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News for 3-7-24

3-7-24 front page

Sometimes, there's just more news than a week can handle! We thought we'd give our readers a surprise this week with an EXTRA!EXTRA! special edition! In this issue, we've got news about a Garretson feature for SDPB, an update on county ambulance services, and boys basketball, plus much more.


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News for 3-7-2024 (e-edition)

This Week's Issue

3-7-24 front page

Garretson School District's Teacher of the Year for 2024 is Jacob Heumiller; routine items at the most recent city council meeting continue building towards a stronger future; and we catch up with the final week's SD State Legislature items and future ballot issues.

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Computer coding error snags South Dakota voter roll

BY STU WHITNEY

South Dakota News Watch

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – More than 10,000 voter registrations in South Dakota weren't properly transferred to voter rolls due to a computer coding error dating back to 2022, South Dakota News Watch has learned.

Letters were sent to impacted voters in late January saying that state officials “discovered some registrations were not fully transmitted” due to a “technical programming error” that kept new and updated registrations from entering the system. The letter added that the problem has been fixed and “your ability to cast a ballot in an election was not impacted by this error.”

Those affected were people who renewed their driver’s license online through the Department of Public Safety and didn’t “opt out” of the voter registration section, according to Brad Reiners, director of communications for DPS.

A coding discrepancy resulted in a failure of "just over 10,500" registrations from transferring properly to the Secretary of State’s office," Reiners told News Watch in an emailed statement.

woman sitting at microphone and holding up a piece of paper
Leah Anderson: Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson said she learned about the voting registration system error on Jan. 18. (Photo: KELO-TV file photo)

Only residents of South Dakota’s nine largest counties were impacted because of the state’s numbering system for counties based on population, he added.

“The DPS driver license online renewal system created a single-digit county designator code which was forwarded to the Secretary of State’s office,” Reiners said. “Their system looked for a two-digit code, so it did not recognize the records of counties (1 through 9). Once detected, the programming error was fixed immediately, and voter registrations have been properly received by the Secretary of State.”

The letter to impacted voters was signed by John Broers, director of driver licensing for DPS, and Rachel Soulek, election divisions director for the Secretary of State's office.

Secretary of State Monae Johnson did not respond to an interview request.

Soulek told News Watch the issue stemmed from changes made to voter registration forms following a federal court settlement in September 2022. A judge determined that South Dakota had violated portions of the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) under then-Secretary of State Steve Barnett.

As part of the settlement with the Rosebud Sioux and Oglala Sioux tribes, the state changed the wording on driver’s license applications so that the form requires a person to opt out of voter registration, rather than require them to opt in.

"DPS adjusted their system to be compliant with those required changes and that is when the coding error happened," said Soulek. "This began prior to Secretary Johnson taking office. Our current staff discovered there was an error and within a day of finding out the coding error, DPS had a fix in place."

Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson said that 5,153 total registrations were impacted in the state’s largest county. Of those, 684 were new registrations and 4,469 were people who updated voting information or didn’t realize they needed to opt out, so they updated with no changes.

Anderson, who learned about the system error on Jan. 18, said she plans to bring in seasonal election staff to process registrations and update voter rolls, after which acknowledgments will be sent to new or updated registrants.

two people sitting in voting booths with heads bent over their ballots
Voting: Voters cast their early ballots at the Hughes County Courthouse in Pierre, S.D., in October 2020. (Photo: South Dakota News Watch file)

“I do have concerns about this error,” she told News Watch. “It’s creating a large workload at a busy time of year.”

Pennington County Auditor Cindy Mohler estimated that 2,700 voters were impacted in the Rapid City area and said she is working through updates with her staff.

Mohler, who became auditor in 2019 but has worked in the office since 2009, was asked if she recalled a voter registration programming error impacting this many people in the past.

“No, I do not,” she said.

Mohler is careful to distinguish between a programming error and unfounded allegations of voter fraud or election hacking stemming from the 2020 presidential election. South Dakota has seen a rise in electoral activism from citizen groups demanding access to voting records and pointing to alleged vulnerabilities in state election software.

“We know that’s where a lot of people’s minds have gone right now,” Mohler said. “Hopefully this doesn’t lead to any more of that. I don’t believe that we’ve gotten feedback from any voters (referencing fraud) when they received the letter.”

Lincoln County Auditor Sheri Lund said there is a "checks and balances" system that caught the discrepancy at the state level. She and other auditors have questions about the issue stemming back to 2022 and how that affected registration lists.

News Watch reviewed a letter received by a voter who renewed their driver's license online in 2022 and received the letter Jan. 30, 2024, confirming some registrations were not properly processed for at least a calendar year.

"DPS states that it did not impact voters' (ability to cast a ballot)," said Anderson, who was elected Minnehaha County's auditor in 2022. "I am not able to confirm that information."

The "motor voter" issue was part of a lawsuit filed by the Rosebud Sioux and Oglala Sioux tribes accusing South Dakota of violating portions of the NVRA, which was signed by President Bill Clinton in 1993 and took effect in 1995.

The law requires state officials to provide voter registration information and guidance to eligible voters when they renew their driver’s license through DPS or when receiving public assistance at the Department of Social Services and other state agencies.

U.S. District Judge Lawrence Piersol granted a summary judgment saying the tribes had “supported their claims of improper implementation of the NVRA by the Secretary of State, Department of Public Safety and Department of Social Services,” adding that Barnett as the chief elections officer “contributed to these failings through inadequate training and oversight.”

As part of the September 2022 settlement, South Dakota named a state NVRA coordinator to oversee the training and oversight process, which includes public reporting of voter registration data. The state also changed the wording on driver’s license applications to make it easier for eligible residents to register to vote.

“Unless citizens opt out, they are automatically processed through the voter registration process system as an update or new,” said Anderson. “We were told that most of the ‘updates’ that were part of the programming error had no change in record but are still regarded as updated registrations and will receive an acknowledgment card in the mail.”

There have been issues in the past with voters whose registration didn’t process from when they updated their driver’s license, but it didn’t keep anyone from voting, said Lund. She said that is likely the case with those involved in this recent programming error.

Community Happenings for March 2, 2024

Garretson Commercial Club February 14, 2024

The Combine 2/Sports Cabin

            Board Members Present: Luke Dreckman, Carrie Moritz, Laurie Bennett, Macie Coburn and Kris Johnson Guests: Ron Luke, Garrick Moritz, Rob Meyer and John Brinkman.

            The Secretary’s Report and Treasurer’s Report were not approved because of lack of quorum at the begging of the meeting.

Old Business:

            There is nothing new from Macie on the Non-Profit Status. Luke will reach out to Mollie, CPA from SF, who is working on this.

            Luke reviewed the State Park signage. One icon will change to read Dump Station rather than City Dump. A 4x8’ vinyl sign cover was discussed for easier changes in the future. The Club will look at the final product before voting.

            The Dinner Detective performance was discussed by Luke. The comments are all positive from those in attendance. There were 70 meals prepared, 56 tickets sold and 48 in attendance, and 7 performers. The volunteer help did not show up. The performers charged $2,100. The event broke even and it was felt that an activity like this to get people together in the community was a good thing.

            Macie discussed the Google Drive. We can start putting our future records, reports and receipts into this database. She discussed the GCC getting a portable scanner. All board members should have access.

            Carrie discussed the phone book. This will be called the Garretson Residential, Business and Phone Book Directory going forward. It will entail a broader scope of Garretson with all the contact numbers and community information. Amber from PPI will work with her. The full Garretson Commercial Club membership will be included. All the front and back page ad spots have been filled. The only spot open is the 1⁄2 page on page 3. She is hoping to get a proof out by next meeting for the club to review. The end of march will be the anticipated completion date.

            We talked about the collaboration with GED and Jessica Fueston on the upcoming Artfest and Independence Day Celebrations. We discussed getting the GCC toddler trains for the Independence Day Celebration.

            RASDak was discussed and we will wait to see what Kris Frek has in mind when she gets back from Texas. The Legion is talking about an early morning breakfast. The school will provide gym space for the Friday overnight stay. The bicyclists will leave Garretson around 7:00 am on Saturday morning. A kind of community food event for Friday night was discussed.

            The Annual Meeting was recapped. The meal cost $525 and legion rent was $100. The attendance of 45 people was down a little bit from previous years.

New Business:

            The Jesse James Days celebration, a future GCC fundraiser and the Purple Heart Business designation were tabled for lack of time.

            The 2024 GCC Membership List was reviewed from the packet. We are estimating 59 paid members so far. The club will review the voting privileges of full members versus associate memberships. Currently both can cast one vote per organization. There may be an opportunity for associate organizations to become full members if their voting privilege is taken away by changing the current by-laws. There was a M/S from Laurie/Macie to approve the Exercise Place’s membership of $75 for 2024. The motion passed.

            Luke reviewed the attached Business Questionnaire. This will be given to each business when Luke delivers the GCC decals. We feel this can provide business milestones, profile websites, boost posts and provide job openings for businesses into the Garretson website. There was a M/S from Carrie/Kris to move forward with this business questionnaire. This motion passed.

Other Business:

Rob mentioned about the SD Public Broadcast will show up soon in Garretson to record and showcase the community. They have been talking with Jessica Fuetson with GED about this already. M/S to adjourn by Carrie/Laurie. This motion passed.

            The next GCC Board Meeting will be on March 13th at Palisade Oil 11:30 meal and 12:00 noon meeting.

Splitrock Bowling:

            The Splitrock Ladies bowled on February 27th, 2024, with the following results:

            High Team Game & Series - Steve's Electric - 895 & 2562.

            High Individual Game - Marcia Bork – 190.

            High Individual Series - Kathie Franz – 482.

            Ann Behrend picked up the 5-7, 2-7 & 4-5-7 splits.

            Joann Gundvaldson picked up the 5-7-9 split.

            Cheryl Scholl picked up the 2-7 split.

            Vickie Wielenga picked up the 4-5-10 split.

Commission hears presentation on county ambulance services

By Dave Baumeister

County Correspondent

SIOUX FALLS – At the Tuesday commission meeting, Minnehaha County Ambulance Quality Assurance Director Dr. Jeff Luther presented information data from 2023 about the various county ambulance services.

man in green shirt and black vest speaking at podium
Dr. Jeff Luther //photo by Dave Baumeister

The services not completely a part of municipalities are Garretson, Humboldt, Dell Rapids, Med-Star ambulance service of Brandon, and PC-EMS of Sioux Falls.

Luther told commissioners that the services for these areas received a total of 2,276 calls. Of those, calls to the volunteer services were 557 in Dell Rapids, 269 in Garretson, and 274 in Humboldt.

The regular ambulance companies, Med-Star and PC-EMS picked up 933 and 243 in-county calls, respectively.

The types of ambulance calls fell mainly into trauma, medical and transfer categories, Luther said.

Medical calls (chest pains, breathing problems, stroke, seizures, etc.) made up the largest share of calls for each service.

Transfers are moving patients from one place to another, such as nursing homes to hospitals.

One set of figures that Luther seemed pleased about was the average response times.

Those times were 11:18 for Garretson, 14:07 for Dell Rapids, 17:12 for Humboldt, 11:08 for Med-Star, and 14:33 for PC-EMS.

Luther also had figures of an 8:17 response time for the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s office, which is often first on the scene with accidents and other traumas.

The remainder of the business at this week’s 36-minute meeting dealt with the purchase of new vehicles and equipment for the sheriff’s office and highway and facilities departments.

The next county commission meeting will be at 9 a.m., Tuesday, March 5, in the third-floor chambers of the Minnehaha County Administration Building at 6th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls.

Comments from the public are allowed with each agenda item, as well as general comments toward the end of each meeting.

SDPB’s Dakota Life will feature Garretson! Roundtable in April

            South Dakota Public Broadcasting has been featuring communities across the state of South Dakota in its Dakota Life specials, and for the 2024-25 season, Garretson has been selected as a community to feature.

poster that says Dakota Life roundtable event April 9 at The Gulch

            "We at South Dakota Public Broadcasting are constantly striving to tell the stories of the people and places of our state through a variety of means," Julie Overgaard, Executive Director, wrote. "One of those vehicles for telling great South Dakota stories that we've been using for the past 26 years is Dakota Life. If you're unfamiliar with Dakota Life, it focuses on stories about interesting South Dakota people, places, and things and recently shifted towards a community-centric focus for our episodes."

            To accomplish this, the team from SDPB will gather with different community leaders and residents of Garretson over the next several months. The team normally spends around 50 hours in the community to build its story, and the visits will begin with a community roundtable on Tuesday, April 9. The roundtable is open house style, and will be available between 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

            "The first step for our team is to come to your town to connect with those who call this area home," said Overgaard. After the roundtable, the team will conduct interviews and film footage on future dates.

            Once the episode is ready, SDPB will announce a premiere date, which will allow community members to view it together.

            "Your home deserves to see their story told first," said Overgaard, "and we want to come back to share it with a Dakota Life Premiere for everyone to enjoy."

            Everyone is encouraged to stop by on April 9 and share their stories for the SDPB team.

            "We are grateful we get to tell your story to South Dakota and look forward to getting to know everything that makes your home special," Overgaard finished.

            South Dakota Public Broadcasting has been a vital community resource for 50 years, producing and broadcasting high-quality, commercial-free programs and valuable community outreach projects that educate, enlighten, and entertain. The roundtable will be held at The Gulch Bar & Grill on April 9 between 2:00-4:00 p.m. or 5:00-7:00 p.m.

poster that says Dakota Life roundtable event April 9 at The Gulch

Public Notices published March 2, 2024

Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for Feb. 27, 2024

            THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY COMMISSION CONVENED AT 9:00 AM on February 27, 2024, pursuant to adjournment on February 20, 2024. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT WERE:  Bender, Bleyenberg, and Kippley. Also, present were Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder, and Eric Bogue, Chief Civil Deputy State's Attorney.

            Acting Chair Bender called the meeting to order.

            MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Amend the Agenda by Removing Agenda Item #7-Consider a Motion to Adopt a Resolution Declaring Certain H Lots as Surplus, Authorizing the Gratuitous Transfer of Certain Real Property to the City of Sioux Falls and to Grant a Temporary Construction Easement Upon County-Owned Property for the City's Reconstruction of Minnesota Avenue. By roll call vote: 3 ayes.

            MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Approve the Agenda. By roll call vote: 3 ayes

CONSENT AGENDA

            MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Kippley, to Approve the Consent Agenda. By roll call vote: 3 ayes. The consent agenda includes the following items:

            Commission Meeting Minutes for February 20, 2024

            Bills to be Paid $538,472.59

            3200 RUSSELL LLC Motels $60, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Lease-Rental Agreement $170.52, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Maintenance Contracts $627.8, AIRWAY SERVICE INC Automotive/Small Equipment $1444.51, AIRWAY SERVICE INC Gas Oil & Diesel $249.87, ANDERSON, JENNIFER Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $1613.32, ANDREW BERG Taxable Meal Allowances $70, ARGUS LEADER MEDIA Publishing Fees $872.18, ASH LAW OFFICE PLLC Attorney Fees $2170.4, ASPHALT SURFACING CO Contracted Construction $31029.75, ASTROPHYSICS INC Maintenance Contracts $5375, AUTOMATIC BUILDING C Maintenance Contracts $159.18, AXIS FORENSIC TOXICO Lab Costs $2580, BANKERS EQUIPMENT SV Maintenance Contracts $494, BEN BAXA Taxable Meal Allowances $70, BIRMINGHAM & CWACH L Attorney Fees $758.82, BLACKBURN & STEVENS Attorney Fees $613.42, BRAUN, MASON Investigators Expenses $140.76, BURNS, JASON Investigators Expenses $104.04, CELTIC STEPS Program Activities $150, CENTURY BUSINESS PRO Maintenance Contracts $45.5, CERTIFIED AUTO GLASS Automotive/Small Equipment $40, CERTIFIED LANGUAGES Interpreters $46.4, CHAPEL HILL FUNERAL Burials $1995, CIVIL DESIGN INC Architects & Engineers $11402.5, CLERK OF THE DISTRIC Copy Fees $2.25, COLD STONE CREAMERY Juvenile Diversion Restitution $130, DACOTAH PAPER CO Janitorial Chemical Supplies $180.72, DAKOTA DISTRICT PIPE Program Activities $250, DAKOTA EMBALMING & T Transportation $340, DUST TEX SERVICE INC Janitorial Chemical Supplies $42.9, ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTIO Building Repairs & Maintenance $88.78, ENGLISH LAW Attorney Fees $6457.5, GUZMAN, SANDRA V Interpreters $220, HARTFORD'S BEST PAIN Automotive/Small Equipment $969, HIGH POINT NETWORKS Consultants $1150, HIGH POINT NETWORKS Data Processing Supplies $900, HOLIDAY SIOUX FALLS Welfare Rent $987.45, HORIZON APARTMENTS Welfare Rent $887, HYVEE ACCOUNTS RECEI Pharmacies $51.72, HYVEE ACCOUNTS RECEI Program Activities $125.99, INTERSTATE OFFICE PR Office Supplies $509.34, JCL SOLUTIONS Inmate Supplies $2317.5, JCL SOLUTIONS Kitchen/Cleaning Supplies $3434.67, JEFFERSON PARTNERS L Transportation $569.08, JIM & RONS SERVICE I Professional Services $1998.5, JSA CONSULT ENGINEER Architects & Engineers $3970.5, KOLETZKY LAW OFFICE Attorney Fees $188, KRAYCO WINDOW TREATM Building Repairs & Maintenance $2140, KRUSE LAW OFFICE Attorney Fees $3118, LEWIS DRUGS INC Pharmacies $313.14, LISA CARLSON REPORTI Court Reporters $682.4, LLOYD COMPANIES Welfare Rent $925.74, LOCKWOOD & ZAHRBOCK Attorney Fees $866.7, LOPEZ, REBECA Interpreters $150, LOVING, PHILIP Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $1989.19, LUTHER, JEFF Medical Director $2750, LUTHERAN SOCIAL SVCS Miscellaneous Expense $17850, MAGGIE IN THE MEANTI Program Activities $650, MARION COUNTY SHERIF Return Of Service $40, MARSH & MCLENNAN LLC Notary Exp $100, MEADOWLAND APARTMENT Welfare Rent $506, MEDSTAR PARAMEDIC IN Transportation $8400, MENARD INC Program Activities $66.36, METRO COMMUNICATIONS Miscellaneous Expense $208813.79, MIDSTATES UNIFORM & Uniform Allowance $131.2, MINNEHAHA CNTY TREAS Miscellaneous Expense $26.7, MONARCH REAL ESTATE Welfare Rent $900, OFFICE DEPOT INC Data Processing Supplies $1205.89, OLSON, ROBERT Taxable Meal Allowances $56, OSBORN, ROXANE R Court Reporters $55.25, PALLUCK, ETHAN Taxable Meal Allowances $56, PAPER ROLL PRODUCTS Office Supplies $371.7, PENBROOKE PLACE APAR Welfare Rent $700, PHILIP MAST Sign Deposits $50, PIONEER ENTERPRISES Burials $2500, RENTOKIL NORTH AMERI Professional Services $74.44, RESOLUTE LAW FIRM IN Attorney Fees $1832.1, RINGING SHIELD,NICHO Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $605, RISK ANALYSIS & MANA Insurance Admin Fee $2840.5, ROEMEN'S AUTOMOTIVE Automotive/Small Equipment $44.98, ROTOROOTER Building Repairs & Maintenance $330, SAFE HOME LTD PTNRSH Rent Subsidies $10578, SANFORD Lab Costs $621.23, SANFORD CLINIC Contract Services $29367.28, SANFORD CLINIC Miscellaneous Expense $47.3, SCHEELS ALL SPORTS Juvenile Diversion Restitution $660, SCHUSTER, PAUL Business Travel $20, SCHUSTER, PAUL Gas Oil & Diesel $49, SCHUSTER, PAUL HIDTA Grant $85.99, SD HUMAN SERVICES CE Psych Evals $600, SHORT ELLIOTT HENDRI Architects & Engineers $2761, SIOUX EMPIRE FAIR AS Miscellaneous Expense $12500, SIOUX FALLS CITY Electricity $10144.01, SIOUX FALLS CITY Water - Sewer $11682.59, SIOUX FALLS CITY Welfare Utilities $391.46, SISSON PRINTING INC Office Supplies $188.7, SOUTHEASTERN BEHAVIO Crisis Intervention Program $4652.94, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Daily Scram $3998, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Remote Breath $772, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Blood/Chemical Analysis $40, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Extension Background Checks $80, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Miscellaneous Expense $43, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Notary Exp $60, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Other Supplies $73.14, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Telephone $26.69, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Witness Fees/Expenses $400, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Board Of Prisoners-Meals $60945.95, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Inmate Supplies $165.44, SUNSET LAW ENFORCEME Ammunition $6901, TALEAH ANDERSON Misc Revenue $150, THOMPSON, PAIGE Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $500, THOMSON REUTERS - WE Legal Research $2287.26, TURNING LEAF TAX CRE Welfare Rent $614, TWO WAY SOLUTIONS IN Communication Equipment Repair $365.99, TYLER TECHNOLOGIES I Software $449, TZADIK HIDDEN HILLS Welfare Rent $259, TZADIK SIOUX FALLS I Welfare Rent $700, US FOODS INC Other Supplies $59.85, US FOODS INC Professional Services $718.01, WERNKE, LAURIE Bd Exp Fees (Minnehaha) $37.33, WEST POINTE LIMITED Welfare Rent $512.85, WOODBURY COUNTY (IA) Return Of Service $30, XCEL ENERGY Electricity $23972.13, YANKTON COUNTY Attorney Fees $667.5, YANKTON COUNTY Return Of Service $100.

February 2024

Commission Salaries

COMMISSION Salaries            $37,734.75

AUDITOR         Salaries            $62,263.89

TREASURER     Salaries            $104,933.30

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Salaries            $92,959.04

STATES ATTORNEY      Salaries            $445,131.10

PUBLIC DEFENDER      Salaries            $288,521.81

PUBLIC ADVOCATE     Salaries            $87,060.83

FACILITIES       Salaries            $61,828.03

EQUALIZATION           Salaries            $122,846.84

REGISTER OF DEEDS   Salaries            $52,080.68

HUMAN RESOURCES  Salaries            $39,668.06

SHERIFF           Salaries            $1,394,662.03

JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER           Salaries            $214,604.72

HIGHWAY        Salaries            $157,592.95

HUMAN SERVICES       Salaries            $179,651.20

MUSEUM        Salaries            $95,242.74

PLANNING       Salaries            $46,468.83

EXTENSION     Salaries            $3,672.00

Routine Personnel Actions

Promotions

            1. Tyler Lundy, Senior Highway Maintenance Member to Highway Maintenance Team Leader for the Highway Department, at $29.38/hour (16/2) effective 2/17/2024.

Step Increases

            1. Renee Voss, Accounting Manager for the Auditor's Office, at $44.72/hour (19/12) effective 3/1/2024.

            2. Lori Montis, Assistant Director for the Human Services Office, at $3,759.20/biweekly (21/8) effective 2/8/2024.

            3. Betsy Doyle, Chief Deputy Public Defender for the Public Defender's Office, at $5,183.20/biweekly (25/5) effective 2/22/2024.

            4. Jonah Rechtenbaugh, Deputy Sheriff for the Sheriff's Office, at $30.88/hour (17/2) effective 2/20/2024.

            5. Jared Terrones, Deputy Sheriff for the Sheriff's Office, at $38.57/hour (17/10) effective 2/28/2024.

            6. Marc Toft, Digital Discovery Technician for the State's Attorney's Office, at $29.38/hour (14/5) effective 2/11/2024.

            7. Eric Bogue, Chief Civil State's Attorney for the State's Attorney's Office, at $6,472.00/biweekly (25/14) effective 12/30/2023.

            8. Tanner Coil, Tax and License Technician for the Treasurer's Office, at $23.54/hour (10/4) effective 2/19/2024.

            Abatement Applications Recommended for Approval by the Director of Equalization

Parcel-93146, Klein Living Trust, 2023 Property Taxes, $3,347.44

Parcel-65800, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $585.98

Parcel-52894, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,176.25

Parcel-27383, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $1 081.70

Parcel-27417, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,034.41

Parcel-71797, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $961.35

Parcel-40082, Sioux Falls School District, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,060.22

LIQUOR LICENSE PUBLIC HEARING

            Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder, was present for a public hearing to consider a transfer retail (On-Sale) Liquor License. The application is for the transfer of a Retail (On-Sale) Liquor License currently held by The Barn, Inc. d/b/a Blue Have Barn. The property is legally described as Tract 3 and Tract 5 of Krell's Addition in the Southeast Quarter (SE1/4) of the Southeast Quarter (SE 1/4) of Section 36-Township 101 North-Range 51 West and is located at 46594 268th in Sioux Falls. The license will be transferred to BH b.a.r., LLC d/b/a Blue Haven Barn and Gardens. The license would allow for the sale of liquor to be consumed at their establishment located in Minnehaha County. The application was reviewed by the Sheriff's Office, State's Attorney's Office, and Planning & Zoning and there were no objections or concerns reported.

            Acting Chair Bender asked for proponents and opponents to speak on the topic. There were no proponents or opponents present to speak on the topic.

            MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Kippley, to Approve a Transfer Retail (On-Sale) Liquor License for BH b.a.r., LLC. By roll call vote: 3 ayes.

BRIEFING

            Dr. Jeff Luther, Rural Ambulance Quality Assurance Director, provided an overview of 2023 EMS trends. In 2023, an increase of just under three percent as compared to 2022. This trend of higher growth in EMS volume than what the population would suggest is a trend that is seen in other systems. 2023 saw no major shifts for any individual providers in terms of the make-up of their call volume. The presentation highlighted the response breakdown by category, incident type breakdown including the top five incident types for each service, and the time-metrics for the County EMS providers. Dr. Luther also presented the EMS report from October 1 to December 31, 2023.

RESOLULTION

            Upon the request of Steve Groen, Highway Superintendent, MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Authorize the Chair to sign Resolution MC 24-11 “Bridge Inspection Program Resolution for use with SDDOT Retainer Contracts”. By roll call vote: 3 ayes.

RESOLUTION MC24-11

BRIDGE REINSPECTION PROGRAM RESOLUTION FOR USE WITH SDDOT RETAINER CONTRACTS

            WHEREAS, 23 CFR 650 Subpart C, requires initial inspection of all bridges and reinspection at intervals not to exceed two years with the exception of reinforced concrete box culverts that meet specific criteria. These culverts are reinspected at intervals not to exceed four years; and

            WHEREAS, Minnehaha County is desirous of participating in the Bridge Inspection Program; now

THEREFORE, the County requests SDDOT to hire Civil Design, Inc., (Consulting Engineers) for the inspection work.  SDDOT will secure federal approvals, make payments to the Consulting Engineers for inspection services rendered, and bill the County for 20% of the cost.  The County will be responsible for the required 20% matching funds.

Dated this 27th day of February, 2024, at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Board of County Commissioners of Minnehaha County

Jean Bender

Acting Chair of the Board

ATTEST:  Leah Anderson, Auditor                                                                                                                                                  

BY: Kym Christiansen                                 

Deputy Auditor           

VEHICLE PURCHASE

            Upon the request of Josh Phillips, Captain, MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Kippley, to Authorize the Sheriff's Office to Purchase Six Patrol Vehicles from Karl Chevrolet using the State of Iowa Bid Award with a Price of $49,279.20 Per Vehicle and a Total Purchase Price of $295,675.20. 3 ayes.

BID RESULTS

            Mark Kriens, Director of Facilities and Construction, reported on the bid opening for the Landscape Improvements held on February 14, 2024. The following bids were received: Splitrock Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. with a total bid of $158,888.88; 605 Companies, Inc with a total bid of $201,297.25; LT Companies with a total bid of $143,100.00; and WJS Contracting with a total of bid of $136,887.00. MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Kippley, to Approve Bid Results and Award Recommendation for Landscape Improvements and Authorize the Chair to Sign an Agreement with WJS Contracting LLC. By roll call vote: 3 ayes.

            Mark Kriens, Director of Facilities and Construction, reported on the bid opening for parking lot improvements held on February 14, 2024. The following bids were received: Schwantzle Construction with a total bid of $670,500.00; Soukup Construction with a total bid of $688,000.00; Asphalt Surfacing Company with a total bid of $777,069.06; Double H Paving, Inc with a total bid of $732,855.65; Blacktop Paving with a total bid of $603,687.00; and LT Companies with a total bid of $732,310.00. MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Kippley, to Approve Bid Results and Award Recommendation for Parking Lot Improvements and Authorize the Chair to Sign an Agreement with Black Top Paving. By roll call vote: 3 ayes. 

EQUIPMENT PURCHASE

            Upon the request of Mark Kriens, Director of Facilities and Construction, MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Authorize the Facilities Department to Purchase a 2024 John Deere 3033R Tractor with Attachments in the Amount of $49,845.64 through Sourcewell Grounds Maintenance Contract 031121-DAC. 3 ayes.

            Upon the request of Mark Kriens, Director of Facilities and Construction, MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Authorize the Facilities Department to Purchase a 2024 John Deere Gator HPX815E in the Amount of $17,824.32 through Sourcewell Grounds Maintenance Contract 031121-DAC. 3 ayes.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

            Tyler Klatt, Assistant Commission Administrative Officer, provided an update for the 2024 Legislative Session and a status report on bills that impact Minnehaha County. The update highlighted the following House Bills (HB) 1039 and 1092 as well as Senate Bill (SB). HB 1039 would provide for the payment of legal expenses originating from crime committed at a facility maintained by the Department of Corrections. HB 1092 would provide revise provisions regarding the 911 emergency surcharge. SB 201 would provide new statutory requirements for regulating linear transmission facilities and to declare an emergency.

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORTS

            Commissioner Kippley reported on the recent meeting of the Minnehaha County Planning & Zoning Commission, Public Defender's Office Advisory Board, and the Rural Fire Chief's Association.

            MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Kippley, to adjourn at 9:49 a.m. 3 ayes. 

            The Commission adjourned until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024.

APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION:

Dean Karsky

Chair

ATTEST:

Kym Christiansen

Commission Recorder

            Published at the total approximate cost of $173.16 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-2-24-1tc

Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners Joint Meeting with the City of Sioux Falls for Feb. 27, 2024

            THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY COMMISSION CONVENED AT 5:00 PM on February 27, 2024, pursuant to adjournment on February 27, 2024. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT WERE: Bender, Bleyenberg, and Kippley. Commissioners Beninga and Karsky were absent.  Also present were Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder, and Maggie Gillespie, Senior Deputy State's Attorney.

            City Council Members present: Barranco, Cole, Jensen, Neitzert, Selberg, Soehl, Starr. Council Member Merkouris and Mayor TenHaken were absent.

            Acting Chair Bender called the meeting to order.

            MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Kippley, to Approve the Agenda. 3 ayes. The City concurred.

CONDITIONAL USE APPEALS

            Scott Anderson, Planning Director, gave a briefing on an appeal of a decision by the Joint Planning Commission to deny Conditional Use Permit #24-01 to allow a short-term rental. The property is legally described as Tract 3, Andy's Acres, Section 23-T102N-R49W, Mapleton Township. The petitioner and property owner are Don't Ask Holdings, LLC. The applicant is seeking a conditional use permit to allow the residence at 47644 Slip Up Creek Road to be used for short-term rental. On January 23, 2023, the Joint Planning Commission denied a conditional use permit request to operate a bed and breakfast establishment on the subject property. At that time, there was no definition for a vacation home rental/short term rental nor was that use identified in the zoning ordinance. A bed and breakfast establishment was the land use that best fit what the applicant was requesting, and an application was submitted. Following the Planning Commission action, the applicant did not appeal the recommended denial and continued to operate short-term rentals of the subject property. The applicant applied for a short-term rental on November 30, 2023, which was the day an ordinance amendment addressing Vacation Home Rental/Short Term Rentals became effective. The County Planning Staff has received numerous complaints from neighbors. The Joint Planning Commission heard the item at the January 22nd Planning Commission meeting. Several neighborhood residents spoke in opposition to the request at the Planning Commission hearing. The County Planning Commission and the Sioux Falls Planning Commission unanimously denied Conditional Use Permit #24-1. Public comment was received from Tyler Childress, Ryan Bechtold, John Beck, Duane Wegman, Tina Gunn, Christine Beck, Scott Zwack, Avery DeGasso, and Stephanie Peterson.

            MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Uphold the Decision of the Joint Planning Commission and Deny Conditional Use Permit #24-01 to Allow a Short-Term Rental on the Property Legally described as Tract 3, Andy's Acres, NE1/4SW1-4 Section 23-T102N-R49W, Mapleton Township. By roll call vote: 3 ayes. The City concurred.

            Kevin Hoekman, Planner, gave a briefing on an appeal of a decision by the Joint Planning Commission Approving Conditional Use Permit #24-03 to allow a short-term rental. The property is legally described as Tract 1 Rollingers Skyling Addition Section 28-T101N-R48W Split Rock Township. The petitioner and property owner are Thomas Luke. The petitioner is requesting to utilize the existing house on 2700 S River Bluff Road for a short-term retail. The location of this property is south of Arrowhead Park in Rollinger's Skyline Addition. Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls recently amended the joint zoning ordinance to include short-term rentals and vacation homes with approval of a conditional use permit in all zoning districts that include residential dwellings. The plans submitted by the petitioner include a reduced limit on the number of guests to a total of eight people. The limit is incorporated into the conditions of approval. The petitioner has informed staff that he will ask for the removal of condition five, which requires the installation of a six-foot tall privacy fence on the east property line. The Joint Planning Commission heard the item at the January 22nd Planning Commission meeting. Several neighborhood residents spoke in opposition of the request. The County Planning Commission approved the CUP unanimously, while the Sioux Falls Planning Commission approved it with three votes in favor and one vote against the motion. The application was approved and staff received two appeal letters with explanations for why the application should be denied. Public comment was received from Tom Luke, Trisha Luke, Chad Omundsome, Patricia Peterson, and Jason Sikkink.

            MOTION by Kippley, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Amend the Decision of the Joint Planning Commission and approve Conditional Use Permit #24-03 to Allow a Short-Term Rental on the Property Legally Described as  Tract 1 Rollingers Skyline Addition Section 28-T101N-R48W Split Rock Township with the Additional Condition that the Conditional Use Permit will Expire on June 1, 2026, and Remove the Condition for the Requirement of a Fence. By roll call vote: 3 ayes. The City concurred.

OPPORTUNITY FOR

PUBLIC COMMENT

            Chris Cooper, Sioux Falls, spoke about the future of downtown Sioux Falls especially the government section.

            MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Kippley, to Adjourn at 6:25 p.m. 3 ayes. The City concurred.

            The Commission adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION:

Dean Karsky

Chair

ATTEST:

Kym Christiansen

Commission Recorder

            Published at the total approximate cost of $59.11 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 3-2-24-1tc

Edison Township:

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

            Edison Township is requesting bids for road work in year 2024.

            1.         Blading township Roads – cost per mile.

            2.         Snow Removal – cost per hour

            3.         Dirt Work – cost per hour.

            4.         Hauling Gravel – cost per ton delivered on Township roads.

            5.         Right of way removal – cost per hour.

            Contact Township Supervisors for location of pits to be used.

    For further specifications contact the Township Supervisors.

    Bids will be opened Monday, March 18, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at 48198 251st St. before the equalization meeting.

    The Township reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids.                                                            

Adam Stiefvater

Township Clerk

48259 255th Street

Garretson, S.D. 57030

            Published twice at the total approximate cost of $17.89.

2-29-24-2tc

Annual Meeting Notice: Palisades Township

            Notice of Annual Township Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the governing body for Palisades Township, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, will conduct the annual meeting at the Garretson Fire Hall on Tuesday, the 5th day of March, 2024 at 6 p.m.

-Bert Danielson

Palisades Township Clerk

2-22-24 2tc

Edison Township: NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

            The citizens of the Township of Edison in the county of Minnehaha, South Dakota, and who are qualified to vote in general elections, are hereby notified that the annual Township Meeting for said Township will be held at the Garretson Fire Dept. building  on Tuesday, the 5th day of March, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. of the said day, for the following purposes:

     To elect One Supervisor, One Township Clerk: One Township Treasurer: One Weed Supervisor: and do any other Business proper to be done at the said Meeting when convened.

    Given under my hand this 15th day of February, 2024.

 -Adam Stiefvater                                Township Clerk

2-22-24-2tc

Highland Township: Notice of Annual Meeting

            The citizens of Highland Township in Minnehaha County, South Dakota who are qualified to vote at township elections are hereby notified that the Annual Township Meeting for said township will be held at the Highland Lutheran Church, on Tuesday, March 5th at 1:00 pm for the following purposes;  To elect one Supervisor for a three year term, one Township Clerk and one Township Treasurer each for a one year term; and to do any other business proper to be completed at said meeting when convened. 

            Given under my hand this 7th day of February, 2024.

Jill Fedders-Ellefson

Highland Township Clerk

2-22-24 2tc

News for 3-2-24

3-2-24 front page

Sometimes, there's just more news than a week can handle! We thought we'd give our readers a surprise this week with an EXTRA!EXTRA! special edition! In this issue, we've got news about a Garretson feature for SDPB, an update on county ambulance services, and boys basketball, plus much more.


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Sample Issue

First reading of sports classifications, alignments endorsed

By Dana Hess

For the S.D. NewsMedia Association

            PIERRE—The first reading of sports classifications and alignments for the next two school years received the endorsement of the South Dakota High School Activities Association board of directors at its meeting on Wednesday. Feb. 28.

            Despite some suggestions for changes from activities directors, the board accepted the alignments as offered by the SDHSAA staff. A second reading will be held at the board’s April meeting.

            The board typically has a “public forum” at the top of its agenda. Often unused, at Wednesday’s meeting the board listened for 40 minutes as school representatives offered alternatives to the plan laid out by the SDHSAA staff in basketball, volleyball, wrestling and golf.

Blaine Trower works to get around Sioux Falls Christian's guards at the game held on Tuesday, February 27 in the first round of the Region 3A tournament. Sioux Falls Christian would be moving to Region 4A for basketball next season if the alignments are approved, which puts them in competition with schools closer to their size. //Photo by Renee Edmundson

            One suggestion was that more emphasis should be placed on enrollment when making regional assignments. SDHSAA Assistant Executive Director Jo Auch explained that the schools are assigned to regions based on geography first to cut down on travel. The second consideration is making the least amount of change.

            Considering enrollment within regions, Auch said, was “different than we’ve ever looked at before.” If that would be considered, it would be “back to the drawing board.”

            SDHSAA Executive Director Dan Swartos said that enrollment is considered in the classification system that seeks to have schools of similar sizes compete against each other.

            Swartos explained to the board that the staff uses a system of circles to try to find teams in each classification that are within the same geographical area. “It’s all about perspective,” Swartos said. “You could draw these things a million different ways.”

            Swartos said that if extensive changes are made to the classifications or alignments at the second reading, there could be a third reading.

            The first reading of the classifications and alignments for Garretson as approved for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years include:

BOYS’ and GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

            Region 3A: Baltic, Dell Rapids, Flandreau, Garretson, Madison, Tri-Valley, West Central.   New to Region 3A: Flandreau.

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CROSS-COUNTRY

            Region 2A: Baltic, Dell Rapids, Elkton-Lake Benton, Flandreau, Garretson, Madison, McCook Central/Montrose, Sioux Falls Christian, Sioux Valley, Tri-Valley, West Central.

FOOTBALL

            Class 9AA: Bennett County, Bon Homme, Britton-Hecla, De Smet, Elkton-Lake Benton, Florence/Henry, Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy, Garretson, Great Plains Lutheran, Gregory, Hamlin, Hanson, Hill City, Kimball/White Lake, Leola/Frederick Area, New Underwood, Parkston, Redfield, Scotland/Menno, Stanley County, Tripp-Delmont/Armour/Andes Central/Dakota Christian, Viborg-Hurley, Waubay/Summit.

            New to Class 9AA: Hill City, Redfield, Scotland/Menno, Tripp-Delmont/Armour/Andes Central/Dakota Christian, Waubay/Summit.

GIRLS’ SOCCER

            Class A: Belle Fourche, Dakota Valley, Garretson, Groton Area, Sioux Falls Christian, Vermillion, West Central.

BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD

            Class A: Aberdeen Roncalli, Baltic, Belle Fourche, Beresford, Bon Homme, Britton-Hecla, Canton, Chamberlain, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, Clark/Willow Lake, Crow Creek, Custer, Dakota Valley, Dell Rapids, Deuel, Elk Point-Jefferson, Elkton-Lake Benton, Ethan/Parkston, Flandreau, Florence/Henry, Garretson, Great Plains Lutheran, Groton Area, Hamlin, Hanson, Hill City, Hot Springs, Lakota Tech, Lead-Deadwood, Lennox, Little Wound, Madison, Mahpiya Luta, McCook Central/Montrose, Milbank, Miller, Mobridge-Pollock, Mount Vernon/Plankinton, Parker, Pine Ridge, Platte-Geddes, Rapid City Christian, Redfield, Scotland/Menno, Sioux Falls Christian, Sioux Valley, Sisseton, St. Francis Indian, St. Thomas More, Stanley County, Todd County, Tri-State, Tri-Valley, Vermillion, Wagner, Webster Area, West Central, Winner.

            New to Class A: Britton-Hecla and Scotland/Menno.

VOLLEYBALL

            Region 3A: Baltic, Dell Rapids, Flandreau, Garretson, Madison, Tri-Valley, West Central.

            New to Region 3A: Flandreau.

WRESTLING

            Region 2B: Baltic, Canistota, Canton, Chester, Elk Point-Jefferson, Flandreau, Garretson, Hanson, Howard, Marion/Freeman, McCook Central/Montrose, Parker, Sioux Valley, Tri-Valley, Viborg-Hurley/Irene-Wakonda.

            New to Class B: Baltic and Flandreau.

            New to Region 2B: Hanson and Sioux Valley.

News for 3-2-2024 (e-edition)

This Week's Issue

3-2-24 front page cropped

Sometimes, there's just more news than a week can handle! We thought we'd give our readers a surprise this week with an EXTRA!EXTRA! special edition! In this issue, we've got news about a Garretson feature for SDPB, an update on county ambulance services, and boys basketball, plus much more.

You can receive your newspaper through email!

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