Commentary

Stray Thoughts: Cold as Hell

This most recent arctic blast transported me back to my childhood on the Cheyenne River Reservation and to the government housing unit we called home.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Cattle theft is a major concern of livestock owners at all times but especially now at a time when the price of cattle is at an all-time high. Stewarding cattle is not only a difficult and fulfilling lifestyle, it’s a 24/7 job.

Little Pasture on the Prairie

The wind this week has been epic. Perhaps not as epic as in December when we had gusts blast through our yard at 90+ miles an hour, but still pretty darn epic. Anything that was loosened up by those December winds but didn’t blow away then is long gone now.

Ensure your voice is heard by lawmakers

Across South Dakota and the country, lawmakers are gathering in their state capitols and Washington, D.C. to begin another year of debating and passing legislation.The democratic process is something America prides itself on and one that requires input to thrive.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Property taxes paid locally go to local needs

Dear Editor, Here in South Dakota, 2026 is an election year. Potential candidates and current office holders are on the campaign trail and a favorite issue seems to be real estate property taxes.Here in South Dakota, if you do not own real estate, you don’t pay property taxes.

Home Country

Down at the sale barn Saturday, the think tank had coagulated there with coffees to go to celebrate life. Doc and Dud had their dogs with them, while Bert and Dewey and Steve went stag.

Little Pasture on the Prairie

I’ve been thinking a lot about motherhood this week. It will still be a few more months before we start seeing the motherhood rituals of the prairie on display: Robins piecing together their intricate nests of twigs and mud. Fawns hiding in the grass while their mothers graze nearby.

Accidents happen, but being prepared saves lives

Many of us have been there before – near the top of a ladder, stretching just a little farther to finish the job. Maybe we are cleaning a gutter, hanging Christmas lights, or rescuing a cat from a tree. There is always the temptation to climb one rung higher to reach that final spot.

Home Country

Delbert McLain smiled at the sign in Marvin Pincus’s yard as he walked briskly up to the front door and knocked. Marvin had seen him coming and opened it with a big smile and a handshake.“Delbert!