March 10, 2020 • Page 6 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Paving A Path For Economic Progress By Governor Kristi Noem A programmer can’t do her job without a computer. A farmer can’t do his job without a combine. A photographer can’t get the job done without a camera. This year, you’ve heard me say that South Dakota is open for business. It’s true. But if we’re going to create jobs that keep our kids here at home, we have to equip South Dakota with the tools that businesses need to thrive. We have to pave the way for economic growth. Throughout this legislative session, you’ve heard me set a renewed focus on cleaning up areas of government that hold back economic progress. I’ve signed bills into law that reduce regulations and make it easier for people to get to work. I testified on a bill that creates a fair, consistent county zoning process for the businesses wanting to create careers in our communities. These are tools that set us up for economic progress and will help us welcome new industries into our state. Another critical tool is high-speed internet. In today’s marketplace, businesses require highspeed connection to stay competitive, market their product or service, or reach new clients. It’s not an optional add-on that businesses can function without – it’s a necessary tool. Last year, we made a great first step in our efforts to ensure every South Dakotan has access to quality broadband. Working with the legislature, I allocated $5 million to be used as matching funds for broadband improvement. Our investment saw a five-toone return – connecting 6,500 homes and nearly 150 businesses. A piece of this story that doesn’t often get told is that we didn’t do this alone. With the help of industry leaders and federal investment, we were able to identify our gaps and outline a plan to bridge them. At the end of February, Mona Thompson, the General Manager of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Telephone Authority, told me about a teacher in Timber Lake who would send videos to her students. Students would have to start downloading the video before they left for school, and when they’d come home from school, it’d still be downloading. “The quality of internet was slow as molasses,” she said, but because of the state’s partnership in securing broadband for her area, internet is now “as fast as lightning.” I’m proud of the work we’ve done, but it’s just a drop in the bucket. This year, I have requested another $5 million to continue equipping businesses in every corner of our state with this necessary tool for growth. Working with the legislature, I’m confident we can find a way to secure broadband to develop the next generation of South Dakota communities and pave the way for economic progress. ABERDEEN, S.D. – A long-time South Dakota educator has been named the next superintendent of the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Aberdeen. Dan Trefz (pronounced TREVZ) is currently superintendent, special education director, and food service director for the Miller School District in east central South Dakota. He has been Miller’s superintendent since 2014, where he previously worked as a teacher and coach from 1999 to 2011. He also has experience as a former superintendent of the Bowdle School District and as a teacher and coach in Eureka. “I am excited to join the staff at the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Aberdeen community. The Board of Regents is committed to providing exceptional educational opportunities for students, and I hold the same conviction,” Trefz said. “The school’s campus is amazing and will provide a platform for the staff and students to excel. I am also excited to explore educational relationships with Northern State University staff and students. The location and interconnectivity with NSU gives the School for the Blind programming opportunities like no other in the nation.” The School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, part of the South Dakota Board of Regents’ system, offers a full academic program for kindergarten through high school students. Enrollment on the Aberdeen campus averages about 24 students, with another 230-plus students statewide served by the school’s outreach programs. “Supt. Trefz brings broad experience leading school operations in a K-12 setting,” said Regent Jim Thares, who co-chaired the search process. His search co-chair, Regent Jim Morgan, added, “Dan’s leadership portfolio includes skills in budgeting, school law, buildings and grounds management, as well as project and personnel management. We are pleased to have him on board.” Morgan noted that in Trefz’s work as superintendent, he has become well versed in working with special student populations. Trefz received his undergraduate degree from South Dakota State University, then earned his teaching certificate and a master’s degree in secondary school administration from Northern State University. He holds a specialist degree from the University of Sioux Falls. Trefz is expected to begin his duties at the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired after the current school term is completed. He replaces Marje Kaiser, who announced plans to retire in May after a 45-year career in special education, 10 of those years serving as superintendent for both SDSBVI and the South Dakota School for the Deaf in Sioux Falls. A search for the new superintendent at School for the Deaf is also underway. Interviews for that position are expected to be completed later this month. Trefz’s spouse, Nicole, and his daughter and son, Evelyn and Cade, will make the transition to the Aberdeen community as well. The family enjoys the outdoors and a variety of sporting activitie. S S S Trefz Named School For The Blind WE S LD And Visually Impaired Superintendent TYNDALL MOTORS S LD LD S LD S LD LD S LD S LD LD S LD IT IN THE DS CLASSIFIE Bring more shoppers to your door with locally focused advertising from the experts. Your Ad Here! MV Shopper In Print and Online! Call 665-5884 MV Shopper M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y Now Til April 1st SPRING FEVER Sales Event! RECEIVE A BASS PRO SHOPS/CABELAS GIFT CARD WITH PURCHASE OF SELECTED BOATS ONLY DURING THIS EVENT. 2019 TRACKER PRO GUIDE V-175 WT 2020 TRACKER TARGA V-19 WT NEW $25,895 - Your Price with options, freight & prep $29,020 SALE $28,220 with Mercury 115 HP EXLPT 4S Plus $500 Bass Pro Shops - Cabelas Gift Card Mark You Calendar NEW $35,995 - Your Price with options, freight & prep $38,770XL 4S with Mercury 150 HP Plus $500 Bass Pro Shops - Cabelas Gift Card arch Madness M March 20th - 8am to 5:30pm 2019 SUNTRACKER FISHIN BARGE 20 DLX March 21st - 8am to Noon 2020 TRACKER OFF ROAD 700 EPS NEW $22,895 - Your Price with options, freight & prep $28,635 SALE $27,835 with Mercury 90 HP ELPT 4S CT NO HAGGLE, NO HASSLE Plus $500 Bass Pro Shops - Cabelas Gift Card See Our Full Inventory at tyndallmotors.com $6,999 - Your Price with options, freight & prep $7,399 Available in Red or Green 605-589-3441 • Toll Free 1-888-589-3441 406 West Hwy 50 • Tyndall, SD