Opinion

Council sides with developers on various variances

Published by admin on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 9:59am
Aldermen discussed and approved variances at the March 24 Hill City Common Council (HCCC) meeting.
A preliminary approval for a variance request for 272 Pine Ave. was approved along with approving a preliminary change of plat for the property.
The matter, pertaining to a private parking lot for the lofts at McGregor and Main, had been tabled by the city’s planning and zoning (P&Z).

It’s a great time to be a Ranger

Published by admin on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 9:54am
I remember in my high school days, we were playing at a volleyball tournament. As they announced the teams, it went like this. “The Rangers from… where in the hell is Hill City?”
I don’t think he meant to say it out loud, but the sentiment was the same. We weren’t exactly on the competitive map. Our reputation hadn’t preceded us. Nonetheless, I’ve always been proud to be a Ranger. We may not get the media coverage that the big Rapid City schools get, but the community support from this tiny little town more than makes up for that. 

Don’t let West Dam fade into background

Published by admin on Wed, 03/26/2025 - 9:39am

The digging is happening at West Dam. Because of that, the donating must continue.

A baby milk cow named Marigold

Published by admin on Wed, 03/26/2025 - 9:36am

“So, will your column be about a certain baby milk cow named Marigold?”
Brad has a way of poking fun through the most innocent of questions. And he knew the answer a week ago, when Marigold was born. Of course the column would feature the newest addition to Laura’s dairy operation. Silly question.

Scorecard season is now upon us

Published by admin on Wed, 03/26/2025 - 9:27am

The legislative session is a small, bracketed, yet intense, 38 days in Pierre. After session, legislators return home to their communities, families and jobs.
Lobbyists are also in Pierre during session. They represent special interest groups and lobby either for or against certain bills that are issues or causes important to them. They turn on the full court press trying to persuade legislators to vote their side of the voting card. One morning I arrived at my desk to find 10 lobbyists lined up and waiting to give me their pitch about the bills up for a vote later that day.

The power of the hug

Published by admin on Wed, 03/26/2025 - 9:16am
My column this week is dedicated to all the first responders who worked continuously battling the blaze by my and Tracy’s house. I don’t think she will mind at all for including her in this thank you. Not just to the firefighters, police officers, county officials and any other first responders who helped our tiny neighborhood, but also to the Town of Keystone, the Keystone Town Board, the Keystone twon staff and the entire community.

HB 1019 is the perfect companion

Published by admin on Wed, 03/26/2025 - 9:16am
Greetings! With the 100th legislative session over for 2025, let’s dispel or update all the gnashing of teeth rumors, shall we?
To start off, South Dakota Public TV is fully funded, thanks to hard work on the part of our appropriations chair Rep. Mike Derby. It was in former Gov. Noem’s budget to defund a major portion of SDPTV. It didn’t happen and wasn’t practical as it shares the same towers as our emergency management personnel which is an essential service. Bottom line, no change.

Protecting property rights

Published by admin on Wed, 03/19/2025 - 1:52pm
I am no stranger to discussions about eminent domain and property rights. I’ve fought for private property rights in this Capitol for over 20 years. When I was a legislator, I was the prime sponsor of legislation that reformed eminent domain to protect property rights. I don’t just care about landowners—I am a landowner.
I also want to ensure that we keep South Dakota open for opportunity. That includes the opportunity for every family, every business owner and every farmer or rancher to pursue their own American dream.

Legislature fails again on property taxes

Published by admin on Wed, 03/19/2025 - 12:26pm

Last spring and fall, at the height of election season, many future legislators both locally and across the state ran on the promise that if they were sent to Pierre, they would make sure the crush of property tax burden the property owners in the State of South Dakota were feeling would be their main focus. Things have to change, they said, as people are getting taxed out of their homes. Elect me, they said, and I’ll get to Pierre and we will get this fixed.
Whoops.

Putting in the work

Published by admin on Wed, 03/19/2025 - 12:24pm

I’ll never forget the look on his face when I walked into the store.
After a long drive to write a story about a business for one of our magazines, I stepped inside and introduced myself to the owner. He clarified that I actually was who I said I was before sighing long and loud. A look of defeat crossed his face as if he was thinking, “Great, they stuck me with the rookie. Is this even worth my time?”