News

Laura Johnson guest reader in second grade

The students in Mrs. Spielmann’s second-grade class were treated to a Guest Reader on March 4, 2025 for Read Across America Week. Our Guest Reader was Mrs. Johnson, our Hartford Elementary librarian. We enjoyed listening to the book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” by Dr....

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Guest reader in second grade

The students in Mrs. Spielmann’s second-grade class were treated to a Guest Reader on March 3, 2025, Read Across America Week. Our Guest Reader was Mrs. Shade, our West Central Hartford Elementary Academic Interventionist. We enjoyed listening to the book, “What Pet...

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Dr. Knight guest reader on Dr. Seuss’ birthday

The students in Mrs. Spielmann’s second-grade class were treated to a Guest Reader on March 4, 2025. Our Guest Reader was Dr. Knight, our West Central School District’s Superintendent. We enjoyed listening to the book, “Thidwick, The Big-Hearted Moose,” by Dr. Seuss....

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Mrs. Bahrenfuss-guest reader in second grade

The students in Mrs. Spielmann’s second-grade class were treated to a Guest Reader on “Read Across America Week.” Our Guest Reader was Mrs. Bahrenfuss, our Hartford Elementary Principal. On March 4, 2025, we enjoyed listening to the book, “Hooray for Diffendorfer Day”...

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Get ready to shop at Tri-Valley Clothing Closet

Sara Stadem | Editor The Tri-Valley School District is getting ready for the community to stop by the school and shop at their Tri-Valley Community Clothing Closet on Friday, March 21. The store will be open from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Crooks Elementary School with a...

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Mustang DEAR time

During Read Across America week, Mustang Elementary students decided to have some fun with their reading. They used their DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time to read in the dark with flashlights. (Photos/Submitted)

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Water Festival field trip for Mustang fourth graders

The Mustang fourth-grade students took a field trip to the Sioux Empire Water Festival where they had a day of hands-on learning. The goal of the festival is to increase awareness of the many uses of water and to preserve its quality for future generations....

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Hochstatter receives Teacher of the Year

Sarah Hochstatter was announced as the Tri-Valley School District Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year. (Photo/Submitted) Hochstatter is pictured with her Mustang kindergarten class. She joined the Tri-Valley School District last year for the 2023-2024...

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Sundal named Classified Staff Member of the Year

Dana Sundal is in her 21st year with the Tri-Valley School District and received the Classified Staff Member of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year. Sundal is the Office Specialist and Substitute Coordinator. (Photo/Submitted) Marylou Nagel | Writer Mrs. Dana...

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Crooks Fire Department to host Dueling Duo

Abby Mitchell | Staff Intern The Crooks Volunteer Fire Department is set to host the Dueling Due for the sixth time on Saturday, March 15. The Dueling Duo, originally hailing from Sioux Falls, sees two pianists compete against each other for a night of laughs and...

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Elections set as petitions are submitted

Sara Stadem | Editor The petitions are in and the election dates are set for the communities of Colton and Crooks. For those interested in running, petitions were due by Friday, February 28.City of Colton:The City of Colton will have the following offices...

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Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend

Troy Schwans | Managing Editor of The Special It’s that time of year again when we “spring ahead” and lose an hour of sleep. At 2:00 a.m. this Sunday, we’ll move our clocks forward to 3:00 a.m., shifting an hour of daylight from morning to evening.Fortunately, most of...

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Humboldt American Legion celebrates their birthday

Humboldt Sharpshooters are shown here with Humboldt Legion members. Pictured (left to right) is Fred Lee, Mausten Stelper, Zane Price, Rowdy Horing and Post Commander Charles Dubbe. (Photo/Submitted) Happy Birthday to The American Legion. Pictured (left to right) is...

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Weekly Update

Rep. Leslie Heinemann I am honored to have my twin granddaughters Rachel and Rebecca here as pages this week and next!We had a long crossover day and now we will be looking at Senate bills that have made their way to the House side.House bill 1044 which authorizes the...

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Weekly Column

HB 1052 – The act to prohibit the exercise of eminent domain for carbon pipelines. This was one of the biggest topics of the session. HB 1052 is on the way to Governor Rhoden’s desk! Please email or call the Governor and ask him to sign this bill into...

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Arthur Butenschoen

82 Hartford, SD February 27, 2025 Arthur “Ray” Butenschoen, 82, of Hartford, SD, formerly Worthing, SD, passed Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Sanford Hospital, Sioux Falls. Arthur Ray Butenschoen was born on April 29, 1942, in Minnehaha County, the son of Arthur H....

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