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Commission reorganizes leadership, swears in commissioner and approves partial committee appointments
Summary
At a reorganization portion of the meeting commissioners nominated and approved chair and vice-chair roles, swore in Commissioner Wanda Howie Fox, approved two committee liaison changes and postponed the balance of committee assignments until absent commissioners can participate.
The Yankton County Commission completed its reorganization actions for the year by accepting nominations for leadership, administering an oath to a newly seated commissioner and approving a limited set of committee assignments.
Wanda Howie Fox took the oath of office at the meeting, declaring, "I, Wanda Howie Fox, do solemnly swear that I will support the constitution of The United States and the constitution of the state of South Dakota and faithfully discharge the duties of Yankton County Commissioner to the best of my ability." The oath was administered publicly at the commission meeting.
Commissioners nominated John Mark Wirt to serve as chair for 2025; the motion passed by voice vote. The board also nominated and approved a vice-chair (Wanda). Several committee assignments were considered: the commission approved two specific changes — adding Ryan Heine as extension-board liaison and updating the county conservation representation — and postponed finalizing the remainder of the committee roster until absent commissioners could be present.
At least one commissioner was absent for parts of the reorganization and several appointments were deferred on the advice of the county state's attorney to allow full participation. Commissioners also approved their official county newspapers and adjusted the May meeting date as part of the administrative business during the reorganizational session.
Why it matters: Reorganization establishes the leadership and external-representation roles that guide county liaison activity and committee oversight for the year. Postponing some appointments preserves the opportunity for absent commissioners to accept or decline assignments in person.
