Plankinton's strategic location, at the intersection of two national highways, Interstate 90 and US 281, attracts the interest of companies looking to increase their presence in the Upper Midwest. Proximate long-haul highway transport makes Plankinton a natural choice for industry and distribution. Only 20 miles to the east, the rapidly expanding Mitchell I-90 corridor is an economic powerhouse moving toward the transportation benefits at Plankinton.
Plankinton is surrounded by rich farmland that boasts some of the best pheasant hunting in the world. A multitude of recreational activities, from sport fishing in the Missouri River to golfing at scenic Fish Lake Country Club, await you. Come enjoy leisure time with the friendly residents of Plankinton!
Plankinton is more than just a place on the map - it's a community of warm, welcoming individuals. Our residents take pride in their friendly spirit, ensuring that you'll quickly feel like a part of the family, whether you're just visiting or considering making Plankinton your new home.
We invite you to uncover the heart and soul of Plankinton, where opportunities flouish, and warm smiles greet you at every turn. Come and experience the inviting charm of South Dakota's heartland - we're thrilled ot have you here!
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Interim Mayor's Corner by Carl Bode
Greetings to the Citizens of Plankinton,
People are wondering if I am running for mayor. The answer is yes, I have taken out a petition and I hope to have your support in this year's election. Magdalena, city council vice president, and I have scheduled a Meet-and-Greet for Saturday, February 15th at 10 am in the Senior Center. Come and enjoy coffee and bagels during your visit. We look forward to spending time with you and hearing about the issues important to you.
I extend warm regards to Brad Kehn who has decided to step down from the office of mayor in order to spend the time needed for his growing business. The city council and many members of our community greatly appreciate Brad's many years of service to Plankinton with his various roles at the fire department and city council. We wish Brad all the best in his future endeavors.
A little bit of introduction about myself to many members of the community as I have not been a long time resident here.
I was born and raised on a farm south of Chamberlain. The homestead has been in the Bode family since 1883. After graduating Chamberlain High School in 1982, I majored in electrical engineering at the School of Mines. I started working at what is now Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, Iowa part way through my junior year. While working as a co-op, I met Nancy. We married after I finished my bachelor's degree at the School of Mines and began working full-time at Collins.
Nancy and I will be celebrating our 38th anniversary in May. Nancy enjoys her work at Aurora Plains as the middle school and high school science teacher. We have two daughters, Hannah and Mary. Hannah has her own house here in Plankinton and loves her work at Vantage Point in Mitchell. Mary lives at home with us and starts this week in the kitchen at Aurora Plains. Rounding out the family are two pampered house cats: Ember and Cinder. Ranger, our Border Collie, keeps a close watch on everything going on outside when not inside his heated bed in the garage.
I am working remote from my home office for Collins Aerospace as a Senior Principal Systems Engineer on business and regional aircraft. This August will be my 40th anniversary at Collins. Most of the time, I am at home. A few times during the year I may need to travel for work, especially when I am needed back in Cedar Rapids for a week or so. Starting in 2025, I have gone to a part-time status working Tuesday-Friday, leaving Monday available for me to work on projects around home.
Our family moved here in the spring of 2021 to be closer to my side of the family. My mom, who lived in Chamberlain at the time, was thrilled when we moved back. I had many great visits with Mom before she passed away in December 2023. My sister Gloria and husband Ken live in Chamberlain. My brother Loren was farming on the family homestead until he passed away last June. His wife Julie (Boeker) is from Stickney. Fun fact: Deputy Malcolm is now living in the house where her mom, Elaine, once lived. My brother Lyle and his wife Brenda farm north of Mt. Vernon. Some of you may know Brenda from her years on the Davison County Commission. My brother Steven lives in Plano, TX. My sister Jeanette and her husband Bill live in Brookings.
I am proud to call Plankinton my home. Plank is a wonderful community to be a part of with great people living here. I never imagined getting into politics. When Pam Vissia decided to retire from the city council in May 2022, I decided that this could be a way to contribute and help take care of our community. Joe Staller made me feel welcome and provided a nice tour around the various city facilities. I've learned a lot from Joe, and Brad, during the time I have served with them on the city council. Being interim mayor is a good way to serve our community even further.
I plan to make regular postings on the city's Facebook page to help keep the community informed on what's happening. I will also turn attention to the city's web page and get the information there more up to date. I want to thank the SD Mail as Gayle and JP do an excellent job of covering and reporting our city council meetings. If there are topics important to you that you want to know more about, I would appreciate hearing from you. Please either reply to this posting or contact me via text at 319-551-2273.
Kind regards, Carl Bode
OFFICE/RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE FOR RENT. Contact City Hall with any inquiries. 605.942.7767
Parent’s Guide to Fentanyl
Click HERE to view a map of the location of the AEDs that are located in Plankinton.
Are You in Need of Medical Equipment? Click HERE for more details.