NEWELL-The June 9, 2025 Newell City Commissioners discussed several items ranging from building permits to new hires and community spirit.
Two part-time people have been hired to take care of city maintenance with the loss of City Foreman Verl Tifft. Commissioner Josh Mackaben said that the men were going “above and beyond” their duties.
As wages were discussed for future hires, most of the commission felt the need to have a fair wage as noted by Mayor Tennis.
“We need to figure something out for the future,” said Mackaben.
It was decided that a beginning wage would be offered at $18/hour. As noted by the Mayor, the consensus was that it seemed to be fair as an opening offer.
A building permit and approval for the combination of lots was approved. Lots for 116 and 122 4th Street were voted to combine in order to have one address.
A building permit was also granted for the home to be built by Brian and Elfa Trimble. It was necessary for the commissioners to approve the combination in order to receive the correct 911 address.
Another building permit was granted for 801 Bernaud Ave. for storage.
A student working his way through college approached the commissioners to explain his internship with Southwestern Advantage. He is working his way through college to earn a major in Business Administration. Kristops Rupmanis, from Lativa, is selling books and delivering them to households throughout western South Dakota. As he displayed the books he is selling, he explained the importance of teaching children from pre-school through high school the basics of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Rupmanis has sold books in Belle Fourche, Summerset, Custer, Hot Springs and several other areas. He plans to also go north to Lemmon and that area.
The commissioners voted to approve his Peddlers License. The cost of a license is $50 and necessary for anyone selling in the Newell area.
Permission was granted for two tractor pulls in the Newell area. The first one will be August 31, during Labor Day weekend. The second will be September 13.
Randy Vaughn, from Randy Vaughn Plumbing and Heating, will be working on the interior sewer line at the city shop.
The commissioners were excited to promote spirit by giving the nod to implementing a “Yard of the Month.”
During Citizen’s Comments a citizen gave her comments about rumors around the town. She said that she is “sick of hearing” them and that it “needs to stop.” She added that she expects the council to be objective and have no personal agendas.
Another citizen took the time to further explain a situation that had occurred last month. He said that the council had not been voted in “to do personal vendettas.”
It was noted that there has been some vandalism at Hope Cemetery. Several headstones have been vandlised.
Mayor Tennis noted that the Lions Club and some students have been cleaning ditches.
The next regular Newell Commission meeting will be July 14 at 5 p.m. in the City Offices on Third Street.
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