Derek Tuttle, Elk Point City Administrator: “My New Years’ resolution is to spend more quality time with friends and family.” Philip Schoenbaum, Elk Point-Jefferson Superintendent: “It would be to be better everyday. A better dad, a better husband, a better person, and a better coworker.

A new organization came to South Dakota in April, 2022 – Hometown Hero Outdoors (HHO). The purpose of this 501(c) (3) non-profit organization is to reach out to every first responder, law enforcement offi cer, military service member and military veteran and ensure that they’ve got a way to temporarily escape the daily stress and frustration of civilian life through a safe outdoor adventure of their choosing.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Marching Band members had a unique experience Jan. 2.

A new law that makes it easier for people to sell homemade foods directly to consumers in South Dakota could expand business opportunities for small producers and increase product offerings at homes, farmers markets, fairs and roadside stands.

The third annual Name the Snowplow Contest began in November, before the snow began to fly in earnest. The contest was created by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) to engage people across the state in winter driving safety awareness. The SDDOT encourages travellers to use SD511 resources to make informed travel decisions during winter weather. Travellers can sign up for customized notifications on https://sd511. org to receive text messages and/or email notifications for road closure updates and travel advisories along pre-selected travel routes.

South Dakotans depend on their local community newspaper to keep them informed and connected. Who are the people who read South Dakota newspapers? Every month, 574,000 consumers – or 83 percent of South Dakota adults – read the local newspaper in print or online.

Few if any people in South Dakota will argue that the state’s vaunted pheasant hunting industry in 2022 is as strong as in the past. Compared to prior decades, the slow and steady declines are apparent in both license sales and bird numbers and, to some extent, how out-of-state visitors who pump millions into the East River economy plan their trips.

Scouts from Troop and Pack 28 will be picking up used Christmas Trees Jan. 7. They will bring the trees to Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center where they will be recycled into mulch for their paths and trails. Please have trees on sidewalks unbagged, as the nature center will just have to remove the bag prior to shredding.

The Union County Board of County Commissioners held their last meeting of 2022 on Dec. 27. To end the year, the commissioners conducted final transfers of money to balance funds. These included: Courts – $3,150; Public Building – $101,600; Fair – $188,500; Rural Fire – $340; and Domestic Abuse – $1,485 for a total of $295,075.

“I would have two wishes for 2023. First, on a personal note, I pray my son-in-law in Omaha finds his way completely back from the stroke he suffered in October. Secondly, as a 40 year retired executive with IBP/ Tyson Fresh Meats, I’m hopeful that Siouxland comes together to find jobs for the hundreds and hundreds of team members who have elected to remain in our great community and not make the move to Arkansas.”