Jack Link’s Beef Jerky plant is a “Modern Marvel”

The Jack Links Beef Jerky plant (L.S.I.) in Alpena was featured on national television (History) on Monday night, December 26.

Plant manager Rick Tebay (above), of Alpena, was featured in the airing of “Modern Marvels”, which covered convenience stores, popular C-store snacks and how they are made.

A camera crew from the History Channel came to Alpena last fall to film the segment.

Various scenes of workers and production areas gave viewers a rare glimpse inside the plant.

PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN DURING TELEVISION BROADCAST/DUKE WENZEL

You normally see a car or pickup truck at a body shop, but J&M Specialties in Wessington Springs has also added tractor restoration to its list of service.

The business, owned by Jeff Reider and Mike Brunsen, recently finished the complete restoration of a classic 1957 John Deere 720 diesel tractor. The machine was originally purchased new for around $3,400 by the late Fester Von Eye. The machine is now in the hands of his children, Tom Von Eye and his sister Sandy Von Eye, who farm west of Wessington Springs.

Jerauld County natives who have returned to pursue their careers in their home area were part of a Career Extravaganza at Wessington Springs High School last week. Shown are, from left, Jeff Burg, Cam Christensen, Alex Dean and Jewel Kopfmann. -- Duke Wenzel photo

 Local people who have returned to the area to pursue their careers were enlisted to share their experiences during a Career Extravaganza, held at Wessington Springs High School on Tuesday, December 20. The event was planned and hosted by the school’s Employability Class.

TRUE DAKOTAN/DUKE WENZEL -

THE CHAPTER D P.E.O. SOCIETY has been around Wessington Springs for many decades. Their efforts have helped countless area students continue their education through their scholarship program.

These P.E.O. Society women were pictured on December 10, 2011, during their Christmas holiday goodies sale that will help fund their yearly scholarships.

Those shown are, back row, Sheila Christensen, Irene Olson, Nan Young, Ann Olson, Peg Fagerhaug, Janet Borgmann, Janet Kolousek, Diane Schneider, Linda Boschee, Pam Hainy; front: Lucile Dean, Gladys Fagerhaug, Alexis Kleppin, Norma Budahl, Pat Mettler, Darlene Bergeleen.

TRUE DAKOTAN PHOTO/DUKE WENZEL --JERAULD COUNTY DOG BREEDER Joe Schweidop, of Lane, and his dog, Sunrise Annie Bell, captured second place at the National National English Spring Spaniel Field Trial Association championship, held in Onsted, Michigan, earlier this month.

 A Jerauld County dog breeder captured second place at the 2011 National Open Championship, held December 9-13, at Onsted, Michigan.

An English Springer Spaniel, named “Sunrise Annie Bell”, and owned by Joe Schweidop, of Lane, was among 129 dogs competing in the competition. The contest was for flushing bird dogs who were working with pheasants in the field.

A rare treat… an albino hummingbird. Something that is seldom seen and almost NEVER photographed. Albino hummingbird Fifteen-year-old photographer Marlin Shank was fortunate enough to capture several images of a rare albino ruby-throated hummingbird while in a park in Staunton , Va