News

Faith, Hope and the Henry Tree

Henry is pictured with parents Chris and Hannah and several of his siblings. Henry has been with the Ferdigs since he was just 24 days old. (Photo/Submitted) Renae Hansen | Editor Henry Ferdig has overcome more obstacles in his young life than most of us will face in...

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I-W music students attend SDSU Festival of Songs

Four Irene-Wakonda high school students participated in the 2025 Festival of Songs held at SDSU on Thursday, February 13. Representing Irene-Wakonda were (pictured left to right): Juniors Jocee Llewellyn and Alyssa Kirschenman, Sophomore Duncan Sharples-Schmidt, and...

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Sundogs illuminate chilly winter sky

Jodi Swensen of rural Irene snapped this photo of the sundogs that lit up the Sunday morning sky. (Photo/Submitted) Renae Hansen | Editor Early risers on Sunday morning were treated to a chilly but beautiful sight as a brilliant pair of sundogs appeared in the morning...

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Over three decades later, local TOPS chapter going strong

The local TOPS chapter celebrates their 86.6 yearly loss at their Christmas party last December. (Photo/Submitted) Renae Hansen | Editor It’s the time of the year that many of us that have managed to keep our New Year’s resolutions so far are starting to weaken in our...

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The soup was on at Hurley Fire Department’s annual dinner

Guests had their choice of sandwiches and bars to go with their bowl of soup. (Photo/Renae Hansen) Renae Hansen | Editor The weather outside may have been frightful but the crowd was quite delightful, as many weathered the frigid temps last Sunday to come out and...

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Know your Neighbor

Pastor Cody Hanssen with wife Kelly and children Ellli and Everett. Baby #3 is due this July. (Photo/Submitted) Cody Hanssen Monique R. Hurtado | Writer Late last year, Calvary Reformed Church in Monroe was on the search for a new senior pastor and Cody Hanssen...

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Turner County resident witness to history

Mathew Feist of Parker was hand selected as an Executive Driver for the 60th Presidential Inauguration of President Donald Trump. (Photo/Submitted) Renae Hansen | Editor A Turner County man had the rare opportunity to witness history in the making as the nation...

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Journeys by Jodi takes off

Journeys by Jodi owner Jodi Swensen with her family. (Photo/Submitted) Renae Hansen | Editor The Viborg Development Corporation held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, January 31, to welcome one of Viborg’s newest businesses, Journeys by Jodi, LLC, to town. The...

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Tornadoes reveal new banners

Banners Reveal! Congratulations to the State Championship teams from 1994 for Class 9A football and 2024 Class B Girls basketball team! (Photo/Tricia Eide) Tricia Eide | Centerville Sports The 2024 Class B State Girls State basketball champions and the 1994 Class 9A...

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Emergency rescue at Turner County Courthouse

An emergency rescue had to be made after an excavator tipped over during demolition of the Turner County Courthouse last week. (Photo/Monique Hurtado) Renae Hansen | Editor Demolition on the Turner County Courthouse took a scary turn of events last Tuesday morning...

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End of an Era

Demolition begins on Turner County Courthouse Demolition of the more than 120-year-old Turner County Courthouse building began the morning of Monday, February 3. The building has faced many issues in the past years, including flooding last June and aging ceilings and...

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Turner County Sheriff resigns

Sheriff Jamie Buteyn, appointed to the position of Turner County Sheriff fifteen months ago, resigned his position as of last week. (Photo/Submitted) Monique R. Hurtado | Writer There are moments in life when someone says something so simple, yet so profound that it...

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Fire destroys garage on Christopherson farm

A garage just east of Ray and Michelle Christopherson’s house burned to the ground last Friday afternoon. Fire departments from Hurley, Davis, Viborg and Cameron Colony all assisted with the fire. (Photo/Amber Miller) Renae Hansen | Editor Michelle Christopherson was...

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Marion Fire Department battles house fire

Submitted by Bryan Kraemer | Fire Chief, Marion SD Volunteer Fire Department On Saturday, January 25, 2025, the Marion Fire Department was dispatched to the 700 block of N. Center Avenue in Marion, SD for a confirmed structure fire at a residence. The first arriving...

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Parker Ambulance says goodbye to long time member

Marvin Miller, who passed away last week, retired from Parker Ambulance in 2022 after serving the community for 25 years. (Photo/Submitted) Marvin Miller, better known as “Med 36”, passed away on Sunday, January 26.Marv was a dedicated EMT for 25 years, proudly...

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New Turner County Commissioners start the year off

Greg Benson and Sheila Hagemann are sworn in as new Turner County Commissioners. (Photo/Monique R. Hurtado) Monique R. Hurtado | writer In December, Turner County said goodbye to two longstanding commissioners, Lyle Van Hove and Mick Miller. This month they welcome...

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A very cool vacation!

Bob Eide of Parker takes a Polar Plunge into the Antarctic/Southern Ocean while on a recent expedition to Antarctica. The water temperature was a balmy 28.58 degrees Fahrenheit with icebergs floating nearby while he took the plunge. (Photo/Submitted) Local couple...

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Viborg Public Library to host HeartCorp programs in February

February is American Heart Month, a time when all people are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups. In fact, in 2022 one in every five deaths in the...

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