SDPB News Director Cara Hetland hosts Dakota Midday today. The she begins with an update on today's activity at the South Dakota Legislature from SDPB's Stephanie Rissler.
Hetland then visits with Joe Lowe who has retired from his position as leader of the South Dakota Division of Wildland Fire Suppression. Lowe says the 2002 Grizzly Gulch fire was among his hardest battles. He also talks about the challenge of fighting flooding this past summer at Dakota Dunes.
Rick Melmer, Dean of the School of Education at the University of South Dakota, discusses education proposals in the South Dakota Legislature and other important education topics that South Dakotans have on their minds.
Also, Michelle Verrochi, a teacher at Todd County High School and one of 100 "Teach for America" teachers, talks about a committee on which she serves that is working to inspire students and parents, driving home the importance of staying in school. At Todd County, the dropout rate is higher than the national average.