Thursday 5/16

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The U.S. Senate has passed an amendment blocking the Corps of Engineers from charging fees to access water in upper Missouri River reservoirs.

The effort spearheaded by senators from the Dakotas and Montana is part of the 2013 Water Resources Development Act, which now goes to the House.

The corps has proposed a fee system that would designate some water in the reservoirs as surplus because it hasn't been used for purposes authorized when dams were built.

The senators say the proposed fees would violate states' rights to waters that naturally flow through their boundaries. The states have promised to sue if fees are charged.

The corps has issued free permits to tap surplus water to oil drillers and other industrial users until a national policy is developed.

 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Federal Reserve says farm income growth slowed across the Plains and western states in the first quarter as costs increased and the drought lingered.

The nation's central bank branch in Kansas City, Missouri, said Wednesday that the growth in farm income has slowed this year because farmers and ranchers are dealing with higher costs.

Bankers expect farm income to weaken further in the region over during the second quarter.

But land values continued to increase in the first quarter on top of several years of significant growth. Cropland values rose 20 percent over 2012, and ranchland values grew 14 percent.

The 10th Federal Reserve District covers Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado, northern New Mexico and western Missouri.

 

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa drivers will be able to renew their driver's licenses online under a bill signed into law by the governor.

Governor Terry Branstad signed the bill Wednesday. It allows drivers between 18 and 72 to renew their driver's licenses through the state Department of Transportation's website without passing a vision test. The bill also extends the time licenses are valid from five years to eight years.

Drivers previously could only renew their license at a county treasurer or DOT office. Branstad says the law will save Iowa residents time.

Iowa Department of Transportation Director Paul Trombino stood with the governor Wednesday and called the measure a top priority. He says the new online system will be available this summer

 

MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — A record-setting amputee athlete from South Dakota has died after losing a second battle with cancer.

Kober Funeral Home says 23-year-old Hunter Bork died Tuesday at a Vermillion hospital. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Bork lost his left leg to cancer shortly after high school and used a prosthetic leg while competing for Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell from 2009-11. In 2011 he set an American high jump record at the U.S. Paralympics competition.

The Daily Republic newspaper reports (http://bit.ly/13yNk5o ) that Bork's cancer went into remission after his leg was amputated but it returned in 2011.

DWU track and field coach Pat Belling and athletic director Curt Hart say Bork was an inspiration to many people.

 

 

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

*"Groundbreaking Reads" is the theme of the Yankton Community Library's 2013 Adult Summer Reading Program.  Explore not only groundbreaking books but topics such as the Underground Railroad, Bucket Lists, and obituary writing, a cemetary walk, and much, much more.  Dig into other underground phenomena and activities like composting and tuber cooking.  The 2013 Summer Reading Program is open to all adults with programs, prizes, special events, and book discussions.  The adult program will begin on May 20 and run through August 2.

 

*The city of Vermillion is seeking interested citizens to fill one expired term on the Housing Authority Board of Directors.  Board terms are 5 years and expire in June.  Interested Vermillion citizens can complete and submit a City board expression of interest form.  Forms must be returned to City hall, 25 Center Street, by 5pm June 7, 2013.  Please call 605-677-7050.

 

*The Chamber Ambassadors Committee will be representing Yankton Chamber businesses by distributing promotional items at the Czech Days Parade in June 21st and at Yankton Riverboat Days on August 16.  If your business has trinkets that you would like us to pass out to the crowd, please drop off at the Yankton Chamber & Visitors Center, 803 E. 4th St. by June 17.  Trinkets will also be used for the upcoming Riverboat Days Parade in August.  Please no paper items or brochures.  If you can volunteer time to walk with the float on June 21 and/or on August 16, please contact us at 605-665-3636 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

*The Healthy Yankton Community Garden invites gardeners still wishing to reserve garden plots to make reservations as soon as possible.  Contact Angie O'Connor, Avera Sacred Heart Community Wellness Coordinator, at 605-668-8590.  Garden plots will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.  Garden plots are approximately 12 ft. by 18 ft.  The registration fee is $20 per plot and the garden is now open!  The Community Garden is located along Yankton's West City Limits Road, on the Marne Creek West City Park, which shares a parking lot with the Dog Park.

 

*The Yankton Parks Advisory Board would like to take time this spring to remind Yankton dog owners to be responsible and obey the local ordinance for dog waste.  The ordinance states, the person in control of any dog shall be required to remove and properly dispose of any fecal material deposited by said animal on public property or property other than the property of the dogs owner.  This would include fenced in ball fields in the community's parks system that some citizens use a private off-leash dog parks.  This will help keep the park environment and other peoples property clean so that dogs, children and adults are happy and healthy.  Pet waste left behind can transmit harmful diseases to other pets and children.

 

*The City of Yankton and the Yankton Tobacco Education Coalition reminds all citizens that the Yankton Parks are tobacco-free.  The primary reasons for supporting tobacco-free parks are the health risks related to exposure to secondhand smoke, the peer influence on the community's youth through role modeling, and the environmental impact due to littering.  The environmental impact of leaving cigarette butts on the ground is of concern also.  Cigarette butts on the ground are unsightly and take away from the beauty of the community's parks just as any litter does.  There are also the potentially deadly effects on toddlers if the butts are ingested.  Please do your part to keep Yankton's parks tobacco and liter FREE. Thank You.

 

*When pranks and destructive fun go over the line, it's not fun-it's a crime.  Broken glass, graffiti, theft, arson, willful damage, and on-site substance abuse are all types of problems the City of Yankton Parks Department would like citizens help in stopping.  These and other acts of vandalism are deliberate assaults on private and public property in Yankton.  They cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair and they degrade our efforts to provide high quality parks and facilities.  If you think vandalism isn't your problem, think again.  Here are a couple reasons why vandalism hurts:
-Vandalism destroys what your tax dollars have created
-Vandalism takes dollars away from recreational programs and facilities
Help stop Vandalism:
-Always call 911 to report any crime in progress, including vandalism
-If you have information about a crime that has occurred in a park, but that does not require an immediate police response, please call 605-668-5210
-If you want to remain anonymous, you may want to call Yankton Crime Stoppers at 605-665-4440

 

*The VCDC is the sponsor for Free Fridays at the National Music Museum throughout the month of May.  Wind down after a busy week by touring the galleries of this amazing museum, located here in our own community!

 

*Rummage or yard sales signs, advertising signs, posters, or notices of any kind must be posted on private property.  For the safety of all drivers and pedestrians signs cannot be posted in boulevards, attached to utility poles, street signs, street trees, light poles, or be placed in parks.  A good general rule is to keep signs to the inside of the public sidewalk or fifteen feet from the roadside curb if there is no sidewalk.  Signs posted in the public right of way will e removed.  For more information on sign placement and permits, visit cityofyankton.org or call 605-668-5251.

 

* The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers and the National Park Service has reopened.  Hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm.  the center is located on Nebraska Highway 121 near the Gavins Point Dam.

 

*The city of Vermillion is hosting a Citizens Academy in spring 2013 for citizens over the age of 18.  The Citizens Academy is a free, hands-on, interactive public information program that allows citizens an insight into City services and the functions of City Departments.  Applications are available at City Hall or online at www.vermillion.us.  Vermillion residents are give first consideration.  Class size is limited to 20 participants.

 

*Are you having trouble with a certain feature of Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter?  Do you need a quick tutorial on uploading photos, poking someone, or adding online friends? Then the new "Book a Librarian"program is for you! This program allows you to schedule 15 minutes to go over a problem you are having with your social media sites.  Please call the library and ask for either Tonya or Dana is order to schedule your session.  The program is free of charge.  668-5275

 

*Calvary Kids Preschool is now taking registrations for the 2013-2014 school year.  Preschool classes for children ages 3,4, and 5 and Junior Kindergarten classes are offered.  This Christ-centered program will provide a quality education for your child.  Students learn through reading and writing centers, SmartBoard activities, art projects, field trips, and more.  Please call 665-5594 for additional information.

 

*The Clay-Union Foundation is seeking 1-2 adult board members from Union County, to be on the board of directors.  The board meets 5-6 times a year, oversees the scholarship program, and provides input on local needs.  The board members also help with the annual bike ride in Elk Point, there are 5 board members from Clay County, with 2 board members terms ending in May.  For more information about being a board member, please call John Gille at 605-421-5050 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and request an application.

 

*The Yankton Boys & Girls Club is looking for community feedback about the Boys & Girls Club.  Please help them out with planning for the future and take a couple minutes to fill this survey out at htts://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2YBBL9D

 

* US Senator John Thune is currently seeking hard-working college students to serve as interns in his office in Washington D.C. as well as in his offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls.  Interns in Thune's state offices will participate in constituent service and state outreach activities, while students in the Washington, D.C. office will have the opportunity to witness the legislative process, give Capitol tours, and attend Senate votes and hearings.  Both in-state and Washington, D. C. internships will allow students to work closely with constituents, hone their research and writing skills, and learn a multitude of valuable office skills.  Thune is a member of the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Budget; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and Finance.

 

*The Vermillion Area Community Foundation is accepting proposals for projects to improve our community.  Forms for submitting proposals by groups or organizations are available at the Chamber of Commerce office.  While funds available are limited they can fully fund small one time requests or partially fund larger projects.  Your annual donations to their Foundation will provide them with increasing funds each year for worthwhile projects.

*Business After Hours: Are you looking for an opportunity to showcase your business and network with your peers? Sign up to host a Business After Hours event! These events generally run from 5:00-7:00 pm on a weeknight and the hosting business provides hours d'oeuvres and refreshments. If interested, please contact Ann at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or at 624-5571.

 

The South Dakota Highway Patrol has sobriety checkpoints scheduled in May in the following couties: Brown, Charles Mix, Clay, Codington, Day, Gregory, Hughes, Jackson, Lake, Pennington, Roberts, Spink, Walworth and Yankton.

 

 

EVENTS:

Thursday, May 23

Poppy Day: American Legion Auxiliary volunteers will distribute the familiar red, handcrafted poppies honoring America's war dead designated as Poppy Day by Wallace American Legion Auxiliary Unit in Vermillion.

 

Preservation Celebration will take place at the W.H. Over Museum starting at noon.  Lunch will be provided during the noon hour.

• Jim Wilson will start with a presentation on historic brick, and Bob Hanson, the accomplished traditional mason from Yankton will be on hand for some follow-up commentary.
• The mid-afternoon program will be an informal and evolving discussion of the role of trees in our development of this landscape, with some focus on various tree species and particular uses for their wood, a brief history of lumber-milling technology, some fun with models of timber-framing details, and finally, a chance to push some sharp woodworking planes through samples of local woods.
• The audience has been carefully seeded with a range of expertise, so this free-wheeling discussion is bound to be fascinating.
• Joe Reiser has been persuaded to cook an evening meal and his barbecue is the real thing.  Then Jim Stone will give an update on his on-going survey of historic barns of Clay County and unveil a half-inch scale model of a barn that he's just completed.
• Clay County Historical Preservation Commission publications will be available free of charge.

 

 

Friday, May 24

The South Dakota Pork Producers Council and The Meat Lodge will be grilling up and serving delicious pork loin sandwiches and ribs from 4pm until it's all gone! Located at 801 Mariner Lane, Yankton SD.  Check out the new location and enjoy some Great Pork!

 

 

Friday-Monday, May 25-27

The South Dakota Kayak Challenge is set, and more than 150+ racers from across the US are coming to Yankton to take part in this event.  RAcers registration will take place in Riverside Park, Friday, May 25.  The race begins Saturday, May 26 at 7am.  The race is 72 miles and competitors have 30 hours to complete it.  Welcome these racers to Yakton and wish them good luck! Learn more about the race at www.sdkayakchallenge.org.

 

 

Sunday, May 26th

Vendor fair from 10-6pm @ Corps of Discovery Welcome Center 2 mi. south of Yankton on Hwy 81.  Come out, enjoy spring, sunshine, and food vendors.  Bring your lawn chairs and stay awhile! Shop the unique handmade craft shop.

 

Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton will be having a Dedication Celebration for their new addition.  The dedcation service will be at 10am followed by a meal.  If you are not able to attend the service there will be an Open House from 2-4pm at the church.

 

Join the Larry Highland Memorial Trap Shoot.  The shoot will take place at the Yankton Isaak Walton Trap field located 6 miles east of Yankton on Hwy 50.  The event will include 100/16 yard, and 100/handicap targets.  Practice begins at 9am, and the competition starts at 10am.  Lunch and prizes provided by the Highland family.  For more information call Jim at 605-660-2443.

 

 

Wednesday & Thursday, May 29 & 30

True Beauty Boot Camp at The Spa at Wynie Mae's, 25 W. Main Vermillion for ages 812 and 13-17.  Call 605-658-1234 for ticket information.

 

 

 

Saturday, June 1

2nd annual Taste & Tour in downtown Vermillion will showcase a dozen businesses & raise funds for the paws at Heartland Humane Society from 6:30-9:30pm.  Tickets go on sale soon & can be purchased at the shelter, Vermillion Chamber, or Nook n' Cranny in Vermillion.  Food, beverages, sale items, and much more.

 

Upper Deck Bar & Grill, Yankton 2nd annual charity Poker Run for Yankton Sack Pack.  Register: 11am-12noon.  All vehicles welcome. Entry Fee: $15.  FREE T-shirt to first 100 people.  10% of entry fees for Best Hand; $25 Worst Hand; Auction 50/50 & Gun Raffle-open to the public.  Food provided before and after the run at Upper Deck Bar & Grill.

 

Discovery Days in historic Downtown Vermillion from 8am-2pm.  On Main Street from market to Center Streets there will be retail specials, food specials and family/kid games/events.

 

Don't miss Rhubarb Days at W.H. Over Museum from 10-11:30am.  Tastings, recipe entries, quilt lecture by Dr. Virginia Johnson, Quilt display, apron display (new/old), and Rudy & Ruby (The Rhubarbs) present in cutout form for photographs.  South Dakota magazine has dubbed FREE event the "Pucker Party"!

 

Sanford Vermillion's Bikes & Babes Rally 4 Miracles(a motorcycle themed event for the entire family).  Starts at 10am at Vermillion Walmart; ends at J&L Harley Davidson.  Registration 9-9:45am; registration is $25 and includes a long sleeved t-shirt, poker card and hand, chance to win door prizes and admission to the Argus Leader RibFest.  Contact Jill 605-638-8465.

 

Roller Dollz skating in Yankton.  Doors open @ 6pm, bout starts @ 7pm.  Tickets $12; all kids 10 and under FREE!  Sioux Falls Roller Dollz vs. A-Town Roller Girls from Aberdeen. Located at the 4h Building at the Yankton Fair Grounds.  Proceeds to benefit the United Way & Volunteer Services of Greater Yankton.  Tickets available at Mojo's, O'Malleys, HyVee, KDAM Radio, anytime online at www.rollerdollz.com, or purchase tickets at Classic Hits 106.3!

 

Valiant Warriors 5K Run/Walk Relay for Life at 9am. Located at Lewis and Clark Trail.  Sign up at All Sport Central: www.allsportcentral.com

 

 

Friday, June 7

Pioneer Memorial Foundation will host its 7th Annual Golf fundraising event at the Bridges at Beresford Golf Course, Beresford, SD.  Event is a four-person, nine-hole Best Ball Scramble with a 1pm shotgun start.  $60 per person fee includes golf, shared cart, clubhouse drink ticket and meal following golf.  LOTS of pin and door prizes and prizes for winners in each flight.  All proceeds will help projects of Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services, Viborg, SD.  For full details check www.pioneermemorial.org, or contact Brendyn Richards @ 605-326-5161, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

 

Thursday, June 13

An evening of Bluegrass Music with David Davis & the Warrior River Boys @ 7pm at the Washington Street Arts Center, 202 N. Washington St. in Vermillion.  $10 for advance tickets or $12 at the door.  Call for advance tickets: 877-621-4118.  Sponsored by The East River & Missouri Valley Bluegrass Music Association and the Vermillion Area Arts Council.

 

 

Saturday, June 15

Save the date for the 2nd annual Westreville Festival at the Pleasant Valley Church Located at 45918 308th St., Vermillion.  The event will kick off at 8am with a 5K or 10K run or walk and a walk to "Historical Cemeteries"in the Westreville area.  Kids events will begin at 9am and include a one mile bike ride or run followed by some Dad's vs. kids competitions.  The Pleasant Valley ladies will again be providing coffee, pies, and other sweets beginning at 9:30am in the church basement.  It promises to be a fun-filled morning.

 

16th Annual Homeless Shelter Golf Tournament: 4 person 18-hole Scramble; $60/person at Fox Run Golf Course.  Tee Times start at 12noon, lunch served 11-5.  Pin prizes awarded at each hole throughout the course! Flights for Men's, Women's, and mixed teams! TOURNAMENT OPEN TO ALL! For tee times call Stacy at 605-660-3332.

 

 

Friday, June 21

Dalesburg Midsummer Festival at Dalesburg Lutheran Church.  The annual celebration of Scandinavian & rural heritage includes a Smorgasbord supper, musical performances and more.

 

 

Saturday, June 22

Pink Ladies Tee Off against Cancer Golf Tournament.  Show your support for loved ones who are fighting cancer & for those who we have lost!

• Sponsor a Hole: $50 per sign; contact Pam at 605-940-3217.
• Get a Pink titleist Golf Bag: 1 for $5 or 3 or $10
• Drawing to be held, need not be present to win
• Pink apparel required
• contact Jane at 605-665-1902 or 605-760-3862