New State Flag Doesn't Fly With Most

One of the most talked about pieces of legislation is our state flag. We've only had three different flags in our state's history.

The first one designed by Ida Anding in 1909. It had the sun on the front. The state seal was on the back. But that got expensive and hard to make with two different images.

So in 1963, the sun and seal were put together on the front.

Then in 1992, we changed our motto from the Sunshine State to "The Mount Rushmore State." So that was added to the flag and this is the flag we still use today.

But now some lawmakers think it's time to change it again, but that doesn't fly with everyone.

At least 80 lawmakers say it's time the state has more than just an official seal, they want an official flag.

Representative Bernie Hunhoff is sponsoring the bill that would change South Dakota's state flag to look like this.

Artist Dick Termes of Spearfish drew the design, which has a Native American medicine wheel surrounded by yellow rays of sunshine on a sky-blue background.

We asked our viewers what they think of the proposed flag. 

" It doesn't say South Dakota kind of boring and it looks like something from a video game," Autumn Remington said. 

"At first glance it seems like avery religious type of symbol to me," Tye Ochsner said. 

"I don't think it makes any statement about South Dakota at all it's just a damn sun shining in the sky, that don't mean anything to me, this means something to me," Don Runge said. 

"I like the flag that we have I think represents South Dakota in a very positive way I think people when they see that flag they think of South Dakota, the new flag they won't really understand what it's about," Marie

But, some say the proposed flag stands out and has real meaning. 

"Actually you know since there's such a strong native population in our state I'm not opposed to it this state has made good ground in relations with our Native American population withe the change of the name of Columbus Day, and I think this would be another great step," Glenn Williamson said. 

Those positive comments are far and few between. Last night on KELOLAND News at five, we asked for your opinion on our KELOLAND News Facebook. More than a 100 of you responded, and just a handful of those comments were in favor of changing South Dakota's flag. 

Governor Dennis Daugaard is also weighing in. He says the state should consider giving other artists a chance to submit designs as well.