Opinion

District 21 Aurora, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory, Tripp Counties Committees: Vice Chair Agriculture and Natural Resources, Member of Local Government Capitol Address: 500 E. Capitol Ave.

R eport Senator Erin Tobin District 21 Aurora, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory, Tripp Counties Committees: Chair of Health & Human Services, Executive Board, Agriculture and Natural Resources, State Affairs Capitol Address: 500 E. Capitol Ave.

Growing up in rural South Dakota, shooting sports and hunting were a big part of how I was raised. Some of my favorite memories with my family are of our time hunting and shooting guns. And one of my earliest memories is pheasant hunting with my Grandma Dorris.

While doing research several weeks ago during that blast of frigid air from the north, I came across a word with a meaning which I had never encountered in my 85 plus years on this earth. Now for someone who has spent his entire lifetime in education, either as a student, teacher, or administrator at the local school district level or higher education (both private and public); how could this happen? I thought that I had a comprehensive education!

R eport Representative Marty Overweg District 21 Aurora, Charles Mix, Douglas, Gregory, Tripp Counties Committees: Vice Chair Agriculture and Natural Resources, Member of Local Government Capitol Address: 500 E. Capitol Ave.

C ourt Dean Lavern Kerner, 60, Gregory, SD, seat belt violation, fine $25.00, Christopher Queen, 34, Dewitt, MI, speeding on a state highway, fine $19.00, court costs $50.00, surcharges $28.50. Timothy Scott Hunter, 58, Nordheim, TX, speeding on a state highway, fine $39.00, court costs $50.00, surcharges $28.50.

In South Dakota, we value living a healthy life, no matter where you live. Every South Dakotan should have the Freedom to live where they want – but they shouldn’t have to choose between a rural way of life and good health outcomes.

The homes teaders came west to improve their economic status. This was universally the impelling motive in the we s t wa rd settlement of America. The simple functions were performed by these early settlers who had adjusted themselves to the needs of their family and the community.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) reminds the public and commercial snow removal operators that it is illegal to place or dump excess snow on highway right-of-way, which includes driving surfaces, shoulders, and ditches.

We are closing in on one of the busiest times of year here in Pierre, South Dakota: legislative session. As we enter into our first week of session, and as I prepare to deliver the State of the State Address, I can’t help but think about some of the core reasons why we all engage in public service.