Opinion

C ourt Dean Lavern Kerner, 60, Gregory, SD, seat belt violation, fine $25.00, Christopher Queen, 34, Dewitt, MI, speeding on a state highway, fine $19.00, court costs $50.00, surcharges $28.50. Timothy Scott Hunter, 58, Nordheim, TX, speeding on a state highway, fine $39.00, court costs $50.00, surcharges $28.50.

In South Dakota, we value living a healthy life, no matter where you live. Every South Dakotan should have the Freedom to live where they want – but they shouldn’t have to choose between a rural way of life and good health outcomes.

The homes teaders came west to improve their economic status. This was universally the impelling motive in the we s t wa rd settlement of America. The simple functions were performed by these early settlers who had adjusted themselves to the needs of their family and the community.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) reminds the public and commercial snow removal operators that it is illegal to place or dump excess snow on highway right-of-way, which includes driving surfaces, shoulders, and ditches.

We are closing in on one of the busiest times of year here in Pierre, South Dakota: legislative session. As we enter into our first week of session, and as I prepare to deliver the State of the State Address, I can’t help but think about some of the core reasons why we all engage in public service.

Henry Jones (most often just plain “Hank”), the veteran DeGrey postmas ter, desired to get into govern ment service. This was at the time of the Civil War; however, he had not yet reached military age.

Because of the Homestead Act, public land passed into private hands so quickly that by 1885 all Dakota east of the Missouri River was settled. Settlers came by the thousands to their new “El Dorado.” They quickly filled the river bottoms and areas along the major steams. They then pushed out across the plains which resulted in the “Dakota Boom of 1878 – 85.”

Commentary by Bill Bullard, CEO, R-CALF USA On December 18, 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission jointly issued brand new merger guidelines. The question many are asking is: “So what?”

As 2023 comes to an end, we may find ourselves reflecting on the last year and looking forward to the year ahead. And as I am thinking about all that South Dakota has accomplished this year, I think of our people.

Senator Erin Tobin District 21 Aurora, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory, Tripp Counties Committees: Chair of Health & Human Services, Executive Board, Agriculture and Natural Resources, State Affairs Capitol Address: 500 E. Capitol Ave.