OUR VIEW: Week in review: the best, worst

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OUR VIEW

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CHEERS to news that South Dakota’s pheasant population is healthy, despite the miserable drought that his gripped this region in 2012. The Daily Republic last week reported that the state’s annual summertime pheasant survey showed that the bird count is up approximately 18 percent from 2011.

One factor was the relatively mild winter of 2011-12, but we still wondered how the drought would affect this fall’s numbers. After seeing the crops shrivel up this summer, we’re sure glad to know that our second tourist season – pheasant-hunting season – will apparently be safe this fall.

HISSES to this recent heat wave. Last week, Mitchell set a record when temperatures hit 103, which even for August is a rather steamy milestone.

Schools were dismissed, some sporting events were postponed and local residents were once again stuck seeking shelter indoors from the oppressive heat.

It’s been a long summer and we’re anxious for a few light-jacket days and a few crisp, refreshing evenings.

CHEERS to the Dakota Wesleyan University freshmen food drive, which last week netted 4,350 pounds of food.

The haul was donated to the Mitchell Salvation Army and will be put to great use.

This is a good way to introduce new students into the community, and it’s also a good way to remind local residents of the impact these students can have on Mitchell and the region.

CHEERS to the Corn Palace Festival. Once again, we feel this year’s festival was great, with nearly 6,000 people attending the concerts and uncountable numbers of people enjoying the carnival on Main Street.

We consider the Corn Palace Festival a gift from the city, meant to celebrate our agricultural history.

CHEERS to Dr. Robert McWhirter, who recently received the Community Service Award from the South Dakota State Medical Association.

The award annual goes to physicians who separate themselves through outstanding work in the area of community affairs. We think it’s fitting that it went to McWhirter, who is the first Mitchell physician to receive the award.

“Doc Mac” consistently donates his time and money for various teams, events and places in Mitchell. He is very worthy of this prestigious honor.

Tags: opinion, updates, editorials