Commission approves $2,000 contribution to national time capsule for special-edition poem

The commission voted to spend $2,000 from its event fund to produce a special-edition printing of an America 250 poem for inclusion in the national time capsule. The chair said materials must arrive in Washington, D.C., by April 30 and that the commission will include a letter from the governor and any tribal letters they receive in time.

The motion to authorize the expenditure was moved by David Geritzky and seconded by Nick Harrington; members carried the motion by voice vote. The vote followed a revote of earlier business after the group had been one vote short of a quorum at the prior meeting.

Katherine Forch provided a financial update ahead of the vote, saying the commission’s account held $20,789, of which about $17,500 is already allocated to the K–12 educator event, leaving roughly $3,300 available before the $2,000 commitment. The chair said the special edition poem, by Joseph Bottom, is being produced on paper sized to fit the capsule and that copies will also be preserved in the state archives.

Members discussed outreach to secure additional contributions and letters: the chair reported a governor’s letter is in hand, staff are seeking a letter from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and Tyler Torson has contacted the Great Plains Travel Association about drafting a letter. Nicole Christie said Secretary Algen Young had not been able to obtain a tribal letter because of a recent tragedy affecting the tribe.

Next steps: staff will finalize the special edition printing, attempt to secure any remaining letters before the April 30 delivery date and ship the approved items to the national collection.