PIERRE, (KCCR) — A House Commemoration introduced to the floor of the South Dakota House of Representatives pays tribute to the life of Hayden Joe Schmautz of Fort Pierre. District 24 Representative Mike Weisgram of Fort Pierre is the prime House sponsor…
Schmautz died in a vehicle crash last November. Representative Will Mortenson of Fort Pierre also signed on as a co-sponsor…
Weisgram presented the Commemoration on the House Floor last week…
The Schmautz family was in attendance and was introduced by Wesigram to a standing ovation from the members of the House. District 24 Senator Jim Mehlhaff is the Senate prime sponsor. A total of 16 legislators have signed on a s sponsors or co-sponsors. A link to House Commemoration 8013 and it’s text is posted with this story on our website at kccrradio.com.
2024 South Dakota Legislature
House Commemoration 8013
Introduced by: Representatives Weisgram, Bartels, Blare, Callies, Duba, Emery, Moore, Perry, Pinnow, Pourier, Reisch, Stevens, and Teunissen and Senators Mehlhaff, Bolin, and Zikmund
A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Honoring Hayden Joe Schmautz of Fort Pierre for a life of service tragically cut short.
WHEREAS, Hayden Joe Schmautz, 19, of Fort Pierre died tragically in a vehicle collision on South Dakota Highway 1804 on November 10, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Hayden was already a respected member of the Fort Pierre Volunteer Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Hayden not only served his local community but had also used his training to help fight wildfires in Texas in 2023; and
WHEREAS, Hayden’s good nature was familiar to everyone in A.B.A.T.E. South Dakota, the Oahe Chapter; Pierre Street Masters car club; Roadhouse Bike Night; and the Fort Pierre Volunteer Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Hayden’s way of dispensing kindness with a smile and a hug made others feel seen:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninety-Ninth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Hayden Joe Schmautz of Fort Pierre had already demonstrated a commitment to service in his brief life, and he leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, dedication, and community involvement.
