Darrel Hinkle was complaining about waiting for his Brother Jerry Hinkle to get done with breakfast so they could feed calves. He said that Jerry should have been done 40 minutes before. "I was in bed 40 minutes ago", Jerry shot back. "You ought to spent a night or two with Grandad, then you'd know what it's like". Darrel said jokingly, "I will if you'll spend the night with Kristi" Jerry then laughed and said, "OK, outside of the improvement, she'll never know the difference". As soon as Kristi gives the green light to this project, the Holabird Advocate just might have some very interesting things to report. Don't hold your breath on that.

Just when I think the last aria has been sung in the ponderous Wagnerian opera that was Campaign 2004 a new one pops up for your friendly Falstaffian baritone. Call this one "Der Blogs." You can hum Ride Of The Valkyrie to set the tone. There are signs that some of South Dakota's Democrats are stirring. I'm told that former state party head Rick Hauffe and others are writing for http://revitalizesddems.blogspot.com/. One of the blog (short for web log) founders tells me it is not an official party effort but a grassroots movement to light some candles rather than curse the dark, to make the Democratic Party more relevant to South Dakotans. As he puts it, "We're going to use a tool the Right has hit us over the head with for our own ends."And hit over the head they were. I've written a couple of columns questioning the origin of some of the anti-Daschle, anti-Argus, and mildly anti-Hemmingsen rants. One of the things the Republicans didn't make loud noises over is that people inside the Thune campaign managed to steer at least 35 thousand dollars to a couple of the bloggers and, in turn, their blogs...Which look like news but are more like campaign literature that comes by email rather than snail mail. Jon Lauck, Assistant Professor of History at SDSU, tells me he is writing a book about the Daschle-Thune race. One has to wonder how objective it can be since he got 27 thousand dollars from the Right to, as he is quoted in other articles, "light a prairie fire of populism" with his blogging http://daschlevthune.typepad.com/. That prairie fire included an effort to unhorse Dave Kranz from the KELOLAND/Argus Leader sponsored debates. Jason Van Beek's blog http://southdakotapolitics.blogs.com/, also with money from the Thune side of the fence, tried to paint Kranz as a college cohort of Tom Daschle's going back to their student days at SDSU in the late 1960's. Kranz says he barely knew Daschle in those days. And since Kranz and I are old friends going back to the budding of our careers in Austin, Minnesota, I tend to believe him.There's no question that the blogs, which the Democrats wrote off but which are cheap to start, were an adjunct to the Thune victory. It was mostly TV commercials and Bush coattails, but in a close one everything is in play. For their part, the Democrats might try a little honesty with their candidates. Most of them, including Senators Tom Daschle and Tim Johnson, run under a "don't ask, don't tell" banner. You hardly ever hear them mention their party except at party functions. It's probably good politics in an inherently Republican state, but it didn't work this time. At least the bloggers were there to keep reminding us that Daschle is a Democrat. Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth concedes to being a "Blue Dog" Democrat, of which there are only 30 in Congress. They're Democrats who think like Republicans on money matters, supposedly. I'm still not clear on where the name, "Blue Dog," came from. Our picks in Congress are becoming more important as the rest of the country's taxpayers wise up to the politics of the pork barrel. I see that South Dakota now gets only $1.49 back for every dollar we send to Washington. It used to be around three dollars. The jocular reason for sending Democrats to Washington to bring home the bacon so Republicans can spend it wisely is being sliced thinner. Hey, maybe it's not a joking matter anymore.

Medical Marijuana has become the latest buzzword in the media. This issue is nothing new. In fact it's been in the headlines every little once in a while ever since the People's Republic of California made it legal some 8 years ago.

I know very little about the health benefit of cannabis. All I really know is that it is supposedly good for increasing the appetites of Terminal Cancer patients and people with AIDS (Is that what they call "The munchies"?). These people are going to die anyway, so I don't see the harm there. Some worry about getting addicted, so I guess I could go either way there.

"Pot Perscriptions" have been made for all kinds of malady's. Glaucoma, back pain, depression, and even baldness. There are plenty of legal drugs for those ailments. I don't really see the point there. Kinda overkill, isn't it? I can't get over prescribing Mary Jane for baldness. How does it work? Does one smoke a joint until they forget that they have no hair (Ah yes, and thereby hangs the depression cure as well).

If there is any Reader out there who has any first or second hand knowledge about this subject, please feel free to small me. All replies will be kept off the record, unless you request otherwise.

"The more you know, the better you can work. You can work smarter and work safer," said Doug Hinkle, captain of Engine Company No. 1. Hinkle was one of five firefighters to take vacation time or personal leave from their places of employment to attend specialized training at the Emergency Response Training Center in Pueblo, Colo. The week long course provided those firefighters with both classroom training and the opportunity to be involved in exercises involving actual hazardous materials. Other firefighters to attend the training were Curt Hasart, Matt Gacke, Shane Lehrkamp and Sean Devine. Firefighters know that every fire is a hazardous materials incident. Every home and business contains hazardous materials. Motor vehicles contain hazardous materials. In most situations, standard bunker gear with breathing apparatus provides firefighters with the protection they need to knock down the fire and contain the situation. However, in every community, the potential for a more serious hazardous materials incident exists, Hinkle said. Rail cars carrying hazardous materials pose a danger. Farm chemicals pose a danger. Fuels-propane, gas, diesel fuel-pose a danger. When firefighters are called in to deal with emergencies involving large quantities of these substances-and others-they need specialized gear and specialized training."If we have a chemical that is absorbed through the skin, our bunker gear wouldn't be adequate," Hinkle said. In addition to having firefighters receive specialized training, the Pierre fire department has recently purchased equipment which will enable them to better address hazardous materials incidents, according to fire chief Tam Gatje. The equipment was purchased with a grant received through the state with federal funding."Some of this equipment will work for both weapons of mass destruction and hazardous materials," Gatje said. Most firefighters on the Pierre Volunteer Fire Department have basic training in recognizing a hazardous materials disaster, Hinkle said. They know how to establish a perimeter and evacuate the area.Many also have additional training in preventing the hazardous material from contaminating the area outside the perimeter, according to Hinkle. However, previously only two or three firefighters who work professionally in areas which require more advanced training were able to do more, he said. The training received in Colorado during the last week in September increased that number by five."We can actually go in and try to stop the source of the problem," Hinkle said. Gatje said the men received training after the state requested that some Pierre firefighters be trained to the technician level. Prior to this, only three departments had firefighters trained to deal with hazardous materials incidents-Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Aberdeen.The Pierre fire department prepared for a local incident by training to contain the incident until a qualified team could arrive."We have a contract with the Rapid City Fire Department to assist us if there's a release beyond our capabilities," Gatje said.One of the primary capabilities acquired through the specialized training was chemical identification."We can actually go in and check what kind of chemicals we're dealing with," Hinkle said.This can obe the most time-consuming aspect of addressing a hazardous materials incident, he said. In a full-scale exercise in Colorado, Hinkle said, it took nearly three hours to identify the chemical and approximately one hour to handle the situation once that was done.The plan of action is based on the substance and the situation, according to Hinkle."Sometimes the best course of action is not to do anything but evacuate the area and let it run its course," he said.The Pierre Volunteer Fire Department has responded to situations in the area which required these skills. In once instance, they were called to assist with a sulfur fire, Hinkle said."They got it on their bunker gear before we knew what we were dealing with," he said.When firefighters don't know the substance with which they are dealing, the scope of the incident can expand. They can unknowingly put their own lives in danger. Training can prevent this from happening."We don't want to put anyone's life in danger," he said.

The Methodist Church in Faulkton will set the scene for the new life of Dianne Hoffman and Harry Macek. For on this evening at 6pm the two of them shall be one flesh. For Dianne and Harry, this will truly be the first day of the rest of their lives. They came upon this marriage late in life, but like the man said, "Better late than never". This marriage, like any other, will not be easy. They will have good times and bad. To enter in this new phase of their life together, they will need faith, hope, and love. These they have overflowing.

It has been reported to the Holabird Advocate that Greg and Susan Geitzenauer of Eden Prairie, Minnesota will be singing at the ceremony. Their daughter Clare "The giggler" Geitzenauer will be singing something at sometime as well.

Reverend Jerry Hinkle is planning on going to the local piggly wiggly to buy a box of Dolly Madison Zingers since he didn't send his RSVP in time. He intends on feeding everyone who is hungry with that box. "The guy I worked for fed 5000 people with a couple loaves of bread and a fish!", Rev. Hinkle declared. "So I can feed that crowd if I have to!"

Ken and Joyce Ferris are planning on going to Arizona to work the Ember Gold Mine sometime in the future. Before that, Joyce will stay at the Ponderosa Pines Old age Assistance Home for a while beginning next Wednesday. In the next month, Joyce will also have to go to a specialist in Sioux Falls to be given the old poke, prod, and cough. Both Ken and Joyce were seen at the Ponderosa on Thanksgiving Day and looking well, all things considered. Wine must agree with some folks. Everything in moderation. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate hopes that Joyce has less than moderate trouble as she recovers.

Okay, it all comes down to pride. We're out there driving around in our own vehicle, burning gas, wearing sunglasses, looking good. People who see us driving by would never guess that we have no idea where we are. And we don't want to tell them. Men don't enjoy the concept of going up to total strangers and saying, "You may not know this but I'm a moron." In contrast the woman we're traveling with is often very anxious to share this knowledge with the world. It somehow eases her burden. To women, getting lost on a trip is a blameless act of nature. To men, it's a personal failure. He knew where he was when he left home, he doesn't know where he is now. Somewhere along the line he crossed the line from the world he knows into the world he doesn't know. To a man this is how he felt when he got married or had kids. If he admits he's lost in the car, he'll have to admit that he's lost everywhere and that's way too much to ask. So just bite your tongue and circle the block a few more times. Men aren't lost, they just go the long way. Remember, I'm pullin' for ya. We're all in this together.

Joyce Ferris entered the Ponderosa Pines Old Age Assistance Home on Sunday evening. This was just hours after being discharged from the hospital following gall bladder surgery. Ken Ferris, Joyce's husband of 45 years brought her there so he'd not have to worry about her.

Joyce brings the number of residents up 100%. She joins her 102 year old father, E.E. Hinkle. Joyce will be here for at least a week. She seems to be in good spirits, claiming she hasn't felt "this good" in two years. She does seem tired, but is getting plenty of rest. Visitors are welcome to Ponderosa Pines, but they should call ahead so the staff can make sure the residents are properly dressed.

For some reason, every time 102 year old E.E. Hinkle has a dream, he is convinced it is real. He had a dream that "Everybody" was coming to see him on Thanksgiving. E.E. Told his grandson, Jerry Hinkle, that he will send Jerry home with his brother Don in California when he's ready to go back. Jerry replied that he didn't think that would work because he'd have to come back at 3 o'clock to give his grandfather pudding, and that would be a far drive. Worse yet, Don and LaRayne might not want to take him in. Jerry need not worry. No big bad airplane's gonna take him anywhere. Especially because none of the California relatives will be coming for thanksgiving, or any other occasion for a while.

Today's episode of the Jeopardy College Tournament had Stephanie Herseth as a $2000 answer in the Double Jeopardy round in the category of "Lone House Members". As it turns out, not one of those students had heard of Ms. Herseth. None of the three contestants asked the question, "What is South Dakota?"

Secretary of State Colin Powell, Who is widely respected in a world often wary of America's superpower diplomacy, resigned last Friday.
Powell, who was viewed as a voice of moderation in an administration dominated by right-wing hawks, is the highest official to quit so far since W's re-election.
He was one of four Cabinet members whose resignations were announced today by the White House in a typical transition ahead of a new presidential term. The others were Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, and Education Secretary Rod Paige. Last week, Attorney General John Ashcroft and Commerce Secretary Donald Evans resigned as well.

Joyce Ferris has reportedly been feeling flu-like. She had chills and was vomiting all night last night. Joyce's husband, Ken Ferris, took her to the Huron hospital this morning. Ken says that she is having gall bladder problems and will operate on her tomorrow.

All of us here at the Holabird Advocate hope that both Ralph and Joyce get better quick, and the Holabird Church of Universal Life will put them both on their prayer list until further notice.

Justin received many toys that he had surprisingly very little trouble with sharing, some good quality clothes, and an unreported amount of cash.

After listening to Grandad and a lot of other folks talk about "the Good old days" I'm starting to realize how well off we are in America in the year 2004. Jim Zilverberg talked about going with my Uncle Don to Washington state. Their objective was to get a job picking apples. If you were to suggest this nowadays, the current crop of unemployed malcontent's would laugh at you, or slap you upside the head for suggesting such a thing. You see, people don't want to work anymore. They just want a job to support their lifestyle. A job good enough to get a platinum card. They need (at least they think they need) to have Nintendo, X-boxes, cell phones, cable TV and other things that used to be considered luxuries.

I remember Dade Brock telling of how he was looking for work at a candle factory. They needed someone to sweep up at night. The job paid $1.25/hour. Dade said, "I'll take it! I like to eat!" Dade worked at that job the very best he knew how, and eventually he bought that candle factory. At which point he said with a laugh, "Now I work for $1.30/hour!" Dade could've given up. He could've blamed the President, Congress, or his parents for the situation he was in, but he didn't do that. Some may say that you just can't do that anymore. But those that do have never tried it. You never know what you can do until you try. Of course Dade had to do it. He'd have starved to death if he hadn't.

Of course, sir, you can't blame us. After all people in your line of work don't always say sensible things. Need I remind you that a couple of decades back one of your ilk told us that he was going to be "Called home" unless he raised $8,000,000. Of course, he did raise the money so I guess that evens things out doesn't it.

In future, Mr. Robertson, I will listen to you, and God, a little more often. I'll also not be too quick to judge. I can't speak for everyone else who was wrong, however. They will have to apologize to you for themselves I guess. See ya in 4 years Pat!

With the current vote standing as of press time at 53% for Stephanie Herseth, the Associated Press has projected that she has won re-election. Her Republican challenger, Larry Diedrich conceded the race shortly afterward.

Representative Herseth's special friend, Max Sandlin, was soundly defeated for re-election in the 1st District of Texas. Representative Sandlin had only 37% of the vote in that contest.

Senator Tom Daschle is in a close race for his re-election. With the passage of time it is looking those prospects look very bleak. Challenger John Thune has pulled out ahead. This race could have far reaching implications if that does come about.

South Dakota elected Dustin "Dusty" Johnson to the Public utilities commission. He defeated incumbent Jim Burg despite not appearing in his own advertising. There are now 3 Republican commissioners on the three member panel.

Wedding fever has gripped another victim. Anne Hansen has claimed to be engaged. This makes the 4th or 5th time Anne has made such a claim. Not much is known about Anne's groom. Our Publisher was told the name, but he forgot (After all, it took him two years to memorize Harry Macek's Name, so this could take while). Should something more concrete come along, it will appear on the Holabird Advocate's front page.

Our Publisher is skeptical that this wedding will take place. He has one caveat, however. " There are a lot of things that Anne has done in her young life that I never thought possible. She may well do this as well. After all, The word "can't" is not in her vocabulary. However, I'm not exactly going to wait by the mailbox for my invitation to the wedding either." All of us here at the Holabird Advocate want to wish Anne well whichever way it goes.

Another election will take place tomorrow. I, as courageous, dynamic Publisher of The Holabird Advocate will be watching many races with interest. I will be curious to see if Baruk Obama is elected to the U.S. Senate from Illinois or if Alan Keyes will be the spoiler. I also would like to see if my cousin, Kelvin Kennedy, will be the first gentleman of Upton Wyoming (His wife, Donna is running for Mayor of the town of Upton, Wyoming).

Closer to home, there are some contests that interest me as well. As for the U.S. House race, you know where my loyalties lie and why. In the U.S. Senate Race, I'm supporting Thune. At first I thought it would be nice to have Daschle in for a 4th term, but his people criticized Ms. Herseth's stand on some key issues. When you attack Stephanie Herseth, You Attack the Holabird Advocate as well. For Public Utilities Commissioner, I believe Jim Burg should be elected. This is because his Republican challenger, Dustin Johnson refuses to appear on TV in his own behalf, hiding behind Governor Rounds instead. Does he even want the Job?

Nationally I believe we should re-elect W. I can't in good conscience, blame him for the mess we as a nation are in. I went back and forth on this, like Ketchup Kerry has, but the report of missing ammunition helped me decide. The ammunition was missing since March or April of 2003. Funny thing that the Media waited until a week before the election to bring it up, eh. I will not fall into the Liberal media's trap.

If you have views to the contrary of mine, I don't care. You vote your way, and I'll vote mine. If you are undecided, I hope this guide helps you in some way. Please, in the Name of all things American, get out to your polling place and vote for the candidate of your own choice. Good luck to all candidates. Let's hope that everyone who can goes out to vote tomorrow and that the minimum amount of skullduggery take place.