By Carleen Wild
Moody County Enterprise
Nearly a year after the City of Flandreau voted to take over the long-running countywide ambulance service, city leaders and ambulance staff say the transition has gone better than expected — and they’re inviting the public to come see the changes for themselves.
An open house is planned for Friday, May 29 at 6 p.m. at the ambulance’s new home in the former Flandreau Fire Hall.
The move marked a major shift after the city voted last summer to assume operations of the ambulance service previously run by Moody County. At the time, city and county leaders worked together to renovate the former fire hall, creating a more functional home for emergency crews while improving access for ambulances responding to calls.
For Ambulance Director Scott Ganschow, the difference has been significant.
“It’s probably better than what I originally thought it was going to be,” he said.
“It’s so much easier to back the trucks into the garage. We’ve got room for things. We’re not cramped into a windowless building, and our storage room, you can actually move around in it. We’ve got a full-size kitchen now. I think we’ll be able to keep people because it’s a nicer building.”
That may already be happening.
The department is currently fully staffed — something Ganschow said likely hasn’t happened in at least five years.
“The transition has been smooth,” he said. “Things are going really well.”
The open house will offer residents a chance to tour the updated facility, meet ambulance staff, and get a closer look at the countywide service now operating under city leadership. Organizers are also planning food for the evening, with some menu details still being finalized.
Officials say the event is a chance not just to show off the building — but to celebrate progress.
“Everybody come and see what’s been done to the place,” Ganschow said.
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