South Dakota Public Broadcasting

HP Recruit Training, FCA Camp, POLICOM and Challenging Waters

Dakota Midday - 06/12/2012

South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper Isaac Kurtz and SDHP Recruit Matt Niles discuss the training process for new South Dakota Highway Patrolmen. Niles is among a class of 13 recruits who are currently training. Kurtz is the academy's lead instructor for DUI training and has, himself, been through the academy. They talked about the physical training to classroom instruction, simulations and the background of some of the current recruits. Also, Kurtz talks about the SDHP's current staffing levels and whether budget cuts played a role in the agency's manpower.

T.J. Carlson, Fellowship of Christian Athletes sports chaplain for South Dakota State University and Brookings-area high schools, and Denise Blomberg, the area coordinator for Samaritan's Feet, talk about the shoe distribution which is happening on the last day of the FCA camp being held at the Pine Ridge Reservation for grades 5-12 beginning tomorrow.

Bill Fruth, President of POLICOM Corporation, an independent economic research firm which specializes in analyzing local and state economies, joins Dakota Midday to discuss the company's latest report ranking Sioux Falls as having the ninth strongest metropolitan area for 2012. Six years ago, POLICOM ranked Sioux Falls at #101. Fruth explains the latest findings and how a report like this can benefit Sioux Falls' economic climate. Also, Bob Bosse, Director of Television for South Dakota Public Broadcasting, talks about the documentary "Challenging Waters," airing tonight at 7 Central on SDPB-TV. "Challenging Waters" looks at the history of the uses and management of the Missouri River in South Dakota from pre-settlement through present day. The documentary includes the development of the reservoir system and the master manual that dictates how managers are supposed to control the river's flow. "Challenging Waters" also looks back at the flooding of 2011 and the long and short term changes that are the result.

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