By Alan Van Ormer
Tribune editor

A poker run to raise money for the Dell Rapids Trail Fund is slated for Saturday.
Registration for the poker run will be held at the Dutch Inn between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“We always do a poker run for charity,” said Mike Munk, a member of the Dell Rapids Swift Drifters Snowmobile Club. “We thought this would be a good one. Hopefully, we can get more people from Dell Rapids involved that have never been on a poker run.”
The Dell Rapids Recreation Trail was selected as a community priority during the Community Resource Assessment that was completed in April 2005. The project would provide a network of trails that connects the assets of the community.
The City of Dell Rapids has pledged to provide planning assistance. In addition, the city has applied for grants on the behalf of the Dell Rapids Trail Committee. The funds the committee is raising would be used to match the grants. The city has been notified that it will receive a $500,000 grant in 2010 from the South Dakota Department of Transportation. Construction is slated to start in 2010.
“It is great when the community takes ownership in such an ambitious project,” City Administrator S. L. Martin said. “It takes a lot of vision and effort to complete projects like this.”
Linsey Duffy, an organizer of the Dell Rapids Trail Committee, said we are excited about moving forward with the project in 2010.
“Once the community sees the trail being constructed, then we will proceed with another fundraising project,” Duffy said. “In the meantime, we are accepting donations and pursuing grants. It is wonderful that community groups, like the snowmobile club, are helping in our efforts to create this trail system that will benefit everyone in this community.”
Poker run participants can travel in motorcycles, cars, pickups or whatever type of transportation available. Stops along the way include Sherman, Baltic Corner, Colton Bar, Shipwreck in Chester, Wentworth, Egan Bar, Steve’s in Trent, Monkey’s and Dutch Inn. The estimated route is approximately 100 miles.
Participants must make five stops and pick up a stamp at each place. They will draw a poker hand at the Dutch Inn. The first three place winners will receive cash. The remainder will go to the bike trail fund.
For more information on the poker run contact Munk at 310-3636.