Opinion

Government Can Do Good: 2026 Today I highlight significant rural water infrastructure financing news. As reported in the January 14 edition of The Gregory Times Advocate, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has announced $48.9 million in loans and grants for statewide rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements. Most of this amount ($36,958,000) comes in the form of low interest state loans, and the remaining amount ($11,900,000) comes from state (Emerging Contaminants for Small or Disadvantaged Communities) and federal (American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA) grant funding. The DANR also reports the total amount of ARPA funding received by recipient rural communities since the Biden Administration passed the ARPA in 2022.

hoden South Dakota is the freest state in America – a nation that was founded on the principle of freedom. Freedom is the bedrock of our communities, our businesses, and our churches.

From the evidence ava i l abl e, it cannot be properly said that South Dakota has an archeology, or that the land was ever occupied by human beings prior to the coming of the Indian tribes found here by the early white explorers. There are however, several important and very interesting earthworks (mounds) in or on the border of the state, the origin of which is in doubt and the presence of which leads some authorities to conclude that the land was peopled by a prehistoric race.

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

Dear Friends of Life, January is recognized nationally as Sanctity of Life Month, a time set aside to reflect on the value of every human life, born and unborn. It is also a time to renew our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us.

hoden In my first year as Governor, we’ve taken some important steps to keep South Dakota safe. And while we do that, South Dakota is keeping the entire nation safe and secure.

In March, 1858, George Fiske, an employee of Frost, Todd & Co., reached Yankton and pitched his tent near the river bank at the foot of the present Walnut Street. He had charge of the mercantile affairs of that firm at Yankton and was the first white man to take up his permanent abode within the present corporate limits of the city.

The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office reminds individuals interested in running for public office in the 2026 primary election that candidate petitions may begin circulating on January 1, 2026.

Gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Dusty Johnson announced a comprehensive and responsible plan to deliver meaningful property tax relief to South Dakota homeowners beginning in 2027, making homeownership more affordable for seniors, hardworking families, and first-time homebuyers across the state.

Visitors to the State Capitol in Pierre are now able to step inside and view the South Dakota Supreme Court Courtroom. The Supreme Court Courtroom, located southeast of the Rotunda on the second floor of the State Capitol, remains one of the few original Supreme Court courtrooms in the United States that is still used for court proceedings.