To the Editor, I feel like the public should know about the problems we have in Lane! First off we have the highest taxes in Jerauld County — about three times higher than even Wessington Springs!! For what? The town does nothing for us.
Second, now you see Leap to Lane advertised. That means nothing for the town! The profit is NEVER made public, and the towns finances never see any of it!! “Leap” is supposed to beautify the town. HA!! Since “LEAP” has started, 5 small trees have been planted in the park, but a drive through the town will reveal a bunch of old vacant houses that are inhabited by coons and skunks, and many lots are grown up to weeds and junk scattered around. The town is FAR from beautiful — and sure not worthy of paying these high taxes.
Leap is one man’s baby. Can you see why the few of us remaining here are not happy with things as they are?
Resident,
Margaret Schmidt
Lane, SD
Editors note:
As reported in previous editions of the True Dakotan, the primary goal of “Leap to Lane” has been to generate funds for Lane’s non-profit improvement organization, an initiative that aims to enhance the town’s appeal. In addition to the five trees Margaret Schmidt mentions above, notable projects include cement and plumbing work in the maintenance shed so the building can be used as a community room for reunions, parties and other events.
The event is not organized by the municipality of Lane, however, by a separate entity with the goal of making improvements in the town.
I agree with Schmidt, there is much work to be done in Lane and I understand her frustration with high taxes. But I think it’s important to realize the Leap to Lane event and the tax issue must be two separate discussions.
I applaud the organizers of the event in their effort to foster a sense of pride among residents of this small village and neighboring towns. We who call rural places our homes know all too well the threat of population and service decline. I look at this event as a positive attempt to try and lend a boost to the once-thriving town of Lane.
I encourage Schmidt and other concerned residents of Lane to reach out to their town officials and open a line of communication, face to face, where tough topics and hopefully, collaborative solutions can be met with open minds.
We are all in this together — the sooner we realize this, the better off we, and our rural way of life will be for future generations.
Thank you for writing, I am grateful I’m able to continue providing this forum for the voices in our communities. — Kristi Hine, Editor/Publisher