October 7, 2025
STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
October 7, 2025
The regular meeting of the Stanley County Commission was called to order at 5:00 P.M. (CT) by Chairman Craig Heller with Commissioners Mike Kenzy, Dana Iversen, Sonny Harrowa and Gary Grittner. Also present was State’s Attorney Tom P. Maher, Treasurer Bill Konst, Deputy Director of Equalization Jodi Bothwell, Highway Superintendent Lee Smith, Deputy Hughes/Stanley County Emergency Management Nick Dooley, 4-H Educator Michelle Barrett, Central SD Enhancement District David Reiss, Bob Stoeser, Alan Anker, Brad Drake, Sharon Anker, Sandie Drake, Mike McQuistion, Raymond Tibbs, Darla Tibbs, Don Kirkpatrick, Lura Kirkpatrick, Levi Tibbs, Tanya Heller, Erik Nelson, Larry McQuistion, Chris Hatheway, Fort Pierre National Grasslands Dan Svingen, Harley Moser, Shane Kramme, Chief Deputy Sheriff Greg Swanson, and Auditor Philena Burtch. The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA: Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Agenda. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
MINUTES: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve September 2, 2025, Minutes and September 18, 2025, Minutes. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Commissioner Grittner recused himself from Review & Approve Claims, as one of the Claims is for Grittner for coroner training
Review & Approve Claims: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Dana Iversen, to approve Claims as presented. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
AIRTECH HEATING & COOLING INC 220.00 GOV BLDG MAINT
AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE INC 4035.85 SEPTEMBER SUBSIDY BILLING
ANIMAL CLINIC OF PIERRE 72.00 DOG POUND
ARAMARK 236.46 R&B MAINT
AT&T MOBILITY 424.43 CELL PHONES
AVERA MEDICAL GRP PIERRE 88.82 MEDICAL CARE
JODI BOTHWELL 529.74 DOE ANNUAL ASSESSOR SCHOOL/SUP
MARY BUCHHOLZ 58.67 MV OVERPAYMENT
BUTLER MACHINERY CO 1252.20 R&B SUPPL-L1
SHALEE CAMPBELL 180.68 OVERPAID MV
CAPITAL AREA COUNSELING INC 1645.00 AUGUST MCR
CAPITAL AREA REFUSE LLC 368.27 GOV BLDG/FRGRNDS TRASH BILLING
CELERITY INTERNET 146.89 FRGRNDS WIFI
CENTRAL CULVERT SUPPLY 432.00 R&B SUPPL
CENTURY BUSINESS PRODUCTS 511.07 OFFICE COPIER LEASE & COPIES
CENTURYLINK 85.28 4 CORNERS REPEATER
CHOLIK SIGNS 780.00 GOV BLDG - SHERIFF'S OFFICE
CHRISTY LUMBER 459.70 FRGRNDS REPAIR & MAINT
CLEARFLY 364.78 OFFICE PHONES
COLUMN SOFTWARE PBC 656.30 MINS/5YR R&B/ORDNC/PLAT/PROV
COMMTECH INC 5425.74 GOV BLDG MAINT
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER INC 960.00 R&B ANNUAL TOWR LEASE 24/25
COMMUNITY YOUTH INVOLVED INC 2083.34 OCTOBER SUPPORT
SARA COMP 120.00 4H FINALS STALL REFUND
COWBOY COUNTRY STORES 189.31 GOV BLDG/DOE FUEL
CROSSROADS TRAILER SALES-SF 110.60 R&B SUPPL - T3
CROSSWORX SOLUTIONS LLC 1339.00 R&B REPAIR/SUPPL-L1
DAKOTA DATA SHRED 55.67 AUD MAINT
JLF ENTERPRISES INC 46.87 FRGRNDS
DON'S SINCLAIR 13063.50 R&B OFF ROAD DIESEL
JOHN DUFFY 80.00 CH SHOP LOT RENT
FLEET SERVICES 1482.03 R&B/FRGRNDS FUEL
FLOYD'S KUBOTA 5270.00 FRGRNDS RENTAL TRACTOR
FLOYD'S TRUCK CENTER 447.82 R&B SUPPL-T3
FORT PIERRE FIRE DEPT 20000.00 4TH QTR SUPPORT
FORT PIERRE CITY 12905.97 DUE TO CITY OF FORT PIERRE
FORT PIERRE CITY 68.94 EXT COPIER LEASE & COPIES
FORT PIERRE CITY 3290.56 UTILITIES
FOUR CORNERS FIRE DEPTMENT 5625.00 4TH QTR SUPPORT
GOLDEN WEST TELECOMMUNICATIONS 200.00 E-911
GRAHAM TIRE COMPANY 67.50 R&B REPAIR/SUPPL-G6A/G5
GREAT PLAINS OUTDOOR POWER 483.96 GOV BLDG EQUIP
GARY GRITTNER 150.00 CORORNER TRAINING REIMB
GROSSENBURG IMPLEMENT OF PIERR 1720.14 R&B SUPPL-G7/M5/G6/JD932
GUNDERSON PALMER NELSON & 36.00 MENTAL ILLNESS BOARD
HOGEN'S HARDWARE HANK 57.50 R&B SUPPL
HOLIDAY INN CITY CENTRE SF 695.00 DOE ANNUAL ASSESSOR SCHOOL
CODY L HONEYWELL 2568.00 CRT APPT ATTRNY
HUGHES COUNTY FINANCE OFFICE 16590.00 AUGUST JAIL/JUV BILL
HUGHES COUNTY JAIL 1231.78 MEDICAL CARE
JOHNSON CONTROLS 6061.93 CH BLDG REPAIR & MAINT
LAWSON PRODUCTS INC 324.37 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
LEWIS & CLARK BHS 225.00 MENTAL ILLNESS
LINCOLN COUNTY 218.67 MENTAL ILLNESS
BRENDA LOUNSBURY 660.00 JULY/AUGUST BLOOD TESTS
THOMAS P MAHER 58.23 SEPTEMBER EXPENSES
MCLEOD'S PRINTING & OFFICE SUP 139.90 ROD SUPPL
MENARDS - PIERRE 41.93 GOV BLDG SUPPL
MG OIL COMPANY 447.76 R&B GREASE
MICROFILM IMAGING SYSTEMS INC 395.00 ROD EQUIP RENTAL
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 178.44 R&B PHONE & INTERNET
MIDCONTINENT COMMUNICATION 278.43 OFFICE INTERNET
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 25.58 R&B NATURAL GAS
MONTANA-DAKOTA UTILITIES CO 103.62 CH BLDG/FRGRNDS NATURAL GAS
PITNEY BOWES 235.84 POSTAGE
PITNEY BOWES INC 74.87 POSTAGE PURCHASE POWER
POWERPLAN BF 5561.19 R&B REPAIR/SUPPL-G6/G5
QUILL CORPORATION 1636.09 OFFICE SUPPL
RITER ROGERS WATTIER & 876.00 CRT APPT ATTRNY
ROBINS WATER CONDITIONING INC 12.00 R&B SUPPL
ROCKMOUNT RESEARCH & ALLOYS 4108.56 R&B MAINT/SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 333.90 R&B SUPPL
RUNNINGS SUPPLY INC 136.06 FRGRNDS MAINT
STANLEY COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT 49566.84 4TH QTR SUPPORT
STANLEY COUNTY SCHOOL DIST 32140.35 DUE TO SC SCHOOL
JOAN BOOS SCHUELLER 1032.00 CRT APPT ATTRNY
SD DEPTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 1395.00 R&B 2025 BRIDGE INSPECTIONS
SD DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 1774.44 4TH QTR COUNTY HEALTH NURSE
SD DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE 93428.27 MV/VITALS/MENTAL ILLNESS
SD PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY 800.00 BLOOD TESTS
SD ASSN OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER 2204.00 4TH QTR CLERP
SD ASSN OF COUNTY OFFICIALS 176.00 ROD M/P FUND
SDSU EXTENSION 7683.34 4H EDUCATOR
SD LTAP 125.00 R&B ANNUAL ROAD CONF
SECURITY LOCK SERVICE 266.36 GOV BLDG MAINT
SERVALL UNIFORM/LINEN CO 307.03 GOV BLDG SUPPL
SHARPE RENTALS INC 200.00 FRGRNDS RENTAL EQUIP
BONNIE SIVAGE 48.85 MV OVERPAYMENT
STATE SUPPLY COMPANY 293.55 GOV BLDG SUPPL
K THOMPSON LAW PROF LLC 5727.32 CRT APPT ATTRNY JUV
TITAN MACHINERY 270.00 GOV BLDG SUPPL
TWIN CITY FILTER SERVICE INC 194.43 GOV BLDG SUPPL
TWOTREES TECHNOLOGIES 1004.10 SRVR MAINT
VERENDRYE MUSEUM 875.00 4TH QTR SUPPORT
WHEELHOUSE PLUMBING INC 223.50 FRGRNDS REPAIR & MAINT
WIND CIRCLE NETWORK INC 199.98 R&B MAINT
WW TIRE SERVICE INC 402.00 R&B REPAIR/SUPPL-T3
WW TIRE SERVICE INC 39.76 GOV BLDG REPAIR
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 3.99 R&B SUPPL
ZANDER AUTO PARTS 118.51 FRGRNDS MAINT
Conflict of Interest Declaration: No Conflict of Interest was declared.
Treasurer Report: Treasurer Bill Konst informed the Commission of interest earned for September 2025 is $9,554.04, Wheel Tax collection is $11,423.63, and delinquent taxes to be collected is $35,344.05.
Auditor Report: Auditor Philena Burtch presented the Commissioners with the Budget Expenditure Report showing each department’s expenses as of August 31, 2025, and Outstanding Disbursements as of October 7, 2025.
SALARIES BY OFFICE: Commissioners - $3,754.56; Auditor - $3,367.90; Treasurer - $5,756.83; States Attorney - $11,548.05; Custodial - $2,725.72; Director of Equalization - $2,652.65; Register of Deeds - $3,985.39; Road & Bridge - $27,282.51; Weed & Pest - $462.26; Fairgrounds - $6,861.05; Extension - $1,337.02; Planning & Zoning - $190.24; Employee Health Insurance - $20,268.25; SD Retirement System, withheld and match - $11,776.98; Electronic Transfer; FICA, Medicare and Withholding Tax - $21,515.45.
Register of Deeds:
Regular Fees September 2025 - $1,693.70
Transfer Fees September 2025 - $2,209.00
4-H Educator: Michelle Barrett introduced herself as the new 4-H Educator for Hughes and Stanley County. Michelle stated that she will be working with the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Gold Program and visiting the schools to talk about all the positive aspects 4-H has to offer. Michelle is excited to work with everyone.
Deputy Director of Equalization – Resolution 2025-16: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Resolution 2025-16 Plat of Scott Tract 1. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
RESOLUTION 2025-16
PLAT OF SCOTT TRACT 1, A SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 21 TOWNSHIP 109 NORTH, RANGE 79 WEST OF THE FIFTH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, STANLEY COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PLAT OF SCOTT TRACT 1, a subdivision of the Southeast Quarter of Section 21, Township 109, North, Range 79 West of the Fifth Principal Meridian, STANLEY COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA
WHEREAS, the plat of the above-described property has been executed according to statute, now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the County Commission, in and for Stanley County, does hereby approve the said Plat of Scott Tract 1, a subdivision of the SE1/4 of Section 21, Township 109 North, Range 79 West of the F.P.M., Stanley County, South Dakota.
Dated this 7th day of October, 2025.
Board of Stanley County Commissioners
Craig Heller, Chairman
I, Philena Burtch, Auditor of Stanley County, do hereby certify that at an official meeting on October 7, 2025, the County Commissioners did by resolution approve Plat of Scott Tract 1, a subdivision of the SE1/4 of Section 21, Township 109 North, Range 79 West of the Fifth Principal Meridian, Stanley County, South Dakota.
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor
Ordinance 2025-01 – Stanley County Wind Energy Systems Ordinance – First Reading: Deputy Director of Equalization Jodi Bothwell read Ordinance 2025-01 – Stanley County Wind Energy Systems Ordinance. Jodi explained that the County received a written submission from Center for Rural Affairs. After a long discussion with many comments, the Commission stated that any suggests should be submitted to the Director of Equalization office, in writing by 5:00 P.M. October 14, 2025. The Ordinance will go back to the Planning & Zoning Board to review the suggestions and do their due diligence to research, rewrite and then resubmit to the Commissioners for another First Reading. We need to do what makes sense, and for the betterment of the county.
War Creek Road: Chris Hatheway informed the Commission that the cattleguards on War Creek Road are in bad condition. There are metal parts sticking up. Dan Svingen, with Fort Pierre National Grasslands, explained that there are Grants to improve access to the National Grasslands. Dan explained that in the first six miles of War Creek Road there are six cattleguards, there are two on Military Place Road and one on a private road. One solution is to put up double fence in some of those areas to eliminate some cattleguards. A road way agreement between Stanley County and the Fort Pierre National Grasslands will allow everyone to work together to maintain the roads going into the National Grasslands. Dan informed the commission about a Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) to improve access to federal lands, the application is due by October 31, 2025.
Highway Department: Lee Smith presented the Commission with a report of work performed by the Highway Department for the month of September 2025, which consists of work on South Brown Church Road culvert, fill washout on Don Kirkpatrick road, Sivage Farms road, Clint Caldwell road, Bad River Road, Art Bergeson road, Hayes Road, Gaylor Norman road, Cheyenne School road, Max Jones road, War Creek Road, and Soldier Road, fill washouts at bridge ends on Teton Bridge, Reuer Bridge, Lance Creek Bridge, Tomahawk Bridge and Plum Creek Bridge, check roads/flood control, hauling gravel, blading, mowing, service and maintain equipment.
Tractor: Lee Smith informed the Commission that he would like to purchase a tractor to pull the scraper. He would like to make a payment this year, one in 2026 with the last payment in 2027. It will cost $2,800.00 to have the 50,000 lbs. tractor delivered to the shop. Lee stated that the tractor/scraper will be used to clean out ditches and build up parts of Bad River Road.
Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Gary Grittner, to purchase the tractor in the amount of $135,000.00. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
County Shop Roof: Lee Smith explained that the county shop needs a new roof. The roof was damaged by the hail storm. Auditor Burtch informed the board that an insurance claim has been filed, the adjuster has inspected the roof, and we have been waiting for bids.
Five-Year County Highway and Bridge Improvement Transportation Plan: Having no public comment and no opposition, Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve Stanley County Five-Year County Highway and Bridge Improvement Transportation Plan as presented. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Bad River Road State Bridge Project BRF 6450(00)-Powell Creek Bridge:
Utilities Certificate: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Utilities Certificate for Project Number BRF 6450(00) PCN 08RR. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Right-of-Way Certificate: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve Right-of-Way Certificate for Project Number BRF 6450(00), County Stanley, PCN 08RR Bridge Improvement Grant Project. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
City of Fort Pierre – Grandstand Storage Rental: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Mike Kenzy, to approve Rental Agreement for City of Fort Pierre to rent under the Grandstands, November 1, 2025 through April 20, 2026, at $1,500.00 per month. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Round Hay Bales Bid Opening: Motion by Sonny Harrowa, second by Gary Grittner, to award the Round Hay Bales Bid to Bill Konst in the amount of $4.00 per bale, the bales must be removed from County property by November 7, 2025. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Emergency Management & Disaster Liaison Appointment: Deputy Emergency Manager Nick Dooley explained that AJ Rounds has resigned his position as Emergency Manager effective September 30, 2025, however, Nick will still be half-time Deputy Emergency Manager. Nick has been working with Motorola to get the 4 Corners repeater fixed. Nick received some radios for the Fort Pierre Fire Department.
Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Sonny Harrowa, to appoint Dustin Baxter as the Stanley County Emergency Management & Disaster Liaison. The Stanley County Emergency Management & Disaster Liaison serves as the primary point of contact between Stanley County and the Hughes/Stanley County Emergency Management team. This role is responsible for enhancing emergency preparedness, coordinating crisis response efforts, and ensuring seamless communication between county departments, local government entities, and external agencies during both planning and incident phases. Effective October 7, 2025. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Resolution 2025-17 – Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans: Motion by Gary Grittner, second by Dana Iversen, to approve Resolution 2025-17 Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Resolution 2025-17
Supporting Operation Green Light for Veterans
WHEREAS, the residents of Stanley County have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, the contributions and sacrifices of those who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and
WHEREAS, Stanley County seeks to honor individuals who have made countless sacrifices for freedom by placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and
WHEREAS, veterans continue to serve our community in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, religious groups, civil service, and by functioning as County Veterans Service Officers in 29 states to help fellow former service members access more than $52 billion in federal health, disability and compensation benefits each year; and
WHEREAS, approximately 200,000 service members transition to civilian communities annually; and an estimated 20 percent increase of service members will transition to civilian life in the near future; and
WHEREAS, studies indicate that 44-72 percent of service members experience high levels of stress during transition from military to civilian life; and
WHEREAS, active military service members transitioning from military service are at a high risk for suicide during their first year after military service; and
WHEREAS, the National Association of Counties encourages all counties, parishes, and boroughs to recognize Operation Green Light for Veterans; and
WHEREAS, the Stanley County appreciates the sacrifices of our United States military personnel and believes specific recognition should be granted;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, with designation as a Green Light for Veterans County, Stanley County hereby declares from November 4-11, 2025, as a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform transitioning from active service; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in observance of Operation Green Light, Stanley County encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 4-11, 2025.
Dated this 7th day of October 2025
Craig Heller, Chairman
Stanley County Commission
ATTEST:
Philena Burtch, Auditor
Staney County, South Dakota
Abatement Record #300011: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Gary Grittner, to approve Abatement request for Record #300011, 2014 Pay 2015, in the amount of $47.21, plus interest, as this mobile home number no longer exists, it has been assigned a new RE record number. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Courthouse Security Camera System Upgrade: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Gary Grittner, to approve the purchase and installation of courthouse security camera system upgrade from the lowest bidder, not to exceed $7,631. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Firewall Upgrade: Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Sonny Harrowa, to approve Firewall 2-Year Secure upgrade from Twotrees Technologies, not to exceed $2,036.00. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Website Domain Upgrade: Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time project. SecureSD and its partners are diligently exploring new ways to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of our cities, counties, and municipalities. As part of the process, Motion by Dana Iversen, second by Gary Grittner, to approve to work with Factor360 and SecureSD to upgrade the County Website to a more secure service, upgrading from stanleycounty.org to StanleyCountySD.gov, at zero cost to the County. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
Adjourn: Motion by Mike Kenzy, second by Dana Iversen, to adjourn at 7:43 P.M. All voted Aye. Motion Carried.
ATTEST: BOARD OF STANLEY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(SEAL)
Philena Burtch, Auditor Craig Heller, Chairman