South Dakota
Rural South Dakota youth receive college scholarships
South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation recently awarded $500 scholarships to youth from five rural South Dakota communities.
“Youth are our future. These scholarships are among the ways Farmers Union can support rural youth as they pursue the education necessary to keep South Dakota’s agriculture and rural economy strong and moving forward,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union. “When I look at these youth and their future career plans, I believe the future of agriculture in South Dakota is bright.”
Youth receiving scholarships are Holden Hegg, Huron; Abby Kolousek, Wessington Springs; Garrett Kruger, De Smet; Carissa Scheel, Wessington Springs; and Hayden Schroeder, Alexandria.
Scholarship recipients were selected through an application process.
“I am impressed by the dedication these youth apply to their schoolwork as well as extra-curricular activities in their rural communities through participation in organizations like 4-H and FFA. These students are prepared for success in college,” said Samantha Olson, Education Program Specialist for South Dakota Farmers Union. “These youth understand that in addition to farmers and ranchers, South Dakota’s agriculture industry needs professionals with degrees in engineering, business and communications as well.”
Meet the Scholarship Recipients
Holden Hegg, Huron
Education Plans: Attend South Dakota State University and major in mechanical engineering
Career aspiration: I grew up running equipment and raising cattle on my family’s farm. I have always been passionate about our operation and love working on the mechanical side of things. I plan on tying my mechanical engineering degree with my roots in farming. Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in developing and improving agricultural technology. I plan to use my degree to enhance the ag industry in rural South Dakota.
Impact of Farmers Union: I grew up attending Farmers Union summer day camps. To this day, I remember the safety courses and videos that taught me about farm safety.
Abby Kolousek, Wessington Springs
Education Plans: Plans to pursue a degree in marketing
Career aspiration: This year I had the opportunity to organize a horse playday for all ages. In addition to signing up volunteers and asking businesses for donations, I also did the marketing for this event.
Through this and other experiences, I understand that marketing is a skill needed in rural communities throughout South Dakota.
Impact of Farmers Union: Farmers Union has given me opportunities to travel and see different parts of the country, and the organization has also given me friendships that will last a lifetime.
Garrett Kruger, De Smet
Education Plans: Currently studying to become an HVAC/R technician at Western Dakota Technical College
Career aspiration: Rural communities are facing a shortage of HVAC/R professionals. I am eager to begin this career because I will have the opportunity to work on multiple projects and have a positive impact on those I work for.
Impact of Farmers Union: Being involved in Farmers Union has taught me the importance of teamwork and communications and improved my skills in these areas.
Carissa Scheel, Wessington Springs
Education Plans: Pursue a degree in veterinary medicine
Career aspiration: After becoming a veterinarian, I plan to move back to Wessington Springs and work to help the local agriculture economy by helping ensure animals maintain their health and well-being.
Impact of Farmers Union: I learned about soil health and working with youth when I worked with members of our FFA chapter to host Wessington Springs Farmers Union Day. I serve as Chapter President and I and other members of our chapter put on a presentation about soil erosion.
Hayden Schroeder, Alexandria
Education Plans: Attend South Dakota State University and major in agricultural business and agronomy
Career aspiration: I have been involved in my family farm my entire life and I want to continue my passion working in the agriculture industry as an agronomist, ag banker or in ag marketing, while also farming with my dad and grandpa.
Impact of Farmers Union: Attending Farmers Union camp increased my understanding of the agricultural industry and expanded my leadership skills.
To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union educational programming and summer camps, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Education link.
The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at July 8, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from July 8 drawing
12-29-37-43-55, Powerball: 18, Power Play: 4
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from July 8 drawing
17-26-31-32-37, Star Ball: 01, ASB: 02
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Dakota Cash numbers from July 8 drawing
07-11-18-31-33
Check Dakota Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from July 8 drawing
16-18-43-48-50, Bonus: 01
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
- Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
- Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.
When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.
LARCHWOOD, Iowa (KIWA) – A Tea, South Dakota man has been arrested on a felony domestic abuse charge after an incident near Larchwood.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the Lyon County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Iowa State Patrol, 45-year-old Beau Christensen of Tea is accused of assaulting his girlfriend in their hotel room at Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort near Larchwood. He was arrested on Wednesday, July 8.
In his statement, the state trooper who filed the report says Christensen put his hands around the victim’s neck. The victim stated she could not breathe while this was happening.
Christensen was charged with domestic abuse assault – impeding air or blood flow, a class D felony. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana.
He faces a preliminary hearing on Friday, July 10.
At last report, Christensen remained in the Lyon County Jail in Rock Rapids in lieu of a $6000 bond.
Want to get the latest news and weather from Siouxland’s News Source? Follow these links to download our KTIV News app and our First Alert Weather app.
Copyright 2026 KTIV. All rights reserved.
BROOKINGS, S.D. – Instead of boarding airplanes or planning weeklong vacations, many South Dakota families are spending summer weekends closer to home, filling festivals, community events and family attractions that offer affordable ways to make memories together.
That trend is showing up across the state, according to South Dakota tourism officials. And organizers of many local events say they’ve watched it evolve over decades.
“We did re-coin that term ‘staycation’ again this year,” said Shari Budahl Avery, publicity chair for the 55-year-old Brookings Summer Arts Festival. “If things are a little tight but you want to get away for a day, we can provide that experience.”
Families are redefining summer travel
Travel South Dakota has reported that many travelers are choosing more affordable destinations, taking shorter trips and staying closer to home because of continued economic uncertainty. The department said South Dakota is well positioned because many visitors already travel by car from nearby states.
According to the department, 58% of visitors travel within 150 miles of home, and affordability, scenic beauty and family experiences remain among the state’s strongest attractions.
Travel South Dakota reports that visitors rate the state highly for affordability and family experiences, with 87% saying they would recommend South Dakota to others and 90% planning to return.
Shawn Steward, public affairs manager for AAA South Dakota, said travelers look for ways to make summer vacations fit their finances rather than canceling them altogether.
“People still want to travel,” Steward said in an interview with South Dakota News Watch. “They’re just making different choices.”
Steward said many families are adjusting by taking shorter trips, traveling by car instead of flying or choosing destinations closer to home, trends that align with what tourism officials and local event organizers are seeing across South Dakota.
Local events become summer destinations
Budahl Avery said those statewide trends match what festival organizers have observed for years.
“We’re kind of dead center in a pretty good population center,” she said. “People can come on what one friend from Texas called a ‘tank trip’ – somewhere you can drive on one tank of gas and get home.”
The two-day festival features about 178 juried artists, live entertainment, children’s activities, food vendors and historical demonstrations. Budahl Avery said the goal is to create an experience where multiple generations can spend time together without needing an expensive vacation.
Affordable, convenient entertainment
During a recent stop in Brookings, the Cardin International Circus drew families from across the region. Ringmaster and comedian Rulito Videla said attendance varies from city to city, but he believes many families are looking for affordable experiences closer to home.
“If they are staying home, support your local events,” Videla said. “The circus is family-oriented entertainment. You create memories.”
Visitors interviewed in Brookings described making similar choices.
Erica Quam said her family often prefers several smaller outings over one major vacation.
“We live right near Brookings,” Quam said. “It’s close, there were some coupons that made it more affordable, and it’s just a fun, easy activity.”
Sienna Vanmeveren also chose to stay closer to home this summer to save money.
“It’s easier than traveling somewhere,” she said, adding that she would likely travel more if finances allowed.
Not every family is changing its travel habits.
Sviatlana Senchanka said her family recently completed a road trip from South Dakota to California and continues to spend time outdoors at local lakes. She said work schedules determine when her family travels more than travel costs.
For Budahl Avery, however, the value of community events extends beyond economics.
“What keeps families coming back?” she said. “Tradition. Joy. Making memories.”
Whether families travel across the country or simply across town, organizers and visitors alike say a memorable summer doesn’t always require going far from home.
South Dakota News Watch is an independent nonprofit. Read, subscribe for free and donate at sdnewswatch.org. Amina Aidarkhanova received the 2026 Jeffrey B. Nelson Investigative Journalism Endowed Internship and the Chuck Raasch and Sandy Johnson Scholarship from the SDSU Foundation. Contact: amina.aidarkhanova@sdnewswatch.org.
-
Oklahoma7 seconds agoKip Lewis reveals why he returned to Oklahoma for senior season
-
Oregon5 minutes agoPierce County Sheriff: Homicide ‘suspect was shot and killed by police in Seaside, Oregon’
-
Pennsylvania12 minutes ago‘Natural splendor at its best’: Penn’s Cave may become Pa.’s next state park
-
Rhode Island15 minutes agoThrowback: USS Rhode Island commissioned in Newport
-
South-Carolina20 minutes agoWatch out for SC’s 5 most common ticks and take steps to avoid bites
-
South Dakota27 minutes ago
SD Lottery Powerball, Lotto America winning numbers for July 8, 2026
-
Tennessee30 minutes ago
TN Lottery Powerball, Lotto America winning numbers for July 8, 2026
-
Texas35 minutes agoTexas reports 48 cyclospora cases and the source is still unknown
