OUR VIEW: Week in review: the best and worst

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OUR VIEW

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CHEERS to election season and the democratic process in general. Local voters have a lot on their plate in the coming months, including a busy mayoral race. Last week, the Davison County Auditor’s Office announced that early voting has begun, and that voters can cast their ballots at the Auditor’s Office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until June 4, the day before the election. For those who opt to vote in the traditional way, voting will be June 5. Either way, we urge Mitchell residents to take part in the process this year. It only takes a few minutes, and it feels good to have your voice heard. However, remember that the deadline to register to vote in the June 5 election is May 21, so if you haven’t yet registered, please do so soon.

CHEERS to prom season. Mitchell’s prom was Saturday, and we know of many others that already have been held. As of this writing, we have heard of no unfortunate or tragic prom-related events, and we pray it can stay that way. Irresponsible behavior during prom season shouldn’t be tolerated, and we appreciate those who work to make proms safe. Times have changed, and we think for the better.

HISSES to the news that South Dakota’s infant mortality rate is on the rise. According to a report last week in The Daily Republic, the state rate increased from 6.71 deaths per 1,000 births in 2009 to 7.04 in 2010, the most recent year for which statistics are available. The good news is that Gov. Dennis Daugaard has assembled a task force to help remedy the problem.

CHEERS to the patriotism shown at last week’s Air Force band concert. At the end of the performance, the band — the Air Force’s Brass in Blue group — played a stirring medley that included the songs from all of the United States’ military branches. The band asked veterans to stand during their particular branch tune, and when they did, it stirred no little pride among those in attendance. We appreciate those veterans, and everyone who attended that concert, for that matter. Hearing the patriotic songs and many other classic tunes — “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” for instance — made for a fun evening.

CHEERS to the rain, which has soaked the landscape, filled the creeks and instilled a bit of optimism among the region’s crop and livestock producers. We don’t even mind the accompanying chilly temps much, and if that’s the necessary tradeoff, we’re happy to make it.

Tags: opinion, updates, editorials