OUR VIEW: Week in review: The best and worst

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CHEERS to the good news that came our way last week from the state Department of Game, Fish and Parks. The Daily Republic reported that license sales for hunting and fishing were only down about 1 percent from Nov. 28, 2010, to Nov. 28, 2011. Generally, such a decrease wouldn’t be much to cheer about, but this has been an odd year for South Dakota sportsmen. The floods that plagued the Missouri River certainly didn’t do much to convince anglers to come to the state, and we assumed reports of a decreased pheasant population would have meant fewer hunters this fall. Even though it’s a slight decrease, we consider this good news – no, make that great news.

CHEERS to the Miner Count Development Corporation and the Rural Learning Center in Howard for recently being awarded the 2011 National Smart Growth Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The award is given to five communities across the country whose innovative policies and strategies strengthen their economies, provide housing and transportation options and protect the environment. For example, the Rural Learning Center’s Maroney Commons building was built using environmentally friendly techniques, including solar panels, a wind turbine and a rainwater capture system. This is forward thinking, and it’s neat to hear that it’s happening in Miner County, South Dakota.

CHEERS to the long-range shooting abilities of Dakota Wesleyan University basketball player Amanda Hart, who currently leads the nation in 3-point baskets per game. As of late last week, the Alexandria native had made 27 3-pointers through six games, averaging 4.5 per contest. That’s good for No. 1 in NAIA Division II. It’s not often one of our region’s athletes can lead the nation, so this is unique. It also makes us remember another Alexandria player from Wesleyan who was adept at outside shooting — Jenny Bridge, who was also one of the nation’s best from long range and who played at Wesleyan from 2003 to 2006.

CHEERS to the city of Mitchell’s recent announcement that the Charlie Daniels Band will be playing at the 2012 Corn Palace Festival. It seems the city has been hitting home runs lately with its festival acts, and this is another great score. Daniels, of course, was made famous for his song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and also for his band’s appearance in the 1980s movie “Urban Cowboy.” Also signed so far for 2012 are Micky Dolenz, Gary Puckett, the Turtles, the Grass Roots and the Buckinghams. This is a good, solid start for the festival and we look forward to learning who the other acts will be in 2012.

Tags: opinion, editorials