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Sales Tax Revenue Continues to Rise in Dell Rapids in 2020

July 28, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dell Rapids reported a 2.1% increase in sales tax revenue through the month of May in 2020 when compared to the same time period in 2019, but the month of June provided an even bigger boost to the City of Dell Rapids.

“We are showing a 9.2% increase total for the year of 2020 compared to six months in as of June 2019. The months of April, May, and June have all been exceedingly higher than normal,” said City Administrator Justin Weiland at the last Dell Rapids City Council meeting.

The month of June saw almost a 30% increase compared to the month of June in 2019. Sales tax revenue in the month totaled $124,396.22. That is the highest collected amount since the months of July and August of 2017. It was also the third straight month of over $100,000 in collected sales tax and fourth month overall in 2020.

The city has collected just over $55,000 more in the first half of 2020 compared to the first half of 2019.

Dell Rapids School District Making Plans for In-Person Start to 2020-2021

July 18, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids School District is making plans to start the 2020-2021 school year in person. The administration has been working on the “Return to Learn” document, and Dell Rapids Superintendent Dr. Summer Schultz said that document is almost complete.

“We have established four tiers knowing that with a virus such as Covid, that this is a fluid situation. We don’t know where we’ll be from one time to another. And so we are going in on what we call level two. We plan for on-site learning. We expect our kids to be in school. Now we also know that some students are considered medically fragile, and that’s just not the right environment for them. We also know that some parents are going to choose to educate their children at home in what we’ll call ‘parallel instruction’, and that’s different than what we went into last spring,” said Dr. Schultz.

Under the level two, when kids are on site, if a parent decides to keep their child at home for “parallel learning”, Dr. Schultz said the parents will be taking on more of the ownership of the distance instruction. She mentioned that the school is putting in devices, called Swivels, to help connect the home learners with what’s happening in the classroom.

The main areas still being determined are decisions on masks, transportation, and activities.

“Masks are one of those areas from one school to the next can differ,” Dr. Schultz mentioned. “Masks are something that people have very strong opinions on, so we don’t want masks to be a deterant for someone to attend school or not to attend school, But we also want to make sure we are providing the safest environment for our staff and for our students. We are still trying to decide what that looks like when it comes to masks.”

Transportation and activities are the other two big areas that were still trying to be determined. Dr. Schultz mentioned that keeping kids together in the same age/class group as much as possible throughout the day. By doing that, the administration team is still trying to determine details of how students may be transported on buses before and after school, details of how before and after school Haven might work, and how students may travel to their different activities or sporting events.

The finalized “Return to Learn” document will be presented to the Dell Rapids Board of Education on Monday, July 27th. Big Sioux Media will stream that meeting.

The school board has already made one change to the school year. The first day of school has now been moved to Monday, August 31st with the 27th and 28th being orientation/open house activities for students and parents.

Intermission Is Over, Curtains are Preparing to Reopen at Dells Theatre

July 10, 2020 by Submitted

The long intermission from movies at the indoor movie theater is finally coming to an end. The Dells Theatre is preparing to reopen on July 17.

Jeff Logan, President of Logan Luxury Theatres Corporation, and Nancy Jorgenson, Dells Theatre Manager, announced the re-opening date today. They said the company has taken extensive measures to ensure the health and safety of their guests and staff.

The staff will be spraying disinfectant rated for human coronavirus on all contact surfaces, seats, restrooms, etc. between every showing as well as scheduling more time between the shows to allow for a deeper, more thorough cleaning.

They have also installed an iWave filtering system in the air conditioning unit that uses a patented needlepoint bi-polar ionization to capture any pollutants, viruses or bacteria in the air in both the auditorium and the lobby. Additional UV filters are on order and will be installed as soon as they arrive. These provide an extra method of killing bacteria in the air.

The Dells Theatre has adjusted the selling stations to sell both tickets and concessions during the same transaction at the concessions stand to eliminate extra points of contact. Refill programs on the large popcorn and drinks have been discontinued to eliminate cross-contamination. The annual popcorn bucket program has been modified so bucket owners will receive a new bag of popcorn for each paid refill.

All employees will be wearing masks and any food handlers will also be wearing gloves. Logan said “We are excited to open our doors again and bring the magic of the movies back to our community.” The Dells Theatre will be showing all time favorite movies as noted in Facebook polls until the studios start releasing new movies again. The theatre is also offering opening weekend concession specials. They will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only for the first few weeks. The first few weeks of community favorites will be only $5 for all ages.

The following is the current schedule of movies that will be playing, but the schedule is subject to change.

July 17th – 19th: “I Still Believe”
July 24th – 26th: “Footloose” (Original)
July 31st – Aug 2nd: “Back to the Future”
Aug 7th – 9th: “Trolls: World Tour”
Aug 14th – 16th: “Before the Fire”
Aug 21st: “Mulan” (Live action)

Trent Pool Saved from Auction Plans

July 6, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

By: Tammy Chamley | Editor, tchamley@ncppub.com

Photo taken and used with permission on story by Tammy Chamley, Dells City Journal

Unlike many area pools, the Trent Pool isn’t the traditional chlorine filled-cement water tank but a gravel bottomed spring fed body of water. This area has been used as the Trent Pool since 1952.

An auction was scheduled for July of 2020 to have the area sold to the highest bidder due to the property not having adequate insurance. The community of Trent had other plans and were able to form a new board for the pool as well as found suitable insurance to cover the property as well as the board members in case of any lawsuit or misconduct.

The new board members for the Trent Pool are Julie Wood, Stacy Franka, Lisa Brown, Tammy Wendell and Morrie Kirkegaard.

An informational meeting was held in Trent on Monday, June 29 to update the community on the progress and plans for the future for the Trent Pool.

Input from the community was requested on ideas for ways to make the property as great as it can be. “We would really like to see it become a park,” Wood stated. “Where people in the area can get more use out of it.”

“We are purposing five nice campsites with water and sewer,” Morrie Kirkegaard, President of the board added. “These would be exclusive. They could be tucked in there nice. It would be $7,500 that you would be taking in at the spring of the year. That helps you get rolling, it might not everything we need, but it will get us our lifeguards and get our pool rolling.” The area where the campsites would be located on the flat land where the mud volleyball takes place during the annual Beach Bash held at the pool. Kirkegaard is also the owner of the campground adjacent to the swimming pool and has offered to maintain the added campsites. “We could have City Park stickers for purchase that way we have a little control on the traffic,” Kirkegaard added.

“We are really going to try to take as much pressure off the city for anything as we possibly can,” Wood said. “They have been very good in the past. We think if we do some things to get a money cushion there, we can make it.” Trent resident, Brandy Ament-Fehlhafer donated $300 to help cover costs of the bill that was required to be paid to Sutton Auction for the advertising of the planned auction that will no longer be held.

The insurance that was found is $1M worth of coverage for the pool. This policy is awaiting approval at the time of publication. “I think the reason they drained the pool was they were afraid the board members might get sued,” Wendell explained. “They have another policy called Directors and Officers Insurance. This insurance covers every board member that is on the board.”

Work parties will be planned for the near future to clean up the pool and the grounds surrounding it. “We are hoping to have a cleanup in about 30 days,” Stacy Franka said. “We will figure out a date and time and get it out there.”

The board intends to apply for a 501C3 status to be tax exempt and apply for available grants. Fundraisers are also in the works to bring in donations to help with the upkeep of the pool. This fall, a farmer’s market as well as a fall festival are being planned to bring Trent and surrounding communities together for a great cause.

Along with the camping sites, other ideas that were brought to the table were walking paths, spray park, gazebo and playground equipment.

Want to read more from the Dells City Journal? Here’s how:

Website: http://dellsjournal.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dellscityjournal/

Tammy Chamley, Managing Editor
Contact Info:
Tel: 428-5600

Critical Shortage of Blood during COVID-19 Pandemic

July 1, 2020 by Submitted

Dell Rapids, SD – Avera Dells Area Hospital and Community Blood Bank will host the annual All American blood drive on Thursday, July 9 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Max Merry Law Office (301 E. 4^th St. Suite #1), please note change in location. Currently, local blood supplies are at a critically low status, as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an overall decrease in supplies by 50%.

“The only way to increase the blood supply for local patients is through volunteer blood donors to schedule their donation for the upcoming blood drive at the Dell Rapids All American blood drive,” states Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “We are experiencing our lowest blood supply levels in over 20 years. The need for blood is increasing as we see many elective procedures being schedule throughout the area. Support your local blood supply and local heroes by joining us in saving lives in the Dell Rapids area.”

It is safe to donate blood during these times, as Community Blood Bank follows strict guidelines provided by the FDA, CDC and the Association of Blood Banks. With so many businesses either closing temporarily or sending staff to work from home, it has been nearly impossible to find enough organizations able to host a blood drive event. We request the community’s support at this blood drive, as we move into the summer months, and encourage residents to give blood that will directly save lives in the community. All who donate will receive a special event t-shirt.

Donor must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org) weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health. Donors exhibiting cold or flu symptoms are unable to donate. A valid identification is required at the time of registration. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating blood. With policies associated in addressing COVID-19, only donors with appointments will be accepted at this blood drive event. To schedule an appointment donors can call 605-428-2421. For information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org or call 1-877-877-3070.

New Cell Phone and Driving Laws Take Effect July 1st in South Dakota

June 30, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

A couple of new driving laws will take effect on July 1st in South Dakota. The most prominent driving change is around cell phones.

The use of cell phones except for emergency purposes, using a GPS app, or reading/entering a phone number will now be a Class 2 misdemeanor that will carry a $122.50 fine.

Texting and driving was a secondary offense in South Dakota already. That meant a driver had to be stopped for another reason before being ticketed for the texting and driving offense. With the change on July 1st, texting and driving, taking photos, using the internet, posting to social media, reading emails, and using phone apps is now a primary offense and drivers can be stopped just for doing those actions.

Talking on the phone can still be done in either a hands-free mode or by holding the phone up to the ear.

Another driving law change that will go into effect on July 1st is disruption of a funeral procession with a vehicle that isn’t part of the procession. This would include joining the procession to get the right-of-way, passing the procession on any two-lane highway or roadway, passing the procession on the left on any highway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, or entering an intersection where a procession is proceeding through a red light unless the driver can do so without crossing the procession’s path. These actions will also be a Class 2 misdemeanor.

The move over law is also getting an update. If a driver fails to move over and causes a crash with an emergency vehicle, the offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor and the fine is now set at $270. Along with moving over for emergency vehicles that are displaying flashing amber lights, drivers are now required to move over for authorized vehicles that use a blue light while working on a highway. All vehicles must still stop for emergency vehicles flashing red lights.

Dell Rapids Community VBS Cancelled, but Alternative Offered

June 26, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Due to Covid-19, the Dell Rapids Community Vacation Bible School board has made the decision to cancel the annual VBS programming that is normally head this year. However, the board has found a great program that families can do in the convenience of their homes whenever it fits into their schedules. That program is being offered to families at no cost.

The curriculum will be composed of four days with a theme for each day. Curriculum includes opening and closing worship songs, arts and crafts project, nature project, snack idea video, story time segment, afternoon activity challenges, and a devotion to do with the entire family.

The Dell Rapids Community VBS board will provide links to the videos, devotional pages, materials list, and nature activities for each day. They will also be putting together a packet with all of the materials needed for the crafts for the four days.

Anyone that would like to be a part of the Virtual VBS curriculum, send an email to drcommunityvbs@gmail.com and include name, email address to send the links to, and how many children will be participating so the board knows how many activity bags to make in advance. Deadline to sign up is Friday, July 10th.

For those that sign up to take part in the curriculum, items can be picked up at the Dell Rapids Lutheran Church during the week of July 14th – 17th (Tue-Fri) from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The packets will be located inside the entryway, and there will also be printed devotional pages and nature activity pages .

Information will be emailed by Sunday, July 19th. Families can share their photos by tagging the photos on Facebook with #drcommunityvbs.

South Dakota Children Have Opportunity to Use Waterford UPSTART

June 26, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Children in Dell Rapids and across South Dakota have an opportunity to take part in the Waterford UPSTART program. South Dakota has been awarded more licenses to use the Waterford UPSTART program according to Dell Rapids Superintendent Dr. Summer Schultz. The registration link for the program is https://www.waterfordupstart.org/.

Dr. Schultz mentioned that the state of South Dakota doesn’t fund preschool, and the state has been awarded a federal EIR grant. With this grant preschool-aged kids have the ability to take part in this program for free.

“Dell Rapids has already gotten a good chunk of individuals signed up,” said Dr Schultz. “If you have a preschool-aged child, and that would be if their birthday was between September 2015 and September 2016, they would qualify for this free UPSTART program. The family would be able to get the device, so they would get an iPad to utilize the program on, they would get that subscription to the program, and then they would also get access to an instructional coach thatt would check in, that sort of thing.”

Families would have to commit to doing five sessions a week, with sessions being 50 minutes long.

“Even if kids are planning to go to a preschool in town should the health situation should allow it, they can do this to go along with that. And if for some reason a child is not able to get into preschool, the Waterford UPSTART program in other states where preschool hasn’t been as available has really shown to help students be prepared for kindergarten. We really want people to look into it,” said Dr. Schultz.

The program begins in August and runs through May.

“It is completely separate of the school. I’ve just worked very closely with this company and know that the results they have with these preschool kids and the UPSTART program is phenomenal,” Dr. Schultz added.

For the entire conversation with Dr. Schultz on the Waterford program, the interview is posted below. The conversation starts at the 2:52 mark and goes to the 6:45 mark in the video.

Sales Tax Up in Dell Rapids Despite Covid-19 Restrictions

June 26, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Despite the restrictions that were placed on businesses in March and April due to Covid-19, sales tax revue for the city of Dell Rapids is up 2.1% through May when compared to the same time frame as 2019.

Dell Rapids saw a 7.7% increase over 2019 in the month of January, but then saw decreases in sales tax revenue in the months of February and March. Revenue was down 13.6% in February and 1% in March.

“We saw very large increases in April and May, which was surprising, but not surprising I guess when you kind of boil it down and think about it,” said City Administrator Justin Weiland. “People were staying home. They weren’t going to Sioux Falls to purchase their groceries. They were staying here. People in our region from Baltic to everyone else in the region that didn’t want to go into the heart of the lion’s den in Sioux Falls, and they have been coming to Dell Rapids.”

The months of April and May were very good in Dell Rapids. There was an increase of 12.8% in April from 2019 and 20.8% in May.

“There was a definite fear that there was going to be a major fallout. At this point, let’s hope and keep praying that it’s going to continue this way,” said Weiland.

The city is currently about $26,500 ahead of where it was through the end of May in 2019.

Weiland mentioned that the city will continue to keep a conservative estimate in mind with the 2021 budget and with spending for the rest of the year as well.

Dell Rapids School District Preparing for Different Fall Scenarios

June 14, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dr. Summer Schultz, the Dell Rapids School District Superintendent, along with a “Return to Learn” committee and her administrative team are helping make plans for three different scenarios to the starts of the 2020-2021 school year.

“We’re planning three different re-entries. We’re classifying different categories of our school day, say operations, staff, attendance, calendar, busing, food service, cafeteria. We’re creating different levels for each of those categories. We know that even if we were fortunate enough to start school at a real low restrictive category, we call that a level one, meaning it’s as back to normal as we can get for any child who can. We also know that in a moment’s time, or with a quick exposure burst in our community with community spread, we could have to go from a level one of less restrictive to a level three of virtual depending on just how our community moves through this transition time. So we are creating options for all three levels,” said Dr. Schultz.

She mentioned that the plan right now is to hopefully bring kids to the school in a normal setting. However, she mentioned there are some guidelines that will have to be followed from the Center of Disease Control (CDC).

The level two portion is a hybrid of level one and three. Staff is going to be embedding a virtual component of learning for this coming fall.

“We also know that in every classroom, we have to embed a virtual component, because either we will have those medically fragile students who need to be at home and receive their instruction, or worst-case scenario is we have another virtual instruction for everyone, and we need to plan for some where in between all of that, knowing we could switch back and forth. So we have been doing some research on what that looks like, some devices that maybe can help kids who are receiving instructions at home be more part of a classroom setting. We’ve done a lot of work, and this committee will try to kind of fine tune that, bring it all in, and help me communicate it to the public once we get a little farther down the road,” said Schultz.

With all of the planning for the different scenarios for the start of the new school, Dr. Schultz at this time didn’t anticipate any major changes to the 2020-2021 school calendar that has already been approved. However, she did mention that if circumstances change as they did in the spring, the calendar could also change.

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