Don’t let the very damp summer Fall River County has had so far make you careless in regards to fire danger.  In the last five days there have been three grass fires.  A fire Thursday near Parker Peak between Hot Springs and Edgemont burned two acres.  There were two fires last night (Monday), one south of the feedlot totaling about 4 acres and one near Smithwick (size unknown).  All were believed to be caused by lightning but the important fact is that the grass is dry enough to burn. Remember the following fire wise tips:

• Never park any vehicle on dry vegetation the heat from the exhaust can cause it to ignite.
• Do not burn yard waste when the fire danger is HIGH , VERY HIGH or EXTREME.  Even if the fire danger is low, weather conditions can change quickly. Don’t burn in high winds or leave a pile unattended. It is also wise to burn in small batches.
• Always dispose of cigarettes where they cannot be a source of ignition such as in a cup of water. Never throw a cigarette out a car window.
• When doing work that might cause ignition such as mowing dry grass have water or a fire extinguisher handy.

Seasonal Mowing Tractor Driver: Applications for seasonal employment are being accepted for a Tractor Driver/Light Equipment Operator with the Fall River County Highway Department, in Hot Springs, South Dakota. No CDL is required for this position. Experience in a late-model mowing tractor is preferred. Two positions open. Applications for this position may be obtained at the following locations: The SD Department of Labor, The Fall River County Court House or at the Fall River County Highway Department office. Call 605-745-5137 for more information. Open until filled.

See Employment Page for application forms and other job openings.

Hot Springs has suffered from at least two major landslides in the last few months.  One left the Elsie Hill Road inaccessible for some time, the other occurred over this last weekend when a large boulder on the VA’s property broke loose and slide into the creek near the Braun Hotel Bridge.  Fall River County has received record rainfall this spring/summer and more landslides are possible. The following information on Landslide preparedness comes from the Red Cross:

What should I do if a landslide is occurring or likely to occur?

The Fall River County Courthouse will be closed Friday, July 3rd, in observance of Independence Day. Regular office hours will resume Monday, June, 6th.

Flooding in Fall River County is on the decline after last week’s storms. Water is no longer over-topping county roads and all county roads are open with the exception of Hay Canyon Rd & Coal Creek Rd.  SD Highway 471 to be open Thursday, June 11th. The Angostura Dam has dropped it’s release to 7,000 cubic ft/second and is expected to close the gates sometime in the next few days.