DEADWOOD, S.D. – A petition turned in late last week to recall a Deadwood City Commissioner has met the necessary number of signature requirements.
The petition accused Commissioner Blake Joseph of several offenses in connection with a 20254 incident. They include misconduct, gross partiality, abuse of office and crimes while in office.
In July 2024, Joseph was charged with careless driving and traveling through a roadblock, after he allegedly struck a Deadwood firefighter manning a roadblock with his vehicle during the Days of ‘76 Parade. The traveling through the roadblock charge was dismissed in May 2025; however, on July 2, Joseph faced another misdemeanor after he failed to appear for his trial for careless driving. Since then, Joseph was also cited in August of this year for having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
He entered a plea of no contest to the two misdemeanor charges in the 4th Circuit Court on Monday.
The petition now heads to the full Deadwood City Commission, who will formally consider it at their next meeting scheduled for Monday, October 6th.
A special election to replace Joseph could follow if the process moves ahead.