Dell Rapids candidates focus on water, parks and transparency at April 8 forum

Dell Rapids — Candidates for Dell Rapids city council used a candidate forum hosted by the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce and the city to emphasize infrastructure, parks planning and transparency ahead of the municipal election set for Tuesday, April 8.

Steve McFarland, Dell Rapids city administrator, opened the event at the new Dell Rapids City Hall and reminded residents that voting will be held April 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall and that absentee voting ends Monday. McFarland said winners will be seated at the May 5 council meeting.

The forum, moderated by Andy Wright, pastor of River Community Church, gave each candidate two minutes per question and concluded with a public Q&A. Candidates who spoke at the event included Wendy Nelson (Ward 2 candidate), Marcy Stichel (Ward 3 candidate), Amanda Hein (candidate), Fran Rousink (candidate), Megan Penning (candidate), Chuck Jones (candidate) and Bob Meyer (incumbent council member).

Why the story matters: The candidates’ remarks highlighted the trade-offs Dell Rapids faces as it grows — particularly choices about water infrastructure funding, the master parks plan and how the city communicates with residents. Those topics directly affect household bills, municipal projects and local businesses.

Candidates on priorities and funding

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