Senator Tim Johnson | Working for South Dakota

Hand County South Dakota

County Name: Hand

Largest City: Miller

County Seat: Miller

Population: 3,741

Organized: 1882

Size: 1,437 square miles

Hand County, created in 1873 and organized in 1882, was named in honor of the United States Attorney for the Dakota Territory, George H. Hand.

Located near the center of our state, Hand County is home to communities such as Miller, Ree Heights, St. Lawrence, and Polo.

After the county was organized in 1882, a debate developed between the towns of Ree Heights, Miller and St. Lawrence about where the county seat would be located. Following a long campaign that reportedly included bribery and trickery, Miller was chosen as the county seat after the community promised to build a new county courthouse.

The county was first home to hunters and ranchers. Today, Hand County remains a popular location for pheasant hunters, boasting a number of hunting lodges and public hunting grounds.

A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, boaters and fishermen is the Lake Louise Recreation Area, located outside Miller. Formed in 1932 after the south fork of Wolf Creek was dammed, Lake Louise has two campgrounds that have a total of 39 campsites. Lake Louise is known for its abundance of panfish. The area is a popular location for hunters to camp because of its location in the heart of duck and pheasant country.

Miller is also home to the McWorter House Museum and Depot. This historical home, built in 1906 and once used by Dr. and Mrs. Port McWorter for the doctor's practice, is part of the Hand County Historical Society. The McWorters lived in this home until Dr. McWorter and another doctor opened the first hospital in Miller. When they moved to California, the McWorter's donated the home to the Miller school, and it was used as a dormitory until the historical society acquired it. Here, visitors can see memorabilia from the prairie days and to take a guided tour of the house.

Tim's Work in Hand County

Improving Water Quality
In July of 2009, Tim announced that Miller would receive a total of $1.1 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to improve the community's drinking water system. The funding came from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development program.

The Mid-Dakota Rural Water Project in central and eastern South Dakota will receive funding to increase capacity from 9 million to 13.5 million gallons, as well as to build a new water storage tank and a 7,700 gallon/minute booster pumping station. In addition, the funding will allow improvements to the water intake mechanism and water treatment plant.

Putting People to Work
In 2009, Tim announced that the Miller Housing and Redevelopment Commission would receive $54,325 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The funding came from the Capital Fund Formula Program and will allow the commission to make improvements while creating jobs and putting people back to work.

Improving Fire Department Equipment
In January 2008, Tim announced that the Miller Fire Department would receive a $24,272 grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The funding was used to purchase coats, helmets, handheld radios and a thermal imaging camera for the fire department.

Expanding the Lake Louise Recreation Area
In February of 2007, Tim announced that the Lake Louise Recreation Area would receive $12,000 from the National Park Service. The funding came from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and was used to expand the recreation area.

Tim Secures Funding for Hand County Memorial Hospital
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tim in 2004 announced he had secured $49,208 in funding for the Hand County Memorial Hospital. The funding was used for renovation and technology upgrades.

Improving Downtown Businesses
In October of 2003, Tim announced that Miller would receive a $99,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant from USDA Rural Development. The funding was used to provide awnings to downtown businesses and to improve accessibility for disabled persons.

Preserving Airport Runways
In May 2003, Tim announced that Miller would receive an $180,000 grant from the Airport Improvement program. The funding was used to resurface the Miller Airport runway.