September 5, 2017 • Page 2 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Dave Says Bearly Keeping Up Pre-Paid Debit Cards For Kids? By Daris Howard I was joining the scouts of our community on a high adventure into the Jedediah Smith Wilderness, and it’s bear country. It’s not only bear country; it’s grizzly country. That meant we needed to be prepared. All three of us men who were leaders were packing weapons just in case. I was also carrying bear spray. I had once had a dangerous encounter with a coyote pack that almost ended in disaster for me. I had also had some close encounters with black bears and mountain lions, and I was taking no chances. None of us men expected to run into any trouble, and we definitely hoped we wouldn’t. But we felt responsible for the young men in our charge and didn’t want to take chances. The boys, on the other hand, didn’t seem to think twice about it. We had barely lifted the packs onto our backs for the five-mile hike into Hidden Lake before they were hiking fast and increasing the distance between themselves and us. They were young, healthy, and energetic, and we were much older, with declining energy. Our packs were also heavier, since we were carrying extra items for the camp. We pushed ourselves hard to make sure we stayed within calling distance of the boys, and by the time we arrived at the camp I was exhausted. I was the oldest, and it seemed to wear on me the most. I set up my tent and just climbed into it, too tired to move for about an hour. The boys, meanwhile, were off to fish at the lake. There were a lot more people around the lake so weren’t too nervous about them being a little farther away, but we still tried to keep a watch in case there were any problems. We were careful to put our food into the somewhat broken-down bear box that was provided at the camp. And we made sure no one had any food in their tents so as not to attract bears. Though there were a few signs of bears, like claw marks in trees, none of them were fresh. One boy claimed he heard a bear snorting in the middle of the night, but we finally determined that it was more likely somebody snoring. Still, we were cautious. On the day we were to hike back out of the wilderness, the boys wanted to stay as long as they could. The fishing had been good, and they wanted to do some more before we left. This meant we wouldn’t be hiking until the afternoon, and we would need to do a strong, fast hike to get out in time to get to our next campsite at Grassy Lake. The boys came back from the lake later than expected. Though many of us had our gear packed to go, the ones who had been fishing still had to take down their tents and load them into their packs. So by the time we were ready to move out, the sun was starting down the western sky. This made the boys more anxious to hike faster. The smallest boy also happened to be the Scoutmaster’s son. He weighed less than my pack, but he had more energy than an atomic explosion. He didn’t want to be held back by us “old guys,” wanting to hike at a much faster pace. Knowing this, his father warned him about the bears and told him to make sure he stayed close enough that he could hear and see us at all times so we could be there in an instant if there was a problem. “Oh, Dad,” he said. “I’ll be fine. No bear could catch me.” “Jason,” his father said, “a bear can outrun every human every time. And as small as you are, you would be nothing but a Scooby snack to a bear.” The second-smallest boy, Devon, decided to help out. Sounding grownup and talking as if he would be responsible, he said, “I’ll keep up with Jason so he’ll be okay.” As Jason’s dad rolled his eyes, I laughed. “That will be great,” I said. “Together you two will just make a Scooby snack bonus pack.” Jason’s dad laughed, but with that, we shouldered our packs and once more hiked fast to keep up, just in case the boys met a Scooby-snack loving bear. Over 95 Years In Business Serving... Vermillion, Yankton, Sioux City and Everywhere In Between Dear Dave, I’ve seen lots of companies marketing pre-paid debit cards for kids. They seem to position them as a way parents can set spending limits for their children. Do you think these are a good idea? It seems to me they are just a form of conditioning to get kids to rely on cards. Keith Dear Keith, I agree with your assessment. I don’t recommend pre-paid debit cards for children, except in very unusual situDave ations. Let’s say your kid was going on a trip, and you wanted him or her to have something in their pocket for limited access to cash. But if they’re old enough and responsible enough, I’d rather them have a traditional debit card attached to their own account. What I really want parents to do is teach their children how to work, give, save and spend wisely. It’s all about teaching your children to become good adults, and handling money is part of the equation. How does that apply to something like a pre-paid debit card for a kid? For the child, they’re looking at it like mom and dad are an ATM. They don’t equate it with real money unless they put their cash into the card. I suggest helping them open a checking account with a debit card attached around age 15 or 16, provided you have taught them – and they have demonstrated – wise money management practices up to that point. Teach them to reconcile and balance the account, Ramsey PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed Sept. 10-16 Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week in South Dakota. DSP Recognition Week highlights the efforts of those who work closely with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSPs help individuals with disabilities to participate in their communities, find employment, and lead full and independent lives. Many South Dakotans with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely upon DSPs to deliver their individualized support services and help them to achieve their goals. “DSPs are the most kindhearted and dedicated people you will ever meet. They are essential in ensuring people with disabilities have equal opportunities to achieve their dreams,” said South Dakota Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities Director Darryl Millner. DSPs are employed by 20 Community Support Providers throughout the state as well as the South Dakota Developmental Center in Redfield. DSP Recognition Week in South Dakota coincides with National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week to celebrate DSPs across the country, which also begins on Sept. 10. WE S LD LD S LD S LD S LD S LD S LD S LD LD LD IT IN THE DS CLASSIFIE Upper Midwest Grain elevators 605-66 Bring more shoppers to your door with locally focused advertising from the experts. Your Ad Here! 5-5770 tabor • iren e • Full serv mec ice kling custom Fe • • utic a ed gr ain m a • gr indin rke ting g & mixing MV Shopper In Print and Online! Call 665-5884 MV Shopper M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y www.uticagrain.com Free storage until october 1, 2017 Call for details on our new marketing program Make Yourself at Home. Save Up To $2250 With Manufacturer Rebates & Utility Incentives Become Debt-Free Before Marriage? Dear Dave, I’ll be getting married in a few months, and I just finished reading some of your books. You make a lot of sense, but now I’m wondering if I need to talk to my fiancée about postponing the wedding until I pay off all my debt. How do you feel about this? Nick Dear Nick, First, congratulations on your upcoming wedding! I admire your desire to get out of debt and take control of your finances, but you’re talking about marrying the woman you love. You do not have to be debt-free to get married. If you guys are on the same page when it comes to money, and you’re both willing to work together on paying off any debt after you’re married, there’s no reason to postpone the wedding. You two shouldn’t be paying each other’s debt before you get married, but once the rings are on your fingers, and you’re pronounced “as one,” then everything shifts from being “mine” and “hers” to “ours.” — Dave * Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business, and CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 12 million listeners each week on 575 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com. Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week S S S Vermillion: 605.624.5618 • Yankton: 605.665.4348 Sioux City: 712.252.2000 and walk with them when they do this so they don’t slip into the idea a debit card is some magical portal to free money! — Dave M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y after more than a century, we’re still inventing new ways to keep you comfortable, no matter the season. Call your dealer Today! It was Thursday again. Mabel Adams asked at the desk to be sure. “Thursday all day, Mabel,” the girl said. “Don’t forget to get your hair done today. Two o’clock … right?” “Right,” Mabel said, locking the time away in her mind. “Two o’clock. On Thursday.” She took her purple walker and went half a block to the counter at the drug store. That nice Williams girl came over with a smile and a menu. “Tuna on toast, Mrs. Adams?” “Uh, sure. I like that.” “Hot tea?” “Yes please.” After she ate, she started down the sidewalk toward the Curl Up ‘N Dye beauty parlor. The watch pinned on her dress said one forty-five. Mabel went over to her usual chair and sat down. Fran came over and looked at Mabel’s hair with a smile. “You still look pretty ravishing, Mabel,” she said. “Sure you want a touch-up today?” Mabel nodded. “Going to watch that movie with the girls tonight?” Movie. Tonight. “Sure,” said Mabel. It’s nice to live in a small town, because if you don’t know what you are doing, someone else does. ST. ROSE OF LIMA DINNER & BAZAAR Sunday, September 10 Dinner served 3-7:30 p.m. Roast beef, homemade sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, salad bar, pies and desserts. Kids’ outdoor/indoor games, bingo & raffle. Join us for Sunday Mass in Crofton at 8:30 a.m. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church Crofton, Nebraska www.StRoseStAndrew.com | 402-388-4814 Ad sponsored by Crofton Farm Supply 2 Big Days in Delmont, SD Historical Society of Delmont Kuchen Festival • Sept. 9 (Downtown Delmont) Twin Rivers Old Iron Harvest Festival • Sept. 9 & 10 (At the farm, ¼ mile West) • Parades • Tractor Pull • Quilts, Crafts and Art • Flea Market • Demonstrations & KUCHEN www.twinriversoldiron.org www.delmontsd.org REAL ESTATE RENTALS AUTOMOTIVE EMPLOYMENT MERCHANDISE COUPONS the Missouri Valley Shopper and missourivalleyshopper.com is your complete source for buying and selling. Everything you need is just a click or call away! Place an ad today by calling 605.665.5584 HEATING & COOLING 2401 Broadway, Yankton 605-665-9461 www.larrysheatingandcooling.com MV Shopper M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y