Articles

State workers save money with fewer motel nights

PIERRE — State government employees took fewer overnight trips for work in South Dakota during each of the past three-plus years, shaving more than $1 million of lodging expenses, according to data assembled by the state Bureau of Finance and Management.

Permit transfer opens possibility for a new gold mine

PIERRE — The state Board of Minerals and Environment decided Thursday to allow the transfer by one company to another company of a permit to mine gold in an area about five miles west of Lead near the rim of Spearfish Canyon.

Big construction plans are slated for state universities

BROOKINGS — The state Board of Regents approved a new 10-year plan for capital improvements at South Dakota’s public universities Wednesday. The two rounds of projects would cost a total of $218.9 million.

Regent says state nearing ‘dangerous territory’ with tuition, fees

BROOKINGS — Escalating costs for students’ tuition and fees have pushed prices to attend South Dakota’s public universities past some neighboring states and into the region’s upper tier.

West River livestock inspections could cost more under latest plan

PIERRE — The state Brand Board shifted its plans Tuesday and proposed raising the livestock ownership inspection fee by only a dime to 90 cents per head. A public hearing will be held at 10:30 a.m. June 27 in Pierre.

State fire board gets 2nd wind

PIERRE — The state Department of Public Safety plans to revive the fire marshal’s advisory board to strengthen relationships with fire departments and firefighters across South Dakota.

Capitol might have portrait of Janklow

During his lifetime, former governor didn’t want picture.

• Bill Janklow

Counties added to goose hunt

CUSTER — The state Game, Fish and Parks Commission is proposing to add four counties to the special August hunt for reducing Canada geese populations that reside in eastern South Dakota.

Muskrat hunting would be limited under new season

CUSTER — The state Game, Fish and Parks Commission is proposing an uncharacteristic restriction for South Dakota’s new muskrat hunting season that was established by the Legislature.

Past winters still taking toll on SD deer

The initial impact came through direct mortality, followed by a wave of weaker reproduction the following springs by animals that survived but were stressed and in poor health.

Columns

MERCER: Abdnor a politican who toppled giants

Why hasn’t Jim Abdnor received the respect he would seem to have deserved? He was only the biggest political giant killer during the past half-century.

• Bob Mercer

MERCER: Federally sanctioned electricity extortion finds a roost in state

A government folly is playing out in our state’s Capitol over a wind electricity project that a group wants to build in Clark County.

• Bob Mercer

MERCER: In Capitol so wide open, who can tell real crook?

Would it be bribery of a legislator if a lobbyist or group of lobbyists operated what’s known as a drink room at a motel or hotel during session?

• Bob Mercer

MERCER: SD Legislature a stronghold for ALEC membership

South Dakota taxpayers funded legislators’ official trips to ALEC conventions and meetings for many years.

• Bob Mercer

MERCER: Newspaperman tried to run for Congress but didn't

The filing deadline came and went last month without Bill Cissell turning in his petitions. It seemed out of character for the retired newspaperman from the northern Black Hills.

• Bob Mercer

MERCER: Term limits aren't really term limits in our state

There are pluses and minuses to the term limits that South Dakota voters placed on the Legislature through the 1992 constitutional amendment.

• Bob Mercer

MERCER: To pun, all in fun — or not? Some legislative nicknames

A few weeks ago over at the Pure Pierre Politics blog this scribe posted an item requesting nicknames of legislators.

• Bob Mercer

MERCER: From the right, a quiet leader leaves South Dakota's political scene

One of South Dakota’s pre-eminent conservative women is retiring, again, from elected office. This time, Sen. Elizabeth Kraus says, she is done with the Legislature for good.

• Bob Mercer

MERCER: Some Q-and-A’s on SD’s 2012 session

The Legislature is on a two-week break until March 19 when lawmakers return for their final scheduled working day of the 2012 session. Here’s a look at some of the topics people have been discussing.

• Bob Mercer

MERCER: Two opposites find agreement on a principle

Some bills violate South Dakota's constitution, which requires a single subject in each bill, some lawmakers say.

• Bob Mercer