Columnists | Kingsbury Journal

An easy summer meal; all about sloppy joes

I think we all have recipes we grew up with that remind us of our childhood. One of my favorites is sloppy joes. There is nothing like a warm, messy and undeniably comforting dish to awaken childhood … more

By Amy Halverson | 5/16/25

Scatter some unusual kindness

Have you ever read a story in the newspaper or on social media about someone who did something over-the-top for a stranger? These are my favorites. Like tipping a server not just the standard 15 or … more

By Pastor Tia Felberg, De Smet & Iroquois Methodist Church | 5/16/25

A shared challenge – with communities leading the way

In South Dakota, we value personal responsibility, strong families and local control. We believe parents should remain the primary decision makers when raising their children. However, we also … more

By Gov. Larry Rhoden | 5/4/25

I don’t know why you say goodbye I say hello

“Come here, I want to see you!” The directive was the very first phone call made by Alexander Graham Bell to his assistant, Thomas Watson. The call was made on March 10, 1876. Bell was … more

By DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel | 5/4/25

Cheap entertainment; cinnamon roll bliss bars

It has been a busy week on our little funny farm; we have been working to get a fence up so the goats can finally get out of the barn, enjoy fresh air and munch on the grass. We let the goats out … more

By Amy Halverson | 5/4/25

A prayer for our state and nation

We’re at the Easter holiday. It’s a great holiday to celebrate traditions with family and loved ones. I remember when I was a child, the day before Easter we would dye eggs that we’d just … more

By Gov. Larry Rhoden | 4/23/25

Heads up to the farmer’s wave

He tucked his billfold in the back pocket of his striped overalls and reached for a clean cap from the hook behind the door. “I need to run to town for a part for the planter.” Dad spoke to Mom. … more

By DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel | 4/23/25

Why did He have to die?

To answer the question of why Jesus died, we must understand why death occurs at all. When God created everything in the beginning, He said it was very good. The garden and all of creation was … more

By Pastor Robbie McClelland, Arlington Baptist Church | 4/23/25

Back home; Easter treats

The past five weeks have been long ones for my husband Josh and me; he had to travel out of state for work, only making it home briefly a few times on the weekends. Just getting a trailer full of new … more

By Amy Halverson | 4/23/25

Know when to run

My lungs burned like fire and my heart pounded wildly. Behind me, footsteps bit into the gravel, but I pushed on. He was getting closer! At last, I reached the gate, slipped through, and jerked it … more

By DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel | 4/16/25

What did He preach?

There is this idea of Jesus being a tolerant, accepting, peaceful person who went around like some social justice warrior. The world likes to say, "Jesus loves you just the way you are. You don’t … more

By Pastor Robbie McClelland, Arlington Baptist Church | 4/16/25

Pneumonia vaccine saves lives

Over 100 years ago, the gold mining industry of South Africa had a problem: too many workers were dying from pneumonia. They turned to Dr. Almroth Wright, a British physician who had successfully … more

By Andrew Ellsworth, Md | 4/16/25

Bridging our state

We recently cut the ribbon on the new Lt. Commander John C. Waldron Bridge over the Missouri River between Pierre and Ft. Pierre. For the next 100 years, this bridge will connect two communities. … more

By Gov. Larry Rhoden | 4/11/25

Why did Jesus come to Earth?

According to the first chapter of the Gospel of John, we know that Jesus was no mere human being born to a humble family in a small town. He was, in fact, the Word, who existed "in the beginning" and … more

By Pastor Robbie McClelland, Arlington Baptist Church | 4/11/25

The corn has ears!

“Why shouldn’t you tell secrets in a cornfield? Because the corn has ears!” Possibly the riddle was the source of our mother’s code words of caution; she would say something similar when we … more

By DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel | 3/26/25

God’s promises have no expiration date

How many times have you bought something guaranteed for life or for a certain amount of time, only to find out that the guarantee was not worth the paper on which it is written? Maybe the company has … more

By Pastor Bill Holmes, Prairie Baptist Church | 3/26/25

Open for Opportunity Tour begins

One of my favorite parts of serving the people of South Dakota is visiting communities around the state. I like to look folks in the eye, shake hands and gain an understanding of the challenges and … more

By Gov. Larry Rhoden | 3/26/25

Surprise babies; chocolate chip caramel bars

We have babies! Our first set of newborn twins joined our little, funny farm last Tuesday. It was quite the surprise. I went out to the barn to do chores, looked into the pen of mamas and found two … more

By Amy Halverson | 3/26/25

Sometimes small miracles are the most amazing

“I am so sorry.” I pulled the heavy quilt over the stack of white boxes and tucked in the corners. “Thank you for all that you’ve given me.” A brick on top, a bag of leaves and several … more

By DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel | 3/19/25

The wisdom that changes lives

As I consider my contribution to this column, my thoughts are drawn toward the wisest man ever to walk the earth. His fame and his impact on the world, especially in regard to everyday, conventional … more

By Duane H. Wallenstein, Prairie Baptist Church | 3/19/25