Wakonda resident Fred Marais opened his new business, Black Drop Distillery, on Main Street in Wakonda earlier this month (Photo/Riva Sharples). Riva Sharples | Writer It’s been more than two years in the making, but Wakonda’s latest business – Black Drop Distillery –...
Gary and Marsha Skogen stand in front of last year’s tree that they donated to serve as Irene’s community Christmas tree. (Photo/Submitted). Riva Sharples | Writer Mark your calendars now for the annual Christmas in the Valley in Irene, taking place this year on...
Chorus members include (front row) Bethany Knutson, Sandy Voog, Sarah Morphew, Cynthia Marohl, Harper Fischer, Maren Fischer, Sandy Fahlberg, and Vonni Knutson; (back row) Leah Mattson, Josh Morphew, Dave Mattson, John Fahlberg, Josiah Knutson, Steve Leslie, Gary...
RSVP’s due by November 25 The Centerville Development Corporation will once again be hosting their annual Celebration Centerville Community Gala on Saturday, December 7. The Gala is held to celebrate everyone that helps to make Centerville a great place to live, and...
Monique R. Hurtado | Writer The meeting was promptly called to order. A call was made to approve the agenda. Commissioner Lyle Van Hove asked to add an item to the agenda—to discuss building permits. A motion was made to approve the agenda. The motion passed. The...
Fourth graders Annie Simonsen and Owen Blake demonstrated how to properly fold the American Flag at the Centerville Veteran’s Day program. Well done kids! (Photo/Tricia Eide) Parker dedicates new flag Renae Hansen | Editor The schools in our area held Veteran’s Day...
Monique R. Hurtado | Writer Last Tuesday, Turner County residents headed to the polls to make their voices heard. The presidential race was not the only big decision facing Turner County voters. There were several key measures and amendments citizens were concerned...
Riva Sharples | Writer Voter turnout in Clay and Yankton Counties, as well as across the state, was lower than anticipated for Election 2024. Statewide, 69.3% of South Dakota’s 624,186 registered voters cast ballots this year. Clay County saw a 67.52% turnout, while...
The Centerville Oral Interp team are the District 1B winners! Pictured left to right are Jace Muller, Brady Muller, Averie Salberg, Anna Preheim, and RyLee Sullivan. Congratulations to you all and break a leg at regions! Not pictured: Coach Jacqulynn Skatvold....
Riva Sharples | Writer There are eleven kids running in Irene’s Snow Prince and Princess contest. The contest is part of the upcoming Christmas in the Valley celebration in Irene, which takes place on December 7.Vote now for your favorite candidate! Votes cost “$1”...
Riva Sharples | Writer The Irene American Legion and Auxiliary will hold their annual Soup Kitchen and Bingo party, known as their “Feather Party,” on Saturday, November 23 Soups, taverns, hot dogs, and pies will be available for a free will offering starting at 5:00...
Sue and Rick Schmidt have called Turner County their home since 1974 and have raised their two children here. (Photo/Submitted) Sue Schmidt Monique R. Hurtado | Writer What started off as a guest column ended up leading to ten years of a weekly column for Sue Schmidt....
A story of three veterans Renae Hansen | Managing Editor As we honor those who have served on Veteran’s Day next week, we take a look at three local veterans who started out as childhood friends in the small town of Hurley, South Dakota, then served their country at...
The University of South Dakota is proud to announce a new award for track and field and cross-country athletes named the Rob ‘Kip’ Kinnunen Academic Achievement and Athletic Excellence Award. The Rob ‘Kip’ Kinnunen Academic Achievement and Athletic Excellence Award,...
Riva Sharples | Writer It was a whirlwind week of practices and performances for area students involved in the 2024 South Dakota All-State Choir, which culminated in the 72nd annual concert held last weekend in Sioux Falls.Delegates from Irene-Wakonda, Viborg-Hurley,...
The Phoenix are the last team from our coverage area still in the running for the football playoffs and will take on Parkston this Friday, November 8. Good luck Phoenix! (Photo/Alan Astleford) Alan Astleford | Writer The bus ride was long but the trip home was great...
(Left to right) RyLee Sullivan, Brady Muller, Jace Muller, Averie Salberg, and Anna Preheim. Congratulations kids! Well done! (Photo/Submitted) Tricia Eide | Writer The Oral interpret kids have major success again! This time they traveled to Brookings on Tuesday,...
Irene’s first Fall Fest was held Saturday, October 26. Despite wind and cooler temperatures, a good crowd came out to celebrate fall in the park. The event included hayrides, vendors, a maze, kids games, a petting zoo, food trucks, and more. (Photo/Submitted)
Riva Sharples | Writer With Election Day 2024 looming in just five days, area auditors are gearing up for a flurry of activity. And with an unusually long ballot this year, election officials urge area residents to study the issues and candidates before arriving at...
Freeman Academy-Marion’s Finley McConniel, left, battles Mitchell Christian’s Silas Holdeman down the stretch of the Class B boys’ race at the South Dakota State Cross Country Meet, Saturday at Hart Ranch in Rapid City. McConniel edged Holdeman, the 2023 champion, by...
