Opinion

Pioneer travel most generally followed the easiest and shortest practicable routes. Frequently, the early traders, trappers, settlers, and miners followed Indian trails or the game trails that wild animals had followed for many years.

The first American Thanksgiving was a celebration of unity across cultures and races. Two cultures who did not know each other gathered together to have a meal and engage in fellowship. I hope that our kids learn this as part of our nation’s true and honest history. Native Americans far outnumbered the Pilgrims at Plymouth – and they brought food to welcome their new neighbors. They spent time together giving thanks for the abundance that was available to them. And they were grateful for the extra time to spend with family, too.

The earliest known map revealing the Dakota country is the DeL’lsle map of 1701. On that map, a trail (early highway of the time) is shown leading from the mouth of the Wisconsin River along the northern boundary of present Iowa, via Spirit Lake, to Sioux Falls. It is identified as “Chemin des Voyageurs” (track of the voyagers). It is witness to the thought that South Dakota was visited by white men prior to the year 1700.

At some South Dakota schools, students are taking the lead in trying to promote better sportsmanship at athletic contests. During a discussion on Wednesday about the association’s initiative to increase sportsmanship among players, coaches, and fans, members of the South Dakota High School Activities Association’s board of directors heard a message recorded by grade school students at Hoven.

The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) recently announce the launch of a new telehealth partnership between DOH, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Agencies, and Sioux Falls-based telemedicine provider, Avel eCare. This initiative will use telemedicine to transform the delivery of care provided to patients throughout the state. During the 2022 legislative session, Governor Noem requested, and the South Dakota Legislature approved, three funding initiatives to inject up to $20 million into EMS in South Dakota. Telemedicine in Motion is one of the three initiatives, with a budget of $1.7 million dollars. Avel eCare was selected after a nationwide request for proposals process.

Due to paper supply issues, the South Dakota Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division has stopped printing paper titles effective immediately. The paper used for printing titles is very unique, as it has built-in security features to prevent fraud. The Department anticipates being able to start printing paper titles mid-February 2023.

I am proud to be governor of the best state in America to live, work, and retire in as a veteran. That’s important. The state that sets the gold standard for freedom should also lead the way in honoring those who defend our freedoms. In the last four years, we found new ways to honor our veterans. In my second term, we will continue to build on those successes and honor the men and women who served us.

Dear Editor, For many years, I’ve wanted to share my concern about the means that some individuals use who are running for public service. Certainly it is a compliment to them for their intentions to serve for the welfare of the public; however, it’s certainly disconcerting to see that they run their campaigns by making negative remarks and insinuations about the opposing persons. Many others have agreed with me who would like to hear and see what you, the candidates, are going to do in the positive, for the good of the public.

If you look across the nation, economic growth has ground to a halt. The price of everyday items – like milk, eggs, and pretty much everything else – has skyrocketed, making it harder for families to make ends meet. 38% of Americans point to “economic problems” as “the most important problem facing the country today.” In this tumultuous sea of negative economic news, South Dakota stands tall as a lighthouse – an example that freedom and personal responsibility lead to sustained economic growth.

First Fidelity Bank and the Gregory Community Foundation are looking for non-profit groups that have a project that needs funding. For a project to be considered, a group needs only to complete an application describing what their project entails. An application form can be picked up at First Fidelity Bank, or request an application from kybs22@yahoo. com. Grants will be given for community projects but not for operation budgets.