To everyone who sent cards, delivered food, called or prayed for our family after my brother Jeff Thomas' passing, THANK YOU!
• He fought a good fight over the last couple of years and was ready to be called home. God has blessed us with wonderful family, friends and many good memories  Thank you for your support.
• Ron & Lori Westby and family

• PIERRE, S.D. - Despite the ongoing shutdown of the federal government, all state parks and state hunting areas in South Dakota remain open, Gov. Dennis Daugaard said today.
•  "We are fortunate in South Dakota to have many outstanding state parks, from Custer State Park to Good Earth State Park, and all remain open to visitors," said the Governor.
• Unlike some other states, South Dakota does not have any state-run parks or recreation areas on federal lands, so no state facilities have been threatened with closure.
• Federal officials have announced that they have closed the federal wildlife refuge system, which includes wildlife refuges and waterfowl production areas. State Game, Fish and Parks officials are not enforcing the closure of federal lands, but will continue to conduct compliance checks for licenses and bag limits, as usual.
• Prior to the federal government shutdown, Gov. Daugaard offered state resources to keep Mount Rushmore National Monument open. The National Park Service rejected the Governor's offer saying the entire National Park System should be closed during the shutdown.