Opinion

Dear editor, The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) website lists the USDA as the worst offender when it comes to burdensome regulations with twentyone thousand sections for every law passed by Congress. Among these is a recent rule mandating electronic identification (MEID) of certain classes of livestock crossing state lines. This is the first step in what is described as “a modern system of traceability from birth to slaughter”. Once fully implemented, the four major meat packers, who already hold 85% of fat cattle captive, will know how many feeder cattle are out there, how old they are, and who owns them. This will facilitate the international meat packers ability to manipulate the feeder’ cattle market, much to the detriment of the independent cattleman.

One of my favorite parts of serving the people of South Dakota is visiting communities around the state. I like to look folks in the eye, shake their hands, and gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that they face.

A list of the names of the post offices established in Dakota Territory up to the close of 1874 indicates quite clearly the progress of white settlement of the area up to that time. Post offices had been established at Platte Creek, White Swan, and Greenwood in Charles Mix County. Fort Randall and Ponca Agency was also delivering the mail. Eleven were already open in Bon Homme County and Crow Creek was distributing the mail in Buffalo County.

DITOR Dear Editor, In several press releases and articles since taking office, Governor Rhoden has been very outspoken about making himself available to his constituents. So we took him at his word and last week sent a letter about a critical issue affecting our family’s ranch in southern Lyman County and many others along the Missouri River. This letter also brought to light how an inefficient, bureaucratic snarl is impacting South Dakota’s ability to tackle a huge grassland problem.

In the development of Dakota Territory, the ox was an important and indispensable element. With the patience and fortitude only exceeded by that of his master, he transported the pioneers and their household goods onto the frontier.

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

The list of post offices established in Dakota Te r r i tory up to the close of 1874 indicates the progress of white settlement of Dakota up to that time. In Charles Mix County, post offices had been established at Greenwood, White Swan, and Platte Creek. In Todd County, post offices had been established at Fort Randall and Ponca Agency. A post office had also been established at Crow Creek in Buffalo County.

Government Can Do Good Federal financial aid and the well-being of South Dakota rural communities go hand in hand. This reality sharply contradicts the “government is bad” line being foisted on Americans by President Trump and Musk to justify the elimination of vast swaths of citizen services.

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

I am no stranger to discussions about eminent domain and property rights. I’ve fought for private property rights in this Capitol for over 20 years. When I was a legislator, I was the prime sponsor of legislation that reformed eminent domain to protect property rights. I don’t just care about landowners – I am a landowner.