Commission grants Glencoe liquor applications
License transfer passes on narrow margin
By Jason Gross, Meade County Times-Tribune staff | Thursday, June 18, 2009
STURGIS -- Meade County commissioners narrowly approved ownership transfer of beer and liquor licenses for a popular Sturgis motorcycle rally site Wednesday afternoon.
Approval of the liquor license gives Glencoe Entertainment LLC the authority to sell on Sundays. That license was transferred from Glencoe CampResort and Rock'N the Rally, a campground and amphitheater east of Sturgis.
Commissioners voted 3-2 to support the motions. Dayle Hammock, Robert Mallow and Gary Cammack favored the transfer. Alan Aker and Doreen Allison-Creed cast dissenting votes.
Aker said he opposed the licenses because some of the land encompassed in the use area is classified as agricultural. He cited the conflicts of commercial use in a designated agriculture setting at an earlier meeting.
"I had some people support the position I gave last time," Aker added. "Nobody tried to change my mind."
Aker earlier this month also expressed concern that the alcohol licenses covered 492 acres. He said he reconsidered and decided that approved applicants should be able to determine their business operations and that an entire property should be considered licensed as a bar.
Cammack said that the business already exists, and it does the same thing every year. He said that made the process straightforward for him.
"We were considering a transfer of a license," Cammack said, explaining his vote. "The considerations are character and location."
County personnel conducted background checks and did not report anything that merited blocking the new applicants from taking over the operation, he said.
Michelle Lamphere manages Glencoe's bar operation and said the food stand, pavilion and nearby patio will serve as on-site sale points. She said that an internal security and management plan will be implemented, and customer identifications will be checked.
In a separate application, the commission granted the retail on-off sale malt beverage application for Daly LLC & Hide Away Lounge near Sturgis.
Action on the license was tabled earlier this month because the business had not paid county property taxes. Auditor Lisa Schieffer said the taxes were paid June 8.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/06/18/news/local/doc4a39ce42aa044398015452.txt?show_comments=true#commentdiv
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Commission delays action on Glencoe Camp Resort liquor license transfer
Commission delays action on Glencoe Camp Resort liquor license transfer
By Jason Gross, Meade County Times Tribune staff | Thursday, June 04, 2009
STURGIS – Meade County commissioners granted one license transfer request and tabled a second during the annual application hearing Tuesday.
Commissioners granted a retail on-sale liquor license transfer from Hagg Brothers LLC Sawtooth Campground to Monkey Rock USA LLC. Monkey Rock is classified as commercial property and covers 19 acres inside the Thunderdome.
Glencoe Camp Resort and Rock’N the Rally applied for transfer of a retail on-sale liquor license with Sunday sales to Glencoe Entertainment LLC. That was tabled until June 17, along with an on-off malt beverage application.
Several speakers opposed the Glencoe request. Meade County resident Tamra Brennan said the facility’s proximity to Bear Butte is a definite issue. She added that noise, pyrotechnics and traffic at Glencoe caused absolute chaos at the butte last year.
“It has been considered sacred and a church for thousands of years,” Brennan said of the butte. Most of the other opposition centered on Glencoe’s proximity to the mountain.
Andrew Iron Shell said he’s certain intoxicated people aren’t running outside other people’s churches and littering the ground. “I’m sure if it was like that, you’d be offended,” he added. “You wouldn’t want your children to see those things.” He favors a five-mile buffer zone.
Commissioners Alan Aker and Doreen Allison-Creed voiced concern about the 492 acres the license would cover. They said they don’t appreciate that some of the property is ag-classified.
Aker explained the county incurs many expenses from alcohol consequences. “The only way we have of paying those expenses is our property tax payments,” he said. Aker added it’s reasonable to expect licenses to occur on commercial land.
Allison-Creed added places like Full Throttle Saloon and portions of Buffalo Chip Campground are on non-ag property. She considers that unfair and said some malt beverage license holders have nearly all their property classified as ag.
Co-chairman Dayle Hammock said the commission does not have the option to consider ag land versus non-ag land. Aker contended location on ag land is part of a liquor license applicant’s location criteria.
Allison-Creed said the county needs to change its law and adopt ordinances concerning liquor and malt beverage sales just like municipalities do. “We need some change at the state level.”
Commissioners also voted to approve the rest of the malt beverage license applications.
Allison-Creed voted for all applications for what she said will be the last time. She added she will oppose them in the future if the property is not commercial.
Her vote was based partly on this time being very close to the rally. Allison-Creed said the sizes of some applicants’ properties need to be condensed.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/06/04/news/local/doc4a283b4a1287e766161466.txt
By Jason Gross, Meade County Times Tribune staff | Thursday, June 04, 2009
STURGIS – Meade County commissioners granted one license transfer request and tabled a second during the annual application hearing Tuesday.
Commissioners granted a retail on-sale liquor license transfer from Hagg Brothers LLC Sawtooth Campground to Monkey Rock USA LLC. Monkey Rock is classified as commercial property and covers 19 acres inside the Thunderdome.
Glencoe Camp Resort and Rock’N the Rally applied for transfer of a retail on-sale liquor license with Sunday sales to Glencoe Entertainment LLC. That was tabled until June 17, along with an on-off malt beverage application.
Several speakers opposed the Glencoe request. Meade County resident Tamra Brennan said the facility’s proximity to Bear Butte is a definite issue. She added that noise, pyrotechnics and traffic at Glencoe caused absolute chaos at the butte last year.
“It has been considered sacred and a church for thousands of years,” Brennan said of the butte. Most of the other opposition centered on Glencoe’s proximity to the mountain.
Andrew Iron Shell said he’s certain intoxicated people aren’t running outside other people’s churches and littering the ground. “I’m sure if it was like that, you’d be offended,” he added. “You wouldn’t want your children to see those things.” He favors a five-mile buffer zone.
Commissioners Alan Aker and Doreen Allison-Creed voiced concern about the 492 acres the license would cover. They said they don’t appreciate that some of the property is ag-classified.
Aker explained the county incurs many expenses from alcohol consequences. “The only way we have of paying those expenses is our property tax payments,” he said. Aker added it’s reasonable to expect licenses to occur on commercial land.
Allison-Creed added places like Full Throttle Saloon and portions of Buffalo Chip Campground are on non-ag property. She considers that unfair and said some malt beverage license holders have nearly all their property classified as ag.
Co-chairman Dayle Hammock said the commission does not have the option to consider ag land versus non-ag land. Aker contended location on ag land is part of a liquor license applicant’s location criteria.
Allison-Creed said the county needs to change its law and adopt ordinances concerning liquor and malt beverage sales just like municipalities do. “We need some change at the state level.”
Commissioners also voted to approve the rest of the malt beverage license applications.
Allison-Creed voted for all applications for what she said will be the last time. She added she will oppose them in the future if the property is not commercial.
Her vote was based partly on this time being very close to the rally. Allison-Creed said the sizes of some applicants’ properties need to be condensed.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/06/04/news/local/doc4a283b4a1287e766161466.txt
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sacred Sites -vs- A Modern Day Disease, Greed
Press Release
May 24, 2009
Sacred Sites –vs- A Modern Day Disease, Greed
“Our Sacred Ground is Not Your Playground”
By Tamra Brennan
Founder/Director
Protect Sacred Sites Indigenous People, One Nation
Bear Butte is a sacred site located in the Black Hills, eight miles east of Sturgis South Dakota.
The mountain is sacred to many of the Plains Tribes, including Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Northern and Southern Cheyenne, Northern and Southern Arapaho. For thousands of years, Tribes have traveled up to hundreds of miles to Bear Butte for their annual ceremonies. Many people today still make their annual journeys to the mountain, from May through August.
Unfortunately, the ongoing struggle to Protect Bear Butte, against the continual encroachment and desecration caused by Sturgis Bike Rally venues, continues today. We have been battling these venues near Bear Butte since 2006. These large biker bars and concert venues continue to expand with further development, hosting huge concerts, bringing tens of thousands of people, vehicles and motorcycles towards Bear Butte.
During the August 2008 Sturgis Rally, Glencoe Campground’s, Rock’n the Rally venue located on Hwy 79 one mile south of Bear Butte, hosted the group KISS bringing absolute chaos to the area. Seven miles and three hours of gridlocked traffic, all headed towards Bear Butte. The same day, Buffalo Chip located off of Hwy 34 & 79, hosted Senator McCain and Kid Rock, multiplying to the chaos. Long time local residents stated they had never seen anything like this before, the worse traffic and chaos they had ever seen out this way.
The following day after the huge concert, a tornado warning swept thru Sturgis causing severe hail and thunderstorms. It was one of the worst thunderstorms in many years, right in the middle of the Sturgis Rally. Two people were actually struck by lightning at Glencoe Campground during this storm. The very campground, that caused all the chaos the previous day, next to Bear Butte. Coincidence, or a clear message from the Creator, you be the judge.
In December 2008, the virtual 600 acre bar, Glencoe Campground and Rock’n the Rally were sold to non residents Sean Clark and Devorah Lopez from California and Arizona, for a reported $8.4 million dollars. There are serious character issues with these individuals, which will be disclosed during the upcoming June 2nd hearing at Meade County Commissioners.
Another attack against the mountain during the 2008 Sturgis Rally, were helicopter flights from four separate Rally venues adjacent to Bear Butte, including Broken Spoke Campground, Buffalo Chip, Ride N Rest Campground and Lamphere Ranch.
In June 2008, Target Logistics, the new owners of Broken Spoke Campground, in their tenacity were quoted in the Rapid City Journal regarding the helicopter rides, stating "If someone asks to fly over Bear Butte, we'd take them unless it's not allowed." After several months of battling against it, publicly opposing the issue with our media campaign, working with FAA, and during the Rally physically being on the ground talking with these pilots, we were able to put a stop to flights over the mountain. After a huge fight regarding this issue, Broken Spoke finally stated they would not be flying over the mountain, and their helicopter pilot never showed up during the Rally. Three of the venues continued to offer flights, the pilots agreed to stay away from flying over the mountain.
The desecration from these venues worsens each year, with what they bring to the sacred mountain, Bear Butte. The disrespect is evidenced with loud music heard for miles, huge concerts, strobe lights, helicopters, motorcycle traffic, pyrotechnic firework shows, lude behavior, drunkenness and a half a million people, within less than a few miles of one of this nation’s most sacred places, Bear Butte.
People often ask, how can they get away with this and why isn’t the local governments doing anything about it? The simple answer is called greed, it is yet another sign of the times, a modern day disease that has consumed people. It continues to feed upon today’s money hungry corporate America, and a local county that refuses to take a stand to protect a sacred site and historical landmark. The bottom line is the tourism, promoting the Rally and adult entertainment in these venues, supersedes any Native American religious beliefs, our spirituality, the sacredness and tranquility of the mountain.
Laws were created and are in place to protect our religious rights, Including, The American Indian Freedom of Religion Act of 1978, Executive Order 13007
Protection and Accommodation of access to Indian Sacred Sites, and Native American Free Exercise of Religion Act of 1993, these laws are continually violated by the decisions made by the Meade County Commissioners and these venues.
In last years Meade County Commissioners hearing, I proposed a question asking for clarification on the Commissioners definitions of a “church.” Commissioner Robert Mallow responded to my questioning, stating that Bear Butte is NOT considered a “church” under their definition, that he was not going to debate religion with me.
Thousands of years of Tribal Nations coming here to pray, to fast, for healing and for guidance apparently doesn’t met their standards for classifying the mountain as a church. These statements were not only insulting, but demoralizing to an entire people’s spirituality and belief system.
As a local resident, I wonder what desecration the mountain will be subjected to this year, praying there will be a way to stop it. We have to continue to speak out and oppose what is occurring at all of our sacred places, if we sit back and accept the destruction, our way of life will fade away in a memory long so forgotten.
There have been many ups and downs in this issue, with many losses, but also a few victories. Each year there has been progress in these efforts, creating awareness for the issue, gaining support from across the country especially within the biker communities. The word is reaching out to the bikers about our plight to Protect Bear Butte, thru our ongoing efforts with the Bikers for Bear Butte campaign, which has been very successful thus far. Last year, we found that the bikers themselves were discussing the issue and helping us spread the word in a positive way, about the protection efforts. Education is a critical tool in order to help make a difference.
Many people, Native and non Native attend the Rally to participate in the events, we respectfully ask everyone to please remember the plight, to Protect Bear Butte and not endorse, patronize and participate in these venues surrounding Bear Butte. No matter how much you may want to see your favorite bands playing at these Rally venues, please remember these concerts surrounding Bear Butte are violating the sacred mountain! Help us take a stand against these Rally venues that continue to disrespect Bear Butte and its spiritual and historical significance.
We would like to ask each and every one of you, to assist us with the Protect Bear Butte struggle by helping spread the word!
Protect Sacred Sites Indigenous People, One Nation is a grass roots organization, working towards the protection of sacred sites across the country. Our organization has been actively involved with the ongoing struggle to Protect Bear Butte for many years. Our organization is currently leading the campaign regarding opposing the new developments and further expansions at Bear Butte.
Visit our main website at www.protectsacredsites.org and our dedicated website for the Bear Butte struggle at www.protectbearbutte.com .
May 24, 2009
Sacred Sites –vs- A Modern Day Disease, Greed
“Our Sacred Ground is Not Your Playground”
By Tamra Brennan
Founder/Director
Protect Sacred Sites Indigenous People, One Nation
Bear Butte is a sacred site located in the Black Hills, eight miles east of Sturgis South Dakota.
The mountain is sacred to many of the Plains Tribes, including Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Northern and Southern Cheyenne, Northern and Southern Arapaho. For thousands of years, Tribes have traveled up to hundreds of miles to Bear Butte for their annual ceremonies. Many people today still make their annual journeys to the mountain, from May through August.
Unfortunately, the ongoing struggle to Protect Bear Butte, against the continual encroachment and desecration caused by Sturgis Bike Rally venues, continues today. We have been battling these venues near Bear Butte since 2006. These large biker bars and concert venues continue to expand with further development, hosting huge concerts, bringing tens of thousands of people, vehicles and motorcycles towards Bear Butte.
During the August 2008 Sturgis Rally, Glencoe Campground’s, Rock’n the Rally venue located on Hwy 79 one mile south of Bear Butte, hosted the group KISS bringing absolute chaos to the area. Seven miles and three hours of gridlocked traffic, all headed towards Bear Butte. The same day, Buffalo Chip located off of Hwy 34 & 79, hosted Senator McCain and Kid Rock, multiplying to the chaos. Long time local residents stated they had never seen anything like this before, the worse traffic and chaos they had ever seen out this way.
The following day after the huge concert, a tornado warning swept thru Sturgis causing severe hail and thunderstorms. It was one of the worst thunderstorms in many years, right in the middle of the Sturgis Rally. Two people were actually struck by lightning at Glencoe Campground during this storm. The very campground, that caused all the chaos the previous day, next to Bear Butte. Coincidence, or a clear message from the Creator, you be the judge.
In December 2008, the virtual 600 acre bar, Glencoe Campground and Rock’n the Rally were sold to non residents Sean Clark and Devorah Lopez from California and Arizona, for a reported $8.4 million dollars. There are serious character issues with these individuals, which will be disclosed during the upcoming June 2nd hearing at Meade County Commissioners.
Another attack against the mountain during the 2008 Sturgis Rally, were helicopter flights from four separate Rally venues adjacent to Bear Butte, including Broken Spoke Campground, Buffalo Chip, Ride N Rest Campground and Lamphere Ranch.
In June 2008, Target Logistics, the new owners of Broken Spoke Campground, in their tenacity were quoted in the Rapid City Journal regarding the helicopter rides, stating "If someone asks to fly over Bear Butte, we'd take them unless it's not allowed." After several months of battling against it, publicly opposing the issue with our media campaign, working with FAA, and during the Rally physically being on the ground talking with these pilots, we were able to put a stop to flights over the mountain. After a huge fight regarding this issue, Broken Spoke finally stated they would not be flying over the mountain, and their helicopter pilot never showed up during the Rally. Three of the venues continued to offer flights, the pilots agreed to stay away from flying over the mountain.
The desecration from these venues worsens each year, with what they bring to the sacred mountain, Bear Butte. The disrespect is evidenced with loud music heard for miles, huge concerts, strobe lights, helicopters, motorcycle traffic, pyrotechnic firework shows, lude behavior, drunkenness and a half a million people, within less than a few miles of one of this nation’s most sacred places, Bear Butte.
People often ask, how can they get away with this and why isn’t the local governments doing anything about it? The simple answer is called greed, it is yet another sign of the times, a modern day disease that has consumed people. It continues to feed upon today’s money hungry corporate America, and a local county that refuses to take a stand to protect a sacred site and historical landmark. The bottom line is the tourism, promoting the Rally and adult entertainment in these venues, supersedes any Native American religious beliefs, our spirituality, the sacredness and tranquility of the mountain.
Laws were created and are in place to protect our religious rights, Including, The American Indian Freedom of Religion Act of 1978, Executive Order 13007
Protection and Accommodation of access to Indian Sacred Sites, and Native American Free Exercise of Religion Act of 1993, these laws are continually violated by the decisions made by the Meade County Commissioners and these venues.
In last years Meade County Commissioners hearing, I proposed a question asking for clarification on the Commissioners definitions of a “church.” Commissioner Robert Mallow responded to my questioning, stating that Bear Butte is NOT considered a “church” under their definition, that he was not going to debate religion with me.
Thousands of years of Tribal Nations coming here to pray, to fast, for healing and for guidance apparently doesn’t met their standards for classifying the mountain as a church. These statements were not only insulting, but demoralizing to an entire people’s spirituality and belief system.
As a local resident, I wonder what desecration the mountain will be subjected to this year, praying there will be a way to stop it. We have to continue to speak out and oppose what is occurring at all of our sacred places, if we sit back and accept the destruction, our way of life will fade away in a memory long so forgotten.
There have been many ups and downs in this issue, with many losses, but also a few victories. Each year there has been progress in these efforts, creating awareness for the issue, gaining support from across the country especially within the biker communities. The word is reaching out to the bikers about our plight to Protect Bear Butte, thru our ongoing efforts with the Bikers for Bear Butte campaign, which has been very successful thus far. Last year, we found that the bikers themselves were discussing the issue and helping us spread the word in a positive way, about the protection efforts. Education is a critical tool in order to help make a difference.
Many people, Native and non Native attend the Rally to participate in the events, we respectfully ask everyone to please remember the plight, to Protect Bear Butte and not endorse, patronize and participate in these venues surrounding Bear Butte. No matter how much you may want to see your favorite bands playing at these Rally venues, please remember these concerts surrounding Bear Butte are violating the sacred mountain! Help us take a stand against these Rally venues that continue to disrespect Bear Butte and its spiritual and historical significance.
We would like to ask each and every one of you, to assist us with the Protect Bear Butte struggle by helping spread the word!
Protect Sacred Sites Indigenous People, One Nation is a grass roots organization, working towards the protection of sacred sites across the country. Our organization has been actively involved with the ongoing struggle to Protect Bear Butte for many years. Our organization is currently leading the campaign regarding opposing the new developments and further expansions at Bear Butte.
Visit our main website at www.protectsacredsites.org and our dedicated website for the Bear Butte struggle at www.protectbearbutte.com .
Action Alert! and Upcoming Hearing June 2nd
Action Alert and Upcoming Hearing!
On June 2nd at 3:00 pm the Meade County Commissioners will be meeting regarding the issuance of new liquor licenses, renewals and transfers for Sturgis Rally Venues. Please attend to oppose in person, if you are able!
New License - The new owners of Glencoe Campground and Rock’N the Rally have applied for a new malt beverage license and a transfer of the existing retail on-sale Liquor license.
Transfer - A transfer of Retail on-sale Liquor from Sawtooth Campground to Monkey Rock USA, for the Thunderdome Venue.
Renewals - Other large venues surrounding Bear Butte, also up for renewal are Broken Spoke Campground, Buffalo Chip and Full Throttle.
Please send an opposition letter to the Meade County Commissioners asking them to deny the new licenses, transfers and renewals for all venues surrounding Bear Butte.
Please keep in mind that the only basis the Commissioners will consider for denying a license include, “location” and “character.” When sending your letters, please use one or both of these basis to support your opposition letter. Otherwise it may not be considered. Please be respectful in your letters! We do not want to reinforce their negative attitudes and behavior towards Native people and this issue. We always stay professional and respectful in our letter writing campaigns; remember this is fighting for the protection of a sacred site.
Suggested headings for your letters:
The application should be denied on the basis that the applicants are not suitable characters to hold a beer and/or liquor license as proposed.
The new Malt Beverage license application, transfers and renewals should be denied because the locations are not suitable.
Also, please remember to clearly state that you oppose the licenses, include the date, your full name and address. If you need a sample letter, please visit our website www.protectbearbutte.com and blog www.bearbutte.blogspot.com for sample letters from previous years.
Letters are due by June 1st at 3:00 pm.
You can email, snail mail or fax letters to
Meade County Commissioners1425 W. Sherman St.Sturgis S.D. 57785(605) 347-2360 (Phone)(605) 347-5925 (Fax)Email the letters directly to meade@meadecounty.org
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at Tamra@protectsacredsites.org
Thank you for your continued support for the efforts to Protect Bear Butte!
Protect Sacred Sites Indigenous People, One Nation is a grass roots organization, working towards the protection of sacred sites across the country. Our organization has been actively involved with the ongoing struggle to Protect Bear Butte for many years. Our organization is currently leading the campaign regarding opposing the new developments and further expansions at Bear Butte.
Visit our main website at www.protectsacredsites.org and our dedicated website for the Bear Butte struggle at www.protectbearbutte.com
On June 2nd at 3:00 pm the Meade County Commissioners will be meeting regarding the issuance of new liquor licenses, renewals and transfers for Sturgis Rally Venues. Please attend to oppose in person, if you are able!
New License - The new owners of Glencoe Campground and Rock’N the Rally have applied for a new malt beverage license and a transfer of the existing retail on-sale Liquor license.
Transfer - A transfer of Retail on-sale Liquor from Sawtooth Campground to Monkey Rock USA, for the Thunderdome Venue.
Renewals - Other large venues surrounding Bear Butte, also up for renewal are Broken Spoke Campground, Buffalo Chip and Full Throttle.
Please send an opposition letter to the Meade County Commissioners asking them to deny the new licenses, transfers and renewals for all venues surrounding Bear Butte.
Please keep in mind that the only basis the Commissioners will consider for denying a license include, “location” and “character.” When sending your letters, please use one or both of these basis to support your opposition letter. Otherwise it may not be considered. Please be respectful in your letters! We do not want to reinforce their negative attitudes and behavior towards Native people and this issue. We always stay professional and respectful in our letter writing campaigns; remember this is fighting for the protection of a sacred site.
Suggested headings for your letters:
The application should be denied on the basis that the applicants are not suitable characters to hold a beer and/or liquor license as proposed.
The new Malt Beverage license application, transfers and renewals should be denied because the locations are not suitable.
Also, please remember to clearly state that you oppose the licenses, include the date, your full name and address. If you need a sample letter, please visit our website www.protectbearbutte.com and blog www.bearbutte.blogspot.com for sample letters from previous years.
Letters are due by June 1st at 3:00 pm.
You can email, snail mail or fax letters to
Meade County Commissioners1425 W. Sherman St.Sturgis S.D. 57785(605) 347-2360 (Phone)(605) 347-5925 (Fax)Email the letters directly to meade@meadecounty.org
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at Tamra@protectsacredsites.org
Thank you for your continued support for the efforts to Protect Bear Butte!
Protect Sacred Sites Indigenous People, One Nation is a grass roots organization, working towards the protection of sacred sites across the country. Our organization has been actively involved with the ongoing struggle to Protect Bear Butte for many years. Our organization is currently leading the campaign regarding opposing the new developments and further expansions at Bear Butte.
Visit our main website at www.protectsacredsites.org and our dedicated website for the Bear Butte struggle at www.protectbearbutte.com
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Meade County Commission rejects Sturgis annexation proposal
Meade County Commission rejects Sturgis annexation proposal
By Jason Gross, Meade County Times-Tribune | Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Meade County Commissioners unanimously rejected Sturgis’ annexation resolution Monday morning.
This matter now reverts back to the city, according to commission chairman Robert Mallow. “The city determines if they want to make those changes we submit.”
Property belonging to the Bureau of Land Management, Meade School District, and Fort Meade; agricultural land; and various commercial properties, including Glencoe CampResort and Full Throttle Saloon, are included in the city’s proposal.
When the city turns in its amended plan, Mallow said, the county will act on it. “What they put into it will determine whether we vote yes or no.”
Meade County Deputy State’s Attorney Ken Chleborad said the city cannot approve the resolution, in whole or in part, until the county does.
Linda Burnham and her husband, Tom, who own Valley Implement, oppose annexation. She said the farm equipment dealership has generated millions of dollars to local banks in the past 30 years.
“The city is proposing to our neighbors in the city that everyone’s taxes will go down,” Burnham added. She said the city bases that on sales tax revenue coming from that area.
South Dakota law changed two years ago, according to Burnham. She said the law now states there is no sales tax on any farm services or parts, including trucking and labor.
“There is a state sales tax of 4 percent on farm equipment,” Burnham said. “But that tax does not apply to the city.” Because of this, she added, the city will gain virtually nothing from Valley Implement.
Should annexation succeed, Burnham continued, the business will incur higher taxes which it may need to pass to its customers.
“In turn, it’s just going to be another burden on our farming community,” Burnham said. “Agricultural is still our no. 1 industry in this area, I believe -- not the rally.”
Several pieces of property in that area were presented to the board Monday, along with classifications and platting status. Chleborad presented the state’s attorney opinion on whether the property was properly placed before the board.
“We don’t have any say on anything that’s been platted and commercial,” Mallow said of the county. “If it’s unplatted or agricultural, then we have to address it.”
Commissioners conducted a poll on each property piece among themselves. They based their nonbinding votes on available information and public comment.
“The poll is to advise the city,” Chleborad explained. “If they (the city) choose to do any revisions to their annexation plan, it gives them a feeling of what the commissioners may do in the future.”
Rally venues were among those appearing before the board. Mike Ballard owns Full Throttle Saloon, which is commercial and platted. It was, therefore, not subject to board consideration.
Ross Lamphere, who ranches and owns a campground, has unplatted land. Some is classified as ag, and some is commercial.
Commissioners took a poll on Lamphere’s land and voted no by a 5-0 margin. This means all five thought the land should not be included in further annexation efforts. A poll on Burnham Family LLC also yielded a 5-0 no vote.
Some of the Glencoe CampResort property is platted and commercial; other land is commercial and ag. Those first two pieces are not subject to board consideration. The pavilion area is platted and not classified as ag, so the board could consider it. Board members voted no by a 3-2 count.
Sturgis city manager David Boone said the city will use public feedback and commissioner comments to try improving the study.
“Ultimately, it’s going to be the council’s decision on how to proceed,” Boone explained. “We’ll lay out some alternatives for them and go from there.”
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/04/29/news/local/doc49f631e3b17db818930499.txt?show_comments=true#commentdiv
By Jason Gross, Meade County Times-Tribune | Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Meade County Commissioners unanimously rejected Sturgis’ annexation resolution Monday morning.
This matter now reverts back to the city, according to commission chairman Robert Mallow. “The city determines if they want to make those changes we submit.”
Property belonging to the Bureau of Land Management, Meade School District, and Fort Meade; agricultural land; and various commercial properties, including Glencoe CampResort and Full Throttle Saloon, are included in the city’s proposal.
When the city turns in its amended plan, Mallow said, the county will act on it. “What they put into it will determine whether we vote yes or no.”
Meade County Deputy State’s Attorney Ken Chleborad said the city cannot approve the resolution, in whole or in part, until the county does.
Linda Burnham and her husband, Tom, who own Valley Implement, oppose annexation. She said the farm equipment dealership has generated millions of dollars to local banks in the past 30 years.
“The city is proposing to our neighbors in the city that everyone’s taxes will go down,” Burnham added. She said the city bases that on sales tax revenue coming from that area.
South Dakota law changed two years ago, according to Burnham. She said the law now states there is no sales tax on any farm services or parts, including trucking and labor.
“There is a state sales tax of 4 percent on farm equipment,” Burnham said. “But that tax does not apply to the city.” Because of this, she added, the city will gain virtually nothing from Valley Implement.
Should annexation succeed, Burnham continued, the business will incur higher taxes which it may need to pass to its customers.
“In turn, it’s just going to be another burden on our farming community,” Burnham said. “Agricultural is still our no. 1 industry in this area, I believe -- not the rally.”
Several pieces of property in that area were presented to the board Monday, along with classifications and platting status. Chleborad presented the state’s attorney opinion on whether the property was properly placed before the board.
“We don’t have any say on anything that’s been platted and commercial,” Mallow said of the county. “If it’s unplatted or agricultural, then we have to address it.”
Commissioners conducted a poll on each property piece among themselves. They based their nonbinding votes on available information and public comment.
“The poll is to advise the city,” Chleborad explained. “If they (the city) choose to do any revisions to their annexation plan, it gives them a feeling of what the commissioners may do in the future.”
Rally venues were among those appearing before the board. Mike Ballard owns Full Throttle Saloon, which is commercial and platted. It was, therefore, not subject to board consideration.
Ross Lamphere, who ranches and owns a campground, has unplatted land. Some is classified as ag, and some is commercial.
Commissioners took a poll on Lamphere’s land and voted no by a 5-0 margin. This means all five thought the land should not be included in further annexation efforts. A poll on Burnham Family LLC also yielded a 5-0 no vote.
Some of the Glencoe CampResort property is platted and commercial; other land is commercial and ag. Those first two pieces are not subject to board consideration. The pavilion area is platted and not classified as ag, so the board could consider it. Board members voted no by a 3-2 count.
Sturgis city manager David Boone said the city will use public feedback and commissioner comments to try improving the study.
“Ultimately, it’s going to be the council’s decision on how to proceed,” Boone explained. “We’ll lay out some alternatives for them and go from there.”
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/04/29/news/local/doc49f631e3b17db818930499.txt?show_comments=true#commentdiv
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Bear Butte forum calls for understanding
Bear Butte forum calls for understanding
By Jason Gross, Meade County Times-Tribune staff Sunday, April 26, 2009
STURGIS -- People who consider Bear Butte a sacred site met for three hours Saturday morning to share their views on issues they fear could damage the peaceful atmosphere there and the use of the park as a place of worship for Native Americans.
One of those is the Meade County fire ban, imposed each July during the Sturgis motorcycle rally. Bear Butte State Park Manager Jim Jandreau explained that no campfires are allowed because of potential wildfire danger.
Ceremonial rites are affected, according to Jandreau. He encouraged those concerned to visit with fire officials, Game, Fish & Parks personnel and others about the issue.
"The intent was a safety factor," Jandreau said of the yearly ban. "It has nothing to do with our spirituality or ceremonial ways."
Janet Clairmont said she will address the Meade County Commission on Wednesday, May 6. She will make a request for Bear Butte Lodge fire pit approval, according to the meeting agenda.
A proposed annexation of land east of Sturgis is also a concern.
Uma Black Crow Wilkinson, who said protection of Bear Butte's land and water are important to her, said not many people are aware of the proposal and called for more meetings about that and other issues surrounding the butte.
Area rancher Ross Lamphere addressed that annexation, saying if the effort succeeds, city limits will be about 1/4-mile north of Bear Butte Creek along S.D. Highway 79.
Lamphere estimates that boundary would be less than 3 miles from Bear Butte, and said the city, through state statute, will have jurisdiction for platting purposes.
At least four parcels around the butte are for sale. Meeting attendee Nancy Hilding said one of those, the Grubl property, occupies 120 acres and has been on sale for two or three years.
"Most of the legislators were receptive to purchase of land," Sen. Jim Bradford, R-Pine Ridge, said, referring to efforts to have the state buy some of the land to create a buffer zone. He said some state funds could be available because the state received some stimulus funding.
Bradford emphasized he attended the meeting to get the people's perspective. "The legislators are ready," he said. "They know they want to do something."
Native people need to be in a primary consultation role for butte use and management, Black Crow Wilkinson said. She said Natives are consulted but need to be in more of a leadership role.
"The sacredness of that site should probably be considered above and beyond any recreational use," Black Crow Wilkinson said.
Bear Butte is one of seven Black Hills sites sacred to the Lakota, elder Marie Randall said.
Randall called for understanding about how people can work together. "We need to learn to do more sharing than controlling," Randall said.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/04/26/news/local/doc49f3eb8c52743683964578.txt
By Jason Gross, Meade County Times-Tribune staff Sunday, April 26, 2009
STURGIS -- People who consider Bear Butte a sacred site met for three hours Saturday morning to share their views on issues they fear could damage the peaceful atmosphere there and the use of the park as a place of worship for Native Americans.
One of those is the Meade County fire ban, imposed each July during the Sturgis motorcycle rally. Bear Butte State Park Manager Jim Jandreau explained that no campfires are allowed because of potential wildfire danger.
Ceremonial rites are affected, according to Jandreau. He encouraged those concerned to visit with fire officials, Game, Fish & Parks personnel and others about the issue.
"The intent was a safety factor," Jandreau said of the yearly ban. "It has nothing to do with our spirituality or ceremonial ways."
Janet Clairmont said she will address the Meade County Commission on Wednesday, May 6. She will make a request for Bear Butte Lodge fire pit approval, according to the meeting agenda.
A proposed annexation of land east of Sturgis is also a concern.
Uma Black Crow Wilkinson, who said protection of Bear Butte's land and water are important to her, said not many people are aware of the proposal and called for more meetings about that and other issues surrounding the butte.
Area rancher Ross Lamphere addressed that annexation, saying if the effort succeeds, city limits will be about 1/4-mile north of Bear Butte Creek along S.D. Highway 79.
Lamphere estimates that boundary would be less than 3 miles from Bear Butte, and said the city, through state statute, will have jurisdiction for platting purposes.
At least four parcels around the butte are for sale. Meeting attendee Nancy Hilding said one of those, the Grubl property, occupies 120 acres and has been on sale for two or three years.
"Most of the legislators were receptive to purchase of land," Sen. Jim Bradford, R-Pine Ridge, said, referring to efforts to have the state buy some of the land to create a buffer zone. He said some state funds could be available because the state received some stimulus funding.
Bradford emphasized he attended the meeting to get the people's perspective. "The legislators are ready," he said. "They know they want to do something."
Native people need to be in a primary consultation role for butte use and management, Black Crow Wilkinson said. She said Natives are consulted but need to be in more of a leadership role.
"The sacredness of that site should probably be considered above and beyond any recreational use," Black Crow Wilkinson said.
Bear Butte is one of seven Black Hills sites sacred to the Lakota, elder Marie Randall said.
Randall called for understanding about how people can work together. "We need to learn to do more sharing than controlling," Randall said.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/04/26/news/local/doc49f3eb8c52743683964578.txt
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Annual Bear Butte Forum April 25th in Sturgis
Department of Game, Fish and Parks
Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3182
March 31,2009
Invitation to the Bear Butte Forum
The next meeting of the Bear Butte Forum is scheduled for Saturday, April, 25 from 8:30 a.m. to noon MST. The Forum will meet at the Sturgis Community Center located at 1401 Lazelle Street in Sturgis, South Dakota. Participants are responsible to make their own lodging and meal arrangements.
The Forum is an opportunity to get an update about Bear Butte and to share ideas for improvements. Each year the hope is that every tribe that has a spiritual connection to the mountain be represented at the Forum. This meeting is open to the public. Please invite others you think would like to attend.
Tentative Agenda
Introductions Visitation at Bear Butte Discussion Items
Land sales around the mountain
Status of Proposed Easement
Fire ban Discussion
We welcome any other concerns about Bear Butte
Foss Building
523 East Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501-3182
March 31,2009
Invitation to the Bear Butte Forum
The next meeting of the Bear Butte Forum is scheduled for Saturday, April, 25 from 8:30 a.m. to noon MST. The Forum will meet at the Sturgis Community Center located at 1401 Lazelle Street in Sturgis, South Dakota. Participants are responsible to make their own lodging and meal arrangements.
The Forum is an opportunity to get an update about Bear Butte and to share ideas for improvements. Each year the hope is that every tribe that has a spiritual connection to the mountain be represented at the Forum. This meeting is open to the public. Please invite others you think would like to attend.
Tentative Agenda
Introductions Visitation at Bear Butte Discussion Items
Land sales around the mountain
Status of Proposed Easement
Fire ban Discussion
We welcome any other concerns about Bear Butte
Friday, April 10, 2009
Annexation, liquor stores among issues at hearings
Annexation, liquor stores among issues at hearings
Full Throttle seeks Meade County off-sale license
By Jason Gross, Meade County Times-Tribune | Friday, April 10, 2009
Expansion of Sturgis city limits east to S.D. Highway 79 could create liquor store sales competition involving the city of Sturgis and the Full Throttle Saloon & Campground.
The city operates the only liquor store in town, and its revenues supplement municipal property and sales taxes. The privately-owned Full Throttle motorcycle operation has gained popularity as "the world's largest biker bar."
The Sturgis City Council will hold a 6:30 p.m. April 20 public hearing at city hall about its annexation plan. The area encompasses the Full Throttle, the Glencoe CampResort rally concert campground, various other commercial operations, agriculture land and properties belonging to the Bureau of Land Management, Meade School District and Fort Meade Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
The Meade County Commission will hold its hearing on the proposed annexation at 8:30 a.m. April 27, in the courthouse’s community room.
The commission also has scheduled a 3:30 p.m. May 5 hearing on Full Throttle's off-sale liquor license application. County deputy state's attorney Ken Chleborad said the location and potential conflict with the Sturgis ordinance are among issues the board will consider.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/04/10/news/local/doc49de35f1daae2136638431.txt
Full Throttle seeks Meade County off-sale license
By Jason Gross, Meade County Times-Tribune | Friday, April 10, 2009
Expansion of Sturgis city limits east to S.D. Highway 79 could create liquor store sales competition involving the city of Sturgis and the Full Throttle Saloon & Campground.
The city operates the only liquor store in town, and its revenues supplement municipal property and sales taxes. The privately-owned Full Throttle motorcycle operation has gained popularity as "the world's largest biker bar."
The Sturgis City Council will hold a 6:30 p.m. April 20 public hearing at city hall about its annexation plan. The area encompasses the Full Throttle, the Glencoe CampResort rally concert campground, various other commercial operations, agriculture land and properties belonging to the Bureau of Land Management, Meade School District and Fort Meade Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
The Meade County Commission will hold its hearing on the proposed annexation at 8:30 a.m. April 27, in the courthouse’s community room.
The commission also has scheduled a 3:30 p.m. May 5 hearing on Full Throttle's off-sale liquor license application. County deputy state's attorney Ken Chleborad said the location and potential conflict with the Sturgis ordinance are among issues the board will consider.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2009/04/10/news/local/doc49de35f1daae2136638431.txt
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