Opinion

The Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Dakota on January 9, 1873, passed an Act to punish adultery, which if found guilty, could result in being sentenced to the state penitentiary. Section 1 of the law specified: “Every person who shall commit the crime of adultery, shall be punished by imprisonment in the Territorial penitentiary not exceeding five years, and be fined not exceeding five (5) hundred dollars ($13,499 today), or either of said punishment, in the discretion of the court.”

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November 2025 may be delayed or disrupted. While October benefits have been fully issued, future funding is not guaranteed.

A n amendment to the Cons titution authorizing the State of South Dakota to engage in the development and distribution of electric power and to construct, own and operate hydro-electric plants was submitted by the legislature in 1917 to the voters. It was approved in the election of 1918 by a vote of 41,658 for and 24,429 against.

On October 20, 2025, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that Nick Lamb will serve as the new Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary. “After an extensive interview process and aggressive national search, we found the right person that will help keep our corrections system strong and safe for both inmates and officers,” said Governor Larry Rhoden.

For some across the state, it’s like Christmas. The opening weekend of pheasant season is full of family traditions. Folks come home from across the country to shoot our state bird, and great times are had by all!

In the early settlement and development of South Dakota, the ox was an important and indispensable critter. With a patience and fortitude only exceeded by that of his master, he transported the pioneers and their household goods onto the frontier, where he broke the sod, logged the land, planted the crop, and lugged it to market.

DITOR Dear Editor, Continued from last week: It’s time for a change! Worst of all, does anyone still believe that our government is truthful to us? Not only do our congressmen not call out when Washington insiders lie to us, they also participate with glib half-truths, ‘Washington speak’ and what they call ‘spin’ or ‘alternative facts’. (What even is that?) They should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.

I recently visited Washington, DC, to see our South Dakota National Guard soldiers who are part of President Trump’s effort to make DC safe and beautiful again. I was amazed by what they told me about their mission. But I was even more impressed by what I heard from a South Dakota native who lives in DC: “Having the National Guard here has changed everything. I’ve been here for five years, and I’ve never felt so safe as right now.”

In June of 1883, the County Clerk at Canton (Lincoln County) came to work and found a man of 77 years, giving his name as Szvman Szezech, resting his weary limbs at the office door. “I want a license,” the visitor said, “and I want it right away quick – I’m in a hurry.”

Dear Editor: South Dakotans, it’s time for a change! It doesn’t matter whether you blame the Democrats or the Republicans, the fact is, our congress is not doing their job. Politicians fussing, and fighting, and namecalling, and railing against the opposing party is getting old, and it’s just not funny anymore. This won’t change until we make a change. So, it’s time - vote them ALL out of office!