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Dell Rapids Citizens Asked to Remove Sump Pumps from Sewer Lines

July 4, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids City Council is asking the residents of Dell Rapids to remove sump pumps from pumping into the sewer lines. The issue was raised during the council’s regular meeting on Monday, July 2nd.

City Administrator Justin Weiland told the council that the city has seen a dramatic increase in the pumping rates to the new Waste Water Treatment Facility over the last few weeks after the heavy rains. Normal daily pumping from the main lift station is usually around 220,000 gallons daily in the summer months. That number spiked to nearly 700,000 gallons following the five-inch rain towards the end of June.

“The reason that we are getting those high flows is because of infiltration. We know we have infiltration into the system. When you got a big rain like that, you know everything’s coming in at once. That’s coming in because you have cracked sewer lines. You still have some man holes that have holes in the top of them. It’s just typical ways for I and I (intake and infiltration). Now when that rain goes away and that initial influx comes in, but you keep getting infiltration, that you can always identify as being sump pumps,” said Weiland.

The city was able to get away with sump pumps being pumped into the sewer because of the lagoons, and the city had the capacity to deal with that. However the city is now paying for energy costs associated with treating all of the infiltration from sump pumps at the treatment facility.

The city put a note on the latest water bills that were just sent to the residents asking for sump pumps to stop pumping directly into the sewer system. Administration will also be working on ways of finding and correcting sump pump violations

“When we’re now paying to treat all that, we got to try to eliminate as much of that as possible at this point,” Weiland noted.

According to city ordinance, depositing sump pumps into the sewer system is illegal.

Dell Rapids Grad Helps Design New Corn Palace Murals

July 1, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

A Dell Rapids graduate had a significant role in the new Corn Palace mural designs. Chloe Solberg, a sophomore at Dakota Wesleyan University, was part of a team from DWU’s Digital Media and Design department that helped design nine different murals for the Corn Palace in Mitchell. The new murals will be made out of corn and grain and will be installed this summer and fall. The designs were announced about a month ago.

Solberg, a Graphic Design major, just completed her freshman year at Dakota Wesleyan this past spring. During her freshman year, she did work study for Digital Media and Design Professor Kyle Herges. During her work study, she created sports posters, homecoming t-shirt designs, and club organization posters.

“I really loved being a part of the work study because he (Herges) put me right into Graphic Design projects that really exposed me to experiences I needed as a freshman to set myself apart from my peers,” said Solberg.

The other big project that Professor Herges assigned to Solberg was working on the Corn Palace murals. Solberg helped create three of the designs on the computer, Mt Rushmore, Iwo Jima, and Saluting Half-staff with the Sunset. Along with digitally working on those designs, Solberg also helped to other students, Isabelle Barraza and Liam LaFrance, by applying the big 10-foot by 30-foot designs on the mural paper.

“I helped grid out the designs and draw out some of the designs. IT was quite a big project, and it took a few months, but in the end when we were all done, we were so satisfied with our outcome. I hope our designs can hit home with our veterans, because we were very honored to take on this project to represent our country and veterans. I cannot wait to see them up outside the Corn Palace, and I hope the Dell Rapids community can take a drive to Mitchell to see my designs!” Solberg said.

Solberg was also involved in other campus activities. She’s involved as a Student Ambassador and campus ministries such as Monday Night Freshmen Ministry, Thursday Campus Chapel, and Worship Under the Stars.

Central Payments Expands Headquarters in Dell Rapids

June 28, 2018 by Submitted

Central Payments is renewing its commitment to the community of Dell Rapids with an expansion that more than doubles the size of its headquarters in the Rocky Run development.

Central Payments, a division of Central Bank of Kansas City, is a leading national issuer of prepaid debit cards and delivers innovative financial products in collaboration with partner businesses. The bank, owned by the same family since opening in 1951, entered the payments space modestly in 2002 when it offered one of the industry’s first stored-value cards in its Kansas City branches. Central Payments was formed in 2014 with the hiring of a new President, South Dakotan Trent Sorbe, who was charged with leading the new division’s aggressive nationwide issuing goals.

Why Dell Rapids?

“It was important for us to be close to Sioux Falls, a hub for payment card issuing in the U.S., in order for us to recruit experienced payment card professionals,” said Trent Sorbe, President of Central Payments. “It was equally important for us to find a home in a welcoming community that shares our values and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Dell Rapids fit the criteria and Central Payments opened its doors in January 2015. “Most of our staff grew up in Midwestern communities like Dell Rapids and we think those small-town values have had a lot to do with our early success,” said Sorbe. “From the beginning, we felt welcomed by the local Chamber of Commerce, the Dell Rapids Economic Development Corporation, the office site developer, and the City of Dell Rapids.”

Fastest Growing Issuer in the U.S.

Central Payments is quickly setting itself apart in the marketplace.

“We are not a mass issuer catering to hundreds of partners,” said Sorbe. “We choose to work with a select number of highly reputable companies capable of significant growth verses the prevailing many-to-one issuing model embraced by our competitors.” Central Payments clients include market leaders like Bausch & Lomb and General Motors.

It’s an approach that is paying off. The Nilson Report, a national source for payments news and statistics, identified the company as the fastest growing prepaid issuer in the United States in 2016 with more than $106 million in purchase volume. Central Payments issued nearly 500,000 cards in 2017 and projects annual growth rates of more than 100 percent.

Expansion in Dell Rapids

That growth is fueling new job creation. The company expects to add 15 new professional-level positions in the next two years, bringing the total workforce to more than 40.

“It’s rare for a community the size of Dell Rapids to be home to a growing, nationwide financial services company,” said Doug Hainje, President of Dell Rapids Economic Development Corporation. “Central Payments’ workforce is predominantly made up of college-educated, salaried professionals who spur our local economy by shopping and living here.”

Central Payments’ growth has also required more space. Earlier this month the company extended its lease with Quartzite Investors another four years and is doubling its square footage by expanding into the west half of its current location. The project is expected to be complete in June and a grand opening will be held in early Summer.

“Our home here and the support of everyone in Dell Rapids is a big part of our success,” said Sorbe. “Choosing to expand locally was an easy decision.”

Library Summer Reading Program Sees Big Growth

June 26, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids Carnegie Public Library has seen great growth in their summer reading program over the last couple of years as reported by Library Director Brittany Moeller. Moeller gave the report to the Dell Rapids City Council during their regular meeting on Monday, June 18th.

“Our summer reading is going fantastic so far. We’re only three weeks in, and I’m super excited because we have almost broken 600 people signed up from birth to adults. That’s amazing considering in 2015 we had just barely over 200, so that’s a huge growth,” Moeller said.

There is still time to register and participate in the summer reading program.

Moeller also mentioned that the library has added two programs for this summer for a total of six, which is an increase from four in 2016. A new adult program and another children’s program were added this year. In 2016 the library saw 820 people total participate in the summer programs. In just the first three weeks of 2018, 545 people have already participated in the programs. Those programs will conclude at the end of July.

During the update to the council, Moeller stated that she also recently graduated from the four-year program Library Institute put on by the South Dakota State Library.

Dell Rapids Chamber’s Quarry Days Celebration Had Fun for All

June 25, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

With the threat of rain and severe weather staying away for most of the weekend, the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce held their 31st annual Quarry Days celebration Friday, June 22nd through Sunday, June 24th. The seven member chamber board filled the weekend with great events and kept them running smoothly all weekend long.

The Quarry Days golf tournament kicked off this year’s events on Friday. Despite the heavy rains earlier in the week, the Rocky Run Golf Course was ready for play, and twenty-two teams competed in this year’s tournament. The festivities continued Friday evening with “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” amateur baseball game between Dell Rapids PBR and Dell Rapids Mudcats. Prior to the game, PBR manager Jay Bentz was honored for his 40 years of contributions to Dell Rapids baseball and Dell Rapids PBR. Dell Rapids Mayor Tom Earley declared the day “Jay Bentz Appreciation Day” during the ceremony. The 1993 Dell Rapids PBR championship team was also recognized during the game. The Mudcats defeated PBR 11-1 in the game this year.

Saturday was full of activities for every age. The day started with the annual ESA 5k run. Hundreds of people lined the streets of Dell Rapids for the Quarry Days parade. City Park was filled with vendors all day long. There was also the Rapid Fitness 3-on-3 basketball tournament, sand volleyball, kayak races, the Zoo Man animal show, a home run derby for kids, jumpy castles, and more throughout the park. The day concluded with nearly 1,000 people gathering downtown Dell Rapids for the street dance with Judd Hoos and opening act Ashley Wineland.

The Chamber of Commerce filled Sunday with more activities throughout the day. The 30th annual “Blast from the Past” car show was held in the park with the vendors. LG Everist gave free train rides. The annual Sportsman’s Club fishing derby was held, the Dell Rapids firefighters had an obstacle course and smokehouse, the Little Miss quarry Days pageant was held, there was a magic show performance, the Dualing Duo performance was held, and fireworks closed out the celebration on Sunday night.

New Paper Coming to Dell Rapids

June 18, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

After nearly a year of discussion, planning, and work, a new printed paper in Dell Rapids is close to being a reality. Anderson Publications, with help from Big Sioux Media, is putting together the new printed publication called “The Dells City Journal”. The paper will be a weekly publication that is sent through mail. The first print of the paper will be delivered on June 27th to every mailing address in Dell Rapids free of charge. After the first print, all subsequent issues delivered through the mail will be by subscription only.

The editor for the new paper is Tammy Chamley, and the office will be located at 513 W 4th St in Dell Rapids.

Anderson Publications currently prints six newspapers (Alexandria Herald, Canistota Clipper, Emery Enterprise, Marion Record, Montrose Herald, and Minnehaha Messenger) and two area shoppers (Hometown Shopper and Shopping Guide). “The Dells City Journal” will be the seventh printed paper for Anderson Publications.

Dell Rapids Journal Subscription

Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch, Under New Ownership, Holds Ribbon Cutting

June 17, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Pizza Ranch in Dell Rapids is under new ownership, and they celebrated with a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting with the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce on Friday, June 15th. Matt and Kim Cerwick of Brandon recently purchased the Pizza Ranch.

“It was a God thing,” said the Cerwick’s of purchasing the Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch. Matt had worked many years in construction prior to the purchase, so this was a complete career change. Matt spent a few months training at the Pizza Ranch in Orange City, IA as well as the corporate office. Kim is also the President/CEO of the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce. They mentioned during the event that they have been blessed to come into ownership with a great staff already in place.

The Cerwicks have made some changes to the inside of the building. They have done some cleaning, painting, and installed new flooring. They’ve also removed the video lottery machines from the building and move the arcade games into the space where the video lottery machines were located. The old arcade area has been turned into another meeting room in the restaurant.

The Pizza Ranch vision is “To glorify God by positively impacting the world” and their mission is “To give every guest a legendary experience.” The Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch is open Sunday-Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and open Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. More information about the Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch can be found on their website, https://pizzaranch.com/locations/sd/dell-rapids/500-w-4th-street

Waste Water Treatment Plant in Dell Rapids Nearing Completion

June 12, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The new waste-water treatment facility plant in Dell Rapids in nearing final completion. The Dell Rapids City Council approved the release of 50% of the retainer to KCH Construction they kept on the project during their regular meeting on Monday, June 4th. The release of half of those retainer funds brings the project one step closer to final completion. The $5.5 million project started in late 2015.

KCH Construction has been operating the plant over the last few weeks and has been discharging into lagoon four.

“From all we can tell with some of the minimal amount of sampling we’ve had the ability to do up to this point, it’s starting to treat, but it’s not fully there. Everything in the plant is operating accordingly,” said City Administrator Justin Weiland during the council meeting.

Tweaks and updates are still being made to try to get the microbes working a little better. A few other items also remain on the project, but they are minimal punch list items and clean-up around the site according to Weiland.

The Dell Rapids City Council is scheduled to tour the new facility prior to their next meeting on June 18th.

The city has also hired a new operator of the facility in Ryan Fods. Fods will also serve as a part-time public works employee along with operating the new waste-water treatment facility.

Two Events Coming to Downtown Dell Rapids

June 9, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Downtown Dell Rapids will be hosting two big events in the coming weeks. The Dell Rapids City Council approved both of all necessary permits during their regular meeting on Monday, June 4th.

The first big event that will be held downtown is the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce’s Quarry Days street dance on Saturday, June 23rd on Main Street. Judd Hoos will again headline the street dance with opening act Ashley Wineland starting about 7:15 p.m. This year’s street dance is being sponsored by Norby’s.

A new event being hosted by the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce will be held on Saturday, July 28th called “Wine and Wonder”.

“This is a new event that the Chamber has worked with the local businesses on Main Street. They’ve been talking about this for a few years,” said City Administrator Justin Weiland. The reason for how long it’s taken to get this event going was due to working with the South Dakota Department of Revenue and making sure the event followed all the state’s liquor laws.

The “Wine and Wonder” event will close down Main Street for folks to come and enjoy wine and beer samples from local wineries and breweries while wondering downtown shopping, listening to live music, and viewing or participating in art demonstrations. Cricket’s Catering and Gold Star Kettle Corn will be serving food. The local wineries that are currently registered to be at the event include Tuckers Walk Vineyard, Humble Hill Winery, Schade Vineyard, Valiant Vineyards Winery, and Take 16 Brewing Company.

Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office Gives County Report to Dell Rapids Council

June 1, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead along with Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mike Walker gave a report of what the office is seeing throughout the county. The presentation was given during the Dell Rapids City Council’s regular meeting on Monday, May 21st.

Sheriff Milstead noted that the drug cases in Dell Rapids stayed nearly the same from 2016 to 2017. Dell Rapids had 29 cases in 2016 and 30 in 2017. However, Sheriff Milstead said the meth arrests and overdose deaths in the county have doubled. There were 11 overdose deaths in Minnehaha County in 2016 and 21 in 2017.

“We didn’t use to see meth overdoses, but here’s what’s happening. Our percentage of purity and strength of our meth coming into our community is nearly 100%,” said Milstead. He also noted that the meth epidemic is something the sheriff’s office struggles to handle. Milstead said that over half of the violent crimes and burglaries in the county are related to meth use.

Meth isn’t the only the drug being seen in the county. Milstead noted that seven of the overdose deaths in 2017 was related to heroin.

“I don’t think I’ve ever said the word heroin in Dell Rapids. I never thought that I would, but heroin is in our communities now,” Milstead added.

Despite the shocking statistics given by Sheriff Milstead, he praised the council and the community of Dell Rapids.

“I have great respect for what you do and the challenges you face. It’s really nice, actually, to come up and listen to a setback issue being a major thing that you’re handling, and you’re not dealing with a crisis that we’re seeing in other communities. I think there’s a reason why people live in Dell Rapids. They want to keep it like Dell Rapids and will fight to keep it that way,” Milstead commented.

Officer Walker provided a few comments as well. He noted that while he doesn’t know everything that goes on in the school, he does hear a lot. Walker said he that he does hear a lot of the trends and said that it goes up and down every year.

“This year has been a really, really good year at Dell Rapids I think. I’m not here to tell you that no kids are using marijuana or drinking and stuff, but I just did not hear the trend that I have in the last three or four years,” Walker said.

Walker also noted that while he didn’t hear some of the same trends in the school when it came to marijuana or drinking, he did mention that vaping is now becoming more of an issue.

Sheriff Milstead and Officer Walker also touched on other drug related items, apps and technology that the office is using or hopes to use, and social media.

The entire nearly hour-long report can be viewed in the video.

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