The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) yesterday ordered that the July rate increase which will raise newspaper rates as much as 10 percent must be approved. This decision was rendered despite House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Ranking Member, Jamie Raskin’s (D-Maryland), call to halt the large rate increase and apparently against its own judgment. The Commission’s order states, Although the price adjustments proposed in this proceeding are consistent with applicable law and the Commission has no legal basis to reject the proposed changes, the Commission is concerned, given the current state of affairs, that the Postal Service’s proposal does not reflect reasoned consideration of the potential widespread effects of its proposal, is not prudent, and is not consistent with the best interests of all stakeholders. Specifically, the Commission remains concerned about the substantial declines in Market- Dominant volumes, overall service performance for Market Dominant products, and the Postal Service’s overall financial situation, issues that have all remained significant, if not worsened, since the current Market Dominant ratemaking system went into effect.

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A long duration storm system brought large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall to the region from the afternoon of May 20 through the evening of May 21, 2024. Supercell thunderstorms emerged over parts of the Tri-State area in the evening.

The Union County Commissioners accepted the retirement notices from Union County Auditor Jackie Sieverding and Chief Deputy Auditor Carol Sommervold at their meeting on May 14. Both notices have a retirement date of June 28. The commissioners thanked both for their years of service to the county.

The South Dakota State Spring 4-H Shoot took place April 2628, 2024 in Pierre/Ft. Pierre, SD.

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Special Olympics South Dakota Summer Games at The University of South Dakota was a huge success this year, with Elk Point-Jefferson Unified Champion Schools Special Olympics bringing home an impressive number of medals. The event took place on May 16-17, and five students from EPJ participated in various events over the two days.