Conde, SD

If the school should close Conde will be devistated! The many families being affected with loosing their jobs, kids having to travel so far to another school will lead to the possiblity of moving from our community. Therefore, we need the training of knowing how to Market what we have and the possibilities there might be for employment with new jobs here and elsewhere. That is why it was so enlightning to have so many interested in the seminar on Marketing. We are coming together and thanks to all who have shown interest in the program. Horizons could not have come at a better time! We are looking into the possibility of more housing, possibly some tax relief and have many ideas of contacting businesses in other towns for people who may need jobs. We have been told that the best place to star gaze in the whole state is north of Conde as it has a stretch that is void of fabricated light; wind energy is being looked into as is the expanding of our already well established hunting opportunities in the community.

In what ways is our community operating or working differently? The biggest thing is that people are starting to talk and wanting to work together. We are very fortunate to have a new Conde housing development owner from Aberdeen who has been most helpful in our endeavors for Horizons. His law degree backgound has been most helpful and we are so thankful for his genuine interest.

One of the structures that is being created is the pride for the town. We have, as an example, the mini golf course to be repaired. We are really working on ways to create responsibility for the privilege of having something like this in town. This spring we will again have our clean-up day and with the anticipation of the All School Reunion in June, we have a deadline to meet and that will keep us focused.

One of the biggest adversities we have found is that “it has always been done that way….” that has led us to a path of “getting by,” “uncertainty” and “non-progressive.” Now you throw that in with the possiblity of the school closing and the mood is very down and sullen. It is almost like we have given up! However, when one door closes, another opens. We have had such wonderful groups, young and old, probably rich but more than likely poorer than rich be continuous backers for the Horizons training and supportive for the activities. We had to forge ahead with the park project despite claims that insurance would not allow it. The insurance company has been contacted and will be with us to “fix” if necessary the old slide in the park and to help instruct for the setting up of the new slide that was purchased with Horizons and partnership of the city. What a wonderful partnership this will be as we have the Young Men’s club very willing to help and two good farmer welders that will be more than happy to help in any way they can. These are volunteers we had not thought about tapping and you don’t know until you ask!!! Now when spring comes we can go forth with renewed conviction that even old things can become new and new things can be done right with the help of the right people! Safety of the children is of utmost importance in park equipment. We solicited other information from Watertown Park and Recreation Office, met with the city council and contacted the afore mentioned people. Now, when Mother Nature lets spring “spring” we will be busy at the park!

The following are the questions to be answered for March so chime in Conde!!! Under #4: Sustaining action and creating structural change around poverty: What structures have been changed that will enable your community to address poverty in the long-term? Will you monitor and evaluate your community progress in reducing poverty? What community resources will be needed to sustain the community plan to reduce proverty? What additional resources would make a difference in your community’s work to reduce poverty? Under #11: Taking action on community: In what ways is your community operating or working differently? In what new or expanded ways are people contributing to your community? How are low income involved? what structures have been created or changed that will help your community? What new partnerships have been created, and what difference have they made for your community: Have you learned anything about how nearby communities like yours are taking action to reduce poverty? Do you see any opportunities to exchange information of combine efforts in this work?

Thursday, March 27th we are to host the seminar on Marketing our community; however with a pending storm, we will make the final decision Thursday morning. We have a wonderful group from our community committed to attending so we hope it can come to fruitition. And who needs more information about marketing our community than Conde as the possibility of the school closing looms over us. Watch for e-mails and telephone calls Thursday morning when Kari Fruechte calls to make the final decision!

Just posting some of the upcoming school and community activities as a reminder to all.        An afternoon of bingo will be held Sunday at the school gym beginning at 2pm. Tickets are available at the door. Proceeds benefit the school class trip.        Monday, March 17th the Conde school will be hosting a quiz bowl tournament at the school beginning at 5pm.  Teams from Northwestern, Groton, and Warner will be joining the Conde team in competition. This event is open to the public.        Wednesday, March 26th the senior class at Conde will be leaving for their long awaited class trip to New York and Washington DC.  This trip is made possible by their years of work at fundraising and with the thanks of the families and community members who support them.  We wish for them a safe and fun trip.          Conde’s Horizon II members will be hosting a ” Marketing Your Area” seminar on  Thursday, March 27th at the Conde Community Center beginning with a meal at 5:30 pm served by Conde students.  Please RSVP to Kari at 605-688-4946 or any Conde Horizon member.  Milan Wall of the Heartland Center for Leadership Development will be on hand to speak on strategies useful for marketing our areas to future businesess and residents.  Area residents and neighboring communities are encouraged to attend.