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Dakota Midday: SDEA President's Priorities for Legislature

Governor Dennis Daugaard proposed raising taxes by some $50 million dollars to fund road and bridge projects and backed juvenile justice reform measure in Tuesday's State of the State address. Although he talked about a plan to help high school students earn discounted college credits, Daugaard didn’t mention teacher shortages or concerns over low teacher pay.

South Dakota Education Association President Mary McCorkle says she's disappointed for the state's students that K-12 education was not a part of the governor's address. McCorkle was elected president of the SDEA this past summer. She worked as a teacher at the Mobridge-Pollock School District for 32 years before moving to Pierre to lead the state teachers union.

McCorkle joined Dakota Midday and discussed the SDEA's legislative priorities for the 2014 session and what needs to be done to fix the problem of teacher shortages.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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