HOT SPRINGS – The installation of a License Plate Reader (LPR) camera by the S.D. Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) on Hot Springs city property sparked another 20-minute discussion at last week’s council meeting on Tuesday, April 2, but was ultimately approved by a margin of 7-1.

If all goes as planned, Hot Springs High School’s new Career & Technical Education (CTE) building should be open and ready for students by Monday, April 22, according to Superintended Dennis Fischer. The school’s CTE building will include a larger and updated space for woodshop, industrial arts, agriculture, and family consumer science; chemistry, biology, as well as a STEM lab.

EDGEMONT – The Edgemont High School Drama Department took the stage this weekend with its annual play, this year choosing Matt Smith’s freespirited comedy Artist’s Retreat. Under the direction of Suzanne Hollenbeck, Becky Harding, and Scott Corbett, the play was a resounding success, drawing large audiences for each performance.

HOT SPRINGS – SDSU Extension will host its sixth annual Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities conference May 22-23, 2024 in Hot Springs at the Mueller Center (801 S 6th St, Hot Springs, SD) and various locations throughout the community. This is a conference about rural communities held in a rural community. Bring your walking shoes because you won’t be sitting in a conference center!

SPEARFISH – Edgemont had a good showing at the Spearfish Queen City Classic track meet on Friday, April 5. Many athletes set personal records (PRs).

HOT SPRINGS – The students of Bethesda Lutheran School have had an exciting past few weeks. Believe it or not the Cat in the Hat was caught on the roof of the school. Yes, it is true– that sneaky Cat knew we were up to something and he surprised us all by hiding on the roof. The Hot Springs Police Department came alookin’ for the Cat with their sirens blaring but were not able to capture it. Once all the hullabaloo settled the Cat read a book. The students experienced a few other famous visitors including Mayor Bob Nelson, Thing 1, retired teacher Diane Schroeder, and Principal Hunsaker It was hard to beat all that excitement as the student celebrated the 100th day of school. There were all kinds of activities like 100th day hats, building with 100 objects, and snacking on 100 foods. Bethesda students settled things out by singing at Lent church services. Many students volunteered to sing at multiple church services. These students really are active participants in their daily education. They plan some of their learning and they choose to participate in activities outside of school.

OELRICHS - A large crowd of approximately 55 gathered at the Oelrichs Community Center Friday evening, April 5, for the first of four 2024 Republican Candidate Forums hosted by the Fall River County Republicans. The seven candidates for Fall River County Commissioner introduced themselves and answered questions from the public. Joe Allen, Les Cope, and Heath Greenough are running for re-election and are being challenged by Jeannine Lecy, John Staben, Trudy Valenzuela and Sandra Wahlert.

HOT SPRINGS – To build or not to build a new justice center and what size to build continues to be discussed at every Fall River County Commission meeting. Some of the ongoing discussion centers around whether a 50-bed or a 100-bed jail would best serve the county.

The local youth groups at Wesleyan and Southern Hills Evangelical Free Church have joined forces to host a flamingo yard war event from April 10 through April 24th in an effort to help the youth raise funds for their combined summer trip.