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Maintaining a well-trained local workforce requires a variety of strategies Read More »

Faulkton, S.D., makes no secret of its optimism. Read More »

In the United States, about 38 percent of people participate in recreation that’s associated with wildlife, according to a 2012 survey. That figure is higher in South Dakota, where 54 percent of the population takes part in such recreation. Retail sales for hunting in South Dakota were estimated at $723 million in 2011. Retail sales for fishing in South Dakota ... Read More »

We are in the 1 percent, folks. At least, many of us in the rural Dakotas are, when the thing being measured is our view of the night sky. Read More »

Is "getting out the vote" the job of the secretary of state? Read More »

OK, folks, roll up your sleeves: It’s time to dig into your democratic duty. North Dakota has five ballot measures this year; South Dakota has 10. (One additional measure, to allow corporate farming, was on the ballot in North Dakota’s primary in June. Voters rejected the measure.) You can find the exact text of the ballot measures, plus explanations by ... Read More »

Redfield, S.D., could be called a small city or a big town. It has features that are the best of both. “Main Street is a very interesting, fun place to go visit on a Saturday afternoon. You’ve still got those good, enjoyable family things and shopping” as in a larger community, according to Lisa Zens, executive director of Grow Spink, ... Read More »

TABOR, S.D. Czech Days For nearly 70 years, the community of Tabor, S.D., has celebrated its predominantly Czechoslovakian heritage around farmers’ schedules, with a Czech pioneer village, kolache baking, polka dance-off, and Czech Days queen, prince and princess pageants. The two-day festival benefits Tabor’s economy and sense of community. “Almost every resident has a part doing something, whether it’s working ... Read More »

by Wendy Royston, with additional reporting by Heidi Marttila-Losure In the past 30 years, the Dakotas have worked hard to improve economic opportunity to the people who call these states “home.” But, according to experts, the state of the actual homes in the Dakotas has not received such focused attention. The organizational structure for economic development was put in place 30-some ... Read More »

Faulkton Area Economic Development Corp. – Faulkton, S.D. The Faulkton Area Economic Development Corporation formed a partnership with the city after a survey through the Home Address program showed a need for homes. “The city and county have been supportive of our efforts and have allocated money in their annual budgets for the FAEDC to help in many areas including ... Read More »