Time to put a winter survival kit back in your vehicles if you removed it for the summer.  It is also a good time to make sure that the kit has everything you will need.   Especially important is to check that medicine in the first aid kit and any food has not expired. Even if you do not make long trips, put a winter survival kit in each vehicle–you may need it if your car breaks down or you have an accident.  It should contain the following:

• a windshield scraper
• jumper cables
• tool kit
• tow chain or rope, tire chains
• bag of sand or cat litter
• shovel
• flashlight with extra batteries
• first aid kit
• warm boots, coat, hat, gloves
• a blanket, sleeping bags,
• a portable radio
• high-calorie nonperishable food
• matches and candles
• large metal cans for sanitary purposes or burning candles (coffee or baby formula cans work well)

The Fall River County Director of Equalization is accepting applications for a Data Entry/Administrative Assistant. This position involves gathering and listing information, entering data, uploading photos and doing sketches of all properties, and performing field inspections of properties. Also, assisting with other various day to day office activities.

Qualifications include strong computer skills, the ability to read legal descriptions and maps, and experience in customer service and good public relations skills. A background in finance, property appraisal, real estate, or construction is beneficial but not required. The requirements include: a high school diploma (college degree preferred) and a valid driver’s license.

The starting wage is $15-$16/hour depending on experience. Benefits include paid health, vision and dental insurance; vacation, sick and personal leave and South Dakota State Retirement. Submit applications to the Fall River County Director of Equalization office, 1029 N. River St, Hot Springs, SD. Open until filled.

See employment page for application.

If you purchased land this year in Fall River County and want the land to have agricultural status you must return an Ag Status Form to the Director of Equalization office by November 1st.  This form is necessary even if you have other agricultural land already in the county or if the land previously had Ag status.

Agricultural status forms need to be on file for each parcel owned and must be updated with a change in ownership.

Form can be filed online or you can contact the Director of Equalization’s office at 605-745-5136 or [email protected]

Why do I want Ag Status?  Land classified as Agricultural land is assessed according to a productivity formula instead of having its assessed value based on selling price.  The productivity formula tends have values much lower than those based on selling price.  In addition, lands classified as Ag receive a lower school mill levy (tax rate).

Requirements for Ag Status:

For land to be classified as agricultural the primary and main use of the land must be devoted to agricultural pursuits, such as the harvesting of crops or the raising of livestock.

In addition the land must meet either an acreage requirement or a minimum income.

• Fall River County’s minimum acreage requirement is 40 acres.

• If the land does not meet the acreage criteria, then a minimum gross income of at least $2,500 must be shown to have come from an agricultural pursuit in three of the previous five years.

Update 10/16/2023: All records are again available.

Update 10/11/2023: The Register of Deeds is now able to issues vital records (Birth, Marriage and Death).  There is still limited land records searches until Friday.

Original Post: The Fall River County Register of Deeds is unable to issue certified copies of Birth, Marriage and Death records at this time. Certified vital records can be requested at any South Dakota county register of deeds.  Fall River County can currently issue Marriage Licenses.

There are limited land record searches. Please call the office, 605-745-5139, if you have any questions. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The Fall River County landowner map book has been updated for ownership changes through September 2023. Pages can be viewed and printed online. Bound copies are available from the Director of Equalization‘s office for $20.