Opinion | Kingsbury Journal

Welcome back to the funny farm, where the air is a little clearer this week, mostly because I am no longer operating as a human chimney. I finally drew a line in the sand. I turned the big 5-0 last … more

By Amy Halverson | 8/26/26

Week four: What I’ve learned

I have been thinking about this little series of “Confessions of a Small-Town Pastor” and wondering how I should end it. After all, there are plenty of things I could confess. Some are probably … more

By Pastor Tia Felberg | 8/26/26

Good things come to those who wait

“I don’t have anything to do!” “I’m bored!” “Are We There Yet?” were phrases that never crossed the lips of the children at our house. When we were old enough, we helped Mom or Dad in … more

By DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel | 8/26/26

Iroquois Elementary students were challenged to read, create, explore and share throughout the summer by completing several activities with books. Read more about that challenge on page 22. Above: First grader Laken Landmark, his mom Shelby and his brother Mikah complete the challenge "Book Art Blast" by drawing the cover of their favorite books they read this summer.

Reading through the summer

8/26/26

Revitalizing small towns

There is something about a small town. You walk into a local restaurant, and you are greeted by name. You know exactly what you’re going to order without opening the menu. You make small talk with … more

By Gov. Larry Rhoden | 8/26/26

Anatomical variations: Inherent challenges in comprehending cancer

Human anatomy is fascinatingly and frustratingly complex. In each body, 600 muscles, 206 bones and 360 joints provide structural stability and movement; two lungs circulate air through 1,500 miles of … more

By Ethan L. Snow, PhD, MA, Prairie Doc | 8/19/26

Memories of the way Pa’s fiddle sang

The tunes Charles Ingalls played on his beloved fiddle echo throughout the Little House book series. The fiddle becomes a character in the books, as Laura repeatedly says, "the fiddle sang." Music … more

By Vicki Stevens | 8/19/26

Barnyard blessings; zucchini brownies

We were blessed with another baby on our funny farm the other day! Although I had a feeling a new addition might be on the way, I wasn't entirely sure until it actually happened. I went out to put … more

By Amy Halverson | 8/19/26

Life lessons from a steamy kitchen

It was hot! Hot outside and even hotter in the kitchen. Two kettles boiled away on the back burners, steam surging from around the covers and up into the air. The normally appealing scent of cooking … more

By DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel | 8/19/26

Moving through a long to-do list

At the start of last year, Republicans had a long to-do list. The American people had made their priorities clear, and we were ready to deliver on them. Republicans were committed to strengthening … more

By Sen. John Thune | 8/19/26

Cameras, drones and local ‘models’ were seen throughout De Smet last week. Photographs and video footage were captured to be used in future marketing efforts. This was the final photoshoot funded by the DMO Marketing Assistance Grant the De Smet Development Corporation received in 2023.

Capturing all of De Smet

8/19/26

Finding balance in a world that never stops

Stress surrounds us every day. We experience it in our personal lives, at work, in our relationships and through the constant stream of information from the news and social media. We live in a world … more

By Curstie Konold MPH, CSW-PIP, QMHP, Prairie Doc | 8/12/26

My journey to De Smet

Last summer, I traveled from the Sioux Falls airport to De Smet in a rental car driven by a photographer colleague on assignment for a magazine. Almost immediately, I realized how little I had … more

By Ayumi Yamaguchi | 8/12/26

Pick a peck of quick-pickled peppers

Look, we’ve all been there. You walk out to your garden in July, and your pepper plants look like sad little twigs. You wonder if you are doing it all wrong. Then, August hits; the sun cranks up to … more

By Amy Halverson | 8/12/26

Week two: The wave

You can tell a lot about where someone grew up by what they do when another vehicle drives by. If you are from almost any small town, you probably know exactly what I am talking about. It's the wave, … more

By Pastor Tia Felberg | 8/12/26

From rags to something like riches

“Oh, no! I spilled!” In my haste to maneuver the big bowl of potatoes across the table to Dad, I bumped my glass. Water flooded across the table, threatening the salt and pepper shakers and the … more

By DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel | 8/12/26

The rumble of freedom

Hear that rumble? It’s been growing in pitch for a couple weeks now. Motorcycles are weaving their way across South Dakota from all directions, and they are all heading to the same place: Sturgis! … more

By Gov. Larry Rhoden | 8/12/26

The Carthage High School Class of 1966 flew in on eagles’ wings for Straw Bale Days. At supper at the Cabaret Sat., Aug. 1, were Rod Anderson of Sioux Falls, standing left, David Stoddard of Minneapolis, Minn., Allan Burke of Linton, N.D., Wes Boomgarden of Carthage; Juiletia (Hanson) Sundberg of Brookings, seated left, Kathy (Barrick) Poppen of Madison and Carol (Stevens) Dye of Savannah, Mo. Deceased class members Gary Roby and Betty Johnson were remembered at the event.

Class of 1966 reunion

8/12/26

Building a legacy

Since the day I took office, I have challenged everyone in my administration to focus on keeping South Dakota strong, safe and free. If we all link arms and pledge to chase opportunities together, … more

By Gov. Larry Rhoden | 7/29/26

Joanne Schlueter was honored to be recognized as a Major in the NBTA and was the director of the National Collegiate Competition in South Bend, Ind.

A busy week!

7/29/26