ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA: COUNTY OF THE MONTH

This Month's County: Corson

County Name: Corson

Largest City: McLaughlin

County Seat: McIntosh

Population: 4,181

Organized: 1909

Size: 2,473 square miles

Created by an act of the South Dakota State Legislature on March 2, 1909, Corson County is located in the north central part of our state. Named in honor of South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Dighton Corson, Corson County has a population of 4,181 and is home to the communities of McIntosh, Morristown, Bullhead, Walker, and McLaughlin. Corson County is also part of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, which extends into North Dakota. Corson County remained unorganized until July of 1909 when an election was called by Governor Robert Vessey.

In 1900, a corridor of land where the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Reservations met was leased by the Milwaukee railroad and was fenced to make it easier for ranchers to drive cattle to shipping points. This fence allowed Corson County to emerge as a cattle-shipping center until rail lines established terminals near Mobridge.

Because of its location along the Missouri River, Corson County is a popular area for boaters, fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. The most popular area for water activities is on Lake Oahe, which is the fourth-largest man-made reservoir in the United States.

In addition to water activities, Corson County offers visitors numerous other recreational opportunities, such as the Major James McLaughlin Rodeo. The rodeo takes place every year in the third week in June and includes bronco and bull challenges as well as cash drawings.

Throughout the summer, visitors can take part in one of the many wacipis hosted by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Five wacipis take place in South Dakota during the summer in Corson County, with an additional three in nearby North Dakota. In addition to watching traditional dances, visitors can listen to traditional drums and learn about Native American culture.

The Standing Rock Reservation was home to Sitting Bull, one of the Lakota's greatest leaders and most respected medicine men. Sitting Bull's gravesite is located in the southeastern part of the county overlooking the Missouri River. The grave was originally located in Fort Yates, North Dakota, but was moved closer to Sitting Bull's birthplace in 1953. There is still much debate between North Dakota and South Dakota over the exact location of Sitting Bull, with each state claiming the real location of the grave. Close to the gravesite of Sitting Bull lies a monument to Sakakawea, the Shoshone woman who traveled with Lewis and Clark.

Tim's Work for Corson County

Tim Secures Funding for the Boys and Girls Club
In 2009, Tim helped to secure $350,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of the Grand River in McLaughlin. The funding will provide facility and programming upgrades. Tim worked to secure this funding through his seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Providing Job Training
In 2009, Tim announced that the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe would receive $2.5 million to provide job training to workers. The funding also provided for operations and maintenance activities on tribal properties including tribal detention centers and employee housing. This funding was allocated though the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Improving Tribal Roads
In 2009, Tim announced that the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe would receive $564,402 to improve and maintain tribal roads. This funding was allocated though the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Improving Public Schools
In 2009, Tim announced that the McIntosh School District, the McLaughlin School District and the Smee School District would receive a total of $202,916 to repair and modernize the schools and alleviate overcrowding. This funding was allocated though the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Improving Road Conditions
In June of 2008, Tim announced that Corson County would receive a $2,348,557 grant to repave the roadway around the Sitting Bull Monument, US Highway 12 and Kenel Road.

Tim Supports Operation Dakota Peacekeeper
In the summer of 2008, Tim announced that the Bureau of Indian Affairs provided additional law enforcement on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation to stop an increase in criminal activity. Operation Dakota Peacekeeper added additional officers and implemented additional efforts to enhance public safety. This increase in law enforcement came as a result of requests by Tim his colleagues to Department of the Interior to reduce crime in the area.

Improving Local Businesses
In June 2008, Tim announced that the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe would receive a $150,000 grant from USDA Rural Development. The funding was used as start-up funds for prospective business development and expanding existing businesses.

Tim Secures Funding for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Criminal Justice System
In 2008, Tim helped to secure $446,500 for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Criminal Justice System to improve law enforcement, court and detention equipment for the tribe. Tim worked to secure this funding through his seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.