Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Events Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mitchell Sports & Events Authority approves $16,200 in grants for local tournaments and shows
Summary
The Mitchell Sports & Events Authority voted to award four event funding requests totaling $16,200, including $5,000 to the Mitchell Soccer Association and $5,000 to the Raising Rank rodeo series; smaller awards were approved for a volleyball tournament and a wrestling event.
The Mitchell Sports & Events Authority voted to award $16,200 in event grants during its September meeting, approving four funding requests for local and regional sporting events.
The funding decisions followed presentations from event organizers who outlined budgets, expected attendance and lodging impacts. Scott Mullenmeister, representing the Mitchell Soccer Association, asked for a $5,000 grant to support the Cornucopia 2024–25 fall tournament. “We are applying for a $5,000 grant for our fall tournament, Cornucopia 24 25,” Mullenmeister said, noting referee fees were a major cost and that the tournament grew to 52 teams this year from 41 last year.
Why it matters: the Sports & Events Authority uses its lodging tax revenues to support events that bring out‑of‑town visitors and hotel room nights to Mitchell. Board members said the grants help offset costs such as officials’ fees, facility rental and event production that otherwise could limit an event’s viability.
In other presentations, JD Heinrich requested support for American Outlaw Wrestling’s “Monster Brawl” and described the event as partly a fundraiser this year for a local family; he told the panel the club is expecting larger participation than last year’s 204 individual wrestlers and is aiming for higher turnout. A representative identified as Dylan (event organizer) described the Raising Rank rodeo series’ production budget at roughly $80,000 and asked for $5,000 to help sustain a higher-quality show and draw more out-of-town attendees. A caller identified as Silas (superintendent and tournament founder) presented the second annual Dakota Challenge volleyball tournament with a proposed budget of $11,780 and said 15 teams were committed; the presentation noted a $750 registration fee per team.
Votes and outcomes: after an executive session, the authority approved the requested awards by voice vote. Board member Tim moved to grant $5,000 to the Mitchell Soccer Association; Jason seconded and the motion carried. The authority approved $5,000 for the Raising Rank rodeo (motion by Dave, second by Jason). The Dakota Challenge volleyball tournament was awarded $4,200 — the same amount it received the prior year (motion by Tim, second by Brian). The authority approved $2,000 to American Outlaw Wrestling (motion by Brian, second by Kevin). Meeting minutes and the financial report were also approved earlier in the session by voice vote.
Details provided by presenters and staff: Mullenmeister said the soccer tournament guarantees teams three games across a two-day schedule and that referee costs alone were about $5,000 in the previous year; he added that tournament profits from prior years are returned to the Mitchell Soccer Association to support youth programs and equipment. JD Heinrich said a portion of Monster Brawl’s entry fees will be directed to a coach’s family dealing with a medical diagnosis and that the event will feature a guest appearance and book signing by Olympic gold medalist Randy Lewis. The rodeo representative said the series has expanded and draws contestants from neighboring states, increasing expected hotel room nights. The volleyball presenter’s budget request of $11,780 included officials, coordinator stipends and motel room blocks; the presenter requested $4,180 for motel rooms within that total budget.
The authority’s staff reported year-to-date collections (the $2 per room per night lodging tax) and a current available fund balance in the grant account; the packet distributed to members included event evaluations and profit-and-loss reports for previously funded events. The meeting closed with an itemized roll of awards and scheduling of the next meeting on Oct. 14.
Less critical/contextual note: board and staff discussion focused on maximizing return on invested lodging-tax dollars by supporting events that generate hotel room nights and community engagement. Several presenters noted hotel room blocks already reserved in Mitchell hotels and plans to increase local participation through activities such as Friday-night trick-or-treat booths and youth programming.
