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Dell Rapids City Council Will Welcome One New Member

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The City of Dell Rapids held an election on Tuesday, April 13th for two of the five spots that were up for election this year.

Only Wards 3 and 4 needed an election with one than more petition filed back in mid February.

Incumbent Chard Ronshaugen won the vote in Ward 3 by a 74-48 margin over Stephanie Deuter.  Ronshaugen will serve another three-year team on the council.

Challenger Marlana Wenzel defeated incumbent Robert Mier by a 25-20 vote and will be a new member to the council representing Ward 4 for the next three years.

These results are unofficial until the Dell Rapids City Council canvasses the election during their next regular meeting on Monday, April 19th. 

Dell Rapids School Board Updates “Return to Learn” Plan

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The Dell Rapids School Board made updates to the “Return to Learn” plan to align it with updated CDC guidelines during their regular meeting on Monday, April 12th.  The big change will be the use of the individual desk shields.  The use of these shields will now be at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

For the elementary school, student desks will remain a minimum three feet spaced apart facing the same direction.  At that distance, students will be able to sit at their desks without a mask and not have a desk shield.  The first through fourth graders will continue to need masks when moving around the classroom or school, in art, in library, in music when singing, and whenever a three-foot distance cannot be maintained.

At the middle school, the student desks in the classroom will also need to remain at least three feet apart and facing the same direction, or if students are sitting at a table, they need to remain three feet from their table partner and remain three feet from the student at the table next to them to be able to sit and their desk or table without a mask or desk shield.  Masks will still continue to be worn when moving around the classroom, hallways, lines, and when three feet cannot be maintained.

The lunchroom at all the schools will still continue to have the dividers in place.

The school district will still require a student who is on the presumptive close contact (PCC) list to wear their mask throughout the day with the exception of PE, lunch, and recess.  The elementary and middle schools will continue to have student cohorts and seating charts so the school can contact trace if necessary.

Community Center Vision Takes Small Step Forward

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A plan for a community center in Dell Rapids proposed by a group of Dell Rapids residents took a small step forward with help from the Dell Rapids City Council.  The council approved a resolution to support a submission by the group to the Avera Community Partnership Program application.

The group is submitting the application to ask for assistance from Avera in the  form of either an in-kind contribution or financial contribution to begin the process of developing a concept design for the facility.

One of the biggest questions discussed during the council meeting was how much would a facility like this cost as well as how much would the operations of the facility be on a yearly basis.  Having help through the Avera Community Partnership Program will hopefully provide the group with more formalized conceptual plans and hard costs put together by professionals.

The discussion from the council meeting can be found by clicking this link.  The conversation starts at the 24:09 mark of the video.

Having the Dell Rapids City Council approve the resolution does put the any financial commitment on the city at this time with the application.  The group just needed the city’s help in submitting the application because the application needs to be submitted by a government municipality or a non-profit organization.

The resolution passed by a 7-1 vote.  Access to the full meeting minutes can be found by clicking here.

The group is planning to also make a trip to De Smet in the near future to tour their facility.

Dell Rapids Elementary Handles Gas Leak Issue

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The Dell Rapids Elementary school had its share of surprise excitement on Monday, March 29th.  Early in the school day, the Dell Rapids School District announced that there was a gas leak in the kitchen of the elementary building.

In a school-wide note that was emailed to parents, Dell Rapids Elementary Principal Julie Wynja stated that the entire school was evacuated in less than five minutes and all the students were boarded on buses within seventeen minutes of the initial announcement.

All of the students were moved to the high school building and were able to enjoy a movie in the gym while tests were done to the elementary building.  By 10:45 in the morning, the tests and reports indicated a safe return to the elementary building, and the students were transported back to the elementary building to finish the normal schedule to the day.

In the email note, Wynja said, “I must say that all staff and students at the elementary handled it like champs.”  She also said, “Please know that our number one priority was always making sure that your kids were safe!”

Join in to Fight Critical Blood Shortage / Keep Local Supplies Strong

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Dell Rapids, SD – Avera Dells Area Health Center and Community Blood Bank come together to host the spring community blood drive on Thursday, April 1 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at CPA / Law Office (301 East 4th). To schedule your donation call the Avera Dells Area Health Center Lab at 605-428-5431.

The struggles continue as Community Blood Bank fights a never-ending battle between “just having enough blood” and “critically in need of donations”. Community members have been generously giving blood during the COVID pandemic for one year now. One year ago, Community Blood Bank experienced cancellations totaling over 5,000 units. Throughout the pandemic, multiple organizations and donors have come to the aid of our hospital patients and hosted very successful blood drives.

“We are asking Dell Rapids residents to remember the need for blood this spring. Please make sure to schedule a time for your next donations in order to keep our blood supply strong,” states Lauri Hoffmann, Program Coordinator. “Volunteers donating blood on the bloodmobile is the only way we can keep up with the demand we are seeing. We are still maintaining COVID social distancing policies that limit the number of donations we can have each hour. It is very important that each blood drive has a full schedule.”

Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form), weigh 110 lbs or more and be in good general health. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating blood. Please bring an ID with you at the time of donation. For more information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org, call Community Blood Bank at 1-877-877-3070.

Community Blood Bank is not affiliated with other blood bank organizations and takes pride in being a self-sufficient organization, thanks to the generosity of our local blood donors.    

Three Local Athletes Named to “All Decade” Team

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2011-2020 All-Decade Teams Recognized as March Madness Hits its Stride in South Dakota

(Sioux Falls, SD) – The 2011-20 Boys Basketball All-Decade Teams for Class AA, A and B, which features some of the most outstanding performers ever in South Dakota, was released today by Mariah Press/Productions and SDSportsHistory.com.

The concept for creating Boys Basketball All Decades teams was developed by South Dakota Basketball historian, Jim Quinn. The Quality Program Service created historical programs that became the cornerstone for the documentation and presentation of South Dakota basketball history for the past forty years.

The selection format developed by Jim Quinn for his publications in the early 1980s, was continued by Mariah Press/Productions for the Celebration history of South Dakota high school athletics. This tradition is continued with the 2011-2020 All Decades Teams and this Simpson’s Printing publication.

A panel of coaches, media people, and sports historians carried out the selection process. The process created a very thoughtful and thorough perspective on high school basketball in South Dakota. All Decades Teams were selected for each of the three classes, Class B, Class A, and Class AA. The top ten vote getters become the All Decades Teams. Players nominated, but not among the top ten vote getters, were placed on the honorable mention lists.

The complete list of All Decades Teams, 1930’s to the present can be found at the sdsportshistory.com website. The sdsportshistory.com website provides a thorough and extensive presentation of South Dakota high school sports narratives and records. The Jim Quinn collection, featuring the historical content of over forty years of quality basketball programs is an integral portion of the sdsportshistory.com site, created and maintained by Mariah Press/Productions.

A total of 77 players were nominated with at least 10 selected to each team in the three classes. If more than 10 are listed on the first team in one of the classes listed, then there was a tie in the voting. The honorable mention represents those not on the first team but whom received votes. In Class AA, 11 standouts were named to the first team with 13 honorable mention. In Class A, 10 standouts are listed with 16 honorable mention while Class B has 12 on the first team and 15 honorable mention honorees.

This all-decades listing includes two of the top 10 scorers all-time in South Dakota in Matt Mors of Yankton High School (Class AA) and Connor Libis of Dell Rapids St. Mary’s (Class B). Mors has 2,657 points (as of March 10), which ranks fourth all-time. Libis has scored 2,660 points for third all-time. Another honoree surpassed 2,000 in Paul Bruns of Dakota Valley (Class A) has surpassed 2,000 points (2,085). I.

Here is the list of each of the classes –

2011-2020 CLASS AA ALL DECADES TEAM (11)

  • Mason Archambault, Rapid City Stevens
  • Cole Bergan, Aberdeen Central
  • Kobe Busch, Huron
  • Matt Cartwright, Sioux Falls O’Gorman
  • Justin Decker, Watertown
  • Deng Gau, Sioux Falls Washington
  • Zach Hanson, Pierre
  • Cedric Lang, Sioux Falls O’Gorman
  • Matthew Mors, Yankton
  • Steven Schaefer, Rapid City Stevens
  • Lane Severyn, Pierre

Honorable Mention (13)

  • Akoi Akoi, Sioux Falls O’Gorman
  • Teegan Evers, Huron
  • Tanner Heiser, Watertown
  • Brevin Kaiser, Pierre
  • Colton Kooima, Sioux Falls Roosevelt
  • Chase Marso, Brandon Valley
  • Keaton Moffitt, Sioux Falls O’Gorman
  • Tyler Nagy, Brookings
  • Sterling Nielsen, Sioux Falls O’Gorman
  • Addison Park, Sioux Falls Lincon
  • Tucker Volesky, Mitchell
  • Peyton Zabel, Pierre

2011- 2020 CLASS A ALL DECADES TEAM (10)

  • Paul Bruns, Dakota Valley
  • Skyler Flatten, Clear Lake
  • Noah Freidel, Tea
  • Ty Hoglund, Dell Rapids
  • Dylan LeBrun, Flandreau
  • Darin Peterka, Miller
  • A.J. Plitzuweit, Vermillion
  • Alejandro Rama, Red Cloud
  • Tayt Vincent, Sioux Valley
  • Skye Warwick, St. Thomas More

Honorable Mention (16)

  • Corey Brown, Pine Ridge
  • Jordan Cornelius, Sisseton
  • Liam Duffy, St. Thomas More
  • Aaron Fiegen, Madison
  • Ethan Freidel, Tea
  • Seth Friesz, Chamberlain
  • Brady Fritz, Winner
  • Justin Hohn, Tea
  • Zach Horstman, Winner
  • Corey Jacobson, Viborg
  • Tyson Jenkins, Clark Willow Lake
  • Ryder Kirsch, St. Thomas More
  • Cole Langer, Dell Rapids
  • Max Neilsen, Sioux Valley
  • Lincoln Swenson, Deuel
  • Trae VandeBerg, Madison
  • Noah Vettrus, West Central

2011-2020 CLASS B ALL DECADES TEAM (12)

  • Zech Clemens, Northwestern
  • Bo Fries, Langford Area
  • Adam Hofer, James Valley Christian
  • Lincoln Jordre, Sully Buttes
  • Gabe King, Irene-Wakonda
  • Trey King, Irene-Wakonda
  • Wyatt Krogman, White River
  • Mason Larson, Langford
  • Connor Libis, Dell Rapids St. Mary
  • Jacob Prouty, Clark-Willow Lake
  • Sawyer Schultz, Bridgewater-Emery
  • Lorenzo Williams, Wolsey-Wessington

Honorable Mention (15)

  • Devin Eppard, Chester Area
  • Kalen Garry, DeSmet
  • Corey Jacobson, Viborg
  • Coby Johnson, Platte-Geddes
  • Clayton Koch, Harding County
  • Jordan Marquardt, Hanson
  • Kris Menning, Corsica-Stickney
  • Joey Mitchell, Hitchcock-Tulare
  • Justice Morrison, White River
  • Seamus O’Malley, Centerville
  • Justin Prue, White River
  • Michael Rogers, Warner
  • Nick Wittler, Sully Buttes
  • Nathan Wedel, James Valley Christian

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About SDSportsHistory.com
SDSporsHistory.com is a one-stop shop resource for the most complete collection of sports history videos, records and narratives. For additional information and to subscribe, please visit sdsportshistory.com.

Copyright: Mariah Press/Productions; sdsportshistory.com

Discussion and Plans in the Works for Community Center in Dell Rapids

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**Check out this week’s (March 13th, 2021) Dells City Journal for more details on this story**

Dell Rapids continues to grow and flourish with population, new businesses and so much more. Something that has been missing from our town is a community center for all to enjoy. From basketball and volleyball tournaments to batting cages or the simplicity of safe walking in winter months, the possibilities are endless.

At a recent City Council meeting, discussion was brought to the table by a group of residents ready to help make a community center a reality for Dell Rapids. Lee Bollock addressed the Council with introduction of the plans for the future community center. Bollock, along with his wife Brittani, have lived in Dell Rapids for seven years and are active in the community being on the Connections Charitable Board and Lee is an active member of the Dell Rapids School Board.  “Since we have lived here, and talking with others that have lived here, this has been a topic of conversation ongoing for at least the past decade if not longer,” Bollock expressed to the Council. “Maybe part of the reason this has never come to fruition is that we haven’t had the community backing it enough and being active in the process. That is what our committee intends to do, work with City Council and the community to drive this thing home.”

The Dells City Journal will continue to follow the process of the project. To show your support for the community center, reach out to your Alderman for your designated ward or express your support at upcoming council meetings. With community support, this plan can become a reality. “The more engagement and the more push we have from the public, the more successful we will be,” Bollock concluded.

Dell Rapids Chamber Gives Community Awards, Announces New President and Board Members

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The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce had a busy night at their annual banquet on Sunday, February 21st at Papa’s in downtown Dell Rapids.  The chamber announced their annual community awards as well as new board members and new president.

The chamber announced their annual award winners and the winner of the 2nd Annual “Battle of the Buns” contest.

Minnehaha Funeral Home and the staff at the Dell Rapids Carnegie Library were both awarded the “Community Spirit” Award.  Minnehaha Funeral Home was recognized for their active support with chamber for all of the events in 2020.  Ahlers stated that they have done so much to support the children’s events as well as “Christmas at the Dells”.  The staff at the library was recognized for their hard work and continued service to the community during the Covid pandemic and the unique ways they continued to operate and provided programming throughout the year.

Linsey Duffy was given the “Volunteer of the Year” Award.  Duffy has worked diligently over the years for the Sioux River Red Rock Trail, and she will now be helping with Dell Rapids Garden Club.

Pinz was named the “2020 Business of the Year”.  It was mentioned that  they have made many great investments in facility and equipment upgrades, have provided increased job opportunities for the youth of Dell Rapids, brought major tournaments to town, and increased student involvement in bowling.

Pinz was also announced as the winner of the 2nd Annual “Battle of the Buns” contest held through the month of January.  Pinz had an 86% rating of  “Loved It” for their “Cheez-fection” burger creation.

The chamber also affirmed two members to the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce board who have been working in that role for the past year and to also elect three new board members to fill open spots.  Rebecca Fritz and Jeff Kistler were affirmed as board members.  Leslie Duinkerken, Nathan O’Bryan, and Tammy McKillip were elected as new board members filling vacant spots.  They will join Amber Larson and Mark DeGraw to fill the seven-seat Chamber Board of Directors.  Dell Rapids Mayor Tom Earley will continue to serve as a liaison between the chamber and City of Dell Rapids council.

Dan Ahlers announced that he was stepping down as the chamber president during the meeting and introduced Amber Larson as the new president.  Larson has been on the Chamber Board of Directors serving as treasurer for the last seven years.

City of Dell Rapids Proclaims Dan Ahlers Day of Appreciation

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Dell Rapids Mayor Tom Earley and the City of Dell Rapids made a proclamation that Monday, February 22nd was Dan Ahlers Day of Appreciation.  Mayor Earley made the proclamation during the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet on Sunday, February 21st.

Ahlers made the announcement during the banquet that he was stepping down as president of the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce after over twelve years serving on the chamber.

“Tonight the city wants to recognize Dan for the work that he has done.  His involvement in Quarry Days is a great example.  I did not realize how much stuff has to happen and be done, preparations in such detail, and Dan was right in the middle.  And if it wasn’t for the work Dan has done and the other people he’s got to support him, a lot of these things wouldn’t have happened,” said Mayor Earley.

Mayor Earley presented Ahlers with the framed proclamation in appreciation for his service to the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

Two Spots Open on Dell Rapids School Board, Date Change for Voting

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Two spots on the Dell Rapids School Board will open up for election this summer.  The three-year terms of Troy Randall and Jacque LeBrun come to an end in July.

Petitions to be put on the ballot for election can be circulated between April 6th and May 7th.  The petitions must be filed with the business manager no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 7th.  The nominating petitions, along with information on how to circulate, will be available at the school district business office.

This year’s school board election date will be moving due to COVID-19 mitigation strategies.  The election date is normally held in April, but will be moved to June 15th, 2021.  Polls will be open that day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and all precincts will vote at the Dell Rapids Middle School/High School at 1216 Garfield Avenue.  Absentee voting by mail or in-person can begin on May 28th.  In-person absentee voting will close at 5:00 p.m. on June 14th.

Voter registration for the school board election will close on June 1st. 

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