Pop quiz: Would Keystone XL make Midwest gas prices go up or down?
The answer to that question is not as intuitive as you might think. (Also check out a regional map of gas prices.)
FiredUp: Best promotion of Dakotas this year may come from Kennebec farmer
A Kennebec farmer has created images and videos via time-lapse photography that show how dramatic and beautiful Dakota skies can be.
FiredUp: Keystone blockage shows the power of united rural voices
Whatever you think of the Keystone XL pipeline, you may want to take note of who stopped it. It was not, as reported in The New Yorker, Professor Bill McKibben and other East Coast activists. Instead, the power behind the…
FiredUp: GM seeds to go through a faster approval process under new USDA rules
Which is more important: Gaining fast approval for genetically modified seeds so they can better compete with foreign companies, or giving the public and interest groups time to learn about the planned release and possibly voice their objection to it?…
Updates from area newspapers: Week ending Feb. 25
Check out these stories from Dakotafire-participating newspapers, which may be of interest to others outside of the target community — some ideas to borrow, and some that may serve as cautionary tales.
FiredUp Roundup: Farm life good for you, superbugs, Huron mail facility to close, education reform
A few items that might interest you today: Growing up on a farm is good for your immune system, according to a new study from the University of Bristol, as reported by The Rural Blog. It raises the number of…
Proposed transmission line would go through Dakotafire region
A map compiled by the Center for Rural Affairs shows new and proposed electric transmission lines designed to take wind power from the plains where it is generated to the Midwestern cities where it will be used.
Lily, South Dakota – A video memoir
Oprah Winfrey was looking for reasons to come to “hometowns” across the country as she wrapped up her network TV program, and one woman wanted to send her to her hometown of Lily, S.D. — population five.
Old school giving town of Veblen a boost
It’s been informally named the Veblen Strip Mall, and the transformation of the former school building is indicative of the positive change happening in the small community in northeastern Marshall County.
One job that could lead to more: Hiring economic development staff
Hiring an economic development director can bring definite benefits to the community, according to several economic development leaders. But they stressed that it’s not a silver bullet, and communities should realize that this step needs to be part of a larger strategic process if it’s to be successful.