An earlier-than-normal and more virulent strain of RSV infections in South Dakota is causing severe illness in young children, sparking concerns that pediatric intensive care units could become strained, especially if combined with a winter spike in influenza or COVID-19 cases.

Due to paper supply issues, the South Dakota Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division has stopped printing paper titles effective immediately. The paper used for printing titles is very unique as it has built in security features to prevent fraud. The Department anticipates being able to start printing paper titles mid-February 2023.

Caden Dial of the North Sioux City RoboKodas Robotics Club competed at the Mitchell Vex Robotics Tournament in Mitchell, SD. The RoboKodas 77000X, aligned with Harrisburg’s Capten 7686B, going undefeated in elimination rounds, earning Tournament Champions. The RoboKodas also was awarded the Excellence Award which is the highest award presented in the VEX Robotics competition. This award is presented to a team that exemplifies overall excellence in building a high-quality robot. Dial qualified and will be attending the VEX State Robotics Championship in Rapid City in February and the Create US Open in March.

Over the past two winters, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) engaged with thousands of South Dakotans in Name the Snowplow Contests. Heavy snow and high winds were no match for cleverly named snowplows that efficiently cleared the state’s highway system.

The second annual Jefferweetown was held at Jefferson Beer Supply Oct. 29.

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds is currently accepting applications from college students to serve as interns during the spring 2023 semester. Positions are available in his Washington, D.C. office and his state offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, Pierre and Sioux Falls. Spring internships typically run from January to May, but dates can be tailored to specific schedules. Interns will receive a stipend, and the office works closely with all the universities to meet the criteria necessary for interns to receive college credit.

The South Dakota Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star has elected Grace Bick to the office of Grand Conductress and appointed Keith Sorge to the office of Grand Sentinal for the 202223 Session. Both Bick and Sorge are members of Juno Chapter in Vermillion. The Order of the Eastern Star is a Masonically related fraternity of women and men. The order is primarily social and charitable in nature, supporting many local services as well as statewide projects. Funding in the past year includes the Vermillion, Elk Point and Centerville Food Pantries, John Ryger Music Scholarships to two University of South Dakota students, the ESTARL (Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership), The Eastern Star Home in Redfield, SD and the Eastern Star Educational Scholarship.

The EPJ Cub Scout Pack 87 scouts have been busy since Oct. 20. They conducted a food drive to collect food for the Elk Point food pantry. The scouts learned about service to their community and decorated donation boxes that were placed at Jones Foods. They also created flyers that listed specific needs for the food pantry and stood outside Jones Foods and Fareway in Riverside handing the flyers to customers and asking for donations. On Nov. 1 Pack 87 delivered a trailer full of food to the Elk Point food pantry.

The South Dakota Well Drillers Association (SDWDA) announced that it is offering the “SDWDA Quality Groundwater Scholarships” totaling $10,000 to be divided between five deserving students. There will be one $4,000, one $3,000 and three $1,000 scholarships awarded.

The South Dakota High School Activities Association board of directors is considering adding more specific language to its policy against recruiting student athletes from one school to another. “We had a charge of recruiting this year,” said SDHSAA Executive Director Dan Swartos, noting that it was the first one in his six years with the association.