Flandreau Renames Center After Janklow

by Jill Johnson
October 05, 2012 1:03 PM


There's no doubt that former Governor Bill Janklow had a special place for Flandreau in his heart. As governor, the Flandreau native was an advocate for the city and helped th community in many ways.

Without Janklow's help, the Flandreau Community Center/Armory might not have been a possibility. That's why the city has given the community center a new name, in his honor. The re-dedication ceremony was held there on Friday.

It began with a color guard, followed by music, and of course, then came the stories.

Bill Janklow's son Russ said,"Everytime he'd get to Flandreau his face would light up; couldn't wait to get down to the Flandreau bakery to get a long john or a hot roast beef from the Flandreau cafe.

And no one seems to know those stories better than those who live in the small town of Flandreau.

Alderman Bart Sample,"Janklow loved Flandreau and Flandreau loved him.

It's here, that Former Governor Bill Janklow helped set aside funding to rebuild the Crystal Theatre and a well-known community church. It was also here, that he delivered the address at the Flandreau Community Center/Armory’s dedication back in 1985.

Governor Dennis Daugaard said, "The news stories say Bill Janklow is gone and that's a reality but in many ways there are markers all over South Dakota that demonstrate the things he did and his spirit are not gone."

So it seemed appropriate that the city re-dedicate the building, this time, in his name. It's now the William J. Janklow Community Center and Armory.
    
Sample said, "We're proud of our native son without whom this incredible facility would have never even been built."

Even though his family and friends say he would have hated it.

Sample said,"This is our very small token to say thank you governor and to give your legacy and your family the recognition deserved."

Just one way to honor and recognize him for things they could never repay.
    
"We salute Governor Janklow and wish you God's be governor," said Sample.

Senator Russell Olson said, "God Bless Bill Janklow."

Russ Janklow says his family has been contacted many times about doing appearences and having his father's name put on various things and they've always said no but he says 'How could you say no to this'.