Broadcaster Press 9 April 26, 2016 www.broadcasteronline.com Conflict Reporting Opens a Gray Zone for Educators BY BOB MERCER State Capitol Bureau PIERRE – A new era for public ethics in South Dakota starts July 1. The Mickelson rule kicks in. Members on 22 state boards, commissions and authorities must disclose any financial conflicts they have within their state responsibilities. The same requirement applies at the local level in education for any board member, fiscal agent, officer or executive This covers school districts, education cooperatives and service agencies that receive funding from or through state government. The new law prohibits all of these people from financial gain through a conflict, unless they received clearance after reviews of their declared conflicts. They still would be banned from acting on official matters involving their conflict areas. The legislation came from Rep. G. Mark Mickelson, R-Sioux Falls. He sponsored a similar law a year ago that generally bans self-dealing by state government employees. The ban for employees allows exceptions that must be reviewed and, if allowed by a supervisor, must be publicly disclosed. The goal is to better protect the taxpaying public. There is much uncertainty at the state level and the local level about the definition of a conflict. Don Kirkegaard went through the uncertainty. He is superintendent of the Meade school district at Sturgis. He is president for the state Board of Education. And, he moonlighted a few times finding candidates for superintendent searches in other districts. His photograph was one of four on the Internet site for Dakota Education Consulting LLC. Recently Kirkegaard had it removed. He stopped working for them. Tom Oster of Volga and Rick Melmer of Sioux Falls organized Dakota Education Consulting on March 13, 2013. They used Avon lawyer Scott Swier, who also advises Mid Central Education Cooperative at Platte. Melmer and Oster were South Dakota’s two previous state secretaries of education under former governor, and now U.S. senator, Mike Rounds. Kirkegaard cleared his consulting work with state Education Secretary Melody Schopp and the state Department of Education’s lawyer. Schopp worked in positions of increasing responsibility for Melmer and Oster in the department. Gov. Dennis Daugaard appointed her to replace Oster in 2011. Schopp selected Melmer to help oversee Mid Central’s management of the GEAR UP program for the department. He also routed various other contracts, including one with the state Board of Regents, for himself through Mid Central. The state board will discuss the conflict disclosure rule May 16 in Aberdeen GEAR UP receives about $3 million annually from the federal government to help students from low-income households consider college or technical school. The money runs through the state department. No success measures were reported, because they weren’t required to be reported. Mid Central is under financial and criminal investigation. Stacy Phelps of Rapid City, who ran GEAR UP, resigned from the state board last year. He is one of three facing criminal charges. Another board member, Kelly Duncan, now a dean at Northern State University, held contracts through Mid Central. These weren’t considered conflicts, because the state board doesn’t oversee the state department’s finances or contracts. Instead a web of people quietly made arrangements, through a place outside most of South Dakota’s view, for themselves and one another. Vermillion author Jerry Wilson will present the first South Dakota reading and signing of his new historical novel Across the Cimarron at the Vermillion Public Library Tuesday, April 26 at 7 p.m. Based in part on stories from the author’s ancestors, the novel takes readers back to the Land Run days of Oklahoma, exploring through fiction the contested meanings of the settlement of Oklahoma Territory, the lives of white and black settlers and the Cheyenne and Arapaho peoples they displaced, and the struggle to find a place to call home. Novelist Brad McLelland says that “like the Cimarron River itself, Jerry Wilson’s novel teems with life and beauty and movement. Across the Cimarron bears you along on the currents of Time and Memory, and begs you to ponder one of the most fundamental questions of human existence: “How deep is your claim to the earth?” Jerry Wilson was born west of the Cimarron River in Oklahoma, near the homesteads two of his great grandfathers claimed in the 1892 Run into Cheyenne Arapaho land. His family worked a marginal farm in a neighborhood of hard-up blacks and whites. After completing a PhD in English at the University of Oklahoma he taught literature and writing at colleges and universities in Oklahoma and South Dakota before stints as a newspaper journalist and as managing editor of South Dakota Magazine. Jerry is the author of three other books: Blackjacks & Blue Devils, a collection of Oklahoma stories; Waiting for Coyote’s Call: An Eco-memoir from the Missouri River Bluff, and American Artery: A Pan American Journey. Dave Says Loan Converts to Scholarship BY DAVE RAMSEY Courtesy of EveryDollar.com Dear Dave, I’m a senior in high school here in Arkansas, and I think I want to study business in college. I’ve gotten an unusual offer from a small, out-of-state school. It revolves around a $3,000 student loan program, where the loan converts to a scholarship if I maintain a grade point average of 3.3 or higher. Tuition at this college costs about $34,000 a year, so I was wondering what you think about the idea. Garrett Dear Garrett, I’m glad you’re thinking about the future. But this is not my favorite idea, because you could end up with a loan. In business, one of the things we look at is return on investment. If I can go to one place where tuition’s $34,000 a year, but I could go to another place that’s in-state for about $7,000, the question becomes this: Am I going to get a five times better education — or is my income going to be five times greater — by going to the expensive school? I think most of us who have been walking around a while would say no. Your income will not be based on where you went to school, and it won’t necessarily even be based on your grade point average. It will be based on your ability to take what you learned into the BroadcasterOnline.com “Get Connected!” Skidloader – Tele-Handler Collectible Vehicles & Tractors Trailers – Antiques & More Saturday, April 30th, 11:00 a.m. Located: 47418 301st Street, Alcester, SD; From Alcester/Wakonda Exit #42 off I-29: 3 1/2-miles East, 1 mile North, 1/4-mile East or from the Alcester REA Building 4 ½-miles West. Skidloader – Tele-Handler – Loader: 2004 NH LS180 diesel Skidloader, cab, 6ft bucket, pallet forks, bale spear, 3100hrs; 2001 Gradall 534D-42 turbo 6 tele-handler, auxiliary front outlets, 42ft reach, Cummins diesel, 4100 hrs, 8ft bucket, forks, foam filled tires, 24ft scaffold; JD 148 loader w/ grapple, JD mnts; Collectible Tractors: JD 70 restored, nf, good rubber, SN#7018557; JD 3pt hitch for 70 – sold separate; JD A, partially restored, nf, S#651870; Collectible Pickup – Vehicles – Trailers: 1969 Ford F-250 Ranger, 390, AT, factory air, gas and propane, new paint, nice truck; 2008 Lincoln MKZ; 1985 Ford Ranger 2.8, AT, 91K; 1999 Pontiac Gran Prix, 4dr; 1997 Chevy 1/2T 4x4, AT, new tires, bad trans; 2004 Wilson 24ft gooseneck alum. livestock trailer, 2 gates, new tires; Road Boss 25ft 5th wheel flatbed w/ beaver tail; Livestock Equipment: 2T bulk bin; approx 10pcs of 20ft continuous fence; 2 horse round bale feeders; mineral feeder; creep feeder; lick tank; misc corral panels & gates; Sioux horse stall; 5 turbo cattle fans; steel & alum fitting chutes; fitting mat; 2 show boxes; clippers; combs; misc show accessories; water tanks; nurse tank; sev fencers; Construction Tools: Approx 15 concrete stamps; sev nail guns; 10 sets of scaffolding; 2 port air compressors; Rolair wheel barrow compressor; sockets; sheet rock jack; Hitachi miter saw; power trowel; DeWalt saws all; Craftsman table saw; DeWalt cut off saw; transit; Stihl chain saw; concrete stakes; battery chargers; come a longs; 2 floor jacks; Lincoln 225 arc welder; misc hand tools; tool boxes; ext cords; shop vac; stepladders; concrete tools; misc siding & tin; 18V Milwaukee tools; Wenn 5500 port generator; MC tile saw; MM propane heater; bakers scaffold; Reese 5th wheel hitch; 100gal port pickup fuel tank; plywood; misc steel trim; 4 Wheeler – Lawn & Garden: 2009 Artic Cat 500 4-wheeler; Cub Cadet LT1045 hydro mower; Stihl straight shaft weed eater; Antiques – Primitives – Household: Frigidaire SXS refrigerator/freezer; couch w/ matching chair & ottoman; couch, dresser, curio cabinet; galvanized tubs; enamel table; enamelware; cabinets; iron bed; sev old chairs; doors; shoe repair; wicker furniture; misc furniture; stools; wringer; crocks; sev bikes; many items too numerous to mention Dean & Cynthia Farley – Owners 605-214-1503 Terms: Cash, Good Check, Visa, MasterCard. SD Sales tax applies. Not responsible for accidents. GIRARD AUCTION & LAND BROKERS, INC. (605) 267-2421 Toll Free: 1-866-531-6186 www.GirardAuction.com Jerry Wilson Launches New Novel In Vermillion marketplace, kill something and drag it home. This has as much, if not more, to do with your initiative, your perseverance, character qualities and integrity as where you went to school. One of the great jokes in America Dave today is that where you go to school matters. Some places may have better programs in certain areas than others, but is this particular college — which I’m guessing isn’t a prestige school, since you didn’t mention the name — five times better than a solid in-state school like Arkansas State or the University of Arkansas? No, it’s not. I don’t think you’re going to get a return on your investment overall in this picture, Garrett. Add to that this little student loan nuance, and the fact that they’re not giving you enough “free money” to make this a good deal, I would have to say don’t do it. RAMSEY —Dave When to Buy a Better Car? Dear Dave, My wife and I are following your plan, and we’re in the middle of the Baby Steps. Do we have to wait until Baby Step 7 to buy a new car? Alan Dear Alan, No, you don’t have to drive a beater until you pay off your house. My advice is to drive the minimum car you can until you get past the first three steps. Remember, Baby Step 1 is a beginner emergency fund of $1,000. Baby Step 2 is paying off all debt except for your house, then Baby Step 3 is fully funding your emergency fund with three to six months of expenses. Once you’ve done all that, then you can move up to a nice car. I didn’t say move up to a new car. I want you to save up cash a get a really nice, barely used car. I never advise buying a brand new car unless you have a net worth of at least $1 million. At that point, you’ve got enough assets in place to where you won’t even feel the massive hit in depreciation that comes with buying a new vehicle. But until then, drive good used cars. That’s what the typical millionaire did, and I want you to model your financial behavior after people who are in the position you want to be in some day! —Dave EveryDollar is a simple, online budgeting tool that helps users set a monthly budget and seamlessly track expenses. For more information, go to www.everydollar.com. 79 ACRES OF SPRING VALLEY TOWNSHIP, TURNER COUNTY LAND AND 78.59 ACRES TURKEY VALLEY TOWNSHIP, YANKTON COUNTY LAND OFFERED IN 4-TRACTS AT AUCTION Our family has decided to offer the following land for sale at public auction located at 45022 291st St. Viborg, SD or from the 4-way stop in Viborg go 5 ½ miles west both sides of the road or from Center Point, 2-miles east on both sides of the road on: WEDNESDAY MAY 11TH 10:30 A.M. AUCTION HELD ON SITE It is our privilege to offer the following land located in these two tightly held townships located on the Turner & Yankton County line. This land auction offers powerful, high quality tillable land, improved acreage site with outstanding trees, waterfowl production/recreational land and will be offered in several combinations to accommodate any size buyer. Land is rented for the 2016 crop year. TRACT ONE: 78.59 ACRES LEGAL: The N ½ of the NW ¼ Section 2, 96-54 Yankton County, SD. • 71.29 acres tillable with 4.62 acres of hayland, 1.47 acres in trees, balance found in RROW. • Soil production rating of 72.8. Predominant soils Egan-Ethan Trent rating (82) & Egan-Wentworth (91) • Rented for 2016 crop year for $14,276.00 or $182/acre. First half of the rent will be paid to the buyer at closing and 2nd half paid 10-1-16. • Base & Yield and wetland maps, and other pertinent info found in the buyers packet • Annual taxes are $844.21. Currently enrolled in ARCH County with the FSA office. TRACT TWO: 27-ACRES + OR – IMPROVED LEGAL: Bartels Tract 1 an addition in the S ½ of the SW ¼ of Section 35, 97-54 Turner County, SD. Subject to survey to verify acres and approve legal description. Known as 45022 291st St. Viborg, SD. • This tract includes the improved acreage site that is 6.44 acres in size along with 19.93 acres in waterfowl production/recreational land. An opportunity to purchase a piece of South Dakota Hunting Heaven. Lots of potential, endless possibilities. • Home consists of a modern, clean, move in ready 928 sq ft 2+ bedroom home that has been steadily maintained. Several outbuildings included along with great park-like setting yard, and awesome trees. • This tract will be offered as a lump sum and not by the acre. New buyer to receive immediate possession upon closing of this entire tract. • If your looking for a new home site on a hard surfaced highway, or possible hunting lodge contact the auctioneers to set-up a private showing. TRACT THREE: 52-ACRES + OR – LEGAL: Bartels Tract 2 an addition in the S ½ of the SW ¼ of Section 35, 97-54 Turner County, SD. Subject to survey to verify acres and approve legal description. • 48.35 acres tillable balance found in RROW. This would include all land to the north and west of the building site and the 13.55 acres east of the water. • Soil production rating of 72.4. Predominant soils include Egan-Ethan Complex (77) and Ethan-Egan Complex (61). • New buyer to receive the 2016 rent if sold separate. TRACT FOUR: 79-ACRES COMBINATION OF TRACTS 2 & 3 LEGAL: The S ½ of the SW ¼ less the East 2-rods of the SE ¼ of the SW ¼ Section 35, 97-54 Turner County, SD. • If sold as one unit, no surveys will be completed and buyer will settle on the taxable acres. • Soil production rating of 65.8. Predominant soils Egan-Ethan and Ethan Egan soils. • New buyer to receive the 2016 rent in the amount of $9,717.00 or $123/acre. TO INSPECT THE PROPERTY: We invite you to inspect the property at your convenience or you may visit www. wiemanauction for a buyers packet and pictures or contact the auctioneers at 800-251-3111 and a packet can be mailed out. Contact auctioneers to schedule a showing of the home and outbuildings. TERMS: Cash sale on all tracts with 15% (non-refundable) down payment auction day with the balance on or before June 23rd, 2016. Warranty deed to be granted with the cost of title insurance split 50-50 between buyer and seller. Sellers to pay all 2015 taxes. New buyer will be responsible for all of the 2016 taxes. If sold in smaller tracts, sellers at their expense will have the property surveyed. First half rent check will be reimbursed to the buyer at closing and 2nd half payment will be made on 10-1-16. Property will be sold in whatever manner realizes the most for the seller. Sold subject to owner’s approval and all easements and restrictions of record. Land auction held on site. Come prepared to buy!! HEIRS OF HILRAY & MARLENE BARTELS –OWNER Wieman Land & Auction Co. Inc. Marion, SD 800-251-3111 Gary & Rich Wieman Brokers Gary Ward Closing Attorney 605-326-5282