Community members gather on Main Street in Wessington Springs for the Sons of the American Legion Community Supper following Saturday’s annual Poker Run. The event, held in memory of Michial Brodkorb, raises funds to support local organizations, clubs and community projects. (KRISTI HINE / TRUE DAKOTAN)

Community members gather on Main Street in Wessington Springs for the Sons of the American Legion Community Supper following Saturday’s annual Poker Run. The event, held in memory of Michial Brodkorb, raises funds to support local organizations, clubs and community projects. (KRISTI HINE / TRUE DAKOTAN)

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Community supports annual Poker Run despite triple-digit heat

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Triple-digit temperatures may have kept some home, but those who turned out for the Sons of the...
Jerauld County Sheriff Jason Weber discusses South Dakota laws governing motorized scooters during last week’s Alpena Town Board meeting, where residents gathered to learn more about safety concerns and regulations. (KRISTI HINE / TRUE DAKOTAN)

Jerauld County Sheriff Jason Weber discusses South Dakota laws governing motorized scooters during last week’s Alpena Town Board meeting, where residents gathered to learn more about safety concerns and regulations. (KRISTI HINE / TRUE DAKOTAN)

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Alpena addresses scooter safety concerns with public education effort

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Concerned about close calls involving motorized scooters and underage drivers, the Alpena Town Board invited the Jerauld County Sheriff's Office to last Wednesday's meeting to explain South Dakota law and answer questions from residents about the growing safety issue.

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Sports 

Dylan Schimke bats with Brock Krueger at third base during Sunday’s doubleheader against Chamberlain. Schimke drove in five runs across the two games as the Owls swept the Mallards. (PHOTOS BY CRAIG WENZEL FOR THE TRUE DAKOTAN)

Dylan Schimke bats with Brock Krueger at third base during Sunday’s doubleheader against Chamberlain. Schimke drove in five runs across the two games as the Owls swept the Mallards. (PHOTOS BY CRAIG WENZEL FOR THE TRUE DAKOTAN)

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Owls sweep Chamberlain in Sunday doubleheader

News Staff
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
The Wessington Springs Owls used strong pitching and a pair of big offensive innings to sweep the...
17U Teeners pictred above are, front: Will Grohs. Second row left to right: Eli Kapp, Ryder Roduner, Chaz Larson, Mauer Jones, Hastin Heezen, Sutten Jensen, Grason Finn. Back row, left to right: Blake Miller Gavin Brandenburg, Hunter Heezen, Brett Miller, Carson Finn, Teagan Eggelston, Rylan Eggelston. (PHOTO COURTESY KATIE JONES)

17U Teeners pictred above are, front: Will Grohs. Second row left to right: Eli Kapp, Ryder Roduner, Chaz Larson, Mauer Jones, Hastin Heezen, Sutten Jensen, Grason Finn. Back row, left to right: Blake Miller Gavin Brandenburg, Hunter Heezen, Brett Miller, Carson Finn, Teagan Eggelston, Rylan Eggelston. (PHOTO COURTESY KATIE JONES)

Teeners set sights on state tournaments

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
17U heads to Britton this weekend; 14U prepares for July 24 tournament in Gregory.
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Feature 

John McWilliams, right, of Fort Worth, Texas, and Jason Wenzel of Wessington Springs stand beside the fully restored 1985 Plymouth Gran Fury that once served as the Springs Police Department patrol car driven by Jason's father, longtime Police Chief Larry 'Hawkeye' Wenzel. McWilliams brought the cruiser to the Leap to Lane Car Show, where it sparked memories and stories from residents. (KRISTI HINE / TRUE DAKOTAN)

John McWilliams, right, of Fort Worth, Texas, and Jason Wenzel of Wessington Springs stand beside the fully restored 1985 Plymouth Gran Fury that once served as the Springs Police Department patrol car driven by Jason's father, longtime Police Chief Larry 'Hawkeye' Wenzel. McWilliams brought the cruiser to the Leap to Lane Car Show, where it sparked memories and stories from residents. (KRISTI HINE / TRUE DAKOTAN)

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A piece of Wessington Springs history rolls home

Kristi Hine / True Dakotan
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
At first glance, it looked like another restored classic at the Leap to Lane Car Show.
Glenda (Grohs) Key, center, and Monte and Lana (Swanson) Fastnacht pause for a photo with the True Dakotan during an unexpected reunion in downtown Carlsbad, Calif. Glenda and Monte were country neighbors and attended Central School together. The longtime friends were thrilled to reconnect while the Fastnachts were passing through the area during their travels. (PHOTO COURTESY GLENDA KEY)

Glenda (Grohs) Key, center, and Monte and Lana (Swanson) Fastnacht pause for a photo with the True Dakotan during an unexpected reunion in downtown Carlsbad, Calif. Glenda and Monte were country neighbors and attended Central School together. The longtime friends were thrilled to reconnect while the Fastnachts were passing through the area during their travels. (PHOTO COURTESY GLENDA KEY)

Traveling with the True Dakotan: Where in the World Has Your Newspaper Been?

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Hometown Connections Meet in Carlsbad Glenda (Grohs) Key proudly shared her mailed copy of the True...
Members of the Wenzel family gather for a Fourth of July celebration at the home of Duke and Karen Wenzel in Wessington Springs. Nearly 50 relatives, many traveling from Wyoming and Oklahoma, spent the holiday enjoying fireworks, yard games, shared meals and time together while celebrating a tradition they look forward to each year. (PHOTO COURTESY CRAIG WENZEL)

Members of the Wenzel family gather for a Fourth of July celebration at the home of Duke and Karen Wenzel in Wessington Springs. Nearly 50 relatives, many traveling from Wyoming and Oklahoma, spent the holiday enjoying fireworks, yard games, shared meals and time together while celebrating a tradition they look forward to each year. (PHOTO COURTESY CRAIG WENZEL)

A Family Tradition That Comes Home Every Fourth

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
The Fourth of July is a huge event at the Duke and Karen Wenzel’s Wessington Springs home.
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