June 12, 2o25

History was made Wednesday in Turner County with the groundbreaking for its first new courthouse in more than a century.

The new building in Parker will replace a historic courthouse that had served the county since 1902.

In November 2023, severe structural issues were discovered, with trusses on the east side of the courthouse sinking by 19 inches, leading to a full evacuation of the courthouse in November 2024. The historic structure was demolished earlier this year.

“For more than a century, a courthouse has stood on this hill as a reminder to the people of Turner County and the state of South Dakota of their responsibilities as citizens,” said Judge Cheryle Gering, presiding judge of the First Judicial Circuit.

“Today, we have the unique opportunity to see the start of construction for a new courthouse. May future generations recognize the important part this courthouse and the people who work within it play in preserving the freedoms we all cherish.”

The two-story, 34,000-square-foot building was designed by ISG and will be built by Journey Group. The emphasis was on a future-focused design and functionality, county officials said.

Bond financing of $19.8 million was approved by the Turner County Commission to fund the project.

“Anyone who has been through this process knows how truly difficult it is to make this happen,”  County Commission Chair Jared Hybertson said.

“I’m grateful to those who have worked on this project to bring us to this point. Their commitment, vision and hard work is why we will now have a new courthouse to serve the citizens of this county for the next century and generations to come.”