November is American Diabetes Month. Throughout November I hope we can all work together to raise awareness and provide Americans with an opportunity to talk about ways to fight this chronic disease. Currently, about 20.8 million Americans, or seven percent of the U.S. population, have diabetes. Of these individuals about... Continue Reading
Celebrating Native American Day on the second Monday in October has become a tradition since 1990 when Governor George Mickelson signed a resolution designating the day as a holiday in South Dakota. This day serves as a reminder of the rich culture and traditions of our state’s tribal communities. As... Continue Reading
I have long been concerned about our nation’s overdependence on foreign sources of energy-much of which comes from countries rife with political unrest and anti-American sentiment. Take for example the nation of Venezuela, whose leader Hugo Chavez has suggested the United States was behind the September 11th attacks, has discussed... Continue Reading
Thomas Jefferson once said that “the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” Throughout our history, we have been vigilant as a nation thanks to the courage and sacrifice of generations of South Dakotans who have answered our country’s call to duty and defended our freedoms. Many South Dakota communities have... Continue Reading
Last week I walked in the steps of many parents before me. My wife Kimberley, our youngest daughter Larissa and I left our oldest daughter, Brittany, at college to begin her freshman year. The last four months have been filled with preparations for moving, packing and planning, and lots of... Continue Reading
An old story many folks in Washington like to tell involves the friendship between President Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill, the Democratic Speaker of the House at the time. The story goes that often times after a long day the two leaders would meet up for a drink at the... Continue Reading
For parents, it’s always a challenge to know what is going on in the lives of our children. There are rules, laws and guidelines designed to help parents keep their children safe and guide them in their decision-making so they make responsible, healthy choices. They range from labels on CDs... Continue Reading
As South Dakotans gather across the state to celebrate our nation’s independence, we are reminded of the freedoms we sometimes take for granted, and the great sacrifices that have been made over the years to secure those freedoms. From a kindergartener reciting her first pledge of allegiance to a college... Continue Reading
This summer, South Dakotans will be reminded of the importance of the federal highway system as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Federal-Aid Highway Program. In June of 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act into law. Ike not only envisioned the highway system as a... Continue Reading
At the turn of the century, west river South Dakota was the leading edge of what remained of the American frontier. Between 1905 and 1907, however, the railroads finally crossed the Missouri River at Chamberlain and Pierre and eventually extended their lines to Rapid City. One-hundred thousand settlers soon moved... Continue Reading
As the dangers of our nation’s dependence on foreign oil become more apparent, we continue the search for viable sources of alternative energy. Last year, Congress established a 7.5 billion gallon ethanol mandate which will help reduce our foreign energy dependence. Many automakers are also manufacturing vehicles that can run... Continue Reading
This month thousands of South Dakota high school seniors will don a cap and gown and walk across the stage in ceremonies all across our state, leaving behind a past they have known for a future yet unknown. I remember making that walk across Murdo’s auditorium stage 27 years ago... Continue Reading
