March 14, 2017 • Page 4 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com The Center ‘Rocks’ For A Cause Christy Hauer, executive director of The Center in Yankton, has a message she wants to share: “We are doing great things at The Center.” In order to continue to offer a variety of programming, The Center is telling community leaders to get “Rockin’” — in a rocking chair that is. The Center is planning its Third Annual “Rock-AThon” on Thursday, March 17 from 10:30-1:00. “Community leaders will be Rockin for Meals. The funds raised will provide low income Seniors with meals. We are proud to get such an outpouring of support from the community,” Hauer said. “There will be a winner of each rock-off, and the person raising the most money will be declared the overall winner. The rockers are out raising funds and we have jars with each of their pictures on them at The Center, where you can place money in the jar to support the person of your choice. You can also call The Center at 665-4685 to make a donation.” The community is encouraged to stop out to The Center on St. Patty’s Day, make a donation for your favorite rocker and enjoy a delicious meal of corned beef and cabbage or the Lenten Special salmon loaf. “Last year we had a lot of fun and the community embraced the event raising over $14,000,” Hauer said. “We do a lot of good work here at The Center and every dollar we raise goes to our meals program. We served 47,388 meals last year; over 17,000 of those were through our Meals on Wheels program. On average we provide around 5,500 free meals a year.” The Meals on Wheels program can be the difference for many seniors of remaining in their homes or needing to relocate to a long-term care facility. “The nutritious meal, friendly visit and safety check, help them cope with three of the biggest threats of aging: hunger, isolation and loss of independence,” she said. “It costs less to provide a senior Meals on Wheels for an entire year than it costs to spend one day in the hospital or six days in a nursing home. It saves us billions of dollars in unnecessary Medicaid and Medicare expenses every year.” Rockers and schedule are as follows: 10:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m. – Brittney LaCroix (City Events Coordinator) vs. Officer Kyler Pakerek (Yankton Police Department 10:45 a.m.-11:00 a.m. – Kim Braunesreither (Boomers) vs. Brooke Thury (Ben’s Brewery) 11:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m. – Jeff Otterman (Trinity Lutheran Church) vs. John Cooke (Discovery Church) 11:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m. – Josh Svatos (RTEC) vs. Jericho Osborne (Mount Marty College) 11:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. – Larry Ness (First Dakota National Bank) vs. Ken Jones (retired) 11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Bill Holst (WNAX) vs. Randy Hammer (KVHT) 12:00 p.m.-12:15 p.m. – Sarah Carda (Sertoma Club) vs. Jim Huisman (Kiwanis Club) 12:15 p.m.-12:30 p.m. – David Cassanova (Northtown Motors) vs. Brandon Teichrow (Lewis & Clark Ford) 12:30 p.m.-12:45 p.m. – Kenny Hansen (Center Member) vs. Jim Goglin (Center Member) 12:45 p.m.-1:00 p.m. – Margaret Sarringaar (The Center) vs. Mani Lampman (The Center) The Battle of the Rockers will be broadcasting on KYNT Radio with host Scott Kooistra. ‘Community Champions Week’ The city of Yankton proclaimed its full support for March for Meals during Monday night’s meeting of the Yankton City Commission. Mayor Charlie Gross read aloud a proclamation naming the month of March as Community Champions month to commemorate the 43rd anniversary for the Meals on Wheels Association. Christy Hauer, director of The Center, was on hand to talk about Senior hunger and the work The Center does in the community. “Senior hunger in Yankton is a serious problem, and I’m grateful to be able to shine a light on it and create some community awareness that it is a real issue,” Hauer said. Throughout March, The Center is participating in the National March For Meals campaign, initiated and sponsored by the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), to raise awareness of Senior hunger and to encourage action on the part of the local community. Senior nutrition programs across the United States, like The Center in Yankton, promote March for Meals in their local communities through public events, partnerships with local businesses and schools, volunteer recruitment and fundraising initiatives. Meals on Wheels programs across the country thru Senior Nutrition Programs are a part of the Older Americans Act. The OAA is a primary piece of federal legislation that authorizes and supports vital nutrition services, both congregate and Meals on Wheels, to Americans ages 60 and older. March for Meals is a time when communities can come together to stand with their local Meals on Wheels programs and support our mission to end Senior hunger. Not only is The Center kicking off the week with a proclamation from Mayor Carda but also has city officials coming to the building over the remainder of the month to volunteer. In addition students from Beadle, Stewart, Lincoln, Tabor and Yankton Middle School are volunteering and having coin drives at their respective schools. “We received outstanding support from businesses and individuals, and in history, had our most successful Wine and Dine event raising over $26,000. It is very humbling to have students, city officials, business leaders, board members, churches, service clubs and volunteers committed to our mission. I would like to thank those who participated in our Wine and Dine event, our upcoming Rockathon, our School Coin drives, and our Community Champions month. One of the reasons we moved from Omaha 20 years ago was to be a part of a real community, a community that takes care of its’ own. That’s what Yankton is all about and I know that this community will assure that “No Senior Goes Hungry”, said Hauer. South Dakota’s Science And Technology Veterans Keep Industries Are Paving The Way For Marching On By Secretary Zimmerman SD Department of South Dakota’s Economic Growth Veterans Affairs MV Shopper MV Shopper M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y In Print and Online! • 665-5884 M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y Ron’s Auto Glass Home Auto Business Glass Repair & Replacement 605-665-9841 1915 Broadway Street, Yankton www.ronsautoglass.com Let Our Family Business keep yours in the go with: • Farm Filters • Hydraulic Hoses • Bearings & Seals Cox Auto 1007 Broadway Ave. • Yankton • 665-4494 MOODY MOTOR NIOBRARA, NE Patrick Hawk 251 Spruce Ave • Box 260 Niobrara, NE 68760 www.moodymotor.com pjhawk@hotmail.com (402) 857-3711 (800) 745-5650 Fax (402) 857-3713 Brookings, SD – Data collected by Electronic Modeling Specialist International (EMSI) for a 2016 survey of South Dakota’s science and technology industries found that 28 percent of South Dakota’s job growth in the past five years has come from five key industry sectors: valueadded agriculture/agribusiness, energy and environment, materials and advanced manufacturing, human health and nutrition and information technology/cyber security/ information assurance. “As of 2016, just under 22 percent of South Dakota’s total employment is within the science and technology-related industries, accounting for more than 123,000 jobs and that number is continuing to grow. Research investments foster economic growth and helps to expand our economy by supporting emerging and existing technology businesses,” said Scott Stern Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Science and technology companies in these five sectors across the state are having a positive influence on economic growth thanks to the coordinated framework of the 2020 Vision: The South Dakota Science and Technology (S&T) plan, a joint collaboration between state government, higher education and the private sector. The S&T plan outlines a set of strategic initiatives to aid in the advancement and growth of economic and workforce development. The goal of the S&T plan is to build science and technology capacity in South Dakota that will promote innovation, foster knowledge-based companies, create betterpaying jobs and generate more opportunity for all South Dakota citizens. The growth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs South Dakota has experienced is in part, a reflection of the statewide investment in STEM research infrastructure. Research infrastructure provides the foundation that generates ideas and fosters the development of talent that grows companies. South Dakota industries created out of STEM research such as biotechnology, has seen a 12 percent increase in jobs between 2012 and 2014 and is projected to grow by 10.8 percent through 2020. Biotechnology is helping to diversify and grow South Dakota’s economy, aiding in advancements in human health, energy and agriculture. Another sector that is important in South Dakota’s economy, information technology, is projected to see an 11.6 percent increase in jobs statewide by 2020, exceeding the national growth rate of 9.6 percent. Not only is South Dakota experiencing a growth in STEM jobs, but also in jobs that pay higher salaries. Another study conducted by EMSI for Change the Equation noted that median earnings for South Dakota STEM jobs are $28.59 per hour, while median earnings for non-STEM jobs in South Dakota are $15.55 per hour. An infographic map of South Dakota has been created that shows how and where science and technology industry sectors are advancing our state and the many organizations who have benefitted from programs outlined in the S&T plan. The map is available for viewing on the SD EPSCoR website at http://bit.ly/2m2x35O. To learn more, please visit www.sdstplan.org. George Washington once said, “When we assumed the soldier, we did not lay aside the citizen.” There was no waiting line for our men and women in uniform when they raised their right hands and volunteered to serve. There shouldn’t be a waiting line when they return home and need our help getting the care they’ve earned. Unfortunately, it took the government thirty plus years to recognize that there was a link between Agent Orange and the devastating health effects on our service members. Veterans waited decades to get the care they desperately needed and clearly earned. The VA now recognizes certain cancers and other health problems as presumptive diseases associated with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service. Veterans are encouraged to partake in the VA's Agent Orange Registry health exam to ensure that the research continues, presumptives are recognized and care is provided to our veterans. Conflicts change, conto ensure a legislative process which allows taminants change, but the lobbyist influence only through their arguments,” fact that our heroes are the Governor said. exposed to these toxins Gov. Daugaard also signed House Bill 1076, has not changed. Rep. Karen Soli’s bill to establish a government Recently the VA accountability board. The board is made up of four retired judges and has the authority to launched the Airborne turn issues of concern over to the Division of Hazards and Open Burn Criminal Investigation. Rep. Soli worked with her Pit Registry in response colleagues across the aisle and Executive Branch to concerns that veterans officials to form the proposal. who deployed after 1990 In addition to HB 1073 and HB 1076, the Govwere experiencing a range ernor also signed: of respiratory illnesses. HB 1052 – An Act to provide certain protecThe goal of the registry is tions for public employees. HB 1165 – An Act to provide for annually to help researchers study updated financial interest statements for any per- the health effects of burn son elected to statewide or local office. pits and other airborne SB 131 – An Act to revise certain provisions hazards. We encourage concerning the period of time certain persons are prohibited from lobbying after leaving office. veterans to visit the registry site (www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/ burnpits/registry.asp) to ensure that our heroes will not have to wait four decades for resolution. Wars, conflicts and battles have been fought throughout the years and continue today. th Continued research is vital if we are to complete Call 665-5884 to our promise to take care place your women of the men and ad here. who served. Gov. Daugaard Signs IM 22 Replacement Measures PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard signed five measures Friday to replace concepts of Initiated Measure 22 which were supported by the public. “State officials of all stripes undertook the difficult work of replacing Initiated Measure 22 with constitutional, workable legislation that meets the goals advanced by the IM 22,” said Gov. Daugaard. “Public servants from West River and East River, on the right and the left, and in the legislative and executive branches came together on these bills.” Among the bills signed was House Bill 1073, the lobbyist gift ban bill brought by Speaker Mark Mickelson. HB 1073 prohibits legislators, statewide elected officials and heads of Executive Branch agencies from accepting pricey gifts from lobbyists. “Proponents of IM 22 sold the measure by promoting a perception that state lawmakers are receiving expensive gifts from lobbyists. The speaker’s bill addresses that concern by helping Saturday, March 18 Interested in this spot? Specials! Shrimp ................................................................. $12.95 Prime Rib .......................................................... $18.95 Ribeye................................................................... $18.95 Served With Potato, Vegetable, Soup, Salad & Dessert Bar Serving 5:00pm-9:00pm Interested in this spot? 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