News

C ounty C ourthouse N ews Magistrate C ourt Willard A. Menard, 58, Sioux Falls, SD, fail to maintain financial responsibility, dismissed - motion by prosecutor; no drivers license, dismissed - motion by prosecutor..

Joshua Louis Chasing Hawk, 41, Sioux Falls, SD, disorderly conduct, court costs $100.00, surcharges $28.50, 30 days in jail, suspended 19 days; aggravated assault - serious bodily injury, dismissed - motion by prosecutor; impersonation to deceive law enforcement officer, dismissed - motion by prosecutor; conditions: pay to the Clerk of Courts all ordered fines, costs, and court-appointed attorney fees pursuant to the payment plan; obey all federal, state, and local laws and municipal ordinances for 180 days; voluntarily submit to a PBT or UA at the request of any law enforcement officer or court services officer for a period of 180 days, and pay for any costs associated with that testing; submit to a warrantless search by law enforcement of your person, home, or vehicle for the presence of alcohol, illegal drugs, including marijuana, and controlled substances, for a period of 180 days; not enter any bars for 180 days, that being any business establishment that sells alcoholic beverages as its primary business.

Gregory’s police department is back to full staff with the addition of Ryan Cook. Originally from Gregory, Cook moved to Yankton with his family after he completed eighth grade, but their ties to the area were never severed; maintaining a farm required frequent trips back.

Please join the members of PEO on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at the Dallas Legion Hall to further your understanding about the veterans’ perspective and experiences. Veterans, their family and friends, and students of history are invited to attend the “Voices of Veterans” event coming up on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Social hour is at 6:00 p.m. with speakers beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Dallas Legion Hall.

The First Fidelity Bank & Gregory Community Foundation has received a $6,250 matching grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) after raising over $50,000 from generous donors. $6,250 was matched from the Lillibridge Family Fund held at the SDCF.

The Gregory County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2023, in the Gregory County Courthouse. Corrections and changes noted Before moving on to new business, the following corrections were made to the January 17 minutes: $22,474.34 is the correct amount abated for the assessment freeze for the elderly and disabled citizens, and bid letting for chip seal, chip seal hauling, and asphalt will be held at 9:30 a.m., March 21, to give the highway superintendent time to determine quantities needed for the 2023 season.

Superintby Patty Connealy Superintendent Sara Anderson led the board through the new wellness center/locker room addition as the “Gorilla Good News” portion of the regular meeting of the Gregory School District Board of Education at 5:30 p.m., Monday, February 13, 2023.

Governor Kristi Noem has approved the release of $12.5 million in federal funding over the next year to fuel the expansion and startup of new child care facilities in South Dakota. These grants will be administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

I have a good friend who is seriously ill with late-stage cancer. When he was diagnosed about two years ago, he began to write and send a daily text thread to friends about his treatments, how he is doing, the weather, anything associated with astronomy, and a generous amount of philosophical thoughts. His personality is that of a thinker who appreciates the beauty of simple things. As I have read his thoughts and am allowed to see into his soul, it is such a blessing and encouragement to see the good work that God is doing in his life. He has gone through a lot more discomfort and challenges than we know. He has always been an optimistic person and now, even in his difficult moments, his light of love and hope cannot be hindered. The Bible mentions in Psalm 91:1-2 about finding a secret place with God where nothing and no one can penetrate, disturb, or threaten. It is a refuge where even though the storms may be intense and the violence of spiritual warfare may rage all around us, we are safe and at peace in His presence.

About the author: This month’s column is a collaborative effort from DSS staff of the Human Services Center and Division of Behavioral Health. In 2021, the South Dakota Department of Health’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey Summary reported that 7.5% of public high school students experienced physical dating violence within the last 12 months.