Scotland, SD

One of our Main Street properties has sat empty for the last three years and is being proposed as the home of the Scotland Youth Center. Two old properties across the street from this building have been torn down and two more buildings just one property away from this location are in the process of coming down. With all of these buildings coming down, the economic development corporation has been working to find businesses to fill up these holes. Along with that some of the local businesses are considering expanding or relocating which will help the economic status of the community. These proposed changes will hopefully give a jump start to the community and help stimulate the economy of this small town.

One of first five people to become involved with the Horizons II project for Scotland has taken out a petition for Mayor of Scotland. The election will be held April 8. Although he did not take Leadership Plenty through the Horizons project, he did take Leadership Plenty the previous year when 12 community members were involved with that project. Between the two Leadership Plenty classes, the Scotland community has seen some members of the younger generation of citizens get involved with the Horizons Program and have been working hard with the Youth Club project. If it hadn’t been for the Horizon’s project and their allocation of funds, I’m not sure if this project would have ever gotten off the ground. I do know however, that because of the structure of this program that is why many of Scotland’s projects are as far along to completion as they are right now.

The Youth Center Committee is moving right along with plans on opening their doors September 2008. There is negotiations taking place on a location right now and will be revealed when the paperwork is done. Six individuals have agreed to be on the Board of Directors and we are still looking for another member so if you have an interest let Erin Odens or Shelly Fanning know. Funding is going well. We currently have applied for the My Hometown Helper Grant for up to $15,000. We now need community support by having Scotland residents post their comments on the Scotland Youth Center Link (another entry to follow on instructions to do this). There will be three paid part-time positions with the creation of the youth center. An account has been set up at Farmer’s and Merchants State Bank for monetary donations that have been given, the Good Stuff will be contributing some of the furnishings for the building. If you have anything you would like to donate whether it be time, financial, supplies, or talent please contact Erin Odens, Shelly Fanning, Tanya Vitek, Damon Alvey, or Pam Cokeley.

The Scotland Youth Center is in need of community support. We have applied for a grant from My Hometown Helper and need community members to post their support on the website. Logon to www.myhometownhelper.com. Click on “Find a Project”. Select “South Dakota” and search. Click on “Scotland Youth Center”. Scroll down to add a comment. The more the merrier so spread the word.