Letter to the editor

Much appreciation to those who attempted to get fair, reasonable zoning enacted in Bon Homme County the past several years. Your efforts made a huge difference. We have 3/4 mile setbacks for 1000 animal units and higher and ½ mile setbacks for 800 to 999 animal units. Also the cities have a ¾ mile setback for new CAFOS planning to build near them. There were many other zoning policy improvements made. Sadly, there was not a strong road haul agreement policy adopted. However, all road haul agreements are left up to the discretion of the Highway Superintendent. The key is to let him and the commissioners know asap once damage is starting to occur on our county roads to prevent disastrous destruction of these roads. Road damage has been a much too frequent occurrence by a few who do not seem to care. Highway Superintendent Matt Hauck’s phone is 605 589 4216. To obtain a copy of the final adopted zoning changes please contact the Bon Homme Auditor Tamara Brunke. We are encouraging property taxpayers to pay your first half taxes this spring and write in the memo of your check “under protest”. This helps point out the need for change and may give us a window to address issues in circuit court if the county refuses to address these issues. Also please write “need road haul agreements, gravel road dust control and any other concerns you have “in the memo as well. We are one of the few counties around that does not have any dust control program available for heavily traveled gravel roads. This is unacceptable. Please feel free to contact me at any time about how you feel we should proceed in the future. There were many Bon Homme residents who gave powerful verbal and written testimony about the need for good zoning and a good neighbor policy.