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Ultimately, education is about our future. We want our kids and our grandkids to have the very best opportunity to learn and grow so that they can become well-informed and productive members of our society and get into the career of their dreams.

The South Dakota Freedom Caucus commends Governor Larry Rhoden for not recommending the usual, de facto increases in government salaries at a time when the taxpayers are struggling. However, parts of the Governor’s address the Caucus called “deeply misleading” and “fiscally irresponsible” in regard to its characterization of the state’s financial position.

The majority of folks living in South Dakota today do not remember when the Missouri River was a free-flowing river which flooded every spring. This flooding was usually caused by ice jams, which occurred when massive chunks of dislodged, free-flowing ice refroze or got caught further downstream. These ice jams could be started at bridge pilings, shallow areas, river bends, narrow areas, or a myriad of other naturally occurring obstacles such as rocks or tree trunks.

South Dakota has real cause for concern. On December 2, Governor Rhoden put forth his budget proposal for 2026. The news is bleak. Our state sales tax collections went backward for only the 3rd time in the last 30 years, and education, nursing homes, and state employees will see 0% increases. After years of growth and advancement, it seems that South Dakota is stuck in the mud.

Calling all Christmas elves! The Gregory Community Club has again partnered with BankWest to help Santa make Christmas wishes come true for girls and boys in the Gregory area, and this is made possible through the generosity of area residents who carry the spirit of Christmas in their hearts.