Published • loading... • Updated
How donors in De Smet are bringing big projects to little town on the prairie
Private donors have funded hospital, downtown and tourism projects, with more than 1,400 gifts matched locally and few tax dollars used.
- Over the past 15 years, residents and donors in De Smet, South Dakota, have contributed more than $15 million for medical, cultural, and beautification projects in the town of 1,100 people.
- The $5 million De Smet Event & Wellness Center exemplifies this funding model; former De Smet Economic Development Corp. director Rita Anderson recalled the 2015 project nearly collapsed before last-minute donations saved it.
- Philanthropist Greg Carmon, a former De Smet resident, has been instrumental in these efforts, helping expand the local hospital and beautify downtown. "People are always thinking outside the box," Carmon told News Watch.
- Current De Smet EDC director Grace Aughenbaugh leads downtown revitalization efforts including a new welcome arch and sculpture trail. These projects aim to attract tourists and encourage spending at local businesses.
- City officials commissioned a housing study through Augustana University to guide growth, while new construction at Wilder Pass and Calumet Townhomes adds housing units. The industrial park draws 300 commuters daily.
Insights by Ground AI
13 Articles
13 Articles
Associated Press News+11 Reposted by 11 other sources
How donors in De Smet are bringing big projects to little town on the prairie
Even though it happened more than a decade ago, Rita Anderson can still recall the worry she felt as all her hard work, planning and fundraising to build a community and event center in De Smet appeared to be fizzling out at the very last minute.
·New York, United States
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left7Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution54% Left
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources lean Left
54% Left
L 54%
C 46%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
