Chamber Digital Newsletter Q2 by HartfordChamber

Letter from the Mayor

Hartford - Where we’ve been? Where we are going?

hen I think back to where we’ve came from as a City, I usually start with population numbers. In 2010 the Census reported Hartford at 2,534 people. In just 10 years-2020-the Census had Hartford at 3,354. Right now Hartford is estimated to be just short of 3,500.

Why do I share these numbers? Well, when asked where we are at or take a look back, I see a nice size town ready for some good things to happen. Based on the numbers, it is happening. All you need to do is drive around and it doesn’t take long to see the growth we’ve experienced in the past 14 years.

Hartford is a community of hard working folks who support their school and families and want a safe place to live and work. I feel we’ve done a great job of providing those necessary services. We’ve come a long way from where we were and I believe we are well poised to excel in the next 15-20 years.

Where do we go from here?

The Cities Capital Improvement Plan is filled with projects that are underway, some that are on deck in the next few years and several that are on the horizon. As most of you know, our new state of the art wastewater treatment facility is under construction and will be ready to go on-line October of 2025. The State of South Dakota will be rebuilding and raising the bridge over Interstate 90 next year and the City will add on to that project with a major road improvement on Western Avenue. Many developers have purchased land and are in process or will be in process of adding housing to the Hartford area. The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce is actively working to keep our business sector strong and growing. The Hartford Area Development Foundation has two Industrial parks purchased and infrastructure will be underway at the North Oaks development this summer.

Any of you who know me have heard me echo our City Tagline-“LIVE LIVELY”! To me it is more than a couple words, it is an expression of what it is like to live and enjoy our wonderful city of Hartford. If you’re out and about and run into me, don’t hesitate to stop and talk. I love talking about Hartford and I love meeting our Citizens! See you soon!

LIVE LIVELY! 

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Economic Indicators

In January 2024, the City of Hartford reported that the two largest building permits issued in 2023. For significant community projects: the addition to West Central School Elementary and the new Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) for the City of Hartford. These projects indicate

a focus on improving educational infrastructure and essential public services within the city. This information was provided by the City of Hartford, with additional data sourced from the United States Census. 

largest permits in 2023 were for: West Central School Elementary Addition & the new WWTF for the City of Hartford.

Source: United States Census

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

By Senator Brent “B.R.” Hoffman

A sk any senator or representative to summarize the legislative session, and you’ll likely get a different answer from each one of them. Which makes sense, given the wide range of perspectives and constituencies that shape our opinions and votes. What is critical to one is trivial to another. It depends. Opinions vary.

That said, I’ll offer a fairly short and mostly biased list of session bills by chamber (S = Senate, H = House) and number. With a tip of the hat to a great spaghetti western from the 1960s, I’ve categorized them as good, bad and ugly.

The Good HB1125 eliminates a loophole for converting industrial hemp into synthetic marijuana. These pervasive products (e.g., Delta8, Delta-10) often target minors with candy-like packaging and undermine the medical marijuana

program approved by the public.

HB1244 allows a person to withdraw a petition signature. This is current practice in other states, and it requires a notarized statement in a short window of review. It won’t undermine the ballot initiative process, but limits gathering signatures under fraudulent pretenses.

SB72 increases limits for tax credits to the Partners in Education program. This makes more scholarship money available for parents who choose private education for their children.

SB190 requires a comparison of reemployment assistance recipients against death records to ensure eligibility and guard the integrity of government assistance programs.

SB203 allows adults with an unrestricted enhanced permit to carry concealed in public schools, with written

permission. The law mirrors other states and is a common sense response to school safety.

The Bad

HB1065 appropriates $8 million dollars for a shed at the state fair and includes an “emergency clause” (for the immediate preservation of state government), so citizens can’t check spending and refer it to a vote.

SB136 expands the physician wellness program to include a handful of USD medical students. Somehow the bill also included an emergency clause and passed both chambers by a large margin.

The Ugly

SB103 failed due to lobbying by school organizations, so public schools won’t be required to lock exterior doors or centrally report violent threats toward staff or students. While everyone says school safety is import

ant, less than everyone voted to support the policy.

SB167, a proposal to limit property tax increases, also failed. Supporters are right that property reform is needed and opponents are right that the proposal needed work, but in the end, the senate kicked the can down the road for at least another year.

SB13 seemed simple enough, as it empowered the governor to select his/ her own lieutenant governor. But nothing is simple in politics, and like its companion bills in the house, this bill was amended, hijacked and joined other well-intentioned bills in 41st-day purgatory.

Thank you for sharing your opinions this past session, and for informing and shaping my own. Please feel free to reach out to me or any of my colleagues, as we all work for you. All the best. 

Photo by Randall Runtsch

I have had the honor of serving as a District 9 State Representative for four years. The 2024 session was surprisingly the busiest one that I have experienced. In the past three years most of the discussion centered around how to spend an influx of federal dollars sent to the states with a deadline attached. In 2024 most of that money dried up and so the debate turned to more substantive policy issues. Having a large number of new Representatives eager to make their mark before the upcoming primary election also added to the large number of bills introduced. I will highlight the way the process was effective or ineffective based on three different topics.

The first was an internal Republican Party dispute that aired itself on the House floor. Right now Constitutional office nominees (Attorney General, Secretary of State, etc.) are chosen at the Republican Party’s state convention rather than through

a primary election. A certain group of legislators sought to change this to a primary for all offices. The original bill was defeated on the House floor, but the sponsor proceeded to introduce and hog house different bills with the same topic. It was frustrating to see our very limited legislative time used for this purpose. I believe I voted three times on the same topic before it was finally laid to rest.

2024 Legislative Recap

By Representative Bethany Soye

There was a great deal of public input provided and actually considered in the bill’s drafting. What was ultimately passed into law will likely need to be adjusted in the future but I believe it is a step forward on the topic of school funding and teacher pay.

This is not the way the South Dakota Legislature is designed to operate.

On the positive side, I believe the teacher pay accountability bill (SB127) is a good example of effective use of the process. The bill went through many different iterations while leadership worked with various different interested groups to make changes and agree upon final language.

Of course the debate surrounding property rights and the proposed carbon sequestration pipeline was a large part of the session. Busloads of landowners and ethanol company employees filled the balcony for those debates. I was disappointed in the process for these bills as leadership seemed to have chosen ahead of time which bills would make it out of committee and which would not. What we ended up with was

a DC-style logrolling attempt in SB201. My main objection to the bill is the multiple unrelated subjects thrown into one piece of legislation in an attempt to get enough individuals on board to pass the whole package. This is not the way the South Dakota Legislature is designed to operate. Unlike many other states, each bill introduced receives a committee hearing. Each singular topic is meant to rise and fall on its own merits. In fact, we are Constitutionally-required to only take up bills containing a single subject. In 2021 the SD Supreme Court ruled that Amendment A was invalid for violating the single subject rule and SB201 has the same problem. I hope that in the future the legislature will be more transparent and fairly debate each topic that arises.

I thank you for the opportunity to serve as your elected representative and welcome your feedback. 

District 9 Legislative Forum

The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the State Legislative Forum, providing an invaluable opportunity for constituents to engage directly with the candidates vying for the District 9 available House/Senate seats.

The forum aimed to foster an informed electorate by facilitating a robust discussion on critical issues facing our community and state. Attendees had the chance to hear from each candidate and gain insight into their visions, priorities, and plans for representing District 9 effectively.

Ryan Solberg, moderator for the evening, guided the discussion, ensuring that all candidates had an equal opportunity to present their platforms and address constituent concerns. 

Buying Power

Let's go back to 1994, the year Forest Gump hit theaters, Friends made waves on primetime T.V., and all you wanted for Christmas was the new PlayStation console!

The one thing we might have forgot about 1994 was how much a can of veggies or a bunch of bananas was. Zoom in on these Jubilee ads to see what your buying power was like in Hartford back in 1994. 

We a re committed to caring for the whole family, and p roviding you a lifetime of hea

and healing

Photos by Jared Goebel

L to R: Mark Willadsen, Bethany Soye, & Joy Hohn

L to R: Bethany Soye, Joy Hohn, Tesa Schwans, & Ryan Solberg

Legacy Member: Sunshine Foods

Back in 2002, when Merlin and Sherri Goebel first moved to Hartford, the city’s population was around 2,200 people.

“There was one grocery store in town, as there is now, but since then the brewery has come to town, there are two manufacturing businesses that have moved here and other businesses have come in that just help the town keep growing,” said Merlin.

Yet, as the growth in Hartford continues, the Goebels say they’ve only doubled down on keeping their business, Sunshine Foods, the same.

“I don’t think a whole lot has changed in terms of the way we do business,” said Merlin.

One of the ways Sunshine stands out is their ability to source special items.

“We pride ourselves that

As competition increases with online shopping and big-box stores available in nearby Sioux Falls, Merlin and Sherri are committed to keeping their edge strong — a personalized, hometown experience.

if someone is looking for an ingredient and we don’t have it in stock, we’re able to find it for them. Our warehouse is great about supplying specialty items, and we love discovering those new products for people, too,” he said.

Maintaining their traditional hometown grocery experience doesn’t mean staying in the dark ages, however. The team at Sunshine is always looking for ways to stay abreast of new technology.

“Whether it’s the way we place orders or track products, there are always technological advances to be had,” said Merlin.

“Look at the way we track fresh meat, for instance. If we get a box of beef in, we can trace it back sometimes

to the specific cow and the date it was harvested, and people are starting to think that stuff is really important,” he said.

And, as their kids, Jared and Casie, prepare to take over the business in the future, Merlin and Sherri emphasize the importance of staying involved in the community.

“They will be the future of Sunshine Foods, and they know how important it is to be involved in Hartford,” Merlin said.

As the city’s population continues to grow, Sunshine Foods is confident in its ability to meet the needs and wants of the expanding population, always with friendly smiles on their faces. 

Sunshine Foods doubles down on hometown experience as community grows.

Photos by Sunshine Foods

Legacy Member: Hartford Dental Clinic

Community involvement key to Hartford Dental’s past and future success.

Hartford Dental has been a foundational member of the community for over 30 years, since it was started in 1993 by Dr. Scott Mattheis.

The father-daughter team of Dr. Mattheis and Dr. Kimberly Bork has grown the business steadily over the years, not only by providing excellent dental care for Hartford residents but by committing to the community as well.

Doctors Bork and Mattheis say that after three decades of working in the community, you really get to know your patients. Those relationships have built the successful business they run today, and they also inspire the Hartford Dental team to go beyond the clinic and support the community.

“One thing I love about being here in Hartford is that our patients are our family, our friends and our neighbors,” said Dr. Bork.

“Being able to be out working in committees and groups, it goes beyond just

dental health. We really get to know people on a different level and they get to know us as well.”

With such a long tenure in the community, the team has had the chance to be involved in numerous organizations and service opportunities over the years, including the Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, local churches and the school district.

Each year, dental hygienists from the clinic visit the school for Children’s Dental Health Month to provide engaging education on the importance of good dental hygiene.

Currently, Dr. Mattheis serves as president of the West Central Education Foundation, which raises money to give grants to teachers in the school district, allowing them to pursue enhanced learning opportunities and projects with their students.

The clinic is also generous with sponsorship and advertising opportunities for area organizations.

“Giving back to the community is important to us for

so many reasons, but primarily it’s rewarding to meet all of the different people and patients we have here in Hartford,” said Dr. Bork. 

Photo by Hartford Dental

Legacy Member: Travis Electric

Travis Electric embraces new technologies to maximize efficiency.

A s he approaches 20 years in business, Travis Kuehl says the number one thing he has seen change over time is technology.

Kuehl, who started his business in 2005, says that while many of the advanced technologies he uses on a daily basis have been around for decades at this point, it’s only been in more recent years that he’s seen widespread adoption.

“Most of these things have been around for 20+ years already, but they’re just being implemented more now because of updated building codes and things like LEED certification or tax advantage opportunities.”

He emphasizes the efficiency and peace of mind that’s made possible when smart technologies are utilized. “Smart homes have provided safety and reliability for people. They can

monitor different systems in their house, from sensors on the fridges, dishwashers and water heaters, to being able to protect and monitor their home using cameras or water sensors. They’re all good things that are benefiting the homeowner and saving them money,” he said.

thermostats, off-peak heating and cooling systems that save energy, daylight harvesting and motion sensors in restrooms or unoccupied offices.

Kuehl says that implementing these technologies can help homeowners or business owners become energy star certified, LEED certified, or receive rebates and tax advantages.

“Other states have had these opportunities for a while, but it’s becoming more prevalent in South Dakota, so it’s just part of our business now,” Kuehl said.

“It became really obvious during COVID that high-speed internet is super important. Regular internet wasn’t going to cut it if you were working from home, and if you think about all the smart, connected devices we have now, it’s important to have the speed to handle that,” he said.

Finally, he adds that being part of the Hartford community has been a huge benefit to his business.

Much of the same technology applies to commercial projects, from monitoring HVAC controls, smart

Another newer area for the Travis Electric team has been supporting internet service and fiber to the home. Kuehl and his team work with local telecommunications companies to provide the final connection to bring end users online.

“Hartford has grown over time, and it’s been a great place to build my family and business. We continue to provide our customers with smart technology for home automation — whether it’s as they travel for the summer or go south for the winter, they can monitor their home and be confident that everything is working as it should be,” he said. 

Hartford

Did You Know?

Business Owners

Richard Brower - is about 80 and has had a construction business that has been around about as long as the Dean's antique business. He is best know for the Brower Addition. Bower's wife also has three businesses in the Brower addition that are members of the chamber

Bob Lutter is about 80 years old and established Hartford's Best Paint & Body in 1978.

Beaverbuilt - family owned since 1995.

Buildings & Locations

Elihu Oaks Farm - The corner of what is now Mickelson RD & Western Ave. This is where the name for the original settlement of Oaksville came from.

Charles W Knodt built what some say was the first store building (believed to be the building Golden West is in) in 1880.

John Mundt - Mundt rented the Knodt building when he brought his parents and their store into that building. Mundt wouldn't come himself move to Hartford from Sioux Falls until the railroad platted it in 1881. Mundt built the store next to his parents ( where the insurance office is today - between GW & Payroll Vault). He also built the first elevator west of Sioux Falls in Hartford as well as the only Quartzite Building in Hartford after he moved back to Sioux Falls. That building operated as a general store, lodge, bank, and print shop.

Siouxland Libraries

Hartford Branch StoryWalk

Photos by: Amy Farr

Siouxland Libraires Hartford Storywalk Plaque

L to R: Wynne Hindt, HACC Director; Alysia Boysen, Senior Librarian at Siouxland Libraries; Joel Rosenthal, President of Siouxland Libraries Board of Trustees; Tricia Bates, Library Associate; Arden Jones, Mayor of Hartford; Stephanie Bents, Branch Librarian; Scott Schrader, President of the HACC; Rhonda Erickson, Vice President of the HACC; & Lesley Wolles, Library Associate

Looking Back. Going Forward

Hartford’s rich history began in the mid-19th century when the Territory of Dakota was organized in 1861, followed by the establishment of Minnehaha County in 1862. The boundaries of Hartford Township were surveyed and sub -divided in 1867 Oakesville, named after E.I. Oakes, was first settled in 1878. A year later, the Worthington & Sioux Falls Railroad extended to Salem, and the Oaksville depot was renamed "Hartford."

The year 1881 marked a pivotal point when the Railroad Company filed a plat of eight blocks, and Hartford began to take shape as a village. A post office was established with A.F. Oaks as the first postmaster, succeeded by John Mundt. The village quickly grew with the establishment of stores, hotels, grain warehouses, and various businesses. By 1896, the community's growth led its citizens to petition for incorporation. On August 1, 1896, Hartford was offi -

cially incorporated as a town. The first town election was held on September 10, 1896, resulting in the election of Charles Feyder as President, George Gover and D.B. Oaks as Trustees, Nels Haugen as Clerk, H.D. Oaks as Treasurer, and Mat Becher as Assessor.

Today, Hartford stands as a progressive city that retains the charm and community spirit of a small town. Located just 10 minutes west of Sioux Falls, off exits #387

and #390 on Interstate 90, Hartford is home to approximately 3,359 residents (2020 census). Our community boasts a volunteer fire department, law enforcement, churches, civic organizations, schools, parks, an 18-hole golf course, a swimming pool, and a variety of stores and services to meet citizens needs.

Let's take a moment to look back at photos from Hartford's past while we look forward to its' future! 

Top: Main street Hartford SD. Bottom Left: Savings Bank. Bottom Middle: East side main street Hartford. Bottom Left: Birds eye view looking east of Hartford, SD.

Photos provided by the City of Hartford

Left: Hartford Milling Co. Manufacturing of Gold Dust Flour. Top Right: Bath House. Bottom Right: Swimming Pool.

Letter from the Superintendent

Dr. Eric Knight, Superintendent

It is important to know where we have been so that we can go to more positive places in the future. This is true for school districts as well. When the Chamber of Commerce asked if we wanted to be involved in their Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going newsletter, the district jumped on that opportunity. Sharing our history of where we have been, is important for current stakeholders to be aware of. The district has a strategic plan that is set to expire this summer. The school board and the district’s leadership team are developing a new strategic plan.

Where Have We Been

In the spring of 1967, the school districts of Hartford and Humboldt consolidated to form West Central. The boards choose the name because of its location in Minnehaha County. The first senior class chose the Trojan

as the new school’s mascot. Our white color comes from the Purple and White Hartford Pirates. Our blue color comes from the Humboldt Eagles.

On a 3-2 vote during a school board meeting that lasted late into the night, the board decided that Hartford would be the home of the High School. It was decided that each town would have a school. During the 1967-1968 school year, each town kept their K-4 students, all the 5-8 grade students attended middle school in Humboldt. All the 9-12 grade students attended high school in Hartford. In its first year, the newly formed West Central School District had a student enrollment of 733.

Where Are We Headed

Like those early decisions, today, we still make decisions based on what can be the most cost-effective while

Protecting

maximizing our resources. For the 2024-2025 school year, Hartford Elementary will be the home for our 3rd graders. With the construction and addition of six classrooms, the 3rd grade will move from Humboldt to Hartford. This will even the enrollment numbers between our two elementary schools. Humboldt Elementary will have one section of Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Humboldt will continue to house our multiple sections of 4th and 5th grades.

The District’s enrollment during the 1967-1968 school year was 733. Since that first year, our enrollment has nearly doubled. For the 2024-2025 school year, we are planning and preparing for 1,420. As we continue to work with the communities of Hartford and Humboldt, the planning and zoning Department from the City of Sioux Falls is also providing a great deal of information regarding

our potential enrollment. The continued housing development in Hartford and Humboldt will continue to grow our enrollment. If/when a sewer connection crosses Le Mesa Dr. in Sioux Falls, our enrollment will also be impacted.

To provide a clear path for where we are headed, the District has made strategic moves to set the district up for future success. In the fall of 2023, the district purchased 25 acres of land on the south end of Hartford. Many years ago, the District purchased 5 acres in the Le Mesa Dr. and Maple Street location. Having land in these two locations allows the District to meet the needs of our population, communities, and building needs.

Yours in Education. Dr. Eric Knight. 

Letter from the Hartford Area Development Foundation

Amy M. Farr, IOM - HADF Economic Development Director

he Hartford Area Development Foundation (HADF) will be breaking ground on a new industrial park just south of the Swenson Sports Complex. This development aims to boost the local economy by attracting businesses and creating job opportunities. The industrial park is expected to provide modern facilities and infrastructure to support a variety of industries, enhancing the economic growth and industrial capabilities of the Hartford area. The HADF has sold one parcel with two pending purchase agreements and several others looking to invest in Hartford. This develop -

ment would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of the City of Hartford City Council and Staff, Economic Development Association, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, South Eastern Council of Government and the anchor tenant. The City of Hartford was able to receive grant funding to assist with completing W. 12th Street and Oaks Avenue.

The HADF is working with Bender Commercial Real Estate to sell parcels located within the industrial park as well as more 140 acres of land located to the west of

the current development and 1+ acres at the corner of Western and W. South Street. This is an exciting time for the Hartford Area Development Foundation. If you have any questions or

are interested in learning more about the HADF or the land, please contact Amy M. Farr at 605-528-3338 or email info@hartford.life.

Location of new industrial park south of the Swenson Sports Complex.

Amy M. Farr. 

Letter from the Chamber Director

Wynne Hindt, Executive Director of the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce

artford Area Chamber of Commerce Members,

As I was developing the concept for this newsletter (Looking Back to Move Forward), I found myself reflecting on my relatively short time with the Chamber. This thought led me to delve into the history of our beloved community, to better understand its roots and the journey that has brought us to where we are today.

Hartford was founded by industrious individuals from a rich and diverse

cultural background. These early settlers exemplified perseverance and a steadfast spirit. Their legacy of hard work and determination continues to shape our community.

As a new resident of Hartford, I have been impressed by the same industriousness and perseverance that our predecessors demonstrated. Our local businesses and Chamber members have shown the incredible foresight our community possesses as we prepare for the inevitable growth and transformation.

Do you have something to celebrate? Need a place to share job promotions and new hires? Is your business embarking on a new project? Have a story that deserves recognition? Want to celebrate your employees, business accomplishments, and more? Submit your news and stories to the Chamber to be featured in the upcoming newsletter!

Email your submissions to wynne.hindt@hartfordsd.us.

The strategic preparation of our infrastructure reflects the forward-thinking, industrious, and courageous nature of our city officials and business community.

It is with great pride that I serve as both a resident and the Director of the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce. Our Board members are diligently working on developing a Strategic Plan that will guide the Chamber through some of the most significant growth years our community has ever seen. This plan will implement strategies

designed to encourage both new and existing businesses to remain community-minded and growth-focused.

As we look back at our rich history, we gain the strength and inspiration to move forward with confidence and determination. Together, we will continue to build a vibrant and thriving community for all who call Hartford home.

Warm regards, Wynne Hindt. 