THANKS to all the volunteers who gave their time to help with this project!

Click here to watch a slide show of the work day.

The Fort Pierre to Deadwood Wagon Train arrived in Deadwood on Friday, August 15th.

Eight schools in South Dakota have been picked for a wind energy program that teaches students the fundamentals of the renewable source.

South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Chairman Gary Hanson says “Wind for Schools” is designed to provide tools, build knowledge and form interest in wind energy at all levels.

One school each from eight selected districts will have a small wind turbine installed, receive specific curricula and be supported by local utility providers.

Districts include Douglas, Sanborn Central, Faith, Selby, Aberdeen, Elkton, Stanley County and Sioux Falls. The eight schools were selected out of 32 that applied.

The PUC expects the program to expand over the next several years, giving more schools the chance to participate.

As reported in the Rapid City Journal:

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory provided a resource and site assessment for each applicant. The PUC coordinated the application process for the program and arranged for financial and other support from utility providers.

“I think the Wind for Schools program has real potential to be a success story for South Dakota,” said Steve Kolbeck, PUC vice chairman. “The schools’ administration and teachers are excited about the project and local utility providers have pledged their support and enthusiasm as well. I envision the entire community rallying around this project,” he said.

The Wind Application Center at South Dakota State University will check each selected site, oversee the turbine and equipment installation and provide other technical help.

Wind for Schools is a national outreach program from Wind Powering America, a component of the U.S. Department of Energy and NREL.

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The Artesian Coffee Stop is opening August 8th in the Artesian Community Center. Coffee, rolls and donuts will be served each Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Free will donations will be accepted and profits will be used for community projects.

                               

The Sanborn Central Horizons II Graduation Celebration was held on Saturday, July 26th at the 4-H Building in Forestburg. Pizza was served and the Extension staff brought cake to celebrate the accomplishments made through the Horizons II project.

The laptop computer and printer were presented and will be housed at the Letcher Library, along with the digital camera. Anyone wanting to use the equipment should contact Mary Ackman at 248-2242.

A check for the remaining $8,500 was received from the Northwest Area Foundation. Also, each of our three communities received two Horizons signs to put up in our community.

THANK YOU to the Northwest Area Foundation and South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service!!

Click here to see a slide show of the graduation ceremony.

To read more about the great things happening in South Dakota communities click here.

Artesian resident Sue Richard applied for and received a $10,000 grant for municipal pool and bath house renovations. The grant will be used for upgrades to the pool and bath house to provide residents of the area with a healthy and safe place to gather.

The grant for the swimming pool was received from the Avera Health Board of Directors. Sister Mildred Busch said the board is pleased to be able to impact the health and vitality of rural communities.

Sanborn Central Horizons II had a float in the parade on July 4th at Artesian’s 125th Anniversary Celebration.