This week's Publisher's Desk by Jeremy Waltner A Wet Mountain ‘thanks’ Family vacations were the rule, not the exception, when I was growing up. My mom and dad placed high value on travel — they still do — and told my sister and I during our childhood that taking us to places outside of our own, sma...

Growing Dreams Learning Center makes no bones about it: It needs support from the community if it is going to remain open. That means the community must step up, and here are a few suggestions. As the lead story in this week’s issue of The Courier lays out, Growing Dreams Learning Center is in troub...

When South Dakota voters failed to approve an amendment that would have eliminated male-only references for public officials in the state — including the governor — it reflected a shameful failure to give women proper acknowledgement and treatment as equals. More than a week has passed since voters ...

I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent last week at Heritage Hall Museum & Archives watching local youngsters take in what was probably a first for most of them — a local museum that is nothing short of a treasure. More than 30 boys and girls and adult chaperones were there as part of the Freeman Pub...

Another fatal accident at Meridian Corner, this time on Monday afternoon, once again prompts the question: What’s it going to take to make that intersection safer? At 2:15 p.m. on Monday, June 24, a 51-year-old man and an 12-year-old boy were killed at the intersection of Highways 81 and 18 when the...

I didn’t include it with my story about Ashton Massey that highlights this edition of The Courier, but I spent some time talking with the Menno senior about Caitlin Clark. “Ever heard of her?” I asked Ashton. She laughed and we went on to talk about the former Iowa point guard who is now wearing a W...

Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes face Connecticut in the second of two NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament Elite Eight games tonight. Ahead of tonight's scheduled 8 p.m. tip, here is what Courier Publisher Jeremy Waltner had to say in his weekly column about the superstar who wears No. 22. I have ...

When “Shrek the Musical” was announced as this year’s Schmeckfest production late last year, I know there were doubters who were skeptical at best and dismissive at worst, and even some who stubbornly said they would not be attending. I don’t know if those folks ever came around, but if not — well, ...

South Dakota News Media Day at the Capitol in Pierre serves as a solid reminder of the importance of access to — and relationships with — our elected officials. For many years — decades, in fact — a day has been set aside during the general session of the South Dakota Legislature for South Dakota ne...

The Freeman community once again finds itself processing the news of a tragic death and standing in solidarity with those most impacted by unimaginable loss. In this case it is the passing of Megan Rollag, a senior at Freeman High School and daughter of a friend and former employee, Tabitha Schoenwa...