Drivers in Flandreau will want to note that there will be two new stop signs installed near the downtown area at the intersection of West 2nd Avenue and North Henry Street.
There are currently yield signs at the intersection, but Police Chief Zach Weber requested the change due to drivers reportedly ignoring the yield signs and jeopardizing oncoming traffic along 2nd Avenue.
The change could lead to a broader overall traffic plan for the city, with additional stop signs in more uniform places. There are inconsistencies for drivers along higher traffic areas, especially around the school and the Aquatics Center, and a discussion was had about wanting to be proactive to avoid any future problems.
City Administrator Cohl Turnquist stated that a traffic study is planned to better accommodate both drivers and pedestrians throughout town.
Alderman Brad Bjerke mentioned as part of the discussion that it is actually not legal to have the 4-way stop that exists along a section of Broad Avenue on the south side of the city. He requested that particular stop sign be removed to improve traffic flows and there be no stop for motorists traveling along that route.

An Open House celebration at the new Flandreau Fire Station is scheduled for Wednesday, June 26th from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Events will include building tours, a ribbon cutting ceremony, and a meal. Close-out loan papers on the project will be signed in early July.
The City Council also addressed work on some major community projects at its most recent meeting on June 3rd:
Given the City is a partner in the proposed new Early Childhood Learning Center along with the Flandreau Santee Sioux, the Flandreau Development Corporation, Moody County, and the Boys and Girls Club of Moody County, it was mentioned that earlier that day the Boys and Girls Club learned the community was awarded a $740,000 State Community Block Grant.
The new Center is projected to fill a much-needed gap in childcare resources for the broader Flandreau area. Additional funding resources and private partners will be sought to raise the additional funding for the 3.2-million-dollar project with additional funding partners being sought for the remaining funds needed for construction and ongoing operations. More on the project in a future edition.
Turnquist recently learned that the Federal Aviation Administration will fund future projects at 95% instead of the previous 90% of total cost, beneficial as the City moves forward with an airport runway expansion project.
Open hours of operation will be established at all City Parks. Officials say a recent increase in vandalism and on occasion, people staying throughout the night in areas not intended for overnight guests, are prompting the move. The First Reading of Ordinance No. 621 was held, which establishes open hours at all City Parks between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., with exceptions to the city campground, and/or for special events approved by the City. A Second Reading is scheduled for the next City Council meeting on June 17th.
A new committee has been appointed to discuss improvements for the area in and around the Flandreau Dam, important as the Flandreau Santee Sioux move forward with conversations about a bridge replacement for the historic Crescent Street Bridge that came down years ago. Roger Janssen, Scott Ramsdell, Francis Wakeman III, Dean Elverud, Don Peters, Council members Karen Tufty and Mark Ekern, along with Mayor Sutton and Administrator Turnquist will make up the Flandreau Dam Revitalization Committee.
Alderman Tufty also suggested a new recycling idea that would offer city residents an additional recycling bin for twigs, sticks and yard debris.