When visitors arrive in our state, they are greeted with warm smiles and friendly faces. South Dakota is known for our world class hospitality – and all the credit goes to our people and our way of life. Tourism is not just about where people go; it’s about the connections they make, the memories they create, and the communities they support along the way.

DITOR The election on June 2nd is approaching fast and absentee voting has already begun. The District 21 Senate race is shaping up to be one of the most watched races in South Dakota because it speaks to what the Republican Party will look like and how our great state will be governed in the future. I’ve had the opportunity to serve with both candidates which gives me a unique opportunity to share my thoughts on this particular race.

It was about 1875 that Gen. W. H. Beadle wrote a rather comprehensive review of the geological history and formation of the Dakota Territory. The southern part of the territory belongs to the Cretaceous group of the Mesozoic system, having sharks and Ammonites as the leading types of its fossils.

The Gregory High School boys track records took another hit this past week as Pierce Stukel set his sights on the 96-year-old record in the 200 meters and shaved off .14 seconds from Leo Lubbers’ 1932 time at the Platte-Geddes Relays on Saturday, May 9, with a new record of 22.6.

The Gregory High School class of 2026 has chosen Mrs. Ronda Graber as the keynote for their commencement, to be held Saturday, May 16.

Jason Nebola has added a new business to complement his constuction company. Cracks R Whack is a spray foam business that uses a closed cell spray foam for insulating. Superior to open cell foam because it is a water barrier, it also adds structural strength to a building. Three inches of the product will achieve an R value of 21, higher than the national code of R19.