FALL RIVER COUNTY
(Serving Fall River & Shannon Counties) |
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History:
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Fall River County was established in 1883 and the county was then
faced with deciding the location of the county seat. “Both towns voted - the
living, those in the cemetery, and some besides,” said one old-timer, but Hot
Springs won by sixteen votes. The courthouse construction contract was granted
to Fred T. Evans. Local rumor has it that it was a deal made during a poker
game. Evans held the land where the courthouse was ultimately built and he
won the poker game. Architect Charles P. Brown was commissioned to draw up
the proposal for the four-story sandstone block building. Work began in August
1891 at a cost of $23,000, with an addition of $3,750 for an “iron and steel jail.”
Court was temporarily held in the Opera House. There was a great deal of
controversy over this decision for the courthouse location, right down to who
would pay for the flag to be placed outside. Several matters where ultimately
heard by the Supreme Court, and the court took occupancy in 1892.
In addition to serving Fall River County, the court serves Shannon County which consists almost entirely of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Matters related to the Oglala Sioux Tribal members, however, are handled by the Tribal Court in Pine Ridge.
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Location:
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906 N River Street, Hot Springs, SD 57747
All offices of the court are on the second floor.
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Security:
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You are reminded when entering the courthouse that you may be
screened. Additionally, it is illegal to bring knives or weapons into the courthouse. To avoid delay, leave all pocket-knives, multi-tool pliers, chemicals,
pepper spray, and other weapons or unneeded items in your car.
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Hours:
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The court is open Monday through Friday,
8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Fine Window closes at 4:30.
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Parking:
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Two parking lots exist:
beside the courthouse to the north (next to the jail) and across the street.
Do not park in the parking lot across the street marked for the Braun Hotel as this
parking lot is for hotel business only and vehicles may be towed. |
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Directions:
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The courthouse is on the main street running through town
(River Street) on north end of town, a block from Evans Plunge.
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Carol Foster
Clerk of Courts
906 N. River St.
Hot Springs, SD 57747
(605)745-5131
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Angie Collignon
Court Services Officer
906 N. River St.
Hot Springs, SD 57747
(605)745-5134
or (605)394-2595 |