South Dakota's public universities, including Dakota State University in Madison, are trying a new fall semester schedule.

Most of us don't remember much about commencement speeches at graduations ceremonies. But 73 years ago this month, U.S. Secretary of State George Marshall gave the commencement speech at Harvard College. We aren't exaggerating by saying his remarks that day changed the course of history.

The Saturday launch of a manned rocket bound for the International Space Station, for those old enough to remember, may not seem like a big deal.

Today is Monday, June 1, and the reconstruction of S. Washington Ave. in Madison is still incomplete.

South Dakota's state parks had a huge boost in visitors over the Memorial Day weekend, which suggests South Dakotans have grown tired of staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Madison and Lake county residents have an important election coming up, and we haven't shaken the hand of a single candidate yet.

We're facing an intersection of high unemployment and environmental needs. Let's respond the same way we did last time, nearly 90 years ago.

We're glad to see a charitable focus on food during the current coronavirus pandemic.

There are times when people chafe over having to file paperwork with local governments, or to document transactions, or to keep certain records about real property.

Statistics and anecdotes indicate the planting season in Lake County is off to a good start.

We admire the spirit of the Class of 2020 for making the end of their senior year memorable.

Madison's Memorial Creek enters the city from the north and exits to the southeast. Along the way, it passes through parks, residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. The stone walls are among the city's most attractive features.

Madison's Parks & Recreation Board has voted to recommend to the city commission to not open the Madison Aquatic Center this summer.

We're most familiar with the situation at the Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls, but other meat processing plants around the country have been shut down due to coronavirus outbreaks.

South Dakota officials said Friday they will continue to make a malaria drug available to treat COVID-19, even as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned against its use outside of hospital and research settings.

Just 45 days ago, we wrote that when the weather warmed up to an acceptable level, D&G Concrete Construction should work quickly to complete the S. Washington Avenue project.

Madison's city commissioners approved another phase of the city's electrical system upgrade this week as part of a multi-year plan to improve the infrastructure.

A new report issued by the Governors Highway Safety Association said pedestrian deaths rose last year to their highest level in 30 years, even as other traffic fatalities declined.

We have the opportunity to make a big, one-time impact on the economy of Madison.

The Lake County Sheriff's Office is making adjustments, like all of us, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

This year's collection of census data is a bigger challenge than most years, since census workers are hindered from home visits by the coronavirus pandemic.

One hundred thirty years ago this week, the Madison Daily Leader began publishing. We're honored to have served Madison and Lake County for all these years.

The finales of winter sports and all spring sports have now been canceled in South Dakota due to the coronavirus pandemic. That goes for both high school and college sports.

We wrote Monday about how the final day of the 2020 South Dakota legislative session would be like no other in the state's history. It lived up to that distinction, and more.

The South Dakota Legislature was meeting Monday as scheduled for something known as Veto Day. The day, however, will be like none other in our Legislature's 130-year history.

Construction crews were pouring the foundation this week for the new domestic violence shelter in Madison. With the slowdown of so much economic activity, we're glad to see this project under way.

The most vulnerable in our population to the coronavirus are those who have other health issues and the elderly. Many senior citizens check both boxes.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem issued an executive order on Monday concerning actions of South Dakotans during the coronavirus pandemic.

The latest wave of postponements appears to be local elections.

A potential task force -- created by a bill passed by the legislature, but not yet signed by the governor -- could help control future tuition costs at public universities in South Dakota.

Next week marks the 15th Sunshine Week, a time to stress the importance of open government policies at all levels. The terms "Sunshine" suggests opening up government to the light of day.

The huge reconstruction project on Madison's S. Washington Avenue is not complete, and we believe the South Dakota Department of Transportation should urge D&G Concrete Construction to work on its completion as soon as possible.

By definition, a "backup" is intended to be used if the primary person or object can't.

We've all read that today is "Super Tuesday," the day when 14 states cast primary ballots to nominate candidates for the Democratic nominee for president.

Modestly warm temperatures this week are causing creeks and rivers to flow in Lake County, which may reduce potential flooding later.

A fire last week in Hot Springs destroyed four local businesses: a quilt shop, two restaurants and an ice cream store.

The 2020 local tourism season has the potential to be a strong one.

We're eager for winter to end so we can get to work.

The Lake County Commission debated the fate of 454th Street south of Madison Tuesday (see page 1). In some ways, the dilemma is representative of paved roads throughout the county.

While buffer strips aren't universally embraced, there is little doubt as to the benefits.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed new rules that would link drone registration to uniform tracking requirements, so that those unmanned aircraft can be digitally followed from takeoff to landing.

We haven't yet heard the testimony in committee, but the introduction of House Bill 1235 in the South Dakota Legislature seems like a step in the wrong direction.

The South Dakota House passed a bill Tuesday to legalize the growing of industrial hemp in the state.

We feel for our neighboring state to the southeast over the disastrous caucuses a week ago.

South Dakota is receiving nearly $2 million in grants to help prevent and address threats of school violence.

The City of Madison has published a notice of public hearing to consider vacating a portion of N.E. 8th Street between Washington and Lee avenues. It is a one-block section between Zimmerman Hall and The Courtyard, the former Madison Community Hospital.

The Daily Leader occasionally prints announcements from local law enforcement officers warning residents to beware of financial scams.

Several Midwest states to the south and east of South Dakota will be working with the Army Corps of Engineers on a new study of Missouri River flows. The study should help South Dakota as well.

The South Dakota High School Activities Association board of directors refused to consider an amendment to the association's constitution that would have allowed school activities on Sundays. We applaud them for their refusal.

A bill introduced in the South Dakota Legislature looks like it supports plastic bags, straws and other products, but it merely prohibits local governments from implementing a ban.