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.

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)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The Wessington Springs High School Choir provided live musical entertainment.

A Christmas Letter from “Your” Carnegie Library