Opinion

Effluent flap seems destined for court

Published by admin on Wed, 03/22/2023 - 11:10am

The latest move in the chess match between the City of Custer and Preserve French Creek, Inc., was completed at the March 8 meeting of the Custer County Commission. It was at that meeting Preserve French Creek presented the commission with enough signatures to put on the June ballot an initiative that, if passed by county voters, would see any effluent dumped into French Creek or its tributaries deemed a county nuisance.

Legislating for the people of our state

Published by admin on Wed, 03/22/2023 - 11:09am

There’s a perception that South Dakota’s future is charted in Pierre. That’s where big decisions get made; where Governors have taken historic actions; where legislators go every winter to represent the people and vote. But that perception misses our state’s foundational principle, our beautiful slogan: “Under God, the People Rule.” As elected leaders, when we make those decisions and cast those votes, we must do it on behalf of the people.

Let’s take action on taxes

Published by admin on Wed, 03/22/2023 - 9:04am
Most of us right now are up in arms about our property taxes. 
I know mine personally went up 29.96 percent. Basically in terms of valuation my house is worth a $100,000 more this year than it was last year.
 I can sell my shoebox (896 square-feet) for $332,000, according to Pennington County. 
That’s more than my friend in Chapel Valley can sell her house for and it’s nearly double the size. If I planned on selling my house I’d make a pretty good profit. But like most of you I plan on living in my house. 

Let the ‘sun shine’ on governments

Published by admin on Thu, 03/16/2023 - 10:04am

This week is Sunshine Week – a national observance of the importance of open government and the public’s right to know.
As Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said more than a century ago: “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” It is a proverb often cited by journalists and others when making a case for why transparency in government is important.
Transparency about the workings of government proves effective in preventing corruption and misuse or abuse of tax dollars.

Of princesses and goblins

Published by admin on Thu, 03/16/2023 - 10:03am
It’s no secret that I love to read. When at home, I usually have a book close by. In fact, I’ve already read 16 books this year, and a couple of them were between 700 and 800 pages. 
However, if you looked closely at my bookshelves, you’d probably be surprised at how many books are labeled as middle-grade or young adult. I truly love the whimsy found in books for children. There’s an innocence and inspiration to them that is simply unique. 

Lighting the Mickelson is a necessity

Published by admin on Thu, 03/16/2023 - 10:02am

I was surprised to see so much negative feedback regarding a survey to gauge public interest in solar lights for the Mickelson Trail. I know people on Facebook tend to be quicker to post a complaint or negative comment than something constructive or supportive, so I guess I  shouldn’t be surprised. I want to share why I think solar lights on Custer’s share of the Mickelson Trail would be a great thing for our community, mainly by increasing safety. There’s no reason Custer shouldn’t be a place where someone can safely and peacefully walk at night.

Legislative session is over

Published by admin on Thu, 03/16/2023 - 10:02am
The 98th South Dakota Legislative regular session has come to an end.  
We will meet for one more day on March 27 for consideration of the gubernatorial vetoes. 
The House and the Senate came together to overwhelmingly pass the biggest tax cut in the history of South Dakota. It passed the House 70 to 0 and Passed the Senate 31-2. 

Proposed Florida laws are troubling

Published by admin on Thu, 03/09/2023 - 10:13am

State legislative sessions are in full swing around the country, and with that comes some states’ continual push to try to limit the freedom of the press and shield themselves from the scrutiny of the fourth estate.
Look no further than in Florida where the legislature is pushing a bill that would require any blogger who writes about Gov. Ron DeSantis — and is paid for their work — to register with the state ethics commission or the Florida Office of Legislative Services. They must do so within five days of their first post.

Yes I’m a conspiracy theorist

Published by admin on Thu, 03/09/2023 - 10:11am

I openly and freely admit it. I am a conspiracy theorist.
I confess to it without shame and, in fact, I proclaim it proudly because the last couple of years have proven that to be the opposite of a conspiracy theorist is to be sadly and even dangerously naive about what’s really happening in our world.

When is free speech yelling fire?

Published by admin on Thu, 03/09/2023 - 9:41am
“I don’t agree with what he’s saying, but I defend his right to say it.”
That’s what a man screamed at me at the legislative crackerbarrel the Prevailer hosted.
The “he” being referred to is a man I’ll call a rabble rouser. 
I want to address the  words and actions of both men because they haunt me still one week later.
For those who don’t know, the Hill City Prevailer hosted a session for legislators to explain what they are working on in Pierre and for people to ask questions and voice opinions.