A few weeks ago, I did something I never thought I’d do – I joined a cheer routine at a Brandon Valley High School football game! Their marching band had just learned the exciting news that they were selected to play in the 101st Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2027. Waving pom poms in the air was certainly outside of my comfort zone, but it was an honor celebrating our incredible students and their accomplishment.

The South Dakota Well Drillers Association is pleased to announce it is offering the “SDWDA Quality Groundwater Scholarships” totaling $ 10,000.00 to be divided between four deserving students. There will be one $5,000.00, one $3,000.00, and two $1,000.00 scholarships awarded.

The Territory of Dakota is but a remnant of what it formerly was and for many years was laid down on the maps and known as the “Great North West Territory.” The great states of Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and the Territory of Nebraska, have, from time to time, been carved from the vast region comprised under that name, and yet the great North-West Territory is little more than half exhausted.

BankWest has joined the American Bankers Association (ABA) and financial institutions across the country in a nationwide campaign during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month to educate consumers about the growing threat of scams. Nearly three in four Americans have experienced a scam or fraud attempt, according to a 2026 House Financial Services Committee report on financial fraud and scams. Those schemes are taking an enormous financial toll. A 2026 Gallup survey found that scams resulted in an estimated $68 billion in losses.

With almost six years in the construction business, including almost two years in Gregory County, Paul and Melvin Yoder of Dakota Plains Construction, LLC of rural Burke can handle about any construction job. They specialize in sheds and pole barns but can build houses, decks, and garages, install metal and asphalt roofing, and put on siding. They also do interior work like laying floors and drywall, but prefer to save those jobs for the cold months. Recently, they added garage door sales and installation to their list of services.

Throughout the month of October, Rescues Unlimited, the Gregory animal shelter, will have an Angel Tree set up at Runnings in Gregory. The tree will feature a list of items needed by the shelter. Customers may choose one or more items from the list and purchase them for donation. Runnings gift cards are also an option for those who would like to support the shelter.