South Dakota was one of the first states to get on the band wagon supporting the decision to raise the price of a Powerball ticket from $1 to $2. The lottery folks said the higher price tickets would mean larger prizes. However, opponents argue that the lottery should be pushing for more prizes instead of larger prizes. Also, a look at speeding penalties and banning cell phones while driving.

Farming issues are confusing, especially for city folks. But when it comes to restrictions coming from Washington and from groups that are setting out to save the planet, both city and farm folks really should get excited and raise some cane about those “do-gooders.”

Will South Dakota go along with the recommendation of the federal safety investigators to ban cellphone use for all vehicle drivers? That is a question our legislature will have to deal with in the upcoming session that gets underway next week. As of now, our state is one of nine states with no laws prohibiting cellphone use i.e. texting, or talking behind the wheel. Is this about to change?

There are oceans of stuff, yes, stuff, on the computer that we wade through that should go straight to the trash. Then, every now and then something pops up that needs to be shared. That is the basis for today’s column. This column generally deals with and is about South Dakota issues. Today’s column tells how the American Dream is being destroyed.

Here it is, Christmas time again. Digging into my files I discovered a story entitled simply, “The Wooden Bowl,” which is most appropriate for this time of the year. While Christmas is the season for giving, it is also the season for sharing and caring. Thus, today’s column.While I have added to the original story, it hasn’t changed its meaning. You don’t have to be embarrassed if a tear pops up in your eye.

Communities across South Dakota took a look at their needs for the past several years and with the help of state and federal grants and loans some of those needs have been taken care of. However, there is one question that probably hasn’t been asked. Is our community pretty? Is our town attractive, good looking to a visitor, be he or she a family member or someone who may be looking for a town just the size of where you live to start a new business?