The Mitchell Sports and Events Authority approved grants totaling $27,500 at its October meeting, awarding money to Pheasants Forever, Dakota Riptide swim club, the Hoop City Classic, the Midwest Miracle Basketball Classic and the Mitchell Pickleball Association.

The action package included a $2,500 award to Pheasants Forever that board members specifically earmarked for youth programming. Kevin Broussher, COO of CoreTrust speaking on behalf of Pheasant Country, told the board that the organization “put a $140,000 into” three game-production areas within 35 miles of Mitchell and that “the money we raise is gonna stay local.” Broussher said the chapter increased banquet tickets to about 750 this year and that roughly 55% of attendees come from outside the state.

Board members also approved $5,000 for Dakota Riptide to support two winter swim meets — a three-day meet in December that the presenter said typically attracts more overnight stays, and a two-day meet in January that drew about 150 swimmers last year — and $12,500 for the Hoop City Classic (the applicant requested $20,000). Brad Berkshire, who presented on the Hoop City Classic and the Midwest Miracle Classic, said the holiday event will feature youth and high-school brackets and out-of-state teams from Georgia and Florida. The board approved $5,000 for the Midwest Miracle Classic, a fundraising event that Berkshire described as intended to cover lodging and meals for families in need.

The Mitchell Pickleball Association’s request for $2,500 to provide prize money for its expanded three-day January tournament was also approved. Kevin Dorn said last year’s event had about 80 participants and that the association hopes to grow that to roughly 140 this year.

In other business the board approved minutes of the prior meeting and the financial report. The financial report presented year-to-date collections of $233,411 and an available fund balance of $87,240 after awards; staff noted one establishment remained past due on collections. The board voted to go into executive session later in the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Pheasants Forever (Pheasant Country banquet): motion to approve $2,500, earmarked for youth; motion passed (motion by Dave, second by Tim).
- Dakota Riptide (two swim meets): motion to approve $5,000; motion passed (motion by Bridal, second by Jason).
- Hoop City Classic: motion to approve $12,500 (applicant requested $20,000); motion passed (motion by Emily, second by Dave).
- Midwest Miracle Basketball Classic: motion to approve $5,000; motion passed (motion by Emily, second by Brian).
- Mitchell Pickleball Association indoor tournament: motion to approve $2,500 for prize money; motion passed (motion by Dave, second by Jim).
- Approval of minutes: motion passed (motion by Bridal, second by Jason).
- Financial report: motion to approve passed (motion by Tim, second by Jocko).

Board members and staff said the funded events are expected to generate hotel room nights and local spending; several presenters highlighted youth participation and community benefits. JD Heinrich of American Outlaws Wrestling presented an award naming the Sports and Events Authority as the organization’s sponsor of the year and invited board members to attend the group’s upcoming tournament, but no new grant request accompanied that presentation.

The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Nov. 18 and then adjourned.