Shopping locally is even more important now than ever before. The last few years have brought home how important shopping with your local merchants are, as they provide services that cannot be found anywhere else.

As they do every year, the Garretson Commercial Club is sponsoring a “Shop Garretson First” prize drawing with the Garretson Food Center. Each participating business has “Shop Garretson First…put your $$ where your Heart is!” punch cards so you can get a punch for every dollar you spend with a Garretson Commercial Club member.  

Punch cards officially begin on Monday, November 18, and each week, Garretson Food Center’s Ron Luke will draw for three winners from the selection of cards returned to Garretson Food Center. Each winner receives a $25 Garretson Commercial Club gift certificate, which can be spent at any GCC member business.

The final two winners are drawn the weekend of Garretson Hometown Christmas on Dec. 14^th and will be awarded $50 each.  

All winners will be contacted by phone and announced in this newspaper. (Readers of this newspaper should note that by starting or renewing your subscription in November you’ll be automatically entered into this contest.)

Hometown Christmas will be held December 14. Events include Santa visits, a vendor fair, arts and crafts for kids, a community breakfast, a chili feed, and a parade of lights. All events and registration forms will be found at VisitGarretsonSD.com/hometown-christmas.

Shopping locally during the Christmas season is more important than ever. The National Retail Federation estimates that nearly 20 percent of a business’s sales come during the holiday season. This means the support from holiday shopping will be more critical than ever before for many small businesses.

Almost two-thirds of small businesses have a website, according to the Small Business Administration. As you search for the perfect gifts, intentionally seek options local businesses have for online shopping. If that is not available, you can directly call the business owner. Chances are you or someone you know already has their number.

Several options for small business shopping are available in Garretson, including Garretson Bucks, which can be obtained at First Bank & Trust. Those are available in $5 denominations and can be given as a gift, as they can be used at any Commercial Club member business (businesses are listed on the back of the certificate).

Each winner receives a Commercial Club Gift Certificate for the amount stated below.

Monday, November 25, 3 winners each get $25.

Monday, December 2, 3 winners each get $25.

Monday, December 9, 3 winners each get $25.

Saturday, December 14, 2 winners each get $50. 

We thank you for your business! Your support means the world!

We thank you for your understanding!

Board of directors in attendance were Vice President Carrie Moritz, Laurie Bennett, Guy Johnson, Macie Coburn, Megan Rollag, and Treasurer Kris Johnson. Other members in attendance were Kimberly Konda of the Treasure Chest, Rob Meyer of Humble Hill Winery and the Garretson American Legion Post #23, Susan and Dan Haygood of the Palisades Art Gallery, and Librarian Sara Beahler of the Garretson branch of Siouxland Libraries and Garrick Moritz of the Garretson Gazette.

The meeting was called to order at 12:02 by the Club Vice President as Club President Luke Dreckman was unable to attend due to a work conflict. Club Secretary Paetyn Dreckman was also absent because of a work conflict so former board officer Garrick Moritz was drafted as the meeting minutes recorder for the meeting.

At first there were not quite enough board members for a quorum at the start of the meeting, voting actions were delayed until more board members arrived. VP Moritz and board member Bennett noted that the last month’s Commercial Club meeting at Palisades Oil was attended by 14 people, and VP Moritz was hopeful this bodes well for the future of the club and the community.

Without a quorum, the first item on the agenda was the upcoming Trunk or Treat events scheduled for Halloween, Thursday Oct. 31^st.  Trunk or Treat will begin at 5 p.m. in Splitrock Park and downtown. There are no registration fees or RSVP’s necessary, just come to Splitrock Park on a first come, first serve basis. Local businesses are also invited and planning to stay open and give out candy in-store to trick or treaters or set up their displays or trunks in the front of their businesses. Board member and School Superintendent Guy Johnson confirmed whether flyers and information will be given out to all students to take home in their backpacks. Those are currently being printed.

No special retirements or milestones had been announced for members so next they reviewed the recent hiring campaign that the Commercial Club pushed on social media and posters around town. President Dreckman’s report said that the campaign reached 25 thousand people. VP Moritz asked for feedback, and whether the board and members in attendance thought this was a worthwhile venture. The consensus was that so far it was too early to tell, but that this campaign should perhaps be done every six months, or in some kind of regular rotation.

VP Moritz then began a review of Hometown Christmas and the planned events, working on times and details for the schedule. In the midst of this discussion enough board members had arrived that the meeting quorum was first reached and then exceeded by a total of six of the voting members, so VP Moritz asked to pause the Hometown Christmas discussion and instead approve the minutes of the last meeting and the treasurer’s report.

G. Johnson motioned, and Bennett seconded to approve last month’s minutes, and all present voted yes. Bennett motioned and Coburn seconded to approve the treasurer’s report and all present voted yes.

Going back to Hometown Christmas planning, the schedule took shape with questions on times and organizations. Together, those in attendance were able to hammer out most of the details and schedule of the event, with board members volunteering to flesh out one or two items.

            Librarian Sara Beahler made a proposal to the Commercial Club. Arts and crafts during Hometown Christmas usually charges a nominal fee to cover the costs of the crafts materials, but Beahler said that if the public library was going to be host, they were not allowed to charge for participation. She said that the library budget could provide 3 crafts at no charge and wondered if the Commercial Club would be willing to foot the bill for two crafts. The board readily accepted the deal, with treasurer Kris Johnson bringing the motion and G. Johnson seconding it, with all voting in favor. Treasurer Johnson and Beahler will coordinate to make it happen, and Beahler requested a volunteer from the Commercial Club to assist with crafts. That volunteer will be requested by the membership. Beahler said they will plan for up to 50 kids to attend, and Treasurer Johnson said that the budget for that activity is set for $500.

            Moving onto new business, VP Moritz brought up the upcoming photographic contest for the Commercial Club phonebook/local guidebook. Already there has been some interest in submitting photos for judging for the cover. Moritz asked for guidance on the contest, and the consensus was to set aside an open period of a single month for submissions, and that they must be photos taken within the Garretson Area. Moritz also asked if they wanted to attach a monetary prize for the contest, and Megan Rollag proposed $25 in Garretson Commercial Club bucks to the winner chosen. This motion was seconded by Kris Johnson, and VP Moritz and Laurie Bennett volunteered to be the contest judges.

            The next item on the agenda regarded Bennett. She was representing the Sports Cabin on the Commercial Club Board, but had resigned there because of health reasons. However, she is also an associate with the Treasure Chest, and wanted to make sure she could remain on the board, simply representing another local business organization. There was nothing in the by-laws or operational documents that required her to resign her post, and no action requiring a vote by the board, just a notation that she has changed the business she’s affiliated with.

            Moving on to other business, Treasurer Johnson had several matters to bring forward. First was with the very recent death of Tom Godbey, and in recognition for his long-standing service to the community both in our city government and school activities, she thought the Commercial Club should send flowers to the funeral. She proposed a $30 floral package, Moritz seconded her motion and it was approved unanimously.

            Next, Treasurer Johnson informed the board that the Full Membership Annual Meeting had not been booked at a venue as of yet. She suggested with the spaces available, we ought to try something new and reserve the Garretson Gun Club banquet hall area for the event. She herself has lived here for some time, and had only just recently discovered that it existed. Her argument was that the Gun Club has been a member of the Commercial Club so why not use the space and have Ron Luke and GFC cater. VP Moritz made that into a motion and Bennett seconded it. All members present voted in the affirmative.

            With that, business was concluded, those present voted to adjourn and the meeting concluded early.

More activities on Oct 31:

Free can of soda pop at Jesse James Country Store (first come, first served) on Dows St

Spook Alley at Palisades Healthcare 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Citywide Trick or Treating ~6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

November 2:

The Gulch Bar & Grill for Karaoke Night and Costume Party

September 11th, 2024, Regular Meeting at Palisades Oil

Those in attendance: Carrie Moritz, Garrick Moritz, Bruce Brown, Paetyn Dreckman, Luke Dreckman, Laurie Bennett, Guy Johnson,

Heather Jacobson, Macie Coburn, Kris Johnson, Sam Williamson, Chris Fields, Megan Rollag, and Sarah Beahler

12:00 pm Luke Dreckman called the meeting to order.

Secretary’s Report – Paetyn provided minutes from the regular August meeting. Laurie motioned to approve the meeting minutes.

Guy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report – Kris provided treasurer’s report year to date. Discussion was had on a Jesse James income line and Kris advised

she would look into it and get back to the board. Laurie motioned to approve treasurer’s report in condition to Kris’s update. Paetyn

seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Old Business:

Trunk or Treat – event will take place October 31st from 5-6:30 PM. Luke presented flyer prepared by Performance Press.

Board decided to see about sending to school for kids to take home.

Celebrations – Luke asked about any retirements or celebrations to note. Library will be hosting an open house January 11th 2025.

Jesse James Days – Luke advised very little responses from companies on carnival or amusement rides for Jesse James Days 2025. Board decided to hold off for 2025 and revisit at a later date. Luke gave an update that Tracey with The Gulch is planning for a street dance next year. Will work with her and the city on licensing.

Hiring Campaign – Luke presented an edited hiring flyer created by Carrie for advertising. Discussion was had on amount to spend on posting campaign and hanging flyers around town. Guy motioned to spend $100 to advertise for hiring campaign with a second from Megan. Motion passed unanimously.

Fundraiser – What and When – Luke presented update on prizes for fundraiser during Hometown Christmas. Ruger 10/20

rifle, 1 free gig of internet from Alliance for 6 months($543.12 to increase to 1 year), Blue Dragon cooler with meat from

GFC ($489), and 1 year of free garbage pick-up from Garbage-n-More. Tickets were set at $10 per ticket. Guy motioned to

sell 750 tickets and purchase necessary items with a second from Laurie. Motion passed unanimously.

Tax ID – Luke advised the Commercial Club does not have a current 1023 or a federal ID number. Mollie from Wahlenberg and Ritzman CPA firm is able to complete the process and file on behalf of the Commercial Club for $1,100.00. This information is required to receive grants, so Carrie motioned to approve allowing Mollie to file on behalf of the Commercial Club. Paetyn seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Toddler Train – Luke advised that John Brinkman was approached on selling 10 of the toddler trains for $75 per car. The board discussed this and decided not to sell.

New Business:

Hometown Christmas – Board went over last year’s schedule and assigned tasks on what board members would confirm

items on the schedule for 2024. School commons is not available due to double header so crafts and story time would be

moving to the library and Santa visit possibly at The Treasure Chest. Times will be discussed at the October meeting.

Commercial Club Policy Updates – Luke presented policy updates in question. Guy motioned to repeal the “Monthly Noon

Luncheon Meetings Held at Non-Member Restaurants Policy”. Macie seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Macie motioned to repeal the “Ribbon Cutting Policy” as it is currently a procedure and not required in two places. Guy

seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Paetyn motioned to make necessary updates to “Rotation of Insurance

Agents Policy” to list current companies. Kris seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Paetyn motioned to repeal the

“Board Member Absenteeism Policy” as it is also outlined in the by-laws. Laurie seconded the motion which passed

unanimously.

Other Business:

Carrie asked the board for thoughts on starting an email list for a newsletter update. Board decided not to pursue due to time

it would take to put together. Luke confirmed budget meeting will be held in December. Carrie will be sending out requests

for photos for the cover for next year’s phone book.

Laure motioned to adjourn the meeting with a second from Paetyn. Motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned.

Next meeting will be held October 9th at The Gulch

August 28th, 2024, Special Meeting at The Sports Cabin

Those in attendance: Carrie Moritz, Paetyn Dreckman, Luke Dreckman, Laurie Bennett, Guy Johnson, Macie Coburn, Megan Rollog.

12:00 pm Luke Dreckman called the meeting to order.

New Business

            Membership Classification: Luke brought up discussion on what is considered an “Association Member” versus “Membership” as a few businesses questioned their status during the 2024 renewal. Luke provided a policy dated 03/06/2014 outlining the definitions of both. – “Member” is to be a full-time business (their only business or primary income). “Associate Member” would be Church, Club, an Organization, or hobby/part-time business (a second business in addition to their full-time business or their primary income). Discussion ensued. Board agreed on sending separate membership forms for “Associate Member” and “Member” dues based on past classifications and what is known about the business. Board discussed current membership benefits but decided not to make changes at this time.

            Policy Review: Luke presented current “Monthly Noon Luncheon Meetings” Policy (03/06/2014) “Ribbon Cutting” Policy (03/06/2014) “Rotation of Insurance Agents” Policy (04/16/2014) “New Board Member Officer Positions Qualifications” Policy (03/06/2014) and “Board Member Absenteeism” Policy (03/06/2014). Board discussed the monthly noon luncheon meeting as stated “meetings will be held once a year at non-member’s restaurants”. Annie’s is only restaurant that is not a current member but discussed seating situation. Board decided to maintain current rotation and not include Annie’s due to seating. Board discussed the ribbon cutting policy as stated “ribbon cutting chairman” and if it was necessary. Guy recommended downsizing policies and viewing ribbon cutting and noon meeting location as practices rather than official policy and to remove. Board discussed new board officer policy and decided no changes were necessary. Board discussed absenteeism policy and decided to remove and refer to bylaws on procedure if needed. Board discussed rotating insurance policy and decided to make necessary updates to reflect memberships. Megan explained process to switch insurance every two years as policy states.

2024 Annual Meeting Minutes: Board discussed options on how to move forward without meeting minutes for the 2024 Annual Meeting as the former board secretary has not provided minutes. Attempts were made to create minutes based on memory but the current board decided to create a document stating “Due to Unforseen Circumstances, no Meeting Minutes are Available for the 2024 Annual Meeting” The board discussed this being a better option than having incorrect minutes.

Other Business

Luke gave un update on raffle items for Hometown Christmas and board discussed options presented.

Carrie gave an update on graphic for hiring campaign and board discussed design and listing.

12:46 Carrie motioned to adjourn with a second from Guy.

Meeting adjourned.

Next meeting is scheduled for September 11^th at Palisades Oil

August 14th, 2024, Regular Meeting at The Sports Cabin

Those in attendance: Carrie Moritz, Garrick Moritz, Bruce Brown, Paetyn Dreckman, Luke Dreckman, Laurie Bennett, Guy Johnson, Heather Jacobson, Macie Coburn, Susan Haygood.

12:00 pm Luke Dreckman called the meeting to order.

Secretary’s Report – Paetyn provided minutes from the regular July meeting. Laurie motioned to approve the meeting minutes. Carrie seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report – No treasurer’s report was available at the time of the meeting.

Old Business:

State Park Signage: Luke gave an update that the sign has been placed across the street from the new state park entrance.

Celebrations: Bruce confirmed the Historical Society will be hosting their 35^th anniversary over Hometown Christmas and will be providing a Christmas ornament to the first 100 visitors as well as snacks and refreshments. Carrie motioned to donate $150 to the Historical Society to offset the cost of providing their own snacks. Laurie seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Carrie advised the Library will be hosting an open house over Hometown Christmas and discussed moving story time with Santa from the Legion to the Library. Hometown Christmas is scheduled for December 14^th

TAP Grant and Jesse James Days: Luke provided the timeline and intentions for funds from the TAP Grant awarded for advertising Jesse James Days. Advised any funds not expended would need to be reimbursed to the organization. Discussion around adding carnival rides ensued and Luke and Carrie advised they would keep searching. Susan talked about adding more items to raffle during the street dance. Macie brought up moving the parade to a later time to keep people around and in town rather than spreading events out throughout the day. Discussion was had on moving inflatable time frame. Discussion was had on the involvement of the Commercial Club and the band for the street dance. The Commercial Club paid for the band in 2024 but recouped the money through wristband sales to enter the street dance. Discussion surrounded making it fair to both bars on Main Avenue if the Commercial Club continues involvement. Laurie motioned for Luke to discuss the possibility of The Gulch hosting the street dance for 2025 and giving the owner 3 weeks to decide. Guy seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Hiring Campaign: Luke provided a list of members that are currently hiring and discussed assisting with advertising. Discussed budget and decided to hold off until treasurer update.

Fundraiser: Discussed options of items to raffle, Blue Dragon cooler full of meat from GFC, internet for a year from Alliance, year of oil changes from Dons, year of residential garbage from Garbage-N-More, golf membership from River Ridge, security system from IntellaPro. Luke will work on reaching out to members and lining up items.

Commercial Club Golf Recap: John provided settlement statement from golf tournament. 17 teams played in the tournament and earned $1,500 profit.

New Business:

Labor Day Flags: Luke will send email to membership base to see if anyone is available to put up the Labor Day flags in town.

Truck or Treat: Carrie advised the Parks Board wants to give the event back to the Commercial Club so they can focus on beautification. Discussed date time and location. Guy motioned for 5-6:30 on October 31^st in Split Rock Park and Main avenue businesses that want to be involved. Paetyn seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Luke moved back to report on gift certificate funds available.

Other Business:

Luke discussed having a special meeting as board only to go over membership classification and 2024 annual meeting. Scheduled for August 28^th 11:30 lunch and meeting at noon at the Sports Cabin.  

Carrie advised that she is still working on a website redesign and option being available to add raffle ticket sale to website for fundraising. Board discussed adding a donations section. Laurie brought up asking the fire department to do chili feed again at Hometown Christmas and asked Luke to reach out. Hometown Christmas was requested to be placed on the next agenda.

Paetyn motioned to adjourn with a second from Laurie.

Next regular meeting will be held September 11^th at Palisades Oil. 11:30 meal with meeting to follow at 12:00pm.

The Treasure Chest in Garretson is having a Labor Day Celebration on Friday, August 30 and Saturday, August 31! Join us for sales storewide, rolls & coffee, wine tastings and food samples, face painting, and a food truck!

Open extra hours from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. See you there!

Schedule of Events:

SALES ALL WEEKEND and local talent up-cycling projects on display!

FRIDAY

ALL DAY Food Samples from Concoctions by Karla, Gaylen’s Popcorn, and Secret Garden Seasonings

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Edgerton Bakery rolls and LifeBoost Coffee served

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wine a bit with Mayor Bruce Brown. Get advice on wine selections and sample flavors from Prairie Berry, Round Lake, Humble Hill, and Strawbale Wineries

SATURDAY

12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kids’ face painting

11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Food Truck!! Choose from many fantastic options – hot foods, delicious shaved ice, homemade cotton candy, southern desserts, and more! (Discounts available with TTC purchase)

All the latest can be found on The Treasure Chest Facebook Page. Don’t miss it and see you there!