Tag: History

Commentary, South DakotaLeave a comment

The cost of free land and either-or history

Gary Dickson

Some white South Dakotans love to talk about their generational connection to the land. I’m one of them: a proud, fifth-generation descendant of Dakota Territory homesteaders.

The federal government awarded nearly 100,000 parcels of free land to South Dakota settlers via the 1862 Homestead Act and successive rounds of related legislation. Modern South Dakotans celebrate that legacy in myriad ways, including an annual State Fair ceremony honoring farms and ranches owned by the same family for 100 or more years.

Too few of us pause to consider how that must sound to Native Americans. Their connection to the land spans hundreds of generations and thousands of years. Before any white settler rushed to claim free land in western South Dakota, the federal government broke a treaty that promised to reserve all of that land as a Great Sioux Reservation. Continue reading The cost of free land and either-or history

Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Noem signs Indian Child Welfare Council and other bills into law

Gary Dickson

South Dakota will soon have a council devoted to the welfare of Native American children.

Gov. Kristi Noem signed House Bill 1232 this week, which creates the Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council. It will bring together people from the Department of Social Services, South Dakota’s nine tribes, the Legislature, and the field of child welfare for annual conversations.

Following are summaries of some other bills Noem signed into law recently as she continues to consider measures passed by the Legislature. The 2024 legislative session ended Thursday, except for one day on March 25 to consider vetoes. Noem had not vetoed any bills as of Friday afternoon. Continue reading Noem signs Indian Child Welfare Council and other bills into law

Government, South Dakota5 Comments

Courthouse Chronicles: ‘Now Where the Hell Is That State’s Attorney?’

Gary Dickson

I dropped my lovely passenger off behind the Baxter Building at the corner of 5th and Jones Streets in downtown Sioux City — a city that’s not as bad as it sometimes smells. My wife waved goodbye as I let our 2021 Hyundai Venue coast down the driveway to the alley where I turned right and half a block later, I dodged a homeless fellow looking for cans then I turned left onto Jones. I drove to 3rd Street and hung a right going by the post office, a parking ramp, the cancer center, Milwaukee Weiners, and the Hard Rock Hotel. I caught Wesley Parkway to the service road which brought me to the I-29 north entrance ramp.

In six minutes I was free of Sioux City, out of Iowa, and back into the Land of Infinite Variety, South Dakota. Tourism folks call South Dakota the Rushmore State now, but I prefer to call it by its old nickname. I think it’s far more accurate.

But I digress.

It was 8:07 a.m. Tuesday, December 12th and I was headed for Elk Point, the County Seat of Union County, South Dakota for the regular meeting of the County Board of Commissioners. Continue reading Courthouse Chronicles: ‘Now Where the Hell Is That State’s Attorney?’

Education, Government, Iowa2 Comments

Iowa lawmakers consider requiring students, teachers to sing national anthem at school each day

Gary Dickson

Iowa students would be required to sing part of the national anthem at school each day under a bill advanced Wednesday by a House Education subcommittee.

Rep. Sue Cahill, D-Marshalltown, stood and led the room in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” during her closing comments.

Cahill said she sang because “our Capitol is the perfect place to show patriotism,” but requiring the singing of the national anthem in school classrooms each day is not the best path forward as it would be “mandating patriotism for students.” Continue reading Iowa lawmakers consider requiring students, teachers to sing national anthem at school each day

Commentary2 Comments

Why requiring the national anthem in Iowa schools isn’t enough of a patriotic push

Gary Dickson

Go ahead, you wise and patriotic members of the Iowa General Assembly: Pass a law that requires the daily singing of the national anthem in schools.

House Study Bill 587 is in committee now. Fast track that thing to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ desk.

We must start converting our students into patriots before they get into the dangerous habit of critical thinking. Continue reading Why requiring the national anthem in Iowa schools isn’t enough of a patriotic push

Pondering and WanderingLeave a comment

People lock their love to Yankton’s Meridian Bridge. But that’s heavy love.

Gary Dickson

There are a lot of places to go for a hike around Siouxland. But one of the most interesting places — at least in my opinion — is the hike across the Meridian Bridge that spans the Missouri River over in Yankton.

And if you look closely at the chainlink fencing beside the pathway, you’ll notice lots of padlocks. At least there were when I hoofed it across the span the summer before last. The bridge is an interesting structure without the padlocks, though. I remember crossing over it on my way to Bogner’s Steakhouse in Crofton, NE with a date during college and family during the 1970s. I recall hearing that the bridge used to be a draw bridge of some sort at one time or another. Anyway, lovers or sweethearts, put their initials or names on these padlocks and maybe even inscribe the date. Then they throw the keys into the river. It all symbolizes unbreakable love, I guess. Continue reading People lock their love to Yankton’s Meridian Bridge. But that’s heavy love.