SIOUX FALLS — South Dakota’s voter turnout has disappointed some military veterans.

Former Lt. Gov. Matt Michels, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, has launched an initiative urging citizens to “Vote in Honor of a Veteran,” emphasizing the sacrifices made by military personnel to secure the democratic rights Americans enjoy. 

“We always think that government is ‘they,’ but it really is ‘us,’” Michels said. “We the people.” 

Michels shared the pitch Saturday to a crowd of about 100 during the annual USS South Dakota Day of Honor in Sioux Falls. He handed out sheets of stickers showcasing the slogan to fellow veterans, who were enthusiastic about the effort. 

“It’s really about voting in honor of America,” said Douglas Starr, a World War II and Korean War veteran.

Michels said he will continue sharing the message with veteran organizations in the state.

The event, held on the second Saturday of August, commemorates the legacy of one of the most decorated ships of World War II. The ship gained fame for its actions in the European and Pacific theatres, participating in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

Michels told a story from the second battle of Guadalcanal, in which the ship’s electrical system became disabled as the ship was under fire from Japanese destroyers. He said the ship received 27 hits, including a 14-inch shell that hit the rear turret. During this battle, 40 crew members were killed and 180 were wounded.

“Including 12-year-old Calvin Leon Graham, who had lied about his age to enlist,” Michels said. “He was the youngest American to fight in the war.”

Decommissioned in 1947, the battleship remains a symbol of service. The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial, which hosted Saturday’s event, includes a concrete outline of the ship’s main deck and the actual anchor, propeller, a 16-inch gun barrel, mast and exhibit hall. 

Proving authoritarians wrong

Michels described the heroism displayed during World War II as continuing a fight for freedom that began with the American Revolution.

“If we pause and think about how this nation was started,” Michels said. “At the time, there were no nations that were governed by regular people. The monarchs, the kings and queens, those people were controlling everything. And those people thought regular people were too dumb. That they couldn’t handle it.” 

Michels said it’s every American’s duty to prove authoritarians wrong. 

“Everyone 18 and over can honor these women and men who have protected us, served us, given their lives,” he said. “What is it we can do? We can vote.”

Turnout across South Dakota in the June primary election was historically low at 17% — the lowest percentage since the state began combining presidential primaries with other primary races in 2000.

“It’s offensive,” Michels said. 

For those who were too busy to vote, Michels has a message: “Yeah, well, a lot of people were too busy serving you and dying so that you would have this right.” 

Michels served as lieutenant governor from 2011 to 2019 and served prior to that in the Legislature. He was born in Pierre, grew up in Vermillion, and graduated from the University of South Dakota. He worked as a nurse from 1981 to 1985 while earning a law degree at USD. He then attended Naval Justice School and became a U.S. Navy officer, serving as a lawyer. He was honorably discharged in 1989.

AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology provided updates regarding the growth plan for its North American distribution network today. AGCO embarked on an ambitious plan in North America in 2022 to transform and expand its North American dealership network to meet growing farmer demand and ensure comprehensive access and superior customer experiences of its popular brands and services. Recent updates in its North American network include expansions in Missouri and Wisconsin by experienced AGCO dealers Brookfield Tractor, Parallel Ag, McFarlane Manufacturing Company and Vanderloop Equipment.

Dealer territory updates in Missouri and Wisconsin will help provide full access throughout both states to AGCO’s popular brands and services, including those from Fendt®, Massey Ferguson® and PTx®. This expansion is the result of an agreed-upon transition with Ziegler Ag Equipment, which has made the decision to strategically consolidate and remain focused on its services in the Minnesota, Iowa and northwest Missouri markets.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to have served the Wisconsin and central Missouri AGCO customers and know they will be in good hands with these experienced dealers,” said Matt Solem, Ziegler Ag Equipment’s Vice President, “We’re excited about the growth opportunities we have in Iowa, Minnesota and northwest Missouri, and we remain committed to delivering the high level of service and support our customers have come to expect from us.”

Existing AGCO dealerships will expand their services to support previous Ziegler Ag Equipment customers in central Missouri and southern Wisconsin. Specifically:

• Brookfield Tractor and Parallel Ag will expand their services in Missouri from locations in Brookfield, Marshall and Montgomery City; and
• McFarlane Manufacturing, Parallel Ag and Vanderloop Equipment will similarly expand services in Wisconsin.

In coordination with Ziegler Ag, AGCO and its dealerships are implementing a full customer care plan and communications to farmers to ensure a smooth transition and will soon introduce their new product teams and service capabilities.

“AGCO’s dealership strategy in North America ensures that farmers can leverage the industry’s leading equipment and precision ag technologies,” said Ruchir Patel, AGCO Vice President, Global Distribution Management. “We’re excited by the expansion and growth we’re seeing across our dealership network, and we’re sure Missouri and Wisconsin farmers will be pleased with their new teams.”

DETROIT – An actor and producer best known for portraying a certain character in the “Lord of the Rings” franchise was spotted in Downtown Detroit.

The Dime Store in Detroit posted on Instagram that the crew was in “full geek out mode” when Elijah Wood stopped by. They described him as a “super nice guy.”

“🤩 OMG, OMG, OMG. We were in full geek out mode today in Detroit when our homeboy from The Shire, Frodo Baggins, dined with us at Dime Store. Actor & producer Elijah Wood, best known for his role in The Lord of the Rings, brought out smiles & excitement from staff & guests alike because really, who doesn’t love Frodo?! By all accounts, he’s a super nice guy & even took some time to take pictures with our staff.

“Thanks for being such a good sport, Elijah. We’re huge fans; it was truly an honor to have you as our guest. 🙏

📷: Elijah Wood with Dime Store staffers Lauren, Paul and team”

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The Dime Store earned third place in the 2024 Vote 4 The Best contest. You can view the full list of winners here.