|
(Continued from page 27)
• Nort Johnson, president of the Black Hills, Badlands & Lakes Association private tourism group, said Rapid City's high marks don't surprise him.
• "It's one of those things we maybe don't think about that really makes our corner of the world special," he said.
• However, association spokesman Robert Moffitt said in a statement that the report might not reflect changes caused by the recent oil boom in western North Dakota, and that changes might be far-reaching.
• "Air pollution is a regional problem that does not respect borders or boundaries," he said. "As we sometimes have problems with smoke from fires in Montana or Canada, likewise the pollution we create in North Dakota can end up in neighboring states. It's an issue we all need to work together to solve."
•
Excerpts from recent South Dakota editorials
The Associated Press
Argus Leader, Sioux Falls, April 20, 2013
• City kept its cool during storm
• With streets, sidewalks, roofs and yards getting cleared of branches of all size, Sioux Falls is starting to look like itself again.
• Sure, there will be gaping holes previously filled by ancient and stately trees that have provided shade and a splash of fall color. Things changed in the April ice storm of 2013.
• But just like any natural disaster, the storm brought out the good in so many people with neighbors and strangers pitching in, too. At the same time, our city's response system worked efficiently and professionally, keeping residents informed of how cleanup and the restoration of power was going. That's the way you hope it will work out when you prepare for a worst-case-scenario situation.
• City department heads, including director of public works Mark Cotter, were calm during the storm and presented orderly, sound plans to temporarily shut down streets and start clearing tree limbs and restoring power. Fire Chief Jim Sideras offered timely advice, throwing in just a little wit to remind us that even when things seem bad, it's OK to smile. The two, along with Police Chief Doug Barthel, were unflappable and showed leadership in a time when the city needed it.
• They, along with Mayor Mike Huether, held regular public briefings so that people in Sioux Falls could stay informed. We like the attitude City Hall brought to the people by telling folks it was acceptable if sidewalks didn't get cleared as soon as they should. We appreciated the approach that it was fine if the city needed to come (Continued on page 29)
|
|
