• PIERRE, S.D. - Gov. Dennis Daugaard recently announced his plan to assist South Dakota households during the current national propane shortage. The South Dakota Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is offering one-time assistance to help low-income households with critical propane needs.
• Prices of propane have increased to as much as $6.56 per gallon in some areas of the state. Current LIEAP customers who utilize propane to heat their households, who have less than $400 remaining in LIEAP benefits for the year and who have less that 20 percent of propane remaining in their tank may be eligible for additional funding.
• "This shortage of propane was unexpected, but we have measures in place that will help those most vulnerable through this crisis," said Gov. Daugaard.
• South Dakota's Low Income Energy Assistance Program sets aside five percent of LIEAP funds annually to aid in emergency situations.
• To be eligible for the state's LIEAP program, households must be below 175 percent of the federal poverty level or $41,212 for a family of four, and not eligible for tribally operated LIEAP programs. Those seeking assistance with heating their household should contact the Low Income Energy Assistance Program office at 1-800-233-8503 to see if they are eligible.

• Petitions can now be taken out for elected offices in the area. Petitions must be filed in your finance officer's office no later than 5 p.m. on February 28. Here is what is available:
• Groton City Councilmen Ward 1, 2 year; Ward 2, two year; Ward 3, 2 year; and mayor for the remaining 2 years of the 3-year term.
• One board of trustee for the Town of Frederick.
• The following positions are up for the Groton Area School District: Steve Smith, 3-year term; Joy Voss, 3-year term.
• The 3-year term of Russel Crosby is up in Claremont.
• In Columbia, terms up are the mayor and two council positions.
• One vacancy is open in Butler.