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hoden We just wrapped up the 2025 legislative session – our 100th in South Dakota’s history. It’s been quite a ride. Not only did we celebrate this history of our state in this Capitol, but we also navigated a historic succession of power. I stepped into the role of governor mid-session, and that’s never happened in South Dakota history. I’m proud to say we didn’t just keep the ship afloat – we made real progress to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.

Have you ever known someone that you admired because of who they were? There is something special and refreshing to witness the light and love of Christ shining brightly in one of His children. I know a sweet lady like this. I will not mention her name because she does not like the attention of anyone telling her how wonderful she is, even though it’s true. She just enjoys working and serving quietly in the background no matter where she is or what she’s involved with. For example, if someone mentions that something needs cleaning she immediately goes to work. If something needs to be done, she is always the first one to show up and the last one to leave. More than this, she is genuinely kind, tenderhearted, gracious, generous, and filled with God’s love.

I am working with the local museum in Pangman on a project to mark the sites of the one-room schools. A book has been written about the 170 one-room school sites in Gregory County. On Labor Day, we visited the museum in Winner which has a one-room school on its site. This museum, like most, is always making additions, and I think everyone should take the time to make regular visits. I believe that it’s important for my generation, who has the memories, to make contributions preserving local history for the generations to come. Last December, we visited the Western Heritage Museum in Spearfish. We were very impressed, and I think that all students, especially West River, should have a chance to visit and learn more about the history of western South Dakota. It is up to the present to teach the future about the past.

When I first ran for governor, South Dakota needed new opportunities. For years, our economic growth had not kept up with the nation. Young South Dakotans were too often leaving our state to pursue college or a career. Cities like Sioux Falls were growing, but our rural communities were slowly falling behind.

Dear Editor, I would like to respond to the recently placed ad referring to the Gregory County Pumped Storage Project. If this project was not feasible years ago when first designed, what changed? I suspect that a lot of Biden’s Green New Deal money has become available now.

Charlie Brown and Lucy were standing in the back of the classroom. The dialogue (to the best of my memory) went something like this: Charlie Brown: Where were you yesterday? I saw your desk was empty.

This week, the 2022 legislative session kicked off, and I presented my State of the State address to the people of South Dakota. I described how South Dakota is stronger than it has ever been in its 133-year history. This did not happen because of what government did. It happened because of what government did NOT do. To preserve what we have and grow even stronger, we need to remember why government exists in the first place – to protect the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It’s back-to-school season; a busy time filled with excitement for students and teachers, as well as parents eager to snap those “first day of school” photos. The outpouring of positivity for students at every grade level has always been a great way to kickstart the school year.

We have had both shots and are optimistic we will get through this pandemic. Its also planting season and I am headed North so the articles may be fewer. I have appreciated the positive comments from readers and ask them to pass those on to the editors of the three local papers and thank them for having the courage to publish the observations of this crazy Canuck.