Presho, SD

 Here are our early preliminary goals.  Please comment.

 By Lucy Halverson Lyman County Herald October 3, 2007

Presho’s Horizon project will conduct a Community Visioning and Kick Off Event Monday, October 15 at the Presho United Methodist Church. The event starts with a free supper at 6 p.m.

Presently, the Horizon project is conducting a survey to gain input regarding issues of importance to community members. The goal is to receive information from at least 15% of the city’s population.

In addition to the written survey, some people will be asked to use cameras to take photographs of the positive along with negatives aspects of the community. The information gathered will be presented at a Community Visioning Kick Off. Attendees will help determine what issues may need perusing or added.

A committee of 10-12 people will be formed to manage the planning process and the implementation of Presho’s Strategic Plan to address these issues. . Completed surveys should be returned to one of the following businesses; Lyman County Herald, Husman’s Grocery or Dakota Prairie Bank. The Horizon Project will conclude in August of 2008 at which time the Presho Horizons group will receive the remainder of their $10,000 grant from the Northwestern Area Foundation.

 Horizons is a 18-month community leadership program aimed at reducing poverty in small rural communities (population less than 5,000). Funded by the Northwest Area Foundation of St. Paul, MN and partnered with South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension.

By Lucy Halverson, Lyman County Herald  June 20, 2007

Much like a drive in theater, two movies will be shown on an outdoor screen at the Presho City Park Tuesday, July 3 starting at dusk (about 9:30 p.m.).
According to organizer Angela Ehlers, movie goers should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. The park will be sprayed for mosquitoes prior to Tuesday. The movie night is free to the public. The first movie, yet to be named, will be a “G” rated family oriented feature. The following movie, while still geared towards families will have more of an adult theme.

Watch for posters listing the movie titles. Concessions of candy, popcorn, and pop will be sold. “The pool closes at 9 p.m., families can set up in the park and be ready for the first showing,” stated Angela. When asked if movie night in the park will become a regular event, Angela stated, “We’ll see how the first one goes!” The idea stems from a suggested gathered at the Horizons Project Study Circles Action Forum held in May.

The middle school study circle made the suggestion that the community needs a movie theater,” stated Angela. Others helping with the event include Lisa Jessop and Jen Uthe.

“We appreciate the cooperation of the city park staff in hosting this event and hope people will come out and enjoy movie night in the park,” added Angela.

By Lucy Halverson, Lyman County Herald   October 31, 2007

The Presho Horizons Strategic Planning Committee is seeking public comment on the ten year vision they drafted October 25.

Their draft vision is: “Presho will be a community of at least 1000 where the residents want to stay and visitors want to come back. Citizens will enjoy a good standard of living with quality housing, living wage jobs, affordable health care and family-nurturing activities. We will demonstrate community pride by having attractive, well-maintained homes along hard-surfaced streets flanked by modern, well-lit sidewalks. Our community is committed to providing our students with an excellent high-tech education that prepares them for the future. There will be activities for all, especially the youth and seniors. Our town will thrive for many years to come.”

Comments may be posted on Presho Horizon’s blog site at http://presho.communityblogs.us/ or written comments may be dropped off at the Presho Library. Committee members will meet again 6:30 pm, Tuesday, November 6 at the Presho Courts to review comments, finalize the vision, and begin developing goals and objectives of the strategic plan. Meetings are open to the public and all are encouraged to participate.

Those participating in the October 25 meeting were Nicole Husman, Dawn Keyes, Owen Garnos, Teresa Shook, Michelle Lintvedt, Mandy Cole, Tanner Langdeau, Deb Smith and Brooke Smith with Dan Oedekoven moderating the session. 
 

By Lucy Halverson , Lyman County Herald  August 24, 2007

The community of Presho has completed the first phase of the Horizons Project and will soon be moving into phase II. With the completion of phase I, the Presho Horizons steering committee members report as of this date, the community has received nearly $10,000. Horizons receives funding through the Northwest Area Foundation of St. Paul, Minnesota. During the community meetings and gatherings the Horizons Project furnished meals, speakers, childcare, and training to those involved. Local Presho eating establishments were hired to cater the meals. Most recently, Horizons funds have purchased the following items for the betterment of the community of Presho.

• Outdoor lighting for the two Welcome to Presho signs on the east and west side of town. A local electrical company has been hired to install the lights. The estimated cost of the lighting project is $2,239. The city will assume the monthly electricity bill.

• A DVD player, outdoor speakers and large screen were purchased to be used for more free Movies in the Park, after Dark. This equipment is available to be used in the community. See Mike or Angela at the BankWest Financial Building.

• The printing of 5,000 Greater Lyman Foundation (GLF) brochures. The GLF has been set up to benefit the Greater Lyman Community. It is associated with the South Dakota Community Foundation.

• Several items were bought and donated to the non-profit Lyman Learning Center including a rocking chair, toothbrush rack and covers, and a television.
• Over $900 in Presho Area Chamber Bucks were bought to be given away at promotional events.
• An advertising budget was put into place with the Lyman County Herald to be used to advertise upcoming Horizon events.

This isn’t the end of the Horizons Project funding as more funds will be forthcoming upon the completion of the next phase of the project. Phase II of the project is intended to paint a picture of the community’s future and develop a plan to make that picture a reality. The process to do this will involve five meetings over a 3-4 month period-a Kick-Off event, three planning meetings, and a Celebration event. The goal is to have a written plan in place and begin its implementation by November 1, 2007. The grant period ends on June 30, 2008. However, community members will have the knowledge and methods to continue to implement their objectives beyond that date and keep working to improve the community. The Presho Horizons Project is open to all community members. If you missed Phase I you can still get involved with Phase II. Watch the Herald for more information regarding upcoming Kick-Off Events.