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pended license.
• Just one problem: Speeding isn't one of the violations that accumulates points. In fact, among 42 states with point systems for drivers, South Dakota is the only one in which speeding is not a points-related offense.
• Think of the lunacy behind South Dakota's current system: A driver who gets cited for failure to yield or improper passing is at risk of accumulating points and inching closer to license suspension, while a driver who routinely gets caught at speeds of 80, 90 or maybe even 100 mph does not face the same scrutiny.
• We suppose it's true that speeding drivers can be charged with reckless driving, and therefore accumulate those dreaded points. But the truth is they also might not be so charged, and there are many examples -- some famous -- to prove it.
• So those who can afford the fines can keep speeding all they want, all the while endangering the lives of others on South Dakota's highways.
• We wish Hickey luck with his legislation, and hope he follows through on his plans. We are sure his bill won't be popular with all of his colleagues, many of whom refuse to truly address some of the safety issues that plague our state's highways.
• ___
• American News, Aberdeen. Dec. 27, 2012
• Brown County Fair worth investing in
• The Brown County Fair is the crown jewel of northeast South Dakota. There is no denying that it is the event of the year, every year.
• And every king needs a castle -- that's the Brown County Fairgrounds.
• At last week's Brown County Commission meeting, we learned just how successful the fair is: The 2012 fair showed profits of more than $132,000, and in 2011, profits were $126,000.
• Brown County Fair Board members would like to see some of the fair's revenue be marked for fairgrounds improvements.
• We agree.
• State law requires that fair profits go to the county's general fund. Commissioners could set aside some general fund money for upgrades at the fairgrounds.
• There are infrastructure needs, such as additional power and water, board members said. That's the kind of work that helps attract and keep top vendors.
• We would suggest continued investment in the Larry Gerlach Grandstand, home not only to fair events and concerts, but also to rodeo and car and horse races during the year.
• When times are good, such as this year, we would like to see greater commitment to the area's successes. Not extravagant changes, mind you, but smart

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