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SDPB Radio Coverage of the South Dakota Legislature. See all coverage and find links to audio and video streams live from the Capitol at www.sdpb.org/statehouse

Dakota Midday: Senate Bill Would Form Elder Abuse Task Force

During his State of the Judiciary address to lawmakers last month, State Supreme Court Chief Justice David Gilbertson expressed his concern over elder abuse. He said the abuse of seniors exists in South Dakota, although the extent of the abuse is unknown. He said it’s a growing problem with the number of senior citizens increasing. Gilbertson said the issue is worthy of a partnership between the three branches of government similar to the cooperation that secured the passage of the Public Safety Improvement Act in 2013, which reformed the state’s criminal justice system.

Republican State Senator David Novstrup of Aberdeen has taken the legislative lead and is the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 168 which would establish a legislative task force to study elder abuse in the state. The bill is heard in the Senate Retirement Laws committee on Wednesday. Novstrup discussed the bill on Dakota Midday.

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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