Wessington Springs native Tom Glanzer, better known in the arena as “Tumbleweed Tommy G,” climbs into his custom barrel as he prepares to make his rodeo clown debut during this week’s Foothills Rodeo. The former bull rider says the role combines a lifetime around rodeo with years spent entertaining audiences through television and public speaking. (PHOTO COURTESY TOM GLANZER )

Wessington Springs native Tom Glanzer, better known in the arena as “Tumbleweed Tommy G,” climbs into his custom barrel as he prepares to make his rodeo clown debut during this week’s Foothills Rodeo. The former bull rider says the role combines a lifetime around rodeo with years spent entertaining audiences through television and public speaking. (PHOTO COURTESY TOM GLANZER )

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Homegrown humor: Wessington Springs native finds his way back to the arena as ‘Tumbleweed Tommy G’

Kristi Hine / True Dakotan
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
When “Tumbleweed Tommy G” steps into the arena during this week's Wessington Springs Foothills...
Rain delays paving, but WS water main project remains on schedule

Rain delays paving, but WS water main project remains on schedule

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Rain delays paving, but WS water main project remains on schedule

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Recent rainfall has temporarily delayed paving on the City of Wessington Springs' water main replacement project, but engineers say the overall project remains on track for completion by the end of July.

News 

No shortage of hometown fun awaits across the True Dakotan coverage area

No shortage of hometown fun awaits across the True Dakotan coverage area

Your July Road Trip Starts Here

News Staff
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
If you're looking for ways to make the most of July, you won't have to travel far.
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True Dakotan e-Edition

Sports 

Area dancers Raelynn Waters (left), Mercedes Jones and Lorelei Polly pose backstage during their recent ballet performances with Core Kinetics Dance Studio. Waters completed her first year in the program, Polly finished her second year, and Mercedes graduated after 14 years.

Area dancers Raelynn Waters (left), Mercedes Jones and Lorelei Polly pose backstage during their recent ballet performances with Core Kinetics Dance Studio. Waters completed her first year in the program, Polly finished her second year, and Mercedes graduated after 14 years.

Local dancers complete ballet season

News Staff
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Three area dancers recently concluded their ballet season with Core Kinetics Dance Studio, wrapping...
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Feature 

Larry Powell’s Freedom Train served as a Wessington Springs Fourth of July Parade entry in 2023. Families can find the train this year at the field house following the July 4 parade and senior center ice cream social. (TRUE DAKOTAN FILE PHOTO)

Larry Powell’s Freedom Train served as a Wessington Springs Fourth of July Parade entry in 2023. Families can find the train this year at the field house following the July 4 parade and senior center ice cream social. (TRUE DAKOTAN FILE PHOTO)

All Aboard the Freedom Train

News Staff
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
After the Fourth of July parade rolls down Main Street and the ice cream social wraps up at the...
Lila Hoffman, Donna Wagner, Kendra Brandenburg and Gloria Vavra took the True Dakotan along as they competed in the USBC Women’s Bowling Championships in Las Vegas. The group, driven by Verle Hoffman (left), also made sightseeing stops at Canyonlands, Moab, Zion National Park and Valley of Fire.

Lila Hoffman, Donna Wagner, Kendra Brandenburg and Gloria Vavra took the True Dakotan along as they competed in the USBC Women’s Bowling Championships in Las Vegas. The group, driven by Verle Hoffman (left), also made sightseeing stops at Canyonlands, Moab, Zion National Park and Valley of Fire.

Traveling with the True Dakotan: Where in the World Has Your Newspaper Been?

News Staff
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Local bowlers celebrate milestone in Las Vegas A trip to Las Vegas became an unforgettable...
Family members of the late Jerry and Betty Higgins gathered in Wessington Springs June 13-15 for a reunion that included camping in the city park, visits to local attractions and time spent enjoying the community. The gathering was held near what would have been the couple’s 78th wedding anniversary and Betty’s birthday.

Family members of the late Jerry and Betty Higgins gathered in Wessington Springs June 13-15 for a reunion that included camping in the city park, visits to local attractions and time spent enjoying the community. The gathering was held near what would have been the couple’s 78th wedding anniversary and Betty’s birthday.

Higgins Family Reunion Celebrates More Than Shared Roots

News Staff
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
A weekend of reminiscing, laughter and making new memories brought four generations of the late...
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