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Next Dakotafire community conversation event is in Webster on May 29

The second in a series of events intended to spark community and regional conversations will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at the American Legion in Webster, S.D.

The event, called a Dakotafire Café, intends to get people talking about the topics presented in the latest issue of Dakotafire magazine, according to Dakotafire Editor Heidi Marttila-Losure.

The May-June issue takes an in-depth look at the increase in installation of drain tile in the eastern Dakotas.

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.

electronic health records

Electronic health records show promise, but work remains

Area hospitals transitioning to electronic health records (EHRs) are making progress, and their administrators say they are confident that they are providing or will eventually provide better care with EHRs, but the process hasn’t been without significant headaches—and there’s still a ways to go before EHRs reach the comfort level of those corner-worn manila files.

Part of the money raised for the new Webster pool was raised through recycling. Photo by George Thompson

Webster Recycling Raises Funds For New Pool

Part of the money raised for the new Webster pool was raised through recycling. Photo by George Thompson   Sometime next summer, when Webster residents are enjoying their new pool, they can do a little thank-you lap for all the… 

SANTA MADE AN early stop in Bristol on Dec. 1 as the community held their annual stop and shop day. Santa listened to children’s requests for Christmas and handed out treats to the good little boys and girls. Ali Kretzschmar tells Santa what she wants for Christmas. Photo by John Suhr/Reporter & Farmer

Longtime Webster Santa is hanging up his suit

This year is Larry aka “Santa Claus” Baumgarn’s last Christmas. The longtime Webster insurance agent and Santa will hang up his suit after close to 30 years making holiday visits that have meant so much to so many.

The Webster Theatre. Photo by Danyell Klein (http://www.flickr.com/photos/03wrangler/4587768996/)

Webster Theatre is at a crossroads

The Webster Theatre is at a crossroads: The movie industry has decreed a switch from 35mm films to a digital format by 2014, and the Webster Theatre’s owners are considering whether they can make the transition.