Mitchell council rejects appointment of Jesse Stroud to Corn Palace board after objections over past conduct

The Mitchell City Council on Nov. 3 voted to deny Mayor Hansen’s appointment of Jesse Stroud to the Corn Palace Events & Entertainment Board, after a council member objected that Stroud’s prior public conduct made him a poor fit for the committee.

At the meeting, Councilmember (Speaker 8) said Stroud’s past “antics” and on‑record swearing had not represented the community well and argued the appointment would not be good representation for the board. Councilmember (Speaker 5) urged the council to give Stroud a chance, proposing a “short leash” and noting that appointments are mayoral prerogatives. Mayor Hansen responded that he and Stroud are long‑time friends and that Stroud had promised to refrain from further outbursts.

A motion to deny the appointment was made and seconded; the motion carried on a voice/roll‑call vote. No members of the public spoke in opposition during the council discussion period. The council did not take any substitute action to place Stroud on an alternate committee or to refer the appointment back to the mayor.

The denial means the vacancy on the Corn Palace Events & Entertainment Board will remain open until the mayor nominates another candidate or resubmits Stroud for consideration. The council did not specify conditions under which it would reconsider this or a similar appointment.