During a recent government meeting, discussions highlighted the upcoming Western Interstate Region (WIR) conference set to take place in Rapid City in May 2025. Zeke Lee from the National Association of Counties (NACO) visited South Dakota to explore local initiatives and facilities, including the Sanford Lab, where he learned about advancements in dark matter research. The visit aimed to showcase the region's scientific contributions and promote collaboration among county commissioners from 15 Midwestern states.

Lee's tour included a stop at Dark Canyon, where he assessed environmental concerns alongside Mark O'Connell, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Association of Counties. The discussions underscored the importance of public lands and federal funding mechanisms, such as Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and Secure Rural Schools (SRS), which support local counties.

Additionally, Lee visited the Care Campus in Paddington County, a facility providing treatment and detox services. He expressed admiration for the comprehensive approach to community health and safety, noting its uniqueness compared to similar facilities in Salt Lake City.

The meeting also touched on the significance of artificial intelligence (AI), with a recent seminar featuring a leading expert from Dakota State University. The speaker emphasized the growing relevance of AI in various sectors, paralleling its impact to that of the internet. Upcoming presentations, including one by the Berkovich Foundation, aim to further educate the community on AI's potential benefits and challenges.

Overall, the meeting fostered a sense of excitement about the WIR conference and the opportunities it presents for local engagement and knowledge sharing among counties.