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HB 1044 signed into law

HB 1044 signed into law

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HB 1044 signed into law

Nick Fosness (r)
Friday, February 6, 2026
We have completed week three of the 2026 South Dakota Legislative Session and things are already moving at full speed.The biggest headline this week was a real win for rural South Dakota. HB 1044 – the Rural Health Transformation Fund – got signed into law by Gov.
Webster librarian Patricia Proctor is standing in the new adult lounge in the library. She said she is a big fan of history and wants to be able to share it with the community. “All the work we’ve put in has been for the community and I’m so thankful for everyone trusting me,” said Proctor. Reporter & Farmer | Connor Handrahan

Webster librarian Patricia Proctor is standing in the new adult lounge in the library. She said she is a big fan of history and wants to be able to share it with the community. “All the work we’ve put in has been for the community and I’m so thankful for everyone trusting me,” said Proctor. Reporter & Farmer | Connor Handrahan

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Renovations to share the love of reading

Connor Handrahan
Friday, February 6, 2026
Renovations have been happening at the Webster Library with a goal of welcoming everyone. According to librarian Patricia Proctor, this library only had a few areas truly dedicated to the public and were meant for younger children.
Robert Witt comes to Sun Dial Manor any chance he gets to visit his wife, Velma Witt. These two have been married for 25 years. He says it’s been some of his best years and he’s pretty sure he’s given his wife at least a few good years too. Reporter & Farmer | Connor Handrahan

Robert Witt comes to Sun Dial Manor any chance he gets to visit his wife, Velma Witt. These two have been married for 25 years. He says it’s been some of his best years and he’s pretty sure he’s given his wife at least a few good years too. Reporter & Farmer | Connor Handrahan

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How life can guide two people together

Connor Handrahan
Friday, February 6, 2026
92 years old Velma and 87-year-old Robert Witt got married Oct. 20, 2000 and lived together for 23 years before Velma Witt moved into Sun Dial Manor in March 2023. Robert Witt and Velma Witt might not live together anymore, but they are still as close as ever.
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Congress once again shows support for local newspapers

News Staff
Friday, February 6, 2026
The National Newspaper Association public policy team and its partners announced that Congress has once again demonstrated a belief in the value of their hometown newspapers.February 3, the appropriations package was passed by the House and signed by Pres. Trump.
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Highway fatalities reach five-year low in South Dakota

News Staff
Friday, February 6, 2026
PIERRE – In 2025, South Dakota recorded 110 fatal crashes resulting in 123 deaths, marking a five-year low and a significant improvement in roadway safety, according to preliminary data from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Accident Records.The total represents a 16.
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Memories of the past milkmen and Baldies

Rocky Bartos
Friday, February 6, 2026
Milkmen became nearly extinct as a profession around 1970. However, during my first 10 years, they still roamed the state.Online options make fast home delivery of just about anything possible in today’s Amazon-spoiled world. Back in the day, things were different.
The site of the demolished Webster School 1950s wing pictured Feb. 4 sparked Continuing Athletic Traditions for Students (CATS) group to begin seeking a solution for Webster Area’s need for an athletic facility to house the growing number of youth and varsity sports including the wrestling program which was displaced with the demolition. Reporter & Farmer | Leyton Beardslee

The site of the demolished Webster School 1950s wing pictured Feb. 4 sparked Continuing Athletic Traditions for Students (CATS) group to begin seeking a solution for Webster Area’s need for an athletic facility to house the growing number of youth and varsity sports including the wrestling program which was displaced with the demolition. Reporter & Farmer | Leyton Beardslee

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CATS group still hopeful after failed bond vote

Leyton Beardslee
Friday, February 6, 2026
With their recent plan for a new $12.5 million athletic facility for Webster Area School being struck down in a November bond vote, Continuing Athletic Traditions for Students (CATS) group is now looking ahead to how they can create a better plan for their second attempt at passing a project.
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