Lawrence County, SD

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

Planning & Zoning Board

The Lawrence County Planning & Zoning Board will hold public hearings on a zoning change for a church/school compound, a definition change for 'structure', and a procedural update for zoning applications. They will also discuss a campground and a zoning change for a limited subdivision, and review multiple preliminary and final plats. The meeting includes standard procedural items like approving minutes and public comment.

• COZ #374: Zoning change from PF/HSC to PUD for a Church/School/Compound in Boulder Canyon (David Winter)
• ORD 26-03: Change to the definition of 'Structure' countywide
• ORD 26-04: Update requiring zoning change applications to be filed with the Auditor
• CUP #502: Private use campground on Highway 385 (Mal Mono LLC)
• COZ #375: Zoning change from A-1 to A-2 for limited subdivision near Deadwood North (April & Brian Burton)

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

The Lawrence County Commission and Board of Adjustment will meet to review and potentially act on a range of items, including adoption of a hazardous materials emergency response plan, property tax abatements, raffle requests, and several personnel agreements. The board will also consider a petition to vacate a section line, highway business, and a draft ordinance. Additionally, the Board of Adjustment will review conditional use permits, including for Winter Church and Kinship Mountain Ministries, and variance requests.

• Hazardous materials emergency response plan certification of adoption
• Property tax abatements
• Raffle requests
• Personnel agreements for Sheriff and States Attorney
• Conditional use permits for Winter Church and Kinship Mountain Ministries

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

The Lawrence County Commission and Board of Adjustment will meet to review and act on a range of items, including liquor license resolutions, sheriff's office personnel, the 2027 budget, and multiple planning and zoning requests. The agenda also includes annual reviews of conditional use permits, a draft ordinance related to SB 96, and correspondence from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of the Air Force. Several subdivision and survey plats are scheduled for consideration.

• Resolution 2026-21 regarding liquor licenses
• Personnel item for Sheriff's Office
• 2027 budget information
• CUP annual review staff reports
• Multiple survey plats (e.g., Mountain Stream Estates, Deadbroke Mining Co. Sub No. 3, Wilderness Estates 2nd Add, Auburn Acres, The Timbers)

The Lawrence County Commission approved Resolution #2026-21 for 2027 liquor licenses, amended the 2027 provisional budget with a 3% COLA and 2% health insurance increase, and pledged up to $100,000 from mine severance tax interest for a new Spearfish Senior Center, contingent on $3.5M total funding within 5 years. The board also approved a zoning change, several plats, and set a public hearing for the budget on September 1, 2026. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

• Approved Resolution #2026-21 for 2027 liquor licenses (unanimous)
• Amended 2027 provisional budget with 3% COLA and 2% health insurance increase (unanimous)
• Pledged up to $100,000 from mine severance tax for Spearfish Senior Center, contingent on $3.5M funding (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance #2026-02 on campaign signs (unanimous)
• Approved Change of Zoning #373 from PF to PUD for KR 61 Acres (unanimous)
• Approved Master Plan Amendment and First Amendment to Development Agreement for Deer Mountain Village (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary and final plats for Mykelby, Spoonemore & Owen, Watson, BH Properties, Spirit of the Hills, and Thomas & Schultz & Coyle (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for September 1, 2026 for Five-Year Highway and Bridge Plan and 2027 Annual Budget (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Board

The Lawrence County Planning & Zoning Board will meet August 6 at 1:30 p.m. in Deadwood to review pending zoning cases, variance requests, and proposed ordinance updates. The board will discuss setting public hearings for a church-school compound zoning change in Boulder Canyon and two ordinance updates affecting all county properties.

• Zoning change from PF/HSC to PUD for David Winter’s church-school compound in Boulder Canyon (COZ #374)
• Front, side, and rear setback variances requested for Dennis and Lynn Thomas property in Spearfish Canyon (VAR #224)
• 19-foot rear setback variance requested for Sarah J. Davis property in Spearfish West (VAR #225)
• Proposed ordinance updates to the definition of 'Structure' (ORD 26-03) and zoning application filing requirements (ORD 26-04)
• Multiple lot-line revisions and lot combinations for subdivisions along N. Rochford Rd, Maitland Rd, Hwy 14A, and Tinton Rd (2026-38 through 2026-44)

The Lawrence County Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval of two variances (VAR #224 and VAR #225) to move forward to the Board of Adjustment, with public hearings scheduled. The board also recommended approval of an amended Master Plan and Final Development Agreement for Deer Mountain Village, and approved multiple preliminary and final plats. Several ordinance amendments and a change of zoning were set for public hearings.

• Approved VAR #224 (Spearfish Canyon) to forward to Board of Adjustment (5-1, Schenk nay)
• Approved VAR #225 (Spearfish West) to forward to Board of Adjustment (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Amended Master Plan and Final Development Agreement for Deer Mountain Village (unanimous)
• Approved Preliminary and Final Plat 2026-38 (Mountain Stream Estates) as exempt (unanimous)
• Approved Preliminary and Final Plat 2026-39 (Deadbroke Mining Co. Sub No. 3) as exempt (unanimous)
• Approved Preliminary and Final Plat 2026-40 (Deadbroke Mining Co. Sub No. 3) with condition (unanimous)
• Approved Preliminary and Final Plat 2026-41 (Wilderness Est 2nd Add) (unanimous)
• Approved Final Plat 2026-42 (Auburn Acres) (unanimous)

Search & Rescue Board

The Search & Rescue Board will meet to review financial reports and membership applications. The board will also discuss a July 29 off-road motorcycle accident carry out at Mistic Hills.

• Review of new member applicants
• Financial report approval
• Report on July 29 off-road motorcycle accident carry out at Mistic Hills
• Review of July functional exercise training

The Lawrence County Search and Rescue Board approved the purchase of a second collapsible Stokes basket with travel wheel and handles for approximately $7,500. The board also dropped W. Johnson from the roster for not meeting probationary requirements and accepted the resignation of T. Doerges effective August 31, 2026. Financials for July 2026 were accepted, showing an ending balance of $17,985.49.

• Approved purchase of second collapsible Stokes basket with travel wheel and handles, approx. $7,500 (m/Stahl, s/Cahoy)
• Dropped W. Johnson from LCSAR roster for not meeting probationary requirements
• Accepted resignation of T. Doerges effective August 31, 2026
• Approved July 2026 minutes (m/Cahoy, s/T. Doerges)
• Accepted July 2026 financials (m/K. Doerges, s/T. Doerges)
• Approved agenda (m/K. Doerges, s/Rear)

Fair Board

The Lawrence County Fair Board will hold its regular meeting at the Nisland Fairgrounds Office to approve the agenda, minutes, and treasurer's report, discuss public items, and review the 2026 fair wrap-up. No new business is listed.

• Approve prior meeting minutes
• Treasurer's report review
• Fair wrap-up discussion

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

The Lawrence County Commission and Board of Adjustment will meet July 30, 2026. The agenda includes a proposed 2026 fire ban resolution, personnel actions for the highway and sheriff departments, and a draft dispatch agreement with Spearfish. The board will also consider a conditional use permit for Root Wellness and a zoning change for KR 61 Acres, along with discussion of SB 96-related matters.

• Proposed 2026 Fire Ban Resolution and burn ban sign locations
• Personnel actions for Highway and Sheriff departments
• Draft dispatch agreement with City of Spearfish
• Surplus Sheriff Taurus vehicle and firearms
• Conditional Use Permit for Root Wellness and Zone Change (COZ 373) for KR 61 Acres

The Commission approved Resolution #2026-19 to ban open burning and restrict fire-related activities due to wildfire threats. The board also set the 2027 provisional budget and approved a new all-way stop at Maitland Road and McDermott Road.

• Adopted Resolution #2026-19 banning open burning and specific fire hazards (Unanimous)
• Set 2027 Provisional Budget with 3% COL raise and 10% health insurance increase (Unanimous)
• Approved all-way stop at Maitland Road and McDermott Road (Unanimous)
• Authorized signing of Spearfish Plat for Maitland Vistas subdivision (Unanimous)
• Approved Memorandum of Agreement and $499,787.13 Letter of Credit for Hidden Pines Subdivision (Unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution #2026-20 supporting state funding for county roads and bridges (Unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit #501 for Mile High Construction/Root Wellness (Unanimous)
• Canvassed 2026 Primary Runoff Election Results (Unanimous)

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

The Board of County Commissioners and Board of Adjustment will meet to discuss road maintenance, personnel for the Sheriff's office, and various land use petitions. The meeting includes reviews of quarterly reports and accounts payable.

• Resolution 2026-17: Petition to vacate right-of-way
• Boulder Park No 2 Road District annexation
• Blue Sky Estates road maintenance declaration
• Personnel matters regarding the Sheriff
• Abatement for Lavelle

The board approved Resolution #2026-17 to vacate a portion of a highway and an amended order adjusting the Boulder Park Road District boundaries. They also approved a $8,500 contingency transfer for the Black Hills Mining Museum, several personnel hires and a travel request, and granted a utility permit for Excel Construction LLC. All motions were carried, with the contingency transfer passing 3‑2.

• Approved step raise for Dispatcher Sarah Bestgen to $25.30/hr (unanimous)
• Approved hire of part-time Correctional Officer Tayleigh Hopkin at $25.80/hr (unanimous)
• Approved travel request for Kevin Bowen to attend 2026 Annual Benefit School (unanimous)
• Approved $8,500 contingency transfer to Professional Service budget for Black Hills Mining Museum (3-2)
• Approved abatement for Brenten & Robin Lavelle on parcel #20900-00602-310-00 (unanimous)
• Approved Boulder Park Road District minor boundary adjustment (Resolution 2026-18) (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution #2026-17 to vacate portion of a highway (unanimous)
• Approved utility permit for Excel Construction LLC for underground facilities under Maitland Road (unanimous)

Fair Board

The Fair Board will meet to discuss updates on the siding, buildings, and arena, and will consider approving judge pay for 2026.

• Approve agenda and prior meeting minutes
• Treasurer's report
• Public comment period (3 minutes per person)
• Review arena and building reports
• Approve judge pay for 2026

The Board approved expenditures for new doors, an exhaust fan, and an office air conditioner. It also set the 2026 judges' pay to match previous levels and approved meal vouchers for veterinarians.

• Approved replacement of open class building doors for approximately $2,000
• Approved installation of a food stand exhaust fan for approximately $500
• Approved purchase of a new office air conditioner
• Approved 2026 judges' pay at the same rate as last year
• Approved 5 meal vouchers for Vets
• Approved June 2026 meeting minutes
• Approved June 2026 treasure report

Search & Rescue Board

The Search & Rescue Board will meet to approve the June 1, 2026 meeting minutes and review the May 2026 financial report. The board will also discuss training reports and a June 28 hiker accident response at Devil’s Bathtub.

• May 2026 financial report: $18,869.19 beginning balance and $417.46 in expenses
• Review of June 28 hiker accident call out at Devil’s Bathtub
• Training report for June 15 field exercises
• Planning for July 20 functional exercise

The board approved the meeting agenda and the June 2026 minutes. The June financial report was accepted, showing an ending balance of $18,451.73. Two call-outs were recorded for June 2026.

• Approved meeting agenda
• Approved June 2026 minutes
• Accepted June 2026 financials ($18,451.73 ending balance)

Planning & Zoning Board

The board will hold public hearings on a campaign sign ordinance update, a zoning change, and a conditional use permit. The meeting also includes reviews of a final plat for Deer Mountain Village and a preliminary plat for a new subdivision on Hwy 14A/Louis Dr.

• ORD 26-02: Update campaign sign language to match SDCL 9-30-3.1
• COZ 373: Zoning change from PF to PUD for KR 61 Acres 2025, LLC north of Deer Mt. Village
• CUP 501: Conditional use permit for retail sales, trade, and wellness services in Spearfish Lower Valley
• 2026-36: Final plat for KR Deer Mountain Club 2021 LLC (Lots 149-178 and Utility Lot 1)
• 2025-37: Preliminary and final plat for a new subdivision at Hwy 14A/Louis Dr

The Board approved an ordinance update regarding campaign sign language, a zoning change for Deer Mountain Village, and a conditional use permit for wellness services. Additionally, two plat applications were approved for Deer Mountain Village and the Alice Subdivision.

• Approved June 04, 2026 meeting minutes
• Approved agenda
• Approved ORD 26-02 to update Campaign Sign language (6-1)
• Approved COZ 373 zoning change for KR 61 Acres 2025, LLC
• Approved CUP 501 for Mile High Construction LLC/Root Wellness, LLC/Carly Messner
• Approved Final Plat 2026-36 for KR Deer Mountain Club 2021 LLC
• Approved Preliminary and Final Plat 2025-37 for Tim Trooien/Zachary & Kristina Agena

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

The Lawrence County Commission and Board of Adjustment will meet to discuss a proposed agenda that includes approval of June draft minutes, review of a post-election audit report and results, and consideration of Secure Rural School Act funding. Also on the agenda: 2027 budget information, personnel for the Sheriff's Office, highway business, a memorandum of agreement for Hidden Pines, a letter to the Forest Supervisor, a funding request from the Black Hills Mining Museum, and a travel request for EQ staff.

• Post-election audit report and results
• Secure Rural School Act funding
• 2027 budget information
• Hidden Pines MOA and LOC
• Black Hills Mining Museum funding request

The Lawrence County Commission canvassed the June 19 Rimrock Canyon Road District election, where one ballot was cast in favor of incorporation, and approved an order declaring the district incorporated. The board also approved several personnel actions, including step raises and classification changes for sheriff's office staff, and approved a contract with Nova Solutions for highway accounting software. Additionally, the commission approved a letter to the USFS supporting increased timber production and active management on the Black Hills National Forest.

• Approved the Rimrock Canyon Road District incorporation after canvassing the election (1 vote for, 0 against).
• Approved step raises for Correctional Officers James Lee and Alexandra Kolski, and Deputy Kyle Parks.
• Approved classification changes for Correctional Officers Daniel Howard, Andre Steward, and Ashley Job.
• Approved the new hire of D'Artagnan Witherspoon as a part-time Dispatcher.
• Continued Barbara Baker's employment as a reasonable accommodation until August 14, 2026.
• Approved the 2026 Primary Election Post-Election Audit results.
• Approved a private approach permit for Greg Percevich and utility permits for Black Hills Energy (Greg King and Michael Aanonsen).
• Approved a letter to USFS Forest Supervisor Shawn Cochran supporting increased timber production and active management.

Invasive Species Management

The Lawrence County Invasive Species Management Board will review the 2025 end-of-year budget, the 2026 budget, and the proposed 2027 budget. New business includes discussion of the P&Z Board, subdivision/private property inspections, coordination with the City of Spearfish, and summer employees. Public comment is allowed with a 3-minute limit, but no action will be taken on un-noticed issues.

• 2025 end-of-year budget review
• 2026 budget review and 2027 proposed budget
• Subdivision/private property inspections
• Coordination with City of Spearfish
• Summer employees discussion

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners will discuss a conditional use permit transfer for a mining operation and a resolution to annex real estate. The agenda also includes personnel reports and road agreements.

• Conditional Use Permit 205-26 transfer for Duco Mining to Lion Rock LLC
• Resolution annexing real estate for July 2026
• Burno Gulch and Spearfish plat road agreements
• Sheriff personnel report
• USFS Benchmark Project comments

The Board approved several step raises for dispatch and deputy staff, tax abatements for WBI Energy Transmission, Inc., and multiple land plats. They also authorized an increase in phlebotomist pay and a utility permit for watermain construction on Maitland Road.

• Approved step raise for Jennifer Snider to $27.41/hour (unanimous)
• Approved step raise for McKinsey Jerrel to $27.41/hour (unanimous)
• Approved classification change for Stone Terhune to $33.65/hour (unanimous)
• Approved tax abatements for WBI Energy Transmission, Inc. on two parcels (unanimous)
• Changed July 2026 meeting date to July 30 (unanimous)
• Increased phlebotomist pay to $80.00 per call effective August 1, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved utility permit for Brad Limbo watermain extension on Maitland Road (unanimous)
• Authorized 150 tons of gravel for Butte Lawrence County Fairgrounds (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Board

The Planning & Zoning Board will discuss a proposed zoning change (COZ 373) for 61 acres north of Deer Mountain Village from PF (Public Facilities) to PUD (Planned Unit Development). The board will also review an update to campaign sign regulations (ORD 26-02) to align with state law. Additionally, the board will consider approval or denial of multiple final plats, preliminary plats, and a layout plan for subdivisions across the county, with most items requiring a decision to forward to the County Commission.

• Public hearing discussion for ORD 26-02, updating campaign sign language to match SDCL 9-30-3.1
• Zoning change request (COZ 373) by KR 61 Acres 2025, LLC for 61 acres north of Deer Mountain Village from PF to PUD
• Final plat for Reausaw Lake (Nemo Rd) to correct a deed; fire plan exempt
• Preliminary and final plat for subdividing lots on Elk Creek Rd (Percevich) with fire plan in place
• Layout plan for a new subdivision on Hwy 14A/Louis Dr (Trooien) requiring fire plan

The board approved multiple final, preliminary, and layout plats for various properties. A public hearing was scheduled for July 2, 2026, regarding an ordinance amendment for campaign sign language. Additionally, the board appointed interim leadership for the session.

• Approved Kelly Fuller as interim Chairman
• Approved Mike Whalen as interim Secretary
• Approved May 07, 2026 meeting minutes
• Set public hearing for campaign sign ordinance amendment for July 2, 2026
• Approved 2025-27 Final Plat (Reausaw Lake)
• Approved 2025-28 Final Plat (Centennial Vista)
• Approved 2025-29 Preliminary and Final Plat (HES 252)
• Approved 2025-30 Layout Plat (Alice Sub/Trooien Sub)

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

The Lawrence County Commissioners approved the 2026 Primary Election results. They also designated specific precincts and races for a manual post-election audit scheduled for June 16, 2026.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved canvassing of the 2026 Primary Election Results (unanimous)
• Approved precincts and candidates for manual post-election audit (unanimous)

Public Defender Advisory Board

The board approved the minutes from the May 27, 2025 meeting. It also approved presenting the proposed 2027 Public Defender budget to the County Commission. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved May 27, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved presentation of the 2027 Public Defender budget to the County Commission (motion carried)
• Adjourned the meeting at 10:33 a.m. (motion carried)

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

This is a notice of quorum for an election night gathering. No official business will be discussed and no action will be taken. The meeting is purely procedural.

Search & Rescue Board

The Search & Rescue Board will meet to approve the May 2026 financial report and previous meeting minutes. The board will also review membership applications and training schedules.

• Financial report with May 2026 beginning balance of $20,629.66
• Review of May 11 hiker accident call out at Community Caves
• Planning for June 15 training and July 20 functional exercise
• Coordination for Mickelson Trail Marathon on June 7

The board approved the meeting agenda and the May 2026 minutes. It accepted the May 2026 financial report and voted to surplus the Thiokol SnowCat with its trailer. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approve agenda (carried)
• Approve May 2026 minutes (carried)
• Accept May 2026 financials (carried)
• Surplus Thiokol SnowCat with trailer (carried)
• Adjourn meeting (carried)

Fair Board

The Fair Board will meet to review facility reports and plan for the upcoming fair. The agenda includes updates on the fair book, awards, and 4-H activities.

• Siding update
• Building and arena reports
• 4-H update
• Fair book update
• Setting clean-up dates

The Fair Board approved the May meeting minutes and the March treasury report. It authorized $2,500 for hog‑barn supplies and $500 for printing fair‑book posters. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved May 2026 minutes (motion by Mez, second by Mackey)
• Approved March 2026 treasury report (motion by Clements, second by Mez)
• Approved $2,500 for hog barn supplies (motion by Hoggatt, second by Clements)
• Approved $500 for fair‑book poster printing (motion by Clements, second by Mez)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Clements, second by Erk)

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

The Lawrence County Commission and Board of Adjustment will discuss personnel actions for the treasurer and sheriff, consider tax abatements, and review a cooperating agency agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. The board will also hear the Coeur Wharf 2026 annual update and mine statistics under the conditional use permit, along with highway business and a malt beverage license authority matter.

• Personnel items: treasurer and sheriff (GB 2, GB 2A)
• Tax abatements: EQ property add-on, abatements for Roberts, Brother Builders, and Finley (GB 3–6)
• USFS Cooperating Agency Agreement (GB 7)
• Coeur Wharf 2026 annual update and CUP mine stats
• Highway business and malt beverage license authority

The commissioners unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding and Letter of Credit totaling $2,199,000 and $2,528,850 for KR Deer Mountain Club 2021, LLC’s Deer Mountain Village Block B development. They also approved a $760,192.80 Letter of Credit and agreement for Security Storage & Properties, LLC’s Hidden Pines Subdivision, and authorized the chairman to sign several other contracts and personnel step raises.

• Approved MOU and $2,199,000 Letter of Credit for KR Deer Mountain Club 2021, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved $2,528,850 Letter of Credit for KR Deer Mountain Club 2021, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved MOU and $760,192.80 Letter of Credit for Security Storage & Properties, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved step raise for Treasurer Rachel Baird to $23.94/hr effective June 1 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved step raises for Sheriff officers Joseph Kuper and Alexis Richards to $27.41/hr effective May 31 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved new hire Adriana Chaska as Dispatcher I at $24.80/hr effective May 26 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved 2026‑2027 Malt Beverage License for Boars Nest Roadhouse, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved Class‑Retail (On‑Off Sale) Wine and Cider license for Cross Of Freedom Properties, LLC DBA Bar 385 & Campground (unanimous)

Natural Resources Committee

The Lawrence County Natural Resources Committee will meet to receive an update on the USFS Benchmark Project and discuss cooperating agency status. The meeting includes designated time for public and committee member comments.

• Update on USFS Benchmark Project
• Discussion of Cooperating Agency status

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

The Lawrence County Commission will attend a Republican candidate forum but will not take official action during the event.

• Notice of quorum for District 31 Republican Candidate Forum
• Forum location: High Plains Heritage Center, 825 Heritage Drive
• Forum time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (MST) on May 16, 2026

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

The Lawrence County Commission and Board of Adjustment will consider several staff reports and applications, including malt beverage licenses, a storage facility proposal, and multiple subdivision plats. They will also receive draft minutes, audit reports, and personnel updates. The meeting includes a public hearing on planning and zoning items.

• Review of malt beverage license applications (MALT BEVERAGE LICENSES.DOCX)
• Staff report on Trent Walters DD Storage project (VAR 223 STAFF REPORT)
• Subdivision plats for Reebe Ranch Estates, Apple Springs, Nemo Placer, Golden Hills
• Audit report with the county treasurer (GB 3 AUDITORS ACCOUNT WITH TREASURER)
• Personnel reports for auditor, weeds, emergency manager, and sheriff

The Lawrence County Commissioners unanimously approved the lowest responsible bid of $1,837,698.25 from Halme, Inc. for the Nemo Road Structure Replacements and Approach Grading projects. The approval includes waiving irregularities and authorizing the Chairman to sign the construction agreement, pending SDDOT approval. The supplemental budget of $3,000 from the Impact and Economic Fund Severance Tax was also adopted unanimously.

• Approved $1,837,698.25 highway contract with Halme, Inc. (unanimous)
• Adopted Supplemental Budget Resolution #2026-16 for $3,000 Impact and Economic Fund Severance Tax (unanimous)
• Approved cell phone per diem $50/month for auditor Nicole Coons (unanimous)
• Approved seasonal Sprayer/GPS hires (Thomas Mabe, Thomas John Salmen, Terran Talsma) at $18.40/hr (unanimous)
• Approved full‑time Deputy Leah Sanders at $31.69/hr (unanimous)
• Approved part‑time Correctional Officer hires (Daniel Howard, Andre Steward) (unanimous)
• Approved classification changes for Miranda Dove and Caylor Benson to $28.23/hr (unanimous)
• Approved permit for DRM Inc. to occupy County Highway Right‑of‑Way on Terry Summit Road (unanimous)

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

The Board of Equalization denied a 100% tax‑exempt status for the Hand Up Foundation parcel. It upheld existing land values for several properties and approved numerous classification and valuation changes, most notably reducing MC Ranch LLC’s land value from $313,500 to $9,690. All motions were carried, with unanimous votes unless a dissent was recorded.

• Denied 100% tax‑exempt status for Hand Up Foundation parcel (unanimous)
• No change to land values for three 4 Bears in the Hills LLC parcels (unanimous)
• AKES Family Trust classification changed to NA‑C1‑S and NA‑C‑S (4‑1 vote)
• Reduced MC Ranch LLC land value from $313,500 to $9,690 (unanimous)
• Changed H20 Clear Solutions Lot 2 land value from $150,000 to $4,800 (unanimous)
• Reclassified Larson parcel to AG‑C with land value cut to $1,870 (unanimous)
• Added dwelling to Classic Design Homes LLC parcel, structure value set to $612,350 (unanimous)
• Reduced Amundson land value from $90,070 to $79,470 (unanimous)

Planning & Zoning Board

The Planning & Zoning Board will hold public hearings on a conditional use permit for Marta's Dog House and an ordinance to add retail sales as a conditional use in the HSC zone. Recommendation meetings include a development plan for Crow Peak Brewing and variance requests for the St. Onge Fire Department and DD Storage units. The board will also discuss updating campaign sign regulations and classification of unlisted uses countywide.

• Public hearing on CUP 451-26 for Marta's Dog House: change number of dogs and add grooming/retail space in Boulder Canyon
• Public hearing on ORD 26-01: adding retail sale and trade as a conditional use in HSC zone countywide
• Recommendation meeting on DP 26-01: Crow Peak Brewing update/add parking, remodel stage and restaurant, fence area, redo umbrellas and tables
• Recommendation on VAR 222: St. Onge VFD seeks 23'7" variance to front setback from railroad ROW
• Recommendation on VAR 223: DD Storage Units seeks 4.1' variance to front setback on Rochford Road

The Planning & Zoning Board approved CUP #451-26 for Artz Kids LLC with a maximum of 75 dogs, approved ORD #26-01 adding retail sales and trade as a conditional use to HSC zoning, and approved CUP #501 for Mile High Construction with standard conditions. It also approved a fee waiver and a 23‑7″ setback variance for the St. Onge Volunteer Fire Department, and denied a 4.1″ setback variance for DD Storage Units. Public hearings for all items were scheduled for May 26 or May 12, 2026.

• Approved CUP #451-26 (dog boarding) with max 75 dogs (motion carried)
• Approved ORD #26-01 adding retail sales and trade as conditional use to HSC zoning (motion carried)
• Approved CUP #501 (retail, wellness, education) with standard conditions (motion carried)
• Approved fee waiver for VAR #222 (public fire department) (motion carried)
• Approved VAR #222 granting 23‑7″ front‑setback variance for St. Onge Volunteer Fire Department (motion carried, roll‑call vote: 5 aye, 1 nay)
• Denied VAR #223 requesting 4.1″ front‑setback variance for DD Storage Units (motion carried)
• Set public hearing for CUP #451-26 on May 26, 2026 at 9:00 am
• Set public hearing for ORD #26-01 on May 26, 2026 at 9:00 am

Fair Board

The Butte/Lawrence County Fair Board will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, hear the treasurer's report, and take public comments. Old business includes updates on siding, building reports, and the arena. New business covers entertainment, schedule and events, and awards/chairs. The meeting is largely procedural with routine operational discussions.

• Siding update under old business
• Building reports and arena report
• Discussion of entertainment, schedule, and events for the fair
• Awards/chairs assignment
• Public comments limited to 3 minutes per person

The board approved the April minutes and the March treasurer's report. It set a $3,000 budget for award chairs and a $500 budget for 4‑H cards and ribbons. The board decided that bouncy houses will not be included in this year's fair. The meeting was adjourned.

• Approved April 2026 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved March 2026 treasurer's report (motion carried)
• Approved $3,000 budget for award chairs (motion carried)
• Approved $500 budget for 4‑H cards and ribbons (motion carried)
• Decided bouncy houses will not be part of the fair this year (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Search & Rescue Board

The Lawrence County Search & Rescue Board will approve its agenda and the minutes from the April 6, 2026 meeting. It will review the April 2026 financial report, training updates, and maintenance report. The board will discuss a kitchen stove donation and the Mickelson Trail Marathon aid station. Upcoming items include the next training session on May 18 and the next business meeting on June 1.

• Approve agenda
• Approve minutes of the April 6, 2026 meeting
• Financial report – April 2026 beginning balance, expenses, and ending balance (amounts not listed)
• Discuss kitchen stove donation
• Discuss Mickelson Trail Marathon aid station

The board approved its agenda and the April 2026 meeting minutes. Members voted to accept the April 2026 financial report. The board approved new member Ward Johnston. The board authorized the purchase of new building window screens.

• Approved meeting agenda (carried)
• Approved new member Ward Johnston (carried)
• Approved April 2026 minutes (carried)
• Accepted April 2026 financial report (carried)
• Approved purchase of new building window screens (carried)
• Adjourned meeting (carried)

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

This agenda is a notice that a quorum of Lawrence County Commissioners may be present at the County Commission Candidate Forum during the Mount Rushmore Area Association of Realtors Membership Meeting. No official county action will be taken at this event.

• Notice of possible quorum at candidate forum on April 29, 2026
• Event at Spearfish Holiday Inn and Convention Center (Spruce - Aspen Rooms)
• No official action will be taken

County Commissioner & Board of Adjustment

The County Commission, Board of Adjustment, and Board of Education will meet on April 28, 2026. The agenda includes a proposed resolution (2026‑15) to vacate a section line, a subject‑to‑vote item for Rimrock Canyon Road, a highway easement agreement for Tinton Road, an amendment to the County Opening Burning Ordinance, and several personnel and tax‑exemption matters. Documents related to valuation adjustments for elderly, disabled and veteran exemptions, a tax relief report, and religious exemption requests are also listed for review.

• Resolution 2026‑15 vacating section line
• Subject‑to‑vote – Rimrock Canyon Rd.
• USFS Tinton Road FRTA easement agreement
• Amended 2025‑01 County Opening Burning Ordinance
• BOE valuation adjustments for elderly, disabled and veteran exemptions

The Lawrence County Commissioners unanimously approved the order declaring the Rimrock Canyon area incorporated and subject to a vote as a new road district. They also approved hiring a new sheriff dispatcher and a new state attorney, authorized a travel request for a conference, and authorized the purchase of two state‑bid pickup trucks. Additional actions included approving a raffle request, adopting a resolution to vacate a portion of a highway, and granting several utility permits.

• Approved new hire of Sarah Bestgen as full‑time Dispatcher I G1 at $24.80/hr (unanimous)
• Approved new hire of Kristen Heitman as full‑time CE 2 G1 at $24.64/hr (unanimous)
• Approved $50 per month cell‑phone per diem for Kristen Heitman (unanimous)
• Approved travel request for Carmen Symonds and Mike Meehan to attend SDAAO Conference (unanimous)
• Approved order declaring Rimrock Canyon Road District incorporated and subject to vote (unanimous)
• Authorized purchase of two pickup trucks from state bid (Dodge Ram 3500 and Chevrolet Silverado) (unanimous)
• Approved request to conduct a raffle by the Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce (unanimous)
• Approved and adopted Resolution #2026-15 to vacate a portion of a highway (unanimous)

Invasive Species Management

The Lawrence County Invasive Species Management Board will review and discuss the 2025 end-of-year budget and the 2026 budget. New business includes subdivision inspections, the SD Weed and Pest Conference, City of Spearfish matters, summer employees, a USFS timber sale, and an update on a Dodge and Ford pickup truck. Public comment is allowed with a three-minute limit per person.

• 2025 end-of-year budget review
• 2026 budget review
• USFS timber sale update
• Subdivision and private property inspections
• Update on Dodge and Ford pickup truck