DRG Media Group Beyond the Mic podcasts

The DRG Media Group Pierre based radio stations aired the 19^th annual “Think and Drive... Stay Alive” program for area high school students March 30, 2021. This year's speakers and topics were:

• Substance abuse and suicide prevention-- Jana Boocock, Prevention Project Manager, South Dakota Department of Social Services

• Mental healthcare-- Jessica Chalcraft, Capital Area Counseling Service

• Distracted driving--Trooper Jordan Moses, SD Highway Patrol

• Digital safety-- South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force members Detective Elliot Harding, Rapid City Police Department and Forensic Examiner Hollie Strand, Pennington County Sheriff's Office

 

DRG Media Group Pierre news and farm director Jody Heemstra, District 24 senator Mary Duvall and representatives Will Mortenson and Mike Weisgram recap the 2021 legislative session in South Dakota. Topics covered include state employee health benefits, the USS Pierre, redistricting and more.

The Commodity Classic trade show in partnership with the National Association of Farm Broadcasting produced  this "Mental Health on the Farm" program. It's hosted by NAFB past president Pam Jahnke and features segments with mental health practitioner Ted Matthews, Kansas famer Lowell Neitzel, Missouri farmer Jason Medows and Adrienne DeSutter who is a farmer and holds a Master's Degree in Counseling.

United States Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke with members of the media Feb. 25, 2021, following the Senate vote to confirm his nomination to lead USDA for the second time. He spoke as the House Agriculture Committee explored U.S. agriculture's role in climate change solutions.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem gave her State of the State Address (Jan. 12, 2021) to kick off this year's legislative session. Many topics were covered, some of which were: asking legislators to pass a law that bans the abortion just because the unborn child has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome, the state's business friendly environment, COVID-19 vaccine distribution, hunting and fishing and education.

DRG Media Group Pierre news and farm director Jody Heemstra chats with District 24 senator Mary Duvall and representatives Will Mortenson and Mike Weisgram about the upcoming legislative session in South Dakota.

Dec. 8, 2020, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem gave her 2020 Budget Address outlining her proposed 2022 state budget. She listed three priorities:

1. Paying off 2010 Debt
2. Restoring and Reinvigorating Infrastructure
3. Strengthening Communities

Avera St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre and the Avera Pierre Clinic have implemented their surge plan because of rapidly growing COVID-19 numbers in central South Dakota. Dakota Radio Group news and farm director Jody Heemstra spoke with President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mikel Holland to learn more about their plan and what they need residents to do to help the hospital staff taking care of patients. The short answer: WEAR A MASK.

As the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in South Dakota continue to make the state a national hotspot for infections, medical providers and partnering organizations came together Oct. 27, 2020, to promote mask-wearing. South Dakota State Medical Association president Dr. Benjamin Aaker spoke for supporters of "Mask Up South Dakota." #MaskUpSoDak 

The League of Women Voters Pierre and Dakota Radio Group hosted a Hughes County Commission candidate forum Sept. 30, 2020. Candidates Vicky Wilkey, Tom Rounds and Randy Brown answered questions about the county budget, the jail, infrastructure needs and more. Thank you to Lee Real Estate and the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center for sponsoring the forum.