Limit: The point, edge or line beyond which something cannot or may not proceed. – American Heritage Dictionary In a different time, when I was a parent and not a grandparent, we used to talk about “limits” to our children. Check with Webster’s and you’ll find...
Foundation: A basis upon which something stands or is supported. – Dictionary.com George Mickelson had a dream that one day, communities all across South Dakota would have a way to pay for some extras – call them wants instead of needs – and that the money would be...
Transitive verb: A verb accompanied by a direct object. – Dictionary.com It’s that time of year when graduation announcements appear in the mailbox. The ceremonies are different now, and by that I mean compared to 50 years ago when members of the Class of 1965 walked...
Disaster: A sudden calamitous event, producing great material loss, damage, or distress. – Merriam Webster Dictionary Webster’s uses floods, mining collapses, and even war to define a disaster but the definition is too limiting. Ask residents of Delmont, Wessington...
Transparency: A situation or statement that is easily understood or recognized because there are no secrets connected with it or because it is expressed in a clear way. – Collins English Dictionary Back in the day, “open government” was a rallying cry for...
Tradition: An inherited, established or customary pattern of thought, action or behavior.—Dictionary.com Traditions come and go. Some, like removing your hat when the National Anthem is being played, are revered and last to this day. Family traditions are passed along...
Official language: A language that is given a special legal status in a particular country. – Wikipedia “Un gran lugar para trabajar.” Admittedly, my Spanish is limited – no, that wouldn’t be quite accurate. Since Mrs. Cadwell’s best efforts to drill some bits and...
Merger: Combining two businesses into one.—Merriam Webster Dictionary If you are a member of South Dakota Wheat Growers or North Central Farmers Elevator, you likely have already voted on the proposed merger. Though the boards of directors of both organizations favor...
Catch phrase: A phrase that attracts or is meant to attract attention. – Dictionary.com. See also, “jingle.” Tourists heading west across South Dakota can’t help but smile when this billboard rhyme captures their attention: “Where the heck is Kennebec?” It’s...
Founding Father: A member of the American Constitutional Convention of 1787. – Webster’s Dictionary Independence Day is fast approaching. Saturday marks the most consequential date in our nation’s history, the declaration in 1776 of our independence from England. July...
