Thomas Daschle: “today I offer my congratulations to the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan, the oldest daily newspaper in South Dakota. For…”

“today I offer my congratulations to the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan, the oldest daily newspaper in South Dakota. For the last 135 years, Press & Dakotan has served the public interest by providing reliable local news to the residents of southeastern South Dakota. When the Press & Dakotan was founded in the Missouri River community of Yankton in 1861, the Dakota Territory was barely organized. Moving west, many early pioneers settled near the River and the Press & Dakotan, then known as the Weekly Dakotian, was there to serve them. Over the years, the Press & Dakotan has recorded great national events from the end of the Civil War to the launch of the Space Shuttle. It has kept its readers informed with firsthand accounts of the Indian wars of the 1870's, the Depression of the 1930's, and the astounding economic growth experienced by Yankton throughout the 1990's. Fifteen other newspapers have come and gone in Yankton since 1861, but the Press & Dakotan has always been present to witness and record South Dakota's history. By persevering, it has etched out a tiny piece of history for itself. South Dakotans depend on their hometown newspapers to provide updated local information. The residents of Yankton are no exception. The Press & Dakotan has a proven track record as a constant and reliable source for local information and it has served its community well.”