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Two Local Students at DSU Get Teaching Assignments

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Cassandra Geraets – Photo submitted by DSU

Two Dakota State University students from Dell Rapids have recently been given teaching assignments for the year.  Most student teachers are place in districts within a 60-mile radius of Madison, SD.

Cassandra Geraets is student teaching second grade for the fall 2021 semester at Crow Creek Tribal Schools.  Geraets is an early childhoold/elementary education majors.  Megan Griebel is student teaching second grade and special education for the fall 2021 semester in the Brandon Valley School District.  Griebel is an elementary education and special education major.

Megan Griebel – Photo submitted by DSU

To be accepted into the teacher education program, students must maintain a 2.6 cumulative grade point average and a 2.7 in their major. They must successfully pass the Praxis Pre-Professional Skills Test and the Praxis content exam in their area of preparation, and successfully complete all coursework and field experiences. Candidates work in multi-cultural settings, special education classrooms, regular education classrooms, and volunteer settings with K-12 children prior to acceptance into student teaching.

Lighthouse Ministry Back and Needing Help

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The Lighthouse Ministry serves a FREE meal on Wednesdays from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm to those in need of food for the belly and or soul. We are excited to announce that The Lighthouse will begin serving meals again starting on Wednesday, September 8th.

We are looking for 2 more teams to be on a 4-6 week rotation to cook/prepare the meals. We are also needing 10 volunteers each week to help as servers, dishwashers, and bussers/cleaners.

If you would like to be part of the Lighthouse meal team talk to Pastor Jan.

We are also seeking donations of hamburger, number 10 cans of fruit and vegetables and monetary gifts.

September Menu

  • September 8th – Chicken & Rice
  • September 15th – Scalloped Potatoes & Ham
  • September 22nd – Pulled Pork Sandwiches
  • September 29th – Goulash

If you or anyone in your organization would like to help, please call Pastor Jan at 605-360-0821 or email him at revjan1956@aol.com.

Library Continues Big Presence in Dell Rapids

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Dell Rapids Carnegie Library Director Brittany Moeller provided the Dell Rapids City Council an update on the operations for 2021.  The update was given on Monday, August 16th.

The Summer Reading Program recently ended, and 650 people took part in the program this year.  Last year’s summer reading program had a total of 305 people, but there were many changes due to Covid restrictions last year.

“Everyone was really excited to be back and back in the library and have normal programs.  That was really fun to see,” Moeller.

The library also held six programs throughout the week, with an occasional seventh program,  throughout the summer.  A total of 1,313 people attend those programs.  As of August 5th, the library has issued 55 new library cards for a total of 141 people.

Moeller also shared one of the biggest successes from 2020.  Despite not being open for in-person programming due to Covid, the library was still able to run a total of 1,149 programs reaching 5,129 people.  Most of that was through all of their video and social media programming.  Moeller mentioned they not only reached people locally, but also connected with people from across the country in states such at Texas, Kansas, Maine, and Minnesota.

Dell Rapids Baseball Has Strong Season in 2021

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Photo taken and used with permission by Tammy Chamley

Baseball in Dell Rapids in the 2021 season was quite a memorable season.  Five teams qualified for state tournaments.  Two of those appearances resulted in state championships with two more placing.

The Dell Rapids High School Club team started the baseball season with a bang.  Dell Rapids finished with a 21-6 record, winning 11 straight games, and capturing the 2021 South Dakota High School Baseball Association Class B championship held in Sioux Falls.

Four summer teams also qualified for the state tournament.  The first team to do so was the Dell Rapids 14U team.  The team had a 19-4 regular season, claimed the Region 2A championship, and then finished sixth at the 2021 South Dakota VFW 14U Class A State Tournament in Vermillion.  The Dell Rapids 14U team finished with a 24-6 overall record.

The Dell Rapids 16U also qualified for the state tournament this summer.  They finished with a 15-4 regular season this year, and then qualified as one of the top four teams from Region 2A.  After dropping their first game of the 2021 South Dakota VFW 16U Class A State Tournament, they rebounded with two wins to place fifth and finish with an 18-7 overall record.

The two amateur teams, Dell Rapids PBR and the Dell Rapids Mudcats, ended the baseball season with state tournament appearances.  Dell Rapids PBR had a 7-11 regular season, but put together a nice run in the the District 4B tournament.  PBR played three games in districts.  They won their first game, lost to the Mudcats in game two, but qualified for state with another win.  Unfortunately, PBR lost their opening game of the state tournament to Lesterville.

The Dell Rapids Mudcats book-ended the summer with another championship.  After putting together an impressive regular season, the Mudcats fell in the District 4B championship game to Flandreau, putting them into the 2021 South Dakota Amateur Class B state tournament as the District 4B Rep #1.  The Mudcats then went on a roll at Cadwell Park in Mitchell getting wins over Lake Norden, Wynot, Larchwood, and Winner/Colome to put them into the championship game against Flandreau.  This time the Mudcats got their revenge with a 16-1 win for the state title.

With five teams qualifying for state tournaments and two winning championships, there was plenty to cheer about on the baseball fields in Dell Rapids in 2021.

Third Annual “Wine and Wander” Held

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The third annual “Wine and Wander” event hosted by the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce was held on Saturday, July 31st in downtown Dell Rapids.  Patrons of the event were able to walk the sidewalks of downtown and sample the different wines and beers for $10.

Over 175 people attended the event, including folks from Georgia, Minnesota, Iowa, and the surrounding area.

Six wineries were on hand with samples.  The wineries were With the Wind Vineyard & Winery, Schade, Strawbale, Humble Hill, Wild Prairie, and Tucker’s Walk.  Two breweries were also part of the event.  They were Ben’s Brewing and Fernson Brewing.

Dell Rapids School Shares Draft of Return to Safe Learning Plan

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The Dell Rapids School Board will hold a discussion on the “Return to Safe Learning” Plan during their next regular meeting on Monday, August 9th.  In the meantime, the draft version of the plan has been released to parents and the public prior to the meeting in hopes of clarifying any questions.

The plan for the 2021-2022 school year is much different than the plan from last school year.  One of the big differences is face masks will be recommended, but not required.  Dell Rapids Superintendent Dr. Summer Schultz sat down with Big Sioux Media and discussed some of the changes to this year’s plan. 

“We learned that the masks when worn properly, and specific masks, are very effective in mitigating the spread of Covid-19.  That coupled with the availability of a vaccine right now, we really feel that we can put the decision for both of those things into the parent’s hands and into our staff member’s hands,” she said.  “We didn’t have the luxury of knowing those things last year and there was no availability of a vaccine should someone want it.  We just really think those social and emotional needs of kids wearing that mask all day is tough.”  She also said, “I think we’re in a different landscape right now in our community and our state, so we’re going to allow parents to decide the best course of action for their kids going into this school year.”

Another change with this year’s plan is that extracurricular activities will continue with safeguards in place, but activity attendance will be at full capacity instead to start the school year instead of limited attendance.  However, Dr. Schultz said that the school does follow state guidelines by the South Dakota High School Activities Association, which means attendance changes could happen if directed by state guidelines.

School lunches and breakfasts will be free to all students for the school year once again.  A change to the lunches for this year will be bringing back more options to the the lunchroom like the salad bar.

The full interview with Dr. Schultz can be found in the embedded video.

New School Board Officers Selected at Last Meeting

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During the Dell Rapids School Board’s last meeting, they selected new officers and officially welcomed the newest board member for the year.

Troy Randall who ran unopposed was officially sworn in for another three-year term.  Paula Harvey was appointed to a one-year term to fill an open seat and was also sworn in at the meeting.

Jeff Traill was elected. as the board president.  Matt Weiland was named the vice president.

The Dells City Journal was designated the official newspaper for legal publications for the school board.  Weiland as selected as Prairie Lakes Educational Cooperative Board of Directors representative with Harvey selected as the alternate.  Traill was named the ASBSD voting delegate.

The school board meetings will continue to be held on the second Monday of every month.  The next meeting will be held on Monday, August 9th.

SiouxperCon 2021 Set for October 1st-3rd

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SiouxperCon 2021: Heroes Homecoming brought to you by Black Hills Federal Credit Union will be held October 1st through 3rd at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

Now in its fifth year, SiouxperCon has quickly grown into the most anticipated annual Siouxland event for lovers of all things in the “nerd” community.  SiouxperCon is your friendly, neighborhood fan convention where all are welcome in a family-friendly, inclusive environment!

SiouxperCon is more than just a celebration of comic books, cosplay, anime, board games, video games, science fiction and fantasy. SiouxperCon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The mission is to not only provide an inclusive event for members of the nerd community, both young and old, but to support local charities that help others in Sioux Falls. During this year’s convention we will be honoring local heroes that served our communities

Featured guests this year include:

  • Comic Book Legends Ron Marz, Rick Leonardi, Doug Mahnke and Phil Hester.
  • The original voice of Charlie Brown, Peter Robbins
  • Actor from Shameless, 18 Again and Diagnosis Murder, Charlie Schlatter.
  • Celebrity Chef Justin Warner.
  • The Host of Mythbusters Junior Rachel Pizzolato.
  • Jacob and Caleb Schilling from the FOX TV Hit Series Lego Masters

Events kick off Friday October 1st at 3:00 p.m. with over 75 vendors, 32 guests and attractions, local charities, video games, tabletop gaming and more.

Friday Night will feature SiouxperMania III featuring the wrestlers of Midwest All Pro.  At 7:30 p.m. SiouxperCon After Dark, sponsored by Look’s Brewing and Common Sense, kicks off with Adult themed gaming, panels and entertainment.

Saturday October 2nd, events kick off at 10:00 a.m. with Opening Ceremonies followed by a full day of shopping the exhibition hall, attending educational panels, viewing locally made films during the Backlot 605 Film Festival and playing video games, board games, RPGs and tabletop games. The day culminates with SiouxperCosplay, the area’s largest Cosplay Competition featuring amazing craftsmanship and costuming for prizes.

That night SiouxperCon After Dark will feature national touring Burlesque performer  Hazel Honeysuckle performing on the main stage with local performers VeauxDevil Cabaret.

Sunday October 3rd is Schulte Subaru Siouxper Family Fun Day featuring live performances all day on the Black Hills Federal Credit Union Main Stage from Mythbusters Junior, First Lego League, The Magic of Travis Nye, Lego Masters Jacob and Caleb. There will be a kids cosplay parade and family friendly games featured in our Tabletop Room and Video Game Room!

Tickets are $10.00 per day and only $25.00 for a three day pass. Children 10 and under are free. All net proceeds go to local charities to further their work in the community.  They have donated over $25,000.00 to REACH Literacy and The JY6 Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research.  Local Dell Rapids resident Shane Gerlach is one of the founders of SiouxperCon and current Staff Directory and Guest Service Coordinator.

Local Sponsors include: Black Hills Federal Credit Union, Schulte Subaru, Common Sense, Look’s Brewing, Allegra Printing, Firelink Digital Marketing, Game Chest, Last Stop CD Shop, Sioux Empire Travel, TNTax Business Services, Voices Against Cancer, VeauxDevil Cabaret, Brookings Books and Comics, JJ’s Comics and Art, JuLiana’s Boutique, Vishnu Bunny Tattoo, Cresten Properties, Wednesday Comics Podcast, Woods, Fuller, Schultz & Smith P.C., and US Bank.

Dell Rapids Community Fund Awards Two Grants

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Photo submitted by Dan Ahlers. Pictured are Dan Ahlers, Pam Schmitt, Bryan Timperley along with Haven students

The Dell Rapids Community Fund awarded two grants on Wednesday, July 21st.  The two groups that received grant dollars are Dell Rapids Community Haven and Dell Rapids Society for Historic Preservation.

Dell Rapids Community Haven was awarded $300 to go towards the purchase of new games.

The Dell Rapids Society for Historic Preservation was awarded $1,300 to help with costs in replacing their furnace and air conditioning units.

The Dell Rapids Community Fund is an endowment. The gifts made to the fund provide grant money for innovative community projects both today and in the years to come. A committee of Dell Rapids residents recommends annual distributions from the fund. Because only a portion of the income is distributed each year, the endowment is never depleted.  This year the Dell Rapids Community Fund has granted $8,350 to local organizations. Donations can be made to the community fund by clicking this link.

Currenlty, Dan Ahlers is the president of the board.  Pam Schmitt, Bryan Timperley, Paige Krumm, Jill Anderson, Susan Kahler, and Melissa Van’t Hof are board members.

Photo submitted by Dan Ahlers. Pictured are Jean Rave, Alice Chamley, Megan Abbott, Evelyn Huntimer, Pat Sward, Judy Walters and Craig Kumerfield. Bryan Timperley, Pam Schmitt, and Dan Ahlers

Breakfast and Lunch Free Again at Dell Rapids in 2021-2022 School Year

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The Dell Rapids School Board announced that breakfast and lunches will be free of cost again for the 2021-2022 school year during their regular meeting on Monday, July 12th.

The meals will be free under the federal SSO program.  Adult breakfast prices will be $1.95, and the adult lunch price will be $3.85.  Milk will be $.50.  A la carte items will be priced in accordance with federal regulations.

The school board also set other rates and prices for the school year.  Admission to activities at Dell Rapids will be $3.00 for students K-12 and $5.00 for adults.  Prices will be $4.00 and $6.00 respectively for double-headers.  Activity tickets are also available for purchase.  Resident senior citizens will receive a free permanent pass and can be obtained from the district office.  K-8 student pass is $15.00.  9-12 student pass is $20.00.  A 10-punch pass for adults is $30.00 and an all-season pass for adults is $50.00.  A family all-season pass for parents/guardians and school-age children living in the same home is $100.00.

Bus rates were also set for the year.  Resident in-town and open-enrollment (on designated route), St Mary non-resident rural transportation (on designated route), and Haven transportation (between elementary school and River Community Church) is $80.00/child or $200.00/family.  St Mary transportation off designated route will be $432.50 annually per mile added to the route.  Open-enrollment transportation off designated route (as determined by the school board on an individual basis) will also be $432.50 annually per mile added to the route.

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