Tripp

We have had a lot of fun getting this center opened and ready for the kids and adults….we now have set hours in the evenings for the kids from 7-10 weekdays and 7-11 on weekends.
The ping pong, pool and air hockey are constantly being played. The Xbox 360 and WII and our old xbox are also heating up the fun!! One 8 x 10 ft. projection TV, a widescreen, and a normal size TV are all set up with room for more. It is so nice to see 4 kids at a time driving against each other in a Mario racing with fantastic grapics and lots of obstacles to race through to earn a standing at the final flag….the WII interactive fitness program is so fun you forget it is a workout, also bowling, tennis, skiing, and many more interactive games where more than one can play are very popular…Seniors can use the center for card games, pool, or any game of their choosing during the daytime hours. It is operated by the honor system for them. To set up a time just call Rachel at 938-6802 or Vern at 935-6606 to be let in. Concessions are available…come in and check us out. (After School hours will be 3:30 to 6:00 then 7:00 to closing.) fee for playing games is $1.00 a night, $2.00 starting August 20th–wristband good for all night.

The Northwest Area Foundation Grassroots and Groundwork conference I attended in MN was outstanding!  Many partners in addressing poverty were there, my favorite speaker about poverty was Tom Vilsack, the former governor of Iowa.  The number one speaker about strategy, Chip Heath (author of the book Make it Stick , which I brought home to share), explained making messages memorable and motivating.  I can not wait to share with you on June 11^th the other exciting things. 

A community Flea Market is set for the last weekend in June, 2008.
Thursday 26th thru Saturday the 28th. All items are donated and dropped off at the Fairland Ballroom on the north edge of town by the ballfields. Any person in need of clothing, furniture, tv’s, etc. are encourgaed to come and take whatever they need. If unable to donate that is fine, if you would like to leave a donation that is welcome also to help organize and advertise for the next year’s Flea Market. Last year’s market was a huge success and benefited many needy familes, college students, newly married couples, and just the population in general as the people in the area were glad to have a place for the items they no longer used. Volunteers are welcome to help set up and organize the market. Many items are already there and it looks like another outstanding year for donated goods.

In the last couple of weeks we have had several families inquiring about moving to Tripp. Our smaller grade school classes are larger than the ones moving through high school. That is a positive change ! People are finding out it is cheaper to live in a little town than the big city and worth the short drive if workig out of town. Small communities have a better social awareness and the kids feel more togetherness than trying to fight your way through a large population and school system. We are all friendly neighbors and welcome any new faces..

The Tripp Little League is offering their summer season ball activity again this year. There will be a sign up meeting at the Tripp Emergency Building on May 7th at 7:30. Parents will be asked to pay the insurance fee and to accept the rules of the League at the meeting. Kids of all ages are encouraged to come and play ball. Last year we had a great season and hopefully we will continue in that direction ! Amy Brown and Dee Sandau are the girls coaches, and Tom Heisinger is the boys coach.

Five days a week in Tripp at the Dugout Lounge the seniors ( 60 and over) can get the noon special for $2.50. Many take avantage of this meal not only because of the dollar value but also the chance to go uptown and visit with friends and get out of the house. This Mother’s Day May 11th the Dugout will be open for a noon meal to honor the mother’s in our community. Take advatage of staying near home and using this opportunity to patronize a home town business.

         FOR AN ACT ENTITLED, An Act to  appropriate money for the repair of Tripp Lake Dam and to declare an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA:
     Section 1.  There is hereby appropriated from the general fund the sum of two hundred thousand dollars ($ 200,000 ), or so much thereof as may be necessary, to the commissioner of school and public lands to fund the Office of School and Public Lands’ portion of the repair of Tripp Lake Dam.
     Section 2.  The commissioner of school and public lands shall approve vouchers and the state auditor shall draw warrants to pay expenditures authorized by this Act.
     Section 3.  Any amounts appropriated in this Act not lawfully expended or obligated by June  30, 2009 , shall revert in accordance with §  4-8-21.
     Section 4.  Whereas, this Act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist, and this Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.

The hearing for this Senate bill was held Tuesday Jan. 15 in room # 423 at the Capitol Building in Pierre.  This bill would allow the necessary repairs that need to be done to the spillway at Tripp Lake which would enhance the recreational opportunites for all residents of our community and would help our goal #1 in our community strategic plan.  If you would like to show your support on the Tripp Lake Dam project contact Jennifer at City Hall. 

 A note from Senator Frank Kloucek:

Thank you to you the Mayor the entire Tripp Community and all supporters of Tripp Lake Dam. You made a very impressive showing of community support. The next round will be tougher but Hopefully we can come up with some viable solutions. The 139 signatures in just a short time, the excellent testimony and the presence of 11 Lake suporters really made the differance. Thanks again for a job well done. Senator Frank Kloucek

The committee that worked hard to make the bazaar the success it was shared their views of the communities working together.