FPDC Assists With Ground Breaking for All Season Fish Cleaning Station Today
Holding the golden shovels were left to right: Dave Bonde, Merlyn Schwinler, Nicole Schwinler, Mayor Gloria Hanson, Gerrick McComsey, Shane Clarambeau, Rick Hahn, and Shane Kramme.
Nicole Schwinler, co-owner of Fort Pierre Motel, and her husband Merlyn spoke to the gathering at the building site near 5th Avenue boat dock. Schwinler said that the Fish Cleaning Station Committee had begun raising money for the building 2 1/2 years ago. She thanked those who had donated their products or services like Morris Inc., Sharpe Enterprises, Will Clark Electric, and Builder’s First Choice.
The Committee had also sold bricks and had done raffles and other fundraisers. Bricks can still be purchased by contacting Schwinler.
The total estimated cost of the facility is $240,000. Game, Fish & Parks is providing the fish cleaning table and grinder which alone costs $75,000. The building which will be heated will measure 24 x 40 foot when done. Builder Gerriick McComsey estimates completion of the building as late February, early March.
Dave Bonde thanked Schwinler for her vision and for the work she and Callie Iversen had done to make it all happen. Mayor Gloria Hanson said , “This is what happens when we all work together to get something done.” She continued, “It’s a big victory to see one of the 44 CORPS lots that were left vacant to be used for a project like this.” An empty lot across the street will be used for additional parking for the fish cleaning station. The Mayor also thanked Rick Hahn for his part in working on the design for the building and the lease.
Fort Pierrre now joins Akaska, Waubay, and Chamberlain as the fourth location in South Dakota with such a facility. Schwinler said, “On a 60 degree day in January fisherman use 5th Avenue boat dock.”