Opinion

Just a few days ago, I was formally inaugurated as Governor at the South Dakota State Capitol. Hundreds of South Dakotans came to celebrate with me and my family, and I could not be more grateful for their support. That day, I delivered an inaugural address – I shared that I will be available to discuss the challenges that South Dakotans face and how we can turn them into opportunities.

R eport Committee: Appropriations Capitol Address: 500 E. Capitol Ave.

There were few towns and post offices in Dakota Territory in 1870. The number had made but a slight increase from 1860. The traveler coming in to the territory from Sioux City and crossing the Big Sioux River on the Government Bridge would travel a distance of twenty miles to Elk Point before reaching a town. However, a post office had been established at Jefferson, eight miles to the east of Elk Point.

In 1859 the question of securing a political organiza tion for the Territory of Dakota was uppermost in the minds of the settlers. It was readily admitted that there would be little incentive to industry and improvement of the area until the settlers were secure in some form of authorized government.

DITOR Dear editor, Government can do good One billion dollars! This is South Dakota’s spectacular share of the federally funded American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, of which $689 million has already funded 200 rural area water-related projects across our state. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 has provided equally dazzling financial aid to South Dakota rural communities.

Aurora, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory, Tripp Counties Committees: Chair Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chair Government Operations and Audit, Vice-Chair House State Affairs, Member of House and Joint Legislative Procedure Capitol Address: 500 E. Capitol Ave.

Senator Mykala Voita District 21 Aurora, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory, Tripp Counties Committee: Appropriations Capitol Address: 500 E. Capitol Ave.

I’ve now been Governor of South Dakota for about 2 weeks. We finally have bills reaching my desk. I just signed my first bill as Governor, Senate Bill 7, which bans Sanctuary Cities in South Dakota.

District 21 Aurora, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory, Tripp Counties Committees: Education, Health & Human Services Capitol Address: 500 E. Capitol Ave.

The elimination of birthing services at Winner Regional Health hospital on February 1, 2025, will force dozens of expectant mothers in a wide swath of south-central South Dakota to drive one to two hours on rural highways to give birth under the care of a doctor.