This week, Governor Kristi Noem submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States in support of the petitioners in the case of Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee and in defense of fair, neutrally-applicable election laws that work to prevent voter fraud. This brief could not be timelier in light of the ongoing national election dispute.

“The 2020 election has shaken the American people’s faith in the integrity of the electoral process,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “Fortunately, the Brnovich case presents the Supreme Court with a fantastic opportunity to restore public trust in American elections. In South Dakota, our election system is fair and transparent, and all states should be held to the same standard. Our hope is the Supreme Court will set a clear precedent that upholds the powers of states to enforce neutral, non-discriminatory voting rules that apply fairly to all by supporting the petitioners.”

The amicus brief argues that the Voting Rights Act does not prevent states from enacting neutral election laws like Arizona’s ban on ballot-harvesting and in-precinct voting requirements. Arizona’s laws are not identical to South Dakota’s election laws, but all states should be allowed to design rules that promote the order and integrity of their elections.  States should be able to enact and revise laws designed to ensure that every legal vote counts, and they shouldn’t have to fear being taken to court for pursuing electoral fairness.

The amicus brief is available on the Supreme Court docket at this link.

Governor Kristi Noem has signed an executive order to give flexibility as South Dakota continues to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Executive Order 2020-33 makes various statutory and regulatory suspensions affecting businesses and schools in the state. These suspensions will continue through the duration of the COVID-19 state of emergency. The suspensions include:

• Suspending in-person requirements to allow cooperatives, rural electric cooperatives, and nonprofits to meet electronically;
• Suspending performance evaluations for experienced teachers and principals;
• Suspending school evacuation drills and cardiopulmonary surveys;
• Suspending accreditation review for schools scheduled to be reviewed this year.

To learn more about executive orders to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit COVID.sd.gov.

The City of Winner will meet at 6:30 pm in the council chambers on Monday, December 21^st.

The City of Gregory will have their next city council meeting at 6:00 pm at the Gregory fire hall at 620 church Ave. on Monday December 21^st.

The Chamberlain City Commissioners will have their next meeting Monday, December 21^st at the Chamberlain City Offices at 715 N.  Main St. at 6:00 p.m.

Just in time for the holidays, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition (SDSHC) has released the perfect stocking stuffer for kids – a fun, educational and agriculturally accurate children’s book titled, “The Soil Quilt.”

Geared for third graders, “The Soil Quilt” uses the metaphor of a patchwork quilt that layers the planet to explain how a healthy soil covers the landscape.

“SDSHC did a survey with vocational ag teachers and students, and one of the take-aways was that the earlier we start teaching students about soil health, the greater impact it will have,” SDSHC Coordinator Cindy Zenk said. “So we decided to create a book to help children learn about the importance of soil to our lives and our communities. We hope children will learn that what happens in the soil not only produces our food but also creates the diverse landscape we enjoy, strengthens our families, and builds our communities.”

Published by Ag Storytellers, “The Soil Quilt” was written by Amanda Radke of Mitchell, S.D., and illustrated by Michelle Weber of Lake Benton, Minn. This is Ag Storytellers’ fourth children’s book, with previous titles including “Levi’s Lost Calf,” “Can-Do Cowkids,” and “A Home Run for Peanuts.”

“With their backgrounds in agriculture, Radke and Weber were the perfect team to make this book a reality,” Zenk said. “Amanda’s understanding of rural life helped her write a story that drives home the point that good soil health is about more than just growing food – it’s about growing our families and communities. Michelle’s artistic skills allowed her to bring Amanda’s story to life through fantastic illustrations that highlight the beauty of life in Rural America.”

“The Soil Quilt” is designed to be enjoyed at home and in the classroom. With a glossary of new vocabulary words to study plus a hands-on learning activity, the book is the perfect way to launch discussions about how everyone can play a role in promoting soil health.

“The mission of the SDSHC is to promote improved soil health,” Zenk said. “We hope young readers will enjoy this story and become passionate about the life beneath our feet and the impact it provides.”

The new book is available for purchase on Amazon or by reaching out to the author and illustrator. Radke’s website is www.amandaradke.com and Weber’s is webercustompainting.com. Also visit www.agstorytellers.com to learn more about how Ag Storytellers is promoting agricultural literacy, one book at a time.