Hot Springs, SD Horizons

I recently wrote a letter to the editor of the Star in answer to the Bixler’s grandiose plan for Hot Springs. I was recently talking with Catherine and the issue of negativity came up. I told her that since I drove into this town and was looking to make this our home, I never, ever felt anything negative here, and I seem to be super-sensitive about a lot of things in this regard that have added much positive direction to our lives.

During my adult life, I have lived in many small towns, and when you live IN town (as opposed to out of town) especially, and if you are involved in any type of interaction w/the townfolk, there will be the whole spectrum of individual thoughts and beliefs, and by God, each of those people are RIGHT!! And since there is a smaller population in these towns, all this becomes quite obvious and appears prevalent, which I suppose a person could misconstrue as negative. It’s just small town stuff - they all have it, it has been and will always be there.

So with this in mind, when we moved here and after having many experiences in small towns, both negative and positive, we find this town to be just as I said in my letter. We both LOVE it, just the way it is, although it would be nice to have those empty storefronts filled, or at least the owners to fix them up to look decent for the time being. It would also be nice to have those old trailers replaced, but that probably won’t happen any time soon, or to have trash picked up in yards, etc. But it is very much a part of what Hot Springs IS, just by virtue that it is there, and has been for many years, I would assume. It is a representation of a cross-cut of America on a small scale.

I certainly resent people who breeze into town, stay a few months, then read in the paper what they just know we “need”, and say such negative things themselves about the way things are, it makes me wonder what it would look like after they do their thing, and then most likely leave to do the same elsewhere. We all have to share this space, and in my experience I can tell this is being done effectively. Who wants another McTown or huge resort anyway??!!! Taxes would go up as well as housing and cost of living in general, people would be displaced, and there would be a snooty type of atmosphere which I guarantee very few would like. I would be looking for another place to live, one such as this is now with a bit of sprucing up.

I read further in the paper, George Kotti’s Chamber View, and was so pleased to read what I already knew! That there are positive things happening, that people really DO care! People who will donate motel rooms to foreign tourists, and the LaRives who put on the Easter egg hunt for the kids when the Chamber or Town could not afford it. I believe we have an awesome little burg here; all we may need to get what we need is a bit more positive attitude; it’s infective, as is negativity. Let’s go for the beautiful vision of what we want Hot Springs to be! Dream it, work for it, and it will be there for everyone.

Oh, and my husband, Ray, this blog’s computer master, had a wonderful idea if anyone would like to spread the word, for a new business in town, one that could be of benefit year-round. Since we are situated so close to the Mickelson Trail, wouldn’t it be great to have one of downtown’s empty buildings transformed into a bicycle store where bikes can be purchased, repaired, and even rented? I think it’s a great thought! Anyone out there “in the know” about bikes, interested in opening a new business?

I hear Stephanie Anise, leader of the “placemat project” to depict and publicize adventure tours in and around Hot Springs, has created an opportunity for our young people to develop competencies ranging from computer graphics to merchandising. She will unveil this when it’s up and running.

One way to help our youth deal with poverty is through a Boys and Girls Club.  A club will provide activities  on an ongoing schedule that will be supervised in a welcoming atmosphere.  Our beautiful little community simply does not have a “place” the youth can call their own and know will be there for them.  A major point to this is to keep costs low so that ALL youth can participate.  To make it work requires a lot of support with volunteers, particiapation in fund raising, and interested. responsible adults who will commit themselves and want to be a part of the program.  Please step forward for our kids.