BELLE FOURCHE–The Belle Fourche City Council held its first meeting of the month on Tuesday, September 2.
In the Mayor’s Report, Mayor Randy Schmidt acknowledged the resignation of Ward 2 Councilperson Pam Somervold. There was no community input at this meeting.
The Library Board reported that library circulation for the month of August was 4,353 items, reflecting strong summer usage.
Upcoming events include Story Time scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 at 10:30 a.m., and the Wild Rose Traveling Art Shop on Saturday, September 27 at 10 a.m., where participants will create wooden bookmarks.
Bronc Bingo is currently in progress and will continue through December. The memorial plaque for library donations has reached capacity, and a new plaque will be ordered. September is recognized as Library Card Sign-Up Month.
The Museum & Visitor Center reported that in August, the facility welcomed 3,533 visitors an increase of 1,330 from August 2024 with guests from 49 states and Washington, D.C., and international visitors from 12 countries.
Programs included the First Saturday Brunch with 47 attendees, Family Fun Day on goats with 21 attendees, the 1903 Reader’s Theatre with 141 attendees, five bus tours, the Heroes Ride, the Deaf Riders Group, Hometown Thursdays, and a Disc Golf Tournament with 43 attendees. Upcoming events are the September 6 First Saturday Brunch with Katie Anderson, the “Oh, Rats” mini exhibit opening September 20, and the “Cookie Jar Tea” on September 27, with 12 table hostesses and tickets available for $20.
Parks & Recreation reported that the Rec Center introduced Joshua Abraham as the new Operations Manager and Colin Kramer as the new Aquatics Manager. Summer activities concluded with the sand volleyball tournament, the Sunrise on State Run with 54 participants, a Cirque performance with 70 attendees, and a youth event with Connections Church.
Upcoming events include hosting a Rapid City school and the National Guard on September 12, along with the start of fall programming featuring women’s volleyball, girls’ basketball, and the annual Spooktacular event.
A budget meeting will be held on September 11 at 5 p.m.
City Administrator LaFayette reported that Butte County will use the council chamber for court proceedings on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays beginning October 1, 2025, for approximately eight weeks due to courthouse remodeling.
City project updates include installation of the Pitless Unit, approval of the well house design with bidding expected later this month, the skate park remaining on schedule with concrete work underway, completion of underground utilities on 12th Avenue with asphalt placement in progress, 11th Avenue water scheduled for completion this fall and sewer scheduled for completion in the spring, landfill scale construction continuing for a second exit, and the Xavier Street Sewer Replacement Project, currently advertised for bid.
Fall improvements include new merry-go-rounds at Herman and Jones Parks, a gaga ball pit at Eagle Park, river walk panel replacements, and installation of new solar lighting.
The next Council meeting will be held on Sept. 15 at 6 p.m.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
