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.

The City of Elk Point met in regular session March 6 and had only a few items on their agenda. One of those items was the purchase of a backhoe.

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An oversight in the Union County Handbook sparked discussion at the Union County Board of County Commission meeting March 7. In the current handbook, there is a section on employee compensation time, however, it doesn’t state how long compensation time can be carried.

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.