The Jacket Journal

After much debate by state lawmakers, a revised version of the South Dakota smoking ban was passed by both the House and the Senate. Governor Mike Rounds sealed the deal and signed the bill into law on March 19. It will take effect on July 1.

The bill prohibits smoking in almost all public places including bars, restaurants, Deadwood gambling halls and casinos. It would allow smoking in only posted motel rooms and some cigar bars and smoke shops.

Black Hills State University students have differing opinions about the ban. Some feel that the change will be good. Student Grant Miller said, “I don’t like smelling like an ashtray the next morning. I’ll be able to breathe.”

Others feel that the ban should not have been passed. “The businesses should be able to control their own interests — not have the government tell them what is best for their business,” said Whitey Berreth, a BHSU student.

The revision only had to do with the fine. If the ban becomes law, those who light up in a restricted area will pay a fine of $25. Similar smoking bans in surrounding states have been enacted and have much larger fines.

Iowa violators could receive a $50 fine, and the business where the offense took place could have to pay hundreds of dollars. In Minnesota, violators could face a misdemeanor and a fine of up to $300 with the owner of the business facing possible state health department penalties of up to $10,000. Nebraska has also just passed a smoking ban that will go into effect on June 1 of this year.

BHSU Men End Season In Final Four

--By Stacy VanEreken

Black Hills State University’s Men’s Basketball team advanced to its first Final Four appearance in the NAIA Division II National Tournament before being defeated by #1 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles, 85-72. The tournament was held at the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Mo.

The Yellow Jackets were down early 11-14, but went on a 9-2 run and later an 8-2 run to take the lead at 28-22. An 11-2 run by the Eagles put them up 42-32, but the Jackets fought back to tie the score at 42 all. The Jackets went into the locker room at half time up 46-45. Starting the second half, the Eagles went on a 14-2 run to give them a 59-48 lead. The Jackets rallied back to come within five, but would not get any closer, suffering their first lost in 15 games and ending their season with a 30-5 record.

A sophomore student, Spencer Childress, starting guard for the Jackets, felt they had a very good season, and was proud of the team’s accomplishments. He stated, “We wanted to come in and win, but we didn’t know what to expect. Getting there, we realized we were just as good as any other team in the nation. There’s a bitter taste in our mouth, if you will, because we wanted to win it all, but it’s definitely something we can do in the future.”

Leading BHSU in the semifinal game was Luke Enos, a sophomore forward, and Clay Pottorff, a sophomore guard, each with 16 points.

On the way to the Final Four round, the Jackets defeated Cal State-East Bay 62-58 in the first round of the tournament. A sophomore guard Cain Atkinson netted 21 points, going 7-16 from the field. BHSU faced Morningside College in the second round, earning an 84-73 win and their first Elite Eight appearance since 1999. Enos recorded a double-double for the game with 26 points and 13 rebounds.

The Elite Eight matchup against Grace College went in favor of the Jackets 77-73. Atkinson led the team in scoring with 15 points. Enos and a senior guard, Aaron Sutton, chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively. Enos was named to the All-Tournament Team as well as 2nd Team All-American. Also receiving honors were Atkinson and a sophomore forward, Will John Johnson, both being named Honorable Mention All-Americans.

The Final Four game was shown at the Stadium Sports Grill as well as on campus. Many students and community members were present to support the Jackets.

Smoking Ban Passes

--By Lindsey Lee

BHSU Men End Season In Final Four

--By Stacy VanEreken