New McCook Central Playground Nears Completion Bright new playground equipment is now in place at McCook Central, currently wrapped in construction netting until final safety work is complete. The project, which began this summer as a result of the City of Salem’s...
Features
Public meeting discusses Salem flood mitigation options
CHEESEMAN AND BRIDGE INDUCTED TO SD BASKETBALL HOF On Saturday, August 23, 2025, the South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame inducted its 15th class and also honored the 1999 Sioux Falls Roosevelt girls basketball team as this year’s Team of Excellence in...
Scheier Farm hosts international trade team
International Trade Delegation Tours Scheier Farm A 30-plus member trade team from Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka visited the Dawn and Pat Scheier farm north of Salem on Tuesday, August 19. The delegation, representing rapidly growing markets for U.S....
Montrose FFA president leads summer Backpack Program
Montrose FFA President Carries on Summer Backpack Program Montrose FFA chapter president Addison Gordon organized and led this year’s Summer Backpack Program, continuing a project started three years ago to support families in need. With help from a grant through the...
RibFest raises $7500 for 4-H building fund
This summer’s 2025 RibFest in Salem raised an amazing $7500 for the 4-H Livestock Building Fund. The money was recently awarded to the fund’s caretakers at the Showdown of Champions held at 4-H grounds in Salem on Sunday, August 17th.
SD High School Basketball Hall of Fame announces Class of 2025 inductees
Jenny Bridge Craig Cheeseman Three with local connections to be inducted Two former Hanson High School graduates are among the twelve greats to be inducted into the South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame during a banquet to be held this Saturday, August 23,...
Public meeting scheduled in Salem to address Snake Creek
Troy Schwans | Managing Editor The Salem City Council, in partnership with DGR Engineering, will host a public meeting to update residents on ongoing efforts to address flooding issues related to Snake Creek. This meeting will be held at the Community Center at 440 E....
Update on 573 zip code delivery delays
Troy Schwans | Managing Editor At this time, there have been no new developments that we are aware of regarding the ongoing postal delivery delays mostly affecting subscribers in the 573 zip code area. We understand the frustration these delays have caused and remain...
Early deadline announced for Labor Day week
Troy Schwans | Managing Editor Due to the upcoming Labor Day holiday, “The Special” will be adjusting its deadline for the week of September 1. Our office will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of the holiday. The paper will still be printed and...
Nice weather draws crowd to Downtown Market
Crowds Fill Downtown Salem for August Market Shoppers, families, and friends gathered in downtown Salem for the August Chamber of Commerce Downtown Market, enjoying a warm summer evening of live music by Mari Chlebeck VanLeur, vendor shopping, and community...