Farm ers were required to cultivate part of the land they received under the Homestead Act. In order to do this, they first had to “break the sod.” Sod was grasscovered soil that was held together by matted roots.

Avera Gregory was recently awarded the Outstanding Philanthropic Community of the Year by the South Dakota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, comprised of numerous non-profits throughout the state.

Former State Senator Erin Tobin announced on November 20, 2025, that she is running for the State Senate in District 21. Tobin, who previously represented the district, said her decision reflects her continued commitment to serving the people of District 21 and South Dakota.

Thanksgiving dinner can get hectic, preparing all the different dishes and having them all done at the same time. Relax and save some of that energy by preparing the following recipes ahead of time, and all you have to do is pop them in the hot oven once the turkey comes out.

At the regular meeting of the Gregory County Board of Commissioners, held at 9 a.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the commissioners scheduled the first public hearing regarding the planning and zoning board’s recommendation to change the minimum lot requirement for a dwelling from 40 acres to 10 acres. The commissioners will have the final say about the ordinance after giving the public an opportunity to express their opinions at two public hearings. The first of the two hearings will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in the commissioners’ room in the courthouse. If a large number of people show up, it will be moved to the courtroom.

The South Dakota State Veterinarian’s Office issued the following press release on November 20, 2025: The South Dakota State Veterinarian’s Office has been made aware of an outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV)/ Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in horses that were at or associated with mid-November barrel racing and rodeo-type events in Texas and Oklahoma.