Opinion

The story of the reluctant journalist

Published by admin on Tue, 11/21/2023 - 8:54am
A few weeks ago for a work assignment I had to attend a creative writing seminar, during which we were tasked with talking to a fellow attendee about significant moments in our life when we were children, young adults and at an older time in our lives. After we discussed these events, we then had to pick one to write more in depth about. I chose to write about my young adult life, when I decided what I was going to major in while I was at Chadron State College (CSC).

Our deputies deserve a raise

Published by admin on Wed, 11/15/2023 - 10:32am

Toward the end of the latest Custer County Commission meeting the commission went into executive session to discuss a wage study being conducted for county employees at the behest of the commission. We aren’t privy to what was discussed or what recommendations were made at this meeting, but we know one thing for sure: our sheriff’s office deputies deserve a raise.

Looking forward to legislative session

Published by admin on Wed, 11/15/2023 - 10:31am

As we close in on the start of legislative session, I have been meeting with my team to discuss how we can deliver the best possible results for the people of South Dakota during those weeks.

The power of stories

Published by admin on Wed, 11/15/2023 - 9:50am
Last week I traveled back to Minnesota to visit friends. Rather than doing anything big or exceptional together, my friends and I primarily told stories. 
We had deep conversations over breakfast and shared the stories of our trials over dinner. We curled up by the fireplace in the evenings with cups of tea and talked about our dreams and the longings of our hearts. We talked as we walked and as we worked. And it was wonderful. 

‘Relegation’ system for football would work

Published by admin on Wed, 11/08/2023 - 12:20pm

A recent story released by Dana Hess for the South Dakota NewsMedia Association told how a classification committee working for the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) is interested in a method for moving poorly-performing football teams down to a lower classification. The SDHSAA board of directors heard about the work of the committee at its meeting last Wednesday.

The gratitude cup

Published by admin on Wed, 11/08/2023 - 9:24am
What a month is November! Not as spectacular as October, not as festively-inclined as December, but with its own spice and savor. We’ve been dazzled by the first of many frosts sparkling in amber-rose sunrises; we’ve seen the first winterish stars appear in the pale blue of a clear-cold sky, with the slivered moon hanging just above the horizon. Winter is approaching. 

Custer is full of award winners

Published by admin on Wed, 11/01/2023 - 10:02am

The stars were out last Thursday evening in Custer State Park, as the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet to wrap up another year of tourism while honoring the people in town who continue to make a difference.

Happy Bat Week

Published by admin on Wed, 11/01/2023 - 9:59am

Yesterday marked the end of Bat Week, and it’s no secret I’m a big bat fan—I often wear a cap with bats embroidered on it, and just this summer I spouted some of my appreciation for them in a previous column of mine about some “small wonders” of the Black Hills. Although I’m a day off from being perfectly timely, I can’t pass up an opportunity to share why I think more people should care about protecting these animals. which do more for us than is often realized.

A little more stillness

Published by admin on Wed, 11/01/2023 - 9:24am
Does anyone else need more stillness in their life? Before the snow flew, I’d been going to Tracy Park just to sit by the creek and soak up the stillness. I loved the sound of the water as it bubbled across the rocks and continued on its merry way. The occasional bird sang, and it was all so peaceful. 
It seems like life is going too fast lately. There are way too many things to juggle, and all I really want is a little stillness. Not silence, but stillness. 

Stand with Israel

Published by admin on Wed, 10/25/2023 - 3:12pm

Hamas militants recently breached the border in Gaza and attacked a dozen Israeli communities. What had begun as an ordinary, peaceful Saturday morning quickly became a tragic day in history. Sadly, more than two dozen Americans were among the 1,300-plus killed – an intolerable loss. Israel is again at war defending its unequivocal right to exist against terrorists seeking to destroy it, and America must stand in support of our ally.