Six years ago, I told you about a skilled trades initiative in South Dakota that raised $50 million to close the ever-widening skills gap. The initiative was called “Build Dakota,” and it was different from similar efforts I’ve seen over the years.

November 4, 2024 - For the week ending November 3, 2024, there were 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 42% very short, 39% short, 19% adequate, and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 35% very short, 39% short, 26% adequate, and 0% surplus.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) broke its promise to our nation’s cattle producers. After pushing back against the agency’s persistent efforts to mandate electronic identification (EID) eartags on all cattle of all ages, the agency offered a compromise to the cattle industry in 2013. The agency promised to implement a system of disease traceability that gave cattle producers flexibility in determining which type of individual animal identification device would best fit their operation. Producers could choose a low-cost metal or plastic eartag or they could choose the highest-cost eartag – the EID eartag. The agency’s promise to cattle producers was that they would be given the right to choose.

Tuesday Mixed League 11/7/24 Tee Riffic Creations, 161½- 54½; Six Balls, 153½-62½; Old Pioneer, 152-64; Angry Birds, 123½-92½; Carlock Babes, 98½-117½; Buches Bowlers, 72-144; The Outsiders, 63-153; HTG: Tee Riffic Creations, 734; HTS: Tee Riffic Creations, 2117; HIG: Daniel Ziady, 255; Goldie Warnkvist, 212; HIS: Daniel Ziady, 624; Goldie Warnkvist, 544. Thursday Mens League 11/9/24 Stukel Eagle Ranch, 204-66; 9 & Wiggle, 189½-80½; Northern Plains, 143½-126½; Gregory Lanes, 122½-147½; Rod’s Sport Shop, 121-149; CATS, 111½-158½; Home Town Automotive, 102-168; Blue Lightning, 86-184; HTG: Stukel Eagle Ranch, 884; HTS: Stukel Eagle Ranch, 2496; HIG: Dustin Stukel, 269; HIS: Dustin Stukel, 767.

The Gregory County Lions Club will be performing free vision screenings at the Mid-Winter Fair in Gregory from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024. No appointment is necessary. Former Gregory County Public Health Nurse Teri Schoenefeld will be doing the testing. Look for us on the stage.

On November 5, 2024, the Gregory Oral Interpretation Team traveled to Oacoma for district competition. The entire team advanced to regions, and they took home the top trophy. Other competitors were from Kimball, Armour, Wall, Kadoka, and White River.