Columnists | Kingsbury Journal

Things have begun to calm down a bit on our little farm. We finally sold our puppies, which turned out to be quite an ordeal. Instead of just lowering the prices as we have in the past when we have … more

By Amy Halverson | 9/10/25

Talking to yourself

You have no doubt heard the expression, “It’s okay to talk to yourself as long as you don’t answer yourself.” When we encounter people audibly talking to themselves, it makes us nervous. Our … more

By Stuart Twite | 9/3/25

Finding patience and dump casserole

Patience is a virtue. I have had to remind myself of something several times over the past few months about our newest puppy, Dolly. We picked up Dolly in February, and she is now eight months old. … more

By Amy Halverson | 9/3/25

Why pelvic health matters

In our research and clinical practice experiences, a common theme emerges from people living with pelvic floor issues. “I wish someone had told me about this sooner.” Through interviews and … more

By Dr. Patti Berg-Poppe and Dr. Staci Wietfeld | 9/3/25

The door to happiness is always ajar

Or maybe a jar? A jar of dill pickles? How about bread and butter or sweet lime? Yellow bean, crab apple, cinnamon apple rings, watermelon rind, or beet? All of these kinds of pickles and probably … more

By DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel | 8/21/25

Operation: Prairie Thunder

Strong. Safe. Free. Our state is all three, and it is my mission as your governor to keep it that way. When it comes to safety, one of our biggest opportunities to move the needle is in Sioux Falls, … more

By Gov. Larry Rhoden | 8/6/25

Give them something to talk about

“Come sit by me. We need to visit.” Grandma patted the chair next to her at our kitchen table. “What have you been doing this summer?” Sincere interest shone in her faded blue eyes. Soon the … more

By DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel | 8/6/25

Look up

When I was very young, it was, like with so many other young people, one of my dreams to be a star athlete. Growing up, I played football, baseball and basketball, and stardom in any one of them … more

By Stuart Twite | 8/6/25

Pitter-patter of puppy paws and pecan pie bars

It has been a little crazier than usual around here lately, as we have our hands full with puppies. We do not have any new puppies, but the black labs born on June 12 have become more work lately. As … more

By Amy Halverson | 8/6/25

Come on in — Sit a spell

“Come on in! Mabel will put the coffee on.” Dad extended the invitation. It didn’t matter who the visitors were or what they did, hospitality was extended. And, almost always, they accepted. … more

By DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel | 8/6/25

Storing cucumbers and meatball sub casserole

With everyone’s gardens starting to take off, I thought it would be a good time to share some tips on how to keep cucumbers fresher for longer. In general, cucumbers will last for 4-6 days. They … more

By Amy Halverson | 8/6/25

It’s time to be up and doing!

During the years I lived in Massachusetts, I became friends with an amazing woman who, though in her 90s, lived alone, volunteered with several organizations and drove herself to all her various … more

By Stuart Twite | 8/6/25

Fiscal strength

South Dakota is pretty darn special. What other state has the lowest unemployment rate in America, the second-best overall tax system, the second-least regulations, no income tax, a AAA credit … more

By Gov. Larry Rhoden | 7/23/25

My, how time flies!

“How much longer?” Sitting between Mom and Dad on the more-than-two-hour drive to Lake Traverse, I had asked the question ten minutes ago. I knew better than to ask again, but it seemed like we … more

By DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel | 7/23/25

Unum necessarium

I must confess up front that I do not know any Latin, but the phrase “unum necessarium” has been on my mind this week as I think about the visit of Jesus to Mary and Martha in Bethany as recorded … more

By Stuart Twite | 7/23/25

Leading on Second Amendment rights

South Dakota is the freest state in America, and that holds extra true for our Second Amendment rights. We have a long history of recognizing the Second Amendment, dating all the way back to our … more

By Gov. Larry Rhoden | 7/23/25

A really big “shoo”

It was a Sunday night. February 9, 1964. More than 73 million Americans waited with anticipation. Our family was among those as we sat in the living room in front of our black and white Zenith. … more

By DeAnn (Wolkow) Kruempel | 7/23/25

Rooted in freedom

Independence Day marks a pivotal moment in American history. On a summer day 249 years ago inside Independence Hall, our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and declared liberty … more

By Gov. Larry Rhoden | 7/16/25

The western states

I was born and raised West River, and that part of the state reflects the great American West in a lot of ways. The hillcrests and valleys are a bit sharper; the prairies have more cows and grass … more

By Gov. Larry Rhoden | 7/16/25

Lie low

I recently had one of those days. Nothing particularly stressful or painful occurred; it just seemed that everything was a bit of a test, and I was getting pretty bad marks. I started the day … more

By Stuart Twite | 7/16/25