December 27, 2016 w• Page 6 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Weekly Column: A Look Back At The 114th Congress Merry Christmas, From My Family To Yours By Rep. Kristi Noem Being South Dakota’s lone voice in the U.S. House of Representatives has been the honor of a lifetime. With the current administration in place, progress on big issues – like tax reform and the repeal and replacement of Obamacare – has been slow, but I’m confident change will come soon. Still, many things have been accomplished. In fact, during the 114th Congress, we were able to come together on the more than 240 bills that were signed into law. For example, we passed legislation, including provisions I authored, that allocated more resources for survivors of human trafficking, offered more tools to go after traffickers, and created a framework for law enforcement to better intervene and prevent human trafficking. Changes were made to correct No Child Left Behind, most notably empowering states and localities to make more decisions about our children’s education and making sure the federal government can’t force states into adopting Common Core. Legislation to help address the country’s mental healthcare crisis was also signed into law. It included important provisions for tribal communities, an addition that occurred after I brought the bill’s author to South Dakota to see the challenges we faced. The legislation also included new resources to help expand mental health access for rural communities. The first long-term infrastructure bill in a decade was also signed into law, offering much-needed certainty for states and localities. Additionally, the legislation cut red tape and gave states more flexibility to organize infrastructure programs in a way that best suits their local needs. In addition to the new laws, we made headway in critical policy areas. The Indian Health Service, for example, has been poorly managed for years. In consultation with tribal communities and healthcare providers throughout South Dakota, I wrote and introduced legislation that would make comprehensive structural changes to how IHS operates, addressing both the medical and administrative challenges. This legislation pushed a critical conversation, one that will continue in earnest in 2017, into the national spotlight. I also helped introduce changes to the wetland determination process, which has frustrated many South Dakota farmers and ranchers in recent years. With the policy now written, we’re already working to make sure it is included in the next Farm Bill. Moreover, we put forward ideas to hold the IRS accountable to taxpayers. We’ve advanced legislation to expand the Black Hills National Cemetery and put pressure on the EPA to strengthen the Renewable Fuel Standard and reverse their controversial Waters of the U.S. rule. We’ve gotten legislation signed into law to put restrictions on the Forest Service in an effort to prevent something like the devastating Pautre Fire in the future. We’ve helped draft a blueprint for tax reform that will serve as an outline for upcoming negotiations. We’ve protected DC Booth, helped prioritize the Lewis & Clark Water System, demanded answers from the VA about plans for the Hot Springs Hospital, and introduced reforms to incentivize work and fight poverty. And on an individual level, we’ve personally helped more than 400 South Dakotans as they’ve fought through federal bureaucracies to receive care from the VA, a passport from the State Department, or their Social Security benefits, among many other things. There’s so much more to do, but I’m optimistic that the work we’ve done in recent years has set us up for success when the new administration takes office in January. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve. REAL, PERSONAL IMPACT Vermeer is an industrial and agricultural equipment manufacturer making a real impact in a progressing world. We’re a family-owned and operated company with a lasting legacy and an unmatched culture, that is built on the belief that every Vermeer team member has a real, personal impact - on our people, our customers and our world. Vermeer Freeman Manufacturing, Inc. offers a competitive benefits package that helps team members live well. Visit www.vermeerjobs.com to learn more and apply online. Current Shift Opportunities • Production Area Manager (Day Shift) • Production Area Manager (Night Shift) • Weld Group Leader (Day Shift) A post-offer criminal background check, physical and drug-screening will be required prior to employment. High-school diploma or GED is required. Manager Trainee Great benefits and earning potential. Career opportunities available upon completion of training program. Bachelor’s degree in a business field preferred, but not required. Must be open to relocation. Add’l $2.50 per hour for weekend hours. Apply in person at: Menards 3210 Broadway Ave Yankton SD, 57078 By Sen. John Thune The holiday season seems to arrive sooner and sooner each year. With it comes the joy and happiness of being able to spend time with our loved ones, reflect on the blessings of the year, and rejoice in God’s gift to mankind – that’s what this time of year is all about, after all. I’m grateful to be able to spend the holidays in South Dakota, healthy and happy, which is the greatest gift I could receive. And I always look forward to this time of year when I’m able to create new memories with friends and family as we celebrate the traditions of Christmases past. It wouldn’t be the Christmas season without a trip down memory lane. Whether it’s sledding down Jackson Ave. in Murdo as a kid, spending all of those Christmas Eve nights at my grandmother’s house, or watching Brittany and Larissa perform in church and school Christmas programs, the memories still make me smile. When you think about it, memories like these, which are unique to every family, really help define the holiday season. Looking back, I’m so thankful for everything with which our family has been blessed. This time of year, I can’t help but think of all the moms and dads and sisters and brothers who will be spending the holiday season away from the comfort of their own homes. It would be an understatement to say the brave men and women in the military make innumerable sacrifices in their career, and spending the holidays halfway around the world is no exception. Their service is the most selfless gift anyone could give, and their sacrifice is not lost on the American people. I was fortunate to have been able to participate in the recent welcome home ceremony for the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. It’s always good when our troops return home safe and sound, but for them and their families, I don’t think there’s any better time of year than now. I say it every chance I can get, but it’s the hard-working people of South Dakota who make our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family. On behalf of my family – including the newest addition, my granddaughter Henley Joy – I want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. I hope it’s as memorable as it is merry and bright. How Do You Know When You're Really an Adult? Think back on those milestones that made you feel like you were finally a grown-up. The curious minds at Moen investigated the markers of adulthood, via an online survey conducted by Harris Poll. Some of the most common signs reported by those polled include: Moving Out Forty-nine percent of Americans said moving out of their parents’ home made/ would make them feel like an adult. Why? This act may mark the start of financial independence, getting a full-time job and paying bills. Settling Down Fifty-four percent of Americans say that getting married made/would make them feel like an adult. Though culture has changed, a majority of people still seem to value marriage, which also often includes parenthood -- another marker of adulthood for many. After all, what’s more grown-up than being called “Mom” or “Dad”? Homeownership Homeownership is a pivotal sign of maturity. For first-time homebuyers, the chances of finding the perfect place with new hardware and fixtures may be slim, but updating a home can be another important part of “adulting.” Brands like Moen offer kitchen and bathroom fixtures that are ontrend and easy-to-install, so DIY is doable for almost anyone. “Whether you’re renovating and looking for a faucet that speaks to your style, or need a handshower to make bathing your baby stress-free, great fixtures can help make being a grown-up great,” says Andrea Maher, senior marketing communications specialist, Moen. SOUTH DAKOTA HUMAN SERVICES CENTER 1315 FINANCE MANAGER The South Dakota Human Services Center in Yankton is seeking a Finance Manager to maintain, coordinate and oversee fiscal responsibilities of a 304-bed inpatient psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment facility. This position maintains patient billing system to insure proper billing to self-pay responsible parties, Medicare, Medicaid, Indian Health Services and private insurance. This position maintains patient banking system, acts as Social Security Rep Payee, coordinates annual budget, reviews and approves expenditures, coordinates contracts, acts as purchasing agent and oversees capital assets inventory. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or related field. HSC offers an excellent benefits package that includes 3 weeks paid vacation, 10 paid holidays per year, employerpaid health insurance for employee, fully-matched retirement plan and more! To apply go to http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus. Job ID #7368. For more information contact the HR office at 605-668-3118 Drivers Route Driver Needed in Crofton, NE Starting wage $15.75 per hour. $4,000 Sign-on bonus. Driving experience preferred. Class A or B CDL. Benefits include health, dental, 401K, uniforms & paid holidays. Art's Garbage Service A Waste Connections Co. apply online: norfolkwasteconnections.com 303-867-5502 Call Missouri Valley Shopper Classifieds 665-5884 Job Hunting? Freeman Drew Christensen, Safety & HR Vermeer Freeman Mfg. 420 South Hwy 81, Freeman, SD, 57029 605-925-5215 STOP!!!! The Help Wanted section can help. There’s something for everyone in the Shopper! Place your ad now: 605-665-5884 LOOK NO FURTHER!! “One Company-One Voice” $500 Sign-on Bonus Sapa Extrusions Inc., Yankton, SD (World’s Leading Aluminum Extruder) has several production positions available for qualified individuals who want to work and are able to lift up to 50# on a regular basis. These positions are full time and include both night and day shift openings. Sapa offers a very competitive compensation package paid weekly with $1.00 shift differential for nights. We offer an Excellent benefits package at an affordable cost for both single individuals and families. Sapa also offers quarterly profit sharing (how would you like to get an extra paycheck every four months just because you helped the company make a profit), company paid life insurance, short and long term disability and ten paid holidays, a 401K plan with Company participation and a Company sponsored retirement plan which you become fully vested after three years of service. If you are a hard-working, dedicated person then come join us. Interested candidates please apply in person and/or by mail: Attn: Jane Larson, HR Mgr. 2500 Alumax Rd, Yankton, SD 57078 or email: Jane.Larson@sapagroup.com Sapa Extrusions North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer where all phases of employment are based strictly upon the qualifications of the individual as related to the work requirements of the position. This policy is applied without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status or any other category protected by law. Avera offers great wages and benefits with potential semi-annual wage increases. Registered Nurse – Case Manager Full-time benefits eligible position; 80hrs/2wks. Become part of a team of Certified Integrated Care Management Nurses. Nutrition Assistant Full-time benefits eligible position; 72hrs/2wks. Shift variety! Work in the cafeteria, dish room, and cold foods production. Must be 16 years of age; no experience needed. Massage Therapist Part-time position; 36hrs/2wks. Tranquil new space, supplies/services provided. Choose your schedule. Group Exercise Instructor Part-time position; 6hrs/2wks. Lead a 5:45am-6:45am high-intensity exercise class three times a week. Apply online at www.averajobs.org or contact Avera HR at 605-668-8336 Avera is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity