4 Broadcaster Press January 24, 2017 www.broadcasteronline.com Taking On The Meth Problem By Gov. Dennis Daugaard I recently heard a story about a young man who was exposed to meth as a child. The young man, named Chris, grew up around meth and the violence that the drug brings. Like any normal kid, he wanted attention from the adults in his life. But while most kids are trying to gain approval by getting good grades, making the basketball team or winning a role in the school play, at 12 years old Chris began to use and deal meth to receive that attention. Using and dealing led Chris to get into fights and to start stealing. At age 17, Chris overdosed. Meth is a problem in South Dakota. Like other states, we are seeing an increase in methamphetamine trafficking and more meth-related arrests and convictions. To address the epidemic, we need to stop meth from coming into our state, prevent meth use and help those who are addicted. I am joining with the attorney general to propose a joint drug interdiction task force, comprised of four new Highway Patrol officers, joined by designated agents of the Division of Criminal Investigation. The attorney general and the Department of Social Services are also both focused on educating young people about meth, and a legislative interim committee considered this issue as well. Starting this year, the managers of state anti-meth programs will meet regularly to coordinate these efforts and maximize their impact. For those who are on probation or parole, I am proposing measures to reinforce good behavior and to punish bad behavior. We will establish a mandatory sanction of required jail time for anyone on probation or parole who fails a drug test. This will guarantee swift and certain sanctions for offenders who choose to use drugs. Conversely, to help those who are already addicted to meth, I am proposing we incentivize effective completion of treatment. We will allow supervision to be terminated early for parolees and probationers who stay clean, complete treatment and don’t violate the terms of their supervision for at least a year. Offenders who complete all courtordered treatment within one year will be given one opportunity to reduce a drug possession or ingestion charge from a felony to a Class 1 misdemeanor. This option would only be available once for each offender. I am also recommending grants to expand HOPE 24/7 Probation to all counties. HOPE 24/7 is similar to the successful 24/7 program for alcohol offenders. A Peaceful Transition of Power By Sen. Mike Rounds Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, as it has since 1981. Attendees fill the National Mall from the Capitol steps to the Washington Monument, all to catch a glimpse of living history. Following the swearing-in and inaugural address, an inaugural parade and numerous balls take place throughout Washington, D.C. While Jan. 20 is the official day the president takes office, months of preparation have gone into the planning of the inauguration ceremony and official events, such as the parade and the formal balls. Since 1901, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies has been in charge of setting up the swearing-in ceremonies. Thousands of men and women have been working behind the scenes to plan the ceremony and make sure the Capitol remains secure. I’d like to thank them for their hard work, as well as all the members of the law enforcement community who have been putting in long hours leading up to inauguration weekend. Their job protecting the attendees at the inauguration is incredibly difficult, and their dedication to the security of the attendees is deserving of praise. Without their commitment, this very special day for our nation could not run as effortlessly and with the dignity it deserves. In his inaugural speech, Thomas Jefferson said, “But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle…We are all republicans. We are all federalists.” His wise words ring true today. Though we may disagree with one another on certain policies, we are all Americans, and our presidential inaugurations reflect a decidedly American ideal: the peaceful transition of power from one administration to the next. HOPE 24/7 has been implemented in ten counties, and provides intensive probation and treatment for serious drug offenders, who are required to take random drug tests to ensure that they stay clean. Meth is an extremely addictive drug that ruins homes and destroys lives. Meth changes brain functions and affects the central nervous system. Those who use the drug may experience paranoia, delusions, severe tooth decay and skin sores. Trying meth just once can lead to death. Thankfully, the young man I described is still with us, and he has been sober for a year now. When Chris moved to South Dakota, he was arrested for having drugs in his vehicle and placed in the juvenile justice system. That is where his journey to recovery began. These reforms have the potential to help those who, like Chris, enter the criminal justice system because of a drug addiction. There will be more opportunities for offenders to receive help and fight the vicious family cycle of drug abuse. The proposals will save our taxpayers money, make our communities safer and, ultimately, bring more South Dakotans to begin the journey to recovery. AARP Fraud Watchdog Alert: The Latest Scam Trends South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released multiple warnings in the last few weeks alerting South Dakotans to new or renewed scams targeting our state such as work at home scams, travel scams and charitable giving scams. As con artists continue to find new ways to get at your hard earned money, the AARP Fraud Watch Network is here to help. AARP SD sends regular email alerts to AARP Fraud Watch Network members with tips and tools that can help you avoid falling victim to the latest scams. The AARP Fraud Watch Network also has a toll-free fraud Helpline. Readers are encouraged to call 1-877-908-3360 anytime with questions about a possible scam. The helpline can even help if you are worried about a loved one who may be a victim. Any one of any age can join the AARP Fraud Watch Network for free by visiting aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork or to receive Fraud Watch Network alerts by phone, call 1-866-542-8172. According to our Helpline team, these are some of the latest scam trends across the nation: • Government grant scams – Ads or calls that promise guaranteed government grants you’ll never have to pay back. The red flag is you have to provide your checking account information for the deposit. Unfortunately, such grant funds are unlikely to exist and the scammer now has access to your account. Never give your checking account information to anyone you don’t know. • Facebook hacks – Have you ever gotten a friend request from someone you’re already connected to on Facebook? Chances are your friend has been hacked. Scammers hack into Facebook accounts and then, pretending to be your friend, say they are in need of your financial help. If you think a friend’s account has been hacked, alert them immediately and check your privacy settings on Facebook. • Online romance scams – Scammers build fake profiles on dating sites that say they are conveniently working abroad. The scammer quickly builds a relaPIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley is indicates that they have already made an agreement tionship with the target, exchanging photos, romantic again warning South Dakota seniors that the grandwith a judge and all they are waiting for are funds to parent scam has resurfaced targeting all parts of the be received in order for the grandchild to be released. messages, or even talking by phone. Then comes the ask: money needed for an in-person visit or emergency. state. The scam begins with a telephone call from If the scam works, the victim will wire money and The target sends money and then never hears from the someone claiming to be a grandchild or other family by the time the senior realizes what happened, the love interest again. member and requests money for a critical situation. money is long gone and most likely not recoverable. If you think you've been the victim of these, or Consumers need to be aware that the scammers Tips to avoid becoming a victim: are getting better at targeting their victims by the use • Ask several personal questions including some- other scams file a complaint with the SD Division of of the internet and social media - they are doing their thing that only a grandchild would be able to answer Consumer Protection at www.consumer.sd.gov or call homework to make the call sound more legitimate. like a nickname, name of a family pet or special family 1-800-300-1986. Stay vigilant during 2017 and learn how to avoid the Some calls have multiple scammers on the line imper- tradition. This will help determine if this is a fraud or latest scams by joining the AARP Fraud Watch Netsonating the “grandchild’s” attorney. The “attorney” not. • Independently contact the grandchild or parent work. of the grandchild the scam artist is claiming to be at a known phone number. • Do not fill in the blanks for the caller. If the caller says, “This is your granddaughter,” ask “which one?” or “where are you calling from?” The caller is looking for answers that will assist them in the scam. PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota tourism industry Be if the caller asks to not tell visitors, Stories you missed this week because one•else,cautious parents, becauseyouor she will any- has once again reached record numbers ofeconomy. like the he get visitor spending and impact on the state’s in trouble. It is all part of the scam. you’re not a subscriber This marks seven straight years of economic growth If you believe the call is fraudulent then contact for the industry. your local law enforcement agency. Those who have According to a new study by Tourism Economics, A story about the legacy left by Vermillion’s “history lady,” already sent money should contact the Consumer visitor spending reached $3.8 billion in 2016, contributCleo Erickson, who passed away Jan. 12. ing $2.5 billion in GDP to South Dakota’s economy, an Protection Division at 1-800-300-1986 or by email at increase of 4.5 percent. These dollars flow through the consumerhelp@state.sd.us. South Dakota economy, supporting more than 53,000 Coverage of a talk by Arthur C. Jones, Ph.D, about the history of the jobs and generating more than $279 million in state role of spiritual music in dealing with and overcoming oppression. and local tax revenue. His visit to the USD campus during the week of Martin Luther King, “In 2016 we found that the combination of effecValley View Hay Grinding tive, targeted marketing, low gas prices, landmark Jr.’s birthday was made possible by the Center for Diversity and Call Lindell Jensen at 925-4043 anniversaries and expanded media coverage played a Community, and the Center for Academic and Global Engagement. or (605)660-0869 –Freeman significant role in increasing visitation and ultimately, visitor spending,” said James Hagen, Secretary of the “If you can 30 ptit, we can grind it.” bale 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: A report about the anti-bullying policy recently approved Department of Tourism. “With this growth, the tourism Equipped with scale and magnetic system industry helped support the state’s economy during a by the Vermillion School Board. year when other sectors were seeing a decline.” 2016 economic impact stats (percent increases are over 2015)*: •13.9 million – number of visitors that came to South Dakota, an increase of 1.4 percent •$3.8 billion – amount of visitor spending, which is Curt Robinson Coverage of an open house Monday, Jan. 23 to celebrate the an increase of 1.5 percent Financial Advisor Curt Robinson Patrick M Higgins •$2.5 billion – amount of GDP contributed to the opening of the new RED Steakhouse Auditorium , complete with Financial 23 Market Street Advisor Financial Advisor Vermillion, SD 57069 state’s economy, which is an increase of 4.5 percent 23 Market Street 23 Market Street new stadium seating, a new sound system, and other great 605-624-2028 •$279 million – state and local tax dollars generVermillion, SD 57069 Vermillion, SD 57069 www.edwardjones.com improvements for movie-goers in the Coyote Twin Theatre. 605-624-2028 605-624-2028 ated by travel and tourism activity, an increase of $8.4 www.edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com million •$821 – the amount of tax dollars each South DaA story about the role the public will play in naming kota household saves because of the tourism industry Member SIPC Vermillion’s new aquatic center in Prentis Park. •53,258 – number of jobs sustained by the tourism industry, an increase of 2.1 percent Additional 2016 travel indicators: Coverage of the Women’s March in Vermillion scheduled for Volin Fire & Rescue •60 percent – average hotel occupancy for the year Jan. 21 to coincide with the Women’s March on Washington •5.1 million – number of visitors to South Dakota’s PANCAKE national parks, an increase of 19 percent that will be taking place the same day. •140,000 - additional visitors to our state parks BREAKFAST in 2016, which brought in $1.3 million in additional Volin Town Hall Pick up this Friday’s Plain Talk! revenue January 29th •$27.3 million – amount of advertising value earned Local news since 1884! 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. through domestic and international public relations Here for you yesterday, today and tomorrow. efforts in fiscal year 2016 Serving Pancakes, •4.6 billion – number of impressions earned through Eggs, and Sausage domestic and international public relations efforts in fiscal year 2016 Freewill Donation To view the full Tourism Economics report, visit Pinochle Tournament www.SDVisit.com. Registration at 12:30 p.m. The South Dakota Department of Tourism is com201 W. Cherry, Vermillion, SD 57069 Starting at 1 p.m. prised of Tourism and the South Dakota Arts Council. $20 per 2 person team 50% PayouT 605-624-2695 The department is led by Secretary James Hagen. Every four years after a presidential election, Americans from all corners of the country flock to Washington, D.C., to attend the incoming president’s inauguration ceremony. At noon on January 20, 2017, President-elect Donald Trump becomes President Donald Trump, after he is administered the oath of office by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. The oath of office of the President of the United States is only 35 words long, and is stated in the United States Constitution: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” The first president to take the presidential oath was George Washington at his inauguration on April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall in New York City, the temporary seat of government at that time. President Washington also set the precedent of delivering an inaugural address following his swearingin ceremony, a tradition that has led to some of the most renowned quotes from our presidents. Washington swore to preserve “the sacred fire of liberty” and uphold the “Republican model of Government.” Other famous lines from inaugural addresses include John F. Kennedy’s “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” and Ronald Reagan’s “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” These remarks continue to inspire Americans today. The entire ceremony takes place on the West Front Grandparent Scam Continues To Target South Dakota Seniors Tourism Department Posts Record Numbers In 2016 Plain Talk HAY HEY HAY And if you want to see: Have 403(b) Invest in your questions? Let’s talk. retirement. . TV RafflE