Final game against Sioux Falls Christian, boys get shut down but some great shots

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February 29, 2024

Final game against Sioux Falls Christian, boys get shut down but some great shots

On Tuesday, the Garretson High School boys' basketball team wrapped up its postseason in a loss to Sioux Falls Christian after a hard-fought game that saw Garretson out-score SFC in the second half.

basketball players trying to make a basket — Blaine Trower on the shot. //photo by Renee Edmundson

Sioux Falls Christian opened the game and went on a 14-point run before allowing Garretson its first basket, a 3-pointer by Ian Buettner. Buettner would ultimately get four 3-pointers on the night. The Dragons had a hard time getting around the Charger defense as both teams executed a full-court press. They went into the second quarter 14-31.

In the second quarter, Garretson again had difficulty getting near the basket as the Chargers continued to press their advantage. However, Blaine Trower, Buettner, and Brecken Weir were able to sneak in some buckets. They went into the half 25-52.

The third quarter saw the Dragons come back out of the locker room with a fire in the bellies, ready to press the Chargers into the corner. Trower racked two 3-point baskets and Buettner followed suit. The quarter ended with the Dragons at 42 to SFC's 67, 17 points added to their tally versus SFC's 15.

In the fourth, both teams fought to drive up their score as Ramsey Schweitzer landed a 3-pointer and Weir finished the game with a successful fast break to the basket. They gained another 15 points to the Chargers' 14, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to overcome the opponent. They lost 57-81.

SFC will move on to the second round of the Region 3A tournament.

However, on Wednesday, the South Dakota High School Activities Association had a first reading of the Region Classification and Alignments. In the reading are two important re-alignments. SFC would be moved to Region 4A, where they will compete against schools such as Beresford, Lennox, and Canton. If the alignments are approved, Flandreau will move into Region 3A to compete against Garretson, Baltic, Dell Rapids, Madison, Tri-Valley, and West Central. For more, see the article on page 5.

Tyler Edmundson deflects a shot. //Photo by Renee Edmundson

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The Quarriers Take Down The Blue Dragons

Carrie Moritz

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February 29, 2024

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The Quarriers Take Down The Blue Dragons

by Tad Heitkamp, Coach

On February 19th, 2024, the Blue Dragons jumped on the bus and traveled to Dell Rapids to take on the Quarriers in the final game of the regular season.

In the opening game of the night the Blue Dragons ran into a buzz saw as they were defeated 13 to 37. The Quarriers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back.

“We struggled all night trying to get things going on the offensive end of the court” stated Heitkamp “We were once again getting some decent looks, but we could not finish. I was fairly pleased with our defensive effort, but the bottom line we need to be able to convert offensively to come out on top at the end.”

Ethan McGregor was actually the game high scorer as he dropped down 10 of the 13 points, while Michael Hanisch hit a deep 3 for the final 3 points of the game. The C Team ended the season with a 1-5 record. The kids may not have had a “winning” record, but they worked hard all season and will be ready to continue their growth next year.

In JV action…the Blue Dragons came out with a little chip on their shoulder as they took a 13-10 lead into the 2nd quarter.

“The guys played with some grit the 1st quarter” indicated Heitkamp “We were playing with confidence and a little attitude, which was great to see!”

Dell Rapids turned things around defensively the 2nd quarter as they held the visiting Blue Dragons to 5 points, while scorching the nets for 12 points…taking a 22 to 17 lead into halftime.

The Blue Dragons found their groove offensively the 3rd quarter to tie the game at 30 apiece. Unfortunately, the Blue Dragons could not keep that momentum going as the Quarriers locked down the Blue Dragons to pull out a 41 to 33 victory.

“We need to find some consistency in our game” Heitkamp stated “If we come out and just play four solid quarters…we come out on top by 10+ points.”

Carter Siemonsma was the games leading scorer with 12 points, as Treyton Decker collected 10 points. Collin Olson and Cole Jessen finished the night with 7 and 4 points respectively. The JV team finished the season with a winning record of 8-7, which includes going 5 and 2 in the Big East Conference.

“I want to thank the parents, family members, and fans for their support throughout the season. I know there were a couple of more wins that we “should” have had, but we are defiantly moving in the right direction…see you all next year!!!”

Legislative Updates Week 7

Carrie Moritz

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February 29, 2024

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Week 7 2024 South Dakota Legislature Report

25th District

Representative Randy Gross

“Local Control” is a term used in a variety of circumstances. Just what is local control? When the Federal Government passes laws or makes rules, states often claim that local control is being ignored. This may be a valid point as the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution says, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people”. Counties, towns, townships, school districts and other organizations sometimes express similar local control concerns when laws or rules are considered that do not “sit well” with their view. This is often the case when funding is approved with accountability or other requirements.

With local control comes local responsibility. States want federal funding for a variety of purposes. Federal funding comes with federally imposed requirements (reduced local control). Medicaid funding and its numerus associated eligibility, accountability and monitoring requirements are an example. Counties, towns, townships, and school districts want or need state funding for projects. State funding comes with requirements (reduced local control).

Any level of organization desiring to claim local control must be willing to assume complete responsibility (funding) for their efforts.

I believe the individual or family unit is the ultimate local control situation and that all levels of government exist to serve citizens who want to participate in a system “equally open to all” as our South Dakota Constitution says. Families cannot operate, regulate or tax outside of their own family unit and as such demonstrate the ultimate example of “local control” over their destiny.

Many bills relating to CO2 pipelines have significant local control implications. SB201, provides new statutory requirements for regulating linear transmission facilities and allows counties to impose a surcharge on certain pipeline companies. In exchange for allowing counties to receive a tax on pipelines, counties would not be allowed to have or enforce pipeline setbacks.

SB201 states “This Act preempts any local law, ordinance, or regulation that conflicts with any provision of this chapter or any policy of the state implemented in accordance with this chapter and, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a governmental unit of this state may not enact or enforce an ordinance, local law, or regulation conflicting with or preempted by this chapter.”

While this language references local governments, individuals are also negatively impacted as use of eminent domain will be much easier, further eroding your ability to enjoy and manage your own property in exchange for your county receiving some of your tax dollars! This has not been a positive legislative session regarding individual property rights (local control). Stay tuned!

It continues to be an honor to represent the 25th District. Information on the content and status of all bills is available on the state web site https://sdlegislature.gov. I can be contacted at .

Eminent domain is the latest front in carbon pipeline fight

Carrie Moritz

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February 29, 2024

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Eminent domain is the latest front in carbon pipeline fight

Bart Pfankuch

South Dakota News Watch

Editor's Note: This week's issue ran the abridged version. Mailed subscribers and e-edition subscribers have access to the full article below.

Some of the most contentious, emotionally charged debates during the 2024 South Dakota legislative session have been about property rights and whether a private company can use eminent domain to force a carbon dioxide pipeline onto land against the owner's will.

The heated discussions are driven by a proposal from Summit Carbon Solutions to run 470 miles of a 1,900-mile underground pipeline across eastern South Dakota. The pipe would carry liquified carbon dioxide gas from regional ethanol plants to North Dakota, where it would be stored deep underground and kept out of the atmosphere.

In all, lawmakers are weighing 10 bills related to the pipeline and eminent domain, which requires landowners to be paid for the use of their land but gives them little legal recourse to stop it.

"The core of the issue is about taking people’s lands, and it's starting to infringe on the American way," Joy Hohn, whose family farm west of Sioux Falls near Hartford is on the proposed pipeline route, told News Watch.

"Prior to this, our eminent domain laws were for projects that were for the good of the people and that benefit the public. But when you have an out-of-state, foreign-backed company using the threat of eminent domain in their dealings, it's not good and people are really fired up about that."

Kirk Yackley, who farms northeast of Pierre near Onida, said he has heard of landowners being bullied, but said he had a good experience with Summit representatives.

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Yackley is one of the roughly 3 out of 4 South Dakota landowners along the route who have signed voluntary easements allowing the CO2 pipeline on their land, according to Summit. In his case, the line would cut across about a half-mile of his family's 9,000-acre farm.

“They were very professional and respectful,” he said of Summit representatives.

The state Public Utilities Commission in September rejected Summit's application after regulators said there were too many conflicts between the proposed route and county guidelines for setbacks between utility projects and existing structures.

map with pipeline route — A map of Summit Carbon Solution’s proposed carbon-capture pipeline. (Courtesy of Summit Carbon Solutions)

Summit officials have said they will refile their permit request once they iron out differences and obtain the voluntary easements needed to site the project. They're also supporting a change in state law to eliminate the ability of counties to regulate pipeline locations.

"We continue to work with landowners and community leaders across the state to find a mutually agreeable path," Sabrina Zenor, a spokeswoman for Summit, wrote in an email to News Watch. "We heard the South Dakota PUC's request to work with counties."

Summit hopes to receive voluntary easements from 100% of property owners along the route, she said. The company has secured them from 75% of South Dakotans, and the documents would apply when the company resubmits an application to the state PUC, Zenor wrote.

Voluntary easement rates in other states include 72% in Nebraska, 75% in Iowa, and 90% in North Dakota and Minnesota, she wrote.

Another company, Navigator CO2 Ventures, dropped its proposal for a pipeline in the region, leaving Summit as the only active project. The companies hope to qualify for billions of dollars in federal tax credits aimed at reducing greenhouse gasses.

Some scientists question the efficacy and value of carbon capture and sequestration pipelines, arguing the federal subsidies could be used in more proven, efficient ways to reduce climate change.

But supporters said the pipelines will help the atmosphere and provide foundational support to the U.S. ethanol industry and the corn growers who back it.

South Dakota produces $2.9 billion worth of ethanol annually. Summit's plan would collect CO2 from nearly three dozen ethanol plants, including a handful in the state.

Backers also have said the pipeline is a key component of the proposed $1 billion Gevo plant in northeast South Dakota at Lake Preston that would use corn to make biofuels for the airline industry.

At one point during this legislative session, the debate over property rights became so emotional that Rep. Steven Duffy, a Rapid City Republican, said he and another lawmaker had to leave the committee hearing together in order to maintain their safety.

Duffy said the temperature of the debate has fallen since then, but concerns among affected landowners remain high.

One of the leading eminent domain opponents, Rep. Jon Hansen, a Dell Rapids Republican, sponsored House Bill 1219, which would prohibit the use of eminent domain specifically for pipelines that would carry carbon dioxide.

"It’s about protection of our people, the people of South Dakota," he said. "It’s about saving South Dakotans from being the subject of hundreds of lawsuits, condemnation lawsuits, simply for owning land and saying no thank you to a purchase offer."

Eminent domain was intended to allow legal taking of private land while also providing appropriate compensation for government projects that serve a public good and not for private companies that seek to turn a profit, Hansen said.

"This bill is about protecting South Dakota landowners' constitutional private property rights from, frankly, the bullying and harassment we have seen inflicted on our people in this state by an out-of-state, for-profit, foreign-backed company over the last year," he said.

A committee rejected the bill by a 7-6 vote, but it was ultimately moved forward without a formal recommendation. It could still be heard on the floor of the House of Representatives through a procedure known as a "smoke out."

Duffy, a member of the House Commerce & Energy Committee, said he opposed the bill to prohibit use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines because pipeline companies already have invested upwards of $70 million to get their project sited and approved in South Dakota and four other states.

"Whether you should have eminent domain for private industry, that's a different issue. But I don't think it's fair to say we should change the rules now," Duffy said Feb. 17 at a legislative cracker barrel in Rapid City.

Reform of eminent domain laws might be needed, but it sends a negative message to business and industry if the state changes the laws once a development process has begun, he said.

"It probably does need to be looked at down the road. But I think it's not fair to change it right now in the middle of the game," Duffy said. "That sends a signal to other people that South Dakota may not be business friendly. If they followed the rules, and I assume they did ... it's hard for me to say, ‘OK, now you can't (use eminent domain.)’"

Another highly contentious eminent domain bill, Senate Bill 201, would provide a statewide framework for approval of pipeline projects.

The measure was co-sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree of Madison and House Majority Leader Will Mortensen of Pierre. The two Republicans have said the measure would streamline the pipeline siting process while also providing protections for landowners and financial help for counties where pipelines are laid.

The bill would bar counties from passing structure setback rules that make pipelines virtually impossible within their boundaries but also provide surcharge payments to counties and require companies to pay for damages to landowners.

In a recent newsletter to constituents, Crabtree called the bill a "comprehensive solution that protects landowner rights and establishes clear infrastructure guardrails."

"South Dakota is open for business, which means we don’t set up roadblocks for projects through regulation, red tape, excessive fees, and indefinite timelines. We provide fairness and certainty in the process for landowners and businesses," Crabtree wrote.

And yet, the measure faces opposition from many landowners who said it would eliminate local control and the ability of individual counties to regulate and possibly ban pipelines within their borders.

A few counties, including Brown, Lincoln and McPherson, have passed or considered measures that would ban pipelines or enforce setback rules that could make the pipelines unfeasible within their borders.

"It's stripping away local control," Hohn said. "It would take away county ordinances that were put in place by a handful of counties that took great care to make sure the intelligent land use and economic development was looked at for their long range plans."

Craig Schaunaman, a former lawmaker whose Brown County farm is on the Summit pipeline route, said he faced eminent domain and condemnation proceedings after Summit sought to build the CO2 pipeline across 2.5 miles of his grain farm south of Aberdeen.

Summit representatives did not share his "South Dakota values" and did not deal with him in good faith, he said. Schaunaman said as many as 200 South Dakota landowners are facing or have faced eminent domain proceedings due to their opposition to the pipeline project.

"South Dakota has always had an open door for business, but what we haven’t always been is for sale," he said. "It’s our land. And I think if it goes beyond the government taking it, I should be able to say yes or no. Now we seem to have changed that direction and anybody who wants an economic benefit can come in, condemn the land and take it. And philosophically I can't agree with that."

Some landowners opposed to the pipeline said it can make their land difficult to farm and also brings health risks associated with possible leaks of the toxic, liquified CO2.

A number of them have organized.

They regularly drive to hearings in Pierre and have formed a group called Landowners for Eminent Domain Reform. They also created a website to share stories of how they have willingly allowed government use of their land for public projects but believe using eminent domain for business is against South Dakota values. Some have shared that they are enduring sleepless nights as they said they battle to protect their land and livelihoods.

"If you want to stand up for what is rightfully yours, it’s very time consuming and a financial burden," Hohn told News Watch.

According to the Institute for Justice, a nonprofit legal group that monitors eminent domain cases nationwide, the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution allows for eminent domain only for “public use” and with compensation provided to the property owner. But the institute notes that a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court case, Kelo V. New London, expands eminent domain to allow government and even private entities to use eminent domain for projects that will produce more taxes or new jobs.

The institute gives South Dakota an A grade due to a 2006 state Supreme Court ruling regarding the right of a landowner to prevent hunters from accessing their land that the institute believes weakened the applicability of the Kelo ruling in South Dakota.

The president of one of South Dakota‘s largest agricultural groups, Doug Sombke of the South Dakota Farmers Union, said the public at large should be concerned that under current eminent domain laws, their personal property including land, homes and even cars could be taken without consent by private companies seeking a profit.

"This is not just a farmland issue, this is real for every South Dakotan who owns anything because this can happen to your home, business or any property you own," he said. "Somebody can come in for private gain, a for-profit business, and they could literally come in and wipe our your whole neighborhood and the only alternative you have is to determine what that property was worth."

Yackley, the Sully County farmer who signed a voluntary easement with Summit, said company representatives who visited with him answered his questions and made some concessions during the easement negotiation process.

He said he isn’t sure of the value and efficacy of the carbon capture process, but he believes the pipeline will help protect the state ethanol industry while boosting the overall state agricultural economy.

Yackley said he received a settlement that would pay him significantly higher than market value for the land where the pipeline would be built.

He testified in 2023 before the Legislature in favor of the Summit project, but he doesn’t begrudge any landowner of their right to deny Summit access to their land or their ability to say no to the company.

“I have two neighbors who are dead set against the pipeline,” Yackley said. “And I told them to go ahead, that it’s their right to fight it.”

Yackley also said he has heard from people he knows well that Summit representatives did pressure them to allow the pipeline on their land.

“I’ve got friends up north that I trust, and they tell me they were bullied (by Summit). And I believe them because they had no reason to lie to me,” he said. “We just didn’t have that, and I’m sorry that they did.”

— This article was produced by South Dakota News Watch, a non-profit journalism organization located online at sdnewswatch.org.

Bitter season finale against Tri-Valley

Carrie Moritz

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February 29, 2024

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Last Thursday, February 22, the GHS Girls Basketball team wrapped up their postseason with a loss to Tri-Valley in the second round of the Region 3 tournament. The final minutes of the game against Tri-Valley did not go Garretson's way, and the visiting team took home the region trophy.

In the first round of the region tournament on Tuesday, February 20, the Dragons came out on top, taking down the Madison Bulldogs 46-38.

female basketball player in right looking up while ducking under a guard in black — Kylie Christensen looks for an opening to make a bucket against the Bulldogs. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette

The Bulldogs charged out of the gate, forcing Garretson to come from behind late in the first quarter. The Dragons took that challenge, and went into the second quarter 11-10. The athletes played a very solid game of defense in the second quarter, forcing Madison onto its toes. Point guard Jordyn Williams shone as she outpaced the Bulldogs, breaking ahead of their ranks and sending the ball into the net unchallenged. The Dragons went into the half 30-13.

In the second half, Madison amped up its offense, giving the Dragons a run for its money in the first few minutes of the third quarter. Though the visitors missed several shots at the basket, Madison gained on the home team before Garretson turned it around. When they did, the Dragons quickly gained ten points, and ended the quarter 40-31.

The fourth quarter saw both teams battle it out as they each denied the other team's athletes a chance at the basket. While the Bulldogs came within nipping distance of the Dragons' heels, Garretson remained in control of the game, and a foul on Williams with ten seconds left in the quarter allowed the home team to gain two more points as she sunk the free throws, ending the game 46-38.

Kylie Christensen was on point, blocking shots as the opponents worked hard to score. Tayler Benson tipped the nets with a couple of solid three pointers. In all, the team had 36 rebounds, 12 steals, 3 blocks, and a free throw conversion of 74%.

female basketball player in white just after passing a ball while lying on the floor — Jordyn Williams successfully makes a “hail Mary” pass to Kylie Christensen! //Carrie Moritz, Gazette

On Thursday, Garretson hosted the second round of their region tournament, this time taking on Tri-Valley. The competitive team stayed neck-in-neck with the Dragons until the final few minutes of the game, when the Mustangs managed to get the upper hand and ended the Dragons' season 48-37.

"The season ended on our home floor against the Tri-Valley Mustangs who we lost to by 1 in overtime in our 2nd game of the season," remarked Head Coach Matt Schrank. "This game was very back and forth. Our biggest lead was early by 5, and no other team led by more than 4 points until late in the 4th quarter."

The Dragons started the game in the lead, taking the first 4 points. However, Tri-Valley fought back and they ended the first quarter 8-6 as each team prevented the other from gaining many points. They went into the half 18-17, and both teams came back onto the court for the third quarter with fire in their bellies. Tri-Valley snagged the lead from Garretson as the teams continued to trade the ball, but a 3-point corner shot from Benson put the Dragons back out front. Tri-Valley tied the game back up, and they went into the 4th at 30-30.

female basketball player in white bumps opponent with her hip — Tayler Benson bumps her opponent as she takes a look for a pass. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette

Now in the decisive final quarter, Tri-Valley took the lead but Garretson continued to stay within spitting distance until the final minutes of the game, when several missed shots from the Dragons gave the Mustangs a strong gap to work with.

"Credit to Tri-Valley for hitting big shots at the end of the game," said Coach Schrank. "Our girls went cold and couldn’t buy a bucket late in the 2nd half."

The opponents took advantage, quickly gaining a 7-point lead, 42-35. In the final minute of the game, Tri-Valley gathered six more points to Garretson's two, and ended the Dragons' season 37-48.

Christensen and Williams were on fire as they stole the ball 10 times total (5 each) from their opponents. Fink and Benson led the game with 12 points apiece, while Sydney Olson contributed 7 and made five of her eight free throws. Benson took three of the five 3-point shots she made.

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Election Update for the City of Garretson and the Garretson School District:

Carrie Moritz

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February 29, 2024

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Election Update for the City of Garretson and the Garretson School District:

There will be only one local election for the 2024 Election cycle of the Garretson School Board and the Garretson City Council. The City of Garretson will have an election for a Ward 2 councilor seat.

Bruce Brown has filed unopposed for mayor, so he will be the next mayor of Garretson. No candidates, including both incumbents Bill Hoskins and Greg Franka filed for Ward 1, so those seats will need to be appointed later by the council.

In Ward two, there will be an election between incumbent Dave Bonte and challenger Leslie Black.

For the Garretson School Board, two at large positions were up for election, the seats held by Jodi Gloe and Andy Hulscher. However, neither incumbent filed petitions for their re-election. Two others, Natasha Mendoza and Justin VanDeBerg have both filed petitions for election, and since there are two open seats and no other competitors they will both win their seats unopposed.

Blue Dragon Junior High boys complete their season with a busy stretch of games

Carrie Moritz

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February 29, 2024

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Blue Dragon Junior High boys complete their season with a busy stretch of games

by Head Coach Cory Buchholz

The Garretson Blue Dragon junior high boys’ basketball team continued and completed their busy season with a busy stretch of competitive games.

male basketball player in blue jumping up with ball in palm — Shea Smidt weaves through the defense and rises high for a two-point finish against Chester early in the season. //Photo by Kelsey Buchholz

“With the cold and snowy weather affecting our schedules, many of our games were either postponed or cancelled which made for a busy schedule in the month of January," said Head Coach Cory Buchholz. "Even though our practice time was at a minimum because of the weather, I feel like our boys really did a nice job in trying to keep themselves engaged in the game and kept engaged in what we wanted to accomplish for the year. I really wanted to instill a team philosophy and work on many fundamentals of the game that will only help us going forward."

After about a month break because of the weather, on January 16^th the boys welcomed the Trojans from West Central, and it really showed that we didn’t practice much as the visiting team really took it to us in both the 7^th and 8^th grade games. In a losing effort in the 7^th grade contest (16-37), Colton Buchholz led the Dragons in scoring with 9 points followed up by the Coburn brothers, Gavin and Gabriel, each scoring 5 and 2 points.

In the 8^th grade contest, it was much of the same with the visiting team being much more focused, dropping our 8^th grade by the score of 15-43. Leading the way for the elder Dragons was Colton Buchholz with 7 points and Shea Smidt scoring 3 points. Cade Risty and Cooper Smith each had a 2-point bucket and with Gavin Coburn’s free throw, this rounded out the scoring.

“From the beginning of the evening, and with almost a whole month layoff because of the weather, we were just not focused enough to keep up with our opponents,” said coach Buchholz.

On January 20^th, we entertained the Hawks from Colman Egan with much better results.

“In both games, the boys came out knowing that we were the better team and it really showed in their focus and hustle from the opening tip,” stated coach Buchholz.

In winning the 7^th grade contest by a score of 44-24, Colton Buchholz led the young Blue Dragons in the scoring column with 19 points followed up by Gavin Coburn with 13 points of his own. Gabriel Coburn had a great game scoring 6 points while Cameron Roberts matched his 6 points with the same total of his own.

In the 8^th grade game, it was much of the same scenario with our Dragons coming away with a 33-23 victory. Leading the way was Colton Buchholz netting 19 points. Gavin Coburn chipped in 5 points while Casen Smith and Shea Smidt each had 4 points and 3 points respectively. Cameron Roberts added a 2-point bucket to round out the winning score.

On the 23^rd of January, the Blue Dragons traveled north into Flandreau Flier territory and took the first game of the night from the Fliers by the score of 35-28. Gavin Coburn had his best game of the season by pouring in 19 points and Colton Buchholz followed with 12 points of his own. Cooper Smith came off the bench and added 4 big points for the Dragons.

“This was a game where it really could have gone either way. I have been telling the boys that everyone needs to be involved and be ready to always shoot. We had 2 guys score 96% of our points and luckily it was enough to get the win. We will continue to keep working on being always ready, no matter who has the ball,” expressed coach Buchholz.

The 8^th grade game was another game where unfortunately, we were on the wrong side of the scoreboard, losing by the score of 34-40.

“We had multiple opportunities to take the lead and we just didn’t do the right thing during the moments when it mattered. Again, everyone that is on the floor always needs to be ready. This is another game where we were distributing the ball, but we just weren’t ready when the opportunity presented itself,” stated coach Buchholz.

Leading the way, with the hot hands of the night, were Gavin Coburn and Colton Buchholz each with 14 points. Rounding out the scoring in Flandreau was Shea Smidt with 4 points and Cooper Smith with 2 points.

Traveling to Dell Rapids, on January 26^th, was next up for the young Blue Dragons. Although the score was tied at halftime during the 7^th grade game, the Quarriers were just too much in the second half, outscoring the Dragons by a score of 28-48. Leading the way for the younger squad was Gavin Coburn and Colton Buchholz with 12 and 10 points apiece. The younger of the 2 Coburns, Gabe, dropped in 4 points and “Big Man”, Mason Snyders, rounded out the scoring with a big 2-point bucket in the 4^th quarter.

We saw much of the same results in the 8^th grade game with our opponents outscoring us by the score of 27-43.

“Dell Rapids just plain wore us down in both games. They have a ton of kids they can always cycle in and out of the game to where we had just gotten tired,” stated coach Buchholz.

Casen Smith had his best game of the season, dropping in 10 points. Shea Smidt and Gavin Coburn each contributed 4 points apiece. Colton Buchholz had “one of those days” from the field scoring 3 points and rounding out the scoring was Connor Smith and Miles Hanson each scoring 2 points in the losing effort.

The following day, we entertained guests from Sioux Valley.

“Even though we dropped both games, we did a ton of good things and didn’t back down from the challenge,” exclaimed coach Buchholz. “They always have a good program, and it was great to see our kids compete.”

Colton Buchholz made things interesting in the final stanza with multiple steals and finishes to close the score gap to within 3 but that is as close as we could get, dropping the 7^th grade game by a score of 33-39. Colton led the way with 23 points followed by Gavin Coburn with 5 points. Trevor Bucklin had 4 put back points while Cade Risty had a free throw to finish the scoring column. While dropping the 8^th grade contest by a score of 25-47, Colton Buchholz continued his good day leading the Dragons with 16 points followed by Gavin Coburn with 5 points while Casen Smith and Miles Hanson each added a 2-point bucket to round out the scoring.

On January 30^th, the young Blue Dragons traveled to Baltic to take on the Bulldogs once again. In winning fashion by the score of 35-16, the 7^th graders had a very balanced scoring attack. Colton Buchholz led the way with 14 points in shortened minutes. Also in shortened minutes, Gavin Coburn added 6 points while Cameron Roberts added 6 points of his own. Adding 2-point buckets were Gabe Coburn, Cade Risty, Cooper Smith, and Trevor Bucklin. Mason Snyders added a free throw to add to the winning team’s total. It was another hard-fought game for the 8^th grade team, this time falling to their foes from Baltic by the score of 24-33. Colton Buchholz led the Dragon charge with 13 points while Cade Risty had a great game by hustling all over the place and scoring 6 points. Casen Smith added 3 points and Gavin Coburn added a 2-point bucket to round out the scoring column.

The month of February started out with the Dragons hosting the Cougars from McCook Central-Montrose. The 7^th grade game saw the home team come away with another victory by the score of 44-25. Colton Buchholz had a great game while pouring in 26 points in limited minutes while Gavin Coburn was on the dishing end of many of those points, scored 10 points of his own. Gabe Coburn, also with many assists on the night, had 4 points of his own while Trevor Bucklin also had a great put back 2-point bucket. The highlight of the night was Greyson Petrick’s great backdoor cut and layup to get himself into the scoring column that has been eluding him all season!!

While the 7^th grade had taken care of business earlier in the evening, the 8^th grade unfortunately fell to the Cougars by a score of 30-49. Colton Buchholz led the way with 13 first half points and was followed closely by Gavin Coburn with 9 points of his own. Shea Smidt added 4 points while Connor Smith and Cooper Smith rounded out the scoring each with a 2-point bucket.

February continued its winning ways for the 7^th grade team as we traveled to Parker and came out on top of the Pheasants on Feb. 6^th, by a score of 48-22. In only 2 and a half quarters of play, Colton Buchholz poured in 24 points to lead the young Blue Dragons. Gavin Coburn, also in limited minutes, followed Buchholz with 11 points and Cameron Roberts added 7 points. Rounding out the scoring with a 2-point bucket apiece was Trevor Bucklin, Gabe Coburn, and Cooper Smith.

It was a totally different story during the 8^th grade stanza with the good guys only scoring 15 points to the Pheasants’ 37.

“This was a frustrating game in many ways. We had one of our guys go down at the beginning of the 2^nd quarter that just seemed to deflate our sails. Although we were only down by 6 points at the half, we just couldn’t seem to get anything going,” said coach Buchholz.

While playing limited minutes because of injury, Colton Buchholz led with 5 points and Cade Risty added 4 points of his own. Casen Smith, Gavin Coburn, and Shea Smidt each added 2 points apiece to end the scoring for the Blue Dragons.

In an early morning contest on Feb. 10^th, our last contests of the season pitted the Blue Dragons against the Elk from Elkton Lake Benton. In the 7^th grade contest, the young Dragons came out with some intensity on defense holding the opponents scoreless in the first half and taking the victory by a score of 31-13. Cameron Roberts led us in scoring. while scoring a season-high point total for him, with 13 points. Colton Buchholz, in short work, contributed 6 points while Gavin Coburn, also in short work, had 5 points of his own. Cade Risty joined the scoring column with a 3 pointer while Miles Hanson and Gabe Coburn rounded out the scoring with a 2-point bucket of their own.

In the 8^th grade contest, our opponents came out and started to take it to us as they had a skilled post player that we had to adjust for.

“This was by far the best we have played all season. We helped when we needed to, and we were very patient on the offensive side of the ball. I have been waiting for this Dragon’s team to show up all year long and I am glad they finally put forth their potential,” exclaimed coach Buchholz.

Leading the way was Colton Buchholz with 21 points. Gavin Coburn tallied 6 points while Casen Smith and Shea Smidt were close behind with 4 points of their own. Connor Smith had a great put back for his two points.

This has been a great group of kids to work with and I am very excited for the future of Blue Dragon basketball!!! Thank you to all of you who have supported us this year and GO BLUE DRAGONS!!!

PHOTOS

DSC_1781: Shea Smidt weaves through the defense and rises high for a two-point finish against Chester early in the season. //Photo by Kelsey Buchholz

DSC_1733: Cade Risty looks at his options at the top of the key as Cameron Roberts sets a pick. //Photo by Kelsey Buchholz

GHS Wrestlers face tough matches at state tournament!

Carrie Moritz

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February 29, 2024

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GHS Wrestlers face tough matches at state tournament!

By Brady Schleuter, Head Coach

Three local boys on the Garretson high school wrestling team participated in the State Wrestling Tournament held in the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls.

Representing Garretson at the 144lb weight class was Carsten Rozeboom. With a tough first round match against Jace Blasius from Philip, Rozeboom ended up on the losing side to Blasius who ended up winning the title. Rozeboom had another tough match in the consolation round, losing to Sanders from Custer.

"Carsten went out and gave it his all and that's all we asked of him to do and I am so proud of him for how he competed this year! I wish him the best in his future." Coach Brady Schleuter said.

Competing at the 190lb weight class was senior Caleb Westerbur. He finished the tournament with a 1-2 record falling just one win away from placing. His lone win was against Gabriel Martian from Howard who had beaten Westerbur twice earlier in the year.

"Caleb wrestled hard and with pride so I was proud of him to go out like that, he has a bright future and wish him nothing but the best," Schleuter said.

At heavyweight freshman Tanner Baatz went 0-2, losing his first round to Cook from Canton who ended up getting second place.

"Tanner has a lot of potential and I can't wait to see what his future holds, he accomplished so much in his first year and I am proud of him," Coach Schleuter said. “The Garretson High School wrestling team thanks you for all the support this year!”

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The Treasure Chest Changes Hands, and celebrates 11 years

Carrie Moritz

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February 29, 2024

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The Treasure Chest Changes Hands, and celebrates 11 years

by Carrie Moritz, Gazette

After eleven years, the leadership at The Treasure Chest in Garretson has changed. Last Saturday was the final day of Connie Johnson's leadership. On Thursday, she had handed the baton to Kimberly Konda, a veteran volunteer.

two women posing in front of store holding baton — Last Thursday, Connie Johnson, right, handed the baton to Kimberly Konda as Konda took over leadership and ownership of The Treasure Chest. The baton quotes Hebrews 12:1-2, which speaks of perseverance in running the race marked out for us. //Carrie Moritz, Gazette

The Treasure Chest opened February 13, 2013, with the goal of providing a variety-type store that included donated, thrifted items and new goods, and as a mission to give back and help others in need. Now, exactly ten years later, the successful business is continuing on under new leadership.

Johnson said the idea to let the store change hands came to her rather suddenly in December.

"It wasn't really even on my mind, but one night I was praying and I felt the release," Johnson said. She knew it was time to retire, and Konda's was the name that was on her mind.

She pointed out that the signs must've been there beforehand, though, as she remembered that she had said something along the lines of, "When it's your store you can do with it what you like," to Konda last fall.

Konda, for her part, is excited to take on the mission of the store. She began volunteering two years ago after a "God moment" in the store.

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"It was through that conversation, telling Connie about it and she didn't seem surprised," said Konda. "It happens all the time. Then she was like, 'I just really need some volunteers.' I didn't even hesitate; it just came out [to] put my name down."

Konda has lived just north of Garretson for over twenty years, on an acreage with her husband, Loren, and their four children. Two of those children are now grown, and the other two are 12 and 16.

Konda is a genuine, calm person who likes animals and gardening, and has gone on waterfall tours across Minnesota. She likes how the store has been set up, and intends to keep much of it the same. To her, the volunteers are the foundation upon which the store is built, and they have it down to a science.

"The girls in the back are amazing," she said. "They could do that all without anybody telling them what to do. They know where things need to go."

Many of those volunteers have been with the store since the beginning. Konda pointed out how much all of the helpers do for the mission, whether it's sorting, set-up, cleaning, running the till, or knowing the right people. While she believes they deserve more recognition for the work they do, the helpers often want to stay anonymous, or don't want the spotlight.

"They're the unsung heroes," Konda said. "They have different life events going on that anyone else probably would stay at home and lick their wounds, but they're in here... and doing what they do."

two older women posing with decorated dress forms — Rachel Danielson, left, and Judy Hanson, right, are two of the volunteers that have been with The Treasure Chest since it opened in February 2013. They are two of the several "unsung heroes" of the store. //submitted photo

That doesn't mean they aren't always on the lookout for more folks who could help out, whether it's just for a few minutes or a few hours. Many people have a perfect skill they could put to use, or have contacts in just the right place to get items to others in need. It just takes going into the store and talking with someone, or calling the local number at (605) 594-2000.

The volunteer mindset is part of what has made the store as successful as it is. Since its official opening in 2013, donating to individuals or groups locally and around the state has always been a large part of The Treasure Chest's mission. While the storefront helps to attract visitors from all over the United States and improves the local economy, in the background, it uses many of the donated items and goods to ensure people have what they need.

Konda told a story of a local person who came in and asked if the store could help outfit a new elderly resident, who had moved to town and were without items like dishes and silverware. The volunteers were more than happy to get those items to that new resident.

Some donated goods, such as coats and gloves, are given out locally when the need is found, or go to the Union Gospel Mission and to the tribal reservations. Others, such as toys without batteries, have even gone international as folks going on trips overseas have taken those to give to children. The rest of the donated goods stay in the store for sale, contributing to its unique atmosphere and attracting visitors who are on the lookout for a great experience. The proceeds from the sales go back into the mission.

One area she does hope to expand on within the store is to bring in more local goods. They have wine from Tucker's Walk and Humble Hill, popcorn that is made in South Dakota, honey that is cultivated just outside of town, and Garretson spirit wear, and Konda's on the lookout for more locally-made, unique items.

She's also looking into the potential of expanding hours during the summer, to help serve those visitors who might be in town or be attracted to Garretson during the week.

Other changes, though, will be minimal.

"It's going to transition pretty seamlessly," Konda said. "I have the same vision as Connie. We need to help people; we need to do what's necessary to promote tourism and try and get people to come into the store. What they're supporting us with is also helping our community."

The Treasure Chest is open Thursdays through Saturdays, and can be found on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheTreasureChestinGarretson.

*UPDATE 2/28/24: The printed version had an incorrect number of years in the headline and within the article for The Treasure Chest. That has been updated in the on-line version.

Public Notices published February 29, 2024

Public Notices

Carrie Moritz

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February 29, 2024

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Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for Feb. 20, 2024

THE MINNEHAHA COUNTY COMMISSION CONVENED AT 9:00 AM on February 20, 2024, pursuant to adjournment on February 5, 2024. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT WERE: Bender, Beninga, Bleyenberg, and Karsky. Commissioner Kippley was present via electronic means. Also, present were Kym Christiansen, Commission Recorder, and Eric Bogue, Chief Civil Deputy State's Attorney.

Chair Karsky called the meeting to order.

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

CONSENT AGENDA

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

Commission Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2024

Bills to be Paid $6,449,057.20

3200 RUSSELL LLC Motels $495, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Lease-Rental Agreement $887.03, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Maintenance Contracts $20.75, A&B BUSINESS SOLUT Printing/Forms $89.17, AARON GEORGE PROPERT Welfare Rent $1400, AIRGAS USA LLC Gas Oil & Diesel $236.2, AIRGAS USA LLC Lease-Rental Agreement $120.02, AIRWAY SERVICE INC Automotive/Small Equipment $1117.32, AIRWAY SERVICE INC Gas Oil & Diesel $220.36, ALCOHOL MONITORING S Program Supplies $4287.5, ALL NATIONS INTERPRE Interpreters $5466.8, ANDERSON, JENNIFER Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $6609, ANGEL, EDWARD P Attorney Fees $103.9, ARCHITECTURE INC Architect, Engineers, and PMgt $376078.4, ARGUS LEADER MEDIA Publishing Fees $2266.28, ASH LAW OFFICE PLLC Attorney Fees $2451.94, AUTOMATIC BUILDING C HHS Maintenance $212.25, AVERA HEALTH PLANS I Insurance Admin Fee $6747.86, AVERA MCKENNAN Hospitals $14362, BAILEY, ROSE Welfare Rent $650, BALOUN LAW PC Child Defense Attorney $2139.53, BECHTEL, DAVID Welfare Rent $700, BECK, JEFFREY R Attorney Fees $2211.5, BRANDON VALLEY JOURN Program Activities $120, BRANDON VALLEY JOURN Publishing Fees $1417.46, BRAUN, MASON Investigators Expenses $122.4, BRENNAN HILLS TOWNHO Welfare Rent $674, BUDGET AUTO REPAIR Automotive/Small Equipment $30, BUDGET AUTO REPAIR Gas Oil & Diesel $108.8, BUILDERS SUPPLY COMP Jail Repairs & Maintenance $1327.5, BUILDERS SUPPLY COMP JDC Maintenance $526.5, BULLIS, MATTHEW Investigators Expenses $36.72, BURNS, JASON Investigators Expenses $110.67, BUTLER MACHINERY COM Parts Inventory $444.91, C & R SUPPLY INC Bldg/Yard Repair & Maintenance $278.88, C & R SUPPLY INC Truck Repairs & Maintenance $1690.36, CANFIELD BUSINESS IN Repair/Renovations $7296.66, CAREERBUILDER LLC Publishing Fees $199.8, CENTER FOR FAMILY ME Professional Services $1100, CENTURY BUSINESS PRO Maintenance Contracts $120.5, CENTURYLINK Data Communications $1357.92, CENTURYLINK Telephone $1727.64, CERTIFIED LANGUAGES Interpreters $100.65, CHAGOLLA, ALBERT Interpreters $249.07, CHAPEL HILL FUNERAL Burials $1900, CHILDRENS HOME SOCIE Miscellaneous Expense $100000, CHRIS BARRETT-MAYL Uniform Allowance $136.5, CHRISTOPHER COOK Gas Oil & Diesel $39.63, CINTAS CORPORATION Janitorial Chemical Supplies $339.76, CINTAS CORPORATION Uniform Allowance $106.6, CLEAN PLUS INC Safety & Rescue Equipment $315.46, COFFEE KING INC Program Activities $70, COREMR LC Maintenance Contracts $652.5, CORRECT RX PHARMACY Contract Services $25.31, COUNTRY VIEW LLC Welfare Rent $600.07, CULLIGAN WATER Maintenance Contracts $42, CUMMINS INC Coliseum $372.3, DACOTAH PAPER CO Janitorial Chemical Supplies $368.01, DAKOTA FLUID POWER I Truck Repairs & Maintenance $211.41, DAKOTA LAW FIRM PROF Attorney Fees $6173.5, DAKOTA LAW FIRM PROF Child Defense Attorney $1324.6, DAKOTA SPLASH Water - Sewer $31.3, DAKOTALAND AUTOGLASS Automotive/Small Equipment $49.99, DALSIN INC Fairgrounds $698.4, DALSIN INC JDC Maintenance $761.5, DATA SYSTEMS INC Office Supplies $227, DELL MARKETING LP Data Processing Equipment $1320.38, DIESEL MACHINERY INC Heavy Equipment $165756, DULUTH Welfare Rent $1000, EAST RIVER PSYCHOLOG Psych Evals $5000, EH HOSPITALITY LLC Motels $1500, EICH LAW OFFICE LLC Child Defense Attorney $9985, EIDE BAILLY LLP Professional Services $740, ELECTRONICS RESEARCH Communication Equipment $4500, ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDI Fairgrounds $476, ERIN M JOHNSON PLLC Bd Exp Fees (Minnehaha) $5831.5, ERIN M JOHNSON PLLC Crisis Intervention Program $53.5, EXHAUST PROS OF SIOU Automotive/Small Equipment $295, EXTENSION 4-H Education & Training $65, FASTENAL COMPANY Sign Supply Inventory $103.44, FASTENAL COMPANY Small Tools & Shop Supplies $315.88, FIRST DAKOTA NATIONA Lease Interest $638.05, FIRST DAKOTA NATIONA Lease Principal $3217.7, FLEETPRIDE INC Parts Inventory $38.58, FLEETPRIDE INC Truck Repairs & Maintenance $29.85, FORCE AMERICA DISTRI Automotive/Small Equipment $878.7, FOX, DANIEL Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $253.64, G & R CONTROLS INC Building Repairs & Maintenance $1016.12, G & R CONTROLS INC Heat, Vent & AC Repairs $952.76, G & R CONTROLS INC HHS Maintenance $1339.8, G & R CONTROLS INC Jail Repairs & Maintenance $1212.2, G & R CONTROLS INC Outside Repair $638, GALLS PARENT HOLDING Uniform Allowance $599.84, GARRETSON GAZETTE Publishing Fees $2057.41, GAYLORD BROS INC Program Activities $44.83, GBR INC Interpreters $510, GLAZIER, DAVID ALAN Welfare Rent $300, GLOBAL TEL LINK (GT Telephone $1.56, GOLDEN WEST Telephone $145.9, GRAHAM TIRE CO NORTH Automotive/Small Equipment $497.62, GRAINGER Small Tools & Shop Supplies $493.8, GRITWARE, LLC Maintenance Contracts $1445.85, GUARANTEE ROOFING HHS Maintenance $380.61, GUNNER, ANDREA Court Reporters $258.75, GUZMAN, SANDRA V Interpreters $810, HARTFORD'S BEST PAIN Automotive/Small Equipment $560.13, HAYDEN POINTE ASSOCI Welfare Rent $700, HIGH POINT NETWORKS Consultants $2760, HIGH POINT NETWORKS Maintenance Contracts $7472, HIGH POINT NETWORKS Subscriptions $1117, HYVEE ACCOUNTS RECEI Jury Fees $84, I STATE TRUCK CENTER Truck Repairs & Maintenance $410.9, IDEMIA IDENTITY & SE Maintenance Contracts $2474, INNOVATIVE OFFICE SO JAG Grant 2023 $1034.7, INNOVATIVE OFFICE SO JDC Custodial Supplies $6877.92, INTEK Contract Services $37588.97, INTERSTATE OFFICE PR Data Processing Equipment $86.44, INTERSTATE OFFICE PR Office Supplies $1666.05, INTOXIMETERS, INC. Testing Supplies $1600, JAYMAR Printing/Forms $1179.7, JCL SOLUTIONS Inmate Supplies $1697.5, JCL SOLUTIONS Kitchen/Cleaning Supplies $3019.38, JD'S HOUSE OF TROPHI Office Supplies $69.2, JOAN M BUTTENHOFF LI Abatement Interest $32.45, KAREN STEFFEN Abatement Interest $4, KASH LLC Transportation $30, KATTERHAGEN, MARK Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $54, KAUFFMAN, DAVID W PH Psych Evals $5400, KENNEDY, RENEE S Court Reporters $1621.9, KIESLER POLICE SUPPL JAG Grant 2023 $411.6, KNECHT, ANDREW J Attorney Fees $3118.5, LAFAYETTE INSTRUMENT Homeland Security $12000, LAMP Interpreters $45, LANGUAGELINE SOLUTIO Interpreters $550.74, LANGUAGELINE SOLUTIO Telephone $255.82, LARSON, VALERIE Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $54, LAUGHLIN LAW LLC Attorney Fees $158.1, LEWIS & CLARK BEHAVI Bd Evaluations (Yankton) $1065, LEWNO LAW OFFICE Bd Exp Fees (Yankton) $361.53, LISA CARLSON REPORTI Court Reporters $34.3, LOPEZ, REBECA Interpreters $859.76, LOVING, PHILIP Bd Evaluations (Minnehaha) $4106.73, LUTHERAN SOCIAL SVCS Interpreters $65, MAC'S HARDWARE Small Tools & Shop Supplies $10.39, MCLEODS PRINTING & O Printing/Forms $5047.9, MEADOWLAND APARTMENT Welfare Rent $133, MEIERHENRY SARGENT L Child Defense Attorney $3851, MELISSA HOPF Business Travel $63.24, MENARD INC Building Repairs & Maintenance $59.99, MENARD INC Program Activities $288, METRO COMMUNICATIONS Clinics - Auxiliary Services $40, MICROFILM IMAGING SY Contract Services $4500, MIDAMERICAN ENERGY C Natural Gas $8317.39, MIDCONTINENT COMMUNI Data Communications $389.5, MIDCONTINENT COMMUNI Subscriptions $1102.44, MIDCONTINENT COMMUNI Telephone $115.39, MIDWEST BOILER INC Heat, Vent & AC Repairs $618.88, MILLER, TRACY Business Travel $40, MINNEHAHA COUNTY FAM Memberships $20, MORGAN BOECKHOLT Taxable Meal Allowances $18, MYERS & BILLION LLP Attorney Fees $646.7, NAPA AUTO PARTS Automotive/Small Equipment $41.52, NAPA AUTO PARTS Parts Inventory $125.5, NAPA AUTO PARTS Small Tools & Shop Supplies $50.28, NAPA AUTO PARTS Truck Repairs & Maintenance $22.99, NATIONAL TACTICAL OF Homeland Security $20815, NELSON & NELSON Professional Services $500, NEW CENTURY PRESS Publishing Fees $1217.43, NICHOLE CARPER Child Defense Attorney $471.1, NICHOLSON LAW Child Defense Attorney $1398.6, NORDSTROMS AUTOMOTIV Automotive/Small Equipment $85, NORTH CAROLINA DEPT Contract Services $404.95, NORTHERN TRUCK EQUIP Automotive/Small Equipment $288.1, NORTHERN TRUCK EQUIP Heavy Equipment $198190, NOVAK Office Supplies $250.77, NOVAK Tea-Ellis Range $84.08, NOVAK Trash Removal $812.57, NYBERGS ACE HARDWARE Program Activities $33.21, O R CLYNE LAW OFFICE Child Defense Attorney $69, OFFICE DEPOT INC Data Processing Supplies $914.02, OLIVIER MILES HOLTZ Attorney Fees $4192.93, OLSON OIL CO. Automotive/Small Equipment $26.35, OLSON, DAWN Court Reporters $1734.6, OMAHA HARDWOOD LUMBE Program Activities $578.14, OSBORN, ROXANE R Court Reporters $5069.15, OVERHEAD DOOR COMPAN Building Repairs & Maintenance $561.23, P & K PEST CONTROL Program Activities $70, PARAGON HEALTH & WEL Blood Withdrawal $5280, PENNING, LESLIE A Bd Exp Fees (Minnehaha) $576, PENNINGTON COUNTY Extradition & Evidence $6861.31, PEOPLEFACTS Recruitment $120.12, PETTIGREW HEIGHTS AP Welfare Rent $719, PFEIFER IMPLEMENT CO Communication Equipment Repair $147.22, PFEIFER IMPLEMENT CO Heavy Equip Repairs & Maint $119.6, PFEIFER IMPLEMENT CO Parts Inventory $146.2, PHARMCHEM INC Testing Supplies $904.87, PHOENIX SUPPLY LLC Inmate Supplies $1425.44, PHOENIX SUPPLY LLC Kitchen/Cleaning Supplies $375, PIEDMONT PLASTICS Program Activities $882, PIONEER ENTERPRISES Burials $3497.35, PRAIRIE WIND HUMBOLD Safety & Rescue Equipment $3475, PRECISION KIOSK TECH Testing Supplies $4050, PRICE, THOMAS L Psych Evals $3600, QUALIFIED PRESORT SE Postage $53358.03, R&L SUPPLY LTD Heat, Vent & AC Repairs $1069.08, R&L SUPPLY LTD Motor/Machine/Equipment Repair $13.01, R&L SUPPLY LTD Small Tools & Shop Supplies $8.53, RDO CONSTRUCTION EQU Heavy Equip Repairs & Maint $439.68, REDWOOD TOXICOLOGY L Testing Supplies $990, REEVES, MEGAN Court Reporters $245, RENTOKIL NORTH AMERI Contract Services $426.83, RESOLUTE LAW FIRM IN Attorney Fees $829.35, REYNOLDS LAW LLC Attorney Fees $3080.5, RISTY, MAXINE J Court Reporters $2361.8, ROEMEN'S AUTOMOTIVE Gas Oil & Diesel $183.56, RONNIE WEIR Misc Revenue $300, ROTOROOTER Trash Removal $455, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH Child Care Items $249, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH Clinics - Auxiliary Services $87.58, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH Other Supplies $134.88, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH Professional Services $468.07, SAMS CLUB - MEMBERSH Safe Home Donations $55.9, SANFORD Medical Records $9.86, SANFORD Other Medical Services $540.28, SANFORD CLINIC Professional Services $264, SANFORD CLINIC Recruitment $2058, SANFORD HEALTH PLAN Insurance Admin Fee $3570, SANITATION PRODUCTS Truck Repairs & Maintenance $609.59, SD ASSOC OF COUNTY O Due To Other Governments $2946, SD ASSOC OF CRIMINAL Memberships $2025, SDN COMMUNICATIONS Data Communications $540, SDN COMMUNICATIONS Telephone $1900.8, SECURITY LABS LLC Maintenance Contracts $75, SHADOW INDUSTRIES Welfare Rent $510.6, SHERWIN WILLIAMS Building Repairs & Maintenance $331.41, SIOUX FALLS AREA HUM Miscellaneous Expense $4746.32, SIOUX FALLS CITY Contract Services $370000, SIOUX FALLS CITY Contracted Construction $280887.65, SIOUX FALLS CITY Gas Oil & Diesel $14513.65, SIOUX FALLS CITY HIDTA Grant $127.99, SIOUX FALLS CITY Miscellaneous Expense $62814.33, SIOUX FALLS CITY Water - Sewer $796.66, SIOUX FALLS FORD INC Automotive/Small Equipment $177.63, SIOUX FALLS MINISTRY Welfare Rent $535, SIOUX FALLS RUBBER S Office Supplies $23.2, SIOUX FALLS WOMAN LL Advertising $595, SIOUX VALLEY ENERGY Electricity $352.03, SIOUX VALLEY ENERGY Tea-Ellis Range $314.07, SOUTH FOURTH PROPERT Welfare Rent $500, SOUTHEASTERN BEHAVIO Miscellaneous Expense $49921.25, SPRING HILL LTD PART Welfare Rent $695, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Daily Scram $8422, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Amts Held-Remote Breath $1483, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Archive/Preservation Supplies $192.01, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Blood/Chemical Analysis $12660, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Commitment - HSC $14193.97, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Commitment - Redfield $900, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Due To Other Governments $4092343.56, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Extension Background Checks $20, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Fingerprint/Tax $236.44, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Misc Revenue $24.93, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Miscellaneous Expense $58, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Printing/Forms $404.33, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Professional Services $129.75, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Property Search Fees $166.38, STATE OF SOUTH DAKOT Store Sales $48.01, STOCKWELL ENGINEERS Repair/Renovations $1800, STRAIGHT UP CARE LLC Contract Services $1149.3, STRANGE FARRELL JOHN Attorney Fees $1329.08, STURDEVANTS AUTO PAR Parts Inventory $35.98, STURDEVANTS AUTO PAR Small Tools & Shop Supplies $221.11, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Board Of Prisoners-Meals $58404.65, SUMMIT FOOD SERVICE Inmate Supplies $505.15, SUNSET LAW ENFORCEME Ammunition $18232.7, TAFOLLA, MIRANDA RAE Court Reporters $213.1, TEGRA GROUP INC Architect, Engineers, and PMgt $28850, TENDAIRE INDUSTRIES Truck Repairs & Maintenance $456, THE PRESERVE Welfare Rent $700, THOMAS, MICHELLE Business Travel $227.32, THOMPSON ELECTRIC CO Outside Repair $1114.25, THOMSON REUTERS - WE Amounts Held For Others $829, THOMSON REUTERS - WE Legal Research $2957.15, THOMSON REUTERS - WE Subscriptions $288.11, TJ MAXX Juvenile Diversion Restitution $806.2, TRANSUNION RISK & AL Investigators Expenses $75, TRANSWEST TRUCK OF Automotive/Small Equipment $1489.72, TRI-STATE NURSING Professional Services $2506, TRIANGLE PROPERTIES Welfare Rent $675, TRISTATE EMERGENCY M Memberships $40, TSCHETTER & ADAMS LA Attorney Fees $3831.44, TWO WAY SOLUTIONS IN Communication Equipment Repair $420.48, TYLER TECHNOLOGIES I Maintenance Contracts $83312.54, TYLER TECHNOLOGIES I Software $16727.05, TZADIK SIOUX FALLS I Welfare Rent $1400, TZADIK SIOUX FALLS P Welfare Rent $400, US BANK-CORPORATE TR Trust-Administration Fees $6575, US FOODS INC Professional Services $1632.27, US POSTAL SERVICE Postage $16000, VANDERPOL BAILEY, ME Professional Services $306.25, VER BEEK, KELSEY Bd Exp Fees (Minnehaha) $195.5, VER BEEK, KELSEY Child Defense Attorney $1867.28, VERIZON CONNECT FLEE Professional Services $366.97, VERIZON WIRELESS Administrative Charges $46.52, VERIZON WIRELESS Data Processing Equipment $1384.5, VERIZON WIRELESS HIDTA Grant $83.86, VERIZON WIRELESS Tea-Ellis Range $40.01, VERIZON WIRELESS Telephone $6350.39, VERN EIDE MOTORCARS HIDTA Grant $1200, VITAL RECORDS Records Storage $3587.37, VOGEL MOTORS LLC Automotive/Small Equipment $2, VOGEL MOTORS LLC Gas Oil & Diesel $57, WASTE MANAGEMENT OF Trash Removal $4167.93, WESTPORT INVESTORS Welfare Rent $825, WINNER POLICE DEPART Extradition & Evidence $288.67, XCEL ENERGY Electricity $2093.49, XCEL ENERGY INC Welfare Utilities $694.18, YANKTON COUNTY Return Of Service $150, YOUNGBERG Attorney Fees $380.75, ZABEL STEEL Truck Repairs & Maintenance $211.3.

The following reports were received and placed on file in the Auditor's Office:

Auditor's Account with the County Treasurer for January 2024

Register of Deeds Statement of Revenue for January 2024

Highway Monthly Construction Updates for February 2024

Auditor's Accounting Month End Reports for January 2024

Routine Personnel Actions

New Hires

1. Stephanie Anderson and Julie Irvine, variable hour Election Workers for the Auditor's Office, at $16.50/hour effective 2/12/2024.

2. Mark Finnegan, variable hour Election Worker for the Auditor's Office, at $17.00/hour effective 2/12/2024.

3. Connie Ideker, variable hour Election Worker for the Auditor's Office, at $17.50/hour effective 2/12/2024.

4. Brittany Loudner, Administrative Clerk for the Human Services Department, at $19.79/hour (9/1) effective 2/12/2024.

5. Mark Swoyer, Highway Team Member for the Highway Department, at $22.95/hour (12/1) effective 2/16/2024.

6. Joseph Hagins, Ashley Hohn, Karlee Kneifl, and Benjamin Shaw, Correctional Officers for the Jail, at $25.37/hour (14/1) effective 2/19/2024.

7. Emilie Harrold, Legal Office Assistant for the Public Advocate's Office, at $20.80/hour (10/1) effective

2/26/2024.

Step Increases

1. Jason Gearman, Director of Emergency Management for Emergency Management, at $4,252.80/biweekly (21/13) effective 1/28/2024.

2. Gail Foerster, Appraiser for the Equalization Office, at $29.38/hour (15/3) effective 2/19/2024.

3. Matthew Satter, Appraiser for the Equalization Office, at $29.38/hour (15/3) effective 2/19/2024.

4. Randy Fods, Senior Highway Maintenance Team member for the Highway Department, at $35.82/hour (14/13) effective 2/18/2024.

5. Cara Nadolski, Caseworker for the Human Services Department, at $39.54/hour (16/13) effective 1/19/2024.

6. Jason Toering, Technical Analyst for the Information Technology Department, at $43.65/hour (19/11) effective 2/5/2024.

7. Anthony Helland, Pretrial Coordinator for Pretrial Services, at $25.37/hour (12/3) effective 1/31/2024.

8. Lorna McDermott, Correctional Officer for the Jail, at $31.66/hour (14/8) effective 1/23/2024.

9. Daniel Fritz, Senior Records Technician for the Register of Deeds, at $27.30/hour (12/6) effective 2/7/2024.

10. Paul Schuster, Deputy Sheriff for the Sheriff's Office, at $34.09/hour (17/5) effective 2/24/2024.

11. Joshua Phillips, Captain for the Sheriff's Office, at $4,360.0/biweekly (23/6) effective 2/2/2024.

12. Sharrell Logue, Legal Office Assistant for the State's Attorney's Office, at $25.98/hour (10/8) effective 2/17/2024.

13. Robert Harrison, Investigator for the State's Attorney's Office, at $37.63/hour (16/11) effective 1/22/2024.

14. Amy Folsom, Senior Deputy State's Attorney for the State's Attorney's Office, at $4,149.60/biweekly (22/8) effective 1/6/2024.

15. Laura Haatvedt, Tax and License Technican for the Treasurer's Office, at $22.95/hour (10/3) effective 1/27/2024.

Abatement Applications

Recommended for Approval by the Director of Equalization

Parcel-32176, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $843.87

Parcel-93417, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,396.43

Parcel-23992, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,182.97

Parcel-35227, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,096.01

Parcel-92988, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,736.54

Parcel-67425, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,033.33

Parcel-65584, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,711.58

Parcel-40107, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,538.19

Parcel-66949, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,538.19

Parcel-56881, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $855.80

Parcel-92944, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $339.81

Parcel-79924, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $855.79

Parcel-77753, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,041.59

Parcel-22237, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,611.42

Parcel-77785, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,197.00

Parcel-45498, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,370.39

Parcel-76050, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,230.68

Parcel-31391, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $941.29

Parcel-40328, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $746.45

Parcel-36132, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,439.86

Parcel-12120, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,786.59

Parcel-40526, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,578.84

Parcel-38938, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,591.73

Parcel-39493, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,392.59

Parcel-87830, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,538.20

Parcel-40511, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,868.20

Parcel-64269, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,033.33

Parcel-75675, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,266.99

Parcel-60651, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $596.66

Parcel-82957, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,637.47

Parcel-51473, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2022 Property Taxes, $183.78

Parcel-51473, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,041.17

Parcel-84815, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,041.60

Parcel-16926, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,760.02

Parcel-20661, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $852.33

Parcel-51810, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $855.80

Parcel-43139, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $388.28

Parcel-10724, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $953.60

Parcel-36770, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,375.42

Parcel-95900, Wayne Feddersen, 2023 Property Taxes, $289.16

Parcel-78839, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2022 Property Taxes, $723.31

Parcel-78839, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,041.59

Parcel-20472, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2020 Property Taxes, $2,302.52

Parcel-20472, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2021 Property Taxes, $2,219.47

Parcel-20472, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2022 Property Taxes, $2,146.70

Parcel-20472, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,033.34

Parcel-36269, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2021 Property Taxes, $188.81

Parcel-36269, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2022 Property Taxes, $2,164.27

Parcel-36269, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,041.60

Parcel-85465, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,364.86

Parcel-62389, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $855.78

Parcel-88395, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,284.90

Parcel-21139, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $2,032.91

Parcel-77049, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,538.20

Parcel-29016, Veteran Exempt PT10-4-40, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,780.86

Parcel-75389, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,213.51

Parcel-22923, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $896.04

Parcel-26316, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $987.14

Parcel-12525, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,783.73

Parcel-71190, Assessment Freeze, 2023 Property Taxes, $626.10

Parcel-17602, Terry & Debra Bunde, 2021 Property Taxes, $605.70

Parcel-17602, Terry & Debra Bunde, 2022 Property Taxes, $802.29

Parcel-17602, Terry & Debra Bunde, 2023 Property Taxes, $1,093.68

Notices and Requests

Approval to Display Fireworks at the W.H. Lyon's Fairground on March 1, 2024

Approval to Display Fireworks at the W.H. Lyon's Fairground on March 2, 2024

PRESENTATION

Dr. Kenneth Snell, Coroner/Medical Examiner, presented on the Minnehaha County Coroner's Office highlighting the following areas: 2023 case data, the causes of death, information related to infant deaths, examined natural deaths and accidental deaths along with the deaths related to drugs and suicide, and future needs including increase in toxicology costs and transports costs as well as an expected increase in accepted cases. Public comment was received from Linda Montgomery.

AGREEMENT

Tom Greco, Commission Administrative Officer, presented an amendment to the decedent transport to morgue agreement with Med-Star Paramedic Ambulance. The agreement provides for the transport of decedents to the morgue from areas located with the City of Sioux Falls and also located within Minnehaha County. The proposed amendment for consideration extends the renewal term of the agreement by one year and provides for reimbursement to the contract for the actual cost of one body pouch per decedent transported up to $80. This additional cost represents the first increase since approval of the original contract in 2020. The number of decedents transported to the morgue under the current terms of this professional services agreement to date has averaged 212 per year at an average cost of $83,189 per year. The proposed cost increase of up to an additional $80 per decedent transported may increase annual costs by approximately $17,000. MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bender, to Approve an Amendment to the Decedent Transport to Morgue Agreement. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

EQUIPMENT PURCHASE

Upon the request of Steve Groen, Highway Superintendent, MOTION by Bender, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Authorize the Highway Department to Purchase a Tennant Cleaning Machine through Minnesota State Contract #186080 from the Tennant Company for an Amount of $76,209.56. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

BID RESULTS

Steve Groen, Highway Superintendent, reported on the bid opening for a Roadside Spraying System and Installation held on February 7, 2023. The following bid was received: C&R Supply, Inc. with a total bid of $73,500.00. MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Approve the Bid Results and Award Recommendation for a Roadside Spraying System and Installation, and Authorize the Chair to Sign an Agreement with C&R Supply, Inc. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

Steve Groen, Highway Superintendent, reported on the bid opening for Highway Department 2024 Side Dump Trailer held on February 7, 2024. The County received to bids: on from RDO for $75,200, and one from DMI for $65,635. Upon review of the bids, neither RDO nor DMI was a responsive responsible bidder: RDO failed to submit a bid bond and DMI not only failed to sign its bid, but also submitted a conditional, noncompliant bid with terms exceeding the RFP specification. MOTION by Bender, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Reject Two Bids for the Purchase of a Highway Department 2024 Side Dump Trailer. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

EQUIPMENT PURCHASE

Upon the request of Steve Groen, Highway Superintendent, MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Bender, to Approve a Purchase of Two Truck Builds and Dump Bodies for New Plow Trucks through Sourcewell Procurement Contract #080818 for a Cost of $220,890.00 per Build for a Total Purchase Cost of $441,780.00. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

BID RESULTS

Steve Groen, Highway Superintendent, reported on the bid opening for MC24-02 Southeast SD County Striping Project held on February 7, 2024. This project was previously completed by the South Dakota Department of Transportation, and consists of retracing existing striping and placing striping on newly surfaced roads for 13 counties within Southeastern South Dakota. Minnehaha County completed the plans and facilitated the bid on behalf of all 13 counties. The following bids were received: Dakota Traffic Services, LLC. with a total bid of $1.073,230,25; Traffic Solutions, Inc. with a total bid of $1.082,999.28. The Minnehaha County portion of the bid from Dakota Traffic Solutions was $102,555.44. MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Beninga, to Approve the Bid Results and Award Recommendation for MC24-02 Southeast SD County Striping Project and Authorize the Chair to Sign an Agreement with Dakota Traffic Services, LLC at the Contract Price of $102,555.44. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

RURAL ACCESS INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING AGREEMENT

Steve Groen, Highway Superintendent, presented a briefing on the award of Rural Access Infrastructure Funding. The Rural Access Infrastructure Program was enacted during the 2021 South Dakota Legislative session to assist with the replacement of large culverts and small bridges on township roads. Hartford Township applied for and was awarded funding to replace four large culverts for 2024 for a project total of $140,500.00. Hartford Township share is $28,100.00 with the remaining $112,400.00 provided from the County through the State-funded Rural Access Infrastructure Fund. MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Bender, to Authorize the Chair to Sign the Township Rural Action Infrastructure Funding Agreement with Hartford Township. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

AGREEMENT

Upon the request of Steve Groen, Highway Superintendent, MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Authorize the Chair to Sign an Agreement with JSA Engineers and Land Surveyers for Construction Administration of Project MC17-10 Highway 149 2024 Grading with an Amount not to Exceed $128,496.00. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK UPDATES

Upon the request of Carey Deaver, Human Resources Director, MOTION by Bender, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Approve the Minnehaha County Employee Handbook Updates for the Following Sections: Disability Accommodation, Religious Accommodation, Holidays, Workers' Compensation, Drug-Free Workplace, and Creation of the Following Sections: Pay Transparency, and Animals in the Workplace. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

DRUG & ALCOHOL PROCEDURES MANUAL UPDATES

Upon the request of Carey Deaver, Human Resources Director, MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Approve the Minnehaha County Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures Manual Updates. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

JAIL HOUSING PER DIEM CONTRACTS

Upon the request of Mike Mattson, Warden, MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bender, to Authorize the Chair to Sign the 2024 Jail Housing Per Diem Contracts with Hutchinson County, McCook County, Jerauld County, Lake County and Moody County, which Reflects the 2024 Jail Bed Rate of $112.00. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

VEHICLE PURCHASE

Upon the request of Mike Mattson, Warden, MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Authorize the Purchase of a Replacement Jail Transport Vehicle in the Amount of $42,076.00. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

GRANT APPLICATION AUTHORIZATION

Jason Gearman, Emergency Management Director, requested approval to apply to the 2024 Homeland Security Grant. The grant program provides funding for the purposes of enhancing the ability of local, state, and federal agencies to maximize their ability to prevent, respond and recover from major events such as terror attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies. Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management have participated in this grant each year for several years. Items purchased with awarded funds have been very beneficial to our agency by increasing our preparedness each year for several year. Specific awards amounts are not known at this time due the Emergency Management and the Sheriff's Office still discussing our needs and Homeland Security has not released how much money each region will be allocated for projects. MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Kippley, to Authorize the Sheriff's Office to Apply for the 2024 Homeland Security Grant. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

JDC AGREEMENTS

Upon the request of Jamie Gravett, Juvenile Detention Center Director, MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Authorize the Chair to Sign the 2024 Agreement with the Center For Family Medicine for Professional Medical Services. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

Jamie Gravett, Juvenile Detention Center Director, presented a contract with Lutheran Social Services to provide Evening Report Center (ERC) services for youth awaiting court in the community instead of JDC. ERC is a beneficial alternative for youth who have conflict or little supervision in the home during the highest risk time of the day, after school and early evening. They provide life skills, community service, and school help. The youth are picked up at school and delivered home at the end of the evening. The youth find this beneficial and will often ask the Judge to allow them to stay in the program when it is completed because they are staying safe and seeing success in their life. MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Bender, to Authorize the Chair to Sign an Agreement with Lutheran Social Services for the 2024 Evening Report Center Services. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

Upon the request of Jamie Gravett, Juvenile Detention Center Director, MOTION by Bender, seconded by Beninga, to Authorize the Chair to Sign the 2024 Agreement with Southeastern Behavioral Health for QMHP Services. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

BID RESULTS

Mark Kriens, Director of Facilities and Construction, reported on the bid opening for the Minnehaha County Jail sealant replacement held on February 14, 2024. The following bids were received: Mid Continential Restoration Company with a total bid of $182,105.00; Heinemann Restoration with a total bid of $206,745.00; Midland Restoration Company with a total bid of $378,800.00; and Jones Caulking & Tuckpointing with a total bid of $191,750.00. MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Approve the Bid Results and Award Recommendation for Sealant Replacement at the County Jail and Authorize the Chair to Sign an Agreement with Mid-Continental Restoration Company. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

Mark Kriens, Director of Facilities and Construction, reported on the bid opening for the Sheriff's Radio Equipment Structure Project held on January 24, 2024. The following bids were received: Vinco, Inc. with a total bid of $1,141,081.00; BHI Construction with a total bid of $1,052.533.00; Lloyd Construction Company with a total bid of $699,000.00; Sunkota Construction with a total bid of $1,009,000.00; Cosand Construction Company with a total bid of $875,000.00; and APX Construction Group with a total bid of $1,003,400.00. MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Bender, to Approve the Bid Results and Award Recommendation for the Sheriff's Radio Equipment Structure Project and Authorize the Chair to Sign an Agreement with Lloyd Construction Company. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

VOTING BALLOT

Upon the request of Eric Bogue, Chief Civil Deputy State's Attorney, MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bender, to Authorize the Chair to Sign the Voting Ballot and Accept Endo’s Reorganization Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Plan as it Impacts the Planned Payment of Funds to all Affected Opioid Claimants. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

PRESENTATION

Leah Anderson, Auditor, provided the annual presentation for the Auditor's Office. The presentation highlighted the following items; the successful financial audit, support to various municipal and school elections, tax deed property sale, precinct and polling place updates, ES&S training. The major activities for 2024 include a Munis upgrade in early March, the annual budget process with an actual Consumer Price Index of 3.8% and the County being limited to 3.0%; American Rescue Plan Act funds needing to be obligated by the end of year; and the 2024 Election Cycle. The presentation went on to highlight the summary of findings and recommendations related to the Electionware Laptop Update, Election Equipment Security Seal with Log of Use; Cast Vote Records with Ballot Imaging, and the potential use of the 2020 General or 2022 Primary for Post-Election Audit Training. Public comment was received from: Rick Weible, Jessica Pollema, and Michael Stangeland.

CHAIR PRO TEM ELECTION

Upon the request of Tyler Klatt, Assistant Commission Administrative Officer, MOTION by Beninga, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Elect Commissioner Bender as the Chair Pro Tem for the February 27 Regular and Joint Commission Meetings. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Tyler Klatt, Assistant Commission Administrative Office, provided an update for the 2024 Legislative Session and a status report on bills that impact Minnehaha County. House Bill 1007 has passed both chambers and this legislation would allow counties to contract with the South Department of Veterans Affairs for Veteran Service Office services, while Senate Bill 105, which would have put the cost of the VSO services under the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, was deferred to the 41st day. House Bill 1039 which would require the Department of Corrections to reimburse the cost of criminal defense for offenses committed in a DOC facility, passed House Appropriations. Senate Bill 31 which creates the Indigent Legal Service is with Senate Judiciary. House Bill 1057 which creates the Office of Indigent Legal Services is with Senate Judiciary. Senate Bill 187 which creates a cybersecurity fund for local governments is with Joint Appropriations. Senate Bill 197 which increases the amount of funds that counties receive from the alcoholic beverage fund is with Senate Appropriations. Public comment was received from Michael Stangeland.

OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

Cindy Meyer, Hartford, SD, spoke about election concerns.

Jessica Pollema, Sioux Falls, SD, spoke about security and election concerns.

Rick Weible, Elkton, SD, spoke about election concerns.

Jennifer Foss, Sioux Falls, SD, spoke about security and election concerns

Gary Meyer, Hartford, SD, spoke about election concerns

Penny BayBridge, Sioux Fall, SD, spoke about security and election concerns.

COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORTS

Commissioner Bender reported on a recent meeting of the Accessible Housing Board.

Commissioner Beninga reported on a recent meeting regarding the Juvenile Justice Center.

Commissioner Bleyenberg reported on a recent meeting with staff of Human Services Department.

Commissioner Karsky reported on a recent meeting of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance and meeting with the Director of Information Technology.

Commissioner Kippley reported on the upcoming meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission and a Joint Meeting of Minnehaha County/City of Sioux Falls.

MOTION by Bleyenberg, seconded by Bender, to enter into Executive Session Pursuant to SDCL 1-25-2 (1), (3), (4), and (6) at 11:20 a.m. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

Chair Karsky declared the executive session concluded at 11:35 a.m.

MOTION by Bender, seconded by Bleyenberg, to Adjourn at 11:36 a.m. By roll call vote: 5 ayes.

The Commission adjourned until 9:00 a.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 $438.03 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 2-29-24-1tc

Notice to Bidders

Minnehaha County Highway Department requests formal proposals (bids) for “New 2024 Side Dump Trailer”.

This contract consists of furnishing specified materials for the term of the contract, generally including:

New 2024 Side Dump Trailer

Bids shall be received and accepted by sealed paper copy by Minnehaha County Auditor’s Office, 415 N Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, not later than 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 13th, 2024. Bids shall be publicly opened and read at the Auditor’s Office at 10:30am.

Sealed paper copies to be received by Minnehaha County Auditor’s Office, 415 N Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

For sealed paper bids, specifications and proposal forms that must be used are also available at Minnehaha County Highway Department located at 2124 E 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 57103. Bids submitted on forms other than the proposal supplied by the Minnehaha County Highway Department will be irregular and will not be considered.

Minnehaha County reserves the right to reject any or all formal Proposals (Bids), waive technicalities, and make award(s) as deemed to be in the best interest of the county.

Published at the total approximate cost of $15.27 and can be viewed for free at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 2-29-24-1tc

Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change

CIV: 24-352

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA) SS COUNTY OF MINNEHAHA)

IN CIRCUIT COURT

SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

In the Matter of the Petition

of Nicole Aileen Morgan,

For a Change of Name to

Nicole Aileen Borszich

CIV: 24-352

Notice is hereby given that a Verified Petition for Adult Name Change has been filed by Nicole Aileen Morgan, the object and prayer of which is to change Petitioner’s name from Nicole Aileen Morgan to Nicole Aileen Borszich.

On the 19th day of March, 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 30th Day of January, 2024 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Attested by,

Angelia Gries, Clerk of Court

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

2-8-24-4tc

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

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

GARRETSON SCHOOL

DISTRICT #49-4

Notice is hereby given that no School Board Election will be held on the 9th day of April 2024, in Garretson, South Dakota.

The election for which public notice was given has been canceled because the following individuals have filed a certificate of nomination in the office of the Business Manager for the positions to be filled:

Two at-large positions for a term of three (3) years:

Natasha Mendoza

Justin VanDeBerg

Because the candidates are unopposed, a certificate of election will be issued in the same manner as to the successful candidates after the election.

Dated this 29th day of February 2024.

Jacob Schweitzer

Business Manager

Garretson School District #49-4

Garretson, S.D. 57030

Published at the total approximate cost of $11.72.

2-29-24-1tc

Notice of Meeting of Local Equalization Board SDCL 10-11-13

Notice is hereby given that the governing body, sitting as a Review Board of Equalization for Palisades Township, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, will meet at the Garretson Fire Hall on the 19th day of March, 2024 at 6 p.m. for the purposes of reviewing and correcting the assessment of said taxing district for the year of 2024.

All persons considering themselves aggrieved by said assessment are required to submit an Objection to Real Property Assessment from to the township clerk Bert Danielson in writing no later than Thursday, March 14, 2024, of their intention to appeal their assesment.

-Bert Danielson

Palisades Township Clerk

3-7-23 2tc

HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF MEETING OF LOCAL EQUALIZATION BOARD

SDCL 10-11-13

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the governing body, sitting as a Review Board of Equalization for the Highland Township in Minnehaha County, South Dakota, will meet at the Highland Lutheran Church in said taxing jurisdiction on the 18th day of March, 2024 at 7:00 pm for the purpose of reviewing and correcting the assessment of said taxing district for the year, 2024.

All persons considering themselves aggrieved by said assessment, are required to notify the clerk of the local board in writing no later than March 14th, 2024 of their intention to appeal their assessment.

Highland Township

Jill Fedders-Ellefson, Clerk

48470 246th St. Sherman, SD 57030

2/07/2024

2-29-24 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

Edison Township: Notice of Meeting as Equalization Board

Notice is hereby given that the governing body, sitting as a Review Board of Edison Township, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, will meet at the John Bly shed located at 48198 251st St. in said jurisdiction on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 7 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing and correcting the assessments of said taxing district for the year 2024.

All persons considering themselves aggrieved by said assessment are required to notify their clerk of the local board in writing and must be postmarked no later than Thursday, March 14, 2024, of their intention to appeal their assessment.

Given under my hand this 16th day of February, 2024.

-Adam Stiefvater Township Clerk

48259 255th St.

Garretson SD, 57030

3-2-23-2tc

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

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

GGarretsonGAZETTE

NPNewspaperPublication

Final game against Sioux Falls Christian, boys get shut down but some great shots

The Quarriers Take Down The Blue Dragons

Legislative Updates Week 7

Eminent domain is the latest front in carbon pipeline fight

Bitter season finale against Tri-Valley

Election Update for the City of Garretson and the Garretson School District:

Blue Dragon Junior High boys complete their season with a busy stretch of games

GHS Wrestlers face tough matches at state tournament!

The Treasure Chest Changes Hands, and celebrates 11 years

Public Notices published February 29, 2024

Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for Feb. 20, 2024

Notice to Bidders

Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change

Edison Township:

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

Notice of Meeting of Local Equalization Board SDCL 10-11-13

HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF MEETING OF LOCAL EQUALIZATION BOARD

Highland Township: Notice of Annual Meeting

Edison Township: Notice of Meeting as Equalization Board

Edison Township: NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

Annual Meeting Notice: Palisades Township

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NPNewspaperPublication

Minutes of the Minnehaha County Commissioners for Feb. 20, 2024

Notice to Bidders

Notice of Hearing: for Adult Name Change

Edison Township:

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

﻿NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

﻿Notice of Meeting of Local Equalization Board SDCL 10-11-13

﻿HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF MEETING OF LOCAL EQUALIZATION BOARD

﻿Highland Township: Notice of Annual Meeting

﻿Edison Township: Notice of Meeting as Equalization Board

﻿Edison Township: NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

﻿Annual Meeting Notice: Palisades Township

Follow us

Proud Member

Latest news in your inbox

Thank you for signing up!

Community Links

GGarretsonGAZETTE

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION

Notice of Meeting of Local Equalization Board SDCL 10-11-13

HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF MEETING OF LOCAL EQUALIZATION BOARD

Highland Township: Notice of Annual Meeting

Edison Township: Notice of Meeting as Equalization Board

Edison Township: NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

Annual Meeting Notice: Palisades Township