Our View: Week in review

Talk about it

CHEERS to the city for its decision to make a head-on attack of the mosquito population that has been ravaging Mitchell lately. Some are saying they’ve never seen it so bad when it comes to the pesky bugs, and we have to agree. It doesn’t matter where you live in Mitchell or where you are, the mosquitoes have been terrible this past week, and their tiny and annoying partners in misery — gnats — have been equally bothersome. Although we suspect the city’s spraying program will make some headway, we suggest folks use plenty of mosquito repellent in the coming weeks to avoid not only a body pocked with annoying and itchy mosquito bites, but also as a way to steer clear of West Nile virus. And as far as repelling gnats, those tiny flying hellions seem to have a strong dislike for vanilla extract and, for some reason, the muscle pain reliever Absorbine Jr.

CHEERS to the Mitchell Girls Fastpitch Association for its recent purchase of four portable home-run fences, which were put into use for the weekend’s Lowell Rang Memorial Tournament. The fences are made of PVC pipe and are collapsible, even coming equipped with foul poles. Their purpose is to bring the fences in closer to better accommodate the fastpitch game. Cost of the temporary — and reusable — fencing was $15,000. We think it’s great when local organizations make a commitment to betterment, and that certainly is the case with the fastpitch boosters. It wasn’t long ago that fastpitch appeared to be a dying sport here in Mitchell; but in recent years, there has been a resurgence, thanks to dedicated boosters who first reintroduced the game to local girls and now have spent much effort to see it grow.

CHEERS to South Dakota’s buffalo producers, who have once again put the state atop the national buffalo production rankings. According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the numbers for 2009 show that South Dakota has 38,500 buffalo, more than double the number in No. 2 Nebraska and No. 3 North Dakota. Yes, buffalo can be a profitable venture for those who choose to raise the noble beast, but we enjoy seeing buffalo on the state’s prairies as a reminder of South Dakota’s old west heritage.

CHEERS to news that the U.S. Air Force has selected Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City as home to one of two new squadrons that operate unmanned aerial vehicles. We like this decision for two reasons. First, we can remember in the not-sodistant past when Ellsworth’s future was in doubt. Ellsworth is just too important to western South Dakota’s economy to see it close. Second, we think the idea of unmanned vehicles during wartime is a great way to save American lives. We hope the program prospers.

HISSES to the miserable conditions that are plaguing residents of this region, including in Wessington Springs and Woonsocket, where floodwaters rushed through last week. Some towns are just prone to flood, and that has been especially so throughout South Dakota’s history. But it really grabs one’s attention when floods strike in towns that seemingly are immune to the menace of rising water. Good luck to all who are dealing with water troubles. Our thoughts are with you, and we hope it isn’t long before things dry out somewhat.

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