Opinion

(Washington, D.C., July 27, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reminding agricultural producers impacted by increased input costs and natural disasters that the deadlines to apply for safety net and disaster assistance programs designed to protect their financial security are coming soon. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) wants to remind producers that the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program and the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), both have deadlines in early August. Additionally, thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, eligible landowners have until the end of August to review and consider base acre increases for the first time since 2002 for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.

Melanie VanderPol-Bailey, MSW, CSW-PIP In life there is injury. Shortly after you scrape your knee, without your knowing or permission, millions of cells within your body begin communicating. Blood clots form, inflammation rushes in to protect the wound and new tissue develops. Over time, the skin repairs itself, often leaving only a faint reminder of what happened.

hoden Since the day I took office, I have challenged everyone in my administration to focus on keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free. If we all link arms and pledge to chase opportunities together, our state will remain an example to the nation.

Once a week in the summertime, brightly colored 10x10 tents pop up in a corner parking lot in my community. Under each one of those tents is a producer, crafter, or small business owner who has tables of goods for sale.

Caregivers of people with dementia are often tasked with keeping their loved ones safe at home. Unpaid family members or friends, referred to as care partners or caregivers, dedicate significant time and resources to assist the person with dementia as their needs intensify.

In June of 1858, an enumeration of the white people in Yankton County would have revealed the presence of George Fiske, William Lyman, Samuel Mortimer (Spot), Samuel Jerou, A. B. Smith, Lytle Griffith, the first carpenter, Frank Chapel, James Stone, who had come in during the spring and was operating the ferry on the James River, which he had probably purchased from the trading firm or had built another boat, and Francis Dupuis. Mr. Dupuis was a skillful raftsman and had convoyed a small raft of sixteen red cedar logs from Fort Pierre to Yankton, which were employed in the construction of the trading post.

America 250 is a great time to reflect on who we are and what we have fought to build and keep for so long. We are an example for freedom to the rest of the world, and a symbol of hope, as well.

Up until May 12, 1857, there was not a “pale face” known to be living in what is now Yankton County, or west of the Vermillion River. Lyman must therefore be credited with the title of the first white settler, because he continued to reside here with his Indian family until he was carried farther west by the Black Hills wave of emigration in 1876.

Natural disasters are devastating, but they also provide opportunities for our state to show what we are made of. I’ve served as a volunteer firefighter my entire life, and my administration is ready to respond to any emergency.

Up until May 12, 1857, there was not a “pale face” known to be living in what is now Yankton County, or west of the Vermillion River. Lyman must therefore be credited with the title of the first white settler, because he continued to reside here with his Indian family until he was carried farther west by the Black Hills wave of emigration in 1876.