News

Melanie VanderPol-Bailey, MSW, CSW-PIP Today I want to explore the power of cultivating a growth mindset in our lives, in the lives of our families, and our communities. So, can we change how we think about things, including ourselves? The answer is yes. You can find a wealth of information on the topic of mindset, and PhD Carol S Dweck’s work, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, is just one of many resources available. Carol writes, “When there’s a setback, someone with a fixed mindset will start thinking, ‘Maybe I don’t have what it takes?’ They may get defensive and give up. A hallmark of a successful person is that they persist in the face of obstacles, and often, these obstacles are blessings in disguise.”

The 2024 Gregory Economic Development Job and Career Exploration Fair (4th annual), attended by approximately 120 students and featuring 42 vendors showcasing diverse career paths, concluded with the completion of 93 student surveys. These surveys provided invaluable insights into the attendee experience and perspectives at the event.

The discussion about what to do with the city’s empty lots on Main Street was again a topic on the agenda at the regular meeting of the Gregory City Council on Tuesday, February 20. The city had condemned and demolished two buildings, creating the empty space last year and subsequently installed windows in the adjacent property, currently being renovated for a tenant, that overlooks the lot.

During the public input portion of the regular meeting of the Gregory County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, February 21, Chris Burkholder asked Commissioner Byrain Boes his reason for not wanting Joseph Yoder to improve his parcel of land (his variance had been denied at the previous board meeting). Boes said that the land needs to be improved, but it needs to be done right, according to regulations. The parcel was formerly used as a sand pit.

Lee Qualm, a Platte, SD resident and 4th generation farmer, has announced his bid for District 21 House. This is not the first time Qualm has served in the legislature. Lee was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2013. During his eight years in office, he served as House Majority Leader for four years, Chairman of State Affairs, Chairman of Ag and Natural Resources, on Executive Board, on Ag Land Task Force, Transportation, Local Government, & State and Tribal Relations Committees. Qualm notes, “I love working with people to help this District and to make sure SD remains a great place to live, work and raise our families.” As a family man with a wife of 48 years, four married children, and twelve grandchildren, he knows we must establish a greater South Dakota for the next generation.

News Briefs..... Gregory High School instrumental contest is Wed.

In 2022, Congress passed the No TikTok on Government Devices Act. As its name suggests, this law bans TikTok on government devices due to the significant security risks that the app poses. This was an important step to protect sensitive data and government networks, but a recent report indicates that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has not fully complied with the law.

On February 7, 2024, 26 members of the Gregory High School chorus performed at vocal contest in Kimball. All 16 events that performed earned a medal.

Commentary by Bill Bullard, CEO, R-CALF USA In the early 80s, just over a generation ago, the U.S. faced an agricultural recession marked by a severe cost-price squeeze. The price farmers and ranchers received for their cattle was insufficient to cover their cost of production. During the 80s, America lost well over a quarter of its beef cattle producers. Over 350,000 of them exited the industry.

After 43 years the Hillcrest Motel is under new management as of February 1, 2024. Dillon and Cheyenne Lambley have changed hands with Kathy and Lawrence Oliver and will be the new owners of the motel under the name L Two Lodging.