Senate power sharing agreement, committee assignments

On Sunday, January 12, leaders from the Senate DFL and Republican caucuses announced a historic organizing agreement to govern the work of the Senate while it exists with a 33 – 33 tie. The agreement passed as a resolution on the Senate floor on Tuesday, January 14, the first day of the 2025 session.

Local students make Dean’s List at SDSU

More than 3,900 students were recognized for their outstanding academic performance over the fall 2024 semester at South Dakota State University by being named to the dean’s list.

CHILDCARE AWARE PART 2 OF A 3 PART SERIES: Childcare Aware program awarded grant funds to assist local providers

For more than 30 years, Prairie Five has been a part of Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA). The program is a national organization that supports, they say, every part of the child care system through a network of child care resource organizations working in communities. The national organization provides research that drives policy and practice, and helps to build child care programs and providers, but also works with families and employers to find child care solutions.

Ask a Trooper: Blue Light Question…

Question: I’m wondering about a light that seems to only be on at night on the traffic lights. It’s a small purple or blueish light that’s near the traffic lights. I’ve tried to figure out what its use is or if it’s a camera. I’ve asked other people what it means and I’ve never met anyone who knows what it is. Thank you!

Montevideo City Council holds first meeting of 2025

At Monday evening’s meeting of the Montevideo City Council, new and re-elected council members took the oath of office. Re-elected council member is Bev Olson and newly elected council member is Dean Matthys. Also newly elected taking the oath of office is James Bulman.

Milan Community News

Are you staying warm? I am having trouble feeling warm enough even though the thermostat is set at 70. I guess I still have air leaks, especially when the wind is blowing 20mph out of the north or northwest. Just put on another sweater, I guess. Then Ma Nature is going to tease us on Wednesday and Thursday by warming up for a couple of days before she plunges us back into the deep freeze on the weekend. I’m sick of winter.

CCM Health Welcomes Nicole Wellendorf, MSW, LICSW to its Behavioral Health Team

CCM Health is excited to welcome Nicole Wellendorf, MSW, LICSW to their Behavioral Health team. Nicole completed her education at Washington University in St. Louis and is board certified in Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work, is a Rostered Child Parent Psychotherapy and Certified Attachment Biobehavioral Catchup clinician and is Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health certified. Nicole will begin seeing patients at CCM Health in January 2025.

Memory Care Corner: That’s Not What I Meant…

In my last article, I shared that 90 percent of communication is based on body language and tone of voice, rather than the words that are spoken. It reminded me of when I directed One Accord years ago– and after a typical Sunday service, I was always on a mission to catch someone. I always had a list of people to talk to or “kids to catch” in that short time frame between church services and Sunday School. I remember one adult told me later that during these “missions” my body language suggested to her that I was upset as I wasn’t smiling and/or greeting people as I normally did. I was shocked, yet saddened to learn that that was her perception! I can attest 100% that I wasn’t upset – I was just on a mission!

Beyond Reason: New Years Resolutions..

For three years running, Beyond Reason has considered the new year’s resolution. A new year’s resolution is just a goal, a commitment, ranging from the very specific (lose ten pounds/only eat a whole food plant-based diet/save $5000) to the very abstract (workout more/eat better/save something). In a vacuum, a new year’s resolution isn’t funny. Luckily, a new year’s resolution, however specific or abstract, involves a human. A human is funny. A human with goals is the gift that keeps on giving.