IN OTHER WORDS

TRONNES: Sam Tronnes Memorial Foundation thriving

The charter of the Sam Tronnes Memorial Foundation and Sam Tronnes Scholarship program since March 2006 has been a commitment to invest in the future by helping to educate our children in post-high school education and career development.

By Dave Tronnes , January 09, 2013

IN OTHER WORDS: When it comes to sanctity of life, Bible must be authority

I read with interest the “In Other Words” letter by Rev. Kristi McLaughlin in the July 31 issue of The Daily Republic. I consider myself to be a pro-life advocate, and it troubled me that Rev. McLaughlin was trying to define me and my pro-life position.

By The Rev. Keith Nash , August 07, 2012

Guest columnist guidelines

The Mitchell Daily Republic welcomes guest columnist submissions. Guest columns run under our "In Other Words" label on the editorial page.

By Editorial board , September 14, 2011

In Other Words: Record must be set straight in regard to biotech debate

I am writing in response to your front-page article in the Friday, Nov. 12, Daily Republic titled “Biotech debate leads to church fracture.” As an ELCA pastor serving farm communities, I wish to set the record right.
First is the charge that the draft statement condemns the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). I have read the document, and that statement is inaccurate. Bishop Bill Rindy of eastern North Dakota put it well. “The draft does not condemn GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

By Mindy Ehrke , November 27, 2010

Opinion: Don’t trust City Council on tree ordinance; vote ‘yes’

Recently, The Daily Republic printed an opinion piece from Mel Olson. He was trying to urge the people of Mitchell to vote “no” on the ordinance that would protect city-owned land around the lake. I wasn’t going to respond to the article. I was hoping common sense would prevail.
However, during the Oct. 18 City Council meeting the ordinance was discussed. I didn’t hear anything that made any sense. I feel the whole discussion was used to grab headlines and scare the voter into voting “no” on the ordinance.

By Terry Timmins , October 26, 2010

In Other Words: Materials in archives are unique and irreplaceable

October is Archives Month in South Dakota and in much of the United States. It provides an opportunity to celebrate our history and share our memories. But misconceptions prevent people from appreciating the wonders of archives.
One common misconception is that archives contain old stuff that’s hidden away that no one is allowed to use. The reality is that archives are busy, vibrant places filled with treasure troves of information, photos, letters, books, scrapbooks, films, tapes, vinyl records and CDs. While some materials are old, others are new — the latest issues of the DWU student newspaper and the campus newsletter are routinely added to the archives.

By Laurie Langland , October 07, 2010

Opinion: Foot-dragging on energy legislation must stop

On April 23, a national movement started in Aberdeen by sending one of the wind blades manufactured at Molded Fiber Glass on a journey to voice America’s overwhelming support for comprehensive clean energy legislation in Washington, D.C.

By Jennifer Slaight-Hansen , September 09, 2010

Opinion: States’ religious liberty has been compromised

I want to thank Bob Duffett for his well-researched guest editorial regarding the mosque controversy. But I have to take issue with his conclusion “that America is still the home of the brave and religiously free.”

By Steven 'Sibby' Sibson , August 27, 2010

In Other Words: Stand up, let all military members serve openly

Many of us have read the Barry Goldwater quote: “You don’t have to be straight to shoot straight,” but I can vouch for the reality of this statement.
Prior to March of this year, I served for nine years in the South Dakota Army National Guard, deployed in 2003 and 2004 to Iraq as an E-4 Bridge Engineer, and served with people I knew who were openly gay and lesbian. Their sexual orientation had no impact on their ability to defend their country — or to watch my back. I wasn’t sitting on guard duty thinking about who they love; I sat on duty thinking about protecting the lives I was entrusted to guard.

By Leighann Dunn , August 20, 2010

In Other Words: How many lives must be sacrificed for fuel?

When gas prices rise again this summer, will you be surprised? As much as we take for granted our access to supplies of petroleum, we’ve always known fossil fuels were limited and a source of dangerous air pollution.
We saw it in 1973 with the first Arab oil embargo and again in 1979 with the second oil embargo. Our most respected military leaders tell us our dependence on coal and oil weakens our security and causes climate change that will lead to more military conflicts in the future.

By Richard Hegdahl , May 13, 2010

In Other Words: Today’s teachers leave legacies in many ways

“A Legacy of Excellence” was the theme of the Mitchell School District Employee Recognition Ceremony. This theme prompts me to reflect on teachers who influenced me. One was never in my classroom, and his legacy is forever in my lineage. Uncle Jack (my late father’s younger brother) was born in 1929 in rural North Dakota. Per my request, I had him write a few notes about his and dad’s school days.

By Neil Putnam , May 06, 2010

In Other Words: We have a responsibility to prevent child abuse

According to statistics released by Prevent Child Abuse America, the nation’s leading child abuse prevention organization, each year more than 3 million children in the United States are reported abused or neglected. Approximately 1 million of these cases are confirmed. While it is important to take note of these statistics and learn from them, it is essential that we as a community prevent child abuse and neglect from happening in the first place. That is what April’s observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month is all about. The following information was obtained through the International Child Abuse Network (Yes ICAN).

By Brenda Schulte , April 15, 2010

In Other Words: Wooded lot near lake is a beautiful piece of Mitchell, must be preserved

People go for a ride after church and always around the lake. They take that drive year-round, especially summer, when it is spectacular. When family is in town, they want to show them around the area. Going down North Harmon past those tall pines is one of the prettiest drives in town. Their family loves it and it makes the residents proud of their town. This is why we need to keep the city’s trees on North Harmon Drive.

By Alice Claggett , February 17, 2010

In Other Words: Banks on the level

It is very disappointing to read article after article about bankers walking away with taxpayers’ money and receiving big bonuses.
While I don’t pretend to understand the bonus systems in place in some of the large financial institutions, (which the press constantly refers to as “banks” when, in fact, many are brokerage houses and mortgage companies), I do know a little about how South Dakota community banks work and how they are managed.

By Lance Koth , December 24, 2009

In Other Words: Preschool plans oversold, unproven and unrealistic

State Sen. Tom Dempster of Sioux Falls continually repeats that no one questions the importance of preschool in a child’s development, stating, “No one can doubt that investments in early education do for a child or the society in which they grow.” (Nov. 27; “In Other Words: State can’t afford not to fund preschool for low-income kids.”)

By Cindy Flakoll , December 10, 2009