Broadcaster Press 3 November 28, 2017 www.broadcasteronline.com 138 Thanksgivings Ago By Gov. Dennis Daugaard Linda and I are thankful for many things this year. We are thankful for our children and grandchildren, for the friends old and new we’ve made across the state, and for the opportunity to serve as governor and first lady. I am also thankful for a Yankton dinner table conversation that took place 138 Thanksgivings ago. John Andrews recounted the story in a South Dakota Magazine article released prior to South Dakota’s 125th anniversary of statehood. A few of Dakota Territory’s most prominent leaders gathered around the dinner table that Thanksgiving Day in 1879 to do more than break bread. The home belonged to a local Congregational minister, Rev. Stewart Sheldon, and among his guests were territorial Gov. William Howard, U.S. Attorney Hugh Campbell, General William H.H. Beadle, Edward P. Wilcox and his brother-in-law Rev. Joseph Ward. The conversation began around a school lands question. The men present wanted to ensure school lands would be valued and sold at a high enough price, at no less than $10 per acre. Some residents thought the land should be sold for $2.25 per acre to a large syndicate. This was of particular concern to General Beadle who was the superintendent of public instruction. As they discussed the issue, the idea arose to divide Dakota Territory into northern and southern portions to protect the value of the lands, and to make the southern part of Dakota its own state. It is believed this was the conversation that sparked serious statehood efforts, as these men spent the next few years leading the movement. Nearly 10 more years passed before South Dakota became its own state. It took three bills passed by the territorial legislature, two constitutional conventions, two votes from the people and two congressional bills. Finally, a newly-elected president with Republican majorities in Congress signed South Dakota into statehood. As Andrews noted in his article, the dinner discussion served as a catalyst of the statehood movement. As he put it, “We owe a debt of gratitude to the men who shared ideas around the Thanksgiving table and committed themselves to creating a new and better home.” Considering where our state is today, I think that’s true. There’s no better place to live, work and raise a family. In fact, Site Selection named South Dakota as the number one state for achieving the American dream. With our low tax burden and reasonable regulatory environment, you can make a good living in South Dakota and you can rest assured that your tax dollars are being well managed. We have balanced the budget every year since statehood and our sound financial practices are affirmed by all three credit rating agencies, which have awarded us with AAA status. We also have a high quality of life: an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, safe communities, good schools and post-secondary opportunities, and clean air and water. More than anything though, our state is made up of good people. South Dakotans are friendly, humble and hardworking. Here, we still hold open doors, say hello to passing strangers and shovel our neighbors’ driveways. For these things and for the individuals who made South Dakota what it is today, we have reason to be very, very thankful. Happy Thanksgiving, South Dakota. Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons and Leadership South Dakota Announce New Partnership Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons (GSDH) and Leadership South Dakota have announced a new statewide partnership in the areas of brand advocacy, volunteerism and community-based projects. The two organizations will host receptions in various South Dakota cities with community leaders and speakers, along with Leadership South Dakota current and former members, as well as speakers from GSDH, including Girl Scouts. "Leadership South Dakota is excited about our partnership with Girls Scouts-Dakota Horizons," said Rick Melmer, Leadership South Dakota Director. "We believe that we want the same thing-to create a strong pool of leaders for our state. We expect that this partnership will help both organizations do just that." "We look forward to highlighting our position as the premiere leadership program for girls," said Marla Meyer, GSDH CEO. "There is a tremendous amount of data and research to back up how Girl Scout experiences help girls develop leadership skills versus non-Girl Scouts, and by working with another like-minded organization like Leadership South Dakota, we'll communicate and show how real leadership can make a difference in every community." Camp Year-Round At South Dakota State Parks PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) wants to remind park visitors that camping isn't just for summer. Parks accept reservations and electricity stays on year-round. Camping cabins and group lodges can be reserved as few as two days before arrival. Campsite reservations are available right up until the day of arrival. Reserve online at campsd.com. Facilities like shower houses are kept open as long as weather allows, and roads and trails are plowed where possible. Contact the park directly to check their status before you arrive. “The fall and winter months are a great time to explore the outdoors,” said visitor services coordinator Lynn Spomer. “Hiking, bird watching, snowshoeing and nature photography are all fun ways to spend time outside when the seasons change.” Special events go on year-round too. The parks offer snowshoe hikes and holiday happenings this winter. See the events calendar at gfp.sd.gov for programs in your area. Welcome! The 40 th Celebration of the St. Lucia Tradition at Dalesburg Lutheran Church Thank You! Sunday, December 10th • 3pm Lucia Court and Scandinavian Program and Food Freewill Collection Sponsored by Dalesburg Scandinavian Association. For information or in case of inclement weather call: 605-253-2575 massage for health 216 West Main Street • Vermillion, SD Give the gift of health this holiday season. Thank you to the nurses and staff at Sanford Vermillion Care Center, Vermillion Hospice, Hospice Deacon Denny Davis, Pastor Martens, Kober Funeral Home, Dr. Mary Jo Olson, relatives and friends. We are deeply grateful for the care, kindness and compassion given to Mom during her residence at Sanford Vermillion Care Center, and after her passing. Whether you kept us in your thoughts and prayers, sent some lovely flowers, gave a memorial or showed other acts of kindness, your support at this difficult time was appreciated and a comfort to us. Thank you, The family of Hazel Wherry Stop in for your Gift Certificates today! Open Monday thru Friday Lois Hazen, LMT For appointments, call 624-6732 www.loismassages.com Clay County Historical Society Get your ad in the.. Annual Christmas Tour of Homes Classifieds Today! CALL 624-4429 ••• FAX 624-2696 ••• EMAIL classifieds@plaintalk.net ••• ONLINE BroadcasterOnline.com ••• DROP BY 201 W. Cherry, Vermillion Fri., Dec. 1, 2017 • 4:30-7:30 p.m. 4thnual n A Vermillion Holiday Sip & Stroll Thursday, December 7th • 5-8pm Tickets - $15/Available at Austin-Whittemore House, Nook ’n Cranny, Vermillion Beauty Shop & Davis Pharmacy. Mark Podany and Kim Allison – 437 Park Lane Marty and Teresa Gilbertson – 419 Park Lane Clayton and Barb Campbell – 1919 Old Bridge Road Brett and Gina Mockler – 500 Oakmont Drive Reception at the Austin-Whittemore House 15 Austin Street starting at 5:00 p.m. Contact the Clay County Historical Society at 605-624-8266 if you have questions SAVE THE DATE: December 9th - 10am to 1pm Sweets and Treats at the Austin-Whittemore House WOODEN WHIMSY Paul Hoesing - 712.577.0379 - 402.755.4142 Shop: 720 S. Hwy 12 - Ponca, Nebraska - Call ahead! Great Christmas Gifts! Assortment of boxes in one-of-a-kind sizes and designs — all made of locally sourced wood. Alphabet boxes made of old PHS bleacher wood. •Blue Monarch •Iron Rooster •Sharing The Dream •Willson Florist •The Varsity Enjoy Samples, Treats & Local Shopping! Vermillion Area Farmers Holiday Markets Dec. 2 and 16 • 10am-1pm Clay County 4H/Extension Building Cedar Walnut •Nook ‘n Cranny •Chlotique •The Bean •The Spa at Wynie Maes •Charlies Gift, honey, soap, produce, meats, breads, decorations and more Secret drawer in every alphabet box… Kids love these! Dec. 3rd • 1-4 pm HOLIDAY SHOW SCHEDULE November 4: Sheila’s Country Garden - Hartington November 11: Ponca Craft Fair - Ponca School November 18-19: Sioux City Convention Center Craft Fair 1110 N. University St., Vermillion, SD W.H. Over Museum Holiday Festival Silent Night Silent Auction Dec. 8 • 5:30-8:30pm Valiant Vineyards Winery Gourmet hors d’oeuvres • Silent auction to benefit VAFM www.vermillionfarmersmarket.org 605-659-3399