ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA: COUNTY OF THE MONTH

This Month's County: Hughes

County Name: Hughes

Largest City: Pierre

County Seat: Pierre

Population: 16,481

Organized: 1880

Size: 741 square miles

Organized in November 1880 by Alexander Hughes, Hughes County is located in the center of our state. Also a political center of our state, Hughes County has a population of 16,481 and is home to Pierre, the state's capital, as well as Blunt, Harrold and Canning, in addition to a portion of the Crow Creek Indian Reservation.

Because of its location on the Missouri River, Hughes County was a center for fur traders in the 1800s. With the advent of the railroad in 1880 and increased ferry traffic, the county quickly established itself as a trade hub. By the end of the 1880s, three new communities were organized, including Paxton. In 1880, Paxton, which would later become Canning, established the first official post office in the area.

When South Dakota achieved statehood in 1889, Pierre became the state capital after much debate. Many state officials had argued for the duration of the first legislative session whether Vermillion, Yankton or Bon Homme should be selected as the state capital. Following a long campaign, centrally-located Pierre was given the honor.

Hughes County is a popular destination for hunters and boaters. The Missouri River and Lake Oahe are both popular spots for fishing, boating and other outdoor activities. The county offers many hiking and walking trails for visitors to enjoy. Hughes County is host to a variety of game animals, including pheasant, grouse and deer, making the area attractive to hunters, photographers and naturalists.

The county also provides visitors with many educational activities, such as the South Dakota Cultural Center in Pierre. Here, visitors can learn about homesteaders in South Dakota, Lewis and Clark, cowboys in the West, fur traders and Native American culture.

Another activity popular in Hughes County is the South Dakota Discovery Center and Aquarium in Pierre. The Discovery Center houses more than 40 different interactive exhibits that introduce children to science. The aquarium allows children to see the various types of aquatic animals living in South Dakota. The center hosts events like Science Fridays, which enable children ages 4-6 to take part in different activities each week.

Perhaps Hughes County's most famous resident was international rodeo champion Casey Tibbs. Born in 1929, Tibbs grew up breaking broncos and herding cattle throughout South Dakota. In 1951, Tibbs won the title of World Champion All-Around Cowboy, winning again in 1955. By the end of his professional rodeo career, Tibbs had promoted the rodeo as an American pastime, much like baseball.

Other notable Hughes County natives include Major League Baseball Player Floyd Bannister and Governor M. Michael Rounds.

Tim's Work in Hughes County

Improving the Pierre Regional Airport
In May 2009, Tim announced that Pierre Regional Airport would receive a $1,447,663 grant from the FAA's Airport Improvement Program. The funding will be used to rehabilitate the taxiway and build a new terminal. This marks the latest funding dedicated to improving the airport, which has been making renovations for the past several years.

Improving Mid-Dakota Rural Water Project
In 2009, Tim announced the Mid-Dakota Rural Water Project would receive $12 million to increase its capacity from 9 million to 13.5 million gallons and build a new water storage tank. This funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is in addition to over $20 million Tim has worked to secure for the project in recent years.

Keeping Communities Safe
In March 2009, Tim announced that Pierre would receive $48,687 in funding from the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program to prevent crime and keep the community safe. The funding came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the economic stimulus package.

Improving Housing Conditions
In February 2009, Tim announced that the Pierre Housing and Redevelopment Commission would receive $91,917 in funding from United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funding came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Improving the Pierre Bike Path
In 2009, Tim announced that Pierre would receive $250,000 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to develop a bicycle and pedestrian trail in Pierre along Fourth Street.

Improving Downtown Pierre
In 2009, Tim announced that Pierre would receive a grant of $190,000 to revitalize Pierre's downtown business district. The funding came from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and is dedicated to developing the city's waterfront along the Missouri River.

Improving the Oahe Dam
In 2009, Tim announced that the Oahe Dam would receive $4.62 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The funding will be used to complete operations and maintenance activities identified by the Corps of Engineers to provide for the successful continued operation of the dam.

Tim Announces Funding to Restore the Missouri River
In 2009, Tim announced $1 million in federal grants to reduce sedimentation and improve the water quality of the Missouri River. The funding, from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also increased recreational opportunities and protected sites along the river from erosion.

Tim Supports the Essential Air Service
Tim has consistently worked to provide robust funding for the Essential Air Service in Pierre and other South Dakota communities. The Essential Air Service was created to guarantee that small communities continue to be serviced by airlines after the Airline Deregulation Act. This funding makes it possible for smaller communities in South Dakota to enjoy commercial aviation services.

Funding for Head Start
In April 2008, Tim announced that Oahe Child Development Center in Pierre would receive $1,651,744 in supplemental Head Start funding. This funding came from the Department of Health and Human Services and allowed the center to expand early childhood educational opportunities.

Funding for Highway 14 Bridge
In 2007, Tim worked to secure $1 million to rehabilitate and repair concrete columns and structural beams on the bridge spanning the Missouri River between Pierre and Fort Pierre.

Making Health Care More Accessible
In March 2007, Tim announced that Rural Health Care, Inc., based in Pierre, would receive a grant of $998,009 from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The funding was used to enhance affordable health care in Murdo, Highmore, Gettysburg, Onida, Fort Pierre and Presho.

Tim Secures Funding for Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place
In 2006, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, Tim worked to secure $200,000 to construct the Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place. The facility hosts economic development resources, tribal justice support, training and cultural centers. This funding is the latest allocated to the Reconciliation Place, which has received funding since 2002.