Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Thursday, January 02, 2020
Thursday, June 13, 2019
De Smet area residents and fans----
Click on the QR code in this photo or survey link ( www.surveymonkey.com/r/S7YJW7C ) to give your feedback! We'd appreciate any and all feedback given. Thank you!!
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Everyone is invited to come and look around the BRAND NEW Assisted Living facility in De Smet!! Open House 4-7 on June 7!
Wednesday, April 03, 2019
Check out the two Power Hours that have been scheduled! They are both at the Event Center from 12-1 on the days noted on the picture.
These Power Hours are a great opportunity to learn and network with people in and around the community while learning! The cost is $15, including the meal, or $5, if you do not want a meal or prefer to bring your own. Please let Rita Anderson know if you would like a meal the day before by noon. You can also comment on the event on Facebook if you are coming or not and i...
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
This is such a great opportunity for the people in our community! It also makes a GREAT Christmas present this holiday season!
Call the Event Center to get your ticket, for any questions, or to sign up for what you want to do-605-854-6060!
Friday, December 07, 2018
De Smet has a new networking group called CONNECT De Smet! Make sure to watch for details on what they will be doing and SAVE THE DATE for their first CONNECT After-Hour Social from 4:30-6:30 at Dakotaland FCU.
Win an Echo Spot by sending us your De Smet photos!
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
COMMUNITY PHOTO CONTEST!
The De Smet Development Corporation is having a De Smet Area Photo Contest for anyone to enter with the prize being an Echo Spot by Amazon!
WHO: All ages welcome to participate! Each photo submitted will get your name in the drawing. (Send us 100 photos, get your name in the drawing 100 times.)
WHAT: Pictures of the town, activities in and around De Smet, school, community events, sporting events, fishing, hunting, farm, ag scenes, daybreaks and sunsets- ANYTHING really!
WHERE: Submit them by sending them to us here on Facebook, email photos to rita@desmetsouthdakota.org, text Rita @ 605-203-0216 or dro...
Friday, January 26, 2018
The De Smet Arts Council with the De Smet Concert Series is presenting the 2018 De Smet Area Concert Series.
The membership tickets for the 2018 Concert Series went on sale December 3, 2017 during the Festival of Trees at the Event Center. Seasonal membership tickets are limited and cost $60 each.
After December 3rd, tickets will be for sale at the Event Center. Membership ticket holders will be able to attend each concert.
A limited amount of individual tickets go for sell 2 weeks prior to each event and cost $18. All concerts will be held in the Midstate Theater a...
Monday, September 25, 2017
Come to De Smet to experience the great newly expanded one-stop shopping destination for your pharmacy needs, grocery items, greeting cards, gifts and more. Maynards Food Center has expanded their store and welcomed Lewis Drug in partnership with them enabling Lewis Drug to increase their retail inventory also. It has a wonderful convenient location on the north end of Main Street in De Smet and is a wonderful addition to the community. It is handy to walk down to the post office, the many other retail stores and coffee shop/ restaurant on Main Street and have a great shopping experience. Or if yo...
Friday, August 04, 2017
Travel Backroads Today is featuring De Smet on their home webpage. They visted De Smet and made a video about our Little Town on the Prarie. You can also find the video directly through the Youtube Link.
Tuesday, May 09, 2017
From remote hideaways to coastal harbors, discover the towns that topped our list this year
By Jackie Mansky with additional research by Lauren Johnson and Jesse Sparks
SMITHSONIAN.COM
MAY 2, 2017 1:00PM
Your favorite small town probably doesn’t look quite like how Norman Rockwell drew it. Small towns may be united by their modest population sizes, but they’re remarkable for their diversity of character. And so for the sixth-annual round of Smithsonian.com's America’s Best Small Towns, we set out on a quest to find 20 great slice-of-life (and if you’re Rockland, Maine, also award-winning slice-of-pie) small towns full of unique flavor.
To help us on our task...
Thursday, March 09, 2017
VacationIdea - Dream Vacation Magazine featured the Ingalls Homestead in their article the "25 Best Things to Do in South Dakota."
The author states that, "The Ingalls Homestead was the family home of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the Little House on the Prairie books, which are American classics and inspired a television show of the same name. The Ingalls moved to the De Smet area in 1879, lured by the promise of free land, and built a home on a 157-acre plot in 1880. Laura herself lived here until her marriage in 1885. The Ingalls Homestead is a wonderfu...
Monday, March 06, 2017
Across our vast United States, we have been blessed with boundless beauty. The ocean waters of our coastlines, the mountain ranges with their rugged peaks, the meandering rivers of the plains; each offers a magnificence unique to itself. Artists can’t help but be inspired by such beauty, and those who paint have been capturing it on canvas for generations.
Artist Harvey Dunn found his inspiration on the plains of the Midwest. The vast, open spaces and rolling prairie were his backdrop, and his paintings depicted life there. Each summer in De Smet you can experience painting “in the open air” jus...
Monday, February 27, 2017
What’s the best way to beat the summer heat? Swimming, of course! There’s just nothing better than immersing one’s self in the cool, invigorating water of a lake or swimming pool when the temperature is on the way up. Especially for kids, it’s just good, clean fun! Not to mention, it’s one of the best exercises for the heart, lungs, arms, legs and core muscle groups. What a great way to exercise!
The Upper Midwest gets hot and steamy in the summertime. People living in and around De Smet are lucky. There’s a pool on Loftus Avenue and it’s open t...
Monday, February 20, 2017
Summertime doesn’t last very long in the Upper Midwest. Folks who live in locations like De Smet know that “the other season” is never too far off, and every day needs to be taken advantage of. That means summer is a time to celebrate, and there’s no event that says summer like a good old-fashioned 4th of July celebration!
For those who love to run, the day starts with the Spirit Lake Road Race. You can run or walk, and there’s a distance to suit most people. Then, by mid afternoon, the festival really starts to get going. Washington Park become...
Monday, February 13, 2017
There is a quote from the renowned philosopher and novelist George Santayana that reads, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Its meaning is simple: Understanding where we’ve been is the key to understanding the future. Do you like history? The Depot Museum in De Smet is a fun way to learn about its roots!
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, trains were the way the country moved. More than just a means of transportation, they were a large part of culture in our rapidly expanding country. Railroad depots were often gathering places and settings fo...
Monday, February 06, 2017
Americans have a lot of traditions. Sunday football, Halloween, religious holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations are all traditions familiar to most of us. Why do we have so many traditions? Of what value are they to us? Psychology today suggests that they act as compasses for all of our human relationships. As we honor traditions, so do we learn to honor ourselves, and just as importantly, one another.
Old Settler’s Day is a tradition that’s been around for a long time. As the longest running community celebration in South Dakota, it’s been around more than 100 years and is still bein...
Monday, January 30, 2017
What is it about golfing in a small town that we love so much? You can almost always get on the course and you really never have to reserve a tee time. Can you do that in a large community? Not usually!! And you can rent a cart at a very reasonable cost immediately and be out having fun before you can usually find a parking place at a golf course in a large community!!
It was that kind of passion for golf that built the Kingsbury County Golf Course and Clubhouse in De Smet. Even though there were only ...
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant brings “Little House” to life!
Monday, January 23, 2017
Most people who were born and raised in the midwest know the story of, “Little House on the Prairie.” Many read Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books as children, and thanks to television, much of the world knows her story as well. The best part about her stories is that they’re real, and De Smet and the surrounding prairie is where they happened!
Each year, in celebration of her life and the events that she portrayed in her books, The Community of De Smet puts on the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant. Her family’s experiences are brought to life on the outdoor stage o...
De Smet Forest is haven for bird watchers
Monday, January 16, 2017
Can you guess what one of the fastest growing outdoor recreational activities in the United States is? It’s not hiking, visiting natural areas or gathering berries. It’s bird watching! According to a Birding Trends Survey sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service, bird watching ranks 15th and is almost as popular as swimming and bicycling!
There are many different species of birds to view in the De Smet area. In the nearby De Smet Forest, (a 178 acre woodland) Sedge Wrens, Red-breasted Nuthatches and Cooper’s Hawks can often times be seen. There are also warblers, sparrows...
Monday, January 09, 2017
There are amazing benefits to planting trees. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, trees reduce energy consumption, help with storm water management and erosion control, and generally increase property values. While knowledge of these benefits is fairly common, there are many lesser known benefits as well. For these reasons, the Tree City USA program was started by the Arbor Day Foundation back in 1976.
If a community wants to participate in the program, it must first meet its four core standards. Desiring to become a Tree City USA, De Smet was required to achieve the following:
1) establish a tree board
2) adop...
Monday, January 02, 2017
Staying in shape can be challenging. Especially as we get older, it requires attention to diet, lifestyle, and above all, getting some exercise. Finding an exercise that we enjoy can make a big difference in whether or not we actually go out and do that exercise! While the most popular exercise Americans engage in is walking (30.0%), running hits the top five at 7.0%. It ranks higher even than exercises like cycling, golf and aerobics.
While running is great exercise, there’s more to it than simply burning off the calories. It’s also about courses and events, and people getting together t...
Monday, December 26, 2016
People in smaller towns generally have a different attitude towards living than those in larger cities. Life tends to move at slower pace, and people take the time to get to know one another. Those aren’t the only differences, however. There are many advantages to living in smaller towns and rural communities.
Small towns are safer, boasting crime rates that are 50-80% lower than in big cities. In other words, there simply isn’t as much crime. Kids aren’t constantly exposed to negative environments and adults can worry less too. Kids also have a tendency to mature at a younger age an...
Monday, December 19, 2016
Do you exercise on a daily basis? Would you do it if you found out it would help you live longer? Well, it just may. According to the results of a recent major study published by the Public Library of Science, every minute of exercise could add seven minutes to your life. If you exercise every day, that could really add up!
Obviously there’s no way to verify the results of this study, but most people benefit from exercise in some way. Are you looking for a place to get daily exercise? Check out the De Smet Event & Wellness Center...
De Smet Named 2013 Community of the Year!
Monday, December 12, 2016
What does it take to be awarded South Dakota Community of the Year at the annual Governor's Economic Development Conference? According to Dakotafire, a publication dedicated to rural revival in South Dakota, two communities (one large, one small,) receive the award each year for demonstrating leadership in economic development.
2013 was a very good year for the De Smet community. There were new businesses that moved in, existing businesses were expanding and new jobs were being created. So good was the year in De Smet that Governor Dennis Daugaard took notice, saying, “What De Smet has accomplished is the equivalent o...
Ag gives back this holiday season
Friday, December 09, 2016
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the rearview mirror, it’s time to enter into a spirit of reflection, gratefulness and generosity as Christmas draws near. It comes as no surprise that the agricultural community is giving back in big ways this holiday season. Here are a few charitable organizations and fundraisers happening in rural America.
Click here for the complete article.
Monday, December 05, 2016
Not all communities are created equally. Some are progressive in their thinking, some are not. Some pull together for the common good, others don’t. For a smaller community like De Smet to thrive and grow, its residents must look to the future, and each of those residents must pitch in and “do their part.”
That’s what it’s like in De Smet. It’s a great place to live and do business, especially because of the community’s focus on economic development and growth. At least in part, that growth can be attributed to The De Smet Development Corporation. They have identified countless resource...
Monday, November 28, 2016
There are certain things that kids just seem to universally love. Christmas is one of them. Fire trucks are another. Candy and treats seem pretty universal as well. What would happen if all of those things were combined in an annual tradition? Wouldn’t that be a good day for a kid? A tradition like that might stick around for a while.
That’s exactly what’s happened in De Smet. Volunteer firefighters have had a long standing tradition of delivering candy to all of the kids in De Smet on Christmas morning. Even those who are visiting. (Don’t forget to tell the fir...
Monday, November 21, 2016
Owning and operating a business can be challenging. If you own a business or are thinking about starting one, you’re well of aware of the need to capitalize on any advantages available. Paying lower taxes is one of those advantages, and South Dakota offers some of the lowest rates in the entire country!
According to the Tax Foundation’s 2015 State Tax Index, South Dakota ranks 2nd in the nation for state business tax climate. There are no corporate or individual income taxes, giving businesses based in the state some pretty major advantages. Not to mention, smaller towns like De Smet offe...
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
As both the De Smet Community Foundation and the De Smet Development Corporation continues the town’s rapid development push, their efforts got some significant help from the Bush Foundation with a $287,971 grant awarded Tuesday.
By receiving the grant, the joint party was just one of six successful applicants out of a group of 66 throughout the Upper Midwest to receive grant funding from the Bush Foundation through the latter foundation’s Bush Prize for Community Innovation.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on being an innovation community here in De Smet. Now to be recognized for it is just awesome,” DSCF and DSDC representativ...
Monday, November 14, 2016
One of the best ways to honor the memory of those who have gone before us is by preserving the places they lived, worked and played, and by protecting the belongings they left behind. This is especially the case when a person has given so much to our society. Laura Ingalls Wilder was one of those people.
From their very beginning, the objective of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society has been to honor their beloved friend and author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. They did so by identifying, acquiring and preserving the buildings written about in her books, and by collecting origina...
De Smet’s Gehm earns $100 FFA scholarship
Friday, November 11, 2016
Emma Gehm of De Smet has received a $100 South Dakota FFA Foundation scholarship for placing first in one of four SD Regional Land Evaluation competitions this fall.
Click here for the complete article.
FEATURE STORY: Manufacturing: Breaking the gender stereotype
Friday, November 11, 2016
In a day and age where women have an increasing presence in the workforce, one woman has been working to engage and empower young women in the manufacturing sector in South Dakota.
“When I first started out in manufacturing, I quickly realized that I had nobody to talk to—there weren’t any women leaders I could brainstorm with or bounce ideas off of,” Anja White recalled. “It struck me one day that that could be a detriment to my professional development.”
White, who was born and raised in Germany, is the general manager of Sparton Corporation in Watertown, South Dakota. Although she love...
Friday, November 11, 2016
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced today that it was awarded another grant from the United State Small Business Administration (SBA), this time a State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant in the amount of $116,250. The SBA recently awarded GOED a FAST grant to promote entrepreneurs and commercialization of innovations.
“Trade is vital to our economy. South Dakota had close to $1.4 billion in exports in 2015,” said Gov. Dennis Daugaard. “This grant will support businesses in our state that wish to export products to new markets across the world.”
The STEP grant program is an export initiative tha...
Monday, November 07, 2016
Opening day. Just before sunrise. In your blind, you wait patiently for the proper moment. Then, as if by magic, they begin to fly. Your heart races as they near your position. Calm and excited at the same time, you know you’re ready. You’ve waited all year for the season to arrive. There’s no tradition you enjoy more than this one...
Traditions are important. They’re something we hand down to our children and can count on with the passing of each year. In the Upper Midwest, as well as many other parts of the country, hunting is an age old tradition...
Monday, November 07, 2016
Purchase a personalized brick and create a Legacy!
Monday, October 31, 2016
Young people in the U.S. have a tendency to leave small towns for larger cities. That’s not new information. It’s been going on for decades. While it was thought that this trend would lessen with the advent of telecommuting and available Wi-Fi, today’s “millennial generation” is trending towards urbanization more than any generation before them. However, not everyone wants to live in an urban environment.
Many people consider pursuing careers in their hometowns, but upon moving away, become “out of the loop” regarding the availability of jobs there. If they were aware of opportunities in their hometown, many would contemplate returning.
I...
Monday, October 24, 2016
A lot of people love to fish. Have you ever wondered how many? According to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey, 33.1 million U.S. residents fished in the year 2011. That’s more than 10% of the population of the United States! Needless to say, it’s a popular pastime, and people will travel great distances “land the big one.”
People living in De Smet are fortunate. The drive to the boat landing at Lake Thompson is a pretty short one. To be exact, it’s just 8 miles to South Dakota’s largest natural lake (14,000 acres) and some of the best fishin...
Monday, October 10, 2016
When is the last time you volunteered for something? Do you remember how good it made you feel? Although widely varied, most people realize some benefit from volunteering. In addition to creating personal pride and satisfaction, the act of volunteering can also solve problems, strengthen communities and improve the lives of others. That’s what De Smet’s Young Guns is all about!
The goal of Young Guns is to strengthen the De Smet community by volunteering, hosting events and getting others of all ages involved. They do so by supporting projects and activities designed to benefit De Smet as a community.
Young Gun...
Wednesday, October 05, 2016
Check out this South Dakota lifestyle video and see why so many people are choosing to live in South Dakota!
Monday, October 03, 2016
When you travel to De Smet to take in all that it has to offer, you’re going to need a place to stay. Luckily you have several great options when it comes to lodging, each of which is unique and suited to specific needs. Below is a list of what’s available:
De Smet Super Deluxe Inn - De Smet. Offers a swimming pool for the kids, continental breakfast, free room upgrades if available, business rate and a 15% discount for returning guests! Contact info: 877-687-7523/ 605-854-9388 or www.desmetsuperdeluxeinn.com.
Cottage Inn Motel - De Smet. A convenient location near restaurants, the De Sme...
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Over 12 weeks we will journey 6,393 miles together as a community!
The Walk to Bethlem is an imagniary walk that encourages walkers to increase physical activity, spiritual growth and cultural awareness through a virtual tour to Bethlehem.
Walking is mentioned 247 times in the Bible. Our bodies were made for walking. Our joints need movement to maintain good range of motion. The benefits of of walking are numerous. Regular excerise can prevent depression, lengthen our lifespand, lower stress levels, relieve arthritis and back pain, strengthen muscles, bones and joints and improve sleep.
The walk is for everyone, all ages, all shape...
Monday, September 26, 2016
Who among us doesn’t remember story time at our local library? With wide eyes, we listened to stories about adventure, princes and princesses, and animated characters of all description. For many of us, these moments were amongst our earliest memories, leaving lasting impressions and helping to form our young minds.
The De Smet Library has made sure to continue the story time tradition. Each third Thursday of the month between September and April, there’s story time set aside for preschoolers at 12:45pm.
But that’s not all the De Smet library has to offer. There’s a Summer Reading Program for kids that run...
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
The South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation will be in De Smet on October 4, 2016. The office will be located in the courthouse, on the east side of the building on the first floor. It will be open from 10:00AM- 12:00PM and 1:00PM- 2:00PM.
For questions or information, please contact Rita Anderson at (605) 203-0261 or Kris Warnke at the Department of Labor & Regulation in Brookings at (605) 688-4350.
De Smet Courthouse
202 2nd Street SW
De Smet, SD 57231
Monday, September 19, 2016
Ask any parent what their most important considerations are when choosing a place to call home, and chances good are their answer will include a quality educational system for their children. It’s no wonder. There’s a compelling list of reasons why education is important to the success of our children, both financially and socially.
Sometimes receiving a quality education can be as simple as getting the individual attention required or being exposed to the right opportunities. The De Smet School District can accomplish both of those things. K-12 class sizes in the district average 23 and the student-to-teacher ratio is approximatel...
Monday, September 19, 2016
In the cooperative venture that is the tourism industry in South Dakota, Ann Lesch has played a key role in the De Smet Area. An executive appointment to the South Dakota Tourism Advisory Board by Governor Dennis Daugaard corrobrated that recently.
Read the whole article online at the De Smet News website.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Ever since we were kids, we’ve been told that we need to “eat our vegetables.” While we may not have understood why or been that crazy about them when we were young, most of us have grown to love them, both for their taste and for their nutritional value.
According to Nutrition.gov, there are many good reasons to attend your local farmer’s market. Doing so supports local farmers and helps strengthen the community, kids can get involved, vegetables are freshly picked and you might get some good preparation ideas from those who actually grew them.
The De Smet Farmers Market is locate...
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit for Rural Renewal Counties
As economic developers, we’re always on the lookout for incentive programs we can utilize to sweeten the deal. So today we’re going to talk about The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).
The WOTC is a federal income tax credit available for employers who hire individuals from certain targeted groups. It has been around for a while and was set to expire at years-end 2014, but it was reauthorized through 2019 this past December.
Click here for the complete article.
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Monday, August 08, 2016
The De Smet Community Theater is once again working together to present another quality muscical! Bingo- The Winning Musical will be presented September 15th- 18th and the 22nd- 25th Thursdays through Sundays at the De Smet Event Center.
Performances begin 2:00PM on Sundays and 7:00PM Thursdays - Saturday's.
Many of the “Old Faithful” actors and some new talents can be seen gracing the stage. The cast of 15 actors and tech crew are very excited to present this hilarious musical with plenty of audience participation. The audience actually plays Bingo along with the cast for cash and other prizes! Come be ...
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Monday, August 01, 2016
This year marked the 45th season for the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant in De Smet, Sunday night was the final performance this year.
"The Long Winter" was performed Friday through Sunday the second, third and fourth weekend in July at the pageant site one- half mile east of De Smet.
Willow Lake native Laurie (Cramer) Husmann of Houston, Texas, directed this years' production.
Read the full story online at www.desmetnews.com.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Starting a new business can be overwhelming. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development, with the assistance of several other agencies, has updated the latest version of the Business Start-Up Packet,available online at www.sdreadytowork.com/Build-Your-Business/Start-Your-Business.aspx. In the packet you can find pertinent information on how to start and maintain a successful business from the ground up. This is a tool we encourage local economic development corporations and city offices to link to on their websites as well. It can also be found on our page.
The Licensing & Registering Your Business section contains information about the different types of licenses needed for a variet...
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
When Ethel Stutzman read “These Happy Golden Years” more than 40 years ago, she became a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
She laughs when telling how the local librarian told her that was the last book in the series and she needed to start at the beginning.
“From then on, I was hooked,” Stutzman, 89, said. “As my (three) children and I shelled peas and snapped beans, one of us read from Laura’s books. It made our work fun.”
Click here for the complete article.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
When we hit the road, we always make sure to check out some of the local eateries in the area.
In DeSmet, that would mean making a stop by Ward's Store and Bakery where they have a pretty cool formula for doing business.
On the day we checked in on the action at Ward's Store and Bakery, we found people. Hungry people.
And all of them know Patti Ward by name.
Click here for the complete article.
Friday, June 10, 2016
The De Smet Farmers market will be every Thursday starting July 7, 2016 through September. The market will be located in the Black Tie Floral parking lot. For vendor information please contact Connie at Black Tie Floral at (605) 854-3652.
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Thursday, June 09, 2016
The De Smet Volunteer Fire Department is seeking donations for the annual 4th of July firework show at the old county shop.
Anyone interested in donating contact Mark Birkel at (605) 854-3752.
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Tuesday, June 07, 2016
The Kingsbury Cancer Walk is on Saturday, July 10th 2016 from 4PM- 10PM. The walk starts at the De Smet Event Wellness Center with a opening ceremony at 4PM. New teams are welcome; the team captains meeting is scheduled at 6PM June 9th at the event center. For more information please contact Kathy Hawkins at (605) 854- 3322 or Lindy Holland at (605) 854- 3455.
Thursday, June 02, 2016
Polls are open from 7AM- 7PM June 7th for South Dakota's primary election. In De Smet, the polling place is the Kingsbury County 4-H building at 107 Lyle Ave NE. Voters must show proof of identification at the polls.
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Wednesday, May 25, 2016
De Smet's city wide rummage sale is on June 18, 2016!
The event is sponsored by the De Smet Community Women. The deadline for the sign up to be put on the city wide rummage sale map was on June 11th. A map with a list of all 18 sales will be available on the DCW Facebook page (Facebook.com/desmetdcw), at local gas stations and at sale homes.
Call Linda at (605) 854- 3859 with any questions!
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Next Monday, two second-grade students at Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary School in De Smet will celebrate their second birthdays.
No, Candice Aamot and Jonah Beck aren’t baby geniuses. They are actually turning 8. But both are what some people call leaplings or leap-year babies. They were born on Feb. 29, 2008.
Most years have 365 days with February, the shortest month, having 28 days.
But every fourth year there are 366 days in the year. This extra day, Feb. 29, or leap day, is added to keep our calendar in alignmen...
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
At a Feb. 14 unveiling and artist reception, John Green of Madison said he felt honored to be chosen to create an original painting for The De Smet Event and Wellness Center.
Green said he took a drive around De Smet to get inspiration and decided his painting would encompass both present-day De Smet and the town’s pioneer past.
His finished work, “From Prairie to Progress,” depicts the event center and a likeness of Laura Ingalls Wilder at the center, surrounded by a view of De Smet’s main street, th...
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Wednesday, February 10, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Bernie Stoel of De Smet will be inducted into the South Dakota Amateur Basketball Hall of Fame during the 69th annual amateur basketball state tournament Feb. 20-21 in Rapid City.
Other inductees this year are are Steve Malone of Brookings and John VanBeek of Rapid City.
Ace Boshee, a hall-of-fame promoter and referee from Aberdeen, nominated Stoel for the honor.
Stoel graduated in 1963 from high school in Edgerton, Minn., where he was a starter on the successful Edgerton Flying Dutchmen basketball team. The Flying Dutchmen. Stoel won all-state basketball honor...
Wednesday, February 03, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Glenda Odegaard of rural Lake Preston retired from the food service industry at the end of 2015 after more than 30 years when she and her husband, Randy, sold their De Smet business, Countryview Catering, to Kim and Josh Nelson, owners of 3rd Street Bar & Grille in De Smet.
But the Odegaards went out in style. On Jan. 13, they won the 2015 Restaurant of the Year Award from the South Dakota Pork Producers Council during the organization’s annual banquet at the Sioux Falls Ramkota.
The Odegaards wish th...
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Every year, the South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association (SDRRMA) recognizes people who have made a significant impact on rock and roll music in South Dakota.
At an April 15-16 induction ceremony and concert at the Ramkota Inn and Exhibit Hall in Sioux Falls, the SDRRMA will induct “Teen Town” a popular De Smet rock and roll venue during the 1960s and early ‘70s into its Hall of Fame in Sioux Falls.
Teen town began in 1961 when Don McCaskell, a teacher and basketball coach at De Smet Hig...
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
One hundred fifty eight South Dakota Korean War veterans, including Marine veteran Jim Penney and Army veteran Donald Wendel, both of De Smet, Ed Strohm of Oldham and Lowell Dubro of Iroquois, traveled to Pierre Jan. 12 to receive the Korean Government Ambassador Peace Medal at a special ceremony at the Capitol building.
The medal is an award of appreciation from the Korean people for those who served in the area from 1950-54.
The ceremony was a collaboration between South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs and the Republic of Korea.
“I...
Reporter goes backstage on 'Dearly Departed'
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Quarterton Productions presented the comedy “Dearly Departed” in three performances last week at the De Smet Event and Wellness Center and will present three more performances Thursday through Saturday. this week.
“Dearly Departed” is a two-act comedy that revolves around the trials and tribulations of a dysfunctional southern family as they plan a funeral for their patriarch.
I took a small part in this production and got a behind-the- scenes look at what goes into putting on a show of this caliber.
To say director Trey Karlen is a perfectionist migh...
County decides to renovate courthouse
Wednesday, January 06, 2016
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Representatives of a Sioux Falls based company, Johnson Controls, recently presented commissioners with two different cost estimates for repairs and updates that would optimize energy and operational efficiency in the courthouse and prolong the life of the building. A conservative approach included replacing the furnace but did not address many other issues with the building. Cost of the more aggressive approach was estimated at $936,505.
“We are faced with quite a few decisions on what avenue we want to take,” Lee said. “Do we want to do everything a...
State issues new license plates
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
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The new South Dakota vehicle plates will be issued locally beginning Jan. 4, 2016, the first day the Kingsbury County courthouse will be open in 2016.
Gov. Dennis Daugaard, the Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division and the South Dakota Department of Tourism worked together to design the new plates. The design has remained much the same, but with some color changes. The Mount Rushmore background, which is white on the existing plates, will be tan on the new plates, and the red and blue lettering will all b...
De Smet residents share memories of Christmas past
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
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Some local folks recently shared their Christmas memories.
Bob Zeller, 91, served as postmaster in De Smet for many years. He spoke about the busy Christmas mailing season.
“We would just be flooded. It’s definitely a crazy time,” he said. “You wouldn’t believe all the mail and packages. It’s a circus.”
Zeller said a Christmas present he remembers is a horse one of his granddaughters received. Later, she went on to compete in rodeos.
“I wanted a firecracker gun, like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers had, so I could be a cowboy,&rdquo...
Oral interp represents at state contest
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
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De Smet High School oral interpretation participants Trinity Barnard, Nikki Berg, Maxwell Poppinga, Jordan Rusche and Michael Schipper traveled to Sturgis Dec. 4-5 to compete in the Class B division at the State Oral Interp Festival.
The group earned a superior rating for their Readers’ Theatre presentation of “Operation Breakup.” Poppinga and Rusche also earned a superior for their duet, “The Best Daddy.” Together, the students received a Team Excellence Award. Jennifer Dobson is their coach.
Donna Palmlund
Staff Writer
The De Smet News
Avera begins construction on new hospital wing
Wednesday, December 09, 2015
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Workers have removed trees, installed a fence around the construction site and, on Dec. 4, were leveling the ground next to Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital. The work is in preparation for the construction of a new addition that will be nearly double the size of the present facility.
Journey Construction of Sioux Falls is the project manager.
“We are so excited. We’re finally started. The architects and engineers have dotted all of the i’s and crossed all the t’s,” hospital administrator Janice Schardin said. Construction is expected to b...
First snow of season hits De Smet
Wednesday, December 02, 2015
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The entire eastern half of South Dakota, along with parts of Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska was in a winter storm watch, advisory or winter storm warning Sunday night. Kingsbury County was in the “warning” area where six to 10 inches of snow were predicted. Residents woke Monday to light snow that became heavier as the day went on.
Several area schools canceled classes, started late or dismissed early. De Smet was dismissed at 1:30 p.m. Monday and activity practices were canceled. Snow continued throughout the day and overnight.
By Tuesda...
LIW students learn 3-D printing in afterschool program
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
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The De Smet School District received a $10,000 grant in September from America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund.
The district used the money to purchase a 3-D printer that incorporates modern STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs into after- school activities at Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary School.
LIW Principal Abi Van Regenmorter is teaching 44 students in grades 3-5 in eight weekly after-school sessions.
Van Regenmorter said several high schools are working with 3-D printers, but LIW is the first elementary school in South Dakota t...
Annual program honors veterans
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
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The De Smet High School Armory was decorated Nov. 11 for the Veteran’s Day program with patriotic artwork created by Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary School students. The program is sponsored each year by the De Smet High School Student Council with active participation from American Legion Post 138 and students in grades K-12.
Student council members who participated in this year’s program include Adam Aughenbaugh, Matt Larson, Allison Larson and Hanna Gehm. Dr. Ben Jones, veteran and former De Smet resident, gave the address. Jones is dean of th...
Oral Interp team excels at Districts
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
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De Smet competed with nine other schools Nov. 4 at the District 5-B oral interpretation contest in Brookings. All nine De Smet participants qualified for the Region 3-B contest scheduled Nov. 16 at the De Smet Event and Wellness Center. Qualifiers include Max Poppinga, rear left, Jordan Rusche, Michael Schipper, Michelle Wiese, Aria Gruenhagen and Serenity Johnson; Trinity Barnard, front left, Nikki Berg and Carly Wiese. Jennifer Dobson is their coach.
Donna Palmlund
Staff Writer
The De Smet News
Fallen Heroes Banner comes to De Smet for Veterans Day
Wednesday, November 04, 2015
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Army Staff Sgt. Shane Barnard of De Smet was killed on May 19, 2010, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in the line of duty. Barnard is one of 35 South Dakota service members who died in service to their country during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom to be honored with a Fallen Heroes banner.
The Fallen Heroes Banner Exhibit will be brought to De Smet from Pierre and displayed Nov. 11 on Veterans Day at the De Smet High School auditorium. People are encouraged to come to the schoo...
De Smet runners place at state meet
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
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De Smet eight-graders, Reyna Beck and her brother, Baylor, both earned medals Oct. 24 at the state cross-country meet in Sioux Falls.
“It was a great accomplishment for Baylor and Reyna to earn a medal at the state meet,” coach Pat Wheeler said. “Both did their workouts at 6:30 in the morning. They definitely earned their success this year.”
Reyna placed 19th in the girls 5,000-meter run with a time of 21 minutes, eight seconds. Aleah Steger of Ipswich was first in 19:17. The Ipswich girls were first in tea...
Kingsbury County pheasant hunting tradition continues
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
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Dr. Doug Mair, a retired pediatric cardiologist from Rochester, Minn., made his 40th trip this year to hunt pheasants near De Smet.
Mair and his hunting party didn’t quite shoot their limit this year, averaging about two birds a day per person.
“The wind made it difficult, and there was some unpicked corn. I don’t think it was a shortage of birds,” Mair said.
Mair’s first hunting trip to this area was 67 years ago. When he was 10 years old, he accompanied his father on a 1948 hunting trip. “...
LIW Memorial Society hires new director
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
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Tessa Flak moved to De Smet Oct. 6 from Decorah, Iowa, and the next day began her job as director of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society in De Smet.
Cheryl Palmlund, who retired from the director’s position, will stay on for a time to do the bookkeeping and help with the transition.
“It was time, but I’m not going to quit cold turkey,” she said.
“And I appreciate that,” Flak responded.
Flak is a May 2015 graduate of Iowa State University in Ames, where she majored in sociology and anthropology.
She recentl...
New salon and insurance office open in old Berg clinic
Wednesday, October 07, 2015
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Two new businesses, a beauty salon and an insurance office officially opened for business this week on De Smet’s main street. The sign on the building still reads “Berg Medical Clinic,” but that will soon change.
Stylists Arielle Miller and Allison Uttecht own and operate “The Parlour” in the former Berg Medical Clinic building at 221 Calumet Avenue.
Full hair styling, waxing, facials and nail services are available at The Parlour. Miller and Uttecht also plan to sell boutique clothing.
The stylists met while studying cosmetology at Stewart’s School in Siou...
For the Albrechts, harvest is a family affair
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
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Harvest season is underway across much of the region. On Sept. 26 in a soybean field near Carthage, members of Jack Albrecht’s family farming business were running four large John Deere combines and averaging 50 bushels of soybeans per acre.
“That’s a good yield,” Greg Albrecht, a third-generation Albrecht family farmer, said.
Greg’s grandfather Emil once farmed in this area and now Emil’s son John “Jack” is the patriarch of Albrecht Farms. Jack’s sons, Greg, Brad, Jeff and Jon, several grandchildren, and their families are involved in the operation.
The Albrecht...
Good Sam changing to private rooms
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
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The Good Samaritan Center in De Smet is in the process of adding more private rooms to its skilled care center to give residents privacy and to make them feel more comfortable and at home.
“Transition to a nursing home is already difficult without being told that you are going to have to share a room with a stranger and get rid of many of your belongings,” administrator Katlin Johnson said. “Wouldn’t any of us want a private room if we had a choice?”
The center will phase out it...
Little town backs up its lofty dreams with action
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
For the past half-century in the small towns of South Dakota, the field stretching between present and future has been filled with land mines. Steps have had to be taken to cross that field and ensure a town’s prosperity, growth or relevance, but one misstep and ...
Take, for example, decisions about a town’s schools. Should we join a football co-op with the neighboring town, or should we soldier on with our own kids, risking being left out of an equitable arrangement later on? Should we merge our district with another to cut costs, knowing that we’ll surrender the economic an...
PAP merger with Badger Co-op overwhelmingly approved in recent vote
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
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Prairie Ag Partners (PAP) and Badger Farmers Cooperative patrons Tuesday approved a merger between the two companies that will go into effect Jan. 1, 2016. A management agreement will be in place to get the Badger facility through this year’s harvest.
According to Prairie Ag Partners’ website, 98 percent of Badger patrons voted in favor of the merger with an 80 to 2 vote. Ninety-one percent of PAP patrons voted in favor of the merger with an 82 to 10 vote.
PAP board members Sept. 9 told those attending ...
De Smet Event & Wellness Center receives donations
Wednesday, September 09, 2015
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The De Smet Event and Wellness Center received two significant donations Tuesday at a luncheon attended by about 35 people.
Jack Crowl of Ashton, Iowa, and Becky Connor of Winfred, cattle buyers for
Tyson Foods, Inc., presented community foundation members with a Tyson Foods, Inc., Charitable Giving Grant in the form of a $50,000 check.
Tyson Foods, Inc., is involved in chicken, beef and pork production. They provide charitable investments to communities through a grant program.
Crowl said local cattle ranchers Bob and Nancy Montross applied for the grant.
“Bob knew where t...
De Smet High School 2015 homecoming candidates
Wednesday, September 02, 2015
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De Smet High School homecoming king candidates are Broderick Poppinga, rear left, Matt Larson, Dane Coughlin and Adam Aughenbaugh. Queen candidates are Annie Schipper, front left, Trinity Miller, Hanna Gehm and Madison Birkel. Coronation begins at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at the high school gym. The Bulldogs will play their homecoming game at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 against the Dell Rapids St. Mary Cardinals.
Donna Palmlund
Staff Writer
The De Smet News
De Smet hires 2 new teachers
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
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The De Smet school district has hired two new teachers.
Laura Shumaker is the new De Smet High School science teacher.
Shumaker is a graduate of Clark High School. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota at Vermillion and her master’s degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen.
She has been a teacher for 15 years, including Florence, Mitchell and most recently, Howard. Her teaching experience includes middle school math and science and high school math.
In De Smet, Shumaker will teach five high school science classes, includin...
GF&P surveys Lake Thompson
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
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Several South Dakota Game Fish & Parks survey teams work across the state every summer conducting lake surveys to gather and document information about the fish population in South Dakota lakes.
Bruce Johnson, a research biologist with the South Dakota Department of Game Fish & Parks, and three GF&P interns conducted a survey last week at Lake Thompson.
The crew put out four overnight gill nets and 10 trap nets on Aug. 3-4 and retrieved them the following days. They use GPS coordinates to place nets in the same location...
4-H Premium Auction raises $20,000
Wednesday, August 05, 2015
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The Kingsbury County Livestock Premium Board held its fifth annual Kingsbury County 4-H Premium Auction July 31 during 4-H Achievement Days in De Smet.
The auction raised $20,000, which was given to the 68 4-H members who participated in the auction. On average each member received $300. The money goes toward project expenses and future projects.
“We give the money to kids in hopes that they’ll put it toward feed, giving back to their project or to buy another animal for another project,” said Megan Eichler, a member of th...
De Smet Depot Museum has many interesting artifacts on display
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
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The De Smet Depot museum is located in the former railroad depot behind the Hazel L. Meyer Memorial Library.
Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday until mid-August.
The depot is not the same building that is mentioned in one of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books. A fire destroyed the original depot in 1905. But, within hours, a railroad car had been set up to serve as a depot until a new one could be built.
In 1906, the depot was rebuilt. The Chicago Northwestern Railroad Company used it fo...
'Pioneer Girl' illustrator, editor visit De Smet
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
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De Smet was filled with even more Laura Ingalls Wilder fans than usual July 18, as attendees and presenters from the July 16-17 LauraPalooza educational and fan conference in Brookings along with others, spent a day in the little town on the prairie. The Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society hosted “From Paintbrush to Pen — Meet the Artist and Editor of Pioneer Girl.”
“Pioneer Girl,” released in November 2014 by the South Dakota Historical Society Press has brought unprecedented success to the publishing company. The book was on th...
Authors, illustrator to visit De Smet Homestead and LauraPalooza in Brookings
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
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Two authors, William Anderson and John E. Miller, and an illustrator, Renée Graef, will attend the LauraPalooza conference this week at South Dakota State University in Brookings. They also plan to spend time this weekend at the Ingalls Homestead near De Smet. The conference in Brookings takes
place Thursday and Friday with an optional day Saturday in De Smet.
Anderson spent seven summers while in college and early in his teaching career working with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society. He conducted tours, worked on research and restoration projects an...
'Beehive' opens to enthusiastic crowds
Wednesday, July 08, 2015
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Quarter-Ton Production’s presentation of the musical “Beehive” drew standing ovations July 2-5 at all four performances in the new theater at the De Smet Event and Wellness Center.
Several opening-night audience members were heard to say they will return to see it again.
Director Trey Karlen said they had small, but enthusiastic, crowds the first three nights, but a much larger crowd for the Sunday matinee.
The new lighting system is in place. The sound system and chairs were rented for the first production, but a permanent sound system and comfortabl...
Granddaughter visits Harvey Dunn's prairie
Wednesday, July 01, 2015
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Cynthia (Rutherford) Watson, a granddaughter of Manchester native and artist Harvey Dunn, and her companion, John Crompton, made a visit to “Harvey Dunn country” last week from their homes in Oxford, England.
Watson and Compton visited the Harvey Dunn Art Center in Brookings and were guests of honor June 23 at a dinner hosted by several members of the Harvey Dunn Memorial Society.
On June 24, they walked the same ground Watson’s grandfather walked and saw firsthand the prairie depicted in many of his paintings.
Watson and Crompton, along with tou...
County approves NAPA expansion
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
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The Kingsbury County Commission acting as the board of adjustment Tuesday unanimously approved a conditional-use permit for Michael Waliezer, owner of NAPA Auto Parts, to construct a new larger building to expand his business.
“It is already zoned for commercial use,” zoning commissioner Joe Jensen said. The NAPA store is located in a Quonset building a mile west of De Smet on Highway 14. The new building will be on the same property.
“We want to sell firearms and archery equipment and maybe later branch into a boating dealership,” Walieze...
All school reunion joins Old Settlers Day festivities
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
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The De Smet alumni all-school reunion, which is held every five years, brought a larger than usual crowd to De Smet to celebrate this year’s Old Settlers Day weekend.
Many individual class reunions were also held throughout the weekend.
Festivities began the morning of June 12 with the all-school reunion golf tournament at the Kingsbury County Country Club.
Dueling Duo Pianos, a musical comedy team from Sioux Falls, performed June 12 at the new De Smet Event and Wellness Center as a fundraiser for The Kingsbury County Cancer Walk.
Downtown was rockin...
De Smet Airshow fun for all
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
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True to form, De Smet stayed in its little clear weather corridor last week. Just south of us in Carthage, barns were being destroyed by weather, but here we enjoyed a little light rain.
Not that we’re complaining, because it turned out to be perfect airshow weather June 6. For those of you who didn’t make it, Dwayne La Fave put together quite a show and you couldn’t beat the price! Assisting him in setting up the festivities were airport manager Ryan Peterson and several financial sponsors including th...
Railroad Depot Museum now open for the summer
Wednesday, June 03, 2015
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The Railroad Depot Museum, located behind the Hazel L. Meyer Library in De Smet, opened Monday for the season.
The museum, staffed entirely by volunteers, will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday through August. There is no admission charge, but a free-will offering is appreciated.
The main museum building was once the actual railroad depot in De Smet. Men’s and women’s clothing from the 1800s, including two antique dresses found in the cleanup effort following the 2003 Manchester tornado, can be seen. Volunteer Helen Gehm said the...
Poppen retires after 30 years as clerk of courts
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
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After 30 years as Kingsbury County clerk of courts, Linda Poppen has announced her retirement. Twenty-nine year veteran deputy clerk Wendy Sands will take over as clerk in June.
“I was surprised to get the job. The courtroom was full of people who wanted it. I told my husband I’ll give it 30 years and now here I am.” Poppen said. “Everything has changed since I started. We made copies on carbon paper and made paper receipts. There were no computers, everything was on paper.”
And that was the bigges...
Avera De Smet breaks ground despite chilly weather
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
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A
sharp, cold wind cut through the tent and threatened to blow it away as Avera officials broke ground Monday for the hospital expansion and renovation in De Smet.
The $3.2 million project is expected to take up to two years to complete. A local capital campaign raised more than $1.7 million, more than twice the original goal of $750,000.
Jerry Soholt, president of the Avera Foundation, said delays in getting the project going have created another $75,000 in interest, an amount equal to another large donation.
Soholt praised capital campaign co-chair...
DHS class of 2015 graduates Saturday
Wednesday, May 06, 2015
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Graduation begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at the high school armory for the De Smet High School class of 2015.
The class chose the Gerber daisy as their class flower and turquoise and orange as their class colors.
A quote by Walt Disney, “Around here we don’t look backwards for very long — we keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things,” is their class motto.
Kelli Aughenbaugh, a daughter of Tim and Renae Aughenbaugh, is valedictorian. Cylie Pastian, a daughter of Gary and Caryn Pastian, is salutatorian.
Othe...
Karlen brings 'Beehive' back to De Smet summer theater
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
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“Beehive” returns to the De Smet stage this summer. The musical revue, first performed locally in 2001, illustrates the influence of female singers on the rock-and-roll music scene throughout the 1960’s.
Directed by Trey Karlen, with Jenni Karlen as musical director, “Beehive” will be the first De Smet Community Theater performance in the new De Smet Event and Wellness Center.
Karlen and his cast first presented “Beehive” in 2001 at the Kingsbury County Country Club in De Smet. He said the show was such a big hit that they.
put o...
Dugout Bar & Grill has new owners
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
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Karen Carlson and Gary “Wigg” Wiggins recently purchased The Dugout Steakhouse and Lounge in De Smet from Clint Martens. And renamed the business The Dugout Bar & Grill.
Carlson and Wiggins moved to De Smet in March from Sioux Falls, but as regular summer visitors for the past two years at Marten’s Campground at Lake Thompson, they are familiar with the area.
Wiggins said they first got the idea to purchase the business one weekend when they were at the campground and the weather was too nasty to do anythin...
Hubbard starts as event center director
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
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De Smet native Kristy (Hansen) Hubbard began a new position March 16 as director for the De Smet Events and Wellness Center.
Hubbard is a 1985 graduate of De Smet High School and attended Northern State University in Aberdeen.
She and her husband, Dan, have four grown children, Jesse, Abby, Haley and Kallie.
“No grandkids yet, but we have a lot of ‘grandpets,’” she said.
The Hubbard family lived in Fairbanks, Alaska, San Antonio, Texas, Fayetteville, N.C., and Apple Valley, Minn., during Dan’s years in the service.
They moved back to De Sme...
Hospital plans major updates to building, delivery of care
Wednesday, April 08, 2015
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This year will go down in the history of Avera De Smet Hospital as one of many changes. Construction is set to begin in May on a long-awaited and sweeping remodel of the facility.
“I’m so excited. I’ve been advocating for this renovation for 10 years and now it’s gonna happen,” said Avera De Smet Administrator Janice Schardin. “Our original facility is 50 years old and this remodel will get us through the next 50.”
Construction has been delayed almost a year and a half since the capital campaign t...
De Smet academic decathlon wins state
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
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A group of eight De Smet High School students March 9 won the state academic decathlon. De Smet will represent South Dakota April 16-18 at the United States Academic Decathlon National Finals in Garden Grove, Calif.
Teachers Kathy Sanderson and Emily Koehler coached the students and will accompany them on the trip.
At the state competition students were split into three categories, based on their grade-point averages, and they competed against other students at their level. The team received a score to determine if they won the overall competition. Participatin...
Lady Bulldogs take third at state
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
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In perhaps their most dramatic game of the season, the Lady Bulldogs pulled out the win 51-41 in overtime against Summit to take third-place in the girls Class B State Tournament.
It was an evenly matched contest, with the score at half De Smet 16 — Summit 17. Coach Doug Osthus said “they came out with the full intent to take Riley (Osthus) and Kelli (Aughenbaugh) out of the game.” They did this pretty effectively, limiting Osthus to one point until the end of the game and Aughenbaugh t...
Lady Bulldogs head to state
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
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The De Smet Lady Bulldogs meet the Jones County Lady Coyotes at 1:45 p.m. Thursday in first-round play of the South Dakota State B Girls Basketball Tournament at the Huron Arena.
“Jones is a good scrappy basketball team. We’re starting out with the four and five seed matchup right away,” coach Doug Osthus said. “We feel like we started the state tournament a couple of weeks ago with the caliber of the teams we’ve played. We’re ready to go.”
The Lady Bulldogs brought home a 53-44 Region 3B championship wi...
Weekend results from Girls District basketball and State B wrestling tournament
Wednesday, March 04, 2015
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The Lady Bulldogs defied the odds Feb. 28 and beat their third-ranked District 5B rivals, the Castlewood Warriors, 59-37 to advance to the Region 3B championship.
De Smet lost by one point in their first game of the season against Castlewood, but capturing the district title never really seemed in doubt in the rematch last Saturday. The game felt almost like a home match-up surrounded by Madison High School Gym’s “Bulldog” insignia and maroon and gold colors. The Lady Bulldogs were up by 12 points at half and Castlewoo...
Celebrate! De Smet brings community together
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
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The De Smet Young Guns transformed the Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary School armory into an elegant venue Feb. 20 for the first annual Celebrate! De Smet.
The formal evening consisted of a banquet served by Countryview Catering, several community awards and musical entertainment by the De Smet High School Swing Choir and the band Eclipse.
The Spirit of Dr. Bell Award, in honor of the late Dr. G. Robert Bell, is given to a person who, like Bell, has given their time and energy to benefit the De Smet community...
District 22 legislators in town for coffee at Oxbow
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
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South Dakota District 22 Senator Jim White (R) and House Representatives Dick Werner (R) and Peggy Gibson (D) met with about a half-dozen De Smet area residents Feb. 14 at the Oxbow Restaurant in De Smet. They also planned stops that day in Lake Preston and Arlington.
District 22 is comprised of Beadle and Kingsbury counties.
“Kingsbury County is a big part of our district.” White said, “We’re here to visit with constituents. We’re not here to promote an agenda, but to give you an update.
Gibson is serving her fourt...
'Pioneer Girl' hits number 2 on New York Times bestseller list
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
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Laura Ingalls Wilder’s autobiography, “Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography,” earned a #2 spot on this week’s New York Times nonfiction hardcover list.
The book was also the top seller on Amazon for a day in late January.
“Pioneer Girl,” released in November 2014 by the South Dakota State Historical Society Press, is Wilder’s non-fiction story of her childhood, written for adult audiences. It includes several dark and sometimes disturbing accounts of events and hardships that were not covered in her children’s books.
The first printing of 15,000 copies sold out o...
Students learn broadcasting skills through Highschoolcube
Wednesday, February 04, 2015
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Fifth-grade students at Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary School are using iPods to record and broadcast local high school and grade school events live over the Internet through a free service called Highschoolcube.
LIW Principal Abi VanRegenmorter signed the school up for the service last fall. She mentors the students, but they are responsible for most of the broadcast.
Schools use Highschoolcube to record events live and share them online as they are happening. This allows someone who might not be able to attend a school event in person to watc...
Odegaards win pork producer family of the year honors
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
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The Odegaard family received Jan. 15 the first annual South Dakota Pork Producers Council (SDPPC) Family of the Year Award.
This is a new award created to honor a pork-producing family who has contributed to the long-term success of the industry through leadership and pork promotion on the local, state or national level.
Odegaard farms began when Lake Preston resident Randy Odegaard’s grandfather, Charles, began raising Chester Whites and then turned the operation over to Randy's father, Marvin, in the early 1930s.
Randy has been involved in pork production his entir...
New De Smet history to publish soon
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
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A new pictorial history of De Smet will be available for purchase at businesses around town in a few weeks. Arcadia Publishing’s first printing of “Images of America: De Smet” is a 128-page compendium of vintage and modern images chronicling the growth and change of the town.
It was really a fun project,” author Cheryl Palmlund said. “It was a little more work than we thought it would be and Arcadia really kept us on schedule.
Palmlund said she and co-author Sharon Peterson worked for about a year under th...
Local group works to improve children’s health
Friday, January 16, 2015
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The Coalition Preventing Childhood Obesity (CPCO) is a multi-state project funded by the United States Department Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) and, in South Dakota, is administered through South Dakota State University in Brookings.
The goal of the CPCO is to prevent childhood obesity with the help of community members.
De Smet is one of two communities in South Dakota chosen to receive a three-year $15,000 (total) grant, to help achieve that goal.
All CPCO projects must be evidence-based and have research to validate the outcome. Hospital involvemen...
County starts new year by filling several vacant positions
Wednesday, January 07, 2015
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Amy Wilkinson of De Smet was sworn in Tuesday the new Kingsbury County auditor by States Attorney Greg Gass. Wilkinson previously served as deputy auditor under Jennifer Albrecht, who recently resigned the auditor’s position. The deputy auditor’s position is currently open and commissioners will review applications.
Delmer Wolkow of De Smet was also sworn in Tuesday as the new county commissioner for District 3. Wolkow is taking over Audrey Lembke’s seat. Lembke’s term expired at the end of 2014 and she chose not to run for office again. N...
Napa opens store in De Smet
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
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On Dec. 22 Michael Waliezer opened the doors of his new Napa auto parts store just outside of De Smet. Waliezer and his wife Jocelyn have four children and live in Bryant.
Jocelyn’s brother, Jay Rosenlund, is the store manager and Michael’s father, Kyle Waliezer, is also directly involved in the business.
They are also looking for a few full-time and part-time employees.
The opportunity to open a local Napa store came about when Cristy and Jeremy Woodcock, who, until recently, owned and operated a NAPA store in Lake Preston, decide...
Ice fishing caution urged
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
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As more vehicles are reported to have been involved in mishaps on area lakes, anglers are once again warned to pay closer attention to the condition of the ice and to know where they are going.
Fluctuations in temperature and rain, both of which we have experienced lately, can create weak spots in the ice.
Tom Bunker, owner of Bunker Auto Body Shop in Arlington, confirmed that last weekend they pulled a snowmobile from open water on Lake Whitewood in Kingsbury County, and a four-wheeler from Lake Oakwood in Brooking...
De Smet firemen's Christmas tradition has deep roots
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
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A Christmas morning memory for many people who either grew up in De Smet or spent the holidays visiting relatives here, is the excitement of hearing a fire truck siren and knowing there would soon be a knock on the door.
For more years than any living resident can remember, De Smet volunteer firemen have given up a few hours with their families on Christmas morning, no matter the weather, to drive around town in fire trucks and go door-to-door handing out brown paper sacks filled with candy t...
Tour of Trees has another successful year
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
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There were 20 tree entries Dec. 7 at the Christmas tree festival at the 4-H building in De Smet. The number of entries was down by five from last year, but attendance was comparable to previous years.
The De Smet Chamber of Commerce and the city of De Smet sponsor the annual event.
This year’s theme was “Angels Among Us.”
In keeping with the theme, assorted angel collections were also displayed, and holiday artwork by Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary School Students decorated the walls.
The public had a chance to vote o...
New Wilder annotated autobiography released
Wednesday, December 03, 2014
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Members of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society in De Smet traveled Nov. 20 to Pierre to pick up 100 cases of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography.”
LIW Society Director Cheryl Palmlund said board members spent four days unpacking boxes and filling orders. So far, they have mailed more than 450 copies.
“The phone was ringing off the hook. People are excited to get them,” Palmlund said. “We are still filling some orders.”
Although Wilder had already written newspaper articles, “Pioneer Girl,” written in 1930, was her firs...
Annual De Smet Craftshow and Chili Challenge well attended
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
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A break in the cold weather Nov. 22 made it a nice day for the annual craft show and chili challenge held at De Smet High School. Nearly 40 vendors set up booths in the gymnasium for the craft fair sponsored by the De Smet Community Women. The DCW also set up a concession table and served a noon meal.
This is the second year the DCW has organized the craft fair. Judy Poppen started the annual event and managed it for 15 years, but DCW took over last yea...
Housing meeting outlines next steps
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
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About 35 intrepid De Smet area residents braved the weather Sunday to attend a community meeting sponsored by the De Smet Development Corporation.
The meeting was designed as the first step in facilitating a community-based push through a series of housing roadblocks the city has met each time it has attempted to lure new residents to De Smet.
“I don’t want to say this is a last-ditch effort,” said Mayor Gary Wolkow. “But we’ve gone through meeting after meeting and haven’t gotten anywhere.”
Sunday’s 3 p.m. meeting ran like a workshop...
Community meeting planned to address De Smet housing shortage
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
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The De Smet Development Corporation has scheduled a community meeting starting at 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at De Smet High School. The event will last until 6 p.m. and a free soup supper will be available to all participants.
One of the goals of the meeting is to provide a forum forcommunitywide discussion of a recent housing needs survey conducted by the city. Organizers Rita Anderson and Angie Baszler hope that 100 heads will be better than one (or two) in attempting to come up with ideas to solve
th...
Medal of Honor winner to speak at Veterans Day observance in De Smet
Wednesday, November 05, 2014
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Michael J. Fitzmaurice, who in 1973 was awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States military’s highest decoration, will be honored at the De Smet Veterans Day program, at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11 in the National Guard Armory.
On March 23, 1971, Fitzmaurice, a 1969 graduate of Iroquois High School, was an Army soldier serving in the 17th Calvary Regiment, 101st Airborne Division in Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam.
During a firefight that day, Fitzmaurice and three fellow soldiers were occupying a bunker when the North Vietnamese threw three explosiv...
Fall sports wrap up
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
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— De Smet sent five runners to Huron Oct. 25 for the State B cross country meet.
“It was a great day for De Smet cross country,” said coach Pat Wheeler.
Seventh-graders Emily Martens and Reyna Beck and senior Amanda Gehm made up the girls contingent. Three runners meant that they were one of the only 18 schools that qualified to compete in the race as a team. They came in seventh.
Freshman Caleb and senior Noah Clair represented the boys squad. The brothers both finished their seasons strong.
Caleb had a...
UltiMed acquired by Indianapolis company, plans expansion
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
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The Indianapolis, Ind., based investment company, LDI, Ltd. has recently acquired UltiMed Inc., a rapidly growing manufacturer and distributor of pen needles, insulin syringes and other injection related products for both humans and pets. UltiMed is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., and operates manufacturing facilities in De Smet and South Korea.
The same local management team will remain in place.
Since 1912, the Lacy family of Indianapolis has owned LDI, LTD. The company specializes in acquiring profitable established companies with long-term growth potential and making additional investments to help facilitate tha...
Rounds visits De Smet
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
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Mike Rounds, the Republican United States Senate candidate from South Dakota, stopped Oct. 9 at The De Smet News.
Rounds served as South Dakota’s governor from Jan. 7, 2003, until Jan. 8, 2011. From 1991-2001, he represented District 24 in the South Dakota Senate.
Three other contenders vying for Tim Johnson’s senate seat when Johnson retires this November are Democrat Rick Weiland, a businessman from Sioux Falls, and two Independents, Larry Pressler, who, as a Republican, served from 1975-79 in the United States House of Representatives and from 1979-97 i...
County approves new north shore Lake Thompson campground
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
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Kingsbury County Commissioners, acting Oct. 7 as the board of adjustment, approved a conditional-use permit for Monte and Laura Weatherly of Arlington. The Weatherlys plan to build a campground on their property on the north shore of Lake Thompson.
“It is a permitted use for the Lake Park District. The only stipulation is that they follow state laws and comply with setbacks,” Commissioner Joe Jensen said. “As long as they comply with state laws, I recommend that we approve it. It gives people more camping opportunities which can’t hel...
Quality concrete pouring out of Collins Colony
Wednesday, October 01, 2014
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Brothers Mark and George Wipf were two of several men working Tuesday at Collins Precast, a manufacturing plant 12 miles north of Manchester on the Collins Hutterite Colony. The crew was pouring cement into forms to create precast cement walls for their latest customer, the builder of a dairy farm near Howard.
The outside walls of the new event and wellness center in De Smet, which weigh an average of 24,000 pounds each, were also manufactured at Collins Precast and delivered to the building site.
“The event center in D...
The Get Fit, Leah Marie Salon expand
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
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Susanne Albrecht recently purchased the former Avera De Smet Clinic building on 2nd Street. The building is connected to another building she owns that presently houses the Get Fit fitness center and the Leah Marie Salon.
The additional space is allowing both businesses to undergo a major renovation and expansion. The beauty salon and fitness center will both double in size.
Previously, the only access to the salon was through the fitness center. When renovations are complete, each business will have a separate entrance.
A concrete wall between the former clini...
Pheasants aren't the only game in town
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
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With all the recent fuss about the pheasant population, South Dakota ducks have not been receiving the kind of exposure they deserve.
Local duck hunter and five-year past area chairman of the Kingsbury County Ducks Unlimited (DU) chapter James Girard said, “The duck population is doing quite well right now, but there is some concern with the decrease in the Conservation Reserve Program that habitat will go away.”
Like the governor’s select task force for pheasants, DU has as its primary goal the conservation and preservation of duck habitats. Thi...
New athletic complex has impressive debut
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
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The De Smet News would like to extend its congratulations to the De Smet School District and the project steering committee for putting the finishing touches on an awesome athletic complex just in time for the first football game of the season. The new complex was christened Wilkinson Field by school board President Mike Fox in honor of that family’s large donation.
There was some concern from school board members and from Superintendent Jim Altenburg that the freshly laid sod would suffer a beating during the Arlington game, bu...
Kingsbury County unemployment rate lower than U.S. and S.D. averages
Wednesday, September 03, 2014
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As the country puts another Labor day behind us, Employment statistics look good for South Dakota. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Dakota ranks number four among the 50 states and District of Columbia for the lowest rate of unemployment. North Dakota, Nebraska and Utah rank 1-3, respectively, while Mississippi ranks 51 with an eight percent unemployment rate.
While the national unemployment rate was 6.2 percent in July, the unemployment rate for South Dakota was 3.7 percent, and even lower for Kingsbury County with ...
New Dunn exhibit opens in Brookings
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
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The public has an opportunity from now until Jan 11, 2015, to view 116 of Harvey Dunn’s original works in “Harvey Dunn, the Complete Collection,” an exhibit at the South Dakota Art Museum on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings.
Dunn’s art is displayed in other places across the country, such as the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., but the South Dakota Art Museum has, by far, the largest collection, making Dunn’s work one of the cornerstones of the museum. Many Dunn pieces are always on display...
County cancer walk raises more than $57,000
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
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Seventeen teams participated Aug. 15 in the Kingsbury County Cancer Walk (KCCW) at Anderson-Gilbertson Football Field in Arlington.
Two young men who are battling cancer, Chase Casper of Lake Preston and Diego Campos of Arlington, were honorary chairmen for the evening.
Activites included a free-will offering meal, live music by a couple members of the Highway Call Band and some guest singers, games, face and fingernail painting, food booths, raffles, luminaries and more.
The teams raised more than $57,000 with various fundraisers throughout the year, leading up to and including th...
2014 Plein Air honors Dr. Robert Bell
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
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Last weekend’s rain didn’t stop the artists who participated Aug 9-11 in the sixth annual Harvey Dunn Plein Air Paint-Out in De Smet.
Susan Purintun, an organizer of the event, said 54 people registered Aug. 9-10 and about 35 of them were participating artists. Others were artists’ friends and family members and people helping in other capacities.
Some of the artists have participated in several De Smet paint-outs since the first in 2009. Many of the artists are local, or come from neighboring communities or states. But one returning artist...
Schubloom wins 4-H Achievement Days Round Robin
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
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Incoming De Smet senior Andrea Schubloom was this year’s Round Robin Award winner at Kingsbury County Achievement Days. Schubloom has been raising goats for five years and although she has consistently shown her animals in the past, she has never been recognized with a major award.
That is because showing goats made Schubloom ineligible for those awards. This is the first year they were granted the same status as the other show animals and Schubloom capitalized by winning the all-around showmanship award.
“It’s pretty special for me,” she said. “I...
De Smet summer league baseball minors win division tournament
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
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De Smet’s summer league baseball program sent two teams to the championship tournament July 23-26 in Volga. The minors division team (ages 9-10) won it all, standing at the top of a 13-team division after toppling an undefeated Hamlin squad in the final game.
The win is made all the sweeter by the fact that coaches Wes Clubb and Jared Tolzin literally rebuilt the program from the ground up this summer.
For awhile, it looked as if there might not even be any baseball in De Smet this summer. Th...
Barn quilts beautify countryside
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
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Some area residents have begun creating and installing barn quilts and they hope the idea will catch on in Kingsbury County and the surrounding area.
Barn quilts are large painted wooden or metal quilt squares that are hung on a barn or other building. Some people display freestanding quilts.
Barn quilts have been popular for many years in some of the eastern and southern states, but have gained popularity across the United States and Canada.
Many areas promote quilt trails, where a series of barn quilts can be seen at differen...
Local teen goes on historical reenactment trek
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
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Katie Schipper, 17, of De Smet, travelled June 17-20 to central Wyoming to participate in a reenactment of the original Morman pioneer handcart trek west.
There were 131 teenagers, ages 14-18, 14 married couples and 18 other adults, including a couple of nurses, on the 20-mile trek.
“The day we got there, the weather was cold and super windy,” Schipper said. They were in the high desert area of Wyoming, which Schipper said means sand — lots and lots of sand.
“The minute we were off the busses, we were bein...
Full lineup of pre-pageant entertainment planned
Wednesday, July 09, 2014
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The Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant is offering free entertainment on five different nights before the pageant performance begins.
Pre-pageant entertainment is scheduled July 11-12, July 18-19 and July 26. In addition, local artist Robin Flickinger will provide free face painting all nine nights of “These Happy Golden Years.” Performances are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Face painting is available from the time the gate opens at 6 p.m. until the pageant begins.
Mission Essential Brass from the 147th Army Band of the South Dakota Army National Guard is playin...
Houston costumer redesigns pageant wear
Wednesday, July 02, 2014
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The basement of the West Bethany Lutheran Church on the Ingalls Homestead has been turned into a temporary dressmaking shop.
Former area resident, Laurie (Cramer) Husmann, and a crew of four girls, including Husmann’s daughter Aletta Husmann, niece, Abigail Thompson, and two of Aletta’s friends, Teresa Lee and Julia Shkedy, have been busy creating new costumes for the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant that begins July 11. Shkedy also is employed at the Ingalls Homestead this summer.
The new costumes are possible this year because of a $5,000 grant from th...
Main Stop goes Local
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
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The Main Stop in De Smet and the Handi-Mart in Arlington have partnered with "Local," a new convenience store brand created and trademarked by Howes Oil Co. of Sioux Falls.
Steve and Laurie Anderson of De Smet own both businesses.
The conversion from Shell to Local is taking place this week in De Smet, and will take place in early July in Arlington. The names The Main Stop and Handi-mart will remain but each store joining Local will be identified by its hometown zip code, making The Main Stop th...
Old Settlers Day filled with activity
Friday, June 20, 2014
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The sky was cloudy and the temperature cooler than normal June 14 for Old Settlers Day. Other parts of the state received heavy rain, but the storm held off in De Smet long enough to celebrate.
The festivities began the evening of June 13 when a free street dance in front of Wheatie’s Sports Bar featured the local band Flashback. Flashback is the new name adopted by the band Bare Bones when the original members, Eric Easton, Bill Halverson and Kent Munger, added female singer, Tracy Halperin.
June 14 activitie...
Bulldog track finishes strong at state
Wednesday, June 04, 2014
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The Bulldog track team sent five athletes to the state B meet in Sioux Falls May 30-31.
“I'm so proud of these kids,” said coach Tricia Holland. “They have worked hard on the technical aspects of their events throughout the season and it shows in their level of performance.”
Kelsey Poppen competed in high jump, triple jump and 100-meter hurdles. She finished eighth in the high jump, clearing 4-11 and sixth in the triple jump leaping 32-7.25. She also competed in 100-meter hurdles but did not place. Poppen has signe...
Kingsbury County Country Club celebrates 50 years
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
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The Kingsbury County Country Club is hosting a golf tournament June 21 as a fundraiser for the golf course and to commemorate its 50th anniversary.
In 1961, the De Smet Recreational Development Association was formed to promote recreational activities in the area. They had a dream to build a nine-hole golf course and a swimming pool.
The dream started to become a reality in 1963. At that time there were 61 members of Kingsbury County Country Club Inc. Each member had invested $100 and paid $50 in yearly dues.
More tha...
Area Memorial Day services
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
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Memorial Day services in De Smet begin at 10 a.m. May 26 at the American Legion Hall.
District 22 House Representative Peggy Gibson of Huron will be the featured speaker.
Following the program at the Legion Hall, there will be a service at the De Smet cemetery, and another at Prairie Park Apartments. There will be a potluck meal at noon at the Legion Hall.
The program in Iroquois begins at 10 a.m. May 26, at the Iroquois School south gym.
Staff Sergeant Christina Sihrer of Miller is the guest speaker. Als...
2014 De Smet High School graduates prepare for the future
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
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Graduation was May 10 for 25 members of the De Smet High School class of 2014.
Junior class attendants were Kelli Aughenbaugh, Cylie Pastian, Andrea Pommer and Andrea Schubloom.
Ashley Flood gave the invocation.
Co-salutatorians Julianna Albrecht and Grayson Gruenhagen teamed up to give the salutary address. Albrecht and Gruenhagen have attended school in De Smet since preschool, and told many memories and amusing anecdotes about their classmates. Both girls said the music trip to Washington, D.C., and New York city their sophomore year brought everyone closer as a class. Gruenhage...
Taylin Albrecht elected state FFA President
Friday, April 25, 2014
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Thirty-one members of the De Smet FFA chapter competed in the State FFA Convention in Brookings April 6-8.
Among the highlights, De Smet FFA alumnus Taylin Albrecht was selected as state FFA president for 2014-15. Albrecht is currently attending South Dakota State University majoring in animal Science.
“Jesse Geib was the last president from De Smet in 2003-4,” said De Smet FFA adviser Dave Vanderwal. “Taylin is the 12th officer we’ve had.”
He said that students can run for offices as high school seniors and up to two years after the...
City council gives final approval for community center
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
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“Let’s build it!” said Mayor Gary Wolkow. The De Smet Common Council voted April 9 to move forward with plans to construct a community center next to the site of the planned athletic complex. But the decision came after an agonizing final push to fund the center.
After coming in some $600,000 over budget at the bid openings at last month’s council meeting, the De Smet community center project had faced a $1,306,273 deficit, including funding shortfalls. Project organizers would now have only a month to raise the remainin...
County outlines road plan
Wednesday, April 09, 2014
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Kingsbury County Commissioner Roger Lee said Tuesday that he has heard from people asking if there is a definite plan in place for roads in the county.
“I feel it’s important for people to understand,” Lee said.
Kingsbury County and the county highway department are in the third year of a six-year road repair plan. Part of this plan will totally rebuild 39 miles of county blotter roads. A blotter road is a gravel road that has had sealing material added, but does not have the proper base or foundation...
Werner declares House candidacy
Friday, April 04, 2014
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Republican Dick Werner has announced his candidacy for re-election to the House of Representatives, representing the residents of Beadle and Kingsbury counties in District 22. This would be his second term in the House.
“These past two legislative sessions we have accomplished much to aid education (K-12 and higher education), agriculture, and economic development which continue to be my highest priorities,” Werner said. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue this progress for our area and state.”
Werner said there are several issues he would like to focus o...
Kingsbury Electric annual meeting update
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
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Kingsbury Electric President Neil Rommereim and Manager Dennis Kruse addressed the Cooperative’s leadership change at their annual meeting Monday.
Thirty KEC veteran Dennis Kruse was recently called out of retirement to replace departing manager Garr Hintz.
“Vital forms and important procedures were not being followed,” said Rommereim. “We made the decision to change management.”
Kruse said that the cooperative’s cash reserves had not been properly maintained, the four-year plan he left had not been followed and three years worth of construction had been completed in one year, leading to a decreas...
Food pantry opening well attended
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
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Organizer Robyn Flickinger said that attendance at the De Smet Food Pantry open house March 13 was solid throughout the day.
The Kingsbury County Food Pantry recently moved from its former location in the basement of the American Lutheran Church to its new home at 115 Calumet Ave. S.W. in De Smet. The building most recently housed the Vintage Hair Parlour. Patti and Jay Slater bought the building last year and are donating use of the space free of charge.
The new location is handicap accessible and is much larger...
Bulldogs are District 5B champions
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
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Tom Hoek was a starting point-guard for the De Smet Bulldogs under coach Marv McCune ten years ago — the last time the boys’ team won a district championship. In 2004, De Smet made it all the way to the state tournament where they brought home the consolation championship trophy.
This year, as head coach for the Bulldogs, Hoek led his team to victory against Castlewood to win the District 5B championship.
“I am extremely proud of the way we came out and took control of the game right away,&rdquo...
Roads meeting answers questions
Thursday, March 06, 2014
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Ken Skorseth, the program manager of the South Dakota Local Transportation Assistance (LTAP) Program at South Dakota State University in Brookings, led an informational program Tuesday in the courtroom of the Kingsbury County Courthouse in De Smet about Kingsbury County’s plan to rebuild roads.
Skorseth is a lead author of the Federal Highways Administration Gravel Roads Manual.
Skorseth and a panel that included Kingsbury County Highway Superintendent Dave Sorenson, Wayne Cramer, an engineer with the South Dakota Department of Transportation, Charlie Siver, general manager of Bowes Construction, Ted Eggebraaten, ...
Harkness earns berth in state wrestling tournament
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
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Brody Harkness, a 113-pound junior from De Smet, made it to the state B wrestling tournament to be held this weekend in Aberdeen. Harkness finished the season 36-12.
“I had a great season,” he said. “I got pretty much what I shot for — a 75-percent record.” Harkness said he has been wrestling for 12 years beginning way back in kindergarten.
“There’s nobody in his weight class that works harder or is in better shape than Brody,” said assistant coach Mike Johnson. “It’s nice to have him in the roo...
Farm Bill compromise reached
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
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After more than two years of negotiations and compromises from both Democrats and Republicans, President Barack Obama, on Feb. 7, signed into law the Agriculture Act of 2014, an agriculture spending bill better known as the farm bill.
The bill will be in effect for five years. The previous farm bill was passed in 2008 and expired in 2012.
The 1,000-plus page package has 12 chapters which include commodities, crop insurance, conservation, forestry and miscellaneous.
The bill expands federal crop insurance and ends direct government payments to farmers. When landowners wer...
Dakotaland announces expansion at De Smet location
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Dakotaland Federal Credit Union is moving forward on expansion plans for a new facility in De Smet. The new building will be located just north of the current facility and will provide expanded parking, a drive through and an ATM.
The northeast corner property at the intersection of Highways 14 and 25 was purchased by Dakotaland in 2013 in anticipation of a need for additional space. Groundbreaking on the site is scheduled for early spring.
Plans are being finalized for an estimated 2,500 square-foot facility that will house both Dakotalan...
Christesen named new postmaster
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Craig Christesen began work Jan. 27 as the new postmaster in the De Smet post office.
He was most recently employed as postmaster in Madison.
Christesen grew up in Graceville, Minn., and attended college at South Dakota State University in Brookings.
Following college graduation, Christesen worked for a time at Auto Body Specialists in Brookings.
He began his career with the post office in 2000 as a rural mail carrier in the Brookings area. In 2007, he was hired as a delivery supervisor in Watertown before becoming postmaster at Madison in 2010.
Christese...
Baszler joins American Bank & Trust
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Jason Baszler joined American Bank & Trust in De Smet as market president effective Jan. 27.
Baszler, who has 14 years experience in the financial industry, was most recently employed as manager of Dakotaland Federal Credit Union in De Smet.
AB&T chief executive officer Lynn Schneider said, “Jason will be responsible for the oversight of the De Smet location. He brings a strong base of banking experience and knowledge. He grew up in De Smet and is very active in the De Smet community serving on various boards and i...
Lady Bulldogs take top spot in state
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
De Smet defeated the 9-0 Sully Buttes Chargers 34-28 Jan. 18 in Mitchell. The Chargers were ranked number one in state polls at the time of the contest.
“The Hanson Classic Tournament was a great event to be a part of,” said coach Doug Osthus. “Our girls responded to playing on the big stage by showing great heart and intensity.”
De Smet also defeated the 7-3 Class A Hamlin Chargers 49-27 Tuesday at home.
The wins improved the Lady Bulldogs to 11-0 on the season. The latest polls now rank the...
Ice fishing popular area hobby
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
The weather, which had been unusually cold, turned milder last weekend. Ice shacks, vehicles and people dotted Lake Thompson and the adjoining area west of the lake known as Schaefer’s Slough.
People who don’t live in a cold winter climate with good fishing lakes might assume the temporary village of ice houses on the frozen lake in the movie “Grumpy Old Men” is pretty far-fetched. It isn’t.
There are as many types of ice houses as there are fishermen. On a mild winter day, many people just drill a hol...
Extreme cold in De Smet warrants caution
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Those of us who live in South Dakota expect cold weather this time of year, but this winter has been extreme even by South Dakota standards.
Actual temperatures Sunday night and into Monday in eastern South Dakota ranged between minus 14 and minus 20 degrees with record-breaking wind chills of minus 40 to minus 55 degrees. Wind chill is the temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed. According to the National Weather Service, these wind chills can cause frostbite in as littl...
The year in review part 2
Thursday, January 02, 2014
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Sept. 11: There are two kindergarten classes at Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary School this year to accommodate 31 kindergarten students. LIW newcomer Roxy Fast teaches one of the classes. Brittani Wilkinson teaches the other.
Sept. 25: Susan Purintun of De Smet is one of 11 outstanding South Dakota women nominated for the 27th annual Spirit of Dakota Award.
Oct. 2: The overwhelming community support for local chiropractor Jim Dobson was evident Sept. 28. A benefit 5-K and 3-K walk/run, pancake feed and silent auction was held at the high schoo...
2013 the year in review
Thursday, December 26, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Jan. 16: A De Smet family is safe after smoke alarms alerted them to an early morning house fire Jan. 12. The fire heavily damaged the home of Blaine and Holly Beck on Root Avenue. The family escaped injury but the house is thought to be a total loss.
Jan. 23: The tension was apparent Jan. 18 during a special meeting of the Mathew Township Board at the township hall. Township clerk Mary Lee filed an open meeting complaint Dec. 28 against township supervisors William Driscoll, Greg Albrecht, Gal...
Rowen promoted for job in Huron
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Kathy Rowen, who has served as postmaster in De Smet for more than eight years, has been promoted to manager of post office operations (MPOO) for Area 4 in South Dakota.
Rowen will headquarter at Dakota Central, a regional mail-processing center in Huron, where she will manage operations of 94 post offices in the state that have zip codes beginning with 573 and 574.
She has been working temporary detail at Dakota Central since August and received her permanent appointment Dec. 14.
Rowen began her career with the postal service 3...
Winter Wonderland festival showcases De Smet creativity
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
There were 25 trees decorated by local businesses and individuals on display Dec. 8 during the Christmas tree festival at the 4-H Center in De Smet. This year’s theme was “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland.”
People’s Choice winners were Lyle Signs, Inc., best snowman theme; Kingsbury County Farm Service Agency, most creative; and De Smet Community Health and Dental, most beautiful.
The De Smet Community Women held their annual Christmas cookie sale.
Santa spent the afternoon visiting with people
of all ages. Santa has been at his job for a long time and surprise...
Winter Wonderland festival promises fun
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
All the fun will be packed into one big day Sunday at Frosty’s Winter Wonderland at the Kingsbury County 4-H Center in De Smet.
The doors open at 10 a.m. for people to come view the Christmas tree display and vote for their favorites in the most beautiful and most creative trees and best snowman theme categories.
Artwork from local elementary school students will also be on display.
The De Smet Community Women’s cookie walk begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m., or until they run out of bake...
Ward's 29-day giving campaign
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
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People have another two weeks to contribute to the 29-day giving challenge.
The annual challenge began Nov. 13 and runs until Dec. 12. This is the fifth year the project has been done locally. It is part of a global project that encourages people to give one thing away every day for 29 days.
The goal in De Smet is to fill up the window at Ward’s Store & Bakery with donated non-food items such as personal care and cleaning products for families in need in Kingsbury County.
These essential items...
Chamber kicks off 'Small Town Saturday'
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
On Nov. 30, for the first time, De Smet Area Chamber of Commerce will join other small towns across the country in celebrating small-town businesses with its “Small Town Saturday” promotion. The event will entice shoppers to holiday shop in De Smet on Black Friday and the following Saturday.
“If you don’t support local business, local business can’t afford its employees,” said chamber Vice President Patti Ward. “If local residents aren’t working, they can’t buy goods in town. The local economy begins to collapse.
De Smet Area Chamber of Commerc...
"The Foreigner" entertains
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
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The Huron Area Community Theatre presentation of Larry Shue’s comedy “The Foreigner” had the audience rolling in the aisles and guessing about what might happen next when it opened last weekend at the Huron Fine Arts Center.
Trey Karlen of De Smet directs the two-act play centering on Charlie, a shy introvert played by Keith Wendland of Arlington. Charlie visits a Georgia fishing lodge searching for privacy. He doesn’t want to be bothered, so he pretends to be a foreigner who doesn’t understand English.
As a result, people speak freel...
Bulldogs travel to Hill City
Wednesday, November 06, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
De Smet-Iroquois traveled to Hill City Oct. 29 to meet the hosting Rangers for a first-round Class 9AA football playoff game. They lost 38-6, ending their season.
“This was a tough game for us,“ said coach Mike Warne. “We struggled stopping the run and didn’t get much going for our offense until the second half,” said Warne.
The Bulldogs finished with 253 yards of total offense but allowed 511 for the Rangers. Hill City was up 22-0 at half and the Bulldogs had to wait until the third quarter fo...
Spooklight Road
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
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On a short stretch of a seldom-traveled dirt road between the small Miner County towns of Carthage and Fedora, for as long as people in the area can remember, there have been stories of the “spooklight,” an unexplained light that appears out of nowhere and then disappears.
A farmhouse and outbuildings that once stood on the west side of “Spooklight Road” are no longer there. A gate with a no trespassing sign, a driveway and a grove of trees are the only traces of the farmstead that once belonge...
Hunters bag fewer birds for opener
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Pheasants were “few and far between” according to Donte Weed, a pheasant hunter from Foreman, AR. This seemed to be the general consensus among hunters in our area opening weekend.
According to the South Dakota Game Fish & Parks, loss of habitat and adverse weather conditions are leading factors in this year’s low pheasant population.
Six hunters shot eight roosters near Tad Flood’s rural De Smet home on opening day. “It was tough going,” Flood said.
Mark Qualseth of Plymouth, Minn., is a high school friend of Flood’s. He has bee...
Kingsbury Country Club under new management
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Jim and Susan Thomas recently moved to De Smet from Watertown and leased the bar and restaurant at the Kingsbury County Country Club. They took over the former “Third Base” Oct. 1 and renamed it “The Prairie Smokehouse.”
Many locals tasted Jim’s cooking before he moved to De Smet. He and Bret Jensen of De Smet teamed up as “Anchor’s Aweigh” and won the judges’ choice first place trophy at the July 4 barbecue rib cook-off in Washington Park in both 2012 and 13.
The Thomases are making subtle bu...
Avera celebrates campaign success
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
The capital campaign to raise funds for renovation of Avera De Smet Memorial Hospital ended on a high note Oct. 5 at a celebratory dinner at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary School armory.
The campaign’s initial fund-raising goal of $750,000 from private donations was shattered in a surprise reveal by steering committee co-chairs Bill Poppen and Ken Roeder. The campaign managed to raise $1,658,110, adding almost $1 million in unforeseen monies for the renovation.
Glasses were raised as donors and organizers toasted the success of the project with sparkling grap...
Community supports Dobson family
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
The overwhelming community support for local chiropractor Jim Dobson was evident Sept. 28.
A benefit 5-K and 3-K walk/run, pancake feed and silent auction was held at the high school to raise money and show support for Dobson, who was diagnosed this July with acute myeloid leukemia.
Dobson and his wife Tammy are parents of three children, Mitch, Eve and Alec.
A heavy rain that fell throughout the night and early morning let up just in time for the 150 runners and walkers participating in the 9 a.m. event.
While there wer...
Construction crews busy in De Smet
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Construction is going full force this season with the many changes going on in De Smet.
It’s hard not to notice the recent changes at the football field, with major tree removal and dirt work underway by Bowes Construction for the new athletic complex and community center.
De Smet’s homecoming football game against Colman-Egan was the last one played on the old field. The De Smet-Iroquois Bulldogs play in the Iroquois Homecoming game this Friday at Iroquois. An Oct. 18 game originally scheduled as a home game against Deubrook wil...
Council paves way for dirt work to begin
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
The city council met in supplemental session Monday to discuss finalizing a bid from Bowes Construction for dirt work and parking lot construction for the new athletic complex and community center. The bids were $229,000 and $150,000 respectively for dirt work and asphalt paved parking.
The asphalt was only one of two alternatives under consideration for building the parking lot. The other alternative carried a much cheaper $22,000 price tag. The city had been thinking they might delay putting asphalt down to limit immediate costs for the upcoming projects.
“Thi...
New face at Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary
Thursday, September 12, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
There are two kindergarten classes at Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary School this year to accommodate 31 kindergarten students.
LIW newcomer Roxy Fast teaches one of the classes.
Fast was raised in Huron. She lives on a farm south of Iroquois with her husband Jamie and two children, Kennedy, a junior at De Smet High School, and Kadyn, a second-grader at LIW.
This is Fast’s 17th year of teaching. Previously, she has taught middle school and fifth, second, and first grades in the Iroquois school district.
In her spare time, Fast said sh...
De Smet nominates homecoming royalty
Wednesday, September 04, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Coronation for homecoming king and queen is 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the high school gym. Following coronation, the burning of the “DS” takes place at De Smet football field.
Student games and activities begin at noon Sept. 9-12. in the high school gym.
The tentative schedule for student and faculty homecoming themed “dress up” days is:
Monday: pajama day.
Tuesday: “holiday” — dress up as your favorite holiday.”
Wednesday: “twin day” for high school and middle school and “color day” for LIW students.
Thursday: “gender-bender day.”
Friday: “Bulldog spirit day,” School will dismiss a...
Johnson visits new Horizon clinic
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) had a sit-down with representatives from Horizon Health Care, Inc. Aug. 21 at the recently completed De Smet Community Health Center. Among the attendees was Horizon Healthcare CEO John Mengenhausen who personally led Johnson on a tour of the new facility.
“It was a great honor to have Senator Johnson take time out of his busy schedule to meet with us and tour our new De Smet Community Health Center,” said Mengenhausen. “Senator Johnson has been a longtime supporter of Horizon and is on...
Laura Ingalls Wilder Society completes two big projects
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
A long odyssey to restore the 1880s schoolhouse attended by Laura Ingalls Wilder is finally finished.
“We’re very satisfied with how it turned out,” said Laura Ingalls Wilder Society Director Cheryl Palmlund. “We took Laura’s old schoolhouse that had been a residence for many years and turned it back into a school.”
The society acquired the schoolhouse in 1999 and started fundraising efforts to begin its restoration. A year later, they arranged an architect survey. The project has continued unabated since.
The schoolhouse received a new roof in 2005 and th...
Plein Air Paint Out draws large crowds
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
The fifth annual Harvey Dunn Plein Air Paint Out Aug. 9-11 brought nearly 50 registered participants to De Smet to paint outdoors and connect with other artists.
Susan Purintun, a coordinator for the event, said 37 of the registered participants were actually out in the field producing art. Others were helping in another capacity or observing. She said the paint out draws more people every year.
Seventeen South Dakota communities were represented and 14 out-of-state artists participated.
An artist from Milan, Italy, attended. Paola Baccigalupo is a summer intern at th...
4-H Achievement Days goes smoothly
Thursday, August 08, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
A steer did escape from the grounds and headed south on Lyle Avenue for a bit before it was recaptured, but otherwise, this year’s 4-H Achievement Days went smoothly according to 4-H youth advisor Aren Field. All shows occurred from July 31-Aug. 2.
The weather was perfect most of the week despite a few episodes of rain. Participants largely avoided the excessive heat — apparently as much as 100 degrees in the shade — that previous attendees have, on occasion, experienced at this event.
“We were down a little i...
'The Friendly Hour' plays in De Smet community theater
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Haley Hubbard, a 2011 De Smet High School graduate and musical theater major at Northern State University in Aberdeen, is a member of the Northern Fort Playhouse (NFP) Company.
The NFP presented “The Friendly Hour” July 27 to an audience of 85 at the De Smet High School as a fundraiser for the theater portion of the new community center in De Smet.
The event raised about $500 for the project.
Donna Palmlund
Staff Writer
The De Smet News
Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant's last weekend is a busy one
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
De Smet native Noel Bishop visited The De Smet News July 12 with his administrative assistant Suzanne Helchowski, her husband Rich, their children, 17-year-old Mary Jo and 12-year-old Tim, and Bishop’s 8-year-old granddaughter Sarah Bishop of Virginia.
The Helchowskis had only taken vacations to places on the East Coast before and said their first trip to South Dakota was a big change for them.
Judy Williamson of Watertown, Tenn., almost got her dream proposal July 18 at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead.
Her fiancé, Bennie Ray Watkins of Lebanon, Tenn. ha...
Garden tour
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
By Donna Palmlund
Gardener Vicky Aughenbaugh of rural Iroquois has the distinction of having a flower named after her.
A fellow gardener and hybridizer from North Carolina created the coral pink daylily, called Vicky’s Radiance.
Aughenbaugh has this variety along with more than 300 other varieties of daylilies in her yard. A photo of Vicky’s Radiance can be seen on the hybridizer’s website, www.slightlydifferentnursery.com.
Aughenbaugh said she hopes a garden tour scheduled for this Saturday at her farm will help get more people interested in daylilies.
The Dakota Prairie Daylily Society, a statewide club affiliated with the American Hemerocalllis Society (AHS0), is hosting the ope...
Kudos for this year's July Fourth celebration and Ingalls pageant
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
For the full story visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
You don’t want to miss this year’s Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant. It’s one of the best pageant performances we’ve ever seen.
Director Jay Vanduch has crafted a script and combined it with a group of actors and staging that does a tremendous job of telling the story of “The Little Town on the Prairie” in an engaging way. We saw an opening-night performance and were extremely pleased with what we saw. And we’ve heard that with a little tweaking, performances the following nights were even better.
We strongly encourage yo...
4th of July
Wednesday, July 03, 2013
By Dale Blegen
Dr. Dan Slaight, a longtime De Smet dentist, receives a Spirit of Community Award during the community’s Fourth of July celebration in Washington Park.
Slaight has spent his years in De Smet actively promoting the community through the De Smet Development Corporation and the De Smet Area Chamber of Commerce.
He will receive his award promptly at 5 p.m. on the stage near the rib barbecue, organizers said. Mogens Heroes, a Sioux Falls band, is scheduled to provide live music on that stage from 5-8 p.m.
Activities for the kids run from 3-7 p.m. with laser tag, a bounce house, mechanica...
Storm strikes De Smet
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Tornado sirens went off in De Smet shortly after 3 p.m. June 21.
“We hadn’t seen a funnel, but it was so black,” Kingsbury County Emergency Management Director Cindy Bau said.
Residents are still cleaning up after the violent storm left trees and branches down all over town and damaged several buildings and vehicles.
Storm warnings had been in effect for much of the region and the air felt heavy and muggy all day. It wasn’t a surprise when the sky opened up about 3 p.m. and a heavy rain began to fall.
What was surprising was the intensity and severity of the storm...
Manchester residents commemorate tornado anniversary
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
The massive F-4 tornado that destroyed the little town of Manchester 10 years ago on June 24, 2003 also made scientific history.
An article about the tornado in National Geographic magazine noted that as the center of the tornado approached, the air pressure dropped 100 millibars in 12 seconds.
“That’s the biggest drop ever recorded,” said tornado researcher Tim Samaras. “Like stepping into an elevator and hurtling up 4,000 feet in 10 seconds.” Samaras lost his life in 2013 while researching a tornado in Oklahoma.
“The sky virtually fell on Manchester,” reads the inscription on a monument at the former site of th...
Rain puts a damper on Old Settlers Day festivities
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
The rain that had been falling all morning June 8 slowed down to a drizzle in time forthe Old Settlers Day parade at noon. About 50 entries took part, but several others cancelled because of the weather.
Rain continued off and on throughout the day and evening.
The Kingsbury Conservation District, NRCS, won best of theme with their educational parade entry titled, “All Eyes Are On the Secrets In the Soil.” Horizon Health Care, Inc., won most humorous with their “Duck Dynasty” inspired float. GCC Consolidated Ready Mix, Inc. won most beautiful for their pink cement mixer with a painted ribbon t...
De Smet readies itself for upcoming Old Settlers Day festivities
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Old Settlers Day is the longest running celebration in South Dakota.
This weekend, we celebrate the 126th year of Old Settlers Day in Kingsbury County.
Old Settlers Day traditionally was celebrated on June 10, no matter what day of the week June 10 happened to fall on.
For the past couple of decades, it became more practical to celebrate on the Saturday closest to June 10, but many longtime residents still refer to the celebration as the tenth of June.
The weekend celebration kicks off with music and dancing. Street Legal will play from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday at the 3rd Street Bar &...
De Smet spring sports send athletes to state
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Four Bulldogs medaled May 24-25 at the state track meet at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls: Amanda Poppen, Maria Huntimer, Kelsey Poppen and Alex Wolkow.
The Bulldog women’s team ended up in 10th place at the meet out of 45 competing Class B teams.
Four De Smet High School golfers qualified for the state tournament May 20-21 in Brookings: Grayson Gruenhagen, Taylin Albrecht, Bradley Penney and Jayden Janssen.
David Tritle
Editor
The De Smet News
SDI wired for success in De Smet
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
“We moved to De Smet because we have no trouble finding quality people to work here,” said Sheyenne Dakota, Inc. (SDI) Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Ingalsbe. “Everyone in North Dakota is migrating out to the Bakken fields.”
Ingalsbe works primarily at SDI’s headquarters in Fargo N.D. but splits his time with the new plant in De Smet. He and his brother President and Chief Financial Officer Daryl Ingalsbe, run SDI for its parent companies, Independent Technology and Metrotel Corporation.
Metrotel originally acquired SDI when it was based in Chicago manufacturing wire bundles for pinball machines. “I didn’t want t...
Gov. Daugaard celebrates De Smet
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Gov. Dennis Daugaard and his entourage rolled into town May 10 to celebrate DeSmet. “The size of this community belies its dynamism with respect to economic development,” Daugaard said.
He was in town to proclaim De Smet South Dakota’s capital for a day. The honor was conferred upon De Smet in part because of successful efforts by its development corporation to bring new companies like American Engineered Products and Sheyenne Dakota, Inc. into town.
The governor also had high praise for the community center and athletic complex
projects. “These projects have been dreams in De Smet for years,” Daugaard said. “It took ...
Jesser's Greenhouse in De Smet
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
There were gnomes and Queen Anne’s Lace and power drills May 4 at Jesser’s Greenhouse as Master Gardener Glenda Oakley from Huron demonstrated fairy garden construction.
Muted white light shone through the fabric ceilings and, of course, a fresh floral scent wafted through the structure. A quiet, gray-bearded man and his wife shuffled around in the background helping customers.
Proprieters Master Gardener James Jesser and his wife Edith acquired the greenhouse from Heath Perry eight years ago. Perry now works at a 10-acre greenhouse in Sioux Falls.
Jesser’s primary job is to teach first through third grade at the Hutterite colony school i...
De Smet high School "Ghost Out" provides a valuable lesson
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
The lesson was meant to be serious April 24 at the De Smet High School gymnasium.
Thirty students, dressed in black robes with their faces painted white, sat quietly in chairs facing the bleachers as the rest of the student body filed in to attend a special assembly.
The thirty students represented ghosts of people killed in traffic accidents as a result of someone driving while drinking or distracted.
The exercise was called a “ghost out” and was coordinated by DHS student Alyson Hauck as a Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) project.
Donna Palmlund
Staff Writer
The De Smet News
Chuck’s Grocery sold to Maynard’s
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Roger and Barb Jones don’t yet know what their future holds. But they know what it doesn’t hold and that’s the 70-hour weeks they’ve put in for years as owners of Chuck’s Grocery in Lake Preston.
The Joneses announced on Monday that they are selling their store to Maynard’s Food Centers. Their store becomes the 16th store in the Maynard’s organization. All those stores are in small towns in Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota.
“Our family is the main reason we want out,” Barb said. “There’s just no time to do anything together.”
But despite the long hours, it’s not going to b...
De Smet named small community of the year
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
De Smet Tuesday was named Small Community of the Year at the Governor’s Economic Development Conference in Sioux Falls.
De Smet won the award because in the past year it has attracted three new companies to the community and helped six others expand, creating some 50 new jobs. In addition, the Young Guns organization was formed and that group of some 60 members has taken the lead in raising much of the more than $3 million needed to construct a community-wellness center.
Gov. Dennis Daugaard, in introducing De Smet as the small community winner, said attracting American Engineered Products, Sheyenne-Dakota and Dakotalan...
The De Smet News finally goes digital
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
The News has, at long last, launched a web page. I invite you to go to www.desmetnews.com to check it out.
At the moment, it doesn’t contain everything that it eventually will. We’re still working on some content. But we’re excited about what we already have to offer. And we believe a website is a fine addition to our effort to bring you the most complete coverage of the De Smet area currently available.
At our website, you will find information on both display and classified advertising, subscriptions, including a portal to our e-edition, links to other websites in De Smet an...
Kingsbury County ranks as 5th healthiest in South Dakota
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
A new study released last month ranks Kingsbury County as the 5th healthiest in South Dakota.
While that’s good news in itself, the real news is this same study shows Kingsbury County shooting into the top 10 from a ranking of 22 out of 55 South Dakota counties in 2011. The top 10, in order, are Brookings, Hutchinson, Lincoln, Bon Homme, Kingsbury, Hamlin, Clay, Hughes, Edmunds and Codington.
The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute has done the study every year since 2010 in partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The study uses publicly available data from such sources at the Center...
De Smet woman offers unique gifts
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Gloria “Ruth” Beyer recently launched a new business, ReImagine ReMade, from herhome in De Smet.
Beyer creates one-of–a-kind handmade novelty items using mainly recycled materials.
She sells her items both directly and through her website
www.reimagineremade.com.
“One of my goals is to be eco-friendly,” she said. “That’s where the name ReImagine Remade comes from. “I can take something that is done with its first life and use it to
make something new.”
Some of her gift items include denim purses and memory boxes, wind chimes and pincushions.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to try, she said.” It’s me. I’m doing what I love to do.”
Beyer said her
mothe...
Lady Bulldogs welcomed home after 2nd place finish
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The De Smet Lady Bulldogs received a warm welcome back to town Sunday
afternoon. The team brought home the runner-up trophy from the State B high school girl’s basketball tournament in Huron.
Coach Doug Osthus thanked his wife and children for all the support and sacrifices they make during basketball season, his parents for handling the family business, his in-laws for their support, bus driver Andy Todd, De Smet High School secretary Melody Perry and basketball and football coach Tom Hoek. He thanked all the fans of the “Bulldog Nation” for their incredible support. He thanked “Turbo Tammy” (Albrecht), statisticians, Cylie Pastia...
Palmlund Automotive Relocates
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Scott and Shannon Palmlund opened the doors of Palmlund Automotive at its newlocation on Second Street in De Smet March 4.
The garage offers complete automotive repair as well as tire sales.
Some of the businesses that have been in the building are Midstate Agronomy, a seed company, De Smet Motor Company, a Ford and Mercury Dealer, and Prairie Town Tire Center.
“We looked at the building a few times before, but the timing just wasn’t right,” Shannon said. “Then this fall when it became available, we decided it was now or never.”
The Palmlunds, who have a two-year-old son, Kashden, have spen...
State Champ!!!!!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
The buzz Feb. 22-23 at the State B Wrestling Tournament in Aberdeen was that Eugene Martin is a “machine.” It’s a high compliment in sports, referring to those who seem unbeatable.
And Martin earned that description, mowing down competitors at 195 pounds on his way to his second title after winning at 182 pounds last year.
“It was a good way to end the season, and my high school career, with a victory,” the De Smet senior said. “The last match was the toughest; I just stepped it up and did my best.”
The Kingsbury County Knights also placed two more wrestlers i...
Meandering Waters Issue
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Meandering water is a big issue, District 22 legislators said Feb. 16 at a legislative coffee in De Smet. And there are some 15 areas of concern in Kingsbury County that a bill making its way through the Legislature addresses.
Rep. Dick Werner (R-Huron) and Sen. Jim White (R-Huron) spoke to about 20 people at Ward’s Store & Bakery. They said the bill, which addresses the use of public water located over private land, has passed the House and now moves over to the Senate.
“It (the bill) doesn’t restrict the use of public water but it does address public water tha...
Young Guns know how to throw a party
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
“De Smet has not had a social like this since I can ever remember,” said Rita Anderson, economic development coordinator. “The people attending the event could not say enough about how fun it was.”
Tall tables were set up in the Dugout recreation hall in De Smet Feb. 9 for the Young Guns’ Wilder Night party. In the center of each table was a flickering candle made out of a cut-off wine bottle.
The room was packed and buzzing with conversation. The line to pick up a plate full of Glenda Odegaard’s Countryview Catering fare went halfway around the room.
In the background...
American Engineered Products tooling away in De Smet
Wednesday, February 06, 2013
Flagpoles are at the heart of new De Smet company American Engineered Products (AEP). President Mike Wiese and his grandfather Harold were the inventors of the first telescoping flagpole. Dakota State University-Madison graduate Wiese has been improving on the design ever since.
“Some engineers like to build a better mousetrap,” said AEP Vice President Audrey Saylor. “Mike likes to build a better flagpole.”
Wiese has two flagpole patents and in 2004 found himself in business manufacturing them in Elko, Minn. He added the manufacture of lottery machine bases to his repertoire around 2007 and business was booming.
“We had doubled in size an...
Eugene Martin passes 200-win wrestling milestone
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
“I don’t think anyone can beat me when I’m on my feet,” said 2012 182-pound state champion wrestler Eugene Martin. He strongly supported this statement Jan. 26 as he crested 200 career wins. This is a lofty total rarely achieved in South Dakota.
He is currently the top-ranked Class B wrestler in South Dakota in the 195-pound weight class. Perhaps even more impressive is his ninth-place ranking among all wrestlers in the nation at that weight.
Martin is 201-65 in his high school wrestling career with the Kingsbury Knights. For Martin 65 losses mean 65 learning opportunities. “Eugene is very coachable,” sai...
Students experience interactive space travel
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Krista Testin, a space science outreach teacher from The Journey Museum in Rapid City, brought the museum’s traveling planetarium to the Laura Ingalls WilderElementary School Armory Jan 17-18.
Pre-school through high-school science students experienced interactive space travel through Testin’s presentation.
Testin brings the dome-shaped inflatable planetarium to South Dakota schools to teach students about Earth and our place in the solar system.
Students lie on the floor inside the dome and watch a video that gives the feeling of travelling through space.
The museum’s Journey into Space presentation is funded through an education grant from NASA.
Donna Palmlund
Staff Writer
The De Smet News
Fire destroys Beck home
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
A De Smet family is safe after smoke alarms alerted them to an early morning house fire Jan. 12.
The fire heavily damaged the home of Blaine and Holly Beck on Root Avenue. The family escaped injury but the house is thought to be a total loss.
“It’s just a house. That can eventually be replaced,” Blaine said.
De Smet volunteer firefighters were called to the fire about 5:30 a.m. Jan. 12. Fire Chief Randy Holland said flames were coming from the roof of the split-foyer house when firefighters arrived.
Holland said the fire went up the chimney from the basement to th...
De Smet native turns 100
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Bud Belzer turned 100 on May 29, but he's not pounding his chest about reaching the elusive century mark. For him, it is all about his family and how rewarding his life continues to be.
"You can't imagine. Everything has just been a blessing, always just one lovely bit of action after another," Belzer said while sitting in his room at Westhills Village assisted living facility.
The Rapid City resident is one of about 250 centenarians in state, according to census U.S. figures. South Dakota has the second-highest number of people 100 years old or older at 2.95 per 10,000. North Dakot...
SD: De Smet draws in industrial park tenants
Monday, January 07, 2013
By: LORETTA SORENSEN, Prairie Business Magazine
A progressive mindset and can-do attitude has brought the 1,100-resident rural community of De Smet, S.D., to the forefront in terms of economic development. The community, birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder, recently welcomed two new manufacturing businesses, American Engineered Products Inc. and Sheyenne Dakota Inc. Through SDI alone De Smet workers have approximately 30 new job opportunities. Based on 2010 population comparisons, De Smet’s job growth is equivalent to 4,329 new jobs in nearby Sioux Falls.
Rita Anderson, De Smet director of economic development, attributes the community’s success to the progressive attitude, a longtime hallmark o...
2012 year in review
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Here’s a look back at 2012 as recorded on the front pages of The De Smet News.
Jan. 4:Beef Bucks will reach a national audience soon when they are offered as a prize on the popular TV game show, Wheel of Fortune. Chad Morken is the new manager of Dairy Queen and Subway in De Smet. Morken succeeds Kurt Schwarzenbart.
Jan. 11:The De Smet branch of Dakotaland Federal Credit Union held a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony with representatives from Dakotaland, De Smet Chamber of Commerce and the De Smet Development Corporation. Randy Beck is the new bar and restaurant manager at th...
Peggy Gibson featured on PBS
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
District 22 Rep. Peggy Gibson (D-Huron) has been chosen to be part of a three-hour Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) documentary “The Makers: Women Who MakeAmerica.”
The documentary, which premiers in February, 2013, features first-hand stories of influential women in America. It documents many who fought for women’s rights as well as some who opposed the fight.
The local program will profile “Makers: Women Who Make South Dakota,” and will be used to promote the national series.
Gibson grew up in Huron. When she moved to Arizona in 1970, she became part of the women’s revolution and joined the National Organization for Women (NOW...
Bryant Cinema needs a digital update
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The people of Bryant, a tiny town in neighboring Hamlin County, are working hard to make sure their community-owned movie theater stays open.
The Bryant Cinema shows movies every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening. The community of Bryant has owned the theater since 1999 and it is run entirely by volunteers. But the digital age has made it harder to secure movies to play on its 35 mm projector.
The Bryant Cinema Board of Directors has been told the movie industry will stop using 35 mm film altogether within the next year or so. There is already a lot less film i...
De Smet City Council approves new community center
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
De Smet City Council voted Dec. 4 to accept a $515,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) toward building a $2.1 million community and fitness center near the high school athletic complex.
The De Smet Development Corporation plans to begin raising the additional $980,000 that will be needed after the city kicks in another $400,000 for the project.
More than two-dozen people attended a special meeting of the city council to learn more about the proposed center and express their concerns or support.
Buzz Pierce, president of Lyle Signs, Inc. had already pledged up to $400,000 for the project with the stipulation tha...
Athletic Complex Proposal
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
A new athletic complex consisting of a state-of-the-art track modeled on Elkton’s, a new football field, a large 750 person capacity bleachers and a baseball diamond is only $100,000 short of full funding.
“If we have a better athletic facility and track complex, we’re going to draw people into the community,” said Lake Preston resident Bill Wilkinson. “This has the potential to be a huge draw.”
Athletic complex steering committee member Todd Wilkinson presented the proposed complex to a special meeting of the De Smet School Board Nov. 29.
The steering committee estimates the project will require approximately $800,000. The committee’s “dream complex&rdquo...
De Smet High School Oral Interp Goes to State
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Bulldog oral interp has taken two acts: “The Toilet Paper Ration” and “O Alphabet Where Would We B Without U?” all the way to the state competition scheduled Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in Yankton.
The Bulldog team will compete against 42 Class B schools for a “Team Excellence” award.
There are 105 entries from these schools in seven categories: non-original oratory, interpretation of serious plays, interpretation of serious prose, poetry reading, humorous reading, duet interpretation, and readers theatre.
Senior Libby Wolkow took second place in the individual competition at the regionals with her hilarious rendition of “The Toilet Paper Ration.”
Wolkow impressively channeled different voices...
De Smet Elementary
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Brittani Wilkinson’s kindergarten class at Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary School shared what each of them is thankful for this Thanksgiving.
They all start with "I am thankful for.”
Alyssa Asleson: “Playing with my friends, because it is fun!”
Carelynn Casper: “Food. I like ice cream.”
Tanner Tolzin: “The pilgrims, because they hunted turkeys with bow and arrows!”
Shaylee Duffy: “The army, because they help us.”
Mirra Beck: “Making new friends, because I am nice.”
Ganon Henrich: ”My mom, because she gets me ice cream.”
Josiah Roth: “My family.”
Micah Adkins: My brother Gabe, because he doesn't throw toys.”
Gannon Gilligan: “My dog, because he is nice.”
Hailey Lee “My mom and dad.”
Bryah Bryant: “My aunt taking care o...
De Smet, South Dakota Launches their New Website through Economic Gateway
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
De Smet, South Dakota has taken a huge step for their community. They have teamed up with Golden Shovel Agency and it’s online web solution, Economic Gateway, and together have created a premier website that will help fulfill the needs of keeping De Smet ahead of the curve in the virtual world. Their new website is an online resource for a wide variety of people. It has information for current citizens, for people visiting the area’s sites, and for people or businesses looking to relocate to the area. The new website can be viewed at http://desmetsd.com/.
One of the goals o...
Ken Roeder retires from American Bank and Trust
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
A large crowd was on hand Nov. 10 help Ken and Suzanne Roeder celebrate his retirement at the Kingsbury County Country Club.
Roeder will officially retire as president at American Bank and Trust in De Smet at the end of this year.
Kim Banks, senior vice-president, will take over as president.
Roeder said he will move into one of the back offices and still work part-time at the bank, but he won’t have a set schedule.
Roeder and his family moved to De Smet from Sioux City, Iowa in 1983, when he accepted a position as president of Peoples State Bank.
Peoples State Bank becam...
Ward's store features South Dakota made products
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Patti Ward has expanded her line of merchandise at Ward’s Store to include several ”Made in South Dakota” products. Ward’s includes a coffee shop, restaurant and bakery. Ward recently acquired more space when the new owner of Prairie Town Gifts, a store that had been leasing space at Ward’s, relocated to have more room.
Ward said when she was thinking about what to do with her extra space she decided since South Dakota has so many unique products, she would feature items made in our state.
Items include honey and beeswax products by Lake Thompson Honey of Oldham. Three long-time educators hav...
Lyle Signs Celebrates its 100th Birthday!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Lyle Signs Inc. of De Smet celebrates 100 years in business this year. The company, located in the industrial park, celebrated the milestone Oct. 4 with employees, former employees and members of the business community and the development board. Gov. Dennis Daugaard declared Oct. 4 Lyle Signs Day in South Dakota.
The Lyle Signs division of the Lyle Culvert Company started in 1912 when the Fraser brothers, two engineers with the Lyle Culvert Company, designed, developed and patented some sign making machines. In 1928, the sign division separated from the culvert division and Lyle Signs, Inc. was established as a separat...
Minnesota Company Moving Operation to De Smet
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
An Elko, Minnesota based company, American Engineered Products, announced that they will be moving their manufacturing business to De Smet. They are planning to hire 15 to 20 employees. American Engineered Products, LLC is a leading manufacturer of Telescoping Flagpoles and Slot Machine Bases.
AEP will be moving into an existing building in the industrial park, previously occupied by CMI, Inc. CMI has constructed a larger building to fit their needs in De Smet.
Audrey Saylor, Vice President of Operations for AEP, said, “We wanted to move to a mid-size community in South Dakota that would enable us to significantly reduce ou...
Sheyenne Dakota, Inc. to Bring Jobs to De Smet
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Sheyenne Dakota, Inc. (SDI), a West Fargo-based wire and cable harness manufacturer, will expand into South Dakota with a location in De Smet and help create 30 jobs.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
With endless reminders of our nation’s struggling economy, it seems that success stories on the financial front such as business creation, job retention and creation and community development are seldom heard.
Friday, October 26, 2018
The De Smet Community Foundation will be participating in the first annual South Dakota Day of Giving on November 27, 2018. All though November, they will be raising funds to keep up the good work that they provide to the community. They will be participating in different contests held during the month with South Dakota Gives. Help them out and donate today! Visit this link to donate! http://www.desmetsd.com/community/de-smet-community-foundation/#SDDayofGiving
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Tickets still available for this concert. Call the Event Center at 605-854-6060 to reserve yours today!
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Monday, December 04, 2017
For more Information on these events call Rita at (605) 203-0216 or take a look at the IMPACTED Information Sheet by clicking here. If you are wanting to participate in any of the events, simply fill out this Registration Form and return it to City Hall before December 28th!
Friday, August 04, 2017
NOW OPEN!
The newest additon to De Smet is completed and the Dollar General Store is now open in De Smet, located righ on Highway 14. Store hours are 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day, including Sunday.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
De Smet is looking for Rib Cookers for the Rib Fest on August 19, 2017.
The smells from those entering the Cook-off will start coming from the park aearly in the afternoon with lots of fun as everyone gathers to enjoy the festivities. Judging will take place around 4:00PM and the ribs will be served beginning at 5:00PM until they are all gone. Everyone is invited to participate in the Rib Cook-off. The ribs are provided for you. Top prizes of $500 are awarded in four categories. Call Chad Kruse at (605) 854-3773, for information, fill out the Registration Form an...
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
South Dakota's Govenor Dennis Daugaard will be at the De Smet Event Center from 1:30PM- 2:30PM on Friday, June 30. The public is invited to attend; a small reception will be included in his visit.
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Sunday, June 04, 2017
Vote for your favorite attraction in South Dakota!
USA TODAY chose the Laura Ingalls Wilder sites in De Smet as one of the 20 nominees. Readers are encouraged to choose their favorite attraction to create a top 10 list. Other nominees include Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore. Use the link below to cast your vote.
http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-south-dakota-attraction/
Saturday, June 03, 2017
The beloved children's book author Laura Ingalls Wilder was born on February 7, 1867. 150 years later, people still love her books and stories.
Join us for Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthday celebration on July 14-16, 2017!
Special Guests:
Alison Arngrim, "Nellie Oleson" from the "Little House on the Prairie" TV series
Dean Butler, "Almanso Wilder" form the "Little House on the Prairie" TV series
Nancy Koupal, Editor of "Pioneer Girl Perspectives"
Judy Thompson, Illustrator of "Pioneer Girl"
William Anderson, Author and Wilder Historian
July 14- 15: Autographs, Demonstrations, Pioneer Crafts & MORE
July 16: Photo Session & Alison Arngrim's "Confessions from the Prairie" Comedy Show
For more informatio...
25 Best Things to Do in South Dakota: Ingalls Homestead Featured!
Friday, March 10, 2017
The Ingalls Homestead was the family home of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the Little House on the Prairie books, which are American classics and inspired a television show of the same name. The Ingalls moved to the De Smet area in 1879, lured by the promise of free land, and built a home on a 157-acre plot in 1880. Laura herself lived here until her marriage in 1885.
Click here to view the complete feature!
De Smet City Parks
Monday, October 17, 2016
You don’t have to be a medical doctor to know that there are countless physical benefits involved with getting outdoor activity. What is less known is that that outdoor activity can have positive effects on mental health as well. According to an article in the Harvard Health Letter, the physical and mental benefits of outdoor activity include disease prevention, improved mood, improved concentration and faster healing.
There’s no shortage of places in De Smet to get some outdoor activity. There are three city parks, each with slightly different offerings. Here’s a look at what they have to offer:
Washington Park
This park i...
Wednesday, October 05, 2016
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) has been awarded a $125,000 FAST (Federal And State Technology) grant from the United State Small Business Administration (SBA) to support technology based entrepreneurs and commercialization of innovations.
“The SBA FAST project is focused on developing management teams involving business and technical expertise to not only develop innovative new products but also bring them to market,” said GOED Commissioner Scott Stern. “Development and growth of these innovative new businesses will help to fuel continued growth of South Dakota’s economy.”
Click here for the complete article.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Help De Smet and vote for the De Smet Baseball/ Softball Field Project, so that we can receive up to $10,000 from The Wellmark Foundation!
The Wellmark Foundation is awarding grants up to $10,000 to projects that improve community health through active living and access to and consumption of healthy foods. Community support is important so show your support for your favorite project. You can vote once a day!
Go to the our Facebook Page to Vote!
Thursday, June 30, 2016
This is your opportunity to ‘Experience the ‘Wilder’ life this Summer!
"Something's queer. Not a goose or a duck on the lake. Not one on the slough. None in sight. They are flying high above the clouds, flying fast. Caroline, every kind of bird is flying south as fast and as high as they can," Charles (Pa) Ingalls repofrted to Ma and the girls in the book "The Long Winter."
In October of 1879, the winter that would be last through April was about to begin. "The Long Winter" is a description of survival, of making do, sharing and being thankful fo...
Thursday, June 02, 2016
Five De Smet athletes placed May 27-28 at the State B track meet in Sioux Falls.
The girl's 4x800- meter relay team of Gianna Janssen, Reyna Beck, Autumn Wilkinson and Emily Martens ran a 10:19.16. Jon Todd placed 8th in the discus with a throw of 131 feet and 9 inches.
The De Smet News
For the whole story go on www.desmetnews.com
Mausbach featured Memorial Day Speaker
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Sgt. first- class Paul Mausbach, a 1989 graduate of De Smet High School, is the featured Memorial Day speaker May 30. The program begins at 10am at the De Smet American Legion Hall, followed by a service at De Smet Cementery and a potluck meal at the Legion Hall. Mausbach was born and raised in De Smet. He spent four years in the Marine Corps before joining the South Dakota National Guard in 1993. He earned his bachelor's degree from Northern State University in aberdeen and his master's degree from Black Hills State Uiversity in Spearfish. Mausbach has spent 2...
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
The city pool of De Smet is opening Saturday May 28th for the summer season. It will be open from 1:00- 4:45PM on Saturday. Following the 28th, the pool is open everyday from 1:00- 4:45PM and Sunday- Friday also from 7:00- 8:45PM. Sign up for lessons and pool passes at the pool. Lessons start June 13th, 2016. Call (605) 854- 9122 for more information.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Fifteen teams participated April 14 when De Smet High School hosted its first track meet in about 24 years. Nearly 500 athletes were listed on the rosters.
The De Smet boys team placed eighth and the girls placed fifth in the meet.
The De Smet Booster Club Relays were held at Wilkinson Field, the new athletic complex, with Don Bohn announcing.
DHS athletic director and meet organizer Marv McCune said they locked in a date for the meet late last year and sent out information to potential teams.
“We originally had abou...
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Willow Lake native Laurie (Cramer) Husmann of Houston, Texas, will direct this year’s Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant which is based on Wilder’s book, “The Long Winter.”
“I’m very excited to be directing the pageant. I have wonderful ideas going through my head to bring the story alive,” she said.
Hussman said she thinks of “The Long Winter” as a celebration that speaks of the fortitude and spirit of the homesteaders and everything they had to do to survive.
Because there are 10 performances, Hussman said she would like to double cas...
Local election petitions filed
Wednesday, April 06, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
In District 22, which includes all of Beadle and Kingsbury Counties, Democrat Chuck Groth is challenging Republican incumbent Jim White of Huron for the lone state senate seat.
Three Democrats, Carmen Dannenbring of De Smet, Joan Wollschlager of Lake Preston, and Darrell Raschke of Huron, and two Republicans, Bob Glanzer and Roger Chase, both of Huron, have filed petitions for House seats in District 22.
Rep. Peggy Gibson, D-Huron, has reached her term limit after four terms. Rep. Dick Werner R- formerly of Huron, and his wife Suzanne, have move...
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
About 75 De Smet High School and junior high school music students along with 14 adults, including two teachers, two nurses and 10 other chaperones, boarded two chartered busses in the wee hours Monday to embark on a six-day trip to Tennessee and Missouri.
DHS music students go on a big trip once every four years. This ensures that each music student has an opportunity to participate in at least one trip during his or her high school years.
DHS students have been going on these trips for 20 years...
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
A large crowd of Bulldog fans gathered in the De Smet High School gym Sunday to welcome home the De Smet Bulldogs from the state Class B boys basketball tournament in Aberdeen.
The Bulldogs brought home seventh place in the tournament. They lost March 17 to eventual tournament winners the undefeated Warner Monarchs, And March 18, they lost to the White River Tigers. But on March 19, De Smet beat the second-ranked Harding County Ranchers.
Jim Pommer, president of the De Smet High School Athletic Booster Club, told the tea...
Wednesday, March 09, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
The De Smet Bulldogs won the Region 3B championship Tuesday against Wolsey-Wessington in Madison to earn a spot next week in the state tournament at the Barnett Center in Aberdeen.
“What a night! We came out flat in the first half but had a great run in the last two minutes of the first half to tie the game,” coach Tom Hoek said. “At the end of the season we really learned a great deal of resiliency. Wolsey came out strong and capitalized on our lack of intensity i...
Wednesday, March 02, 2016
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Thumbing through a recent Wienk Charolais sale catalogue, Arnold Wienk, 78, recalled what it was like in the early years, "When I first sold bulls, the only number we gave buyers was the birthdate."
The glossy flyer is filled with photos of breeding stock and several columns of numbers representing EPD data — genetic information which today's cattle producers count on to make breeding decisions. EPD data is standard issue with the sale of all purebred cattle thanks to the efforts of breeders like Arnold and Carol Wienk who...
Sunday, April 19, 2015
"Celebrate! De Smet" is an annual event to celebrate all the good things happening in De Smet. One goal of the De Smet Young Guns is to hold events that cater to all generations. It is important for both younger people and ‘wiser’ people to connect. That’s how our community will continue thriving while staying true to our roots. The committee invited the De Smet community to submit nominations for four award categories, and we are proud to announce the winners.
Business of the Year
2015 Business of the Year - Legend Seeds
Youth Engagement Award
2015 Youth Engagement Award
Alexis Kranz
The Youth Engagement Award...
Airport wins maintenance awaard
Wednesday, April 01, 2015
For the full story, visit www.desmetnews.com and open the link to our eEdition.
Wilder Field earns recognition
The Best Maintained Small General Aviation (GA) Award for 2014 was presented March 19 to De Smet city employee Ryan Peterson during the South Dakota Airports Conference at the Holiday Inn in Sioux Falls. Peterson maintains Wilder Field, the De Smet airport.
Jason Engbrecht inspects all public airports in South Dakota annually and evaluates them based on the criteria below. Engbrecht could not be at the award presentation, so Colton Stahl of the South Dakota Department of Transportation, Office of Air, Rail & Transit presented th...
Monday, July 02, 2012
UltiMed, Inc., a medical supply manufacturer, will expand operations at its De Smet facility, Gov. Mike Rounds announced.
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