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Communities
Redfield works for a bright future with new housing, new school, new faces and community pride
Redfield, S.D., could be called a small city or a big town. It has features that are the best of both. “Main Street is a very interesting, fun place to go visit on a Saturday afternoon. You’ve still got those good, enjoyable family things and shopping” as in a larger community, according to Lisa Zens, executive director of Grow Spink, ... Read More »
Community centers provide home for histories, futures
with additional reporting by Sheila Ring, Onida Watchman, Doug Card, Britton Journal, and Gloria Duenwald, Hoven Review From baby showers to funerals and everything in between, community centers are where memories are made among neighbors in rural communities. “The community center is the kitchen of the community, and I think that’s both literal and figurative in many instances,” said Tom ... Read More »
Collaborative marketing creates local holiday shopping destinations
by Anna Jauhola and Wendy Royston, Dakotafire Media Some entrepreneurs in the Dakotafire region are banding together to bring more of the thrill of the holiday shopping experience—and those who seek it—into their shops. “The experience … determines how long a customer stays around and how much shopping they’ll try to do while they’re in the store,” said Becky McCray, ... Read More »
Communities mark Veterans Day with retirement ceremonies for Old Glory
By Kristin Vandersnick, for Dakotafire with additional reporting by Sheila Ring, Onida Watchman Veterans Day is about honoring those who have volunteered to serve their country, committed to giving even their lives, if asked. Many Dakota communities also take the day to honor Old Glory, the nation’s outward symbol of the freedoms veterans yearn to protect. “I look at it ... Read More »
Claremont bank, Langford restaurant vie for funding in national competition
First State Bank of Claremont and Langford to Compete for $15,000 Strong Communities Award (Langford, S.D.) – First State Bank of Claremont and the community of Langford have been selected as one of seven Strong Communities Award finalists vying for the opportunity to receive $15,000 for The Front Porch, a community investor-owned business development project. The Federal Home Loan Bank ... Read More »
Homecoming could have a stronger call to ‘come home,’ expert says
Editor’s Note: See related story here. by Wendy Royston, Dakotafire Media with additional reporting by Sheila Ring, Onida Watchman, and Ken Schmierer, for The Dickey County Leader The word “homecoming” suggests the original intent of the fall celebrations was to bring graduates—and the focus of the community—back to the school. In many towns today, that call to come home is ... Read More »
Dakota Local Food Challenge is underway!
The Dakota Local Food Challenge officially started on Saturday … but if you didn’t remember, didn’t get the memo, or just needed a little more time to gear up for it, it’s not to late to sign up! Head on over the main page for details: dakotafire.net/golocal Read More »
Bus drivers aren’t ‘all aboard’ in many Dakota school districts
Though school districts throughout the Dakotas are diverse in many ways, troubles recruiting and retaining bus drivers are not unique. “Every place I’ve worked at, we’ve dealt with issues with buses (and) transportation,” said 22-year superintendent Terry Eckstaine, who presently works in the Ethan, (S.D.) School District. Read More »
Innovative funding, outreach efforts sustain Willow Lake Lions through 50 years
By Kristin Brekke Vandersnick, Special to Dakotafire Media At a time when many rural volunteer-driven groups are struggling to maintain their missions and memberships, the 50-year-old Willow Lake Lions Club is just reaching its stride. In 1965, 25 men signed their names as charter members of the club. Last month, nearly 250 people gathered in the Willow Lake auditorium ... Read More »