LETTERBOX: Highly Recommend Teen Leadership Academy

My name is Ella Fagerhaug, and I have been involved in the Teen Leadership Academy (TLA) since I first became eligible. This incredible opportunity is offered through 4-H and brings together members from counties across the region.

From the Editor: Silence Is Not an Option

On Monday, September 8, 2025, I stood before the Wessington Springs School Board during the public forum to raise a concern not as a journalist, but as a parent and community member. I read the following statement: Good evening, members of the board.

LETTERBOX: Enjoyed the capital project story

Enjoyed the capital project storyKristi, Stopped by to see you Friday but you were out covering a football game! An editor’s (and publisher, and owner) job is never done. We were heading home to Rapid City from Arlington via Hwy 34 and when possible, I love stopping by newspaper offices.

You can help prevent the ‘gut punch’ of newspaper closures

“A gut punch.”That’s how David Bordewyk, executive director of the South Dakota NewsMedia Association, described the abrupt closure of four newspapers in the state last month.On Aug.

Are Warm Season Grasses Getting a Bad Rap?

The last couple of weeks have been a bit busy for me with Dakota Fest, the State Fair, a field tour, and a few other things. I’ve had the opportunity to have hundreds of conversations with landowners and producers.

Foothills News: “Cuppy’s Corner”

It is September 1st as I write my news. Soon the trees will be changing color. Last Monday evening I watched the Minnesota Twins play the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto won big 10-4.Tuesday my daughter Cheryl Van Asperen of Huron came to take me to the clinic at 10 a.m. for a check-up with Dr.

Avera Weskota Memorial Hospital Monthly Column: You Can Help Save a Life by Asking the Question

Saving lives may sound like the job of first responders or emergency room clinicians. Yet saving a life from suicide can begin with a caring conversation.

Ever Seen the Rainfall Simulator?

Have you ever heard of or seen the Rainfall Simulator? No, I’m not talking about the extended forecast or cloud seeding. The NRCS has a machine that does what the name indicates. It can simulate whatever rainfall amount you would like.

It doesn’t have to be all or nothing

In my position I never like to see CRP come out of the program when the contract is up or see any grassland broke up. I do understand farming these areas in certain situations.

Foothills News: “Cuppy’s Corner”

I wrote my Cuppy’s Corner News Monday morning. Delia Atkinson got it later in the forenoon. I enjoyed the delicious roast beef dinner and cake from the Manor kitchen. There was no Twins game.Tuesday, I enjoyed the pork sandwich dinner and cheesecake from the Manor kitchen. At 6:30 p.m.