660 Veterans Die Every Month
Did you hear about the plane crash last week that killed 660 people? Read about the toy that disfigured thousands of children? Something must be done! And it would be, if this were true, but it isn’t. Did you know 660 veterans commit suicide each month? This is true.... Read more
SD Game, Fish and Parks Proposes Changes to Refuges and No-Boating Areas
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed several changes to refuges and seasonal no-boating areas. The commission aims to simplify regulations to allow for easier participation in these areas. The GFP Commission will consider the adoption of these proposals in Pierre on July 11. To comment... Read more
Three Options Revealed for Koch School
The Milbank School Board held a special meeting on June 28 with a representative of ICS Consulting of Sioux Falls to discuss options for Koch School. Mike Hubbard of ICS presented three plans in response to recent mechanical, electrical, and educational adequacy studies. Plan A brings the Koch School... Read more
Enter the Jimmy Gesswein Reel Fisherman Contest
Don’t forget to send us a line! Send in your fishing photos to the Jimmy Gesswein Reel Fisherman Contest. The Valley Express will publish the photo of your catch and enter you in the weekly drawing. Winners take home bragging rights and a brand new lure! Include your name,... Read more
Big Stone County on US News Health Honor Roll
At Ortonville Area Health Services (OAHS), we’re proud of our community and playing a key role in the health of people in our area,” says Dave Rogers, CEO of OAHS. The 2018 U.S. News Healthiest Communities Honor roll agreed. It placed Big Stone County – one of only 36... Read more
Runners Pass Torch Along 11,000-Mile Route in Milbank and Ortonville Today
The Sri Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run, an international torch relay, is coming to Milbank and Ortonville. The relay will cover 85 miles in the afternoon of July 5, running from Andover to Ortonville on Route12-E and passing the Peace Torch along the way. “Peace Run will be coming through... Read more
Fire Marshal and Milbank Fire Chief Urge Safety With Fireworks
South Dakota Fire Marshal Paul Merriman reminds people to be careful with fireworks during the 4th of July holiday. Sale of fireworks began Wednesday, June 27, and can be purchased until Thursday, July 5. It is legal to discharge fireworks through Sunday, July 8. Fire Marshal Merriman says, “Most... Read more
Fireworks and Kids Fishing Tourney at Lake Farley July 4th
Start your 4th of July with a bang! Head to Lake Farley for family-friendly activities and stay for the fireworks. “We have something for everyone,” stated Laura Kelly, Milbank Area Chamber of Commerce Events Director. The Third Annual Kids Fishing tournament starts at 6 p.m. Registration opens at 5:30, p.m.,... Read more
Summit and Wilmot Banks Merging With Minnwest Bank
Minnwest Bank and First State Bank and Peoples State Bank, of South Dakota announced the signing of an agreement to merge. The transaction is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2018, but is contingent upon regulatory approval. First State Bank and Peoples State Bank are both owned... Read more
Osowski Wins 2018 Kayla Hunt Memorial Award
Makenna Osowski, a member of the Milbank Area Lions Swim Team, was honored with the second Kayla Hunt Memorial Award. Makenna has been a swimmer on the Milbank Area Lions Swim Team for eight years. She will be a junior at MHS this fall. The Milbank High School Class... Read more