Washouts are visible along the curb and gutter on the recently installed surface of Second Street north of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. City officials have declined to accept substantial completion of the project while awaiting a repair plan from H&W Contracting. (KRISTI HINE / TRUE DAKOTAN)

Washouts are visible along the curb and gutter on the recently installed surface of Second Street north of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. City officials have declined to accept substantial completion of the project while awaiting a repair plan from H&W Contracting. (KRISTI HINE / TRUE DAKOTAN)

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City of WS refuses substantial completion acceptance of Second Street project after new concerns exposed

Kristi Hine / True Dakotan
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Less than three weeks after a new Otta Seal surface was applied to Wessington Springs’ long-delayed...
Despite muddy conditions left behind by Thursday afternoon’s severe storms, the Wessington Springs SDRA Rodeo delivered two exciting nights of competition July 2-3. Once the weather cleared Thursday evening, contestants put on a memorable show, demonstrating determination and skill while fans filled the grandstands.

Despite muddy conditions left behind by Thursday afternoon’s severe storms, the Wessington Springs SDRA Rodeo delivered two exciting nights of competition July 2-3. Once the weather cleared Thursday evening, contestants put on a memorable show, demonstrating determination and skill while fans filled the grandstands.

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Storms give way to memorable rodeo

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Storms give way to memorable rodeo
A Fourth to Remember

A Fourth to Remember

A Fourth to Remember

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

From Main Street to Springs Country Club and across to the city park, Wessington Springs came alive as residents and visitors kicked off one of the community’s largest Fourth of July gatherings in years while helping celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

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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.
Wessington Springs High School junior Jaspur Gran represented South Dakota in the 285-pound division at the 2026 USA Wrestling 16U National Duals in Farmington, Utah. Gran earned a spot on Team South Dakota after qualifying at the South Dakota Freestyle State Championships and finished the national tournament with a 6-2 individual record while helping the team place second in its bracket.

Wessington Springs High School junior Jaspur Gran represented South Dakota in the 285-pound division at the 2026 USA Wrestling 16U National Duals in Farmington, Utah. Gran earned a spot on Team South Dakota after qualifying at the South Dakota Freestyle State Championships and finished the national tournament with a 6-2 individual record while helping the team place second in its bracket.

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Gran represents South Dakota at 16U National Duals

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Wessington Springs High School junior Jaspur Gran had the opportunity to compete against some of...
Area dancers Raelynn Waters (left), Mercedes Jones and Lorelei Polly pose backstage during their recent ballet performances with Core Kinetics Dance Studio. Waters completed her first year in the program, Polly finished her second year, and Mercedes graduated after 14 years.

Area dancers Raelynn Waters (left), Mercedes Jones and Lorelei Polly pose backstage during their recent ballet performances with Core Kinetics Dance Studio. Waters completed her first year in the program, Polly finished her second year, and Mercedes graduated after 14 years.

Local dancers complete ballet season

News Staff
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Three area dancers recently concluded their ballet season with Core Kinetics Dance Studio, wrapping...
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Feature 

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.
Marcus Damm stands on Main Street in Wessington Springs holding two of the 24 Betsy Ross-style American flags he purchased and installed along downtown light poles ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Inspired by a conversation with his wife, Lynn, he organized the patriotic display, creating a festive welcome for residents and visitors during the holiday weekend.

Marcus Damm stands on Main Street in Wessington Springs holding two of the 24 Betsy Ross-style American flags he purchased and installed along downtown light poles ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Inspired by a conversation with his wife, Lynn, he organized the patriotic display, creating a festive welcome for residents and visitors during the holiday weekend.

A patriotic vision takes flight on Main Street

Kristi Hine / True Dakotan
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Sometimes all it takes is a simple conversation to spark an idea.
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