The Dakotas

This AP story discusses the differences between our state and our northern neighbor:

You'd think North and South Dakota would be pretty tight. Maybe they are, to outsiders.

But in reality, the states have their differences.

The two states can't even agree how to spell - or pronounce - Sakakawea.

Around here, everybody talks about West River. Even though the same river divides North Dakota in half, that term is not found in the state's vernacular.

North of the border, bison is pronounced by-zun. In South Dakota, it's by-sun.

State and the U are the two big universities in South Dakota. You never hear those terms in North Dakota, where the schools are called NDSU and UND.

Sure, there are some similarities between the Dakotas.

In both states, people have an intense bond with Lawrence Welk.

Famous people visit primarily to go hunting.

Both states are hotbeds of the Sons of Norway.

The B basketball tournament is the biggest event of the year.

If you don't like the weather in either state, just wait five minutes.

Both states both have great rest areas.

Not insurmountable

It's not as if there's an ancient conflict between North and South. But they do have distinct ways of doing things.

Read the whole thing.