Mitchell events authority approves grants for tournaments, adds per-room reimbursement for visiting teams

The Mitchell Sports and Events Authority on May 8 approved funding requests for several community tournaments and events, awarding cash grants and a per‑room reimbursement plan aimed at attracting visiting teams and hotel room nights to Mitchell.

The authority approved payments for seven requests after returning from an executive session. Motions and seconds were recorded for each award and votes carried. The board approved $1,000 for the Battle at the Corn Palace boxing tournament, $800 for the South Dakota Golf Association Mid‑Am championship, $1,500 for the MAC Triathlon (split as a $500 sponsorship and $1,000 cash), $3,000 for the Lowranger Memorial girls fast‑pitch tournament, a $12.50 per‑room reimbursement for the Corn Belt Team Camp, $2,500 for Artisan Park, and $1,000 for a youth baseball tournament.

Why it matters: the authority’s funding is designed to support visitor‑draw events that generate hotel room nights and local spending. Aaron Heap, presenting the authority’s financial report, said "All the award checks have been written and mailed. That's $84,100," and that the current available fund balance is $65,900, situating tonight’s awards within the authority’s reported budget.

Details of the requests and approvals Eric Heap, representing Lakeview Golf Course, asked the authority to approve an $800 grant to support hospitality and volunteer staffing for the South Dakota Golf Association Mid‑Am championship scheduled for June 6–7. Heap said the tournament had 67 participants registered at the time of his presentation and that the event often draws men 25 and older from across the state. The authority approved the $800 request.

Emily Hone, organizer of the Mitchell Area MHC Triathlon, described the event as her group’s tenth running and said ownership of a timing system — paid over three years — will lower long‑term costs. "So it's about $5,500 for all of it once it's said and done," Hone said of the timing equipment. The authority approved $1,500 to the triathlon, split between sponsorship and cash.

Linda McEntee of the Kiwanis Club requested $1,000 to cover umpire costs, trophies and medals for a youth baseball tournament that had 21 teams signed up and an estimated 60–62% coming from out of town; the authority approved the $1,000 request.

Jim, the organizer of the Lowranger Memorial girls fast‑pitch tournament, said the event has 50 teams registered and depends on bringing about 30 umpires from outside the city; the authority approved $3,000, which organizers said would be used primarily for umpire pay and an emergency maintenance fund.

A phone‑in representative identified in the meeting as Josh sought support for Corn Belt team camps held across multiple weeks. He asked for a reimbursement tied to room nights for teams that stay overnight; the authority approved a $12.50 per‑room reimbursement based on the presenter’s estimate of roughly 60 room nights for teams that will stay overnight during the camps.

Artisan Park and a community festival An organizer of Arch in the Park described a third annual event with roughly 140 vendors and free community programming; the authority approved $2,500 for Artisan Park to cover park fees, security and children’s activities. The board also approved $1,000 for another youth baseball tournament presented by the Kiwanis Club and its partners.

Votes and abstentions Motions were moved and seconded as recorded in the minutes and carried. One abstention was recorded during the vote to fund the Battle at the Corn Palace boxing tournament; the meeting transcript records that Aaron Heap abstained from that vote.

What’s next The authority set its next meeting for June 9. Meeting packets and event P&Ls were reviewed during the session; Aaron Heap invited members to review materials posted with the agenda for additional event financial details.

The authority adjourned after approving the funding requests.