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Tiffany Coyne goes for a run at the TLC fitness center in Webster where she can keep warm while snow falls outside Dec. 4. Those with memberships have 24/7 access at TLC. Photo by Amanda Fanger/Reporter & Farmer

Fitness centers a growing trend in Dakota small towns

Many area communities now offer an option that until a few years ago was only available in larger communities: A place to exercise, with specialized machines and sometimes classes available—and no need to exercise in the cold and snow.

Knowledge about Common Core not so common

As Common Core standards started going into effect in Dakota classrooms this fall, state education leaders probably expected to spend some time explaining what the standards are.

But Ryan Townsend, director of academic standards for the N.D. Department of Public Instruction, said he’s spent a lot of time lately explaining what the standards are not.

“A lot of it is based on misinformation, unfortunately,” he said.

Delores and Nelson Bloomquist have been participating in the local farmers market since 1997 selling everything from flower bouquets, shown above, to tomatoes, potatoes, decorative corn and pumpkins and every vegetable that can be grown in South Dakota as well as raspberries and apples. Photo by Kimberly Harrington/Clark County Courier

Farmers markets sprout, take root

Communities across the nation, including dozens in the Dakotas, are joining in a growing nationwide trend of forming markets with a very short farmer-to-consumer transportation system: goods go straight from the farmer’s hands to the consumer’s.

Kulm Volunteer Fire Department fought the fire for close to four hours on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Photo by Sarah Gackle/Courtesy Kulm Messenger

Historic building in Kulm lost to fire

The Gackle Bros. Building was a memento for the town of Kulm to share, a place where throughout the years the community bought their shoes and hardware, went roller skating, had their oil changed and much more. Now residents will have to shore up those memories without the building to support them.