Category Archives: News

Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced June 7 that he has appointed Mike Jaspers of rural Minnehaha County to serve as South Dakota’s Secretary of Agriculture. Jaspers will begin July 5.

“I am very excited to have Mike serve as ag secretary,” Gov. Daugaard said. “His background in agriculture production, policy and administration makes him a great fit to lead the department.”

“I am honored that Gov. Daugaard has given me this opportunity,” Jaspers said. “I look forward to working with the men and women who make agriculture our state’s No. 1 industry.”

A native of northeast South Dakota, Jaspers operates a diversified crop and livestock farm in McCook, Hutchinson and Marshall counties. He received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanized Agriculture from South Dakota State University in 1993.

In addition to operating his farm and holding management positions in several agricultural businesses, Jaspers served in the South Dakota State Legislature from 1997-2005. In 2007, President George W. Bush appointed him state director of USDA-Rural Development, where he served until June 2008.

Jaspers currently serves as vice chairman of the board for Sioux Falls Catholic Schools and is a graduate of the South Dakota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (SDARL) program. He and his wife, Robin, have two children.

What has 8 city wide rummage sales, 8 flea markets, gun show, car show, street dance, lawnmower races, and one leg of the Great American Car Race?   It is South Dakota’s annual Scavenger’s Journey.  Now in its 5th year, the Scavenger’s Journey covers almost 100 miles along US Hi Way 16 and I-90 from Friday June 24th to Sunday June 26th.  It runs from Presho, east to Plankinton, and also includes the towns of Reliance, Oacoma, Chamberlain, Pukwana, Kimball, and White Lake.

Looking for that one special item.  You can find almost anything at one of the flea markets, rummage sales or specialty shops.  If you’re not sure what you are looking for you can find that also!  Take a minute to admire the corn and sunflower fields of eastern South Dakota to the Missouri River the rolling hills of central South Dakota, and the flat plains and unique scenery of western South Dakota.

Scavenger’s Journey was started 5 years ago to promote commerce along old HiWay 16 in central South Dakota.  It has succeeded by bringing thousands of people to buy antiques, collectibles, crafts, coins, guns, signs, farm primitives, furniture to use or repurpose, yard art, books,  and all types of food items available in the 8 cities along the trail.

Come and experience the thrill of finding that “one” unique item that has been hiding in someone’s attic, garage, shelterbelt, or basement.  You can download the 24 page map over the computer with Paypal or buy a map for $2.00 in any of the 8 towns.  Hours vary at each sales location with many starting at 9 a.m. or before on Friday running through Sunday.