Tim Johnson

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I believe it has been cleared by both sides. I ask unanimous consent that the amendment be agreed to.

Mr. JOHNSON. Yes.

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I introduced legislation that will allow the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site to move forward with development of a visitor center. Specifically, my legislation will allow 25 acres of national Forest Service land to be transferred to the National Park Service where the visitor center and administrative facility will be constructed. The launch control facility and missile silo that make up the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site were preserved to illustrate the history of the cold war and the role the Air Force's Minuteman II missile defense system played in efforts to preserve world peace. Construction of a visitor center will help tell this story and allow many more to learn about this historic site. I was pleased to help establish Minuteman Missile as part of the national park system in 1999, and I am now glad to be able to follow through on fully developing resources for visitors.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I introduced legislation that will allow the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site to move forward with development of a visitor center. Specifically, my legislation will allow 25 acres of national Forest Service land to be transferred to the National Park Service where the visitor center and administrative facility will be constructed. The launch control facility and missile silo that make up the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site were preserved to illustrate the history of the cold war and the role the Air Force's Minuteman II missile defense system played in efforts to preserve world peace. Construction of a visitor center will help tell this story and allow many more to learn about this historic site. I was pleased to help establish Minuteman Missile as part of the national park system in 1999, and I am now glad to be able to follow through on fully developing resources for visitors.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to Dr. Paige Baker, superintendent of Badlands National Park. Dr. Baker is retiring from the National Park Service at the end of this year, and his leadership at the park will be greatly missed. I have enjoyed working with Dr. Baker in his capacity as superintendent and want to take this opportunity to recognize his dedication to public service. Dr. Baker grew up on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in western North Dakota. Education has been a strong theme throughout his life, and his commitment to educating others is evident in his work at the Badlands. He attended college at the University of Mary in Bismarck and went on to earn both his master's and doctorate in education administration at Pennsylvania State University. Prior to joining the National Park Service, he worked at several universities and for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In 2004, he became superintendent of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Arizona. In late 2005, Dr. Baker came to southwestern South Dakota to serve as superintendent of the Badlands National Park. The Baker family has been kind to the National Park Service and South Dakota; his brother Gerard Baker serves as superintendent of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. At the Badlands, Dr. Baker has overseen the management of a unique and treasured landscape visited by more than a million people each year. Badlands National Park encompasses 244,000 acres of some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The Badlands formations contain rich geology and paleontological resources, and the mixed-grass prairie within the park offers visitors from around the world the chance to view bison, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife. Dr. Baker's charismatic and respected leadership has no doubt had a positive impact on the experience of each visitor to the park. The Badlands also have strong historical and spiritual significance to the Lakota people. Dr. Baker has expanded visitors' understanding of the Badlands through interpretation programs that recognize the cultural significance of the area. Among his most significant contributions, Dr. Baker has helped to improve relationships with tribes and bridge cultural divides. He has brought Native and non- Native students to the Badlands to learn from one another and find common ground. He has also fostered greater communication with tribes, particularly with regard to the South Unit of the Badlands that is currently comanaged with the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Dr. Baker has brought a level of understanding and respect to these multi-faceted issues that deserves recognition. In closing, I thank Dr. Baker for his service at Badlands National Park and wish him all the best in his retirement. Dr. Baker's work at the Badlands will leave a lasting legacy, and I congratulate him on his accomplishments.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I recognize Dr. James Michael Smith on his inauguration as the 16th President of Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. Dr. Smith comes to Northern State from Bowling Green State University where he had served as vice president for economic development. He is a veteran organizational leader, with experience leading educational institutions at both the K- 12 and postsecondary levels. Prior to joining the senior administrative team at BGSU, Dr. Smith was dean of the School of Education at Indiana University South Bend. Dr. Smith also served in administrative capacities at West Texas A&M and Butler University. He will begin his tenure with the knowledge that Northern State University has been named for the third year in a row to the U.S. News and World Report's Top Public Undergraduate Institutions in the Midwest. Dr. Smith has said NSU is ``excited to once again be named to this prestigious list, and will continue to build momentum at Northern State by focusing on new programs, expanded technology and increased graduate offerings.'' Everyone in the region is excited to help him join in these goals. At the investiture of Dr. Smith, history will literally be at his fingertips. The pen used in this ceremony will be the same one used to swear in the 15 Northern presidents before him. It was used to sign the bill that created the Northern Normal and Industrial School in 1901 and it went up in the space shuttle Discovery in 1991. I would like to offer Dr. James Smith the very best as he begins his tenure with one of South Dakota's finest institutions of higher learning.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, as you know, one of the duties granted to the Senate in the Constitution is the advice and consent of judges appointed by the President to the bench. The lifetime appointment of a judge is a very serious decision, one that has a lasting impact on our democracy. Today the Senate takes up the nomination of Jeff Viken to be Federal district judge for South Dakota. It is this nomination that I wish to speak of today. So far this Congress, under the new President, has confirmed two judges. One of those judges is Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and the other is a Second Circuit judge. I am proud to have a South Dakotan as the third judge to be confirmed by the Senate. However, we are 9 months into this new administration, and we have only confirmed two judges. I must say I think the process of nominating and confirming judges has become increasingly overpoliticized. While I believe a President should have some latitude in selecting judges, they should not be ideologues. Jeff attended law school at my alma mater, the University of South Dakota, where our attendance overlapped. I received my law degree in 1975, and Jeff received his law degree in 1977. Jeff has served as an assistant U.S. attorney and acting U.S. attorney for South Dakota before going into private practice. His extraordinary reputation of skill and integrity during his years of public and private law practice will translate well and benefit this court. The same can be said of his tenure as the Federal Public Defender for North and South Dakota, a job he has held since 2003. Regarding his nomination, Jeff received a ``well qualified'' rating from the American Bar Association. It is clear he has an accomplished resume and many years of public service. It is a great honor that President Obama has placed on Jeff. We are very fortunate to have a great member of the South Dakota legal community nominated to this post. Jeff has many years of public service, and we look forward to his future work for the people of South Dakota. Most importantly, his nomination to the bench is a victory for justice and the rule of law, not only for South Dakota but for our Nation. I have known Jeff for a long time. I find him to be a nominee of good moral character and standing in the community. It is with great satisfaction that I will cast my vote today for the confirmation of Jeff Viken to be the next U.S. Federal district judge for South Dakota. I urge my colleagues to support this very qualified nominee. I yield the floor.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a special unveiling of the Aberdeen Monument to Firefighters on October 15, 2009. The handsome bronze, carefully crafted by Aberdeen sculptor Benjamin Victor, is a tribute to the firefighters who put their lives on the line and heroically serve with courage, pride and honor. Fully aware that firefighting is inherently dangerous work, these men and women work day and night to save lives, save property and protect the environment. Benjamin Victor has crafted a spectacular sculpture to commemorate these heroes. It portrays his passion for expression and detail and his natural ability to create unique and inspiring works of art. Ben, at 26 years old, is the youngest artist ever to have a sculpture in the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol. Art critics and organizations throughout the country recognize the aesthetic and conceptual integrity of Ben's work. Early on, Aberdeen saw his talent and its citizens are very grateful that he continues to share his talents with their community. I also want to commend the Aberdeen community for their efforts to make this unveiling possible. Using no tax dollars, the entire funding for this project came from businesses, service clubs, schools, fraternal organizations and individuals in the community who saw the significance of this monument. This contribution by the Aberdeen community and Benjamin Victor will commemorate the important role of our firefighters for generations to come.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the national week of CHARACTER COUNTS!, the most widely used character building framework in the United States. In 1993, after a conference in Aspen, Colorado, CHARACTER COUNTS! was formed to educate students about universal ethical standards. With six vital pillars--trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship--CHARACTER COUNTS! teaches students essential values for developing into productive citizens. This important program supplements a regular school's curriculum to educate our future generations about important decisionmaking skills. The program has been credited for increased school attendance, as well as a reduction in misbehavior. Character education is vital to our youth, and it teaches important lessons we would all do well to embrace. I commend the CHARACTER COUNTS! organization, its instructors, and its participants for being a part of this admirable initiative.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers of the South Dakota Administrative District Council Local 03 of Aberdeen, SD. October 2009 marks the month and year of this landmark anniversary. BAC is highly respected as one of the oldest highly skilled trade unions in the United States and Canada. For the past 100 years, Local 03 has played a major role in shaping the workforce in Aberdeen. Working with their signatory contractors, Local 03 negotiated fair wages, safe working conditions, a respectable retirement, and solidarity among the membership. Although Local 03 has never had a large membership, they have always believed that working together will accomplish more than working alone. Today, 16 members keep the hopes and dreams of their founding members alive and well. Special recognition is given to Howard Jones as he receives his 50-year gold card and Don Feiock as he receives his 25-year membership pin. I commend Local 03 Bricklayers and Allied Craft members for continuing the proud tradition of craft excellence and union solidarity started by their founders a century ago.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed nonskin cancer in the United States and the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. It is estimated that 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 30,000 men will die from the disease this year. Our commitment to making awareness and early detection of this disease a national priority must continue. A simple blood test, the prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, can detect the risk of prostate cancer. Health experts recommend that doctors offer men yearly screening beginning at age 50. However, men with high-risk factors should consider starting yearly testing earlier. We must remember that through screening and early detection, we truly can save lives. I am proud to add my voice to those who are working to fight prostate cancer, and I take this opportunity to recognize the families, professionals, and advocates who work day after day to be a powerful voice for prostate cancer patients. I commend them on their tireless efforts to raise awareness of the risks, to promote early detection and treatment, and to further our efforts to understand and eliminate this disease. We must all join these efforts to pursue increased funding for biomedical research and public health awareness campaigns, as well as expanded diagnosis and treatment options. I urge all citizens to support the search for the early detection and cure of prostate cancer and support those individuals and families who face this devastating disease.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize September 9, 2009, as National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, FASD, is an umbrella term describing the varied range of alcohol-related birth defects that may result from the use of alcohol during pregnancy. The effects of this disorder may be mental, behavioral, and/or involve learning disabilities. FASD is the leading known cause of preventable cognitive impairment in America. It is estimated FASD affects 1 in 100 live births each year. I have great concern about the impact in South Dakota and across the country of FASD. We must move past the stigma of this devastating disease to truly help those and their families who are affected by FASD get the health, education, counseling and support services they need and deserve. We must also address the tragedy of FASD at the source, by increasing awareness that any amount of alcohol during pregnancy can have heartbreaking, lifelong effects. We must work to ensure this is understood by all women of childbearing age and that treatment and counseling services are available for these women. One of the most distressing facts regarding FASD is that it is entirely preventable. I have joined several of my colleagues in the Senate to introduce a resolution designating September 9, 2009, as National FASD Awareness Day. It is my hope these efforts progress toward global awareness of FASD and an end to this destructive disease.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, there are few decisions that have a more lasting effect on our democracy than fulfilling my constitutional duty of advice and consent for Justices of the Supreme Court. This body will assume this tremendous responsibility once again today as we consider the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to fill a seat on the Supreme Court that has been vacated by Justice David Souter. She is the third woman to be nominated to the Supreme Court and the first nominee to be of Hispanic descent. This will be the third time that I have cast a vote in regards to a Supreme Court Justice. The previous two times were for current Chief Justice Roberts and current Associate Justice Alito. Both of these Justices were appointed by former President George W. Bush. I voted in favor of both of these nominees even though their ideologies often differ from my own. They are both qualified members of the Judiciary and while our philosophies may differ, they both are, and were, within the broad mainstream of contemporary jurisprudence. It is within this mainstream that I find Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Her career as a jurist is a model of integrity and discipline. Her judicial philosophy is rooted in precedent and a devotion to the law. Judge Sotomayor has consistently pledged during the confirmation process her commitment to the law. She has stated that it is her duty to interpret the law and not to enact law. She has many years of service and experience as a prosecutor and litigator; district court judge and circuit court Judge. She has twice received bipartisan support from this body--the second time with my support. She has received the highest rating from the American Bar Association. It is clear that she has an accomplished resume. Earlier this summer, I met with Judge Sotomayor to form my own opinions on her judicial theory. While our conversation centered on a variety of interests, it was clear that Judge Sotomayor distinguished herself as an able jurist who relied on precedent. I reviewed her record and did not find anything that would deter me from that belief. The same can be said of her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee during her confirmation hearings. She has said that she does not inject personal bias in her decision making process and I trust her at her word. Often, I think that this process has become overpoliticized. Judge Sotomayor is highly qualified and able to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Opposition for opposition's sake is not constructive to our national dialogue. However, while I believe the President should have some latitude in selecting judges this does not mean that those nominees should be ideologues that stand outside of conventional judicial theory. Most Americans do not sit on the ends of the political spectrum but within the middle. I believe that Judge Sotomayor is within that middle ground. I support Judge Sotomayor to be Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and look forward to casting my vote in favor of this historic nominee.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the week of August 9, 2009, as National Health Center Week. National health centers provide care to 18 million people a year throughout the United States, through services at Community, Migrant, Homeless and Public Housing Health Center delivery sites. I wish to take the opportunity in a week dedicated to these sites to promote awareness on the expansive role they play in the health care of some of our Nation's most underserved citizens. It is important to recognize that at a time when health care costs have increased considerably across the country, these health centers have continued to serve an increasing number of patients without compromising the quality of care. The Community Health Center Program, which operates in communities that are designated as medically underserved, has played a particularly important role as a health safety net provider in my State of South Dakota. Significant barriers limit access to quality health care for thousands of South Dakotans. The successful efforts of our State's community health centers have helped reduce many of these barriers by providing quality care to our State's low-income citizens. These health centers provide onsite dental, pharmaceutical, mental health, and substance abuse services that are often hard to come by in rural communities. In South Dakota, more than 50,000 patients received care in 2007, 40 percent of whom were uninsured and an additional 25 percent were covered under Medicaid. I strongly support this model of health care delivery and commend the hard work of those in South Dakota and across the Nation in providing accessible, high-quality health care to those most in need.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the 150th anniversary of the founding of one of South Dakota's great cities, Vermillion. Sitting atop a bluff on the Missouri River in the southeast corner of the State, Vermillion is the county seat for Clay County. With its growing economic development, strong workforce, and diverse demographics, Vermillion has an exceptional quality of life, and I am proud to call it my hometown. Deriving its name from the Sioux word for ``red stream,'' Vermillion was founded in 1859 after first being visited by French fur traders. Just 3 years later in 1862 the University of South Dakota was founded, making it the State's oldest institution of higher education. After a harsh winter, the city of Vermillion faced what would later become known as the Great Flood of 1881. By the flood's end, over 100 buildings were destroyed, and transportation was stalled for months due to damage to railroads and bridges. The town's businesspeople quickly responded and rebuilt the town on top of the bluff. After relocating, the city continued to flourish with the advance of technological innovations at the turn of the century. In 1895, the Vermillion Milling Company received a franchise to operate an electric utility and provide electric lights. In 1902, Vermillion saw the installation of a city sewer system and steam powered automobiles on its streets. Throughout its rich and colorful history, Vermillion has continued to grow and prosper. Today, Vermillion boasts a wide variety of educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities. It is home to many places of interest including the Shrine to Music Museum, founded in 1973. This national music museum is one of the greatest institutions of its kind in the world. The facility holds many instruments from renowned collections and has been recognized as ``A Landmark of American Music'' by the National Music Council. Additionally, the city's attractions include the Austin-Whittemore House, the Oscar Howe Gallery, the Dakota Dome, the W.H. Over Museum, Spirit Mound, and beautiful riverside trails. Vermillion is celebrating its sesquicentennial with a variety of events including tours of the newly completed Vermillion City Hall, a community barbeque, school reunions and dances, a 5K Fun Run/Walk, an airshow, and a concert by Ratingen Youth Wind Orchestra from Vermillion's Sister City of Ratingen, Germany. These activities will serve as a reminder of the shared history of the community and bring the tight-knit people of Vermillion even closer together. Vermillion is holding a flag design contest to pay additional tribute to this historic milestone. The city has previously unveiled its official sesquicentennial logo, designed by Erin Helsa, a 2006 graduate of Vermillion High School. As a native of Vermillion, I am pleased to publicly honor the achievements of this wonderful South Dakota community as they reach this juncture. I congratulate the citizens of Vermillion on their accomplishments over the last 150 years and look forward to seeing their future endeavors.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, with great honor, I wish to recognize the 90th anniversary of Farmers State Bank in Hosmer, SD. After being chartered in 1919, Farmers State Bank opened its doors to the public on August 2, 1920. In the following years, Farmers State Bank was able to withstand the Great Depression and operate on a sound basis. In 1931, it consolidated with Hillsview State Bank and stayed under the Farmers State Bank name. John, Arthur, and Helen Haerter were among the bank's first stockholders and served as the first president, vice president, and cashier, respectively. Throughout its history, the bank has remained within the Haerter family. Today, the current members of the board of directors are Bruce Haerter, Joyce Haerter, John A. Haerter, Doris Haerter, and John Schwan. After 90 years of growth, Farmers State Bank still embodies the entrepreneurial health of South Dakota and the spirit of community in our local lending institutions. I strongly commend all the Farmers State Bank's employees on their years of hard work and dedication, and I am very pleased that the institution and its people are being publicly honored and celebrated on this memorable occasion.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the community of White, SD, on reaching the 125th anniversary of its founding. White was founded in 1884 as a railroad town and named after the original owner of the townsite, W. H. White. The community has a strong, patriotic history, beginning with many original settlers who had served in the Civil War. During World War I, a Red Cross chapter was formed, and children sold Liberty Bonds. World War II saw scrap drives in the town to collect any useful materials for the war effort. The White Area Historical Society, founded in 1983, owns the Afton Township No. 15 Schoolhouse, a log cabin from Oak Lake Township now on the museum site, and the museum itself, which is the former Methodist Church. It carries on the colorful stories of White for the future generations to reflect on their heritage and strong history. The citizens of White will be celebrating the town's anniversary during the annual White Pioneer Days with a parade, chili cookoff, arm- wrestling tournament, and entertainment for all ages. I am proud to join with the community members of White in celebrating the last 125 years and look forward to a promising future.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the 150th anniversary of the founding of Jefferson, SD. This community in southeastern South Dakota has a rich heritage, as well as a promising future. Jefferson was first settled in 1859 by three families on the site of Lewis and Clark's first settlement in South Dakota. Its original name was Adelescat after young girl, Adele, lost her cat and all the settlers joined together to find it. In 1876, the town built their Grasshopper Cross to keep their crops safe after 2 particularly hard years. The town was formally organized in 1885 after the arrival of the railroad and renamed for President Thomas Jefferson. The people of Jefferson celebrate this momentous occasion on the weekend of July 10-12, 2009. South Dakota's small communities are the bedrock of our economy and vital to the future of our State. One hundred and fifty years after its founding, Jefferson remains a progressive community and a great asset to the wonderful State of South Dakota. I am proud to honor Jefferson on this historic milestone.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, today I pay tribute to the 125th anniversary of the founding of the community of Clear Lake, SD. This county seat was founded when the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railroad went through the area. The first depot was a box car, with other businesses quickly being erected including a general store, a butcher, and a blacksmith. Clear Lake also had a notable system to alert the town to fires, first with a triangle, then a bronze bell that is displayed in the town today. Clear Lake is noted for its prosperous farmland and picturesque lake. This thriving town celebrated their achievement of 125 years with a weekend celebration filled with music, food and contests. Its population continues to grow as the citizens find new ways to hold onto their heritage while looking to the future. I am proud to represent Clear Lake, and would like to congratulate them on their historic anniversary.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, today I pay tribute to the 125th anniversary of the founding of the community of Beresford, SD. This progressive community will have a chance to reflect on its past and future, and I congratulate the people of Beresford for all they have accomplished. Founded as a railroad depot town in 1883, Beresford was named after investor Lord Charles Beresford. The first building in Beresford was a saloon, soon followed by a general store called Sunnyside. The Beresford Study Club started a library in 1923 with donated books and fundraised for more. The library continues to serve as a valuable resource for the community. Beresford and its citizens are a credit to the State of South Dakota. I am proud to join with the community members of Beresford in celebrating the last 125 years, and looking forward to a promising future.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, today I pay tribute to the 125th anniversary of the founding of the community of Leola, SD. I am proud to honor the people of Leola on this memorable occasion, and to extend my congratulations to them. Settlers founded Leola in 1884 as a homestead site and named it after the daughter of Captain E.D. Haynes. The community quickly grew, getting its first newspaper, The Leola Blade, in 1885. Known as the ``Rhubarb Capital of the World'', Leola holds a biannual festival to celebrate and sample the various uses of this unique fruit. The town also has a Threshing Bee in September of every year to honor their forefathers' way of life with live demonstrations of antique threshing machines and an antique tractor show. Located near the Ordway Prairie Memorial Preserve, Leola is also an excellent place for nature and history lovers to experience beautiful South Dakota prairie and its wildlife as the settlers did so many years ago. The seat of rural McPherson County is a close-knit community infused with hospitality, beauty, and an exceptional quality of life. Small communities like Leola are the epitome of what makes South Dakota great, and I am proud to represent this thriving town.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, today I rise in order to pay tribute to the 125th anniversary of the founding of the community of Britton, SD. Britton is a progressive and friendly community infused with hospitality, beauty and spirit. Founded when J.B. and F.B. Squier laid claims in the vicinity, Britton developed further after Colonel Isaac Britton, general manager of the Dakota & Great Southern Railroad, visited and determined the area to be an ideal place for a railroad. Many changes have taken place since that first claim shanty in 1884, and the community now includes an impressive two-story school building and expanded medical facilities, both highly acclaimed. Britton has also established a strong economic base with over 25 businesses. As the county seat of Marshall County, Britton continues to be a thriving community with many recreational opportunities including a nine hole golf course, new library, movie theater, bowling alley, swimming pool, three city parks and Prayer Rock Museum. One hundred twenty-five years after its founding, the ``Gateway to the Glacial Lakes'' remains a vital community and a great asset to the wonderful State of South Dakota. I congratulate Britton and its citizens on reaching this historic anniversary.

Mr. JOHNSON

Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, today I pay tribute to the 125th anniversary of the founding of the community of Emery, SD. I offer my congratulations to the people of Emery on reaching this momentous occasion. Emery was named after the original settler, Sloan Miller Emery, who came to the area after leaving the banking industry in Minnesota. Soon after its original settlement, businesses began to sprout including a post office, a grain elevator, and several stores. A medical practice was started in 1891. Emery has continued to thrive throughout the years, and will be celebrating their anniversary July 3-5, 2009 with games, hot air balloon rides, and fireworks. After 125 years, the city is stronger than ever. I am pleased to publicly honor the achievements of this wonderful South Dakota community as they reach this juncture, and wish them all the best in the future.