Releasing Employees Salaries

South Dakota State Government has been hounded for a list of employees and their salaries.  According to the Argus Leader, Secretary of State Chris Nelson released a list of salaries of the employees in his department.   Does this mean he released the names of employees with corresponding salaries?  Or did he just release a list of salaries for the 16 employees in his office.   This all as a result of the Argus Leader, who is requesting a list of employees and their salaries.   While it intriques me, I’m not quite sure how I would feel if I were one of the employees whose name and salary were made public.   Granted, I could then find out if I am being equally compensated for my job.  And of course it would solve the curiosity of “So, how much do you think he makes?”   Do you feel it appropriate to release government employee names with salary information?  How would you feel if it were your information being released?  Would that change your view?  I’d love to know your thoughts.

Visit A Craft Show

Several years ago, my mom and I started selling our handmade craft items at local craft shows.   We hand make placemats, table runners, dishclothes, tea towels, pot scrubbies, wine bags and various home dec items.  We never intended on turning a huge profit with our business, and really haven’t.  But the joy we get from sharing our craft with the local folks is more than we ever expected.

I truly enjoy people watching, chatting with the locals and learning from those around me.  It is amazing what wealth of knowledge there is in those around us.   I’ve learned the history of small town South Dakota, I’ve seen many a photo of first grandchildren and I’ve learned how my fellow crafters were taught their trade.  It is amazing how many crafters learned their trade from a parent or more often a grandparent.   We may be in the 21st century, but the tradition of passing down a craft, be it sewing, weaving or canning, still survives.

 I don’t find our sewing and crafting too out of the ordinary until a young child says to me, “I think my grandma has one of those (referring to my sewing machine).  And this happens many times a day when we are at a craft show.  I’m only 38, but that comment always makes me feel old.   Pushing that aside, I am sure to share my knowledge about sewing, as well as information on how the sewing machine works with everyone who will listen.  I hopefully am touching someone’s life and hope that they will be enriched and take up a craft for themselves.

But the people watching is what I enjoy most. So, the next time you see a craft show advertised in your home town - take an hour or so and visit.  Walk through - touch the crafts - ask questions - listen to the folks around you.  You will be surprised what you can learn and who you will meet.  Happy crafting.

An Oil Refinery in SD?

The big news in our region is that Elk Point, SD is one of three (3) sites being considered for an oil refinery.  Local news stations report that it will be the first oil refinery built in the US in 30 years.   Many have criticized the US for being so reliant on other countries for our fuel.   Is this a step in taking responsibility for our own?

Along the Interstate exit for Elk Point, three (3) big gorilla statues have appeared.  I find the reference to a gorilla humorous.  In slang terms, a gorilla is a thug or brutish man.  So do we have thugs entering South Dakota?  Or do we have the papa silverback coming in to take care of its family?

The “gorillas” are making offers to landowners for their farmland and homes.  If they can make a buck, kudos to the landowners.  But what about those farmers who make their livlihood by leasing the farmland from the landowners?  What will happen to their livelihood?  Will they be able to become employed by the ‘gorillas’?   Should the oil refinery come to Elk Point, SD, it is said that there will be more than 1800 jobs created with hourly wages in excess of $18 per hour.  Sounds great for the SD economy.  That wage far exceeds that of most jobs here in South Dakota. 

There are reports that the oil refinery would be a green facility.   Cool!  But my guess is that the refinery will need lots and lots of water.   With watering restrictions already in place in SD, how will they obtain that water?  Yes, the Lewis and Clark water project will bring more water to our region, but will it be enough?

 I have not determined whether an oil refinery in South Dakota is good or bad.   It should be interesting to wade through the hype and determine what is in the best interest for the city of Elk Point and for South Dakota’s economy.

You live where?

Growing up in South Dakota, I attended public school. We had to learn to name and identify all 50 states.   In my travel, I always seem to get asked, “You live where?” or “Where is South Dakota?” It makes me wonder what everyone else here in the US is learning in geography class.

On a visit to the Sears Tower, I began chatting with a security person. There was the usual chatter about why we’re in town but the obligatory topic of where I was from came up…ultimately the young man responded, “South Dakota. That’s on the east coast isn’t it?” What? He must have been thinking of South Carolina.  :) 

 So do you know where South Dakota is? Or how about the Sears Tower?