News

West Central to hold annual cheer camp

Abby Mitchell | Staff Intern With July nearly upon us, West Central’s high school cheer team is getting ready to hold its yearly summer cheer camp. The camp, which will be held July 11-13 in the Becker Center at the high school from 4:00-6:00 p.m., offers elementary...

read more

Local gem hopes to draw in patrons with revamp

Kim Chamley Stelzer and Irene Strong spent countless hours revamping the Dell Rapids Museum before they opened their doors this past spring. (Photo/Craig Kumerfield)  Sara Stadem | Editor  In a time of technology and constant change, there is still something about...

read more

Local club helps bring patriotism to community

Keith Matthiesen, member of the Hartford Area Optimist Club, and Hartford resident Mike Fitzmaurice are pictured putting the stake in the ground for the flag that will be displayed on five holidays throughout the year. Recently, Fitzmaurice’s homeowners association...

read more

Magic Kingdom welcomes Marching Trojans

After their performance, the West Central Marching Band pose for a picture at the Imagination Campus. (Photo/Submitted) Adie Stadem | Staff Intern The West Central High School Band has returned from their trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida which took place from...

read more

West Central offers school supply program

Abby Mitchell | Staff Intern This summer, West Central’s PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) offered special school supply packages for families in the district. The service allows families to purchase discounted supplies from Educational Projects, Inc. (EPI). Not only...

read more

Member Spotlight

Jon Randby joined the Colton Fire and Rescue in August 2002. When he is not volunteering his time at the Colton Fire and Rescue, he can be found at the Sioux Falls Fire Rescue as a Fire Apparatus Operator. (Photo/Submitted) Colton Fire and Rescue Sara Stadem | Editor...

read more

Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce to sponsor Block Party

Marylou Nagel | Writer The Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce Block Party is a much-anticipated celebration held each year in Downtown Hartford to honor area businesses. This event is free to the public and the third annual Block Party will be held on Wednesday, July...

read more

West Central Choir Camp performs at Jamboree Days

Abby Mitchell | Staff Intern Last weekend marked a special occasion for some of West Central’s elementary students as the West Central Choir Camp held its inaugural performance during the 2023 Jamboree Days. The camp, which was run by West Central’s high school and...

read more

Taking the steps for homeownership

Sara Stadem | Editor June is National Homeownership Month which is a month geared around promoting homeownership and the benefits that come with it. It also recognizes the organizations that help individuals and families achieve that dream of being a homeowner.The...

read more

Hartford Building Center assists homeowners

Sara Stadem | Editor When becoming a homeowner, whether you purchase or build, there may be projects around your new home that you want to complete. Whether you need assistance while moving in, or customer project designs, Hartford Building Center can help with your...

read more

Getting started to owning a home

Sara Stadem | editor “Before diving into your home search, it is crucial to determine your budget and the monthly payment that aligns with your financial situation,” explained Dave Larson, owner and realtor of Dave & Co. Real Estate Team. Larson further added if...

read more

The details behind homeowners insurance

Sara Stadem | Editor There are so many decisions to make when it comes to purchasing a home which starts with choosing a mortgage company and realtor. Another piece when it comes to purchasing a home that should be at the forefront of someone’s mind is homeowners...

read more

The history of Independence Day

Sara Stadem | Editor As July rings near, some might be getting ready to celebrate the 4th of July, maybe with a grill out or camping, maybe there will be yard games or family reunions. More than likely, the day or evening will include fireworks. Even though most enjoy...

read more

Why fireworks on Independence Day?

Monique R. Hurtado | Staff writer Dazzling blue and red fireworks light up the dark night while another screams as it shimmers across the evening sky. Ohhs and aahhhs follow, as people stand aghast in and wonder of the beautiful fireworks celebrating our nation’s...

read more

Hylla crowned Miss SD Teen Queen

Sara Stadem | Editor Miss Ava Hylla, Hartford resident and the daughter of Neil Hylla and Lisa McKnight, was recently crowned the 2023 National American Miss South Dakota Teen Queen at the state pageant. The pageant was held from June 9-11 at the Marriot Hotel in Des...

read more

Lanham and Eich elected to WC School Board

Justin Eich has been on the West Central School Board for three years. Education is important to Eich and having quality teachers and staff at West Central is vital to raising their children. (Photo/Submitted) Kim Lanham was originally appointed to the West Central...

read more

Member Spotlight

Colton Fire and Rescue Sara Stadem | Editor Kelly Peterson became part of the Colton Fire and Rescue in 2015 after being inspired by his family to join. “I joined to give back to our community and as long as I am able, I want to be in a place to help my friends and...

read more

Doc Nik’s Flowers & Gifts celebrates one year

Sara Stadem | Editor It’s been one year since Nikkie Steffensen opened her doors as Doc Nik’s Flowers & Gifts, formerly known as Backdoor Garden. To help celebrate her one-year anniversary, Doc Nik’s Flowers & Gifts will be celebrating with a pie and ice cream...

read more

PTSD and those it affects

Sara Stadem | Editor Stress can be inevitable when it comes to life. Maybe it’s worrying about what could go wrong or trying to find a solution for things that have happened. Maybe it is the loss of a loved one, stress from losing a job, or career change. Dealing with...

read more