Principal Zach Gors and a group of Mustang students at Colton Elementary smile for a back-to-school selfie. Gage Egger begins his final year as a Tri-Valley Mustang, stepping into his senior year. Siblings Owen and Aubree Effling gear up for their 2025-26 school year....
KWIK STAR IS COMING TO HARTFORD Kwik Star, also known as Kwik Trip, is set to come to Hartford on Highway 38 and North Maple Avenue. The construction is tentatively set to begin in April 2026, with the hope of completion by September 2026. Sara Stadem | Editor The...
WALK, RUN OR… BIKE! Come join the Tri-Valley Color Run, where you can walk, run or even bike the 5K. Registration is required by August 28 in order to receive a color packet and t-shirt. (Photo/Bridget Ebert) TRI-VALLEY COLOR RUN IS BACK The Tri-Valley Color Run is...
DECORATING THE TOWN Hartford Humboldt Optimist Club members place a flag for the Avenue of Flags. (Photo/Submitted) DISPLAYING PATRIOTISM Hartford Humboldt Optimist Club members help showcase the community’s patriotism by displaying flags at homes. If you would like...
UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP! On Tuesday, August 4, Hartford resident Lonnie Heier purchased the Dell Rapids Dairy Queen. The Dell Rapids DQ is the eighth store that Heier owns. The store is currently closed for renovations in hopes to be reopening by November....
WHERE THE FUN IS FOUND The Fun Nook, which is a black light mini golf course and more, opened its doors with a soft opening at the end of July. The Fun Nook is by appointment only at this time, with the cost being $10 per person for an hour. (Photo/The Fun Nook) WHO...
CELEBRATE YOUR ATHLETES Absolute Business Promotions does screen printing and embroidery that can be made to support and celebrate your athletes. (Photo/Submitted) Sara Stadem | Editor This month, Jessica Oyen is celebrating her 10th anniversary with her screen...
KNEELING POSITION AT NATIONALS Kendall Anderson competed in the kneeling position at the Daisy Nationals. (Photo/Submitted) HSS 2025 DAISY NATIONAL BB GUN TEAM The Humboldt Sharpshooters went to the 2025 Daisy Nationals. Pictured is the HSS 2025 Daisy National BB Gun...
SCHOOL SPIRIT The Joy, Hope & Grace Boutique, located at 126 N. Main Avenue in Hartford, shows their school spirit with team stickers available for purchase. (Photo/Submitted) WOMEN’S APPAREL The Joy, Hope & Grace Boutique offers a variety of women’s apparel....
WAR-TORN CYCLES HOLDS RIBBON CUTTINGPictured at the ribbon cutting for War-Torn Cycles are owners Chris Fischer, Andrew and Jenna Hahn and their children, and one of Fischer’s daughters. (Photo/Submitted) Marylou Nagel | Writer War-Torn Cycles is the newest business...
BIKE SAFETYIn years past, children were able to go through a bike safety course as well as get fitted for a bike helmet as part of the Public Safety Day that is put on by Hartford Area Fire and Rescue. (Photo/Sara Stadem) Abby Mitchell | Staff Intern The Hartford Area...
ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE MOUND Trojan Elisabeth Miller set a goal of 100 strikeouts early in the season and exceeded it by ending the season with 210 strikeouts. Miller was named MaxPreps 2025 South Dakota Softball Player of the Year. (Photo/Dusine Hoff) STARTING YOUNG...
COACHING FOR HER HOME TEAM After graduating from SDSU, Coach Cheyanne Masterson joined the Trojan softball team as an assistant coach this past season. Masterson is a 202 graduate of West Central. (Photo/Submitted) AND THE AWARD GOES TO… Coach Cheyanne Masterson was...
Sara Stadem | Editor Central States Mfg, Inc. in Hartford is giving back to the community through teachers. Central States has launched the Central States Cares: Teacher Grant.With this grant, Central States Mfg, Inc. (CSM) is helping teaches this back to school...
Schmidt revealed that she faced skin issues in high school, which sparked her passion for educating others on how to care for their skin. (Photo/Submitted) Schmidt revealed that she faced skin issues in high school, which sparked her passion for educating others on...
Marylou Nagel | WriterA new, fun-filled two-day event will take place in August to usher in the new school year and to celebrate West Central Trojan student-athletes. The first-ever West Central Trojan Fall Kickoff will take place Friday, August 22, and Saturday,...
Dave Baumeister | County CorrespondentSIOUX FALLS – At the Tuesday, July 15, meeting, Minnehaha County Commissioners gave the green light to a $132.7 million FY2026 budget.And while a $1.5 million property tax opt-out passed on a 5-0 vote, that will not figure into...
FUN FOR ALL The Hartford Area Downtown Block Party has something for everyone, with Chamber businesses sponsoring events and activities from children’s train rides to live music. The HACC Block Party is in Downtown Hartford on Wednesday, July 16, from 5-8 p.m. For...
IT’S PARADE TIME! The parade is one event that community members, families and friends can check out during Colton Country Days. The parade is at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 19. (Photo/Sara Stadem) Sara Stadem | Editor The countdown to the 2025 Colton Country Days has...
The 2025 Jamboree Days kicked off on Thursday, June 19, with the Little Miss Hartford Pageant. Berkley K. was crowned the 2025 Little Miss Hartford and 1st runner up was Joelle Z. Berkley is the daughter of Jeremy and Lexy and Joelle is the daughter of Ben and...