News

Andes Central students participated in the Lake Andes Nursing Home coloring contest. First Place: Evelyn, Second Place: Jameson, Third Place: Mathias; They received a free movie ticket to the Wagner Theater.

The 25th Legislative day is in the books and Cross-Over day is Tuesday of this week. The Committees in the House of Representatives are doing well, and most have completed their Bill Log.

This week in appropriations we held bill hearings, but most had action deferred until a later date.

Monday was Presidents’ Day and we were closed. Our Masonic Lodge spent our early morning and late evening putting up and taking down American flags on businesses as we honor our nation. We are so blessed to live in what I consider to be the greatest state in the greatest nation in this world.

Those honored on Seniors Night are pictured, from left: Ashlyn Koupal (Michael and Tera Koupal), Ky Arpan (Wyman Waters and grandparents, Ken and Roxanne Honomichl), Matthew Kokes (Jay and Lori Kokes), and Kalea Kuhlman (Jeff and Rhonda Kuhlman).

Fourteen Wagner HS Choir Students competed at Vocal Solo/Ensemble Contest in Kimball on Wednesday, February 4th. We had 9 events which featured 5 Solos, 2 Duets, 1 Quartet, and 1 Small Ensemble singing to receive a rating.

The 101st Legislative session is now over halfway finished with the completion of week five. A number of property tax bills have been discussed. Senate Joint Resolution 504 would explicitly allow wagering on sporting events on mobile and electronic platforms.

We hit a milestone this week: the 2026 session is officially past the halfway mark.

We passed the halfway point. Committees will be busy next week making sure all bills have their hearings before crossover day.

The Avon High School Drama Club traveled to Brandon on Friday, February 6 to compete at the SDHSAA State One Act Play Festival — and came home with outstanding results. The group brought home several awards from the event. Abby Gretschmann was recognized with a Superior Individual Actor award.