My generation lived through the revolutionary up-and-coming calculators. The first ones were over $400 and were the size of a shoe box. Now a person can get a pocket-sized calculator at a convenience store for $3.99. An average modern calculator has more capability and speed than the "computer" on the first manned NASA space rocket. The first generation of true computers were bigger than many rooms, had reel-to-reel information storage, and required a team of employees to keep them running. Now an average personal computer can hold vital information on millions of people.

Dear Editor:

I have decided to respond to the article written by Nancy Haigh in The Pioneer Review's Nov. 16, 2006, issue concerning the Haakon Co. Commissioners' meeting of Nov. 9th.

With all due respect to Nancy, I realize that it has to be a very hard job writing for a small town newspaper and covering local board meetings. And, try as you may to be fair to everyone, usually someone feels the story slants more to one side than the other.

The Consumer Protection Division has received complaints about telemarketers claiming to be Medicare representatives in an attempt to gain personal identifying information such as social security and bank account numbers.

Three FCCLA students advisor Brigitte Brucklacher flew out of Rapid City for Phoenix on November 11 for a two-day convention. This was not a mandatory meeting, but an activity that members volunteered to attend. Each payed half of their expenses while the chapter payed the other half.

While there, the four stayed at the Hyatt Regency and attended FCCLA (Family, Career, Community Leaders of America) workshops in the Phoenix Convention Center.

The feature speaker was Matt Glowacki, who spoke about overcoming obstacles and making the best of life. Glowacki was born without legs.

Three FCCLA students advisor Brigitte Brucklacher flew out of Rapid City for Phoenix on November 11 for a two-day convention. This was not a mandatory meeting, but an activity that members volunteered to attend. Each payed half of their expenses while the chapter payed the other half.

While there, the four stayed at the Hyatt Regency and attended FCCLA (Family, Career, Community Leaders of America) workshops in the Phoenix Convention Center.

The feature speaker was Matt Glowacki, who spoke about overcoming obstacles and making the best of life. Glowacki was born without legs.

Roger Porch of Philip, a member of that Department of Education task force, was disappointed. "I originally thought that our task was to brainstorm and make recommendations to the Board of Education. But, we gave no specific recommendations."

Porch, a former legislator, predicts that any action taken from the task force's 60-page report will be "same old, same old.

"In my view, some type of sparsity factor is looked upon favorably by most people," said Porch. The Haakon School District does not receive a sparsity factor because of a current fund balance.