OCTOBER 13, 2023:
In what’s becoming somewhat of a revolving door this year (2023), a new auditor for Walworth County will start next week (Oct. 20).
At this week’s (Oct. 11, 2023) meeting, the County Commission approved the hiring of Kim Dills to replace Charity Pepin. Pepin took over the job from Deb Kahl.
However, the Auditor’s Office isn’t the only one in Walworth County butting heads with the commissioners. Also during this week’s meeting, Sheriff’s Department Deputies John Abshire and Talese Aucoin spoke about how they, and the department, are treated by the commission.
Abshire described a recent incident involving Commissioner Scott Schilling in the Glenham area.
Following Abshire’s comments was this exchange between the deputy and Commissioner Schilling.
Following comments from Deputy Aucoin, Schilling circled back to ask Deputy Abshire a question, prompting this exchange.
Audio of the entire exchange between the Walworth County deputies and the county commissioners during this week’s meeting can be found in this story on the News page at www.DRGnews.com.
Video of the Walworth County Commission meeting is available on the Walworth County, Selby SD Facebook page.
Audio of the deputies’ comments and verbal exchanges with the commissioners can be heard in the file below.
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OCTOBER 11, 2023:
At its meeting on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, the Walworth County Commission approved the hiring of a new county auditor and the resignation of current Auditor Charity Pepin. Kim Dills will take over the position of Walworth County Auditor on October 20th.
Deputy Sheriffs John Abshire and Talese Aucoin addressed the board concerning the the commission’s treatment of the sheriff’s department. Abshire described a recent incident involving Commissioner Scott Schilling in the Glenham area.
Commissioner Schilling responded.
Following the heated exchange, Commissioner Duane Mohr thanked both Abshire and Aucoin for their work in Walworth County.
Also at the meeting Wednesday…
Highway
- The commission approved a permit to Occupy Right of Way from Venture Communications and authorized the Highway Superintendent’s signature.
- A resolution was approved to lower the speed limit on the road by the Mobridge Water Plant from 35 to 20 mph.
- Another resolution passed to lower the speed limit to 25 mph on the road going east out of Hoven just north of the elevator.
- The Carton/Web Water request to open cut across a road was tabled until more information can be obtained regarding the need for the open cut.
Emergency Management
- Several travel requests for required trainings in Pierre for Emergency Manager Jeff Jensen were approved.
- Jensen talked to the board about a grant for the War Hawk District/Walworth County Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan. Jensen noted that it is needed in order to qualify for FEMA funding.
- Jensen also discussed entering into an agreement with the South Dakota Department of Transportation for 511 notifications, so that the state can be updated when the county has to close roads or send out advisories. Jensen says this could assist in getting the information out to more people.
Treasurer
- Walworth County Treasurer Cindy Geier talked about the accessibility of the Treasurer’s Office. She said elderly people having issues do not want to use the stair lift. Geier said her staff goes outside to help people in their vehicles if they are unable to get use the stairs. She also mentioned the option of switching offices with the State’s Attorney, which is on the first floor of the Courthouse. The custodian is looking into pricing for parts and/or repairs to the 18-year-old stair lift, and also the possibility of upgrading it.
- Decorated trees will be on display in the Courthouse from December 1st through January 1st.
Landfill
Commissioner Mohr told the board that the Landfill shop will replace old fluorescent light bulbs with LEDs this fall.
Video of Wednesday’s Walworth County Commission meeting is available to view on the County’s Facebook page. Search “Walworth County, Selby SD”.
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