Category Archives: Story

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SDSU Extension Releases Guide for Landowners Involved in Wind or Energy Development

Recent energy development projects have impacted several regions of South Dakota with disturbance to native soils. To provide guidance for South Dakota landowners and energy industry representatives, SDSU Extension has released a guide titled, “Best Management Practices Guide for Restoration of Native Grasslands and Sensitive Sites Resulting from Energy or Industrial Development.”
The guide is designed to be a resource for those who have agreed to allow wind or other energy development on their property and those who might be considering participating in energy development in the future.
“One of the primary needs has been helping landowners understand the potential short- and long-term impacts of energy development projects to native systems,” Bauman said. “There are facts that need to be addressed to ensure that when a landowner enters into an agreement, they do so with full knowledge of what might be in store.”
The publication includes guidance on understanding the ‘big picture’ of overall wind impacts and siting issues, avoidance of the disturbance of native ecosystems, and contract negotiation, mitigation and restoration in areas where avoidance is not practiced. It also features common native grassland species suggestions that are generally suitable for most areas of South Dakota.
“When it comes to land restoration and mitigation, there is a lot of science out there, but there really isn’t anything in the form of a usable guide for landowners that has enough depth without being too cumbersome,” Bauman said. “We worked hard to create a useable guide that is practical and timely. It’s something that’s been needed for some time.”
The “Best Management Practices Guide for Restoration of Native Grasslands and Sensitive Sites Resulting from Energy or Industrial Development” is free and available to the public on the SDSU Extension website at https://extension.sdstate.edu/best-management-practices-guide-restoration-native-grasslands-and-sensitive-sites-resulting-energy.
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Gregory Mid-Winter Fair

The Gregory Mid-Winter Fair will take place Saturday, November 28, 2020 from 9 AM – 4 PM at the Gregory Memorial Auditorium. Get your Christmas shopping done at this fun event filled with a huge variety of vendors. To be a vendor, contact Karli at mccance@gwtc.net or Taylor at 605-830-9778.

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St. Mary’s Fall Family Festival

The Community of Nenzel  is hosting having a fun Family Day on Sunday, September 20th.

This is a new event this year and there will be activities for all ages.  The Festival will have local vendors with a wide variety of products for sale, various games and activities for kids. Hot Wheel races, Bouncy House, Face Painting, Ring Toss, and other kid-friendly activities.Corn Hole tournaments for adults, homemade pies, country store, wine tasting, food and beer garden.

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2020 Governor’s Awards Presented

Governor Kristi Noem presented the 2020 Governor’s Awards today to South Dakota businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to improving independent living and increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

 Governor’s Awards were preented to the following recipients:

sKendra Gottsleben of Sioux Falls has been instrumental in promoting independent living for others with disabilities. She has made significant contributions to the community outside of her employment. She has become a state, national, and international advocate. Through her character, personality, and tenacity, Kendra received the Outstanding Individual with a Disability Award.

Chris Peterson of Ft. Pierre has been employed full-time with Beck Motors for 23 years. Chris exemplifies integrity, knowledge, and motivation; a work ethic that any employer desires in his or her workforce. For these achievements, Peterson was awarded the Outstanding Employee with a Disability.

The Fox Stop of Yankton retains individuals with disabilities as part of their winning workforce, and they have been recognized as the Outstanding Private Employer (Small Employer). Under the leadership of Tracey & James Grotenhuis, every employee is recognized for who he or she is as a person, and the skills and assets he or she brings to the company.

Boyds Gunstock Industries of Mitchell was today’s recipient of the Outstanding Private Employer (Large Employer). Boyds Gunstock has been a champion for all employees. Boyds surpassed their goal of having at least 10% of their workforce be employees with disabilities. Boyds management style has made a lasting impact on people’s lives by providing them with an opportunity to learn valuable work skills, increase their income, and experience an increased sense of accomplishment.

Mitchell School District, Food Service Department of Mitchell received the Outstanding Employer Award (Other). The Mitchell School District, Food Service Department capitalizes on the employee’s strength, celebrates diversity, and provides a stable and supportive work environment.   Employees develop work skills that include food preparation and safety, appropriate dress code, and customer service skills. Furthermore, the department promotes a diverse workforce, offering equal employment opportunities for all.

Karen Schmeiser of Aberdeen has worked for the past 12 years teaching special education at Redfield High School. Karen has assisted and mentored 100 students with disabilities as they transition from high school to the adult world; ensuring each student had a transition plan in place. For that reason, Schmeiser has been selected as the recipient of the Outstanding Transition Services Award.

Eugene “Gene” Murphy has made it his life’s mission to help fellow veterans and individuals with disabilities. His attitude and personal example are major factors in the growth and recognition of veterans and disability related issues in South Dakota. His involvement and empathetic care for veterans experiencing wartime injuries was and continues to be invaluable to veterans returning home. For this, Murphy received the Distinguished Service Award.

The 2020 Governor’s Awards ceremony was co-sponsored by the Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Statewide Independent Living Council, and the South Dakota Department of Human Services.

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South Dakota Farmers & Ranchers Meet with Congressional Leaders This Week

South Dakota farmers and ranchers meet with congressional leaders and staff during the annual National Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In, held virtually this week.
“This is a pivotal time in agriculture,” said Doug Sombke, SD Farmers Union President. “Congressional leaders need to hear from us. If we don’t share our story, who will?”
Sombke said South Dakota’s number one industry of agriculture was suffering on all fronts: rock bottom grain, livestock and ethanol markets. The pandemic exaggerated all these issues.
“There is no better time to address the real problems than when they are really bad,” said Sombke, a fourth-generation Conde crop and cattle producer. “We can hire a lobbyist, but they don’t carry the weight that farmers and ranchers do, sharing their personal story – sharing what 45 percent profit loss looks like for their families and communities.”
Although the 2020 Fly-In will be different, it will be no less effective said National Farmers Union President, Rob Larew.
“Farmers are their own best advocates,” Larew said. “They understand the real-life problems they deal with every day better than anyone does. And they have really good ideas about how to fix them. That’s why it’s so critical that legislators hear from farmers directly.”
Throughout the four-day Fly-In, farmers and ranchers will sit down for video chats with Congressional leaders and their staff. They will also hear from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue and other U.S. Department of Agriculture staff.
“We are all struggling. Leaders need to hear it firsthand,” said Oren Lesmeister, a Parade cattle producer, small business owner and District 28A legislator. “My hope is we will actually get to talk with more leaders than in the past because this format is more flexible.”
Lesmeister is among the 35 South Dakotans who set aside time for video conferences this week. Sombke says the time these family farmers and ranchers invest does make a difference. “Over the years, I have seen Congressional leaders change direction on policy after a Fly-In,” he explained. “They may think they are doing what is best for farmers and rural America, but when they hear from actual farmers, they are able to understand what is right for American agriculture.”
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Gregory Chamber looking for Volunteers Today for Gregory Arts in The Park and Family Fun Nights

The Gregory Dallas Chamber is looking for a few people to assist with activities at Family Fun Night on Saturday! They need two people to help sell brats from 4:45 pm until  they are gone and one  person to help with kickball from 5-7. And one person to help with the gunny sack races, slipper kicking contest, three legged races, quarter scramble etc. Please text or call if you are able to help. 831-9773.

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Flags at Half-Staff on Today, in Honor of “Patriot Day”

Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide from sunrise until sundown today in honor of Patriot Day.

President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed that September 11 is to be recognized as Patriot Day and that flags be lowered to half-staff nationwide. He has also asked for the observance of a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 am ET (7:46 am CT/6:46 am MT) in honor of the brave victims who perished during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.