The Dakota Land Company built a large stone store building and a second stone building which was used for a printing office. The next important step taken by the Sioux Falls pioneers was a political movement. The settlers proceeded to organize what is called a provision government for the purpose of promoting the early organization of the territory and securing its capital at Sioux Falls.

It’s about time for the opening weekend of the annual pheasant season, so I started to write my weekly column about that. After all, in South Dakota, hunting and enjoying the outdoors aren’t just hobbies – they’re our way of life.

DITOR The economic plight of small farmers and ranchers is a serious problem facing rural South Dakota in 2026. • Sky-high diesel, fertilizer, and machine costs and loss of commodity markets are having a devastating financial impact on crop farmers, threatening bankruptcy for some.

South Dakota’s graduating class of 2026 achieved an average ACT composite score of 21.1, surpassing the national average ACT composite score of 19.2. For the sixth year in a row, South Dakota has exceeded the national average.

As temperatures cool and autumn leaves begin to change, the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of the green space around us, urges families and educators to take advantage of the crisp fall air to engage kids in hands-on outdoor learning. Whether in a backyard or a local neighborhood park, fall provides the ideal backdrop to teach young people how to care for the living ecosystems around them.

Funeral services scheduled for Helen Waterbury Funeral services for Helen Waterbury, age 95, formerly of Burke, SD, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church, in Burke, SD. Burial will follow in the Graceland Cemetery, in Burke, SD. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the church with visitation starting at 6:30 p.m. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.