Blog—June 18, 2025—9-10—Working on Wellness Wednesday

   Our Working on Wellness Wednesday show did cover what has become a very important issue in South Dakota. Water Safety—and a change in the driving on water-ways not only in Lake Madison—but by a passed law—ALL WATERWAYS in this state.

   That all begins on July 1st--- and it was Lake Madison who just before the 4th of July 2 years ago saw a 13 year old girl hit by a moving water-craft—and then dying.

   South Dakota Law Makers in this legislative session passed a regulation adding an age to boating laws in the state. Sheriff’s, Safety Managers, and many businesses—didn’t want to continue seeing another Emmie lose her life with a driver who was under age. July 1st is the day the law takes effect. Last Saturday—was a special training Saturday---which goes into effect now in less than 2 weeks.

    Not all Lakes have responded---and in fact—some of those lawmakers from Pierre have noticed it---and we got concerned when our friends at GFP ---were suddenly unavailable to talk about in the last few days. Our job was to help those who wanting to make sure as many people as possible knew the law in South Dakota—effective July 1---and talk about it as often as possible---to advise. 

    We are next on the air on Friday—and for the last 2 or 3 years Game Fish and Parks has been a part of the show—sharing with us what they are promoting. Unsure what we will find this Friday.

    Our collection of guests this morning –Sheriff, Safety Leaders—and those pushing want to make sure that all waterways and the people around them know about the law change. We’ll push until Tuesday July 1st---to make sure all know—what they are doing—and why this life or death matter should be followed.

    One of those pushing the issue is Legislative Leader---Cassie Crabtree---he was on as was GFP’s Kip Rounds. Kip has worked with our Business and Agri Business Shows for a handful of years—we will invite him to join us on Friday. We hope he does.

    The last time Kip was on with us was Monday---he shared as we hear quite often—that he was engaged with a number of activities and couldn’t join us. That was what I was personally told for Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Larry Kotten provided the guests for 9:20 segment---and we did talk at length---about the real need for this to be an inclusion of all the lakes. Other guests were concerned that with the legislation passed—that ALL the LAKES in South Dakota would be covered by what was passed. 

    Mary Michaels—AARP joined us to talk about projects that are available across South Dakota in the next month. In addition she shared grants to Crooks Veterans Park, Gayville-Volin School District, Hayti Sofball Field—Downtown Sioux Falls Inc, and Spearfish Trails Coalition.

    There were Capacity Building Microgrants for two microgrant projects spearheaded by the Canton Chamber of Commerce and the Canton Committee implementing two bike audits to assess walkability.

    Demonstration Grant for Brookings—the Safe Steps Crosswalks & Bump-Outs for a Walkable Brookings.

   Our It’s YOUR Business Show—Working on Wellness can cover most any wellness or community improvement projects. Mary is always good about sharing—and even when she is busy—she finds time to make a difference.

   Listen live to the show at 1320, 105.1, 107.9—use the KELO App—for It’s YOUR Business –Norm Anderson not only posts the blog---but makes sure I get my guests pre-viewed and accommodated, and that I interview them—and write the blog as a summary.

   Questions for me—feel free to call/text at 605-728-BILL (2455) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.