Things are really getting in full swing out in Pierre this week.  Even though we’ve already tackled some hard issues, the hard deadlines for filing bills passed last Friday, and our committees are loaded.  This week, the House Commerce and Energy committee will be hearing testimony on everything to firearms... Read more

Ronald “Ron” Thomas, age 64, of Ortonville, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 7, 2016. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church in Ortonville with Rev. David Tonn officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery in Ortonville.... Read more

The executive director of the Grant County Development Corporation sees fortune cookies in your future. The Valley Express recently spoke with Bobbie Bohlen who shared some developing news. She said the GCDC has plans on the table to add a new Chinese restaurant to the lineup of Milbank eateries. “We have been in contact... Read more

Milbank secured a berth to the State Class A gymnastics meet following a solid performance at the Region 1A/Northeast Conference meet Thursday, February 4, in Britton. The Lady Bulldogs finished third in the team standings with 130.40 points. The top three teams from each region advance to compete at the... Read more

The education debate is starting to heat up. This week Governor Dennis Daugaard filed three bills that would implement his reform plans. The governor’s proposals would increase the state sales tax from 4% to 4.5% to raise teacher salaries from the current status of 51st place in the nation and... Read more

All of the bills are entered into the legislative process now. Over the course of the next month, we will finalize, debate, and determine whether legislation will become law or wait until next year to take that action. I appreciate hearing from many of you who have contacted me to... Read more

Eleanor Osterloh, age 75, of Wilmot, died Friday, February 5, 2016, at the Wilmot Care Center. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 10, 2016, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Wilmot with Rev. John Barkett officiating. Burial will follow in the Wilmot City Cemetery. Visitation... Read more

The Milbank High School music department will provide lively entertainment during its annual Pops Concert Tuesday, February 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the MHS theater. The Jazz band, under the direction of Susan Karels, will perform a few numbers as well as the color guard group. The MHS choir, directed... Read more

Dennis Harder, age 66, of Milbank, SD, died on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, at his home. No services will be held at this time. Dennis Michael Harder was born on May 22, 1949, in Aberdeen, SD, to Gerald and Helen (Tomek) Harder. At a young age the Harder family moved... Read more

The Milbank Wrestling Booster Club will host its large youth wrestling tournament Sunday, February 7, beginning at 12 noon at the Milbank High School Armory. Youth wrestlers are invited to take part in the four-man round robin and will be grouped by age and weight. Weigh-ins will take place from... Read more