BELLE FOURCHE— The City Council held a meeting on Wednesday, June 17. Mayor Randy Schmidt presented a Mental Health Proclamation, citing statistics for mental illnesses and suicide in America. “Every citizen and community can make a difference in helping end the silence and stigma that for too long has surrounded mental illness and discouraged people from getting help.” On behalf of Belle Fourche, the mayor proclaimed the week of June 17 as Mental Health Awareness week. The mayor also reported that there will be a State Bridge Naming Ceremony for the U.S. Army Sergeant Lelund M. Kahler on Wednesday, July 3 at 2 p.m. at the Rec Center in Belle Fourche. The US-85 bridge over the Belle Fourche River will be dedicated to Kahler.
During community input, Raymond Allen voiced concerns about the drainage at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Ziebach Street, willow trees obstructing the view while exiting Willow Estates, and the need to fix light poles. Additionally, he brought attention to a line-of-sight issue at the intersection of 13th Avenue and National Street, a hole in the asphalt by a drain on Dacar Street, and stagnant water in the culverts.
Kenny McFarland also spoke, stating that he found Resolution 28-2024, “A Resolution Creating Public Complaint Policy,” to be an insult to the citizens of Belle Fourche and to the board members. “We didn’t elect you to be told that we can’t talk to our own city councilmen or mayor,” he said. Resolution 28-2024 states that if a complaint is made directly to the Common Council as a whole or to an individual Common Council member, the complainant will be advised to take their concern to the appropriate Department Head. There was confusion about the wording of the resolution. No action was taken by the Council regarding Resolution 28-2024 during Wednesday’s meeting.
Hollie Stalder, Director of the Economic Development Department, highlighted key community developments including over $1 million in funding for local businesses and new ventures in the past decade, and housing projects with state infrastructure funding underway.
Councilperson Tricia Fowler announced that the library will host Trent Preszler, author of Little and Often, will visit Belle Fourche Public Library on Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. His book is the 2024 #1 Book in South Dakota. Additionally, the library will host the Black Hills Roundup Visiting Rodeo Queens for readings and autograph sessions on Tuesday, July 2 at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
The Museum & Visitor Center board reported that in May, there were 1,593 visitors. The First Saturday Brunch on May 4 drew 46 attendees, and Family Fun Day on May 19 attracted 40 visitors. Recently, the museum hosted a kick-off event for SDPB Education’s initiative to install three learning centers in Belle Fourche, and Alyce Knigge’s Celebration of Life in late May was attended by 37 people, raising $1,800 for snacks and receiving a $1,000 donation from the Belle Fourche School Foundation for program materials.
Rec Center Director Jody Westberg announced the arrival of new exercise equipment: a set machine, stair stepper, and bicycle, all ready for use. Summer Rec activities have been successful, with 52 children participating in Story Time Yoga last Thursday, and an average of about 20 children attending each event. The pool is scheduled for a soft opening in early July, followed by a grand reopening later in the month.
There were public hearings for the transfer of two Alcoholic Beverage Licenses at the Mid-America travel center and a Use Permit Request for a daycare, applicant Teri Kraklow. All items were carried with no one in attendance for or against.
Regular agenda items included the approval for City of Belle Fourche departments that can be closed July 5, the closure of Sixth Ave. from State St. south to the railroad tracks for the Fourth of July carnival, and the payment of several invoices. All regular agenda items carried unanimously.
The next City Council meeting will be July 1, 2024.
Mayor Randy Schmidt presents a Mental Health Proclamation, declaring June 17, 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Week in Belle Fourche.
Heitz photo
