Feature

Volunteers work together during one of several workdays to complete the new fence at Hope Cemetery. Community members contributed time, labor and equipment throughout the project. Pictured (left to right) are Larry Powell, Phil Campos and Ron Thompson.

Volunteers work together during one of several workdays to complete the new fence at Hope Cemetery. Community members contributed time, labor and equipment throughout the project. Pictured (left to right) are Larry Powell, Phil Campos and Ron Thompson.

Volunteers Carry Hope Cemetery Fence Project Across the Finish Line

Kristi Hine / True Dakotan
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
In last week’s True Dakotan, readers learned about the completion of the new fence at Hope Cemetery and the preservation of the cemetery’s historic entrance.
Wessington Springs resident Larry Powell presents a check for more than $3,500 to Wessington Springs Elementary School Principal Becky Fjerstad in the WSES lunchroom. The funds were raised through Christmas train rides during the town-wide holiday kickoff on Dec. 1. Proceeds from the rides were donated to the Wessington Springs School District lunch program to help cover the cost of additional servings for students. (KRISTI HINE / TRUE DAKOTAN)

Wessington Springs resident Larry Powell presents a check for more than $3,500 to Wessington Springs Elementary School Principal Becky Fjerstad in the WSES lunchroom. The funds were raised through Christmas train rides during the town-wide holiday kickoff on Dec. 1. Proceeds from the rides were donated to the Wessington Springs School District lunch program to help cover the cost of additional servings for students. (KRISTI HINE / TRUE DAKOTAN)

Powell’s Christmas train raises funds for school lunch program

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
What began as a festive ride through downtown Wessington Springs turned into a meaningful act of community support this holiday season.Wessington Springs resident Larry Powell used his Christmas train rides during the townwide Christmas kickoff on Dec.
Museum owner Gary Blue is pictured at right giving a guided tour to Kay Thompson and Anita Linn, sharing stories behind thousands of rocks collected from around the world.

Museum owner Gary Blue is pictured at right giving a guided tour to Kay Thompson and Anita Linn, sharing stories behind thousands of rocks collected from around the world.

A Geological Journey, Right on Main Street

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
A large crowd gathered at Gary’sRockMuseumonMain Street (formerly Kraft Repair) in Wessington Springs on Friday, Dec. 19, for Gary’s Rock-in’ Museum Christmas Party, an evening that offered visitors a rare look into the earth’s geological history.
Marvin and Eileen Thomas’ display. (PHOTO COURTESY DARRELL DENEKE)

Marvin and Eileen Thomas’ display. (PHOTO COURTESY DARRELL DENEKE)

“Bright Nights Small Town Lights” winners announced

News Staff
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Examples of excellence in exterior illumination were recognized this week as the Wessington Springs Area Chamber and Development (WSACD) announced the winners of its Bright Nights Small Town Lights holiday decorating contest.
Emma Haeder is shown with Miss Rosalie’s Sweets and Treats–branded cookie boxes at Buzz’n in Wolsey, where customers can pick up her custom and seasonal orders. Haeder launched the cookie business earlier this year, turning a lifelong love of baking into a fast-growing local favorite.

Emma Haeder is shown with Miss Rosalie’s Sweets and Treats–branded cookie boxes at Buzz’n in Wolsey, where customers can pick up her custom and seasonal orders. Haeder launched the cookie business earlier this year, turning a lifelong love of baking into a fast-growing local favorite.

Miss Rosalie’s Sweets and Treats: When doing what you love turns into something more

Kristi Hine / True Dakotan
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Miss Rosalie’s Sweets and Treats:What started as a creative outlet has quickly become a community favorite, and a reminder that when passion meets purpose, good things tend to follow.For Emma Haeder, baking has always been more than a hobby. It’s how she shows love.
ACOTA board members and local artist Ruthe Lindvall gather during the unveiling of a community mural, one of several projects supported through partnerships focused on making art visible and accessible in Wessington Springs.

ACOTA board members and local artist Ruthe Lindvall gather during the unveiling of a community mural, one of several projects supported through partnerships focused on making art visible and accessible in Wessington Springs.

More than meets the eye: SACOTA’s quiet impact across Wessington Springs

Kristi Hine / True Dakotan
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
From murals and music to classes, performances and hands-on creativity, the Springs Area Council of the Arts has woven itself into the fabric of Wessington Springs in ways many residents may not even realize.“That’s the funny thing,” said SACOTA board member Carrie Azure.
Front row, left to right: Blair Murphy, Raven Richardson, Carlayna Waters, Kolt Messmer, Hannah Wenzel and Paislei Bell. Back row, left to right: Fourth grade teacher Jen Roduner, Cooper Holt, Emme Havlik, Hayden Bultsma, Alice Heumiller, and Will Arhart. Bank employees Blake Willman, Susan Tebay and Connie Larson.

Front row, left to right: Blair Murphy, Raven Richardson, Carlayna Waters, Kolt Messmer, Hannah Wenzel and Paislei Bell. Back row, left to right: Fourth grade teacher Jen Roduner, Cooper Holt, Emme Havlik, Hayden Bultsma, Alice Heumiller, and Will Arhart. Bank employees Blake Willman, Susan Tebay and Connie Larson.

Beloved Bank Tradition Warms Hearts of All Ages

News Staff
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Carrying on the decades-long Christmas tradition of decorating the lobby tree at American Bank & Trust in Wessington Springs, the fourth grade class spread holiday cheer as they dressed the tree with handmade ornaments made at school.
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