DITOR Dear Editor, Today I focus on Gov. Rhoden’s “The Right to Worship” comments made in the January 28 edition of The Gregory Times Advocate. His comments illustrate the negative impact of the mixing of religion and politics on America’s democratic politics, which has been a main theme of my letters. The basic problem with this mixing is that it makes the determination of citizen morals a matter of voting. Mixing creates the possibility that one religious group can legislate its morals into state law, and this is exactly what happened in South Dakota. Securing sufficient votes (a mere majority) by forming an enduring voting bloc alliance with the Republican Party, the Rightto- Life religious organization successfully legislated its Bible-based anti-abortion moral into state law. Gov. Rhoden’s comments display how this religion-based legislation has undermined two fundamental principles of democracy: freedom of religion and “we the people” government.

A Celebration of life to be held for Randy Grim A celebration of life for Randy Grim, age 65, of Gregory, SD, will be held at 12 p.m. at Gregory Lanes, in Gregory, SD on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The second and final reading of the ordinance change to eliminate minimum lot requirements was held at 10 a.m. during the regular meeting of the Gregory County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as advertised. Auditor Julie Bartling had spoken to Brian Mc-Ginnis of Planning & Development District III, and he recommended including an agriculture use covenant individuals would be required to sign as they apply for a building permit on small acreages, stating that they are aware that they are in an ag district and are going to be surrounded by agricultural activities.

The Gregory School Board gave the go-ahead to co-op with Colome for all sports for grades 6-12 at their regular meeting, held at noon, Monday, February 9, 2026. The teams will be called the Gregory Gorillas, and the colors will be red and white. Colome has asked to have one or two home games at their gym for varsity sports, but that has not yet been settled and is not a deal-breaker for them. Costs will be prorated for each school per athlete. Both schools will follow Gregory’s current rules for eligibility, academic requirements, and training rules.

Three members of the Gregory Squadron 6 Sons of the American Legion are headed to Washington, DC later this month for the Washington Conference. South Dakota Detachment Commander Wyatt Reis, from Burke, has an automatic invitation to the conference each year.

District 21 legislators—Representatives Marty Overweg and Jim Halverson and Senator Mykayla Voita—were in Gregory Saturday afternoon, February 7, 2026, for a cracker barrel to field questions and comments from their constituents.