Grant VanAartsen

Results from Tuesday’s area elections

Elections Troy Schwans | Managing Editor Voters headed to the polls on Tuesday, June 3, to cast their ballots in elections for three separate governing bodies within “The Special’s” coverage area.Elections were held in the Hanson School District, McCook Central School...

WEATHER CONTRIBUTES TO SUCCESSFUL RUMMAGES

The Salem City-Wide Rummage Sales, sponsored by the Salem SD Chamber of Commerce, took place last Thursday and Friday. Thanks to favorable weather and numerous rummages, the event saw strong participation and was considered a success.

Honor Flag Day: Bring your worn flags to the Salem Downtown Market

As Flag Day approaches, Frank J. Brune American Legion Post #140 invites the community to take part in honoring our nation’s symbol with respect and tradition.On Wednesday, June 11, during the Salem Chamber Downtown Market, Post #140 will host a booth where community...

Emery gears up for Fun Days celebration

Owen Reitzel | Editor The annual Fun Days celebration will be held on Saturday, June 14, in Emery for the 14th year.According to Kara Kayser, there used to be a Fun Days celebration every year, but then it fell off the calendar.“When the Emery Economic Development...

Roling among SDATAT scholarship recipients

The South Dakota Association of Towns and Townships (SDATAT) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 scholarship awards.This year’s applicants were asked to reflect on cultural values, personal development, and civic engagement in their essays. Students...

Bridge deck replacement to begin over I-90 near Hartford

On Monday, June 9, 2025, crews will begin work on a bridge deck replacement over Interstate 90 on 459th Avenue near Hartford. Traffic will be closed on 459th Avenue from 260th Street to 261st Street.Lane closures will be installed on I-90 in both the eastbound and...

Upcoming Vitalant blood drives in the area

-Montrose - United Methodist Hall on June 9, 1:30 to 5:15 p.m.-Oldham - June 24 at Oldham on the bus by the Community Center from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.-Salem - June 25 at the Salem Community Center at 440 E. Jefferson Ave. from 12:00 noon – 6:00 p.m.-Menno - June 26 as...

Alexandria Memorial Day program moves to new spot this year

ALEXANDRIA MEMORIAL DAY KEYNOTE SPEAKER Karen Klinkner, U.S. Army Retired, from Artesian, SD, gave the keynote address during the recent Alexandria Memorial Day Program. (Photo/Owen Reitzel) The annual Memorial Day Program, sponsored by the American Legion Family,...

Barn Raisin’ BBQ to bring food, fun, and family entertainment

Troy Schwans | Managing Editor Mark your calendars! June 21, 2025, is shaping up to be a highlight of the summer as the 5th Annual Barn Raisin’ BBQ returns to the McCook County Fair Grounds. With a full day of events, live music, friendly competition, and...

Historic Salem Building is no More

This early 1900s photo shows the building that once stood on the northeast corner of Main Street and Norton Avenue in Salem. Remarkably, the structure had changed little over the years. Demolition began a few weeks ago, and as of this writing, only the corner section...