Deuel County Sets June 2 Special Referendum on Rezoning for Proposed Power Plant Near Toronto
- Steve Jurrens
- 24 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Deuel County, SD - Deuel County voters will decide on June 2 whether a 71‑acre parcel of farmland in Scandinavia Township should be rezoned from agricultural to commercial‑industrial to allow Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) to pursue a natural gas power plant near Toronto. The Special Referendum Election will be held countywide on the same day as the statewide Republican Primary.
The referendum was triggered after county residents collected enough signatures to refer the County Commission’s April 7 decision to approve the rezoning. According to Deuel County Auditor Courtney Parker, 291 valid signatures were certified — nearly double the 156 required under state law, which mandates signatures equal to 5 percent of registered voters from the last General Election.
How the Rezoning Reached a Public Vote
MRES initially applied to the Deuel County Zoning Board to rezone the 71‑acre site for the purpose of constructing a natural gas power plant. During a March 17 public hearing, numerous residents voiced concerns, arguing the proposal conflicted with the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which emphasizes protecting agricultural land as a primary economic resource.
The Zoning Board ultimately voted 4–1 against recommending the zoning change, with Jay Grabow voting yes and Mike Dahl, Kevin DeBoer, Dennis Kanengieter, and Mike Lammers voting no.
Despite that recommendation, the Deuel County Commission voted 3–2 on April 7 to adopt the rezoning ordinance. Commissioners Jay Grabow, Judith Homan, and Harry Mewherter voted in favor; Scott Fieber and Steve Rhody opposed.
Once the ordinance was published on April 15, residents had 20 days to circulate petitions. The petitions were submitted on May 4, within the legal window.
Who Can Vote on June 2
Auditor Parker emphasized that every registered voter in Deuel County — regardless of party affiliation — may vote in the Special Referendum Election.
To avoid confusion at the polls:
· Two poll books will be used in every precinct.
o One lists Republicans only for the Republican Primary.
o The other lists all registered voters eligible for the Special Referendum.
· Separate ballot boxes will be used for the two elections.
· No early or absentee voting is allowed for county special elections under state law.
· Voters must cast ballots in person at their local precinct on June 2 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
What a “Yes” or “No” Vote Means
· A “Yes” vote supports rezoning the land to commercial‑industrial, allowing MRES to pursue a conditional use permit for a power plant.
· A “No” vote keeps the land zoned agricultural, preventing a power plant from being built on the site.
The Special Referendum Election is hosted and administered by the Deuel County Auditor’s Office, which is responsible for ballot preparation, signature certification, and precinct operations.
Deuel County Auditor’s Office
This is the office that certified the signatures, set the election date, and holds the official documents.
📞 (605) 874‑3727 📍 408 4th St W, Clear Lake, SD 57226
The county site sometimes posts public notices, but does not maintain a full ordinance archive. 🔗 https://www.deuelcountysd.com
