There appears to be a consensus that Lake County roads need improvement. That isn't new. But the approach is changing, and we think it's for the better.
Merriam-Webster's definition: Journalism is the act of collecting and presenting news and information through the media. Our refinement: Journalism is not rumor, speculation or deception.
At first glance, the wildfires burning in forests and vineyards in California would seem to have nothing to do with us in eastern South Dakota.
The South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) -- and Gov. Kristi Noem - continue to actively recruit businesses to relocate to South Dakota. Some observers believe that is an unsafe thing to do during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Directors and staff of the Smith-Zimmerman Heritage Museum met with community members on Monday to talk about opportunities for the future.
We see plenty of harvesting equipment in nearby farm fields, as corn and soybeans are brought in for the year.
As summer turns to fall, we're watching a few local civic projects nearing completion that may be challenged by weather.
It's far too early to make final conclusions about an alleged fatal accident involving South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg and Joseph Boever in rural Hyde county. The incident is being investigated by the Department of Public Safety, the Hyde County Sheriff's Office and the North D…
Last year's September floods are fresh in our minds, and we should continue to work on mitigation efforts to prevent similar events in the future.
We didn't expect the Postal Service to be dragged into the political arena this year, but it was. Despite the rhetoric, it appears that mail-in ballots will be delivered promptly for this year's general election.
After decades of hand-wringing, housing construction is on a big upswing in Madison.
It's way too early to declare victory, but we're pleased with the reported numbers so far in Dakota State University's effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
The Madison Public Library board decided to decline a grant for additional mobile Wi-Fi hotspots because of a condition to place content filters on them.
Nearly 20% of Lake County's active registered voters have requested an absentee ballot, and we expect that figure to rise.
Cropland in parts of northeast South Dakota is battling salinated soils, but we're glad to see that potential solutions are available.
The Daily Leader reports information in every edition about COVID-19 cases in South Dakota and Lake County, with the data coming from the state Department of Health.
Both Dakota State University and the Madison Central School District have established sounds plans for reopening school during the coronavirus pandemic. We'll soon know if they reduce transmission of the virus.
South Dakota legislators and Gov. Kristi Noem are deciding whether to call a special legislative session to decide how to spend most of the coronavirus relief funds given to the state by the federal governments.
When it comes to human needs, it doesn't get any more important than good food. And we're glad to see Lake County organizations focusing intently on that basic need.
Dakota State University's Heston Hall is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. It's a beautiful building and a great example of how a structure can be repurposed from one use to another while retaining its great architectural features.
We recognize that the whole idea of honoring persons and creating statues is under pressure. The current effort to reduce racism in America includes removing names, statues or other honors of people who exhibited racism in the past.
Sen. Mike Rounds and other U.S. senators have introduced the TRUST Act of 2020 to be included in projected COVID-19 Relief Legislation. Members of the U.S. House have introduced a companion bill.
The budgeting process for the city of Madison is a well-established practice.
Making plans for the K-12 fall semester is among the hardest things this generation of school administrators have ever had to do.
The state of South Dakota closed its budget year (June 30) with a surplus, a remarkable event considering the nation's economic decline due to the coronavirus pandemic.
We need to face the facts: The algae problem in local lakes is not getting any better. And this is after decades of study, concern, complaints and more concern.
Gov. Kristi Noem has announced that the state is using a portion of Coronavirus Relief Fund money that came from the federal government to replenish the South Dakota Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund.
Moody's Investors Service recently announced that South Dakota's AAA Issuer Credit Rating has been affirmed. It's the highest rating available.
In a time when national statues and symbols are being questioned and removed, we started thinking about those in Lake County.
Madison has a good construction season under way, and we're particularly glad to see so much private investment throughout the city.
The Lewis & Clark Regional Water System is enjoying a busy construction season, but this year's work will not include a final pipeline to Madison.
Construction progress continues on a beautiful new residence hall at Dakota State University, with the four-story, 122-bed facility to be ready for occupancy by fall 2021.
There may be a time in the near future when a vaccine for COVID-19 is discovered. It will be a joyous day, perhaps one of the best medical advances of all time. Hundreds of thousands of lives will be saved.
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in South Dakota was 100 days ago, but for some people, it seems like a lot longer.
We noticed volunteers working on Sunday at the Madison location that will one day be a new veteran's park. The efforts of volunteers will both improve the likelihood of completion and give it a richer heritage.
Statues are being toppled around the country as one of the forms of protest of racism in America.
Wenzel Cummings resigned as the Legislature's code counsel after one year, and some very important issues have surfaced regarding the relationship between the Legislative Research Council (LRC) and the state Legislature.
Dozens of drug companies are racing to develop an effective vaccine for the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. But the successful discovery may have a bad ending.
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.
