A Look Back; A Look Ahead!

(From an interview with Dave Bonde and Sunny Hannum for the Capital Journal’s 2025 Progress Edition)

­When asked what his vision for Fort Pierre citizens and leaders was, Bonde responded, “Think specifically in infrastructure, housing, resources, transportation, climate, community engagement, education, facilities, sustainability, business, and economy.

Our young people are our greatest resources, therefore, we should invest in opportunities for them.  Fort Pierre Development Corporation (FPDC) members donated  $1,700 towards scholarships in 2025.  Ten, $500 scholarships were awarded to worthy students. The Stanley County School District Career and Technical Education Program is preparing students for tech schools and has even offered classes for adults.

Finding lots for building homes and promoting construction of those homes is a huge goal for FPDC. We continue to work to fill the empty businesses for sale or rent throughout the commercial areas and currently have encouraged four existing businesses through expansion loans. Finding “Buildable Lots” in Fort Pierre and confirming their availability for sale is a priority.  Oahe Home Builders is currently displaying the survey conducted by FPDC in 2022 on their web site.  Property for sale by owner, both residential and commercial, on the FPDC web site receives a lot of attention.”

Bonde continued, “In 10 years we envision the empty business spaces downtown will be filled with thriving businesses and the empty lots in Fort Pierre, including the Corps of Engineer lots, will be made available for building homes. We encourage property owners to clean up their dilapidated structures and lots. In 20 years, we envision many new homes will have been built in Fort Pierre and a new housing development will have been completed. ”

FPDC Office Manager Sunny Hannum said, “The FPDC Downtown Development Committee’s main goal for 2025 was restoring the appearance of a couple of our historic downtown buildings by having them “tuck pointed” where necessary and having the historic signage (ghost murals) repainted. Separate grants were pursued for both the “tuck pointing” and the artwork with the historic Chateau Hotel building ghost mural completed in 2025 and the plans for the second building, Rowe Hardware, are underway.

­  Hannum would like to see historic downtown buildings preserved for posterity.  This aligns with  promoting the history of Fort Pierre and beautification of the town to make it attracitve to visitors and create civic pride in residents.  Being involved in the arts and operating a local dance studio in Fort Pierre, Hannum would like to see a large outdoor stage built for performances.  Riggs Theater, the only theater available nearby for large performances, is heavily booked and sometimes difficult to schedule.

Hannum and Bonde are both on the Fort Pierre Sculpture Committee and are looking forward to the completion of the Missouri River Bridge plaza area and sculptures to be placed there as well as other sculptures projected for Main/Deadwood and Lilly Park.

The FPDC Education Committee is a liaison between the Stanley County School District and the Fort Pierre Development Corporation.  General topics include scholarships, student internships, mock job interviews and Build Dakota Scholarship promotion.  SCS Superintendent Dan Baldwin is currently treasurer of the FPDC Board .  The FPDC Executive Director and Office Manager assist with the school’s mock interviews and promote the Build Dakota Road Show and encourage our board members to assist with all the school’s worthwhile projects whenever possible. The FPDC office serves as a liaison for the SCS school counselor and assits her in finding internships.

FPDC Members are invited to attend the Annual Meeting at the Chateau Confernce Room Tuesday, January 27th.  This is FREE to members and heavy hors d’ouevres will be served. Come and find out what is planned for FPDC in 2026. Representative Mike Weisgram will fill us in on what is happening in this session of Legislature.