Opinion

For about the last six months, I have been making an extensive search of maps, documents, diaries, books, and letters which tell the story of the development of the Missouri River from Nebraska to Fort Pierre. Eventually, I will put together a series of columns on the historic sites and events which will tell the history of our area in detail.

Last fall, the Bonesteel, Burke, and Gregory economic groups were awarded a grant to study childcare issues across Gregory County. After many weeks of work with local providers, parents, and educators, experts in early and school age childcare have produced a final report with several important findings and proposed solutions.

When you think of South Dakota, you might think about rolling fields of corn and soybeans and hills full of cattle, the Black Hills, or Mount Rushmore. You probably don’t think of the Chinese Communist Party.

Commentary by Bill Bullard, CEO, R-CALF USA The good news is that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has finalized a rule to end the deceptive labeling practice that has gone on for eight years. You see, the multinational meatpackers were allowed to affix a “Product of the USA” label on meat that was exclusively produced in a foreign country.

In today’s seemingly unlimited telephone service via satellite phones and other modern contraptions, it’s hard to believe we once used common barbed wire to carry voice messages. For many of us today, these new gadgets are so complicated, we need to have our grandchildren show us how to operate them.

Back in December, when I gave my annual Budget Address to the state legislature, I told them that we had to remember our core function as the state governments. I told them that we needed to prioritize people, not projects. Our primary responsibility is to serve the people of the great state of South Dakota. And now, as we have wrapped up the 2024 legislative session, I am proud to say that we have done just that.

Aurora, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory, Tripp Counties Committees: Chair of Transportation, State Affairs Capitol Address: 500 E. Capitol Ave.

One of the major factors inf luenc ing the growth and develo pment of South Dakota socially and economically was the oportunity to travel without difficulty from one area of the state to another. The Missouri River was an obstacle which challenged those who were planning for the ease of getting from one side of the river to the other by wagon or automobile.

When I was growing up, my dad would always gather our family together and we would pray for Israel. It was instilled in me from a very young age that the Jews were Gods chosen people, that Israel was the Holy Land, and that we should always pray for them.

R District 21 Aurora, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory, Tripp Counties Committees: Vice Chair Agriculture and Natural Resources, Member of Local Government Capitol Address: 500 E. Capitol Ave.