By Dan Bechtold, Editor
An informational meeting was held Sunday afternoon in Winner to discuss plans for a hands-on technical education program.
The group decided to begin with apprenticeship type training immediately at the local level.
Then, in a year, develop a post secondary technical entity with its own 501 (c) 3 non profit status and its own board of directors. Partnerships could be formed with technical schools with a satellite location in Winner.
Chuck Noble, who chaired the meeting, said this new adventure is all about choices. “What choices do we want in Winner” he asked.
Barry Grossenburg noted a director needs to be hired who will lead this effort and help write grants.
Some audience members asked if Winner wanted to provide community education or be a technical school, since both are two totally different educational avenues.
Freya Simpson of the Tripp County Library said persons should not forget senior citizens who would like to take classes. She noted there is special interest among senior citizens in taking computer classes.
Persons will work with the South Central Development Corporation to begin offering programs that would offer specific skill-based training.
Richard Papousek of Colome explained the consortium that teaches technical classes to high school students in Colome, Gregory, Burke and Bonesteel. Papousek teaches the building construction class which is building a house in Bonesteel. Last year this class built a home in Colome.
Doug Wiken explaind that the late Lowden Heller of Ideal served in the South Dakota Legislature when the vocational-technical schools were formed. Wiken added Gov. Dennis Daugaard is a big supporter of technical education.
Wiken said this is an education and economic opportunity for the area.
Persons at the meeting said as the group moves forward housing will be an issue.
In future meetings, persons from Yankton and Pierre will talk to the group to explain the logistics of setting up a program.
No date has been set for the next meeting.
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