Deadwood city officials can now move forward with scheduling a special election to recall City Commissioner Blake Joseph after Judge Eric Strawn dissolved a temporary restraining order and denied Joseph’s request for a preliminary injunction against City Finance Officer Jessicca McKeown.
The decision came during an expedited hearing Thursday, clearing the way for city commissioners to set an election date at a special meeting expected Monday. A trial is scheduled for October 31, giving Joseph a chance to challenge the recall petition and prove the accusations—misconduct, abuse of office, and gross partiality—are unfounded.
Attorney Sara Frankenstein, representing the city, argued that Joseph’s legal filings were incomplete and improperly served. She noted only one questionable petition sheet, which she said was not grounds to invalidate the petition.
McKeown verified 170 of 179 signatures submitted on September 26, surpassing the required 146 under South Dakota law. The recall effort stalled earlier this month due to Joseph’s legal challenge, but the court’s ruling now allows the process to proceed.
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