Have you squeezed back tears to avoid crying? Maybe you were alone at the time, or maybe you were around others and felt embarrassed or weak. Perhaps your child cries frequently.

This week, I outlined my budget recommendations for our state in the next fiscal year. The past year has brought historic challenges. South Dakota has taken those challenges in stride and has come out stronger.

MARRIAGES Aaron Allen Dog Soldier, 24, to Journey Mystic Austin, 25, on December 1, 2021, in Gregory, SD. MAGISTRATE COURT Isaac Gillette Holmes, 40, Worthing, SD, speeding on state highway, fine $39.00, court costs $50.00, surcharges $28.50.

Memorial service to be held for Stanley Chocholousek A memorial service for Stanley Chocholousek, age 97, of Gregory, SD, will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Gregory, SD.

On March 4, 1797, George Washington attended the inauguration of his successor, John Adams. By attending the inauguration, Washington created a precedent which has been followed for the past two-hundred and twenty-three years whenever a new president assumes the office.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas ... or at least it was on Friday, as the first named winter storm of the season, Atticus, blanketed the area with 11.5 inches of snow. This week’s warm temperatures in the mid to upper 40s should leave little of the white stuff behind. The next chance of precipitation is Wednesday, with a 60% chance of rain changing to snow and accumulations around an inch. Temperatures will drop as that system moves through, so any snow that falls will likely remain for awhile.