Plan unveiled for new VIC park
By Carol Walker In a few years the natural beauty surrounding the Visitor Information Center (VIC) could be enhanced with the addition of a waterfall, a fountain, picnic shelters, a handicapped fishing dock and a nature trail, according to Mike Verchio, who unveiled a plan at the Hill City Council meeting last week. VIC park committee members Verchio, Dale Kjerstad, Dennis Krull, Bobbi Tracy, Brenda Nolting and Jim Denevan have put together a five-year plan for the park aiming at a completion by 2018. Verchio presented a drawing created by a South Dakota State University (SDSU) landscape architect student under the direction of Dr. Martin Maca, a professor at SDSU. With donations for lodging and meals provided by Kim Benning, John Knapp, Doug Peters, Krull, Verchio and the VIC committee, 10 students and Maca traveled to Hill City to look at the land and water around the VIC and come up with a landscape design. Out of 10 drawings, one was selected and slightly modified by the VIC committee. An aerating fountain will be installed in the water, funded 80 percent by Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) through an urban fisheries matching grant with the Hill City Lions Club donating the remaining 20 percent. Funding for the waterfall, which is the committee’s signature project, will come from the Alexander family in memory of Roy Alexander. Funds will need to be raised for another GFP matching trails grant and for trail signage, picnic shelters and tables. “There will be zero expense to the city, outside of about $500 to put together materials to go out do some fundraising,” said Verchio. He assured the council that any construction projects undertaken by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) museum would stand alone, funded and maintained by the museum’s non-profit group. Although Verchio indicated the committee would like to see the concept for the VIC park fly just as it is, Brett McMacken, city administrator, expressed caution. He wants to make sure this fits with the overall plan for the city. “I would like to chat with you guys, soon. There is a lot going on here and it is a lot to digest in one meeting. I can see us providing the seed money, but we need to figure out how we are going to navigate through the entire project,” said McMacken. Available only in the print version of the Hill City Prevailer, to subscribe call 605.574.2538.
Read more...Five-person board hits another snag
By Bev Pechan Old habits die hard in Keystone. Just as the second reading for the establishment of a five-person board was read and trustee David Cofoid asked for a motion to approve with trustee Sandi McLain seconding, late objections from the audience stopped that vote from being completed. Prior to Cofoid’s motion to approve, discussion on Ordinance 30.01 was amended to include that of the two-new trustees added, one serving a one-year term and the other a three-year term for better transitioning. Before the amended proposal was voted on, however, Trinity Rapp asked if Keystone was really ready for a five-person board. She was backed by Cal Loock, who expressed concerns about additional cost and informed the board that he has heard rumors that approving the measure would result in a referendum. Jacob Rapp offered that the town currently has a strong board as it is. Cofoid’s long-standing argument has been that it is very difficult to do the city’s business with only three persons, as two represent a quorum which makes it illegal to discuss any city problems or solution as they arise. Jerry Przybylski, public works, agreed. He said he can’t even pass along an idea for feedback or get approval on an item or emergency solution without bringing it before the entire board at one of their twice-monthly meetings. Loock thought perhaps the town was moving too quickly in this direction and should give it more thought. He was reminded that a five-person board was first discussed at Keystone’s incorporation in 1972 and that it was 40 years ago with the matter still not resolved. Available only in the print version of the Hill City Prevailer, to subscribe call 605.574.2538.
Read more...Rangers qualify for state meet
Students learn consequences
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Rangers graduate Saturday
By Mitzi Moore Forty-one Hill City High School seniors will receive their high school diplomas at commencement exercises Sunday, May 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the amphitheatre at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Valedictorian Jesus Meza and Salutatorian Kylie Steever will speak to the 91st graduating class, with Kendra McLaughlin giving a prayer and Lucas Brist and Sayge Wooldridge giving closing benediction. Other speakers at the ceremony will be Hill City superintendent Mike Hanson and high school principal Todd Satter. Many seniors are looking forward to graduation, including McLaughlin. “I’m looking forward to being done with high school so I can do new things,” she said. McLaughlin will attend the University of Sioux Falls where she will take nursing classes and play basketball. Wooldridge will attend the University of Minnesota at Morris where she will major in biology. “I’m looking forward to moving on from high school to college,” she said. The same for Kaitlynn Lagenbau, who will attend the School of Mines for an engineering degree. “I am looking forward to graduation and just being done,” she said. “I am looking forward to starting a new life.” “I’m not looking forward to the crowd,” Cory Neubert said. “I think just knowing high school is done is pretty cool.” Neubert will attend Sheridan Lake Community College and take welding classes. “I hope to get on the rigs in North Dakota or Wyoming and make money!” he said. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Cory Ginsbach Gymnasium in the high school.
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