South Dakota is playing catchup when it comes to stemming the so-called “brain drain” of college graduates leaving for careers in other states, with declining college enrollment related to the COVID-19 pandemic adding to the urgency.

The FFA motto all FFA members learn includes the words, “Living to Serve”, making service a core value taught to SD's over 10,000 high school agriculture education students through their FFA participation. With state educational budgets becoming tighter all the time, FFA chapters are forced to choose which worthwhile activities they can still participate in. Sometimes that means service projects do not happen.

Concern about being treated differently leads some people to avoid or delay seeking treatment for their mental health. Stigma causes people to feel ashamed for something that is out of their control, contributing to worsening symptoms, lower self-esteem, social isolation, and reduced hope. Stigma not only affects those with mental illness, but also the loved ones who support them.

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Winner Regional Health and Wellness Foundation (Foundation) announced that it was awarded a $20,000.00 grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF). This past spring, the Foundation submitted a grant on behalf of the Driven to Serve Campaign, geared at raising $300,000.00 for the new 3D mammography. These funds helped secure the purchase of the new 3D mammography. On September 20th, Marilyn Grossenburg, board member for the South Community Foundation attended the donor appreciation event. This event afforded the Foundation the opportunity to extend their appreciation to the various donors, the SDCF, and to Marilyn for her support in helping bring the 3D mammography to Winner Regional Health. As noted previously, this was truly a community effort from foundations, businesses, and individual donors that made this a reality.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation reminds landowners hay remaining in highway ditches needs to be removed. The bales must be removed to ensure road safety in the coming months.