8 Broadcaster Press April 18, 2017 www.broadcasteronline.com Two More State Properties Listed On National Register Of Historic Places PIERRE, S.D. – Two more South Dakota properties were recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, according to the South Dakota State Historical Society. The listed properties are the Arlington Masonic Temple, also known as the Arlington Community Museum, and the Dell Rapids Warming House. The National Register is the official federal list of properties identified as important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and culture. The State Historic Preservation Office of the State Historical Society works in conjunction with the National Park Service, which oversees the National Register program, to list the properties. "South Dakota's history is rich in American Indian culture, pioneer life and change," said Jay D. Vogt, state historic preservation officer and director of the State Historical Society. "Properties listed on the National Register are important for their role in South Dakota's culture, heritage and history. And when properties get listed, it shows that their owners take pride in their role in preserving that culture, heritage and history." Buildings, sites, structures and objects at least 50 years old possessing historical significance may qualify for the National Register, according to Vogt. Properties must also maintain their historic location, design, materials and association. Listing on the National Register does not place any limitations on private property owners by the federal government. This ad is about six days long It will stay around for days, weeks...and sometimes longer. It will be read and reread, passed from one reader to anther; to every member of the family, to friends and colleagues. Its information will be considered, absorbed and acted upon in the reader’s own uninterrupted time. The printed advertisement puts your offer in writing. 201 W Cherry • Vermillion 605.624.4429 The Arlington Masonic Temple was built at 222 S. Main St. in 1907-08. It is listed in the National Register as significant for its architecture. The wood construction, coupled with the eclectic design, makes the Masonic Temple a rare South Dakota resource. The temple is also listed for its local significance in the area of social history. The building is an important reminder of the prominent role fraternal organizations played in encouraging social order, promoting moral character, participating in charitable endeavors and engaging in gender-exclusive socialization throughout South Dakota’s history. The Dell Rapids Warming House was built around 1930 using local rose-colored quartzite. It is located next to the river at the end of State Ave. The warming house is listed in the National Register as significant for its association with the historical themes of entertainment and recreation in the early 20th century. At the time, ice skating was a popular national pastime and an integral part of life in Dell Rapids during the winter months. For more information on the National Register or other historic preservation programs, contact the State Historic Preservation Office at the Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501-2217; telephone (605) 773-3458 or website history.sd.gov/Preservation (click on National Register of Historic Places in the right column). Weekly Column: Battling the Beetle By Rep. Kristi Noem As the temperature ticks upward and the last day of school inches closer, many are starting to think about their summer vacation plans. While schedules only seem to get busier, our family still tries to make it out to the Black Hills many times throughout the year, although we especially love those summer months and their longer days. There’s just nothing like the hiking, the serenity, and – of course – the faces that a person finds in the Hills. Over the years, however, we’ve seen the landscape change. Year after year, our family pictures show a slowly dying forest. For more than two decades, the Mountain Pine Beetle has devastated much of the Black Hills and turned portions of this once-heathy forest into a tinder box. In total, more than 30 percent of the 1.2 million acre forest was impacted to some degree by the beetles, increasing the area’s potential for a dangerous wildfire and jeopardizing the tourism and forestry industries that our state relies on. This April, however, the U.S. Forest Service announced the beetle had finally been beat. While work remains to repair the damage and make the forest more resilient against future outbreaks, getting to this point is a long-sought success. The epidemic had been ongoing for around a decade before I was elected to represent South Dakota. When I brought U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell to view the damage firsthand in November 2013, it was clear we had the tools to combat the pine beetle, but we weren’t able to apply them on a large enough scale. Reforms on the federal level were needed. Months later, we saw those reforms become law through provisions I helped write and fought to include in the 2014 Farm Bill. As a result, we were able to cut through environmental red tape, get boots on the ground faster, and allow the Forest Service to work on the scale this epidemic required. Around one million acres of the Black Hills National Forest benefited from the provisions. Additionally, I fought to make sure we prioritized the funding needed to help beat the beetle. The financial support promised a trifecta of benefits. Of course, it helped us care for one of South Dakota’s most beautiful resources, but it also served to protect our state’s thriving tourism industry. According to a recent report from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, outdoor recreationists support more than 18,000 jobs, add $85.5 million to state and local bank accounts through taxes, and offer $534 million worth of income to South Dakotans. The Black Hills is a critical piece of that industry. Maybe most importantly, however, I fought for support as a matter of public safety. Simply put, an unhealthy forest carries the potential for a deadly wildfire. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated foresters working in the Black Hills throughout this time and I’m proud to have been able to score some victories in support of their efforts. Nonetheless, while the Forest Service has ruled the epidemic over, years of damage left behind thousands of acres of dead and dying trees. There’s work to do, but I’m committed to turning the Black Hills green again. I count the Hills among South Dakota’s many treasures, which means keeping the forest healthy is a top priority. So, check out the progress this summer. Plan a visit – maybe we’ll see you out there. Don’t Be A Stranger By Sen. John Thune South Dakotans are well aware of the uniqueness that each season of the year brings to the state. From spring’s planting season to fall’s hunting season and everything else in between, there’s always something to do or see. South Dakotans who travel to our nation’s capital in the spring or summer, or any of time year for that matter, will discover similarly unique experiences. You won’t find any corn fields to plow or ringneck’s to flush, but there are plenty of historical sights to see that rival (but clearly won’t ever exceed) South Dakota’s own Mount Rushmore. I particularly like spring and summer because I get to enjoy the best of both worlds. I spend nearly every weekend back in South Dakota attending local community events and getting important feedback on my work in Washington. And because there are so many annual conferences, conventions, and school groups that travel to Washington this time of year, I get to see a lot of familiar faces when I head back to D.C., too. This spring, I’ve already had the chance to meet with South Dakotans who represent groups like the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, Outstanding Farmers of America, South Dakota’s Telecommunications Association, South Dakota Sheep Growers, the American Lung Association, the Military Officers Association of America, and many others. I’ve chatted with student groups from around the state, including Close Up students from Pierre, Hartford, Sturgis, and Lemmon. Whether you’re in town for a conference or a convention or a vacation with your family, I always enjoy when you stop by to say hello. If you happen to be in Washington on a Wednesday when the Senate is in session, I host a morning coffee with Sen. Rounds and Rep. Noem. All South Dakotans are welcome to attend. It’s become so popular that Arizona Sen. John McCain recently stopped by to visit with folks who were in town. If you’re interested in attending or just looking for more information about our Wednesday “Sunrise Coffee,” feel free to call any of my offices or visit my website where you can also sign up. My offices – throughout South Dakota and in Washington – can be helpful if you have questions about visiting the area before you book your trip or after you’re already in town. We can help point you in the right direction for places to stay or visit and arrange tours for federal buildings like the Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress, among others. We want to help make your visit as fun and memorable as possible, so don’t be a stranger. Give us a call, email, or stop by in person. I look forward to hearing from you!