MEL OLSON

Vehle, Olson clash over city manager

Olson stands by 'hates democracy' accusation; Vehle defends himself

By Austin Kaus , June 02, 2011

Councilman proposes end to city approval of taxi licenses

The Mitchell City Council should no longer approve drivers for private taxi firms in the city, according to a councilman. The council currently reviews applications for drivers and votes whether or not to allow them to work for Becky’s Vans-Designated Drivers or E-Z Ride Taxicabs, the two privately operated taxi services in the city.

By Tom Lawrence , February 26, 2011

Food, cocktails and politics: Interest groups press issues at dozens of Pierre socials

South Dakota Town and Township Association members were serving ice cream at the state Capitol on Wednesday, but their minds were focused on a different form of sustenance. “We’re just trying to get a little more of the fiscal pie,” said Cindy Foster, the association’s president. State officials, legislators, lobbyists and staff members lined up for the free ice cream, which was being handed out, complete with toppings, in the Senate President’s and House Speaker’s lobbies.

By Tom Lawrence , February 12, 2011

Proposed change to lake law stymied by state code

Councilman Mel Olson would like to add a few words to the Lake Mitchell land designation law that was passed Tuesday.
But he can’t, at least for a year.
Olson planned to introduce language either as an amendment or a separate ordinance that would alter the impact of the initiated measure that passed by a 53-47 percent margin three days ago.

By Tom Lawrence , November 05, 2010

Mayor says Sunday liquor ban is unfair; councilman says restriction is reasonable

Mayor Lou Sebert argued that the off-sale of liquor on Sunday will boost the local economy, while not allowing it only punishes people who drink responsibly.
City Councilman Mel Olson said he thinks liquor has enough of a foothold in Mitchell without tossing out one of the last limits on it.

By Tom Lawrence , October 27, 2010

Public forum on local issues is tonight at MTI

Candidates for the state Senate and a discussion of Sunday off-sale of alcoholic beverages will be featured at the second of two political forums in Mitchell tonight.
The Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee is sponsoring the forum, which will be held at the Mitchell Technical Institute Technology Center amphitheater, 1800 E. Spruce St., at 7 p.m. Denny Kaemingk will be the moderator.

By Staff reports , October 26, 2010

Only one speaker planned for forum on lake land

A pair of local forums on political races and city ballot questions will offer speakers from all sides, except for a segment on the debate over land usage at Lake Mitchell.
The first of two political forums sponsored by the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee is set for Tuesday.

By Tom Lawrence , October 15, 2010

Opinion: Vote ‘no’ on ordinance and then let’s start fresh

I wish to make clear at the outset that, while I serve on the City Council, I am writing as an individual and not as a representative of the city or the City Council. Nor am I writing on behalf of the mayor.
The City Council held several hearings to listen to the grievances, objections and rationale of (mainly lake) residents over the proposed swap of property that involved the stand of pine trees just off of National Guard Road. After those hearings, the City Council voted to reject the land swap. We listened to the citizens and did what they asked us to do. No further action had been taken by the City Council prior to the introduction of this initiative.

By Mel Olson , October 13, 2010

Longtime educator named district’s Teacher of the Year

Mitchell High School social studies teacher Mel Olson, now in his 28th year with the district, was named the district’s Teacher of the Year at a recognition banquet Thursday evening.
Teaching colleague Steve Morgan said Olson specializes in “edutainment” and has a unique blend of scholarship and teaching skill.
“He gets kids involved,” said MHS Principal Yvonne Palli. “No one is ever bored.” She said students regularly compete for slots in Olson’s classes.

By Ross Dolan , April 30, 2010

Proposed City Council change sparks debate

Some of Mitchell’s most experienced politicians clashed this week over a proposed change to the structure of the City Council.
Dusty Johnson, chairman of the state Public Utilities Commission, and Mike Vehle, a state senator, presented ideas Monday evening to the City Council from the Focus 2020 Governmental Structures Subcommittee. Focus 2020 is a volunteer group formed last year to issue wide-ranging recommendations for the future of the Mitchell area.

By Seth Tupper , December 23, 2009

Olson wins seat on City Council

A newcomer to city politics but an old hand on the state political scene has earned a spot on the Mitchell City Council.
Mel Olson, a former member of the state Senate and the state House of Representatives, won a spot on the council by gathering 49.88 percent of the vote in Tuesday's Mitchell council election.

By Staff , June 02, 2009

Candidate bio: Mel Olson

Age: 49.
Personal: Married, two children. Native of St. Paul Park, Minn.; resident of Mitchell for 27 years.
Occupation: Teacher, Mitchell High School. Subjects include American history, world history, critical issues, AP government.

By Staff , May 22, 2009