Opinion

Information is the lifeblood of a free government

Amanda Dulitz

Friday, March 13, 2026

Every year on March 16, a date that might otherwise slip quietly by on the calendar, we observe Freedom of Information Day. It isn’t a holiday marked by parades or sales, but in a nation built on open government, it carries a significance that arguably deserves both.The date is not random.

The amazing support of a community

The amazing support of a community around the Bearcat boys basketball season

Leyton Beardslee

Friday, March 13, 2026

If there’s one thing I love about high school sports more than anything, it is seeing a community rally around a group of kids who leave everything on the floor every game.

Filling waiting time with music

Connor Handrahan

Friday, March 13, 2026

Being put on hold is usually a pretty boring experience. Most of the time I spend just staring off into space, waiting for the other end to respond.

OLE & LENA

News Staff

Friday, March 13, 2026

lenaOle had a heated argument with Mrs. Lindstrom. Finally, in exasperation, Mrs. Lindstrom exploded. “Ole, if you vere my husband, I vould give you poison.”Not to be outdone, Ole retorted, “If you vere my vife, I’d take it!” ~~~ Ole got back home after a trip to Minneapolis.

Why I decided to learn to read music after 13 years of playing piano

Leyton Beardslee

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Music has played a major role in my self expression since I began playing piano at the age of eight. It quickly became an art form I realized I innately understood and began composing my own pieces by age nine. There was just one problem – I didn’t learn how to read music.

Live like there’s no tomorrow, because there may not be

Amanda Dulitz

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Not too long ago, I celebrated another of many 29th birthdays. This week, we feature a woman who is less ashamed of her age than I.In fact, Alice Simonson of Webster may hold the title as oldest living South Dakotan. At 108, she’s sharp-witted and still enjoys a good joke.

Avocado green and eight-track tapes

Rocky Bartos

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Avocado green is a trendy color for 2026. This news came via an unwanted internet ad that appeared during my failed search for a replacement freezer part.Unbelievable. I thought avocado green, harvest gold, burnt orange and other hideous shades from my youth were gone forever. Nope.

Senator Rohl gives bill update from Pierre as season winds down

Michael Rohl (r)

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Below is an update on the bills I’ve written so far and where they are in the legislative process: SB 3: An act to limit the types of residential improvements for which counties, municipalities and townships may require a building permit. Passed both chambers, sent to governor’s desk.

Take me out to the ballgame, Legislature ending session strong

Nick Fosness (r)

Saturday, March 7, 2026

As we head into the final stretch of the 101st Legislative Session, I am reminded of the seventh- inning stretch at my beloved Chicago Cubs game. We’ve sung “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” stretched our legs, shaken off the dust and now we’re ready for the last two innings.

It’s that time again... and it still upsets me

Amanda Dulitz

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Well folks, here we are again – that special moment when we all gather ‘round our microwaves, ovens and car dashboards to perform America’s favorite seasonal ritual: pretending we understand why we change the clocks.If this column feels familiar, it’s because it is.

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