By Brandon Bennett |STURGIS|
The city of Sturgis finally has a new Planning and Permitting Officer , Sturgis resident Casey Baldwin. Casey grew up in eastern South Dakota and attended Southeast Technical Institute where she received an associate’s degree in architectural engineering. She spent some time designing sprinkler systems and moved West River about 12 years ago doing the same type of work. She and her family have lived here since then.
When the Planning Department opening became available she decided to try it for something different. She will need to receive certifications to completely qualify for the position but she’s up to the task. “I’ll be taking some online courses and in-person training for testing, and just learning the ropes. But having a pretty broad construction background, working with my dad, I was drawing house plans when I was four years old,” she said. She’s hitting the books to learn ordinances and building codes.
Baldwin is excited for the changes for herself and the city with regard to the next development coming. Public Works Director Rick Bush is looking forward to Baldwin working alongside him as he prepares her for her role. “Casey brings a lot to the position since she has experience drawing up plans and managing projects and people so I think it’s a great fit,” he said.
Bush added it will 12 to 16 months to get her qualifications taken care of and in the meantime she will go out in the field with him.
Part of the department equation is working with people, P&Z and inspections and she’ll keep working on the book aspect as well.
