[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6585735,"mediaKeyId","5598230-4d572616c1236a588ea834e87d67274f","parentId",5598230,"title","Resident alleges commissioner abused power at Caine Pool; lifeguard corroborates interaction","audioSeconds",225,"startMs",355000,"endMs",580000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598230-4d572616c1236a588ea834e87d67274f&start=355&end=580","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598230-4d572616c1236a588ea834e87d67274f/thumbnail_355000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6585735/Canton/Lincoln-County/South-Dakota/Resident-alleges-commissioner-abused-power-at-Caine-Pool-lifeguard-corroborates-interaction","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585735-de0a8fb605341c03468c5340f54d2d1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773678860&Signature=mD3-EJmy~ebXj9lPzJIvG~8wKfv~l-1dwspYL4DnBeD-yMamMV88nNdKYDW1OCj5e7hAnfblfBSCD0V6VcjrsSPp5y0qycwwWZtvVrV3gBTxsiqK7~JKDWrPgtl798EV0-DcMZOk46QCk5Jxm5~OiSh20UmLMGmlqNeG7w~fRa8JDuAkRZ50LHJ1F7bp2oF5PFn5LW7GIcpjoDietA1iXVcN-yEcddQpwQ0H6xjAPlNFYkTrkhrnkiSMorwKf8GQDI8wqDdPT10Fngcd4HZQYbBIBVs2pj1jA84fhd96lH2zYOGQlLIY~ocC880B7u0JhpoCxmiYBt6UjOoTUryMZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Canton ","date","2025-08-19T13:01:02Z","article","During the public \"Visitors to be Heard\" portion of the meeting, resident Chad Skiles told the Canton City Commission that an incident at Kennedy (Caine) Pool involved a city commissioner and characterized the conduct as an \"abuse of power.\" Skiles said several people had contacted him about the incident and he encouraged those with complaints to \"go through the appropriate channels\" (speak at a commission meeting or contact city hall).

Lifeguard Jesse Wentz spoke after Skiles and said he was on duty the morning the incident occurred. Wentz recounted telling the person in question that parents could not stay in the pool area during lessons; he said the person responded, \"I'm part of the commission,\" which made him uncomfortable and he perceived that as an \"inappropriate use of power.\" Wentz said he did not want to confront the person further while on duty.

The mayor asked whether anyone else wished to speak; no formal complaint or charges were filed at the meeting, and the speakers were told to use appropriate complaint processes or address matters through city hall if they wished to pursue an ethics or discipline inquiry. The commission did not take formal action on the allegation during the meeting excerpt.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Meeting, August 18th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Canton resident accused a city commissioner of using official status to gain access at the municipal pool; a lifeguard present said he felt pressure during the interaction.","taxTitle","Canton, Lincoln County, South Dakota","taxId",74372,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6585738,"Canton tables decision on tree at 506 East Second after competing arborist reports and conflict claims",2210,972000,3182000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598230-4d572616c1236a588ea834e87d67274f&start=972&end=3182","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598230-4d572616c1236a588ea834e87d67274f/thumbnail_972000.jpg","/articles/6585738/Canton/Lincoln-County/South-Dakota/Canton-tables-decision-on-tree-at-506-East-Second-after-competing-arborist-reports-and-conflict-claims","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585738-0905877f65976cdce9b09c5b84fcd6e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773678860&Signature=oyvKJUtxSnsFNeHlJvlXFtazcQq8h3eJPmUam1XcR09DMe9GcXjdT1uTyN9UGla~G4jW9sqmY6VR0RPPsiLrV599rcVAHswQ8FTdBBTX~nGmm4rGOASW5~2YIanJcD-GLkZitHEGz0se7QOlj0TnKqVlqcIJ6OrViDBiQ9TiAeHOATMRAtbpGb9xsHwgQoapTQj-Kn0lEq83oJbPG4UPfxLC-6Zy62NypddRzVgWep4aFuHhMl3sdUnOD2znyuDXFjtV~qZGq5kQI7g3z4PTuvn6WAZM4O03DLgfCebWGy6JEpycPz83xBS14funcOqojR1UdKr1iCleiyC4HUCpmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Canton City Commission heard extended testimony on an alleged nuisance tree at 506 East Second Street, where the property owner, neighbors and commissioners disputed prior arborist findings and raised conflict-of-interest and trespass allegations involving Commissioner Chris York.

City Attorney Sam Nelson summarized the city's authority under ordinance 97.04, describing it as written to allow the commission to declare a tree a danger to life, limb or property whether the tree is dead, dying or structurally risky. Nelson noted chapter 97 contains related provisions (97.09) addressing diseased or infested trees and explained that declaring a nuisance can lead to notice to the property owner and city mitigation with costs assessed to the owner.

Property owner Richard Lefebvre (appearing in the transcript under similar variant spellings) disputed recent actions and questioned impartiality, saying he had commissioned a private tree-health report prior to purchasing the house that did not find an immediate hazard and alleging Commissioner Chris York and Arrow Tree Services profited from removing a limb. Lefebvre asked that York recuse himself. York told the commission he had abstained from voting and said he had previously offered to share removal costs; York referenced South Dakota Codified Law 43-16-3 in explaining positions about storm-driven tree falls and insurance responsibilities.

Neighbors Parker and Terry Swanson testified that a large limb fell onto the Swansons’ roof during a storm (stated date in testimony: July 28) and that they later paid to have removal performed; Parker Swanson said the neighbor had been warned about the hazard and objected to perceived refusal to act. The police and city staff were involved at points during the dispute.

Two arborist reports were discussed: a report presented by the Swansons from Sam Pizar (identified as an ISA board-certified master arborist) dated August 8 that assessed the tree as having an \"imminent\" likelihood of upper canopy failure with a risk rating of \"high\" for the next year; and an earlier assessment (August 7, 2024, in the transcript) from Arrow Tree Care/Chris York described as a \"tree risk assessment\" that listed mitigation options and estimated mitigation costs (dynamic cabling option $600–$800; selective removal $800–$1,000). The property owner contested that the ISA master arborist had not climbed the tree and requested additional independent evaluations.

Given the dispute over prior assessments, the commission discussed securing a third-party independent arborist (outside the immediate local relationships) and the need for a follow-up inspection to confirm any required mitigation. Commissioners noted the ordinance allows action on specific limbs rather than mandatory whole-tree removal if that remedy addresses the hazard. The item was tabled for further evaluation pending additional third-party arborist reports and staff recommendations; no final removal order or cost assessment was issued by the commission at the meeting excerpt's close.

The transcript includes multiple allegations of trespass, claims of improper influence, and requests for recusal. The city attorney advised process and reminded participants the mayor controls discussion during the public meeting. Commissioners indicated the city could obtain an independent arborist and follow up to ensure any directed mitigation was completed.","A contested nuisance-tree matter at 506 East Second Street prompted testimony from the property owner and neighbors, allegations of a conflict of interest involving Commissioner Chris York, and discussion of ordinance 97.04; the commission agreed to obtain an independent third-party arborist opinion and table the item for further review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6585743,"Hearing held on rezone for 240 Northwest Road; applicant says no public opposition",142,807000,949000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598230-4d572616c1236a588ea834e87d67274f&start=807&end=949","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598230-4d572616c1236a588ea834e87d67274f/thumbnail_807000.jpg","/articles/6585743/Canton/Lincoln-County/South-Dakota/Hearing-held-on-rezone-for-240-Northwest-Road-applicant-says-no-public-opposition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585743-31e517e14d9d4af7f51acd0bbe016c51/orig.mp4?Expires=1773678860&Signature=hUCdf2ryBu87yxNuDB~b2tUoiJa2ypCUwnh4Krb6Aq719Qbt0SQZJGXwL8RTcdlvF19zHw3Pxg0s6Xy9NzwoM-t~hwHR~h2nTnE1L~x7Y3jZZhIaqsmilZ2jOaYR8s5j3JcXX0rkvG8RRJb1WQeHKvQZ-BQNkm7reuSl2mp3gMY8lGRXmf0818W0kITmo3yflgCA8TJ-GZm03z2~O3oaLXH~x9c463Z-Hk7nbdMeYzLTfTxfmT4RWtCvYEIbadEzTQmVGRDhr5jRTDYjgxa9uppF31TrRIjx6wwzltZ1R9iY2iDkrkAFy6iAM4qo5IaZw-nb6pY4oEioBehLk13pvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Canton City Commission opened and closed a public hearing on a request from Fairtrade Properties to rezone 240 Northwest Road from general business to light industrial.

Kyle Waldner, a business partner and representative for Fairtrade Properties, told the commission his company manufactures pallets and crates and is exploring an expansion in the next year or two; he said the rezoning is intended to enable that expansion. Waldner identified himself and said the item was heard previously at the Planning and Zoning (PNZ) body and \"there was no negative feedback from the public.\" He answered questions from commissioners about operations and access.

The commission asked whether there were any proponents or opponents; no members of the public rose in opposition during the hearing. After questions and brief discussion, the chair closed the public hearing. No formal rezoning vote is recorded in the hearing excerpt and the commission did not announce a final decision during the hearing segment in the transcript.

Staff noted a correction to the legal description of the property had been necessary; the corrected legal description was said to have been filed prior to the hearing. The record on file cited the request generally as a change from \"general business\" to \"light industrial.\"","Fairtrade Properties requested rezoning of 240 Northwest Road from general business to light industrial; the public hearing produced no opponents and the commission closed the hearing for consideration.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6585747,"Canton commission approves Curb Appeal Landscapes turf estimate for park project",161,643000,804000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598230-4d572616c1236a588ea834e87d67274f&start=643&end=804","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598230-4d572616c1236a588ea834e87d67274f/thumbnail_643000.jpg","/articles/6585747/Canton/Lincoln-County/South-Dakota/Canton-commission-approves-Curb-Appeal-Landscapes-turf-estimate-for-park-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585747-dac9e1d819c5a5f591e060dc926dfb67/orig.mp4?Expires=1773678860&Signature=bO2WFvAx8mjY7fi30MpfU~3bL3-BKDvlxDZpASpJQ2IxeccrwpbDFl4jOHmOrdckv1m4xQhPRAjLNI4vVXfd4qG2Gjb0mg0d4p4-4LLSh~3GJvDIlsNr6kdrWuLsr6BKCszwD8CEhjyi8oOz97s7m0XEK2OZAA7ki0zkLkM0v8AgnJklhHOS1GGHhC-3Z7UmM2JFSmx4gDH~71FutwxX8QHrzgM7WudiZ5eET-m76uE6vCXcoT29X3BegYRlEQK8YACHaYhnKsJYiZIGhqiG-M-Anj8d46gewsc~4tmp3k0SaN0Ilyrt-XNAkt4crRa3ZN6zyqlxh1mHXQW5ackk2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Canton City Commission voted to approve a Curb Appeal Landscapes estimate to install synthetic turf at a city site, staff said, after reviewing three bids from local and regional firms.

Commissioners said the Curb Appeal quote included additional items — edging and rock work — that staff and ISG (consultant) concluded made the higher bid a better value. A motion to approve the Curb Appeal estimate passed with commissioners recorded as voting \"Aye.\" The commission did not identify the motion maker or seconder in the meeting record.

City staff said they obtained three quotes (one local Canton firm, one from Sioux Falls and one from Iowa) and asked ISG to compare them to ensure an \"apples-to-apples\" comparison. Commissioners noted the project is offseason work and can be scheduled in coming months. One commissioner said the higher-priced quote included details \"that would really make it look nicer rather than just throwing down some turf and gluing it down on a day.\" Another noted quotes are typically valid for 30 days but vendors are usually willing to work with the city if scheduling shifts.

The commission discussed timing around the pool season but described the installation as an off-season project with \"a couple more months\" of workable weather. No dollar amounts for the selected estimate were read into the record during the discussion.

The vote was recorded in the transcript as: \"Commissioner Carlson: Aye. York: Aye. Pickers: Aye. Mary Lester: Aye.\" The record does not show a roll-call with every member named or the mayor's spoken vote in the turf-specific motion transcript excerpt.

Staff will proceed with contract steps as appropriate to finalize scheduling and procurement.","The Canton City Commission voted to approve an estimate from Curb Appeal Landscapes to install synthetic turf as an off-season project; staff and commissioners said the quote provided better long-term curb appeal than lower-cost bids.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident alleges commissioner abused power at Caine Pool; lifeguard corroborates interaction

Canton tables decision on tree at 506 East Second after competing arborist reports and conflict claims

Hearing held on rezone for 240 Northwest Road; applicant says no public opposition

Canton commission approves Curb Appeal Landscapes turf estimate for park project