Opinion

South Dakota’s kids are our future. This point really hits home for those of us who are already seeing our own kids have kids of their own! And we must set our kids up with the skills and knowledge to build the best possible future for our state and nation.

On May 20, 1873, a patent was issued by the U. S. Patent Office in Washing ton, D. C. for an item which was needed for the continued progress and success of placer miners in California. Those panning for gold at the time near Sutter’s Mill found that the conditions were terrible. Physically, they were miserable most of the time while in the water trying to separate the flakes and nuggets of gold from the sand and debris.

On this Memorial Day I am sending warm wishes to the armed forces of America, who have always been fighting, for the glory, freedom, happiness, and growth of our country and countrymen. May God bless you! Citizens please: 1.

I looked up the definition of “fake news” in the online Cambridge Dictionary. It states it is “false stories that appear to be news, spread on the internet or using other media, usually created to influence political views or as a joke.”

It is springtime in South Dakota and all things seem new! The grass is growing, new crops are being planted, and baby calves are kicking up their heels,enjoying the recent sunshine and good weather. Some days I feel like joining them! But this week, I received some sad news.

I still remember the first time I was invited to my mother-in-law’s home for dinner when I was dating Bryon. I hadn’t really talked to Sharon or my father-in-law, Al, much before, and I was nervous.

The Homestead Act of 1862, which was passed on May 20th, accelerated the settlement of the western territory by granting adult heads of families 160 acres of surveyed public land. Claimants were required to live on and “improve” their plot by cultivating the land. After five years living on the land, the filer was entitled to the property, free and clear.

Local floods on the streams and small rivers occurred at frequent intervals throughout our history. In general, 1908 appears to have been a serious flood year for most small streams in the north central states. These streams were natural places where our earliest homesteaders located their homes. For them, needed water and wood were easily available.

“Everyone must visit beautiful South Dakota. Pack your bags and rush to the car and start driving.

Dear Editor, These are my thoughts on the Gregory Co. Pumped Storage meeting held in Platte, SD, on April 27.