This month we pause to thank and pay tribute to the veterans and active members of the military who have risked life and limb protecting our freedoms. Their selfless service has played a defining role in shaping who we are as South Dakotans, and their leadership on veterans’ issues is... Continue Reading
Working cooperatively, private citizens, state officials, federal government, and an active timber industry in the Black Hills has successfully fought the spread of the pine beetle and maintained the health of the forest in the area. These efforts ensure that our forests provide healthy habitat for a variety of species... Continue Reading
Sunday, November 2, 2014, marks a historic milestone in South Dakota’s rich history, the 125th anniversary of its admission into the Union. On that day in 1889, the Dakota Territory was divided, simultaneously creating South and North Dakota. We kind-heartedly debate which was first to be admitted, but historians offer... Continue Reading
As the old English proverb says, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” Responsiveness and preparedness are critical to containing and eliminating dangerous threats and epidemics across our country. The recent outbreak and spread of the Ebola virus, including cases in the U.S., are raising serious concerns among... Continue Reading
Like many who enjoy the outdoors, I always look forward to the third Saturday in October, which has become an unofficial state holiday and time-honored tradition in South Dakota, our annual pheasant hunting season opener. This year, the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks forecast a 76 percent increase in... Continue Reading
The beginning of October marked an “unhappy anniversary” for millions of Americans across the country. On October 1, 2013, the Obama administration launched the disastrous national health care exchange website, HealthCare.gov. Over one year later, the website not only remains plagued with glitches and technological errors, but also faces a... Continue Reading
Since the enactment of the Clean Air Act in 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulated ground-level ozone, commonly known as smog, in urban areas across the country. Forty years later, big cities still struggle to meet the EPA’s smog standards, yet President Obama wants to expand these expensive... Continue Reading
Since the beginning of this year, businesses and agriculture producers in South Dakota and many other states have been particularly challenged by rail service delays and network congestion, as well as locomotive and railcar shortages. From farmers and grain elevators, to auto manufacturers, energy providers, and retailers of all kinds,... Continue Reading
As more and more of America’s economic growth centers around our evolving technological world where job openings, educational opportunities, and the newest music, movies, and news are but a click away, it only makes sense that the health care industry also continue to lead the way in innovative technologies. While... Continue Reading
Tune in to the radio on a Friday night in South Dakota and it is hard not to find a station carrying a high school football game. From Belle Fourche to Kimball to Milbank, high school football is a time-honored tradition in our state. The hot summer afternoons give way... Continue Reading
As baseball tournaments come to a close and summer days spent by the pool dwindle, South Dakota families slowly gear up for the start of a new school year. I always enjoy this peaceful time of year in South Dakota. The song of cicadas is a reminder of the last... Continue Reading
Out of any title a person can hold, the role of “mom” or “dad” may be the most important. While the title doesn’t bring you fame and notoriety, the role bears tremendous responsibility and brings with it great joy and rewards. Each year, I recognize a South Dakota family who... Continue Reading
