Housing has been a challenge for some time throughout Moody County, there just isn’t the inventory one might hope for and what inventory there is can often be considered in need of a lot of work, especially for those looking to rent.
That challenge over the past couple of years has grown considerably, especially as more people look to escape the growth in Brookings and Sioux Falls and stay somewhere close, and as more people in general move to the state and region.
As the Mayors in both Colman and Flandreau, Moody County’s biggest communities, look ahead at a new year and their top priorities to address, housing is at or near the top of both of their lists. The Moody County Enterprise asked Colman Mayor Mike Preheim and Flandreau Mayor Dan Sutton to reflect on 2022 and outline their goals for moving their communities forward. Below are their thoughts.

Colman Mayor
Mike Preheim
Top 3-5 significant events in 2022:
The housing development on the Golf Course. We had a couple of developers take on a project to develop housing along the east side of the golf course. Currently all but one lot is sold, five are already in the construction process. We also had a group of developers take on another project to the east of our Sunrise Ridge addition. This is a large housing project that has the potential to eventually get up to 80 more homes. Colman has grown significantly over the past 2-3 years and we had no lots available for people to build a home. Another event would have been the Derecho storm back in May. Colman was very lucky to sustain minor damage. We did have tree damage and roof damage but could have been way worse. We were very lucky.
Biggest Challenges Ahead for 2023:  
Hwy 34 project coming through Colman in a couple years. We will learn more about the project in the coming months as we have more information provided to us. Also, as always, trying to keep our infrastructure up the best we can on a small budget.
What might be getting done to address?
Colman is growing at a fast pace. With all the housing that has gone up in the recent months we are growing faster than anyone could have anticipated and it also keeps our school thriving. The only problem (which is a good problem) is that they are looking to add on to the school since the enrollment is growing at such an incredible pace. Which is very exciting to see!  I understand that some people do not like change but change can be a good thing.   
Goals for the year ahead:  

Keep building and selling more houses.  Not only does that help with our community growth but it also helps bring in more businesses to our community.  I think we will continue to see more of that happening if we can show that we can continue to grow in the near future.  Dollar General has been a huge asset to our community and I think we will see a couple more businesses show interest in the near future.
 

Flandreau Mayor
Dan Sutton
Top 3-5 significant events in 2022:
A. The severe storm (Derecho) that took place this past spring was an unexpected event. Our electric system upgrades throughout the community that placed our electric wires underground limited any damage to our system. However, we did lose power throughout the community due to the main substation losing power. Our local crew along with local electricians worked tirelessly to get power restored. Also, law enforcement and the fire department went through town checking on residents to make sure all were safe. The city and county emergency management worked together to provide a safe shelter for anyone who needed a place to go.
B. The proposed new fire station moved a step forward with securing funding through USDA Rural Development and a local bank. The next step is going to bid in January.
C. Plans are in place to continue the replacement of water and sewer lines in Flandreau with this project covering several blocks in the southeastern area of town. The city applied for a competitive grant and was chosen and awarded funds for this project.
D. Staffing changes. This year we welcomed a new city administrator, new city finance officer, new head of the streets, water and sewer, and parks department, and ended the year with a new superintendent of our electric department. In addition, several new employees were hired to filled vacancies in various departments. This is the most turnover that the city has had in several years. I appreciate all of the efforts of those that chose to retire and worked to make Flandreau a better place and I am proud of how the new employees have managed city affairs going forward.
E. Demolition of the Crescent street bridge and the City working with the FSST and the BIA to apply for funding to rebuild a new bridge.
Biggest Challenges Ahead for 2023:
Housing continues to be a major challenge in our community. Currently there is a shortage of houses to purchase and places to rent. This is not a new challenge but it has grown to become an issue that is causing more and more issues. It is critical that the shortage gets addressed in 2023 somehow.  
What might be getting done to address?
Members of the Flandreau Development Corporation and City officials have had several meetings working to find ways to address this housing shortage. I am hopeful that there will be solutions presented for consideration to address this issue in 2023.
Best describe Flandreau, especially to someone that knows nothing about the town?
I tell everyone I can how great a place Flandreau is to live, work and raise a family.  We offer many amenities that add to our quality of life that other communities our size simply don’t have or offer.  Flandreau is a very diverse community that welcomes various cultures and traditions.  We are progressive and continue to find ways to improve the quality of lives of all who live here.   Flandreau is a great place to call home.
How would that description change if you were talking to a lifelong resident?
Same as above. I think we sometimes just need to remind lifelong residents of the many good things we have that make Flandreau a great place. Some may inadvertently take these things and amenities for granted because we have become so used to already having it.
Goals/priorities for your community in the new year?
I want to continue to keep Flandreau moving forward. The construction of a new fire station, replacement of aged water and sewer lines, partnering to keep a golf course available to play, redesigning our airport to be safer and accommodate additional hanger space and larger aircraft to land, find a solution to the rental housing shortage, and improving and revitalizing the Flandreau dam area to be more parklike and a visitor destination. Last but not least, I hope to continue a good working relationship with FSST leadership and together work on projects that improve Flandreau.
Most important message for your community heading into a new year?
Flandreau has many exciting projects set to begin in 2023. We are in a good financial position overall. I encourage all to continue to support local, when possible, because the sales tax revenue generated is what we use to reinvest into and improve our community. Good things can happen when we do good planning and our community works together.
The Moody County Enterprise is working to connect with both Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal officials and county officials to learn more about their perspectives on the year in review and a look ahead at 2023. We hope to share those thoughts with you in the next issue.