What was once a bustling gathering place “up on the hill” for veterans, friends, and community members in Wessington Springs will soon be going up for sale.
The Willman-Fee Post No. 14 American Legion building, home for decades to countless Memorial Day potlucks, monthly meetings, and Prairie Lounge camaraderie, is scheduled to be sold at public auction on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. on the front steps of the Jerauld County Courthouse.
The sale follows foreclosure proceedings tied to a Small Business Administration loan. Last year, in a difficult move to cover local debts, the Legion held an “everything but the building” auction, parting with furnishings, bar equipment, and memorabilia.
But hope flickered earlier last fall when Wisconsin resident Erik Mullett, who spends a good deal of time in the Springs area, stepped forward with an offer to lease the building from the Legion.
Under the agreement, the Legion would continue to hold monthly meetings, potlucks, and events there, even as foreclosure moved forward. Mullett expressed interest in eventually purchasing the property to keep it in American Legion hands.
Mullett spoke with the True Dakotan on Monday, August 11 after learning about the sale.
“We were moving full speed ahead, equipment ordered, contractors on site, and brand-new renderings and layouts ready, including plans to open up the wall facing southeast,” he said.”
Then, after receiving a call that the foreclosure proceedings were moving forward, Mullett felt that the project needed to be shelved.
“At that point, we put everything on hold. The contractor has everything prepared, but until we have clear direction regarding the building, we are holding off on further work.”
Mullett said he will be in Wessington Springs for the sale on September 10.
“We will definitely be at the sale and are excited about the possibilities. We’ll see what we can do to hopefully secure the building so we can move forward,” he shared. “However, if someone else has a strong vested interest that also benefits the community, that could be the best outcome too. Ultimately, it depends on what the community wants and needs.”
On Sept. 10 the building will be sold to the highest bidder, with payment due in full on the day of sale (cash or certified funds). Once confirmed by the court, the buyer will receive a deed and take ownership, subject to any remaining redemption rights.
Look for additional sale news in upcoming print and e-editions of the True Dakotan.