST CHECKS: $5,619.96

Financial Report

            The Business Manager presented a financial report of cash balances, expenditures, and receipts for the month of July 2024 as listed below:

Cash Balances as of July 31, 2024: General Fund: $544,211.16; Capital Outlay Fund: $1,270,132.10; Special Education Fund: ($2,107.40); Food Service Fund: $251,497.42; Driver’s Education Fund: $12,068.52; Preschool Fund: ($44,555.16); Custodial Fund: $59,618.15.

            Expenditures: General Fund: ACH Fees, $137.66; Claims, $72,197.11; Payroll, $274,202.98; Capital Outlay Fund: Claims, $213,066.94; Special Education Fund: Claims, $18,507.43; Payroll, $31,233.24; Food Service Fund: Claims, $3,989.12; Driver’s Education Fund: Payroll, $2,260.65; Preschool Fund: Claims, $200.00; Payroll, $5,147.04; Custodial Fund: ACH Fees, $7,785.67; Claims, $60,255.06.

Receipts: General Fund: Local Sources, $82,793.23; Intermediate Sources, $1,688.00; State Sources, $184,514.91; Capital Outlay Fund: Local Sources, $3,079.14; Special Education Fund: Local Sources, $2,774.19; State Sources, $26,653.00; Food Service Fund: Local Sources, $38.36; Custodial Fund: Local Sources, $43,366.58.

Old Business:

Fiscal Year 2025 Budget

New Business:

            There were no conflicts of interest.

            The following information items were presented to the Board: Policy KLD: Public Complaints About School Personnel or Procedures and Policy KLD-E: Complaints Regarding Employees or Procedures.

            There were no First Readings.

            There were no Second Readings.

            Administration provided the Board with six administrative reports:

            a.         Board President’s Report - President Mendoza discussed her experience from the recent ASBSD/SASD Convention, including sessions on board committees and conflict resolution.

            b.         In-service Report - Superintendent Johnson gave the Board a summary of the plan for the upcoming staff in-service, which will take place August 19-21.

            c.         Superintendent’s Report - Superintendent Johnson updated the Board on several happenings in the schoolhouse, including the new camera and surveillance system, preliminary student count numbers, new scoreboard installations at the complex and the gym, the new mural work at the complex, and grad credit opportunities for staff.

            d.         Prairie Lakes Educational Cooperative Report - Board Member Compton summarized the recent Prairie Lakes Cooperative board meeting, which included introductions, a summary of the budget, and an updated contact list.

            e.         Elementary Principal/Curriculum Director’s Report - Principal Hoekman summarized a couple events she attended recently, including KSB Law training for Title IX and the ASBSD/SASD Convention. She informed the Board that Kindergarten meetings with teachers would take place August 12-15, in-service is August 19-21, and Open House is August 20. Lastly, Principal Hoekman made the Board aware of the plan for the coming changes to the social studies standards.

            f.          Middle School/High School Principal’s Report - Principal McGregor gave the Board the highlights of his trip to the National Principals Conference in Nashville in July.

            Action 25-016: Motion by Compton, second by VanDeBerg, to adjourn at 6:33 p.m. Motion carried.

            Approved by the Garretson Board of Education this _____ day of _________, 2024.

Natasha Mendoza, Board President   Jacob Schweitzer, Business Manager

            Published  at the total approximate cost of $107.03  and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com.

8-22-24-1tc

Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name & Gender Marker Change

CIV:24-3303

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) SS   COUNTY OF  MINNEHAHA) 

IN CIRCUIT COURT

SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

In the Matter of the Petition

of Mitchell James Heinemann,

For a Change of Name to

Emma Rae Heinemann

 CIV: 24-3303

            Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition for Adult Name  Change has been filed by Mitchell James Heinemann, the object and prayer of which is to change Petitioner’s name from Mitchell James Heinemann to Emma Rae Heinemann.

            On the 17th day of September, 2024, at the hour of 11:00 a.m. said Verified Petition will be heard by this Court before the Honorable Judge Hoffman Presiding, 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 requested.

            Dated this 21st Day of June, 2024 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Attested by,

Cathy Arant, Clerk of Court

            Published four times at the approximate cost of $50.69  and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com.

8-15-24-4tc

Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change

49CW24-3442

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) SS   COUNTY OF  MINNEHAHA) 

IN CIRCUIT COURT

SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

In the Matter of the Petition

of Ellie Helen Dewitz,

For a Change of Name to

Elenore Helen Jenkerson

 49CW24-3442

            Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition for Adult Name  Change has been filed by Ellie Helen Dewitz, the object and prayer of which is to change Petitioner’s name from Ellie Helen Dewitz to Elenore Helen Jenkerson.

            On the 2nd day of October, 2024, at the hour of 11:00 a.m. said Verified Petition will be heard by this Court before the Honorable Judge Pekas Presiding, 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 requested.

            Dated this 15th Day of August, 2024 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Attested by,

Cathy Arant, Clerk of Court

            Published four times at the approximate cost of $50.69  and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com.

8-22-24-4tc

News for 8-22-24

Carrie Moritz
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News for 8-22-24
8-22-24 front page

Palisades Healthcare Chief Facilities Administrator Lourdes Parker was nominated as Employee of the Month this past month; two 16U players made the Class B All Star Team for VFW baseball; a property near Baltic narrowly missed being declared a nuisance property at the county commission meeting; and football begins with an at-home game this Friday! Plus, soccer opened its season while the Blue Jays wrapped up theirs, and much more. Download and read your issue now!

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