The South Dakota Office of Economic Development refused the application for a CDBG grant because regulations state that a project connected to a government agency cannot be funded. The rules can be interpreted to allow for re-application if the project were not connected to the courthouse; i.e. if the library was free standing.

"I can't believe it took them this long to tell us we couldn't do it," stated Commissioner Melvin Smith. The commission is unanimously resolved to continue supporting a new library, though it is split on where the location should be.

"It's a family drive in, a family restaurant where we cater to the family atmosphere," said owner and manager Tanya Fillingim, as she points at the high chairs in the corner and pats the shoulders of her own two children.

What used to be BJ's Corner has changed hands and reopened. The building has gotten new carpeting and linoleum, and has seen some cleaning and small repair work, but everything else is basically the same, according to Fillingim.

The interior of the building might look familiar, as does the owner.

The Lady Scotties went into the game against the Wall Eagles with "no bets made." But, the game was dominated by the Scotties, who easily won it 62-42.

The first score, a three pointer, was sunk by Wall. Three minutes into the game the score was tied 5-5.

The Philip wrestling team traveled to Wagner to compete in the State "B" Dual Championships.

The Philip Scotties did more than hold their own during the basketball game against the Bennett County Warriors on Tuesday, January 23.

After scoring the first point, the Scottie varsity team fell behind until the last second of the first quarter 16-15. Immediately trailing again, they tied 26-26 with 2:30 left before the end of the second quarter, but went into halftime behind 30-32. The third quarter was back and forth, but Philip was ahead going into the fourth quarter 46-43.

The Lady Scotties overwhelmed the Cowgirls in Lemmon on Friday, January 26.

Philip allowed their opponents only two points in the first quarter. In the fourth quarter, while Philip scored 18, they allowed only four by the Cowgirls.

The Lady Scotties hosted the Bennett County Warriors on Tuesday, January 23.

I sit regally upon the chiseled throne atop the highest temple of the powerful Aztec empire. The golden sun and its sweltering heat beat down upon the land. A brave commander of my mighty army stands before me, holding high for all to see the head of a vanquished foe. To one side are servants bringing to me a feast fit for a king - dishes of exotic meats hunted through the skills of the best trained warriors, the staple of my empire - maize, and sweat delicacies beyond dream.

I am the lord of the plains and jungles between two great seas.

Each year the University of South Dakota Theatre department participates in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (ACTF). USD belongs to Region V which includes competing schools and universities from Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

This year the Festival was held January 21st to the 27th in Ames, IA, at Iowa State University.

Governor Mike Rounds told members of the South Dakota Newspaper Association January 25 that he will not support efforts to force small schools to consolidate.

SDNA members were in Pierre for the annual Newspaper Day at the Legislature that has traditionally included a press conference with the governor.

A bill was introduced this session that would make schools consolidate if they had less than 200 students.

"Why is 200 so special," Rounds asked. "What's the difference in the magic of a particular number.