News

Summer fun continues!

The Irene Rodeo will feature all of the events we know and love, including barrel racing, team roping, and mutton bustin’ for the kids. (Photo/Faydra Christensen) Irene Rodeo, Tornado Days, and Monroe Tractor Pull next up on list of summer celebrations Renae Hansen |...

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Turner County EMS services receive grant funding

The Turner County EMS includes ambulance services from (left to right) Hurley, Centerville, Marion, Viborg and Parker. (Photo/Submitted) Submitted by Kristi Nogelmeier In November of 2023, South Dakota released a statewide Regional Service Designation Ambulance System...

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Irene Bar and Grill closing their doors this weekend

Renae Hansen | Editor In a letter posted by the Irene Mayor and City Council, it was announced that the Irene Bar and Grill will be closing their doors effective June 29, 2025. Citing multiple determining factors, the letter said that it has become impossible for them...

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Learing installed as American Legion Auxiliary President

Arlys Rye, Karen Richelieu and Susie Learing of Unit 193 of Irene attended the 104th American Legion Family Convention held June 20-22 in Huron, SD.Highlights of the convention included South Dakota ALA President AnnaMae Warnier from Alcester opening the convention...

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Yankton Area Arts exhibit features work of Preheim and Barkl

Theresa Preheim’s artwork will be displayed at an exhibit at Yankton Area Arts through July 1. (Photo/Submitted) Renae Hansen | Editor Yankton Area Arts will be hosting an exhibit featuring the artwork of two names familiar to those in the Irene area, Theresa Preheim...

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Summer celebrations kick off in Marion this weekend!

Our fingers are crossed for a not so soggy parade this year! 35th Annual MHS Banquet among featured events Renae Hansen | Editor The summer celebrations in our small towns are one of the things we love most about summer, and there are plenty of them to keep you...

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Turner County breaks ground on new courthouse

The new courthouse, a two-story, 34,000-square-foot building, will be built on the same site as the historic building that served the county since 1902. (Photo/Monique Hurtado) Monique R. Hurtado | Writer Last Wednesday, June 11, the storm clouds dissipated, and the...

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Marion School remodeling project underway

The existing locker rooms being converted to two dressing areas. (Photo/Alan Astleford) Alan Astleford | Writer The sounds of construction can be heard throughout the halls of the Marion School this summer. Marion Superintendent Brian Brosnahan gave us a report on the...

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Know your Neighbor

The New Era’s own, Alan Astleford Renae Hansen | Editor With Marion’s Summer Celebration taking place this weekend, we thought it would be the opportune time to feature a familiar name to our readers, Alan Astleford. Alan has been a writer for The New Era for several...

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Ryan Penning serving as Turner County Coroner

Ryan Penning. (Photo/Submitted) Ryan Penning was elected coroner for Turner County, a position that many may not be aware of is an elected position in each county according to South Dakota law. A coroner is a public official responsible for investigating unattended...

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Saying goodbye to the old Irene School

Demolition of the old school in Irene began last week. (Photo/Submitted) Renae Hansen | Editor Buildings may come down, but memories live on forever. It was a sad sight to see as the process of tearing down the old Irene School began last week but time marches on, and...

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Lund Theatre announces new president and manager

Jeff and Donna Slack have stepped down in their positions as President of the Board and Theater Manager. Thank you to Jeff and Donna for all that you’ve done for the theater over the past twelve years! (Photo/Renae Hansen) Renae Hansen | Editor Jeff and Donna Slack...

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South Dakota’s Move Over Law changing on July 1

On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, South Dakota’s Move Over Law is changing. South Dakota’s previous Move Over law required drivers to change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road. Starting July 1, drivers will be required to move over for...

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Viborg celebrates Healthy Heartbeat Day

There was a dedication for the sign proclaiming Viborg as a Cardiac Ready Community last Thursday. The sign is located by the welcome sign on the south end of town. (Photo/Renae Hansen) Renae Hansen | Editor There was a Healthy Heartbeat Day celebration in Viborg last...

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Donald Rempp Memorial Game

The Donald Rempp Memorial Game started off with a fun round by the younger generation that included many members of the Rempp family. (Photo/Submitted) A good coach is never truly gone Renae Hansen | Editor It’s hard to not think of Don Rempp as you approach Lars...

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Schools out for the summer…now what?

Renae Hansen | Editor It doesn’t take long for the happy cheers of “school’s out” to turn into “Mom, I’m bored,” so we took a look at some of the activities going on this summer to help keep the young ones entertained. Here are just a few of the things we found going...

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Remembering one of Viborg’s most successful sons

Alvin Hansen’s contributions include Social Security System, Council of Economic Advisors Renae Hansen | Editor Buried within the tranquil beauty of the grounds of the Baptist Cemetery just east of Viborg lies one of the most respected economic minds of his time, but...

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