Opinion

The two Bijou Hills adjacent to the Missouri River in south-central South Dakota were prominent landmarks for all voyagers who traveled up the river by boat or on land. The outcrops on both hills were clearly visible from the river and surrounding territory. They are part of a series of bold, irregular bluffs, much more elevated than any surrounding ones, extending for nearly thirty miles.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Congress had no regard for the Missouri River as a channel of commerce. It was clear to most Americans that the river was an important channel of commerce as the frontier moved farther west. Each and everyone except the members of Congress saw the significance of a free-flowing river that was free of snags and other obstacles for the economy above St. Louis.

South Dakota Housing is inviting developers to submit applications for funding from the Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) program. This open funding round is a chance for developers to make their projects happen.

The Gregory Community Blood Drive recently proved that real heroes walk among us, as dedicated donors and volunteers came together to provide lifesaving blood donations to patients in need. The event saw an incredible turnout, with 29 donors stepping up to give the gift of life.

The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) is warning the public about a jury duty scam targeting people in central South Dakota. UJS has been informed that the Stanley County Sheriff’s Office received more than 30 reports today regarding suspicious phone calls.

hoden We have a friendly rivalry with our neighbors to the north in North Dakota. I’ve joked many times that I’d much rather have Mount Rushmore than oil – and we all know that South Dakota’s Badlands are far more stunning! But we’re a lot more similar to North Dakota than probably any other state in the Union.

C David Gerald Jaros, 39, Gregory, SD, fail to maintain financial responsibility, disposition: dismissed - motion by court (including for no probably cause)..

Kevin Lee Bailey of Bonesteel, SD, age 55, to Michelle Marie Halvorson, Bonesteel, SD, age 47, on March 28, 2025, in Burke, SD. Brian David Hermsen of Harrisburg, age 51, to Jan Karla Dunteman, Harrisburg, age 55, on March 28, 2025, in Burke, SD..

Sarah Kathryn Dulin, 32, Denton, TX, speeding on a state highway, fine $39.00, court costs $50.00, surcharges $28.50. Nora Alma Chavez Rubio, 46, Austin, TX, speeding on a state highway, fine $59.00, court costs $50.00, surcharges $28.50.

In 1832, Joseph La Barge, then only seventeen years old, was working on steamboats on the Mississippi River and was present at the Indian battle of Bad Axe, Wisconsin. During that same year he came over to the Missouri River and began learning its odd and peculiar habits which challenged the captains of the early steamers that ventured into what would become Dakota Territory.