The South Dakota Standard

Greetings.

Welcome to the launch of The South Dakota Standard! Tom Lawrence and I will bring you thoughts and ideas concerning issues pertinent to the health and well-being of our political culture. Feel free to let us know what you are thinking.

The quality of the water in our South Dakota waterways gets an F. There seem to be no signs of improvement

Jan 3

Jan 3 The quality of the water in our South Dakota waterways gets an F. There seem to be no signs of improvement

Noem’s legacy as she gets ready to leave South Dakota? Pretty much ho-hum, particularly when it comes to the economy.

Jan 2

Jan 2 Noem’s legacy as she gets ready to leave South Dakota? Pretty much ho-hum, particularly when it comes to the economy.

For couples seeking financial guidance, seek someone with experience dealing with family matters

Jan 1

Jan 1 For couples seeking financial guidance, seek someone with experience dealing with family matters

U.S. Dept. of the Interior withdraws mineral claims for a portion of Rapid Creek watershed in the Black Hills.

Dec 31

Dec 31 U.S. Dept. of the Interior withdraws mineral claims for a portion of Rapid Creek watershed in the Black Hills.

We celebrate Jimmy Carter. He achieved almost all his goals in a long, good life of service to state, nation and world

Dec 30

Dec 30 We celebrate Jimmy Carter. He achieved almost all his goals in a long, good life of service to state, nation and world

Rural economy forecast for 2025: Not so hot. Trump’s policies will add to a long list of headwinds and uncertainties.

Dec 29

Dec 29 Rural economy forecast for 2025: Not so hot. Trump’s policies will add to a long list of headwinds and uncertainties.

For decades, Aberdeen residents have been served low-quality, foul-tasting water. When will that be fixed?

Dec 28

Dec 28 For decades, Aberdeen residents have been served low-quality, foul-tasting water. When will that be fixed?

A wish for this special season: South Dakota should retain the Brockhouse taxidermy collection

Dec 27

Dec 27 A wish for this special season: South Dakota should retain the Brockhouse taxidermy collection

The market has had a nice run during the Biden administration. Will it follow suit after Trump takes over?

Dec 26

Dec 26 The market has had a nice run during the Biden administration. Will it follow suit after Trump takes over?

How to make this a truly merry and fulfilling Christmas: Don’t succumb to the pressures that can bring the holiday blues

Dec 25

Dec 25 How to make this a truly merry and fulfilling Christmas: Don’t succumb to the pressures that can bring the holiday blues

True to our region's history, we celebrate lefse, a Scandinavian holiday treat that must be enjoyed every year

Dec 24

Dec 24 True to our region's history, we celebrate lefse, a Scandinavian holiday treat that must be enjoyed every year

Financial advisor Rick Kahler: Sometimes the long history of financial planning requires couples counseling

Dec 23

Dec 23 Financial advisor Rick Kahler: Sometimes the long history of financial planning requires couples counseling

Brookings pastor Carl Kline: Bridge the gap and get in tune with life — and people and animals — to live fully and happily

Dec 22

Dec 22 Brookings pastor Carl Kline: Bridge the gap and get in tune with life — and people and animals — to live fully and happily

Former Sioux Falls mayor Rick Knobe: State Rep. Venhuizen is a conservative but not on the far-right fringe

Dec 21

Dec 21 Former Sioux Falls mayor Rick Knobe: State Rep. Venhuizen is a conservative but not on the far-right fringe

Former Aberdeen mayor Mike Levsen: A twisted legislative crusade – making life more difficult for trans people

Dec 20

Dec 20 Former Aberdeen mayor Mike Levsen: A twisted legislative crusade – making life more difficult for trans people

Gov. Noem’s grudges and pet peeves should not shape South Dakota's next state budget, says former lawmaker

Dec 19

Dec 19 Gov. Noem’s grudges and pet peeves should not shape South Dakota's next state budget, says former lawmaker

Droning on and on about drones. Is there really anything to worry about in the air? No, there really isn’t

Dec 18

Dec 18 Droning on and on about drones. Is there really anything to worry about in the air? No, there really isn’t

Rapid City financial advisor Kahler: Who’s really doing your holiday shopping? It might be your inner 4-year-old.

Dec 17

Dec 17 Rapid City financial advisor Kahler: Who’s really doing your holiday shopping? It might be your inner 4-year-old.

South Dakotans must take another stand against effort to force dangerous CO2 pipelines through state

Dec 16

Dec 16 South Dakotans must take another stand against effort to force dangerous CO2 pipelines through state

Why prices won’t go down as fast as Trump promised they would, and why he’s backtracking now that it’s reality time

Dec 15

Dec 15 Why prices won’t go down as fast as Trump promised they would, and why he’s backtracking now that it’s reality time