Tag Archives: corn palace

Tell us how you would change the Corn Palace

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The local Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday that it has schedule a public forum at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, on the “next-generation” Corn Palace.

A committee of the chamber is seeking answers to the following questions, which I invite you to answer here on our blog:

  • What questions, issues or concerns would you like to see the committee address?
  • What do you hope this committee will accomplish? What do you think the committee’s priorities should be?
  • What should stay the same at the Corn Palace and the area around it? What should change?
  • What information do you want to receive about the next-generation Corn Palace area project? What’s the best way to get this information to the public?

L.A. Times: Corn Palace is a husk of its former self

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The L.A. Times quoted from an editorial I wrote in its piece today on the Corn Palace and other such roadside attractions. The piece examines the struggle that such attractions face in their attempts to stay relevant. Here’s an excerpt:

… Times and tastes have changed since the Corn Palace gained fame in 1892, and there is concern about dwindling visits to the attraction, which is key to the economy in this southeastern South Dakota town of 14,500. In a September editorial, the local newspaper, the Daily Republic, called for a “new incarnation” of the venue, which was built as a means of encouraging farmers to put down roots in the region.

“In today’s world, an arena with corn on it is less interesting by the year,” it said, in a rare public criticism of the landmark. The Chamber of Commerce has a special committee dedicated to coming up with a plan for revamping the Corn Palace, whose exterior murals made entirely of corn are changed yearly to reflect a different theme — the bicentennial and the space race, for instance — and attract new visitors.

Click here to see the full story.

Who won the debate?

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When I tell people I covered the Kristi Noem-Stephanie Herseth Sandlin debate at The Corn Palace Saturday afternoon, one question pops up right away: Who won?

I reply that both candidates offered strong cases and fielded questioins with skill and poise. People then roll their eyes.

Here’s a link to video of all three debates held Saturday: http://www.mitchellrepublic.com/pages/cpdebate

And here’s my story on it:

http://www.mitchellrepublic.com/event/article/id/45674/

So you have read the stories and watched the debate. What’s your view? Who won?

Changes to debate schedule

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Some things have come up. Here’s a story that will be in tomorrow’s Daily Republic.

Schedule for Saturday Palace debates finalized

By The Daily Republic

Two candidates for South Dakota secretary of state and a front-burner controversy about statewide smoking have been added to a debate this weekend sponsored by The Daily Republic.

The Daily Republic-Corn Palace Festival Debate originally was to include gubernatorial candidates Scott Heidepriem and Dennis Daugaard debating at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Corn Palace, followed by U.S. House candidates Kristi Noem and Stephanie Herseth Sandlin.

The U.S. House debate will go on as planned, but the gubernatorial debate was canceled late Wednesday afternoon when Daugaard announced he cannot attend due to the funeral of a close friend.

Thursday morning, The Daily Republic announced on its website that secretary of state candidates Ben Nesselhuf and Jason Gant have been added to the bill. Late Thursday afternoon, it was announced that a debate focusing on Referred Law 12 — which could prohibit smoking in certain places, such as restaurants and bars — also has been added.

The final, revised schedule now includes:

11 a.m.: Jennifer Stalley of the American Cancer Society and Don Rose, a spokesman for a group called Citizens for Individual Freedom.

Stalley is from Pierre and Rose is from Sioux Falls. They will debate Referred Law 12, which is on South Dakota’s November ballot.

11:30 a.m.: Secretary of state candidates Nesselhuf and Gant.

Gant is a Republican from Sioux Falls and Nesselhuf is a Democrat from Vermillion. Also in the race is Constitution Party candidate Lori Stacey, of Sioux Falls. The Daily Republic did not extend an invitation to Stacey.

“This is an important office and an important election,” said Nesselhuf. “This is a great opportunity to discuss important matters. I know Jason from our time in the state Senate and look forward to having a productive and positive discussion on the issues facing this office.”

“I am very excited for the opportunity to discuss the importance of this year’s secretary of state race,” Gant said. “There are many differences between my opponent and I. I plan to emphasize my position of cracking down on voter fraud by ensuring state policies are not weakened and the integrity of our election system is not damaged.”

Noon-1 p.m.: U.S. House candidates Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Kristi Noem.

Noem is a Republican who has served in the South Dakota Legislature. Herseth Sandlin is the Democrat incumbent.

The debates are free to the public. For those who cannot attend, the debates will be broadcast live on The Daily Republic’s website, www.mitchellrepublic.com.

SHS ready to rumble

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Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and state Rep. Kristi Noem will take part in five joint appearances, including The Daily Republic’s Aug. 28 debate at the Corn Palace as well as four candidate forums, also known as joint press conferences.

SHS released a schedule today:

I’m pleased to announce that I have confirmed my participation in five debates and forums in the coming weeks.

*Congressional Candidate Forum facilitated by the League of Women Voters at the Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, August 11

*U.S. House Forum at the Associated School Boards of SD and School Administrators of SD at their convention in Sioux Falls on Friday, August 13

*Congressional Candidate Forum on South Dakota Agriculture at Dakotafest in Mitchell on Tuesday, August 17

*Mitchell Daily Republic-Corn Palace Debate in Mitchell on Saturday, August 28

*Candidate’s Forum hosted by ACE, SDCGA, East River Electric Power Cooperative and Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of SD at the State Fair in Huron on Sunday, September 5

Want to show your support for S4SD at a debate or forum? Text “S4SD” to 38703 (standard messaging rates apply) and we will be in touch with you. You can also call our campaign office at 605-332-1901.

If you’re not able to join us for these events, I anticipate participating in more forums and debates throughout the campaign and will be sure to let you know. I look forward to talking about my about my strong record of standing up for South Dakota in Congress, and I hope to see you soon!