News

Oelrichs History Conference is April 21

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OELRICHS - On Sunday, April 21, 2024, the Oelrichs Historical Society will host its annual history conference at the Oelrichs Middle/High School at 214 West 7th Street beginning with lunch at 11:30 am. The conference is an opportunity to share local history as well as a fundraiser for the historical society. There is no fee, but donations are appreciated.

Hot Springs FFA Club hosts successful CDE competition

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HOT SPRINGS – In preparation of this week’s State FFA Convention in Brookings on April 17-20, the Hot Springs School District hosted the District 5 Career Development Event (CDE) last Wednesday, April 10, which was attended by a total of 273 students from 11 different West River schools.

Middle School Principal from Pierre hired as the new Superintendent in Hot Springs

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One month after Superintendent Dennis Fischer announced his retirement, the Hot Springs School District has hired Pierre Middle School Principal Dr. Kyley Cumbow to fill that position beginning July 1, 2024. The announcement came last Thursday, April 11, after the school board and administrative team conducted in-person interviews with three candidates whom were secured through the Dakota Education Consulting firm of Sioux Falls. “With an extensive background in education and a proven track record of leadership, Dr. Kyley Cumbow brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our district,” stated School Board President Ryan Walz, while adding that Dr. Cumbow’s innovative approach to education will undoubtedly benefit the students, staff, and community of Hot Springs. “Her passion for education and commitment to student success make her the ideal candidate to lead our district into the future.”

Gifting sight locally and abroad

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HOT SPRINGS – Dr. Dallas Wilkinson, of Vision Source in Hot Springs, recently returned from a medical mission trip to Mexico where he helped give the gift of sight to many.

School Board approves faculty, administrative 2024-25 contracts

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HOT SPRINGS – Last Monday night’s April 8 regular meeting of the Hot Springs School Board featured an abbreviated 20-minute session open to the public, followed by an extended executive session to finalize some personnel matters which included the approval of contracts for certified staff and administrators.

Demo’d Dale’s...

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Thus far, much of the progress in the Hot Springs Urban Reconstruction project has been noted by the addition of new features in the downtown area. On Monday, April 15, progress was noted by subtraction as the former Dale’s Family Restaurant was demolished to make way for a redesigned intersection of Battle Mountain Avenue and North River Street. The location at the north end of town near Evans Plunge has been home to a restaurant since 1973 when Cal Lowe operated one of his two cafes in Hot Springs. It was later purchased and taken over by the Boyd family in the late 70s and then the Phipps family in the 80s when it was known as Country Corner.

License Plate Reader Camera installation approved by city

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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.

Nearing completion...

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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 High School’s Drama Department presents Artist’s Retreat

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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.

Energize! Conference slated for May 22-23 in Hot Springs

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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!