Opinion

Optimism and pumpkins

Published by admin on Wed, 10/16/2024 - 3:11pm

A nearly-failed pumpkin patch was the crowning glory of my gardening endeavors this year, saved by my chickens and a good turn of the weather sometime mid-August, and finally – finally! – the overgrown tangle has lit up with all shades of scarlet and orange and gold and blue, with a couple green ones I’m still cheering on.

In autumn

Published by admin on Wed, 10/16/2024 - 8:48am
Lewis Carroll wrote, “In autumn, when the leaves are brown, Take pen and ink, and write it down.” 
It’s nice to know I’m in good company since I’ve consistently written poems and articles about fall for the last six years. Each time I sit down to write in the fall, some new aspect of the season strikes me and I simply must capture it on the page. 
In the last few years particularly, fall has become very special to me primarily because it didn’t used to be that way. 

Celebrate National Newspaper Week

Published by admin on Wed, 10/09/2024 - 3:47pm

For more than 30 years, I worked among fellow journalists who were passionate watchdogs reporting on the actions of people in power as a way to hold them accountable.
I’m proud to see that important work continue, from the reporting on local government budgets to investigations of corruption in the halls of Congress. Ensuring transparency and accountability of government remains the goal every day — and no one is above scrutiny.

The tale of Custer’s four-legged outlaw

Published by admin on Wed, 10/09/2024 - 3:44pm

Friday marks 104 years since the Custer Wolf, one of the most notoriously vicious and wanted animals in the country’s history, met its long-awaited demise. While many people will hear “Custer Wolf” and think of the popular downtown Custer restaurant, they may not be aware of the real-life animal it borrows its namesake from. Its story is a fascinating one, retold in bold and colorful language by humorist Dixon Merritt in a press release by the U.S. Department of Agriculture way back in January of 1921.

A random encounter with purpose

Published by admin on Wed, 10/09/2024 - 9:45am
“Have a fantastic future.”
It’s what the guy said to me as we parted ways. I met this guy for a brief moment in time. He was the kind of guy that had spent too much time in the sun and by some accounts might seem a little bit off balance. But his message was interesting. It was kind and sort of a blessing. He didn’t wish me happiness or peace or money, just a future that would be fantastic.
It was his usual way to part with people, four words he was clearly proud of.
Each person he says that to would play that out differently, wouldn’t they?

No lack of issues to vote on this year

Published by admin on Wed, 10/02/2024 - 12:37pm

If there were ever an election to vote in, this November’s General Election is of the utmost importance, particularly in South Dakota, as we have a plethora of constitutional amendments, an initiated measure and a referred law to vote on. Our advice for you would be to do some homework on which way you are leaning on these issues before you head out to the polls, otherwise you might be in there all day reading and deciding.

Harvesting our own food supply

Published by admin on Wed, 10/02/2024 - 12:31pm

Growing up on our family farm and ranch, there were two time periods that were busiest: calving season in the spring and harvest in the fall. The time has come for farmers to harvest most of their crops. It’s the fruit of their labor after a long growing season.

Thank you, Mr. McMacken

Published by admin on Wed, 10/02/2024 - 9:02am
Hello everyone! Let me begin my first column with an apology for the delay in getting this column started.  I have been dealing with a few medical issues and have gotten a slow start to my new position as your mayor.

Getting unstuck

Published by admin on Wed, 10/02/2024 - 9:01am
Sometimes I wish journalists had the luxury of writer’s block. 
That feels a little weird to say honestly. In the fiction world, writer’s block is an evil nemesis for many. It’s something writers dread. 
According to Wikipedia, “Writer’s block is a non-medical condition, primarily associated with writing, in which an author is either unable to produce new work or experiences a creative slowdown.

Welcome to the Buffalo Roundup

Published by admin on Wed, 09/25/2024 - 11:45am

Welcome to the 59th Governor’s Annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival! If you are here from near or far, let us be the first to tell you that we are so glad you are here!