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To the Editor,
Now that we have been fed how “quaint and beautiful” the town of Lane is, shall we look at the real picture?
If you take a slow drive through ALL of the town, you will see another side. There are many abandoned houses that are now occupied by skunks, coons and other rodents, also many other run down buildings with yards overgrown with tall grass, weeds, junk and old cars. It is a stretch to see the “beauty!”
Then let us look at other MAJOR problems. Our levy and taxes are THREE TIMES as high as Wessington Springs — and by far the highest in Jerauld County! For what? The only thing the town does for us is snow removal. This is also done in all rural areas. Why would anyone want to move here, to share these taxes? There are so few residents living here that it gets to be a big burden for them in this “quaint” town.
And then there is the “Leap to Lane!” And as yet we have never been told the profit that was ever made! The only thing in the three years that we have actually seen are five young trees planted in the park this year. It would seem the money would be better spent to help the town’s expenses, so they could lower the taxes to a sensible rate! A note to the donors and sponsors of “Leap to Lane” — you are not donating to the town of Lane!
Several years ago I saw the problems coming and had a vote taken to unincorporate the town. It lost by a very slim margin, because of hanky-panky. A guy from Kelo was spreading news that the town would be taken off the map! Very untrue — the towns of Forrestburg and Gann Valley have been unincorporated for years and are still on the map! Also they seem in better shape than Lane, besides Gann Valley is still the county seat for Buffalo County! Let’s get real! Margaret Schmidt Lane, SD
Editor’s note: In the Wednesday, June 28, 2023 print and e-edition of the True Dakotan, I published coverage on the “Leap to Lane” event. The article highlighted that the primary goal of “Leap to Lane” was to generate funds for Lane’s nonprofit improvement organization, an initiative that aims to enhance the town’s appeal and overall betterment of the community. Notable projects made possible by “Leap to Lane” proceeds include the ongoing renovation of the community center including newly-installed concrete and plumbing, as well as a comprehensive cleanup campaign throughout Lane. — Kristi Hine, Editor / Publisher, True Dakotan