HOUSE COMMEMORATION   NO. 1025

        Introduced by: Representatives Gillespie and Broderick and Senator Albers  

         A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION,  Honoring Helen Nelson, Lincoln County Auditor.

     WHEREAS,  Helen Nelson began her employment at the courthouse in Lincoln County in 1962 and has held various positions within the Lincoln County Treasurer's Office, including Deputy Treasurer, and later began duties in the Lincoln County Auditor's Office; and

     WHEREAS,  Helen Nelson was elected Lincoln County Auditor in 1970 where she has continued to serve for the past thirty-two years. In her position as auditor, along with many other duties, Helen Nelson organizes elections in the county, maintains voter registration information, and is responsible for maintaining financial records of the county. She manages a staff of three with two full-time employees and one part-time employee; and

     WHEREAS,  in addition to her years of dedication as auditor in Lincoln County, Helen Nelson is the devoted mother of four children and is the proud grandmother of twelve grandchildren; and

     WHEREAS,  Helen Nelson has been an influential member of the community of Canton, South Dakota, and is involved in such groups as the Lincoln County Historical Society and the South Dakota Association of County Officials, where she served as president and served on several committees:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED,  by the Seventy-seventh Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that the South Dakota Legislature recognizes and commends Helen Nelson, Lincoln County Auditor, for her years of service to the people of Lincoln County.