This week is Sunshine Week – a national observance of the importance of open government and the public’s right to know. As Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis said more than a century ago: “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” It is a proverb often cited by journalists and others when making a case for why transparency in government is important.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is working with a diverse group of partners to offer two new incentives and new rates for water quality improvement opportunities in the Big Sioux River watershed through its Riparian Buffer Initiative (RBI).

In South Dakota, we know our people. We know they desire flexibility, affordable care and freedom to make their own choices regarding practitioners, insurance, facilities and treatment options. I believe that the government’s role in healthcare is to empower, support and partner – not mandate, control and lock down.

Nineteen students from Dakota Valley chosen to participate in the South Dakota Music Educators Association Regional Festival Choir. The Festival Choir performed on March 6, in Beresford, SD, in conjunction with March – Music In Our Schools Month.

The City of North Sioux City has been trying to determine more activities that could be implemented at the North Sioux City Senior Center. While doing research, administration reached out to the Siouxland Center for Active Generations (SCAG) in Sioux City.

The Sioux City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), also known as the Siouxland tri-state region, retained the nation’s top spot for economic development for populations under 200,000 for the fourth year in a row according to results released March 1 by Site Selection magazine in their 2022 annual rankings. The news, hailed by elected officials, including South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, and local business leaders, represents the 11th time Siouxland has ranked first in the nation since initially earning the coveted spot in 2007.

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The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the City of North Sioux City, community of Dakota Dunes, Union County and the Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO), is seeking community input on a multi-phased Interstate 29 Corridor Study, beginning with a visioning survey.

On Wednesday, March 1, the South Dakota High School Activities Association board of directors passed the _rst reading of a procedure that will provide a structure for adding new sports and _ne arts activities.

A discussion about appreciation events for high school sports of_cials led to the revelation that there have been 87 ejections of players, coaches and fans at high school sporting events this year. At the South Dakota High School Activities Association board of directors meeting March 1, SDHSAA Assistant Executive Director Randy Soma said there have been 87 ejections this year compared to 30 last year.