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The SDSU Extension hippology team made up of Delaney Zoss, Sanborn County; Hayden Talsma, Bon Homme County; Aedan Klawonn, of Lake County; and Isabella Kolousek, Buffalo/Jerauld counties won second place at the 2026 Western National Roundup in January in Denver, Colorado.

The SDSU Extension hippology team made up of Delaney Zoss, Sanborn County; Hayden Talsma, Bon Homme County; Aedan Klawonn, of Lake County; and Isabella Kolousek, Buffalo/Jerauld counties won second place at the 2026 Western National Roundup in January in Denver, Colorado.

SDSU Extension 4-H excels at 2026 Western National Roundup

News Staff
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension 4-H youth excelled at the 2026 Western National Roundup, winning the overall high state award in the Horse Classic.In the Horse Classic, states can compete in hippology, horse (quiz) bowl, public speaking and judging.
WSHS Athletic 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees to be Recognized Feb. 27

WSHS Athletic 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees to be Recognized Feb. 27

WSHS Athletic 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees to be Recognized Feb. 27

News Staff
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
The 2026 Wessington Springs High School Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees have been announced and will be recognized at the Spartan’s home boys basketball game vs Sanborn-Central/Woonsocket on February 27.Inductees are: Richard Cutler and Sarah (Horsley) Larson.
Alexis Roesler places a tapping spile into the maple tree.

Alexis Roesler places a tapping spile into the maple tree.

WSHS Ag Students Begin Maple Syrup Project

Kristi Hine / True Dakotan
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Wessington Springs High School (WSHS) agriculture students took advantage of favorable weather conditions Monday, Feb. 9, to tap their first maple tree, marking the beginning of a new hands-on maple syrup project tied to the school’s expanding ag program.
Farmers Union Launches Collegiate Clubs

Farmers Union Launches Collegiate Clubs

Farmers Union Launches Collegiate Clubs

Lura Roti
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Abby Kolousek grew up in Farmers Union. She attended camps and a D.C. Fly-In with her parents Scott and Amber. When she learned there was an opportunity to continue her involvement at the collegiate level, she was eager to engage.“I saw this strong sense of community through Farmers Union.
The Dueling Duo performs during the dueling pianos fundraiser at the Alpena Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 7. The musicians took song requests in exchange for donations to help raise funds for the Alpena Volunteer Fire Department.

The Dueling Duo performs during the dueling pianos fundraiser at the Alpena Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 7. The musicians took song requests in exchange for donations to help raise funds for the Alpena Volunteer Fire Department.

Community Rallies to Fund Alpena FD Gear at Dueling Pianos Night

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The return of the Dueling Duo drew a crowd to the Alpena Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 7, as the Alpena Volunteer Fire Department hosted a fundraiser to support the purchase of 10 new sets of bunker gear for the department. Each set costs approximately $4,300.
Members of the newly installed Wessington Springs Area Chamber and Development board are pictured above. Shown left to right are: Co-Chair Ryan Jensen, Event Coordinator Danielle Duxbury, Co-Chair Troy Duxbury, Treasurer/ Event Coordinator Katie Jackson, Industry/Community Relations Coordinator Kim Burg, Secretary/Event Coordinator Chelsea Cashman and Vice President Pat Fastnacht. (PHOTO COURTESY GWYNETH FASTNACHT)

Members of the newly installed Wessington Springs Area Chamber and Development board are pictured above. Shown left to right are: Co-Chair Ryan Jensen, Event Coordinator Danielle Duxbury, Co-Chair Troy Duxbury, Treasurer/ Event Coordinator Katie Jackson, Industry/Community Relations Coordinator Kim Burg, Secretary/Event Coordinator Chelsea Cashman and Vice President Pat Fastnacht. (PHOTO COURTESY GWYNETH FASTNACHT)

WSACD Introduces New Board, Sets Priorities for 2026

News Staff
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The Wessington Springs Area Chamber & Development (WSACD) introduced its new board leadership last week at its annual meeting, with cochair Troy Duxbury outlining a renewed focus on collaboration, community engagement and long-term planning.
ROCS Outlines Finances, Community Role in Wessington Springs Senior Dining Services

ROCS Outlines Finances, Community Role in Wessington Springs Senior Dining Services

ROCS Outlines Finances, Community Role in Wessington Springs Senior Dining Services

Kristi Hine / True Dakotan
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
About 20 people gathered at the Wessington Springs Senior Center last Wednesday to hear Angela Waldner, CEO of the Rural Office of Community Services (ROCS), and Dining Services Director Kaylene Goehring address community concerns following the recent loss of Friday dining services.
Dueling Pianos Light Up Alpena Again on Feb. 7

Dueling Pianos Light Up Alpena Again on Feb. 7

Dueling Pianos Light Up Alpena Again on Feb. 7

News Staff
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Get ready, Alpena: one of the most entertaining nights of the year is tuning up for its return.The Alpena Volunteer Fire Department is bringing back Dueling Pianos this Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, transforming the Alpena Community Center into a high-energy hub of music, laughter and crowd-fueled fun.
Meet This Semester’s WSHS Journalism Students

Meet This Semester’s WSHS Journalism Students

Meet This Semester’s WSHS Journalism Students

News Staff
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Wessington Springs High School journalism teacher Devena Jackson (center) is pictured with her students, from left, Ethan Amick, Gavin Brandenburg, Damien Knippling and Zandon Beyer, during a visit to the True Dakotan office.
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