By Cody Rose

Bennett County Middle School Principal Mikaela O’Bryan is ready to pursue her first year back, here in her hometown of Martin. … to continue reading, you may purchase a newspaper at the Bennett County Booster II in Martin, S.D., participating retailers or online here.

Read more: Mikaela O’Bryan rejoins the Martin community as the new Middle School Principal

By Taylor Risse

At the Bennett County Commissioner meeting July 21, the board declared Bennett County in a drought disaster. A resolution will be approved at the next meeting.

As usual, roads were a major talking point. All commissioners were present, but unlike recent meetings, the public attendance was low.

Disgruntlements were aired between the commissioners concerning the work being done on…

Read more: Commissioners declare Bennett County a drought disaster

PIERRE - The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced today that the City of Martin public water system and the system’s operation specialists have been awarded a Secretary’s Award for Drinking Water Excellence.

“Consistency leads to success and consistent success is a true measure of excellence,” said DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts. “With more than 10 years of…

Read more: DANR recognizes City of Martin for drinking water compliance

MARTIN, S.D. — A Batesland, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash west of Martin.Preliminary information indicates that a 2009 Smart Fortwo was westbound on U.S. Highway 18 when it crossed the center line and collided with an eastbound 2018 Freightliner semi truck. … to continue reading, you may purchase a newspaper at the Bennett…

Read more: Names released in fatal crash west of Martin

By Tim Huether

Students will begin classes Aug. 17 and staff starts Aug. 9 for the Bennett County School District’s new school year.At the regular school board meeting on July 15, the board kicked off the new school year by re-electing Mike Olson as the board chairman. Kasi Harris was voted in the board’s vice-chairman. … to continue reading, you may purchase a newspaper at the Bennett County…

Read more: School begins Aug. 17, New building moving along well

By Cody Rose

On July 14, the Martin city council raised the starting wage for police officers to $16.25 per hour for uncertified individuals, $17.25 per hour for certified, and $18.25 per hour after a probationary period. Before, the salary was $12 per hour for uncertified and $14 per hour for certified. ...

... According to the council, this pay increase will hopefully result in more hires, which…

Read more: Martin City Council raises police officer wages

“Komposting for Kids” was held Thursday, July 15, at the Bennett County Fair Building. This class was brought to the community as part of a Conservation Collaboration Grant that is funded through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Badland RC&D was instrumental in securing this grant in 2017. The focus of the grant was to improve soil health and assist communities and groups to…

Read more: "Komposting for Kids" teaches good habits

By Taylor Risse

At the July 7 meeting of the Bennett County Commissioners it was decided to not pass a burn ban but to encourage Bennett County residents to burn with caution and use common sense.

Emergency Management Director Jeff Siscoe informed the board that he had reached out to local fire chiefs and Tuthill’s chief urges people to use common sense. Martin Chief Chris O’Bryan feels the Fire…

Read more: Commissioners vote to not enact Burn Ban, Meeting heats up over highway business

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) will provide support for grants and special arts initiatives totaling $1.45 million in fiscal year 2022, … to continue reading, you may purchase a newspaper at the Bennett County Booster II in Martin, S.D., participating retailers or online here.

Read more: Arts Council grants $1.45 million to local artists