Fireworks have been integral components of celebrations for centuries. These pyrotechnics originated in ancient China, with their earliest forms thought to be made from bamboo stalks thrown into a fire. Fireworks ultimately evolved into gunpowder-filled paper tubes....
Did you know that the average primary flame blowtorch burns at around 2,000 F? USFS National Technology and Development says wildland fires typically burn between 1,600 and 2,000 F. Aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, and cast iron also can reach melting points at or...
Fireworks are a common sight at various celebrations throughout the year, but are most prominent during the summer months when Canada Day and Independence Day are celebrated. Fireworks have been in use for thousands of years. Many historians believe fireworks were...
As local elected officials representing Legislative District 9, we don’t always agree on every issue — but when we see a common threat coming down the pipe, literally and figuratively, we feel a duty to speak up. That’s why we joined over 100 other elected officials...
Governor Larry Rhoden Ag is king in South Dakota, plain and simple. This past week, we hosted the annual Governor’s Ag Summit in historic Deadwood. In my first year as Governor, it was pretty special to have the summit in my back yard!Even if attendees at the Summit...
Senator John Thune Fox NewsAll eyes will be on the United States Senate this week as we endeavor to pass the shared Republican agenda of American strength, security, and prosperity.With the Republican reconciliation bill, we have the opportunity to deliver. It is one...
A SUCCESSFUL SEASON! The Lady Mustang softball team completed their season with a second-place finish at the South Dakota Class A State Softball Tournament, as well as Coach Sami Van Asselt receiving the South Dakota Softball Coaches Association Class A Coach of the...
Sara Stadem | Editor The West Central School District has hired Coach David Hollenbeck to lead the Trojan boys basketball team in the upcoming 2025-2026 season. The West Central School Board approved the hiring at the June 9 meeting. Hollenbeck won’t teach, just...
At the June 17 Minnehaha County Commission meeting, Alicia Luther was appointed Register of Deeds to fill the rest of the term that will be left vacant by Amanda Halsey. While Luther starts training now, she will officially take her new position on July 12....
Submitted by Tom Mitchell | Americanism Officer, Post 118 American Legions, Hartford Post 118 and Humboldt Post 62, presented The American Legion School Awards to four West Central students at graduation. The students, Sophia Prostrollo, Evan Jaton, Emma Mallinger and...
TEACHING STUDENTS ON SAFETY The Hartford Area Fire & Rescue department members spoke with students in the West Central Drivers Ed program to present Choices, Chances and Decisions and Stop the Bleed. (Photo/Submitted) MORE LEARNING IN DRIVER’S ED The Hartford Area...
Abby Mitchell | Staff Intern This coming weekend, Hartford’s Central Valley Community Church will be hosting their summer Vacation Bible School (VBS): Wonder Junction. A longtime annual program of the church, “‘Vacation Bible School’ is the traditional name given to...
THE VIEW FROM THE TRAIN The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce explained The LG Everist Train Rides are a fan favorite of Quarry Days and will be back again on Sunday, June 29. (Photo/Submitted) Sara Stadem | Editor The countdown to Quarry Days in Dell Rapids is on and...
SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota – The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation recently awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to area students pursuing post-secondary education.These scholarships are funded by donors and awarded annually to students continuing their...
West Central Middle School 8th grade students representing the school’s PBIS values included: Be Safe - Jacob Phillips; Be Respectful - Oscar Anderson; Be Responsible - Addison Jaspers; Walker Haines earned the Most Trojan Tributes. Congratulations, students!...
The William H. Crippen American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 62, of Humboldt, SD, held their meeting Monday, June 2, 2025, in the Community Center. President Lorena Dubbe called the meeting to order with 8 members present. The opening prayer was given by Donna Beck. We...
Submitted by Fred Lee The Humboldt American Legion opened their June meeting at 7 pm with five members present. Commander Chuck Dubbe led the members with the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes were read and approved. The treasurer was...
Roger & Linda Person will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 28. Their children & grandchildren have requested a card shower. Cards/greetings may be sent to 46618 Benton St., Hartford, SD 57033.
Kristi Ann Reierson-McWayne 65 Dell Rapids, SD February 18, 2025 Kristi Ann Reierson-McWayne passed away February 18, 2025, at St. Mary’s (Mayo) Hospital, Rochester, MN. Graveside service began at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, at St. Jacob’s Lutheran Cemetery,...
Gov. Larry Rhoden There’s a beat-up old book sitting on my desk at the State Capitol. It’s full of pictures that were taken by my dad. Long after he passed, we found an old camera hidden amongst his old possessions. We got the film developed, and lo and behold – the...