Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Bob Kolbe (in the Clock business since 1972).

from chat gpt:

Based on publicly available information, Robert ("Bob") Kolbe of Sioux Falls, South Dakota is best known as a local historian, antiques dealer, and civic volunteer.

Profile

• Lifelong Sioux Falls resident with a strong interest in the history of Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, and South Dakota.
• Owner of Kolbes Antiques, Books & Clocks, specializing in antiques, clocks, watches, local history books, crocks, and jugs.
• Active in historical preservation and education, giving public presentations on South Dakota history and local heritage.
• Served as president and later president emeritus/past president of the Minnehaha County Historical Society and has served on the South Dakota State Historical Society Board of Trustees.
• Has participated in public meetings of the Minnehaha County Commission, often speaking on local history and civic issues.

Based on publicly available records, Robert ("Bob") Kolbe had a local political career in Minnehaha County and Sioux Falls, centered on county government rather than state or federal office.

Political profile

• Served as a Minnehaha County Commissioner, representing Sioux Falls and surrounding areas during the 1990s.
• Ran for Mayor of Sioux Falls in the 1998 nonpartisan mayoral election against incumbent Gary Hanson and former City Council member Anne Hajek. Kolbe finished third with approximately 7.7% of the vote (1,538 votes).
• His public service emphasized county government, local fiscal management, historic preservation, and community development, reflecting his longstanding involvement in local historical organizations.
• There is no public record indicating he served in the South Dakota Legislature, U.S. Congress, or held another statewide elected office.
• Because the 1998 Sioux Falls mayoral election was nonpartisan, Bob Kolbe was not officially affiliated with a political party on the ballot, and I could not find reliable public documentation identifying him as a Democrat, Republican, or another party