The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances.

Preference points are now available for purchase in Go Outdoors South Dakota and we want to share two important reminders: Preference points that were obtained during the first draw process, due to an unsuccessful application and choosing to purchase a preference point, are NOT eligible for purchase during this online preference point purchase period. These respective seasons’ preference points will NOT be displayed for purchase as they will be automatically applied to your account.

The Siouxland Humane Society offers an annual “Paws ‘N Claus” Fundraiser to support the homeless and often neglected animals in the area. It will be held at a new location this year, Ho-Chunk Centre – 600 4th Street, Suite 109, near Wells Fargo Bank. Parking is available in the bank parking lot or on 4th Street. Paws ‘N Claus features professional photographs and is a great opportunity to get new family photos with or without your pet and with or without Santa. This year we will have the Grinch available on Saturday, Nov. 19 and Sunday, Nov. 20.

South Dakota’s Public Utilities Commissioners (PUC) advise natural gas customers to prepare for rising prices in the coming months. Customers concerned about increased heating expenses this winter should take steps now to ensure bills remain manageable.

Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov.

Supporters of universal free meals for all schoolchildren in America are looking to the U.S. Congress for continued funding, either in a spending measure or the 2023 Farm Bill.

Jefferson Beer Supply has come up with a few ideas in order to raise money for new park equipment for Tower Park in Jefferson. One of them is their second annual Jefferweentown Halloween Party. The entire event is a fundraiser for new playground equipment.

On Thursday, Oct. 20 at 4:39 p.m., the Vermillion Fire EMS Department was dispatched to a fire at 607 Cottage St., Vermillion. First arriving units found heavy smoke and flames coming from rear of the structure, and the command officer declared a working fire. All occupants of the home had been safely evacuated. Fire personnel conducted a primary search of the structure and quickly extinguished visible flames. Mutual aid from Gayville, Wakonda, Yankton and Elk Point Fire Departments was requested. Firefighters continued to extinguish fire in the roofline and interior walls. The building sustained major damages.

At times six cranes grace the downtown skyline in Sioux Falls. Cranes are located at the 10-story Cherapa project along the Big Sioux River. Nearby is the nine-story Steel District at the former site of Sioux Steel. It is adjacent to the southend of Falls Park and is along the Big Sioux River.

Union County Community Health Nurse Lisa McInerney presented her resignation to the Union County Board of County Commissioners at its meeting Oct. 18. The board accepted her resignation and thanked her for her years of service to the county. Her resignation becomes effective Oct. 28.