December 17, 2019 • Page 8 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Middle Schools To Receive Meth-Focused FEMA Can Assist With Prevention Programming Furnaces, Wells And PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) today announced that 9 prevention providers statewide will receive funds to support over 40 South Dakota middle schools to provide evidencebased substance use prevention programming, with emphasis on methamphetamine prevention. Governor Kristi Noem’s budget for FY20 included $730,000 for school-based meth prevention programming. “In South Dakota, twice as many 12- to 17-yearold youth reported using meth in the past year as compared to the national average,” said DSS Secretary Laurie Gill. “Our youth are at risk and we need to protect them. That starts with education and awareness, and we are pleased to be commit these dollars toward prevention programming.” “Our kids are our future, and it’s crucial we teach them the dangers of substance abuse,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “These programs are aggressively combating South Dakota’s meth epidemic and teaching our kids how to avoid harmful and addictive substances. Programs like these can have a tremendous impact on our students and our hometowns. It’s time meth is eradicated from our communities.” On August 19, 2019, the Department of Social Services (DSS) published a Request for Proposals (RFP) in order to provide middle schools with methfocused substance use prevention programing. Nine proposals were received and approved, identifying a projected 40 schools that will receive programming with this funding. Those approved include Aliive-Roberts County; Human Services Agency dba Northeastern Prevention Resource Center; Human Services Agency dba Watertown Health Youth; Lewis and Clark Behavioral Health Services; Action for the Betterment of Our Community; Youth and Family Services; Volunteers of America Dakotas; Lifeways, Inc. and Prairie View Prevention. Prevention programming focuses on mitigating risk factors and increasing protective factors – environment characteristics that can support healthy development. Each of these programs draws attention to distinct issues and outcomes, while emphasizing skill learning such as recognizing and challenging common misconceptions about substance use, practicing resistance skills, and learning personal selfmanagement and social skills. “The development of these skills will equip students to make healthier and safe choices,” continued Gill. “While our primary emphasis is on decreasing methamphetamine use among our South Dakota youth, implementing universal prevention programs in schools can produce a reduction of other substance use and risky behaviors as well,” said DSS Prevention Program Manager Jana Sprenger. If additional schools are interested in prevention programming, or for more information about behavioral health services related to prevention or to find a prevention provider in your area, contact the Department of Social Services’ Division of Behavioral Health at 605-367-5236, toll-free at 1-855-878-6057 or online at http://dss. sd.gov/behavioralhealth/ community/. Septic Systems SIOUX FALLS, SD – As the temperatures drop, the furnace becomes the most important appliance in the home. South Dakotans who had a furnace damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding between September 9 - 26, should contact FEMA, even if they have already made repairs or purchased a replacement. FEMA can also help with wells and septic systems impacted by the disaster. There are several ways to register: •Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or DisasterAssistance.gov/es (for Spanish). •Call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 (TTY). Lines are open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. •At a Disaster Recovery Center. Visit www.fema.gov/ DRC or call the helpline for a listing of open locations. FEMA may pay up to the actual cost of the receipt or estimate for furnaces, wells and septic systems. If you have repaired or replaced the furnace, FEMA may provide assistance when valid estimates or receipts are submitted. If you have additional questions, contact the disaster assistance helpline number above or visit a disaster recovery center. Individuals in Brookings, Charles Mix, Davison, Hanson, Hutchinson, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, Moody and Yankton counties and the Flandreau and Yankton Indian Reservations are eligible to register for assistance. USD Alumnus Display At Day Gallery Governor Noem Wants To Improve Oversight Of Private Treatment Facilities For Youth PIERRE, S.D. - Governor Kristi Noem today announced that she will bring legislation in the 2020 session that will improve the oversight of private treatment facilities for children and youth. “The health and safety of the next generation is our top priority. We cannot let kids fall through the cracks,” said Noem. “I’ve tasked my Department of Social Services with improving the wellbeing of kids and youth placed in treatment facilities across the state. In the 2020 session, I will bring legislation that prioritizes the safety of at-risk kids.” In June, Governor Noem charged the Department of Social Services (DSS) with conducting a full analysis on the process for licensing and inspecting private treatment facilities for children and youth. The governor asked DSS to fully evaluate the Department’s role in ensuring the wellbeing and safety of children placed there. DSS, with input from multiple state agencies including the departments of Public Safety, Corrections, Health, Human Services, and Education, developed a report to help identify reforms. The analysis included a review of the role state agencies play surrounding accreditation and licensing of treatment facilities for children and youth in South Dakota. DECEMBER FABRIC SPECIALS! December 2 December 31 The report focused on licensing, accreditation, and certification processes; complaint and investigation processes; corrective action plans; and transparency and confidentiality of investigations. “I have asked Secretary Gill to develop a work plan to implement the comprehensive list of recommendations included in the report,” concluded Noem. For more information about the report, visit dss. sd.gov. VERMILLION — University of South Dakota Fine Arts alumnus Cameron Stalheim will exhibit his collection of works “As Above, So Below” in the John A. Day Gallery, located in the Warren M. Lee Center for the Fine Arts, from Dec.18-Jan. 17. A closing reception will be held for Stalheim on Jan.17 from 5-7 p.m. Stalheim is a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, native and is currently living and producing artwork in Sioux Falls. He graduated from USD in 2010 with a B.F.A. in sculpture, and he received his M.F.A. from Rinehart School of Sculpture at the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2014. Stalheim was awarded the commission to create “Legacy,” the coyote statue for USD in 2012, and “Arise,” a bronze sculpture, for the Good Samaritan Society National Campus in Sioux Falls. Stalheim is best known for his queer, hyper-realistic depictions of mythological and fantastical creatures. His methods are as varied as his subjects, utilizing traditional sculptural techniques alongside new age digital applications. The resulting pieces have been described as bizarre yet beautiful, campy yet thoughtful. Stalheim’s sculptural work gives the false impression of the familiar while being utterly foreign in the everyday experience. Interested in macabre imagery and mental health, Stalheim regularly imparts a sense of humor and sensuality into his work. His awards and honors include a 2018 South Dakota Arts Council Artist Career Development grant, the 2012 People’s Choice Award, Sculpt Sioux Land, Sioux City, Iowa, and his work was chosen for the 2018 Sculpture Walk, Sioux Falls. 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