SHERMAN – When people from around the state and the country found out that an ethanol plant could be built near this small community, some have been scurrying around to find out where the town is located and what it has to offer.

Sherman’s Town Clerk Ann Thiel decided to make it just a bit easier by developing a Web site.

“One of the first questions asked by people involved with the ethanol plant near Sherman, “Does Sherman have a website, so we can get a hold of you?” said Thiel. “Part of the reason for doing it was the ethanol plant. People are going to want to know about Sherman.”

But the ethanol plant was not the main reason for developing the website. Thiel also did it because the website provided a way to consolidate information that can be used by the community’s trustees, as well as the residents.

“The main benefit is that we will have our ordinances on the Web site,” she said. “We do have people who want a copy of the ordinances. Once we have it on our website they can download it.”

David Owen, President of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce said a Web site is the way people are gathering information. “It is expected in our society,” he said. “People are looking for data even before they are talking to you. That is the revolution we are in. They want information right now.”

Owen said he was impressed with a town of 87 people developing a Web site and assumes it has something to do with a new ethanol plant being built near there. “They’re smart,” he said. “They’re playing every card they can. It is a perfect response to a new situation.”

Thiel, who has been doing Web site design for nine years as a hobby, has worked on the Web site since January and in July found the design that she wanted. Her goal was to have a Web site that portrayed Sherman.

It includes a sunset at the top of the page with a picture of one of the original Sherman homes with a sign stating that the town was established in 1888.

“I believe it portrays Sherman as a peaceful community with a connection to its past,” said Thiel.

The Web site also includes links that allows people to contact trustees, look up Sherman’s history and access the Centennial history book.

Thiel hopes to add additional bits of Sherman history in the future. The Web site is hosted by Alliance Communications and can be accessed at www.shermansd.com.

“Now a days it is a must to have a Web site,” said Kris Frerk, who works in customer service at Alliance Communications. “It is a means of contact for people. When they have a question, they can send e-mail right away. It is much more convenient for the people to get their answers.”

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