An election integrity bill, supported by South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, passed another legislative hurdle Wednesday, March 1. Senate Bill 207 would strengthen the ban on the inappropriate use of taxpayer dollars to influence the outcome of an election.

Governor Kristi Noem, in coordination with the South Dakota Depar tment of Veterans Affairs, is proclaiming Wednesday, March 29, 2023, as “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day.” The Governor and the Department are calling on all South Dakotans to recognize the courage, service and sacrifice of the men and women who served during the Vietnam War. More than 27,000 South Dakotans were called upon to stand up and fight.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its 2021 Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) National Analysis, which shows that environmental releases of TRI chemicals from facilities across the nation covered by the program remained below pre-pandemic levels and releases in 2021 are 10 percent lower than 2012 releases, even with an eight percent increase from 2020 to 2021. Additionally, in 2021, facilities managed more than 89 percent of their TRI chemical waste through preferred practices such as recycling, energy recovery and treatment, while reporting that they released 11 percent of their TRI chemical waste into the environment.

Multiple teacher and coaching contracts were approved at the Elk Point-Jefferson School Board meeting March 13. Non-certified personnel salary agreements were approved for Melissa Curry adding Middle School/High School Principal’s Secretary for 2022-23 school year and Jake Terry as 7th Period – sixth grade computer class for 2022-23 school year.

The family of Eldon Barnes filed a lawsuit against Prairie Estates and Thomas Olson, a medical director, after the death of Barnes. Barnes was admitted into Prairies Estates Healthcare Community in March 2015.

The South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH) Office of Health Facilities Licensure and Certification is providing a grant opportunity to support skilled nursing and long-term care facilities in enhancing their infection prevention infrastructure necessary to support resident, visitor and facility healthcare personnel safety. This funding supports recruitment and retention opportunities for skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities and assisted living centers in South Dakota.

The Board of Directors and Management of Farmers Coop Society (FCS) is pleased to announce the construction of a state-of-the-art grain elevator in southeast South Dakota. The “Union Grove” elevator will be located nine miles directly south of Beresford, SD, and one quarter mile east of I-29 Exit 38. The construction will start this March and will accept soybeans in the Fall of 2023.

Photo Courtesy of Erin Bormett, Argus Leader As it winds to a close, the 2023 legislative session in South Dakota will likely be remembered as the year of the great tax cut debate and for the somewhat surprising willingness of the GOPled Legislature to reject several proposals from a popular Republican governor. But many observers and participants in the process are noting another significant milestone this year: a noticeable return to civility, decorum and cordiality in the state Capitol.

A local business owner and resident was present at the Jefferson City Council meeting March 6 to gauge the interest of paving City Hall’s parking lot. Nicki Werner ticked off benefits to the council paving the lot which included, making the lot ADA accessible, in compliance and snow removal easier; decreases liability for accidents, the amount of money spent for upkeep and gravel; benefits the community for various events; and creates easier access for city vehicles.

In order to guarantee a revenue source and be a better asset to the community, the Elk Point Ambulance is seeking to create an Ambulance District. The idea of a district began in November, 2022.