[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 13, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S4554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         PARKSTON, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to 
recognize the community of Parkston, SD, on reaching the 125th 
anniversary of its founding. This vibrant town in Hutchinson County 
truly is, as its motto states: ``A Great Place to Grow.''
  Originally founded as Dakota City by Peter Swartz in 1880, Parkston 
as we know it today was moved to its current location in order to be 
closer to the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad built running from 
Scotland to Mitchell. The town was thus renamed Parkston in honor of 
Edwin R. Parks, the resident engineer of that division of the railroad 
because, as the Dakota City Advance put it: ``Mr. Parks is a first 
class fellow and Parkston is a first class town.''
  Today, as with many rural communities, Parkston takes particular 
pride in their school system, home of the Trojans. Parkston students 
consistently rank high on achievement exams, a testament to their 
dedication to education. Local small businesses provide a continually 
growing economic sector for the town. Parkston is also known for the 
Klauss-James Archive & Art Museum, which houses the Klauss Archive of 
music manuscripts, and watercolors and drawings of Bernard Albert 
James. The citizens of Parkston plan to celebrate this milestone with 
many community events including a parade, live music, golf tournament, 
talent show, and an all-school reunion.
  Over the past 125 years, Parkston has become a shining star in South 
Dakota. I commend small towns, such as Parkston, for their residents' 
sense of community pride and friendship that is evident to all. 
Congratulations to Parkston and their citizens for all their 
achievements, and I look forward to seeing what they will achieve in 
the future and wish them well on all their endeavors.

                          ____________________