The Fall River County Highway Department is seeking to fill a full-time Mechanic position with Full Benefits. Starting wage is $20-21/HR DOE. A successful applicant must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to work on and maintain Highway Equipment and must possess a valid South Dakota CDL Class A License. Please apply at the Fall River County Highway Department office at 27518 Cascade Rd, Hot Springs, SD 57747 or call 605-745-5137. OPEN UNTIL FILLED.
Employment Opportunity: Administrative Assistant
August 18, 2023 by
The Fall River County Extension/4H office is seeking an administrative assistant. Applicants must be able to mutli-task, have excellent customer service, organizational, computer and written/verbal communications skills. Starting salary is $15.00-$16.00 (DOE). Work day is from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Position has full benefits: health insurance, SD retirement, annual & sick leave.
See employment page for more information and application
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
August 1, 2023 by
The Treasurer’s Office is hiring an administrative assistant. See the Employment Tab for full job announcement.
County Burn Ban Revoked
July 2, 2023 by
The county burn ban is lifted. What does that mean for fireworks? It is important to know that there are many burn bans issued by overlapping jurisdictions. State and Federal entities have burn bans and firework restrictions on various areas of Fall River County. Even with the county issued burn ban revoked, over 60% of Fall River County is still prohibited from open fires and fireworks.
State law 34-37-11 prohibits fireworks and pyrotechnics within 300 feet of the Black Hills Protection District. The portion of the district lying in Fall River County includes all lands that lay north of the Cheyenne River AND west of SD Highway 79. Fires in this area are allowed only with a permit.
The same State law prohibits fireworks on land within any national forest, national park, state forest, or on land owned or leased by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. A violation of this law is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
This restriction of fires and fireworks on public lands is reinforced by restrictions issued by the Federal and State entities managing them. The Black Hills National Forest, Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, GF&P, and other entities have permanent restrictions on fireworks. Fireworks are not allowed, ever, regardless of holidays or weather conditions. Fires are allowed only in designated recreation areas.
The map below shows the areas in white that do not have a burn ban.
So where can you shoot fireworks? On private land south of the Cheyenne River OR east of SD Highway 79 with the landowner’s permission. The municipalities of Hot Springs and Edgemont also allow some fireworks depending on weather conditions. See the city websites or county website fireworks post for details. Be aware that failure to control or report dangerous fire is a Class 1 Misdemeanor while Reckless burning or exploding is a Class 4 felony. These charges can be applied when fire or explosions are endangering life or a substantial amount of property. You may also be held financially responsible for any fire suppression costs if a fire becomes out of control.
So, if you intend to enjoy this 4th of July with fireworks please take some precautions. Don’t wait for a fire to start to find your garden hose; have a bucket of water, a garden hose or fire extinguisher ready. Having a couple shovels around to throw dirt on the start of a grass fire can also be effective until it can be doused. Trim the vegetation in areas where you are shooting fireworks and wet the area before and after. Clean out your gutters and clear away dry yard debris. Don’t shoot off fireworks near a house or other structure.
Regarding fireworks, please call dispatch only if you need the fire department or are willing to sign a complaint for charges against an individual you believe to be in violation of the law or city ordinance.
Fireworks: Where and When
June 21, 2023 by
The 4th of July is almost here, so where can you shoot Fireworks in Fall River County?
County
In Fall River County (outside of city limits) fireworks are permitted on PRIVATE land OUTSIDE of the Black Hills Fire Protection District. That is land SOUTH of the Cheyenne River and EAST of SD Highway 79. The discharge of fireworks is permitted from June 27 through July 9, 2023 per State Law 34-37-16.1 . South Dakota Codified Law 34-37-11 prohibits the use of fireworks within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District, it also prohibits the use of fireworks on public lands such as national forests, national parks, land managed by the Game Fish & Parks, etc. The Black Hills National Forest and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands also have their own published restrictions on fireworks.
The areas marked in white on the map below indicate areas where fireworks are not banned.
Angostura
Game, Fish, and Parks does NOT allow fireworks on their properties, ever, regardless of holiday or weather condition per South Dakota Codified Law 34-37-11 . This includes the Angostura Recreation Area as well as Shep’s Canyon Recreation Area.
Hot Springs City limits
July 4th from 9AM – 11Pm Cones, Fountains and Novelty devices permitted as long as the fire danger for the Southern Hills is not HIGH, VERY HIGH or EXTREME (See the City of Hot Springs ordinance 93.06 for full set of rules)
No consumer fireworks that explode or provide a “report” such as but not limited to firecrackers, aerial mortars, bottle rockets, skyrockets, etc. may be discharged.
Edgemont City limits
Fireworks are permitted when the fire danger for the Prairie is LOW or MODERATE. From July 1st through the 5th, 9AM to 10PM (until midnight on the 4th).
Fireworks are NOT allowed within the Edgemont City Park without prior approval of the Edgemont Common Council. Fireworks are NOT allowed on any property marked as No Trespassing or with signs prohibiting the discharge of fireworks. All fireworks discharge must be cleaned up and properly disposed of within 24 hours. City Ordinance 2016-11-1
