A shout out to Carrie Vosler’s letter to the editor about the negativity created seeing a Confederate flag flying from a young person’s vehicle. My out of town guests who have witnessed this were caught off guard, surprised and wondered how prevalent that sentiment is in Spearfish. It is a r…

Senator Rounds, thank you for making yourself available to some of the Spearfish community at the Bean and Vine this past Thursday, August 18. Unfortunately, since we aren’t part of your Republican base, we weren’t aware of the meeting until the coverage in the Saturday Black Hills Pioneer. …

The General Mining Law of 1872 is frequently cited as an excuse to explore for sub-surface minerals. This archaic law dates back to President Grant, a period of time when the Lakota were forced off their own land. Solitario Zinc/Golden Crest Project knows where microscopic bits of gold are l…

This Pioneer reader was happy to read the Aug. 4 article, “Kansas voters resoundingly protect their access to abortion.” It was good to read how conservative Republican Kansas voted to protect abortion rights.

Sundown towns are neighborhoods in the United States that practice a form of racial segregation by excluding non-white people via some combination of discriminatory local laws, intimidation, or violence. Informally, it means the town is not a safe place for people of color to be when the sun…

How wonderful South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks could receive 17 million a year in federal match funds, if the wildlife diversity bill is passed by Congress. This bill would help wildlife protection agencies develop a plan for protecting all species. It’s more than exciting to think our Gam…

The Michael Sanborn column criticizing Governor Noem’s campaign Ad in your July 11th 2022, issue seemed mean-spirited and unnecessarily critical. What does her Ad have to do with her record? Kristi supports all the issues that uphold the standards of most South Dakotans. As Sen. John Thune’s…

This Pioneer reader believes that abortion should be a matter for a woman, her doctor, and her God to decide. It should not be banned by big government in Pierre or in Washington. I believe that a majority in South Dakota and in America at large don’t want abortion banned.

Walking home from the dentist, I tripped and fell crossing Main Street. Thank you to the two young girls who came into the street to see if I could get up. Thank you to the beautiful blonde lady from the therapy center who walked me to a chair in the shade at Green Bean and got me a glass of…

I would like to address the condition of Tinton Road, I have been a resident of Spearfish for two years and have recently built a home in the Aspen Hills Development. Tinton road is horrendous and dangerous to drive on and the maintenance needs to be addressed. I have owned my lot for over t…

I once worked as a volunteer in the archives of the D.C. Booth National Fish Hatchery here in Spearfish. I was excited to read the Pioneer article (with pictures!) “The National Fish Hatchery System Celebrates 150 years of Conservation.” In the June 10 paper.

This election cycle we are in has truly brought out the worst in people in recent history. Elections should be about qualifications, ideals, and ideas, and not about who can sling the most mud at their opponent. I am truly sad to see members of our beloved community stooping to the levels of…

The republican party is not for the majority of the people. They refuse to pass voter rights, they seem to rig the system, gerrymandering has gotten out of control. If they don’t like the outcome of a vote they find a way to not implement the ballot measure. Does the will of the people reall…

We would like to lend our personal endorsement of Mistie Caldwell for State Representative, District 31. Mistie has demonstrated her dedication and hard work in support of her community. She is a committed leader who has dedicated her life to public service. A good listener, she is responsiv…

While the slate of candidates for District 31 (D31) Senate and House includes quality individuals, two stand out as excellent choices for voters in the June 7 Primary.

I’m writing is support to re-elect Mary Fitzgerald to the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 31.

Money talks. Why is liberal Lee Schoenbeck giving large amounts of money to District 31 candidates? Conservative bills go to the senate in South Dakota to die - led by Lee Schoenbeck of Watertown. Schoenbeck is using his bank account to get the most liberal candidates elected across South Da…

Money talks. Why is liberal Lee Schoenbeck giving large amounts of money to District 31 candidates? Conservative bills go to the senate in South Dakota to die - led by Lee Schoenbeck of Watertown. Schoenbeck is using his bank account to get the most liberal candidates elected across South Da…

As many of you know, for years I have been involved in trying to help BHSU find ways to improve its offerings to students and better secure a better financial position among the six state universities across the state. As a 2000 graduate of BHSU and a State Senator, the success of my alma ma…

We recently learned about two employees from Black Hills State University that were terminated from their jobs in the athletic program.  We had heard rumors about the terminations but were surprised when we learned that both Seth and Colleen Mischke had, for a fact, lost their jobs.

South Dakotans, do not be fooled: Amendment C on the June primary ballot is solely about preventing the expansion of Medicaid — a measure on the November ballot that has the support of a majority of state voters. Expanded Medicaid will greatly help our rural hospitals and those working citiz…

Everyone should be able to access and afford the medication they need in order to live the healthiest life possible. As drug prices have risen, insurers are shifting costs to consumers and families are suffering, unable to afford medications they need. This puts families in our state and acr…

I would like to encourage every taxpayer to vote Yes on Amendment C. What it does is requires 60% of the vote instead of only 50.1% to create a new tax, increase taxes, or include unfunded spending mandates of $10 million or more. With the increase cost of almost everything, the last thing w…

Self-proclaimed “conservative” Republican candidates are running for the Senate and House in District 31. Don’t be fooled… it’s a masquerade!

I am a retired South Dakotan who loves our state. On June 7, 2022, there will be a ballot issue titled “Amendment C” that will protect South Dakotans from future taxation by requiring a 60% vote for passage on any future ballot measures that create a new tax, increase taxes, or include unfun…

All of us that live in Lawrence County have been fortunate to have had very good representation in Pierre for many years. Legislators like Tim Johns, Bob Ewing, Fred Romkema, Kay Jorgensen, Jerry Apa, Harvey Krautchen, Jim Hood and many others.

Randy knows District 31 (Lawrence County) well, having served on the Lawrence County Commission since 2014. He listens well, is readily accessible, and communicates his point of view clearly. He is willing to listen to all sides of an issue, and does the research so that he can question poli…

Beyond a doubt, Randy Deibert is the most qualified candidate for the office of State Senate District 31. Randy has worked effectively as a Lawrence County Commissioner, during which time he has gained respect from the public as well as law makers and government officials.

Mary’s worked hard in Pierre for all of us. She does what she says – she’s not in Pierre to be a politician. I’m honored Mary supported a bill to toughen up drug distribution penalties, which many admitted was needed, but few were willing to implement. Mary understands our needs in the North…

I am writing this letter to voice my support for Pat West for Meade County Sheriff. I am a resident of Meade County and a current law enforcement officer of over 16 years.