I enjoy meeting people where they’re at. It’s far easier to understand where someone is coming from if I can look them in the eye, see and hear their needs for myself, and gain a better appreciation for their perspective.

The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) is expanding eligibility for the All Women Count! (AWC!) Program by lowering the minimum age from 30 to 21, allowing more South Dakota women to access breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. The expanded eligibility will take effect Sept. 1, 2026.

Arts South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council cosponsor the biennial Governor’s Awards in the Arts to recognize individuals and businesses that have made a statewide impact through artistic excellence or outstanding support of the arts.

Its that time of year again, where children everywhere step back into their roles as learners and we say good-bye to summer break. School is back in session this week for many of the readers in this region.

A settlement comprising a number of families of white men who had married into the Yankton tribe had been made at Big Sioux Point on the Dakota side of the Missouri River about the time the Brughier’s coming to that vicinity where he established his trading house. John McBride and Christopher Maloney, who became members of the first Legislature, belonged to this settlement. Also James Somers, Antoine Fleury, Adolph Mason, Robear Primeaup, Archie and Gustav Christy and Joseph La Plant. La Plant claimed to have settled there in 1849 and was regarded as the first white settler in Cole or Union County.

When you’re out in the field this fall it’s important to show respect to our fellow hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and landowners. Many public hunting areas, such as the Walk In Areas, are private lands open for public hunting. You can do your part to ensure we have these access opportunities moving forward by recreating with respect.