Feature

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 Rodeo, he won't just be making his debut as a rodeo clown and barrelman.In many ways, Tom Glanzer will be coming home.
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 Jerry and Betty Higgins family together in Wessington Springs June 13-15.The reunion was intentionally planned near two meaningful family milestones.
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
A trip to Las Vegas became an unforgettable milestone as four local women competed in the USBC Women’s Bowling Championships and celebrated decades of friendship on the lanes.
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 Senior Center, families can head to the field house in Wessington Springs City Park for a ride aboard Larry Powell’s Freedom Train.
Joyce Krueger was caught in the act of beautifying Wessington Springs, planting flowers in City Park and across town. Krueger’s colorful displays add bursts of summer color and community spirit throughout Springs.

Joyce Krueger was caught in the act of beautifying Wessington Springs, planting flowers in City Park and across town. Krueger’s colorful displays add bursts of summer color and community spirit throughout Springs.

Scenes of Summer: Growing Community Pride and making a Splash

News Staff
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Scenes of Summer: Growing Community Pride and making a Splash
Oil by Bailey Roduner

Oil by Bailey Roduner

FEATURE

Alicia Roesler Wshs Art Instructor
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
From the halls of WSHS we bring a new project to the Artist’s Corner. This project was completed recently by Painting student and sophomore, Bailey Roduner. The goal with this project was to learn how to work with oil paint.
A Half-Century of Commitment

A Half-Century of Commitment

A Half-Century of Commitment

News Staff
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
American Legion Post #14 Commander Kyle Everson presents Chris Christensen with a certificate commemorating 50 years of continuous membership in the American Legion.
1st grade Shown with Principal for the hour Will Arhart and Quinten Christensen, AR award recipients are: Harper Sealey, Leelin Polly, McCrae Nickels, Harvey Cashman, Lucy Cashman, Aurora Olson, Harlowe Harmdierks. Not pictured: August Getman.

1st grade Shown with Principal for the hour Will Arhart and Quinten Christensen, AR award recipients are: Harper Sealey, Leelin Polly, McCrae Nickels, Harvey Cashman, Lucy Cashman, Aurora Olson, Harlowe Harmdierks. Not pictured: August Getman.

Hometown Hero Returns to Encourage Young Readers

News Staff
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Quinten Christensen, a Wessington Springs High School graduate, hometown football standout and senior starting offensive lineman for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, surprised Wessington Springs Elementary School students during the school’s end-ofyear Accelerated Reading assembly earlier this...
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