10 Broadcaster Press June 26, 2018 www.broadcasteronline.com State Historical Society Uncertainty For Awards Six Historic Summer Climate Outlook Preservation Grants BROOKINGS, S.D. - The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) climate outlook for July through September, released June 21, 2018, shows a lot of uncertainty for the remainder of the growing season, explained Laura Edwards, SDSU Extension State Climatologist. "According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, most of South Dakota is in an area with equal chances of warmer, cooler or near average temperatures for the rest of the summer season," Edwards said. "There is a lot of uncertainty in the longer range forecast this season." The precipitation outlook for the Northern Plains is equally unclear. "There has not been much agreement in the computer models that forecasters use for seasonal climate outlooks. Within a single month or a three-month season, there can be small regions of both very wet or very dry conditions that are difficult to forecast," Edwards said. Edwards explained that in our region, summer is often very challenging for climate outlooks. "This year is no exception. As an example, so far this spring there has been large variability between wet and dry areas in the state," she said. Emerging drought in the northeast and east central has been relatively local, and has not been widespread. This has been a contrast to excessive wet conditions in the southeast, where flooding is again impacting the area this week. "This kind of variability, within a single state, is challenging to capture in a forecast on a national scale," Edwards said. The western region of the state has gradually improved out of drought conditions and is now drought-free according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. "Abnormally dry conditions remain, with some lingering concerns in local areas for forage and pasture conditions, but overall there has been sufficient rains to maintain water supplies for livestock and grass production," she explained. Moisture will be critical, Edwards explained, as we enter corn pollination in eastern South Dakota which begins early July. She added that because late June and early July will likely be warmer than average, rainfall will be more important during the next month. "Moisture stress during pollination can have a negative effect on corn yield," she said. Some soybean areas are dry in the east central and northeastern part of the state. "This crop has been slow to develop," Edwards said. "And, since rainfall is needed to activate many herbicides, weed management has been a challenge. It is hopeful that some recent moisture in the last two weeks will improve growing and post-emerge weed management conditions." South Dakota Fire Departments Awarded Almost $250,000 In Grant Funding Rapid City, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's Wildland Fire Division has awarded almost $250,000 in grant funds to volunteer fire departments across the state for the state's 2018 fiscal year. The purpose of the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program is to provide federal financial, technical and other assistance to state foresters and other appropriate officials to organize, train and equip fire departments in rural areas and rural communities to prevent and suppress fires. A rural community is defined as having a population of 10,000 or less. A scoring process is used to rate each application. Factors considered include annual budget, protection area size, training attendance and number of certified personnel. "This year, we received more than 80 applications for assistance totaling over $680,000 in project costs," said assistant chief Jim Burk. "Available funding this year allowed us to award $241,000 towards 66 department projects with a total value of over $572,000. Most project awards will be used for personal protective and communications equipment, with the remainder of awards going towards other equipment. "Many of the departments in South Dakota have annual budgets of $10,000 or less. This can make it difficult for them to maintain or upgrade equipment and provide for necessary training," said Burk. "The VFA program helps recipients acquire needed equipment or training to provide fire protection safely and efficiently to their communities." Follow South Dakota Wildland Fire on Twitter @SDWildlandFire and on Facebook by searching SD Wildland Fire. Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect and preserve South Dakota agriculture for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at sdda. sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. “It is important that we ensure our heroes embrace their invisible wounds in a timely, confident manner, ultimately saving lives and preserving families,” said Larry Zimmerman, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA). “As Americans, we could not enjoy the blessings of freedom and liberty without the service of these men and women fulfilling an extraordinary duty.” South Dakota Joining Forces is a new facet of SDDVA. The mission of Joining Forces is to enhance the state’s ability to meet the behavioral-health care needs of its service members, you advertising in the Broadcaster? Watch the “treasure” pile up Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day Is June 27 PIERRE, S.D. – At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed June 27, 2018, as “Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day,” a day to reflect on the causes, symptoms and treatment of posttraumatic stress injuries. “The brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who proudly serve the United States and risk their lives to protect our freedom deserve the investment of every possible resource to ensure their lasting physical, mental, and emotional well-being,” the Governor’s proclamation states. Arrrrrre when you veterans and their families by increasing access to appropriate care, closing gaps, building the system’s capacity, increasing interagency communication and building collaboration. Zimmerman is encouraging everyone to help raise PTSI awareness. “Awareness of PTSI can be divided into three themes,” said Zimmerman. “Learn, connect and share. Take the mystery out of PTSI by learning more about the invisible wounds and the treatments that are available. Reach out to someone and give support. Help spread the word. Working together we can make a difference.” advertise in the 201 W Cherry Vermillion, SD Phone: (605) 624-4429 Fax: (605) 624-2696 PIERRE, S.D. -- Historic preservation projects in Brookings, Central City, Freeman, Redfield, Sisseton and Yankton have received matching grants from the South Dakota State Historical Society. “2018 is the 21st year for this historic preservation grants program,” said Jay D. Vogt, director of the State Historical Society. “In 2017 we awarded $123,869 between 10 projects which had matching funds of $360,498. The resulting total public-private investment was $484,367. This program is designed to encourage restoration or rehabilitation of historic properties and is one more way we can promote and protect our history and culture.” The grants are awarded through the State Historical Society’s Deadwood Fund grant program. Funding for the program is from Deadwood gaming revenue earmarked by state law for historic preservation projects throughout the state. The program is administered by the society’s State Historic Preservation Office at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. The following projects were the most recent to receive grants to supplement their work: • Brookings: Agricultural Heritage Museum, built in 1918, $15,000 grant award to assist with window restoration • Central City: St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church, built in 1879, $10,000 grant award to assist with roof and foundation repair • Freeman: Ludwig Deckert House, built around 1879, $12,000 to assist with foundation repair • Redfield: Norbeck-Nicholson Carriage House, built around 1907, $5,000 to assist with roof replacement • Sisseton: Stavig House, built in 1916, $10,000 to assist with gutter, fascia and soffit repair • Yankton: Mead Building, built in 1909, $15,000 to assist with veranda repair These new recipients represent a total award amount of $67,000 with planned matching funds of $232,706. The anticipated total public-private investment is $299,706. Deadwood Fund grants are awarded twice a year, with grant application deadlines of Feb. 1 and Oct. 1. They are reviewed at the spring and winter meetings of the State Historical Society’s board of trustees. For more information on the Deadwood Fund grant program, 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. Petition Filed To Place Reliamax Surety Company In Liquidation PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Division of Insurance petitioned the Hughes County Circuit Court on June 12, 2018, to place ReliaMax Surety Company into liquidation due to insolvency. The South Dakota-based insurance company writes surety bonds covering student loan repayment to financial institutions in many U.S. jurisdictions. If approved, a liquidator and receiver of the company’s estate will be appointed by the judge overseeing the proceedings. The petition requests the appointment of Larry Deiter, director of the Division of Insurance, as liquidator. Deiter says the order would allow the division to provide protection to affected policy holders by preserving company assets for claims payment. A liquidation order would direct the liquidator to take possession of and safeguard the property of the insurer, conduct the insurer’s business in the interim and take the steps needed to bring the affairs of the business of the insurer to an end. “If the petition is granted, the next steps include notifying policy holders, claimants and other interested parties of the liquidation status and providing established procedures to file claims,” said Deiter. Questions on the liquidation process can be directed to the Division of Insurance at 605-773-3563. If you don’t get the word out about your business, no one else will!!! Ask About Our Summer Season Carpet Cleaning Special 3 Rooms or up to 301 sq. ft. for $ * 99 Call 605-624-2485 to make your appointment today! *Some restrictions apply