THE BAD: Influenza infections are booming nationwide and here in South Dakota, too, where 74 confirmed cases were reported last week, an increase of 164 percent over the previous week. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the current vaccine is a good match for only about 40 percent of the spreading flu viruses.
THE SAD: The late Diana and Kent Kraft, both 67, were a Sioux Falls couple that was born on the same day (Sept. 2, 1941) and died on the same day, Feb. 9, after 43 years of marriage. Miller Funeral Home Director Joel Vipond says he's never experienced this in his 30 years of funeral service.
THE GOOD: U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson and his wife, Barbara, received the Courage Award from Tracy's Kids, a nonprofit organization that helps emotionally equip pediatric cancer patients to fight the disease. The Johnsons, both cancer survivors, were recognized for setting a strong example for those battling cancer and other serious illnesses. We'll say.
THE GOOD: Almost 200 entries in the Journal's Poet's Corner Haiku challenge that revealed the latent poet in so many readers. While the staff was particularly impressed by five or six haikus, they appreciated the effort of all contributors. We can't wait for next month's limerick challenge.
THE GOOD: Dozens of people attended the first public discussion Feb.13 on improving the look and traffic flow of Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City's busy thoroughfare that routes tourists to Mount Rushmore.
THE BAD: No citizens turned out for a public input meeting hosted that same night by the Rapid City Police Department.
THE GOOD: Today is President's Day, a celebration of two of our greatest leaders to ever hold that office, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Let's hope whomever we elect in 2008 will share some of their qualities.
THE BAD: Rapid City's landfill incurred $83,779 in costs associated with the disposal of flood debris from the Aug. 17 flood in Hermosa.
THE UGLY: After state help with clean-up costs, and a big write-off by the city of Rapid City, that still leaves Hermosa with an outstanding bill of $8,427 at the landfill, which agreed to work out a payment plan but not to any further waiver of its fees.
THE BAD: Homeschooled students in South Dakota can't qualify for state college scholarships, even if they score at least 24 on the ACT college admission test. A scholarship eligibility bill sponsored by Rep. Mark DeVries of Belvidere needed 36 votes to pass but was rejected by the House 34-33.
