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The following is from Christine Sorensen, rural development coordinator for the U. S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development in Pierre, S.D. Read on for valuable resources for rural communities, including several grant opportunities. Read More »

Just when I think the urban-rural divide isn’t as wide as it once was—the UPS truck can deliver Amazon packages to skyscrapers or machine sheds, and we all have way too many channels on TV—I see something that points out we’re still not always understanding one another. So, in the interest of bridge-building, here’s a little translation. Jim Romanesko, a ... Read More »

“If you consider only utility, the things you build will soon be useless. This building is boarded up because nobody has a use for it. Nobody has a use for it because nobody wants to be in it. And nobody wants to be in it because the thing is so damned ugly.” —Roger Scruton, speaking before a graffitied abandoned building ... Read More »

While health leaders warn of the effect of too much screen time for children, schools increase their use of technology. The key is how it's used, they say. Read More »

The recent conversation between Bill Keller and Glenn Greenwald on the standards that journalists should live by is relevant to the work that we do at Dakotafire. Read More »

By Lana Bandoim   What happens when farm family members can’t agree about what to do with a family business or an inheritance? Both North and South Dakota offer mediation services than can help two parties resolve their issues. Mediation is a negotiation that is conducted by a neutral third party. Jodi Bechard, director of Mediation and Ag Finance Counseling ... Read More »

South Dakotans and Midwesterners comprise a region that is “friendly and conventional,” according to a new social psychology study. Read More »

As Common Core standards started going into effect in Dakota classrooms this fall, state education leaders probably expected to spend some time explaining what the standards are. But Ryan Townsend, director of academic standards for the N.D. Department of Public Instruction, said he’s spent a lot of time lately explaining what the standards are not. “A lot of it is based on misinformation, unfortunately,” he said. Read More »

Life comes together for Wanda Skeide when she picks up a paintbrush. “To God be the glory,” she said. “It’s a given talent. I have no idea why I have this talent. No one else in my family paints.” Read More »

By November, regular unleaded 87 octane gasoline won’t exist in South Dakota. Read More »