Opinion

Happy 250th birthday, America

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2026 - 12:49pm

Things are kicking into high gear for a weekend of celebrations as we recognize the 250th birthday of the United States of America. It’s hard to believe it’s only been 250 years since this country was formed when you consider that compared to most countries, 250 years is incredibly young. Many nations have histories that date back centuries, but have not thrived as much or as quickly as the United States.

The show went on, and that’s a great thing

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2026 - 12:48pm

This isn’t going to be a very interesting column. Full disclosure. I’ve been thinking about what to write about for two weeks, and I’m coming up with nothing. I had a column prepared on my lack of understanding as to why there continues to be a push for paper ballots in elections, but it ran too long for this space, so I’ll save that one for another day. Check back in a month—maybe. The cliff’s notes version is I don’t get it.

The little city that could

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2026 - 9:52am
I’ve been covering Hill City for nearly eight years now. I have seen some major changes in that short time. I have seen furor over unpaved streets become polite discussions over variances and setbacks. I have heard contention about vacation rentals become civil discourse over merchandise display ordinances. And I have seen a winning Rangers football team (which I had not seen before).

A wrap-up of the state Republican convention

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2026 - 9:49am
Greetings. Marcia and I just got out of the Republican Grand Old Party (GOP) annual state convention held in Rapid City June 25-27. In addition to standard GOP business, we elected the following constitutional officers for the ballot in the general election in November.
Secretary of State: Rapid City’s Heather Baxter beat out our incumbent Monae Johnson. Baxter 50.34 percent to Johnson 40.09 percent. Heather was a legislator in the House for the past two years representing District 34.

Rebuilding trust in Buffalo Gap

Published by admin on Wed, 06/24/2026 - 9:55am

The recent special review by the South Dakota Department of Legislative Audit has laid bare a troubling chapter in Buffalo Gap’s history. Our former finance officer misused and failed to properly account for Town funds, resulting in $131,061 in unsupported, unapproved, and inappropriate expenditures and payments. In addition, the town must now pay over $25,000 from our general fund to cover the cost of the auditor general’s review.

There’s a disturbance in the force of SD politics

Published by admin on Wed, 06/24/2026 - 9:52am

If Obi-Wan Kenobi were here, he’d say he’s feeling a great disturbance in the force. Fortunately it’s not the planet-killing kind of disturbance, but one that’s shaking up politics in South Dakota. Traditions and norms we thought we could count on are being shattered. Political party members are turning against each other. Maybe it’s the political end times. 

National security for the next generation

Published by admin on Wed, 06/24/2026 - 9:36am
Engaging with the next generation keeps me focused on what’s important: South Dakota’s future. Recently, Sandy and I hosted all of the state government interns for a picnic. This is an annual summer tradition at the governor’s residence, and it’s a pretty special one. I love hearing all of their dreams for their future careers, and I’m glad that internships in state government can help turn those dreams into reality.

Runoff rules, June Republican convention

Published by admin on Wed, 06/24/2026 - 9:34am
Greetings, 
We’re in the first ever, since Nov. 2, 1889, gubernatorial republican primary election runoff. State law says in the governor’s race, one must have to exceed 35 percent to win the primary, and then be placed on the ballot in the general election in November. 

Ranching for profit

Published by admin on Wed, 06/17/2026 - 9:27am

At this point, I’m guessing everyone has heard enough about the lack of rain, but pretty much none of us can stop talking about it. So here I am, talking about it some more. You’re welcome in advance. In case you need your monthly update, all your friendly neighborhood ranchers are selling cows and buying hay and making it obvious why seminars titled “Ranching for Profit” exist. That’s a real seminar, by the way. You’d think it would be a given, but it isn’t. 

Sorsby ruling is crushing to NCAA

Published by admin on Wed, 06/17/2026 - 9:27am

Just when you thought NCAA Division I athletics couldn’t get any lower, it starts digging. Just when you thought the NCAA couldn’t be any less authoritative, it gets full-on neutered.