Belle Fourche to host Capital for a Day in May

| Sunday, March 04, 2007

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Belle Fourche will be one of six communities throughout South Dakota that will host the Capital for a Day program this summer.

The event, in which Gov. Mike Rounds, members of his staff and Cabinet and officials from other state agencies visit South Dakota towns for a day, is designed to promote communication between state officials and members of communities.

“The Capital for a Day tour brings government to the people,” Rounds said. “Those who are unable to travel to Pierre on a regular basis have an opportunity to talk face-to-face with government leaders. It also gives state employees a chance to better understand each community’s needs.”

Officials will visit Belle Fourche sometime in May. Other communities include: Redfield in April, Howard in June, Eagle Butte in July, Milbank in August and Parker in September.

The day includes community tours, roundtable discussions with department secretaries, an expo featuring department services and information, and dinner with a speech from Rounds. 

Specific activities are designed to include the community’s youths. First lady Jean Rounds brings her “Reach Out and Read” program to each town, reading to groups of children, and the governor and Cabinet members meet with the community’s young adults.

“It’s a priority for me to meet and hear from the state’s young people. This day is the perfect opportunity to hear what the state can do to create more opportunities to live and work in South Dakota,” Rounds said.

Specific dates and agendas will be announced at a later time.

In addition to day-specific activities, the state is launching a new Web site, www.capitalforaday.sd.gov, where community members can suggest topics of discussion with department secretaries and other state officials.

“This is another way to make sure these days truly serve the community,” Rounds said, adding that the site also features up-to-date agendas, pictures to download of each event and details about the program.

— Journal staff