OUR VIEW: Week in review: the best and worst

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CHEERS to the addition of another drug dog in the region. The Daily Republic reported last week on Ajax, a Belgian Malinois breed who recently joined the force in the Jerauld County Sheriff’s Office. We have seen drug dogs work up close during demonstrations in Mitchell and consider them a great asset to the region. Aeros, a dog who works with Trooper John Lord of the state Highway Patrol, already has been on duty for some time in the immediate Mitchell area, and the addition of Ajax up in Jerauld County should give regional officers a great one-two punch when it comes to stopping drug traffic in central South Dakota.

HISSES to the forest fires that are decimating the American West. Colorado can’t seem to catch a break with its various fires, and entire neighborhoods are burning up as the result. Here in South Dakota, the Crow Peak Fire has burned for more than a week near Spearfish and another fire between Sheridan Lake and Rapid City has been a menace to both man and nature. These hot, dry conditions are just plain bad news, whether it’s in the mountains or on the prairies, where the corn crop is slowly shriveling. We need some rain, and right quick.

CHEERS to the “Brush of Kindness” event held last month in Mitchell. The program is a service to help homeowners in need of assistance by panting houses and helping with basic yard work and other repairs. Recently, employees from Wells Fargo Bank volunteered alongside Habitat for Humanity volunteers to paint a home. This is real community spirit, and we’re glad to see it happening in Mitchell.

CHEERS to Mitchell native Katie Price, who recently competed in the Olympic time trials. Price, the former Katie Budahl, is a Mitchell High graduate and former member of the Mitchell Aquatics Club. She competed in the time trials in Omaha, Neb. There are so many great athletes from Mitchell and the region that sometimes, it’s hard to keep track of them. But they are out there, still working hard and still keeping their dreams alive. They deserve commendation for their efforts, and for making their community proud.

CHEERS to summertime travel. We hope readers have noticed our new Saturday series dedicated to nearby vacation spots. There’s nothing like a short vacation to a new place to revive the spirits, and The Daily Republic’s series has showcased some interesting sites worthy of a visit. No matter if you visit one of those places or simply spend a day in the shade of a tree at Lake Mitchell, we urge folks to get out of the house and give themselves a break. Before long, the chilly winds of fall will begin, and these days, and their opportunities, will be lost.

Tags: opinion, updates, editorials