Minnehaha County swears in two commissioners and selects 2025 chair and vice chair

Minnehaha County commissioners administered oaths of office to Cole Heisey and Dean Karski and then selected leadership for 2025, electing Dean Karski chair and Jen Blindberg vice chair.

The Honorable Robin J. Hollman, presiding judge of the Second Judicial Court, administered the oath to Cole Heisey, who pledged to support the U.S. and South Dakota constitutions and to “faithfully and impartially discharge all of the duties of my said office of Minnehaha County Commissioner.” Dean Karski took the same oath later in the ceremony.

The commission then nominated and elected its chair and vice chair for 2025. A motion to nominate Commissioner Dean Karski as commission chair was seconded and carried on a roll call. A subsequent motion to nominate Commissioner Jen Blindberg as vice chair was also seconded and carried on a roll call vote. The chair’s acceptance followed the vote, and commissioners applauded the newly sworn members.

The chair and vice chair selections were routine organizational items held at the start of the meeting after the swearing-in. No additional policy directives or staffing changes were tied to those votes at the time they were taken.

Karski and Heisey each offered brief remarks after being sworn in, thanking supporters and saying they look forward to serving the county. Karski noted he would be communicative over his term; Heisey thanked family and supporters.

The commission next proceeded to its published agenda items.