[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 101 (Wednesday, June 18, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S5750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              125TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARTESIAN, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, today I recognize the community 
of Artesian, SD, on reaching the 125th anniversary of its founding. 
Artesian is a rural community infused with hospitality, beauty, and an 
exceptional quality of life.
  The city of Artesian was founded in 1883 and named after the 
abundance of flowing wells, known as artesian wells, in its part of 
South Dakota. As over a third of its citizens are of German decent, the 
Artesian community of Sanborn County still appreciates and exemplifies 
its rich heritage.
  Today, Artesian has come a long way from its days as a railroad 
supply center. The town now boasts a variety of businesses, including 
those in both the service and manufacturing sectors. A community 
center, multiple churches, a post office, veterinarian, and 4-H club 
continuously bring the community closer.
  The people of Artesian celebrate this momentous occasion on the 
weekend of July 4-6, 2008 with a street dance, fireworks, and a parade. 
South Dakota's small communities are the bedrock of our economy and 
vital to the future of our State. It is especially because of our small 
communities, and the feelings of loyalty and familiarity that they 
engender, that I am proud to call South Dakota home. Towns like 
Artesian and its citizens are no different and truly know what it means 
to be South Dakotan. One hundred twenty-five years after its founding, 
Artesian remains a vital community and a great asset to the wonderful 
state of South Dakota. I am proud to honor Artesian on this historic 
milestone.

                          ____________________