De Smet | Kingsbury Journal

What’s your vision for your new Main Street?

We need you! It will only take a few minutes. We need your opinion on the Main Street beautification elements. After several years of behind-the-scenes work by many dedicated local folks, it is time … more

By Jamie Lancaster, Kingsbury Journal | 5/16/24

Track in good condition, but needs attention

The De Smet School Board met on Mon., May 13 to discuss several different topics including work that needs to be done on the track and changes in picking up and dropping off children at the new … more

By Amy Halverson, Kingsbury Journal | 5/16/24

Attending the FCCLA State Conference in Sioux Falls were Calli Fields, back left, Lyla Schoenfelder, Remi Efraimson, Jaidynn Geidd, Kody Rowcliffe, Erica Johnson, Britney Coleman, Sophia Barr, Mrs. Palmlund; Jael Koistinen, middle left, Arabel Aughenbaugh, Brooklyn Coughlin, Cortney Smith, Adalyn Gross, Kashden Palmlund; Haizel Koistinen, front left, Kimber Efraimson, Dalton Coughlin, Kaden Koistinen and Rhys Hendrickson.

FCCLA garners awards

Members of the De Smet High School Family, Career and Community Leaders (FCCLA) gathered with fellow members from across the state at the State Leadership Conference in Sioux Falls April 21-23. … more

By Shannon Palmlund, Fccla Advisor | 5/16/24

Blood drive results

Blood drive results LifeServe Blood Center had a good turnout at a blood drive in De Smet on Mon., May 13. Seventeen individuals registered; 16 were able to donate, and 19 units of life-saving blood … more

5/16/24

Proposed north parking lot for school approved

De Smet City Council met on Wed., May 8, at 5 p.m. at the De Smet Event Center to discuss several items including reconvening as the new board and making appointments, school parking and the … more

By Amy Halverson, Kingsbury Journal | 5/16/24

These photos of De Smet’s Main Street from the 1930’s illustrates the historic lighting features this project could emulate.

‘Once in a lifetime’ project sparks discussion

The city council, Main Street business owners and other members of the public gathered on Tues., April 30, at the De Smet Event Center for a special meeting regarding the Main Street project to … more

By Amy Halverson, Kingsbury Journal | 5/8/24

Each kindergartener got their very own Whatif Monster.

Dealing with the ‘Whatif Monster’

The De Smet High School service-learning class took part in two very special projects this year. First, the students volunteered their time at the food pantry on Tuesdays throughout the year, helping … more

5/8/24

Mary Wilkinson (second from left) was named Booster of the Year at Sunday's athletic awards banquet in De Smet. She is joined by Entringer Scholarship awardees Kadyn Fast (left), Emily Jennings and George Jensen.

Athletes honored at annual awards event

De Smet’s Athletic Awards Night was held May 5 in the Event Center. The annual event highlights athletic support and student athlete achievements in each sport, in addition to awarding a variety of … more

By Kingsbury Journal Staff | 5/8/24

American Legion members from Kingsbury County held their county meeting and meal April 24 at the Legion Hall in De Smet. Following the meeting, members took part in a ceremony to properly dispose of unserviceable flags. Legion members Lyle Richards, left, Dale Thomson and Laird Beck come forward with flags to be inspected by the commander. Bob Blaha, back, played the bugle as part of the ceremony.

Klinkel recognized as 70-year Legion member

Merle Klinkel of De Smet, a member of American Legion Post 138, was recently honored as a 70-year member of the organization. Klinkel joined the Army National Guard in 1947 and was sent to Camp … more

By Donna Palmlund, Kingsbury Journal | 5/1/24

Breyten Johnson, back left, Chase Temme, Gabriel Aughenbaugh, Chauncey Driscoll, River Hornig, Trace Van Regenmorter, Edger Wilkinson, Connor Johnson; Owen Anderson, middle left, Tanner Tolzin, Xander Hendrickson, Gannon Gilligan, Remi Efraimson, Logan Nielsen, Donovan Sandven; Cody Zell, front left, Macailyn Pillar, Kody Rowcliffe, Jael Koistinen and Brooklyn Coughlin.

Blue jackets take in state convention

Twenty De Smet FFA members attended the State FFA Convention April 18-20 in Brookings, S.D. Three teams competed in Agribusiness Management, Nursery/Landscape and Milk Quality and Products. Brooklyn … more

Submitted by Dave Vanderwal, Ffa Advisor | 5/1/24

Seth Wallen and Randy Beck stand by the new beverage cooler.

Legion bingo supports remodel

The De Smet American Legion Post 138 hosted a fun-filled evening of Bingo before a full house Saturday night at the constantly improving American Legion building. The funds raised at this event will … more

By Bernie Stoel, Kingsbury Journal | 5/1/24

De Smet Prom 2024 — Roaring 20s

4/29/24

Peggy Akkerman Schmidt was able to catch a perfect shot of the eclipse with her telescope in Texas.

Catching a total eclipse of the sun

The Akkermans travel south each winter, but this year was special. They were able to be one of the millions who saw the eclipse firsthand. Gary and Terri Akkerman spend each winter with their … more

By Amy Halverson, Kingsbury Journal | 4/29/24

Younger folk – if asked, consider saying yes

This is the first in a series of stories that will highlight the impacts of Laura Ingalls Wilder and travel and tourism in De Smet. As I sit down to write this story concerning the legacy of Laura … more

By Larry Janish, Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society Board Member, Volunteer Treasurer | 4/29/24

Old well goes kaput, new well authorized

The De Smet City Council met at 5 p.m. on Wed., April 10, 2024, to discuss a variety of topics including city wells, water pressure issues for residents, the Main Street project, Chase and Second … more

By Amy Halverson, Kingsbury Journal | 4/17/24

Track meet costs running higher

The De Smet School Board met on Wed., April 10 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss higher track costs, school board openings and the last day of school. TRACK COSTS JUMPING Principal Daniel Bettin informed the … more

By Amy Halverson, Kingsbury Journal | 4/17/24

Macailyn Pillar, Alexis Alderman, Audi Currier, Ivey Schoenfelder, Harper Anderson, Brooklyn Coughlin and Aubree Blue.

Students go road trippin’ to Chi-Town

Twenty-eight students, six chaperones and one nurse from De Smet left on Sun., March 31, headed to Chicago, Ill., for the school’s music trip. Monday, the group toured the Museum of Science and … more

By Amy Halverson, Kingsbury Journal | 4/17/24

There’s a new travel agent in town

Denae Tordoff has been a staple in De Smet as a cosmetologist at Leigh Marie Salon for 13 years. She loved that job and her clients but had to give it up due to medical reasons, retiring at the end … more

By Dave Fields, Kingsbury Journal | 4/10/24

Surveying the railroad across Dakota

Last week, I had the pleasure of listening to Cindy Wilson, author of “The Beautiful Snow” share her latest book. She talked about her research and findings for her newest book “We Suffered … more

By James Jesser, Kingsbury Journal | 4/10/24

Main Street project to be bid this fall

The De Smet City Council held a special meeting on Tues., March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the De Smet Event Center to discuss the Main Street Project with local business owners and the public who attended. … more

By Amy Halverson, Kingsbury Journal | 4/3/24