ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA: COUNTY OF THE MONTH

Largest City: Redfield

County Seat: Redfield

Population: 6,981

Founded: 1879

About Spink County:

Modern day Spink County was founded in 1879 and named after Solomon L. Spink, the Delegate to Congress and a Territorial Secretary of State, according to Prairie Echoes Spink: County in the Making by Dana D. Harlow. In 1890, Spink County had a booming population of more than 10,000 people, and today that population remains about 7,000 strong.

Peter Norbeck is one of Spink County's most famous residents. Norbeck was South Dakota's first native-born governor; he also held potions in the State Legislature and as a U.S. Senator. According to the book Over a Century of Leadership by Lynwood E. Oyos, as Senator he helped fund and bring about Mount Rushmore. Norbeck is also responsible for President Theodore Roosevelt's likeness being included on Mount Rushmore. Teddy Roosevelt was of Peter Norbeck's hero so Norbeck convinced sculptor Gutzon Borglum, to include Roosevelt. Norbeck also created the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, which winds through the Black Hills. He is honored with a statue on the lawn of the Redfield Courthouse.

Redfield is largest town in Spink and serves as the county seat. Redfield has also been called the "Pheasant City" because of the great hunting opportunities available in the area.

Doland, another town in Spink County, is also the one-time home of Hubert H. Humphrey, who attended school there. Humphrey, a former Vice President and U.S. Senator from Minnesota, is one of Spink County's most famous residents.

Other communities in Spink County include Ashton, Brentford, Conde, Frankfort, Mellette, Northville, Tulare, and Turton. Spink also has many rural residents that carry on the proud tradition of farming.

Spink is a beautiful county that exhibits the warm and caring nature of South Dakotans. There are many reasons to visit Spink County, including its friendly people, historical sites, and outdoor activities like hunting and hiking.

Energy production has become an important source of economic development in counties across South Dakota, and Spink County will soon have an ethanol plant of its own (Site pictured to the left). According to a recent comprehensive economic impact study from the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council the total economic value of ethanol production exceeds $1 billion.

As a member of the Senate Energy Committee, Tim worked very hard to ensure that a strong renewable fuels standard (RFS) was included in the energy bill to reflect current growth in the industry. Renewable fuels will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, help ease increasing gasoline prices, and provide another market for South Dakota's agricultural products.

Tim's Work for Spink County:

As South Dakota's senior Senator, Tim is well-positioned to secure federal funding for projects that are important to the people of Spink County and to all South Dakotans. He has used his seat on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee to secure funding for programs that directly impact the lives of people in Spink County.

Bringing Safe, Clean Water to Spink County and Beyond

The Mid-Dakota Rural Water Project in central and eastern South Dakota will receive funding to complete construction of the system. In 2005, this project received $17 million. Safe and reliable drinking water strengthens the conditions that lead to economic development opportunities and ensures a better quality of life for South Dakota communities. As a member of the Senate Appropriations and Budget Committees, Tim will continue working to secure the resources necessary for valuable water projects and will work with all stakeholders to complete construction in a timely and efficient manner. Upon completion, Mid-Dakota will serve more than 30,000 residents in East-Central South Dakota.

Protecting the Natural Beauty of the Dakota Tallgrass Prairies

The Dakota Tallgrass Prairie Project received $650,000 in 2005. Funding will be used to protect tallgrass prairie areas. At one time, the tallgrass prairie that included the easternmost counties of North Dakota and South Dakota was the largest grassland on earth, but only about 10% of it remains today. This project preserves native grasslands, including the historic habitat and rare species found in such areas, by purchasing perpetual easements from willing sellers. The easements prevent the plowing or cultivation of such lands, but the landowner is free to hay the grasslands or allow livestock to graze on the land. The program received $650,000 in 2005.

Working to Prevent Family Violence and Sexual Assault

Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault will use $175,000 in funds to purchase equipment and fund programs. Based in Sioux Falls, this organization works throughout all of South Dakota to train law enforcement officers, medical personnel and victims' advocates to respond to family violence and incidents of sexual assault. Improving Transportation with the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority

South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. In 2004, $1.5 million was provided for this program.