Custer County Chronicle

Watching what’s unfolding in Ukraine

Published by admin on Thu, 03/10/2022 - 10:38am

For the past two weeks we have watched and listened to horrific events as they unfold in the Ukraine. The most disturbing to me is the lack of support from the United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or the United States.
The UN was founded in 1945 after WWII by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights.

Ukrainians are doing themselves proud

Published by admin on Thu, 03/03/2022 - 10:53am

If Ukraine eventually falls to the Russians, it certainly won’t be due to a lack of fighting for the country.

Where the truth is biting

Published by admin on Thu, 03/03/2022 - 10:50am

You have no doubt heard the old saying, “Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, but teach a man to fish and he’ll sit in a boat and drink beer all day.” Or as it is more traditionally put, “...he’ll eat for a lifetime.”
What ever version you prefer, the maxim rings true. It’s better to show someone how to provide for himself than to simply hand him something. That truth has to do with more than just necessities like food and shelter as well.

Situation in Ukraine is upsetting

Published by admin on Thu, 03/03/2022 - 10:36am

Greetings! It’s hard to know where to start. Like most everyone, I’ve got this sick feeling in my stomach over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. If gas prices go to $5 or over $6 per gallon, that will really have an impact on our economy here in South Dakota. In the Black Hills it’s not uncommon to see license plates from every state on any given day. Sky high gas prices will definitely have an impact on that.  Also, our farmers and ranchers rely on diesel fuel as do our over-the-road truckers. This could be a very serious blow to our state economy.

Ivermectin, grasslands bills killed

Published by admin on Thu, 03/03/2022 - 10:35am

On Feb. 23 the Senate Health and Human Services voted against protecting doctors from losing their jobs if they prescribed Ivermectin for their patients. The second most published critical care doctor in the world, Dr. Paul Marik, spoke on behalf of this bill and medical freedom.  South Dakota doctors also spoke out on their hippocratic oath and stated they weren’t allowed to take care of their patients as they deemed best for their patients’ needs and recovery.  Rep. Phil Jensen did a wonderful job presenting this bill and we had many emails to support HB1267.  

Grasslands bill goes down in flames

Published by admin on Thu, 03/03/2022 - 10:35am

Well, last week HB 1039 the grassland protection bill was heard by the Senate Taxation Committee. Unfortunately, the bill didn’t pass the Senate Taxation Committee and we literally went down in flames.
Ranchers from all over the state had come to the Capitol yet one more time to stand and voice their support for the bill. However, the sponsor’s presentation and proponent testimonies were limited to 20 minutes. The opponent testimony was allowed considerably longer time.

What does Russia want with Ukraine?

Published by admin on Thu, 02/24/2022 - 9:47am

By the time you read this, Russia may have already invaded Ukraine. Or not. Nobody seems to know exactly when and if the Russians will invade Ukraine. What is known for sure is that for months Russia has been building up thousands of troops along its border with Ukraine, as well as other weapons of war.
That you probably already know. We’ve all been hearing it for weeks. What is less clear, however, is understanding what exactly it is Russia wants in Ukraine.

We must mandate freedom

Published by admin on Thu, 02/24/2022 - 9:41am

When the federal government oversteps its bounds, it is up to states to protect individual liberties. In South Dakota, we take action to defend the personal choice to get the COVID-19 vaccine—or not. And with good reason.   
In December 2020, President-elect Joe Biden told Americans that he would not mandate COVID-19 vaccines.
“No, I don’t think they should be mandatory. I wouldn’t demand it to be mandatory,” he said.

Need closure on Ravnsborg situation

Published by admin on Thu, 02/24/2022 - 9:23am

Greetings! We are in week seven, legislative days 26-29. After this week we have two weeks left, legislative days 30-37.
Our last day (37) is March 10 with Veto Day on March 28. We are going extremely hard processing 551 bills for this session.  
We have what we call Crossover Day, Wednesday, Feb. 23. This is the last day for us to hear House bills.  It’s been known to cover the clock in the House chamber once it gets close to midnight, so we accomplish all bills, passed or failed, by the end of Crossover Day.

More great news for campground owners

Published by admin on Thu, 02/24/2022 - 9:23am

More great news for SD Campground Owners Association (SDCOA) again this last week. SB 179 was a bill brought to amend what is in place now that protects locally owned campgrounds. This year, seeing bills that compete with the private sector was an eye opener for many as this should not be the role of the state.