USDA terminations have negative effect on rural communities

In recent weeks, action taken by the federal administration has left many individuals wondering about the status of a small-town staple—the U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) county office.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Editor’s note: The Timber Lake & Area Historical Society received the following letter from Natalie Biegler, a recipient of the Bob and Ruth Urban Scholarship, and would like to share it with Topic readers:Hi, I wanted to send the Bob+Ruth Urban board an update on things and thank you, but it takes...

Little Pasture on the Prairie

I woke up the other night from a dream that seemed so important I couldn’t go back to sleep. “I have to remember this,” I told myself.Usually, my dreams fade before morning.

Stray Thoughts: Near-life experience

Anyone who has lived an interesting life will usually, on more than one occasion be provided with the opportunity to almost die, and this can be revealing.

Those dirty rotten scoundrels

The phone rang, and I answered it because the call was from a nearby community. No big surprise that the caller was obviously not from anywhere near, and the caller was asking for a donation for some organization in which I had no interest. I said, in a kindly tone, “No thank you,” and hung up.

Little Pasture on the Prairie

I’ve been feeling a lot of nostalgia lately. My kids are suddenly helpful and independent so much of the time that parenting abruptly feels like a totally different job.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, There’s a reason that South Dakota governors and legislators have for decades supported the arts and creative industry in our state.

Little Pasture on the Prairie

I’m sitting on the front porch with my daughter. I’m wearing jeans, a sweatshirt, and a straw hat, my feet bare, my pants rolled up to my knees, revealing the stunning brightness of my winter-white skin. I’m a little hot, but I know if I take off the sweatshirt, I’ll be a little cold.

CANDLES AND MIRRORS: Fasteners to the past

They clanked like rocks against the insides of the can as I swished my fingers through them. “I need a button for my spinner,” I explained to Mom as I stared into the red and yellow Folger’s coffee can with the ship on the front.

Prairie Doc Businesses for babies

When businesses support working parents, they’re not just boosting their bottom line – they’re helping prevent child abuse and neglect. In South Dakota, 72.