shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com October 18, 2016 • Page 13 2016 South Dakota Report Card available PIERRE, S.D. – The 2016 South Dakota Report Card, a review of schools’ performance based on multiple indicators, is now available online. Student performance on the state assessment shows that the percentage of students scoring proficient (at or above Level 3) has increased from 49.5 percent to 52.6 percent in English language arts and from 41.3 percent to 44.3 percent in math. The state assessment is administered to students in grades 3-8 and 11. “One of the benefits of our state accountability system is that it looks at schools through multiple lenses, so it’s about more than test scores,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Melody Schopp. Academic growth is a new indicator for elementary and middle schools that measures how a student compares to his or her peers with a similar score history and projects how the student is likely to perform in the future. “The academic growth indicator allows us to start asking some important questions beyond just whether or not students are scoring at the proficient level,” said Schopp. “For instance, even if a student isn’t yet scoring at the proficient level, is he or she showing appropriate growth? PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley confirms that Second Circuit Court Judge John Pekas has granted the State’s Motion for Summary Judgement in Rick Law and Intrepid Ventures OpAnd for our high fliers, are we challenging them erations, LLC, World Wide Holdings, Inc. enough so that they also and Interactive Holdings, Inc. v. State of South Dakota. continue to grow?” In 2009, the South Dakota Legislature Attendance is another passed a bill banning smoking in nearly indicator on the Report Card for elementary and all public places. This ban included middle schools. Research locations selling alcohol, including indicates a strong tie be- video lottery establishments. Petitions tween consistent school were filed to place the smoking ban on the statewide ballot for the 2010 general attendance and student election. The smoking ban was overachievement. The percentage of South Dakota whelming supported by South Dakota voters, receiving 204,160 votes for and students attending 94 113,011 against. percent or more of enIn 2011, the Plaintiffs in Law v. State, rolled days has improved who are involved in video lottery operaslightly over last year, from 79.7 percent to 80.2 tions, filed a lawsuit alleging that the smoking ban violated the South Dakota percent. For high schools, graduation rate remains an important measurement. South Dakot State Constitution. The Complaint was later amended to include allegations of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and to allege that the smoking ban resulted in a regulatory taking or damaging of Plaintiffs’ property for which compensation was due. The State moved for summary judgment on all of Plaintiffs’ claims. Circuit Court Judge Pekas, in a Memorandum and Order, agreed with the State that no issues of material fact were present and that the State was entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Notably, the Court found that the exemptions contained in the smoking ban were not “an unconstitutional exclusive privilege” and that the smoking ban “has not interfered with Plaintiffs’ reasonable investmentbacked expectations.” Plaintiffs have the opportunity to appeal the circuit court’s decision to the South Dakota Supreme Court. Tips to Prepare a Holiday Budget South Dakota Flu Vaccination Rate Tops Nation PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota vaccinated 56.6 percent of its residents during the 2015-2016 season, the highest overall flu vaccination rate in the nation for the third straight year. The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data show the national rate was 45.7 percent, well below South Dakota’s rate. “The number one ranking is a wellearned pat on the back for the doctors, nurses and other providers who promote vaccination. It’s also a credit to South Dakotans, who are taking the flu seriously,” said Gov. Dennis Daugaard. “I’m proud we are number one and I hope this year we can surpass 57 percent.” The CDC recommends yearly flu vaccination for everyone over the age of six months. Vaccination is especially important for those who are at higher risk for flu complications – pregnant women, people over age 50, people with chronic medical conditions like heart disease and health care workers. Infants under six months are too young to receive State’s Smoking Ban Upheld the vaccine so the CDC recommends vaccination for their parents, guardians, grandparents and any others who may have contact with them. South Dakota has a history of high flu vaccination rates, having led the nation for five of the last six flu seasons. While overall rate remained above national rates, we are seeing some decline in the numbers of adults who are getting vaccinated. “Linda and I get vaccinated every year and I encourage all South Dakotans to do the same,” said the Governor. “Don’t make the mistake of thinking the flu isn’t a serious illness – every year the flu puts some South Dakotans in the hospital and, in extreme cases, lives are lost because of complications. Take the time to get vaccinated.” (StatePoint) It’s the holiday season and you know all that it entails, so don’t let the expenses catch you off-guard -- from traveling to see family to throwing your massive annual party to simply completing your holiday shopping. Even though retailers cut prices last year, according to the National Retail Federation, holiday sales increased 3 percent from the previous year.Early planning and smart strategies can help you end the year on a positive financial note. Plan Ahead In the run up to the holidays, put some extra money aside from each paycheck and earmark it for holiday spending. A bit of padding in your purse won’t hurt and can only serve to make you feel more secure all season. Making this happen may require pinching a few pennies on daily expenses -whether it’s bringing lunch from home rather than eating out or skipping the designer latte for a cup of coffee at work. Create a Budget A comprehensive budget that accounts for all your holiday expenditures will help you determine whether your holiday needs and wants are realistic. Do some research to find out exactly how much particular items will cost so you can draw up a plan that includes specifics. To keep your accounts in order, take a cue from small businesses. Traditional budgeting tools like a desktop calculator can help. Enhanced features like an extra-large display and color printing can help you sort additions and deductions quickly. Those from Casio, such as the HR-100TMPlus, offer special keys for tax calculations and can print two lines per second. Printing out your up-to-date budget and keeping this information in a handy place can motivate you to make wise spending choices. Comparison Shop These days, it’s easier than ever to stretch your budget. Online comparison shopping tools can help you find the best deals on all your holiday gifts. If a tough deal is hard to score on a particular item, be willing to make adjustments to your shopping list in order to stick to your budget. Remember, you don’t need to clip coupons the oldfashioned way to get deep discounts on wanted items. Many retailers offer apps that send promotions and coupons regularly to their users. Rethink Gifts The thoughtfulness of a gift does not need to correspond to its cost. There are plenty of ways to show you care this holiday season that won’t break the bank. Consider your talents and skills. For example, a homemade knitted sweater, a meticulously crafted scrapbook or even an original song can have more meaning for your recipient than a pricey present. Don’t let the holidays leave you in debt. With a few smart strategies, you can give yourself the gift of a healthy financial new year. Keep the numbers of these locally owned businesses on hand for all your service and shopping needs. Start thinking outside the box. Together we can make an impact for your business. Contact Ang Byykkonen (605)665-5884 ang@yankton.net YANKTON MONUMENT CO. 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