Results of the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) were released. While some states experienced double-digit declines in average test scores, South Dakota scores stayed above the national average and experienced less volatility than other states.

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.

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. “Our internship program is an incredible opportunity for students to experience a deeper understanding of the political process,” Rounds said. “Interns are crucial to our office operations both in South Dakota and in D.C. The program is open to students from all areas of discipline, not just political science. I encourage interested college students to apply for the upcoming spring internship.”

THOUGHTS FROM SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS Time flies! The first quarter of the school year is complete and in a few short weeks, we will be preparing for the end of the semester. The goal of the Dakota Valley High School is to prepare all students to be successful.

In celebration of National First Responders Day, which takes place annually on Oct. 28, and to show appreciation for all those who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of individuals in the communities they serve, Western Governors University (WGU) has launched a new scholarship designed for first responders and their spouses. Each First Responders Scholarship is valued at up to $4,000 and is open to EMTs, police officers, firefighters, corrections officers, dispatchers and their spouses who are interested in completing their bachelor’s or master’s degrees at the fully online, nonprofit university. New students can apply for the scholarship online at wgu.edu/firstresponders through Dec. 31, 2022.

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.

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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.