Tyndall, SD

Ron Wagner explaining the economic development plan.

Some of the people who enjoyed the evening.

A cake to celebrate our progress so far.

The Tyndall Horizon’s team hosted a public meeting at the Cavalier Corner on Sunday Nov. 18 to discuss the projects and the steps needed to finish the Horizon projects. Several speakers reintroduced their projects, spoke on the status of the project, and gave credit to the people who have been working on each project. An opportunity was given for anyone who wished to volunteer for a project to sign up for that project and could speak with each chairman about what needed to be done.

The Bon Homme middle school students have enjoyed the Cavalier Corner at their first dance of the season.  It was great to see the kids out having fun.  It was a place that was theirs for the evening.

The Cavalier Corner have begun the 1st annual fund raising drive to pay for capital investments at the activity center. With Christmas just around the corner, letters were mailed out to the personal of the local communities asking for donations to help reduce the $25,000 capital investment. Donations of all sizes have been coming in for the past 3 weeks and we hope it will continue. It is surprising the people who are willing to donate for something for the youth of the community. Many of the senior citizens of the community see the need for the center and are coming forth with donations of all sizes.

What would you think if someone asked you to stop in to their insurance business and discuss “Do I have a deal for you? I had no idea what Jim Koenig wanted to discuss with me, but it was one of the stops that you are glad you did. He wanted to know if we could get business people in the local communities to donate money to the Cavalier Corner, our youth activity center. For every dollar we have donated, he will match it up to $10,000! It will be spread over 5 years which will give us $2,000 a year for expenses. SANTA IS ALIVE! It gives you a warm feeling knowing that people do care about the youth of their community and are willing to put forth an effort for other businesses to become involved.

Since Horizons began, it seems like more people in the community are aware of the need to help those who are disadvantaged, especially now during the holidays.There already is an existing culture here in Tyndall of helping those who need help, but sometimes there are a few who slip through the cracks and don’t know where to go for assistance.  The establishment of the Bargain Shoppe, for an example, is one big way to provide assistance for those who need to spend less, and also for those who just want a good bargain.  Right now, the Shoppe committee is working on getting the word out.  A flag has been placed by the door to alert people that they are open for business and also an ad and flyers have gone out to the communities surrounding. Now the goal is to get the word out farther.   I think this new endeavor is a huge commitment by the Horizons volunteers who started it and with the support of the Cavalier Corner and the City of Tyndall it will help reduce poverty in our area and show that we mean business. What do you think? Let us know.

If  you are reading the Tyndall blog site for the first time, welcome!!!   An article about the blog will appear in the Wednesday, Dec. 5 issue of the Tyndall Tribune & Register detailing the blog and how to use it.   I would encourage anyone who has not done so, to go to the Armour blog site and read what one person posted about leadership, Horizons,  and how customer service  is related to it.  During the holidays, our small communities need to practice great customer service, because the big box stores cannot brag about customer service!

One of our questions we are to address is ” in what ways has this community’s knowledge about leadership changed? How do you know?” Personally, I think those who participated in the Horizon process are recognizing leadership qualities about themselves and others when they might not have paid much attention to it before. It is recognizable in a heartbeat.  We can see it in the volunteers who have come forward and signed up to volunteer either at the Cavalier Corner or at the Bargain Shoppe so that it can get ” off the ground.” I am sure there are other areas in which volunteers have stepped forward quietly to lend a hand.   Do you have ideas on how to improve and how to involve the younger generation more?   If you have thoughts on this give us a comment back!

As one of the Horizon projects, the Bargain Shoppe has opened in Tyndall.  The shop will provide all types of articles needed by individuals in the community.  All items to be sold have been donated.  There are many items and a variety of items to pick from such as computer desks, booths, washer-dryer, clothes, shoes, boots, Christmas decorations, etc.  The store is being staffed by volunteers and had a successful opening on Saturday.  You should come in and see what it is all about.  If you have any items to donate please contact LeAnn Kniffen or Marilyn Stone.

The profit from the shop will be used throughout the community on other projects or charities.

The City of Tyndall did a great job in getting old tires removed by providing a free collection for the tires.  People placed their tires in the city trucks placed next to the municipal building.  The tires will be transported to a tire collection company in Groton.  The funding was partly provided by a grant the City had recieved.

Parents and patrons of school districts  are urged to talk to your legislators to fight for your schools.  A time to visit with the Dist. 19 legislators will be at a regional meeting set for Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 7 P.M. in the Tripp school auditorium.  Everyone is encouraged to talk with Senator Frank Kloucek, Representative Gary Jerke and Representative Jim Putnam and voice your concerns on education funding and ask them to fight for your schools. 

USDA Rural Development in South Dakota awarded a $61,800 loan and $10,900 grant to the City of Tyndall to purchase a building and renovate it for a youth center.

More on this to come including pictures.