ABERDEEN, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- This week we’re continuing to look back on the top ten stories of 2025. We will now cover #5 to #1.
#5 Senator Michael Rohl bill(SB12):
During the 2025 legislative session, Senator Michael Rohl introduced SB12 which limit the amount of money that may be loaned to a candidate or political committee. Rohl explains the bill.
The bill would pass the Senate 21-13 vote and moved on to the House. In the House State Affairs Committee, Representative Spencer Gosch introduced an amendment to include this federally. That passed but on the House floor, Representative Tim Reisch amended to have that removed and claimed to introduced a bill to address that specifically. That was HB1242. Bill passed 38-29 and signed by Governor Rhoden. HB1242 changed sponsors from Reisch to Representative Gosch.
The bill passed on a 36-34 vote.
That bill ended up being tabled by the South Dakota Senate on a 25-8 vote.
#4 South Dakota Legislature passes bill to authorize funding for the Richmond Dam:
By far the bill with the biggest impact to Aberdeen in 2025 was the funding needed to replace the Richmond Dam.
Senator Michael Rohl:
Of the 105 legislators, only 2 opposed the funding(both in the South Dakota House).
In June Governor Rhoden and Commissioner of School and Public Lands Brock Greenfield were in Aberdeen to evaluate the dam. Greenfield was asked the impact to Aberdeen would be if it did collapse.
They hope to have construction underway in 2026.
#3 Toby Doeden announce candidacy for Governor:
In May, Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden announced he would be running South Dakota Governor.
Doeden discuss one of his key issues will be addressing taxes.
Doeden launched a bus tour visiting all 66 counties in the state. Biggest issues he heard from them were property taxes, rural health, and education.
#2 Aberdeen City Council elections:
In June, the city of Aberdeen had an opportunity to vote for council people to represent the Southwest and Southeast Districts.
Talmage Ekanger won the SW District seat over Nicole Schutter. He talked about his victory.
Chad Nilson defeated Kurt Preszler by just one vote on election night and after the recount was done to claim the SE District seat.
Councilwoman Tiffany Langer was a distant third. Following her final city council meeting, she reflected on her time on the council.
#1 Aberdeen City Council decided on two-way Main Street:
In September the Aberdeen City Council voted 5-4 to change Main Street from one-way to two-way Main Street.
Mayor Travis Schaunaman had to cast the tie-breaking vote and explained why.
Following the vote, citizens in Aberdeen did a petition drive to put this vote to the people.
Among those leading the charge was businessman Brent Fischer. He talked about the issue of parking on Main Street.
Aberdeen Downtown Association Director Alexa Sheldon and member Spencer Sommers looked to address that.
Another issue was the concern about safety if it became two-way.
In October, the city council reconsidered the plan and determined the $200,000 could be used for other projects such as replacing manholes in the city.
Mayor Schaunaman took the time to acknowledge the passion of the citizens on this topic.
That vote was an 8-0 vote.
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