Dave Baumeister | County Correspondent
SIOUX FALLS – Minnehaha County Commissioners, wary of dry, windy conditions, enacted a burn ban at Tuesday’s meeting for unincorporated areas of the county.
Last week, Emergency Management Director Jason Gearman told commissioners that his office was working on drafting a ban resolution, which he presented Oct. 13.
While the ban mainly deals with open burning, such as ditches, tree groves, etc., it also applies to any burning done – even in a container – where flames or sparks might escape.
Maggie Gillespie of the State’s Attorney’s office pointed out the various issues with a burn ban.
Although it is not intended to affect people with fire pits and burn barrels, the ban does put the onus on people doing the burning to constantly supervise fires in containers.
The ban is effective immediately and will stay in effect until commission Chair Jean Bender and Gearman decide it is safe to lift.
Fair numbers down
During the meeting, Sioux Empire Fair Manager Scott Wick gave his final report on the 81st annual fair held in August.
Overall, Wick said, fair attendance was down 31%, even though his office had budgeted for a 50% decrease.
On the fair’s books, the net loss in revenue was just under $29,000, according to Wick, but he felt with the increased tax revenue in Sioux Falls, as well as other increased business from fair-goers, this year’s fair still made a positive financial impact on the area.
Auditor’s position
Bender also reported that the position of acting Minnehaha County Auditor has been posted on the county’s website (www.governmentjobs.com/careers/minnehaha?) and will be up until Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Whoever is hired will fill this position until a new auditor is elected in November 2022.
The current auditor, Bob Litz, put in his resignation at the Oct. 6 commission meeting. That resignation becomes effective on Dec. 31.
Commission meetings are held every Tuesday at 9 a.m. on the second floor of the Minnehaha County Administration Building at 6th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls.
Public comment is always encouraged, but people attending are reminded that social distancing guidelines limit how many people are allowed in the meeting room at one time.
