Features

Tri-Valley is State Runner-Up!

The Tri-Valley Lady Mustang softball team traveled to Aberdeen to compete in the 2025 South Dakota State A Softball Tournament. The Mustangs played in the three-day tournament Thursday through Saturday, June 5-7, advancing in the first round by defeating Elk...

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Mark your calendar: Jamboree Days is almost here!

FUN FOR ALL AGES There are events for all ages during Jamboree Days in Hartford. There are vendors in the park, food trucks, games, family movie night, live music and more. Check out the calendar of events in this week’s issue of The Minnehaha Messenger or visit...

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WC welcomes new activities director

TROJANS WELCOME NEW AD Darren Sindelar (left), pictured with his family, is the new West Central Activities Director. (Photo/Submitted) Sara Stadem | Editor The West Central School District will begin its 2025-2026 school year welcoming a new face, Mr. Darren...

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West Central: Teed up for State!

The West Central Trojan girls golf team took third place at the Region 2A meet in Beresford on Friday, May 23, qualifying them for the state tournament. The team finished with a score of 332 and will compete in the 2025 South Dakota State A Girls Golf Tournament in...

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Cleats to glory: See you at State!

State Bound! The Tri-Valley Mustang softball team punched their ticket to the 2025 South Dakota State A Softball Tournament with their win over the Parkston Trojans in the SoDak 16. The Mustangs beat the Trojans 15-0 on Tuesday, May 27. The South Dakota State A...

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Chamber welcomes new Director

SKOTS JOINS THE CHAMBER Jill Skots (middle) is pictured with her family. Skots is the new Director for the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce. (Photo/Submitted) Marylou Nagel | Writer Jill Skots has been chosen as the new Director of the Hartford Area Chamber of...

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Faith, fellowship and food coming to Colton

Sara Stadem | Editor The First Lutheran Church in Colton is kicking off an event and launching a Community Outreach Program called “Faith, Fellowship & Food” with the first event this Sunday, June 1. The free event is an opportunity to visit with community...

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Active Generations meals available on weekends

Sara Stadem | Editor The Wooden Nickel, which has been doing the Active Generation meals for the past five years, is now going to offer services to Crooks residents on Saturdays and Sundays.Currently, the Active Generations program operates on a Monday through Friday...

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Congratulations, Class of 2025

With family, friends and community members by their side, the seniors of Tri-Valley High School graduated on Saturday, May 17. Congratulations, Class of 2025! (Photo/Tri-Valley Mane Edition) The seniors of West Central graduated on Saturday, May 17, with the support...

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‘A Growing Frontier’

Crooks Community Days coming soon Sara Stadem | Editor Crooks Area Working Together has picked a theme, has a calendar of events and is ready for patrons to come celebrate their community. ‘A Growing Frontier’ themed Crooks Community Days is set for Wednesday, May 28,...

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Back as a WC Trojan: Sittig reinstated by School Board

After a hearing with the West Central School Board, Mr. Jacob Sittig was offered a contract for the 2025-2026 school year with the West Central School District. (Photo/Lisa Miller) Sara Stadem | Editor After initially being notified that his contract would not be...

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Continuing a tradition of excellence

BRINGING HOME AWARDS The West Central School District was honored by The NAMM Foundation with the Best Communities for Music Education designation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education. (Photo/Submitted) CONTINUING A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE The...

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Harvest on main

LIVE MUSIC AT THE FARMERS MARKET Locals can enjoy live music during the Downtown Hartford Farmers Market, which takes place the last Thursday of May through September from 5-8 p.m. This year’s live music lineup can be found on the Downtown Hartford Farmers Market...

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Local voice announces his statewide vision

HANSEN AND LEMS CAMPAIGNING TOGETHER Republican Rep. Jon Hansen has announced he will run for South Dakota governor, with Republican Karla Lems running to serve as his lieutenant governor. Hansen is currently the Speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives,...

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Pink Ladies to kick off summer in Humboldt

KICK OFF TO SUMMER COMING TO HUMBOLDT There will be many vendors for patrons to visit during the Kick Off to Summer event on Saturday, May 31. The Pink Ladies will be hosting the event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in Pressler Park in Humboldt. Along with the vendors, there...

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Siouxland Libraries gear up for summer

Abby Mitchell | Staff Intern With summer just around the corner, Minnehaha County’s Siouxland Libraries (Crooks, Colton, Hartford and Humboldt) are getting ready to run a series of summer programs.The Libraries are hosting a Summer Reading Program starting May 23....

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Tri-Valley Class of 2025 Valedictorians

Senior Ellery Besmer will attend Southeast Technical College after graduation to get her LPN degree. (Photo/Submitted) After graduation, senior Carly Rickenbaugh will attend SDSU to major in Ecology and Environmental Science. (Photo/Submitted) Sara Stadem | Editors As...

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Baseball season has arrived

Gamecocks ready for 2025 season Sara Stadem | Editor The Hartford/Humboldt Gamecocks have officially kicked off spring and are gearing up for the 2025 baseball season!Now in his seventh season as Manager, Chad Morrison returns to lead the team, which features a...

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Junior Olympian: Mausten earned second trip to JO

Mausten Stelter is pictured during the practice day at the 2025 Junior Olympics. The Junior Olympics Rifle competition was held from April 13-18 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo/Submitted) West Central student Mausten Stelter competed at the 2025 Junior Olympics,...

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