shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com When we filtered in for coffee at the Mule Barn truck stop, we were surprised to see Jim Albertson already there, already drinking coffee and looking as though he lost his last friend. It’s so unlike him, because Jim’s job as principal of our local high school and middle school has been fun for him. He’s always taken an offbeat, creative approach to his job, and it is sometimes hilarious. So naturally, when someone’s obviously in pain, we did the kindest thing and sat down, surrounding him with coffee and questions. “Yo Jim,” said Doc. “You look a little down this morning.” Yes, that was a question and we all knew it. “Tonight,” Jim said, “is high school graduation.” We nodded. “Off to see the world,” Steve added. “The admiral can’t make it. Sick. In the hospital,” Jim moaned. “You know the admiral.” We did. He grew up here before he went to sea. He lives in the capital city now. “He was supposed to give the commencement speech tonight,” Jim said. “I have no one to replace him.” He looked around. “Any of you want to fill in for him?” No one. Vigorously no one. “Not even you, Doc?” “Not a chance. I just fix them, I don’t speak at them.” And as the front door of the Mule Barn opened, allowing in one aging but active cowboy, camp cook and teller of tales, Steve grinned. “Here’s your answer right here, Jim. We all looked around as Windy Wilson smiled and came over to join us. “Windy,” Doc said, “ol’ Jim here is looking for a speaker at graduation tonight. You’ve talked to young folks a lot, I know.” “Sure have. It’s a grown-up’s boundin’ delegation to pass along tips on living to those among us who are less contubationally experienced.” Jim looked over at Windy. “You think you could have a speech ready by six o’clock tonight, Windy?” Windy grinned. “Heck, Jim. I’m ready right now!” We hadn’t figured on attending graduation, but now none of us would miss it. Norton Named Brook Brown Boating Officer of the Year PIERRE, S.D. – The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators has named Austin Norton the 2019 Brook Brown Boating Officer of the Year. Norton is a conservation officer for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and is stationed in Webster. “Austin shows a genuine passion,” said Joe Keeton, GFP boating law administrator. “He has been willing to take on the extra responsibility, knowing it would require a lot of extra training, much of which would require him to be away from his duty station and family.” Keeton noted that being a good boating officer takes dedication, discipline, and sacrifice. “The hours worked are the hours when everyone else is out enjoying the lakes – weekends, evenings, and holidays. Austin has done a good job making himself available when the lakes are busy,” Keeton added. About the Award: The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ (NASBLA) award is presented annually to the boating law enforcement officer who has made outstanding contributions to the field of boating law enforcement. The awards program consists of three levels: state, regional and national. State nominees are selected by the state boating law administrator. State nominees continue to regional competition, where they are reviewed, and one winner per region is selected by the three regional awards committees. Regional award winners are submitted to NASBLA’s Awards Committee for review and selection of the national award. The South Dakota award was renamed to honor a prevind rd th th December 2recipient 9th &GFPthconservation • 1-3:00PM Brown. ous & 3 , and 10 , 16 & 17 officer, Brook Brown lost his Bring Your Cameras! battle with cancer during the summer of 2012 and was well known for his contributions to the state’s boating enforcement and education efforts. June 11, 2019 • Page 3 South Dakota Weekly Gas Price Update (June 3, 2019) - South Dakota gas prices have fallen 0.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.75/g today, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 628 stations. Gas prices in South Dakota are unchanged versus a month ago, yet stand 7.9 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in South Dakota is priced at $2.59/g today while the most expensive is $3.04/g, a difference of 45.0 cents per gallon. The lowest price in the state today is $2.59/g while the highest is $3.04/g, a difference of 45.0 cents per gallon. The cheapest price in the entire country today stands at $1.89/g while the most expensive is $5.86/g, a difference of $3.97/g. The national average price of gasoline has fallen 1.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.81/g today. The national average is down 8.9 cents per gallon from a month ago, yet stands 13.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. Historical gasoline prices in South Dakota and the national average going back a decade: June 3, 2018: $2.83/g (U.S. Average: $2.94/g) June 3, 2017: $2.36/g (U.S. Average: $2.37/g) June 3, 2016: $2.29/g (U.S. Average: $2.35/g) June 3, 2015: $2.64/g (U.S. Average: $2.76/g) June 3, 2014: $3.50/g (U.S. Average: $3.67/g) June 3, 2013: $3.84/g (U.S. Average: $3.62/g) June 3, 2012: $3.58/g (U.S. Average: $3.58/g) June 3, 2011: $3.80/g (U.S. Average: $3.79/g) June 3, 2010: $2.65/g (U.S. Average: $2.70/g) June 3, 2009: $2.54/g (U.S. Average: $2.55/g) Neighboring areas and their current gas prices: Sioux Falls- $2.66/g, down 0.9 cents per gallon from last week's $2.67/g. North Dakota- $2.75/g, down 2.7 cents per gallon from last week's $2.77/g. Nebraska- $2.80/g, up 3.5 cents per gallon from last week's $2.76/g. "The national average has fallen for its fourth straight week, probably not something motorists would associate with the start of the summer driving season," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "More impressively is the surprise that may soon hit some motorists: the nation's cheapest gas prices may soon fall back under $2 per gallon as oil prices have plummeted nearly $14 in the last 8 weeks, prompted by worries about President Trump's tariffs on China and now also Mexico, undermining the U.S. and global economy, and perhaps leading to a slowdown in oil demand at the same time as U.S. oil inventories have rebounded sharply. While there may be volatility and a return to higher prices should Trump make a deal to avoid tariffs on both the countries, for now, it's going to be a big win at the gas pump with prices in most areas likely to fall notably in the week ahead." For LIVE fuel price averages, visit http://FuelInsights.GasBuddy.com. U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $1.5 Million for Emergency Repairs to Flood-Damaged Roads and Bridges in South Dakota WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced the immediate availability of $1.5 million in “quick release” Emergency Relief (ER) funds from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to help repair flood-damaged roads and bridges in South Dakota. The funds were approved shortly after being requested by the South Dakota Department of Transportation. South Dakota expe- rienced flooding as the result of a severe winter storm in mid-March that produced freezing rain, snow and high winds leading to blizzard conditions in areas where snow fell from March 13 through March 15, 2019. The storm caused widespread hazardous travel conditions and road closures due to zero visibility. It dropped wet heavy snow across a majority of the state in a short timeframe that resulted in extensive flooding after temperatures rose, washing away road surfaces and culverts and damaging bridge decks and approaches. Many bridges still remain partly submerged. The $1.5 million in “quick release” funding will be used to pay for the repairs made to restore essential traffic and prevent additional damage at locations throughout the state that were impacted by the storm. Damage assessments from this event are still underway for other federal- aid highways in the region that were damaged by the severe weathers event in April. This initial “quick release” will pay for shortterm repairs while the state continues to assess long-term repairs, expected at more than $9 million. The FHWA’s ER program provides funding for federally eligible highways and bridges damaged by natural disasters or external catastrophic events. Harness the Magical Powers of THE CLASSIFIEDS! 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