$1.00 (tax included) Number 8 Volume 110 February 19, 2015 Kerns joins Crew Agency, Ltd. February school board meeting review by Nancy Haigh Taking a new direction in life, athletic complex plans and design Dana Kerns, has joined Crew Agency, Ltd, Cactus Flat, as an in - by Michaela Bryan that is already in use. The color of school year should end and begin surance agent. The Wall School District #51-5 the perimeter vinyl fence to the and when to have in-service days. Kerns, a life-long resident of Board held a regular meeting in track and field will be black. The The school year usually begins Philip, and a 2006 graduate of the Wall school classroom 113 on field will receive all new lighting. after Labor Day and ends before Philip High School, is excited Feb. 11 at 7:00 p.m. Fischer noted that the sand pits Memorial Day. Some thought about this opportunity to help The meeting was called to order will have covers so to discourage school should start earlier because farmers and ranchers. and the agenda was approved. animals and people not playing in kids are attending practices and Kerns has worked for Bart and Minutes of the Jan. 14 meeting them. Head custodian Dan Hauk are already having high school Chad Ramsey, Philip, for several were approved. was present to discuss using GPS sports before Labor Day. Some years, learning all the aspects Randall Poste gave a technology systems to locate underground thought it would be better to start that come with the farming and update proposal. Poste discussed fiber optic lines, water, phone and the school year earlier so it would ranching business. It also has updating the middle school and power lines when building the new end earlier since students are so given him an appreciation for high school computers. The ele - athletic complex. Fischer gave an busy in May and miss days for those people. mentary school, which has older over view of the different building sports anyway. Some thought a He said he is looking forward to black Dell laptop computers, phases on concrete, carpet and field possible survey on the topic for par - the opportunity to work with would then acquire the middle and work and estimates of dates when ents and teachers would be helpful. them. It is a new aspect of the ag high school computers. Poste also they would be completed. Concrete Some noted that if the school year business that he is excited to learn discussed upgrading Windows 7 would be complete around May and started earlier, the students would and being able to work with pro - and using Microsoft Office 2013. the fieldwork will be in progress in be able to do their required testing ducers. He started his new posi - Updating the five year old servers June and July. The surface should before Christmas break seven tion Monday, Feb. 16. was also proposed. Upgrading the be complete around late August, in weeks in rather then nine weeks in Rusty Olney, agency manager at smart boards, which elementary time for the second home game. after the break. There will be fur - Crew Agency, said Kerns is a “well teachers use every day, was also in Fischer noted that the board will ther discussion on when to have respected young man and it was the technology update plan. The have a lifetime experience in as - the required professional develop - very important to us to have new smart boards would not re - sisting in building such a grand ment days through out the school someone located in the Philip quire the use of projectors. Poste and large project. Fischer also year and when the year ends and area.” He added that Kerns will be proposed updating the library info noted that the grooming equipment begins. The board will look into the a good addition to the team. Olney center to the latest version soft - for the turf field is included. School topic more. said Kerns’ knowledge of the ag ware Destiny. Classrooms, excep - maintenance will be instructed on Principal Sykora gave the ele - industry is one reason Crew tional education and SPED would how to groom and care for the syn - mentary report. Sykora congratu - Agency was drawn to him. receive voice to text typing soft - thetic turf. Final specifications and lated all the outstanding projects Kerns also has been involved as ware. Teacher and staff ADOBE details will be discussed. The board at the Science Fair and noted that Nancy Haigh a junior high coach for football files would be upgraded to the lat - motioned and signed and dated everyone did well. He noted parent Dana Kerns joined the Crew Agency, Ltd, Feb. 16 and looks forward to and boys’ basketball. He and his est version. The Big White School phase two of the project. teacher conferences were going on working with ag producers and their insurance needs. wife, Andrea, live in Philip. would receive an all in one copy, A gymnastics online survey was that night and would also be on printer and scanner. sent out at school and 23 students Feb. 12, and if a parent was unable Engineer Sam Fisher was pres - took the survey. Seven students to attend and wanted to meet with ent to go over building details of were interested in a cheer and the teachers and staff, they are the athletic complex. Fisher noted dance program. A cheer and dance welcome to call the school and Science Fair Award Recipients where the long jump, triple jump program was thought of just in make arrangements for meeting and high jump would be placed in case the gymnastics program was with a teacher on a student’s Senior Division 10-12 Overall Jaicee Williams compliance with state regulations. to ever end. It was determined that progress. Earth Science First- “Ready, Set, Let’s Grow!” 3- “Solar Oven...” Abby Moon, The board discussed whether to there should at least be two stu - Niki Mohr gave the Business 1- “Fudge Crystals” Tayah Autumn Deering Alexa Dunker and Samantha put in permanent soccer lines and dents from Wall for the gymnastics Manager report. Mohr noted the Huether Second- “Soap or Nope” Alex Deutscher Fisher stated that soccer lines can program that are in seventh to state minimum wage increased as Engineering Tysdal Life Science be added later on. Fisher went over eighth grade so to meet the varsity of Feb. 1. Substitute pay would 1- “Drop or Not” Gabe Sandal Third- “Fudge Crystals” Tayah 1- “Testing the Effects of Emo - dates for post tension concrete base participation requirements. A stu - have to be raised from eight dollars Life Science Huether tions” Tacia Osterberg and hauling of the engineered fill. dent had said they would have per hour to eight dollars and fifty 1- “Ready, Set, Let’s Grow!” Au - Best Sr. Interview- “Pet Care: 2- “The Mozart Effects on Fischer noted that time is saved be - been more interested in the cheer cents per hour. A certified sub tumn Deering Daily Excercise” David Bintliff Plants” Ash Grenstiner, Korra cause concrete is hauled from a and dance program if it was just would receive $70 per day rather 2- “Soap or Nope” Alex Tysdal Intermediate Division 7-9 Westby and Kassidy Sawvell local concrete business. Council dance and did not involve cheer. then $65, and a certified sub who 3- “Which Type 2 Chew” Kayli Earth Science 3- “Does whole milk spoil faster and Fischer went over the details The gymnastic program will con - has a college degree would receive Kjerstad 1- “What rocks and minerals af - than reduced fat milk?” Luke Har - of the color of the synthetic turf, tinue as long as there are partici - $90 dollars a day rather then $85. Physical Science fect a compass?” Cale Baus, John ris school colors and the look of the pants involved in the program. The board approved this wage in - 1- “Cotton Candy or Can’t-dy” Deering, and Dylan Huether Physical Science Eagle mascot that will be in the Council discussed continuing the crease. Caitlin Ausmann Engineering 1- “Evaporation of Salt Water” middle of the field. Fischer noted four day school week. It was noted Superintendent Garnos gave the 2 - “Let’s Get Popping” Josie 1- “Water Power” Cash Wilson, Meghan Patterson that it would make a statement to that teacher’s salaries and benefits seventh through twelfth grade re - Blasius Terel Eisenbraun and Jace 2- “Castle Defender” Jacob Biel - people driving by on the interstate. are the same whether there is a port. The school board approved 3 - “Bass Test” Jade Hertel O’Rourke maier, Roland Traveny and Fischer noted that funds will be four or five day school week. The track and golf rules. The track and Social Science 2- “The Effectiveness of Shoot - Raiden Crawford saved due to not building a full four day school week would be kept golf rules were similiar to previous 1- “Video Games, An Odyssey” ing Angles for Banking a Shot” 3- “What is a trebuchet?” Aaron drainage system but building a but there was debate on when the years. David Sykora Karlie Dartt, Derek Griebel and Moschell partial drainage system to the one Overall First- “Water Power” Cash Wil - son, Terel Eisenbraun and Jace January Student of the Month O’Rourke Wasta Volunteer Fire Department held annual Second- “Testing the Effects of Emotions” Tacia Osterberg Third- “Can Fish See the Color steak supper and fundraiser Blue?” Jayton McKay, Cooper Jo McLaughlin and Shelby Ruland Best Int. Interview- “Corrosive - ness of Soda” Rheagan Zebroski Junior Division 5-6 Engineering 1- “The Slingshot” Tack Tines, Laeton Anderson, Bridger Amiotte and Trenton Cuny 2- “Toilet Paper Cannon” Lilly Wagner and Abbi Weinzetl Life Science 1- “Does Oregano have an An - tibiotic Effect on Strep?” Reid Hansen Physical Science 1- “Salt Water Conductivity” Sierra Hilgenkamp and “Red Ryder Distance and Depth” Samuel Swanson 2- “Hot vs. Cold” Keaunna Poor Bear 3- “The POP Explosion” Brycen Cheney and Cruz Garnos Social Science 1- “Lefties vs. Righties” Regan Simons Black Hills Financial Services, located at Black Hills Federal Credit Overall Union, is pleased to announce that Carlee Johnston has been selected as First- “Red Ryder Distance and January’s Student of the Month. Carlee is a very active senior at Wall Depth” Samuel Swanson High School. She is on the volleyball and basketball teams. As a co-cap - Second- “Does Oregano have an Photos by Michaela Bryan tain for volleyball, she honed in on her leadership skills to help lead her Antibiotic Effect on Strep? Reid The Wasta Volunteer Fire Department held their an - team in winning the Class B District 14 Championship. She is also a co- Hansen nual steak supper on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at captain on the basketball team and is helping lead her team to another Third- “Hot vs. Cold” Keaunna the Wasta Fire Hall. The meal was a free will dona - great season. She has been an active member of the Wall High Rodeo Poor Bear tion. Many in attendance enjoyed Chicken Bingo team for the past four years. She is quite busy at the rodeo participating Best fifth grade interview- “The and regular bingo. There was a benefit gun raffle in five events, goat tying, poles, girls cutting, breakaway roping and bar - Candy Grand Prix” Malcom drawing for a Weatherby 22-250. All the proceeds rels. In 2014 she made it to State Rodeo in goat tying and ended up eighth Heathershaw and Wambli Hayes went towards the Jan Bielmaier family. Pictured is for the year. This also gave her the opportunity to participate at this year’s Best sixth grade interview- “Red fire fighter Kendell Kjerstad, Stacy and Jan Biel - 20X Extreme HS Rodeo at the Black Hills Stock Show. You will also see Ryder Distance and Depth” maier. The Jan Bielmaier family lost their house and Carlee actively participating in National Honor Society and Fellowship Samuel Swanson garage in a fire on Saturday, Aug. 30 of last year. “I of Christian Athletes. She is also out in our community helping fill Special Awards thank God that we live in a country that does what weekly bags for back pack program at the Country Cupboard and help - Most Professional Display- they can to help our fellow man,” announced Kjer - ing entertain children at the Ag Appreciation Banquet. In her spare time “Castle Defender” Jacob, Roland stad. The benefit auction and proceeds helped raise you can see Carlee on the back of a horse helping a neighbor or family and Raiden over $3,000 for the Jan Bielmaie r family. Pictured left on the ranch, or just hanging out with friends or family. At this time Car - Best Lab Notebook- “Solar are the winners of the Chicken Bingo: Samantha and lee hasn’t made a decision on where she will be attending college to most Oven...” Lexy, Abby and Saman - Louis Rancour, children of Tom and Roberta Ran - likely major in nursing. She is sure to be seen on the rodeo team of tha cour. Louis picked #42 and Sami wanted #30. #42 whichever school is lucky enough to get her. Carlee is the daughter of Best Use of Technoloy- “Water was the winning one. “Sometimes her little brother Sam and Cary Johnston of Elm Springs, SD. Congratulations to Carlee Power” Cash, Terel and Jace is right, much to her dismay,” chuckled Roberta. from Black Hills Financial Services! Community Pennington County Courant • February 19, 2015 • 2 Greetings from Pierre Legislative Update By District 27 Senator Jim Bradford By District 27 Representative Elizabeth May
We have now finished the fifth publicans on the Senate Judiciary by 2023. The motor fuel tax in - Session passed the half way - nor Daugaard (HB 1131). House cause when it is spent, it is gone week of the Session. Bills are is purely political. They might be crease is estimated to bring in point this week and the pace is Bill 1131 is schedule for hearing and will no longer provide annual being heard in a steady stream on trying to get an A+ rating with $117 million and will be an in - moving very quickly now. Over in House State Affairs next revenue from interest. I to, would committees as we approach cross- the NRA, but it is a political stunt crease of 18 cents per gallon by the past week, substantial debate Wednesday, February 18. I en - like to spend more on schools and over day on Feb. 25. That’s the more than an honest attempt to 2023. Moving the vehicle excise focused on legislation regarding courage all of you to read both of Medicaid, but we all know that day when all bills must clear one keep us safe. It is certainly not a tax from 3 percent to 4 percent guns abortion, death penalty, these bills. I’m having a very hard we can’t spend money we don’t legislative body before going to vote of confidence in the abilities will raise $27 million. The 10 per - highway funding, taxes and a bal - time supporting either one. have. the other body for their consider - of our Capitol police or the cur - cent increase in license plate fees anced budget amendment. Educa - This week HB 1148 passed out The real rainy day funds total ation. rent safety procedures we have in will add another $8.7 million. The tion funding is also a major topic of the House Education on con - about $150 million. The budget I sit on Senate Judiciary and place. I sincerely hope that more increase on farm trucks will raise of discussion. So far the Governor sent. This bill will require school reserve is about $105 million. The we heard SB 192 which would reasonable minds will come to $2.5 million in the first year and has signed 16 bills into law and districts to report each month of property tax reduction fund is allow the sergeants at arms the bear on this issue on the Senate an additional $1.25 million in the additional 16 are on his desk the fiscal year, the month-end bal - about $44 million. Those are com - right to have concealed weapons floor. second year. The ethanol tax in - waiting for approval. ances of the school district’s gen - bined and referred to as “rainy in the Capitol. It passed 5-2 and An important issue throughout crease will raise the tax from On Tuesday, the House passed eral fund, capital outlay fund, day funds” or “reserve funds.” only Sen. Troy Heinert and I op - the Session is our continuing dis - eight cents per gallon to 26 cents. HB 1179 with a vote of 63-4, a bill pension fund, and special educa - That’s only about 12 percent of posed it. I felt that this particular cussion on roads and bridges. That means another $10 million to change the definition of a vet - tion fund. I support transparency our annual expenses, and that’s bill was particularly offensive in Senate Bill 1 is the Governor’s each year through 2023. The eran so South Dakota members of for the taxpayers of South Dakota what we set aside for emergencies that the main sponsor suggested version of the Highway bill. There wheel tax will be raised from a the National Guard and Reserve and for the legislators. I spend like the 2011 floods. It’s responsi - that the Capitol police were not was a summer task force on high - current maximum of $16 to $48 would become classified as veter - many hours looking at balance ble management to hold some able to protect us. It was opposed way needs which met in six com - maximum. ans in state law regardless of sheets regarding education ex - money in reserve for such emer - by the Highway Patrol who pro - munities with over 120 different One Bennett County con - whether or not they have seen ac - penditures. This will be another gencies. tects the Capitol. individuals testifying. The Task stituent who contacted me is con - tive duty. I was one of the four tool in the war chest to hold As always you can contact me While I agree that we can and Force recommended $100 million, cerned that in the current form, who voted against this bill. The everyone accountable. at the House Chamber number should continue to talk about se - while the Governor has asked for the tax on farm trucks will dou - definition of a veteran is sea - A lot of people have been claim - 773-3851. Leave a phone number curity in the State Capitol, I feel $50 million. The need is likely ob - ble. These aren’t all grain trucks soned, adept, expert, well trained, ing the state has tons of money in and I'll call you back. The fax that Capitol Security is adequate. vious to anyone who has followed hauling along highways to an el - practiced, experienced, senior and reserves that could be spent to in - number is 773-6806. If you send a There are both uniformed and the testimony on this legislation. evator in town. Many of these most importantly, battle scarred. crease education funding or to ex - fax, address it to Rep. Elizabeth plain clothes security officers in Of course, if you spend enough farm trucks might spend very lit - Changing the definition of a vet - pand Medicaid. The money they May. You can also email me at the Capitol and a security proto - time on gravel roads, your own tle time on the highway and al - eran seemed to send the wrong claim being hoarded is locked in [email protected] during ses - col which I trust to keep us safe. “research” has confirmed that most all of the miles in the field. message. reserve funds that were set up for sion. You can keep track of bills To suggest otherwise is to believe something needs to be done. The They drive from the combine in On Wednesday, the Senate the purpose of providing guaran - and committee meetings at this that Capitol police don’t do their problem is that too much of the their field to their own grain bins passed SB 1 with a vote of 26-8. teed revenue for certain purposes link: http://legis.state.sd.us/ You jobs. money will go to the state for for example. The way the law sits Senate Bill 1 is the legislation that will benefit future genera - can also use this link to find the When I explained my opposi - state highways and bridges and now; there may be a huge incen - that was originally introduced by tions for years to come. Moreover, legislators, see what committees tion, I reminded other committee too little will go to the counties tive to not even license the trucks. the summer study task force the taxpayers voted to put the they are on, read all the bills and members that many organiza - and townships where the real That won’t get us anywhere. chaired by Senator Vehle. The bill money into the “lock box” reserve track the status of each bill, listen tions have sergeants at arms who need exists. The Highway Bill has left the was amended to more closely re - accounts in order to prevent to committee hearings and con - are never thought of as armed Several amendments came Senate where it was extensively flect the bill introduced by Gover - politicians from spending it…be - tact the legislators. guards. At both Tribal Council through Senate State Affairs. One amended on Senate State Affairs meetings and Veteran’s meetings proposed by Sen. Billie Sutton, and on the Senate floor. It will for example, there are sergeant at would limit the increase on the now go through the House and arms. I also felt that the propo - fuel tax to two cents per year will no doubt go through another From the Senator’s Desk nent testimony was not prepared through the year 2023. Prior to round of amendments. I’ll keep well. None of the current sergeant this Amendment, the legislation giving you updates on this area. By District 30 Senator Bruce Rampelberg at arms or even the Attorney Gen - would allow the tax increase It’s one of the greatest tax in - eral testified. I felt most strongly every year through 2030. While creases in our state’s history and The Senate has addressed sev - four percent (the tax you pay when ing is House Joint Resolution that this legislation was an insult we can’t deny the need, don’t be you deserve to know! eral bills that have been exten - you buy a car), increase the tax on (HJR) 1001. It makes a formal ap - to highway patrol officers who fooled by price tag of $50 million As always, I invite you to con - sively debated. SB 1 concerns gasoline, diesel and ethanol by two plication to Congress to call for an serve in the Capitol. I have a you’ve read about in the head - tact me with your questions and funding for roads and bridges and cents for eight years, Increase li - Article V convention of the states nephew who is a highway patrol - lines. It will cost a lot more than concerns. I may be reached at is a combination of the Governor’s cense plate fees by 10 percent and for the sole purpose of proposing a man and I know and respect the that! 605-685-4241 or recommendations and the infor - Increase the wheel tax to a $4.00 federal balanced budget amend - type of work they do. I believe If every tax is put into place it [email protected] mation developed by the Trans - fee for up to 12 wheels on trailers. ment. Most legislators believe con - that this ill-advised vote by Re - will cost taxpayers $230 million portation Summer Committee. There are a number of other gress is not being fiscally responsi - The data put together over the changes and I refer you to the SD ble and is not seriously making summer is well done and very com - LRC website for more information plans to get our country back on pelling. It builds a strong case for or give me a call and we can walk track. The bill has generated a lot Pierre Week in Review maintaining our roads and bridges through it. The House will be de - of debate and gives rise to ques - a little bit each year rather that let bating the bill, no doubt will make tions. The process is complex and By State Representative Lance Russell them deteriorate and then have to some amendments and then it will many in Congress seem to ignore foot an enormous repair bill 10 come back to the Senate. So the the Constitution. But in my opin - The South Dakota Senate per year. This is only the start. will be voting on this proposal years from now. That bill would bill will likely look different when ion, trying to get their attention passed a bill that will raise the gas The excise taxes on vehicle pur - about the time this article is pub - generate approximately $100 mil - it finally reaches the Governors and maybe some action is better tax by eight cents per gallon, raise chases will be $40 million per year lished. Your input is valued and es - lion a year which is about the desk. I want to see the final bill be - than doing nothing. the excise tax on purchase of vehi - starting next year. Additionally, sential to the process. amount needed to keep our roads fore committing my vote. I really Thanks to those who give me cles, and allow counties and town - local governments will be allowed Thank you for allowing me to and bridges safe in the future. do not want to increase these taxes their thoughts through email or ships to raise property taxes. This to raise property taxes outside of serve you in the South Dakota Bill SB 1 takes codified law and but realize our Ag and Tourism in - phone messages. I try to respond is the Governor’s proposal for the property tax limitations for House of Representatives. Do not makes amendment to increase the dustries rely upon good roads and to everyone. My cell is 605-390- roads. roads. hesitate to contact me concerning excise tax from three percent to bridges and they will always need 2165 and email The Governor’s tax increase is This tax increase bill will raise any issue at any time at Rep.Rus - fixing. [email protected]. said to be the largest tax increase taxes in excess of $200 million per [email protected] or by calling the Another bill you may be follow - in the state’s history. At the end of year on the citizens of South House Lobby at 773-3851. MOVING? eight years, the gas taxes alone Dakota. Please notify the Pennington will be in excess of $100 million The House of Representatives County Courant with your change Wall Community Library of address two weeks before [email protected] moving, or as quckly as possible, so as not to miss a single issue. Wendy Brunnemann, free, so what are you waiting for? Library Director If you haven’t been to the library February is Library Lovers for a while you are missing out. Month! When you think on it, When we ask people what they there is so much about libraries to love about the Wall Community "6&--&44&