Welcome to Highmore

City News

March 18, 2003

What has happened in the city lately.
All of this information has been in the paper at one time or another in the minutes, but we realize that not everyone reads those and we are going try and keep you regularly updated as to what is happening in your city. If you don't have the facts you are left to listen to rumors which may or may not be true or may or may not be complete. It is our responsibility to see that you have the whole story.

We are happy to note that 75% of pastdue water bills have been collected. Thank you to all who did your part in catching up.

The City recently purchased a new garbage truck. The previous truck was costing more for repairs than the new one is costing in payments, plus the dollars saved on improved gas mileage.

The Lagoon project is now finished and up to state regulations. This allowed us to go ahead and apply for CDBG grant which will enable us to finish the storm sewer project,on the east side of town, to get everything to a place where we can finish the streets. We know this is a concern to the whole community and we want it done as soon as possible too. We are meeting with the DOT for their pre-construction meeting to asphalt the the streets where curb and cutter have been placed.

I am sure you have all noticed the improvements with the Governors' clean up campaign, it enabled us to remove many structures that needed to go. Structures were removed and property cleaned up. Our city & county crews did a great job. As a council we have been working where ever possible with the county,sharing costs and helping each other out. A prime example of this was when the East wing of the auditorium collapsed last summer.

When the East wing collapsed, we not only repaired it, but also re-enforced the center area of the Aud. and added a new roof. The cost was $57,000, each for city and county. A small price to pay for the safety of our community. We had many volunteerus,which we thank sincerly. Our thanks also for the help from individuals, businesses, and organizations that donated, for the airconditioner and other extra improvements to the east wing. The East wing is even better than before and an excellent place for meetings. Way to go Highmore. The Fire dept. and the Police dept. have received various grants that have helped in upgrading the safety of the community.

At the suggestion of the Central South Dakota Enhancement District the city sought and received a much coveted grant to improve the local airport. Many other communities applied as well but Highmore received over a million dollars for the project. The city is required to pay only 6% of the project. Right now the Airport brings $7500.00 per year in a lease agreement with Kroeplin Ag. There are many others who stand to benefit from a hard surface runway...Some possibilities that have been mentioned include cattle buyers, companies involved in the wind project, hunters,recreational pilots, and of course air ambulance in the event that it is needed. The funds come from the Federal Aviation Trust Fund. Every time a plane is fueled or an airline ticket is purchased, a portion goes to this fund to improve aviation safety. The upkeep on the airport is paid with the same formula. 90% Fed. 4% state and 6% Local. Any time you have an opportunity to buy a one hundred dollar item for six dollars you you have to at least look at it. We feel it is a good deal for our city. We will have a Public Meeting in the future to answer your questions.

We mentioned the streets earlier in this update and want to say again that we are working on getting them done. We have the whole town surveyed now so that part is done. The extra expense of the Lagoon project did set us back a bit, but we were under a court order to redo it. However, Now that we are in compliance we are able to and have applied for grants to put in storm sewer & drains on the east side. Then the streets can be done without looking at tearing them up again to put in sewer.

We have been active with the county commissioners and the rural utilities to help with taxiation reform for Floridia Power & Light to bring the wind farm to southern Hyde County. FP&L is coming with construction crews and 5 to 6 new jobs, the Farmers' Union 1/2 Million bushel grain elevaotor is now in the porcess of being constructed with 6 to 9 new jobs to our community.

We continue to pursue opportunities that will help everyone. New businesses that can help ease the tax burden by bringing more commerce and people to the town are on the way. The new elevator is going up on the east side. The Wind Energy project is moving forward as well. We are very glad that our Cattle Auction barn is back and running and we welcome all the new owners and businesses. And of course we continue to be thankful for all the business that have contributed to our communty all along.

We have a wonderful little town here. There are improvements that need to be made, but together we can get it done. Of course we need to recognize what needs to be done, but if that is all we focus on is what we do not have, we lose sight of the good that has been done.

We ask that you please feel free to call your council members or the mayor and ask the questions that you want answers for. What we can't answer we will find out for you. We also ask that you come to the meetings and share your ideas. Perhaps you know of something that will help the community. Maybe you know someone who is looking for a place to start a business or you have an idea that should be considered. We want to do whatever we can to improve this community and we need your help. We know we do not have all the answers, but we are doing our best, and with the help of everyone in the community we are working to provide a future for our children and comfortable, safe, and secure town for all of our citizens.

Sincerely,
The Highmore City Council

Written by Vikki Day, for the Highmore City Council