Codington County voters approve bond issue; choose candidates in Legislative District 5

November 6, 2024

Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–The third time was the charm for supporters of building a new Codington County Jail.

Following two previous failed bond issues, voters on Tuesday approved a $29.6 million dollar ballot question to replace the current jail. With all precincts reporting, the “yes” vote gained 59-percent support (7,248 votes), compared to 41-percent (4,940) who voted no.

Republicans were the winners for legislative seats in House and Senate District 5, which covers the city of Watertown. In the House race, Matt Roby was the top vote-getter (8,314) followed by Josephine Garcia (5,892). Democrat challengers Diane Drake (2,308) and Amy Rambow (1,953) finished third and fourth respectively.

In the Senate race, former Watertown City Councilman Glen Vilhauer won the seat being vacated by Lee Schoenbeck. Vilhauer received 7,889 votes to 3,203 for Democrat Dennis Solberg.