Potter County South Dakota

County Name: Potter

Largest City: Gettysburg

County Seat: Gettysburg

Population: 2,693

Founded:  1875

Size: 866 sq. miles

Located in north-central South Dakota, Potter County was created in 1875 and named Ashmore County, in honor of Samuel Ashmore of Elk Point, a member of the 1972 Legislature.  The name was later changed to Potter in 1877 in honor of Dr. Joel A. Potter, who later served in the Legislature.  In 1883, the first county commission meeting was held at Forest City to select a county seat. Gettysburg was finally named the county seat in 1885.   The county is home to the communities of Gettysburg, Hoven, Lebanon, and Tolstoy.

Gettysburg serves as the location for the Dakota Sunset Museum, which contains the well-known 40 ton Medicine Rock sacred to the Lakota Tribe.  The legend recounts a story that the Great Spirit saved a young indian boy who was being chased by a bear, and their footprints can be seen imbedded in this huge rock.  The history of the rock is also displayed using a creative mural shown in the display room.

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church is a National Historical Landmark located in Hoven. The church is widely known as the “Cathedral on the Prairie.”  Construction of this massive church was completed in 1920, and the design is thought to be patterned after churches found in Bavaria.  The seating capacity of the large church is 1,200, which is more than enough room for Hoven’s residents.  Hoven is often referred to as the “little town with the big church.”

Potter County’s Annual Dakota Kruzers Car Show hosts many attractions and activities, with a show 'n shine, poker run, trophies, food, and other activities in Gettysburg.  This event is fun for everyone in Potter County and the surrounding areas; it takes place June.

Potter County is home to Whitlock Bay on the mighty Missouri’s Lake Oahe. This site offers water recreation, camping, and fishing at two adjacent recreation areas.

Tim’s Work in Potter County

Tim Supports Federal Funding for Local South Dakota Projects
Early in 2009, Tim supported the stimulus package to help local communities across South Dakota, including Potter County.
Funding has already been distributed to local housing commissions, to cities and towns to continue the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, weatherization and local health services. South Dakota received $48 million in weatherization funding and a first installment of $85.4 million in funding for education. Additional resources from the legislation will continue to be distributed in the weeks and months ahead.

Tim Fights for Mid-Dakota Rural Water System
Since as early as 2002, Tim has continuously secured funding to build and maintain the Mid-Dakota Rural Water Project, which provides service for vast portions of central and eastern South Dakota, including Potter County.

Tim Works to Enhance the Missouri River
Throughout the years, Tim has secured millions of dollars to help restore the Missouri River, remove debris, and improve overall health and flow of the river, which is so important to communities throughout our state.

Tim Supports Local Volunteer Fire Department
In 2008, Tim announced that Gettysburg Fire Department would receive $10,902 as an additional Assistance to Firefighters Grant from FEMA to increase preparedness and ability to respond to fires and related hazards. In 2007, Tim announced that Gettysburg Fire Department in Potter County would receive a $ 77,924 Assistance to Firefighters Grant from FEMA.  The money was used to purchase a new brush truck.

Tim Supports CDBG Program
In 2005, Tim joined a bipartisan group of Senators to urge the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee to support the necessary funding for the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Program. CDBG funding ultimately allowed for Gettysburg to receive funding for completion of its fire hall.

Tim Supports Local Airport
In 2004, Tim announced that the Gettysburg Airport would receive $2,065,000 federal grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The funding was used for runway reconstruction and other maintenance needs.