Owen Reitzel | Writer Veterans Day is on November 11. This is a day that is set up to honor all veterans. Its origins go back as far as the first half of the 20th century.In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This...
Zach Stake, playing the role of steerage-class passenger James, holds his hands up during a tense moment of the comedy dinner theater “Emerald Heist” in Centerville last week (photo/Riva Sharples). Production is just one in a long line of arts programming in the...
Rebekah Sharples-Schmidt, Victoria Matthews, and Gianna Logue practice a lift with Savanna Hoxeng, who plays the role of Jo-Jo in the school’s upcoming production of “Seussical Jr.” Riva Sharples | Writer Next week, the Irene-Wakonda Music Department will present...
I-W students Lara Spurrell, Adeline Wiarda, and Ava Nelson dressed up for Halloween on Tuesday, Oct. 31 (photo/Riva Sharples). Riva Sharples | Writer Last week, students in the Irene-Wakonda School District had great fun dressing up for Halloween. At both the...
The I-W Chapter of FCCLA hosted a rescheduled Truck or Treat event on Friday, Nov. 3. On Saturday, Nov. 4, they hosted a junior high dance. Both events were well attended and enjoyed by many. Here, attendees pose for a photo during the dance (photo/submitted) Riva...
Monique R. Hurtado | Staff writer Highway Superintendent Kent Austin informed the commissioners’ he is working on bridge maintenance.State’s Attorney Katelynn Hoffman spoke about the courthouse security grant; the work will begin in January 2024. She received the...
Tom Sparrow sits in his office at the Turner County Courthouse where he has served fellow veterans in his role for many years (photo/Monique Hurtado) Monique R. Hurtado | Staff writer Every Tuesday, Tom Sparrow walks into the Turner County Courthouse with a smile on...
Monique R. Hurtado | Staff writer Walk into the barber shop, in Parker, any day or time of the week and you will be greeted with a smile and friendly “Hello, how are you?” from Art O’Dell.“Art the Barber” has been a staple on Main Street, Parker for almost a decade....
Viborg-Hurley school district’s electric bus charges after completing its morning route. (Photo/Renae Hansen) Renae Hansen | Writer The Viborg-Hurley school district took a leap into the future last month with the delivery of their new electric bus. The bus was...
Donna Rumbaugh | Managing Editor Shane Merrill, a rural Parker farmer, bus driver, sportswriter for The New Era, substitute teacher, youth baseball coach, and announcer on YouTube broadcasts of local sports, was elected the new chair of the South Dakota Democratic...
Donna Rumbaugh | Managing Editor On Monday, October 16, the people of Marion were invited to attend an informational meeting about the future of their school. The presentation addressed multiple topics, starting with the master plan and carrying the audience through...
The Cougars triumphed over thirteen opposing teams to win the dodgeball tournament. (Photo/Anita Dixon) An evening of laughter, love, cherished moments and strength and comfort for Kobee Sherman Anita Dixon | Writer Social groups are a major part of kid’s lives....
Riva Sharples | Writer This year, three students are participating in Oral Interpretation at the Irene-Wakonda High School. Those students include senior Nadia Logue, junior Emma Logue, and freshman Duncan Sharples-Schmidt.The team will be attending Districts in...
Riva Sharples | Writer Organizers have picked a date for the second annual Christmas in the Valley in Irene. The event will take place on Saturday, December 2, starting at 3:30 p.m.The event is still being organized, but will feature many of the activities started...
Irene-Wakonda’s Elsey Thompson, Duncan Sharples-Schmidt, Lydian Mews, and Alyssa Kirschenman traveled to Rapid City last week for the 71st Annual All-State Chorus & Orchestra. The students joined some 950-plus students from schools across the state of South Dakota...
Three year old Baylee Bolt snacks on a Dorito at the Trunk or Treat event at the Marion Fire Station. (photo/Alan Astleford) Alan Astleford | Writer The Marion fire hall was the place where the Marion Church of God held a Trunk or Treat Extravaganza on October 29....
Many of the kids traveled in large groups to make for even more fun. (Photo/Renae Hansen) Renae Hansen The cold temps and strong breezes didn’t keep the ghosts and goblins home on Friday, October 27, for Viborg’s annual Goblin Walk. Super heroes, princesses, fairies...
The back of a gator became the welcome mat for little goblins to grab a bucket of fun during the Trunk or Treat in Parker (photo/submitted) Donna Rumbaugh | Managing Editor All Hallow’s Eve is traditionally observed on the last day of October, marking the end of...
Between two and three inches of snow fell in southeastern South Dakota on Saturday, Oct. 29, marking the first snow of the 2023-2024 season. The snowfall was more than predicted, and it caused cancellations and travel problems for some in the area (photo/Riva...
Donna Rumbaugh | Managing Editor Veteran’s Day or as some know it, Armistice Day, is just around the corner. This year there will be plenty of opportunity to honor our Veterans by attending a program open to the public at every school in Turner County. While Saturday,...
