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is great but there are greater needs.  We all need to work to be part of the solution, not part of the problem, and I had to vote against the bill.
• On Wednesday we heard from the Vo-tech schools in Watertown, Mitchell, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls.  Their enrollment is also at record levels.  They are asking for an additional $2 million over what the Governor recommended.  They would do some scholarships, increase faculty salaries, purchase program equipment, and finance building projects if they received it.  They are having problems competing for faculty because they can make so much more money BEING a mechanic or other tradesman than they can make TEACHING the trade.  Our students suffer when the schools have troubled finding qualified teachers.
• Monday morning we heard from the Department of Labor who told us that the maximum number of weeks of unemployment that can be claimed in South Dakota is 40.  Unemployed workers only receive that if they are looking for work, and they must prove that to the department with proof of employer contacts. The department has started a new initiative to work intensively with claimants of over 10 weeks.  They require them to come to the office and help them look for jobs.  Workers involved in the construction industry are NOT required to look for work if they expect to be called back by their employer in the spring.
• You may contact me via e-mail at the state legislative address.  I'm at Rep.Wismer@state.sd.us, and phone 605/237-3086.  I welcome any input you have on the issues!  Thanks for trusting me to represent you in Pierre. 
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• Ben Hushka, 88, of Faulkton and formerly of Groton, died, Sunday, February 3, 2013 at Avera St. Luke's Hospital, Aberdeen.
• Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 9, 2013 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Faulkton. Burial will be in the Groton Union Cemetery, Groton.  Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 8, 2013 with a 6:30 p.m. rosary service and 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at the church.