The Billie Sutton Leadership Institute recently announced the launch of a new rural leadership program, “Rural POWER,” dedicated to “Powering Opportunities While Energizing Rural.” Billie Sutton, founder of the nonprofit Sutton Leadership Institute, is excited to expand the programs offered by the Leadership Institute. Sutton knows the importance of rural issues in South Dakota and said: “Rural POWER is people focused, community minded, and about re-imaging rural South Dakota through servant leadership and community building." Rural POWER is a year-long leadership development program, sponsored by the South Dakota Farmers Union, focused specifically on rural South Dakota.

Gregory basketball players, Coy Determan, left, Daniel Mitchell, center, and Cruz Klundt, right, were selected as All Conference basketball players this year. Coy and Daniel were selected to both the SESD and SCC All Conference teams. Cruz was selected to the SCC All Conference team.

Heartfelt worship As we prepare our hearts and our minds for the week of Easter, are we prepared to worship? Are we preparing our hearts for true worship of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ? As Jesus was riding on a donkey going into Jerusalem, He was met by a multitude of people with palm branches shouting “Hosanna, Hosanna.” But was there true worship, or were they just following the crowds, were they following because of the miracles, Jesus did for them? Some were true followers of Him, some were following and praising because they had an encounter with the Son of God, Jesus and He changed their lives. And they worshiped, and they praised him as Lord of Lord and King of Kings.

A man-made lake with amenities for all ages could be coming to Sturgis. It all began when the city began discussing some sort of outdoor aquatics venue within the city.

On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which was observed on Monday, March 29, 2021, our local service members got together to commemorate their time and sacrifices. They enjoyed donuts and coffee with the donuts being complimentary of the Herrick American Legion Post 220. The event was open to area Vietnam War and Vietnam Era veterans and was held at the Burke VFW Post 9950.

More than 55 municipal officials representing 13 cities met via zoom for the South Dakota Municipal League’s annual District 4 Meeting held on March 25, 2021. Yvonne Taylor, South Dakota Municipal League Executive Director, spoke about the outcome of the 2021 Legislative Session, and the effect new laws will have on South Dakota municipalities.