It might just be that readers are tiring a bit of the election.
Don't get me wrong. We've had a record month as far as Web stats goes, and a lot of that has to do with the 2008 election.
But in the week leading up to Election Day, none of the top five stories was a political story (although three of the top five videos had a political link).
Instead, tragic accidents topped the top news stories. Here's a look at the week that was.
Top Five Stories
1. Crews, planes searching for lost hunter in the Hills
The search for Brad McGee, which began last Friday and ended tragically on Saturday morning when search and rescue crews discovered his body in dense forest near Hill City, captivated readers.
Preliminary autopsy reports indicate the Onida man, Brad McGee, likely died of a heart attack while hunting elk.
The story detailing initial search efforts to find McGee was the week's most read article; the story detailing the discovery of his body was the fourth most read.
2. County warned of compound near Edgemont
The presence of a community of Fundamental Latter Day Saints followers in the Southern Hills always garners readers' interest. When the discussion turns to expanding their presence occurs, it really brings in the readers.
Although efforts by the group - which has been linked to polygamy and the marriage of underage girls - have been put on hold by an area judge, talk of creating a second compound in the Southern Hills near Edgemeont certainly piqued the interest of readers.
The groups other compound is near Pringle. No charges of wrongdoing has ever been brought against the group.
3. Quinn woman sentenced for drunken rollover death
Ronda Wolff faces six months of local jail time and probation for the death of a 40-year-old Alexandria, Va. man, Kenneth West, last November north of Quinn. Also injured in the accident was 32-year-old Vince Thomas of Rapid City.
wolff had a blood-alcohol content of .22 - nearly thrice the level deemed the point at which intoxication occurs.
It was a tragic case all around, but judge Jack Delaney's comments probably rang the most true about the case and the frustrations that come with seeing so many people lost to the illegal practice of drunken driving.
"Drunk drivers kill a Vietnam's worth every three years, and it doesn't change," he said during sentencing.
A woman who escaped from her work-release job in Sioux Falls didn't have much time to enjoy her newfound freedom. She was found the next day in Center, Neb.
5. Haakon County man killed in one-vehicle accident
Another possible case of drunken driving. Another life lost.
Top Five Videos
Photo editor Ryan Soderlin's quick paced look at the South Dakota Cross Country Championships in Huron caught viewers eyes. Padraic Duffy provides a solid voice over, but the images were great as they give viewers a taste of what its like to be at a high level cross country meet, something many may not have had the pleasure of having.
2. Obama Assasination Plot Disrupted
Alarming tales of skinheads and political assassination plans certainly get one's attention, but this seems like something out of a Hollywood script more than the news pages.
The first day of pheasant hunting is a South Dakota favorite, and reporter Kevin Woster captured Sen. John Thune and his father taking in the annual hunt on the South Dakota prairie.
One of a series of videos featuring everyday people talking about the everyday issues that they face and how they hope this year's election will help them face those problems.
5. College Student Talks Politics
Another in the Kitchen Table political issue series, this one captured a local college student and a different take on key issues facing voters.
Rapid Reply of the Week
In a sea of suspicious and fearful reactions mixed in with some skeptical and defense of organized religion, the following post on the story about a Fundamental Latter Day Saints group potentially building a second compound in the Southern Hills cut to the quick and got to the heart of the issue.
ik on 10/29/2008 12:46:29 said:
"Perhaps it is time for Custer County and Fall River County to consider zoning ordinances. A well-conceived zoning plan is the best way to control growth an development and to create a community that fosters community neighborliness."
Poll of the Week
Not only was this poll the most popular of the week, it was the closest we've had in a while (1 vote). Still, my favorite thing about the poll responses is that the winner, Chinese New Year, is the only one among the bunch that has a true basis in history in Deadwood.
What would Wu say if he saw these results?
In honor of Deadweird, which weekend event seems to least fit Deadwood's image?
Deadweird
267 13 percent
Mardi Gras
509 25 percent
Kool Deadwood Nites
263 13 percent
Oktoberfest
208 10 percent
Chinese New Year
510 25 percent
St. Patrick's Day
249 12 percent
Editor's Pick
Updated with the Attorney General's explanation of the ballot issues and still including the responses by state House and Senate candidates to some key election year questions, the updated election module also has a running feed of Journal election stories.
And if you need to see a sample ballot to prepare for Tuesday's election, check out www.sdsos.gov.
