MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Ward One Councilman Dan Sabers has been elected to his third term and says that supporting Main Street and Beyond is a priority. He says the Corn Palace is the “face” of Mitchell as is Main Street itself so that the look and refurbishment of both the Main Street corridor and the Corn Palace is important for tourism and potential business recruitment. He also is looking forward to completing the lake project now that citizens have approved it at the polls.
Ward Two Councilman Kevin McCardle was elected to his third term and indicated that public safety is the first priority. McCardle says that without public safety not much else matters to the quality of life of residents. The maintenance of infrastructure and infrastructure development are important priorities for citizens’ quality of life as well, according to McCardle. Pursuing a secondary water source is vital for continued business expansion and to satisfy consumer needs. More housing stock must be available to purchase, McCardle says that people who purchase homes become longtime residents as opposed to those who rent and have fewer ties to the community. He also indicated that the interior of the Corn Palace (seats especially) needs attention.
Ward Three Councilman Marty Barrington was unopposed in his election and won a seventh term on the Council. Barrington wants to see the lake project come to fruition and restore Mitchell’s business and restaurant environment to pre-Covid health. He says the City has a role in that endeavor in partnership with individuals and the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce.
Ward Four Councilman Jeff Smith was re-elected to a seventh term on the City Council. Smith says it’s important to follow through and complete the lake project now that the voters have spoken. He says the interior of the Corn Palace needs work and the community needs to decide on whether or not the facility needs to be enlarged or stay the same size with some facelifts. Smith says it may be time for a second fire station to reduce response times and keep fire insurance rates in check. He says the continued development of housing stock is a must as well as maintaining and expanding the system of bike trails in and around Mitchell. In addition, Smith feels that the field at Cadwell needs work and that the fence surrounding the main ballpark needs replacement.