Tag: History

GovernmentLeave a comment

Lack of discipline, bad weather caused Ellsworth’s $456 million B-1 bomber crash, report says

Gary Dickson

A B-1 bomber crashed at Ellsworth Air Force Base due to undisciplined leadership, unforeseen weather, and organizational culture issues. The crew’s failure to monitor critical flight data, coupled with dense fog and rapid wind changes, hindered their ability to maintain the proper path and landing speed, resulting in a $456 million loss. Addressing these cultural and communication issues is crucial to prevent future accidents. Continue reading Lack of discipline, bad weather caused Ellsworth’s $456 million B-1 bomber crash, report says

Economy, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

‘We have nothing’: Flood victims say government failures continue after botched flood warning

Gary Dickson

Residents in McCook Lake, South Dakota were caught off guard by a devastating flood on June 23, 2024, despite inadequate warning from authorities. The flood caused extensive damage, and relief efforts have been disorganized, leaving residents uncertain about the future. Many lack flood insurance and are waiting for potential FEMA assistance. Continue reading ‘We have nothing’: Flood victims say government failures continue after botched flood warning

Government, Justice, South DakotaLeave a comment

Counties hit with $74,000 in plaintiffs’ attorney fees for trying to restrict petition circulators

Gary Dickson

The Minnehaha County Courthouse and Lawrence County violated the First Amendment rights of petition circulators. They had to pay $74,000 in attorney fees and costs. The circulators were gathering signatures for measures related to abortion rights and state sales taxes. Lawyer Jim Leach represented the group in their successful lawsuit. Continue reading Counties hit with $74,000 in plaintiffs’ attorney fees for trying to restrict petition circulators

Agriculture, EnvironmentLeave a comment

Supreme Court upholds $4.75 million verdict for dairy affected by ‘stray voltage’

Gary Dickson

The Iowa Supreme Court upheld a jury’s $4.75 million award to Vagts Dairy for damages caused by electrical currents from a nearby gas pipeline. The dairy’s cattle suffered abnormal behavior, illnesses, and high mortality rates. The court’s decision rejected the gas company’s appeal, emphasizing the severity of the damages and supporting the jury’s verdict. Continue reading Supreme Court upholds $4.75 million verdict for dairy affected by ‘stray voltage’

economic development, SiouxlandLeave a comment

Makerspace, new businesses bring hope for former ‘Skid Row of the Plains’

Gary Dickson

In Whiteclay, Nebraska, the Makerspace has replaced alcohol with art, providing a place for local artisans to create and sell goods. The initiative has transformed the village, reducing alcohol-related problems and improving the local economy. However, state support is lacking, hindering the Makerspace’s full potential for positive change. Continue reading Makerspace, new businesses bring hope for former ‘Skid Row of the Plains’

Commentary1 Comment

The unsaid words that matter most in Noem’s feud with tribes

Gary Dickson

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faces challenges in her relationship with Native American tribes. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe’s ban on her entry to tribal lands prompted reflection on her rhetoric and actions. Noem’s comments about tribal leadership and drug cartels were criticized and an apology is seen as a potential path to reconciliation and improved relations. Continue reading The unsaid words that matter most in Noem’s feud with tribes

CommentaryLeave a comment

I’m taking a vacation from covering local government

Gary Dickson

I’m told it’s springtime. I would guess that is true judging from the green color of the grass and the leaves in the trees around Siouxland. I don’t want to waste any more of my time sitting in city council or county commission chambers observing our elected officials haggle over whether or not this plat has been correctly presented and dated. I’m annoyed by the one-upmanship and other games being played. So, for the next three or four or five months I leave you to your own motivations.

Continue reading I’m taking a vacation from covering local government

CommentaryLeave a comment

To whom it may concern

Gary Dickson

I’m back with another installment of To Whom It May Concern, my multi-topic opinion column about the goings-on in Siouxland, South Dakota, the nation and the world. I’d been meaning to write this earlier – like last month – but things kept getting in the way. Like my health. I had a cold which turned into a bad sinus infection that kept me in bed for most of a week with a fever. Now that I’m almost 71, stuff like that seems to hit me particularly hard. It sucks getting old. But don’t cry for me Argentina, I’ve rebounded, for the most part. Continue reading To whom it may concern

Commentary, Government, Politics8 Comments

Immigrants are not the problem. Don’t believe the propaganda.

Gary Dickson

My folks floated over the pond with the cattle down below in steerage. One was an indentured servant, another a prison guard, others were among an army of Irish who helped drive the Native people off the Mississippi River near Dubuque to claim the lead mines. Still another branch settled the sloughs around Emmetsburg about the time the last Dakota were being driven out.

Immigrants. Good and not so good. The Mulroney brothers were not a welcome sight to the existing indigenous people when Fort Dodge was still a fort.

It cannot be avoided. It’s who we are, a nation of immigrants determined to write a new story for ourselves: That we came by it all fair and square; we did not. That we earned it; we stole it. And now that we are in control, we would rather keep others out. Until we need the cheap labor. Continue reading Immigrants are not the problem. Don’t believe the propaganda.

Economy, South DakotaLeave a comment

Rapid rise in South Dakota home prices is ‘not sustainable,’ economist says

Gary Dickson

Average first-time homebuyers can expect to spend about two-fifths of their pre-tax income on a monthly payment for a house in South Dakota.

“This situation is unheard of,” said Dakota Institute CEO Jared McEntaffer.

He addressed the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development on Wednesday at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

McEntaffer called home prices one of the biggest economic issues the state faces. His analysis highlighted the decoupling of housing costs from incomes, posing a challenge for attracting new workers. Continue reading Rapid rise in South Dakota home prices is ‘not sustainable,’ economist says