A look back on the blizzard of ‘49 as told through the archives of the Martin Messenger

  • Category: News

By Jonni Joyce

Levi Westman’s letter to the Moody County Enterprise described in perfect details the dire situation in and around Martin, South Dakota. Westman, a former resident of Flandreau now resided in Martin. It was so eloquent, the Martin Messenger published it in the March 3, 1949 edition, some two months after the historic snowstorm now known as the Blizzard of ’49.

“I will give you a few…

Read more: A look back on the blizzard of ‘49 as told through the archives of the Martin Messenger

School Board recognized, awarded. Middle school building project pushed back

  • Category: News

By Tim Huether

The Bennett County Board of Education was awarded the Bronze Level for their dedication and contributions as a board, with a plaque presented to them at the Sept. 15 regular board meeting. 

“I would like to offer my congratulations to the Bennett County School Board for being recognized by the Associated School Boards of South Dakota in 2021-2022 as a bronze level board,” said…

Read more: School Board recognized, awarded. Middle school building project pushed back

The Transcendence of Brotherhood

  • Category: News

By: Tim Wardell

On September 3, 13 Naz Moto riders, led by Brady Smith of Adairsville, GA, made its annual 1700 plus mile track to Allen SD in search of ties that bind. On Monday, September 5, the club met up with the Oglala Drifters, led by Doug Johnson, as well as riders from the Sicangu Drifters, to ride to Chamberlain SD to visit the Dignity statue. For the past two years these two clubs have…

Read more: The Transcendence of Brotherhood

Mother Michelle looking forward to serving Episcopal congregation

  • Category: News

By Tim Huether

Michelle Dayton is the new minister assigned to serve the Episcopal congregation here in Martin and on the Pine Ridge Reservation, setting her feet on new ground Aug. 1.

Mother Michelle and her husband, Lee, moved here from Ohio, where they both were very active in the professional world. Michelle spent 25 years as an Emergency Room doctor and Lee as an attorney.

She was ordained in…

Read more: Mother Michelle looking forward to serving Episcopal congregation

Patrick Frederick leading B.C. School Dist. into new year

  • Category: News

By Tim Huether

It’s business as usual for the Bennett County School District as the new school year kicks off with student arrival Aug. 16, but there will be one big change, a new superintendent.

Patrick Frederick officially took over as the superintendent on July 1, replacing Stacy Halverson who spent the previous seven years as the district superintendent.

Although this is Frederick’s first job…

Read more: Patrick Frederick leading B.C. School Dist. into new year

Janet Speidel moving on after 52 years in community

  • Category: News

By Tim Huether

One of Bennett County’s finer long time residents, Janet Speidel, has headed south, to Texas, ending 52 years of living and serving in Bennett County. She boarded a plane last week and started the next journey of her life.

Janet has a good reason for departing the place she called home for most of her life...to be closer to her family.

She has three daughters and…

Read more: Janet Speidel moving on after 52 years in community

The verdict is… We don’t know

  • Category: News

By Taylor Risse

On Tuesday, July 12, 40 plus members of the community attended a special meeting of the Bennett County Commissioners in search of answers about the rumor circulating stating the Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST) was taking over the Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge.

States Attorney Sarah Harris began the meeting, stating that she had been notified that OST is asking to meet with the Federal…

Read more: The verdict is… We don’t know

Martin Summer Fest a day of fun for all ages

  • Category: News

By By Charity Maness

Martin Summer Fest will be coming to town June 25 bringing with it live music, a car and bike show, cornhole tournament, charity run for Lila Marrs, drag races, food, fun, and more.

The event is sponsored by the Oglala Drifters Riding Club; a club driven to promote positive change.

Doug Johnson, club organizer, grew up in Martin and witnessed firsthand the trials and…

Read more: Martin Summer Fest a day of fun for all ages

502 Second Avenue, Martin, SD 57551 • 605-685-6866 • booster@gwtc.net