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.

EDGEMONT – The Edgemont School District has launched a wideranging initiative to bolster student and community safety. The campaign spans the entire academic year and addresses various safety concerns, from cyber threats to physical security.

MORRILL, Neb. -- The Edgemont High School band and choir made an impressive showing at the recent Panhandle Music Contest held in Morrill, Neb., securing second place in a fiercely competitive event. The contest, which draws talented young musicians from across the region, was a stage for outstanding performances, with several students from Edgemont receiving top honors for their individual and group contributions.

HOT SPRINGS – In a heartfelt display of community support,theIndependentOrder of Odd Fellows Southern Hills Lodge #112 has significantly contributed to the well-being of students in the Hot Springs and Edgemont School Districts. With a generous donation of $1,500 to each school district’s lunch fund, the Lodge aims to alleviate school lunch debt and ensure that every child has access to nutritious meals during their school day.