Skateboarder turns passion into a space for local youth
Kyle Mesteth built Ground Control from the ground up with the support of his community as an indoor place for kids of all ages to skateboard, have fun, and belong. He also hosted a skateboard competition bringing together youth from across the state. Read how his first skateboard ramp as a child turned into a passion project for him and his community.
Non-traditional student helps guide teens with work
Lavanna Under Baggage, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, is pursuing her bachelor’s degree online while balancing working full time and being a mother of four. Read how online education allows her to pass her culture on to her kids from her hometown.
AG’s Office shares easy ways to avoid holiday cyber scams
Holiday scams are on the rise, and criminals find new tactics to trick people. The South Dakota director of consumer protection explains what to watch for this season and shares tips to keep your family and your finances safe. Read the full article on The Exchange to learn the warning signs and how to stay one step ahead.
Fiber-fast internet brings energy to least populated county
Jones County lies in the heart of Golden West’s service territory, where the prairie stretches wide and small communities dot the landscape. After a fiber-optic upgrade in 2022, their new internet access supports countless opportunities. Read how Jones County serves as a great example of Golden West’s primary purpose of connecting people to what matters most.
Style with a shot of espresso
What started as a dream became Maeday Coffee & Boutique where a mother and her daughters can connect with their community. Read how Brandi, Brooke, and Allison blend unique coffee and menu options with custom fashion collections.
Passkeys keep you safe without memorizing passwords
Hackers keep finding new ways to steal information, but cybersecurity is staying a step ahead. Passkeys are the newest and simplest way to log in, and you don’t even need to remember a new password! Learn how they work and how they can help you stay safe online.
Photographer captures ‘soul of the prairie’ in one-room school
Cristen Roghair had never been west of the Mississippi River until high school. A yearning for the prairie brought her back to Jones County as an adult where she built an artistic photography portfolio that’s periodically displayed in the Grandview Gallery. The early-1900s one-room schoolhouse is being restored for people to gather for events.
Bird is the word for rural communities seeking an economic boost
Every fall, South Dakota’s fields come alive with of pheasants and hunters from near and far chasing them. The annual season fuels small-town economies and draws visitors to the heart of the “Pheasant Capital of the World.” See how the hunt continues to shape local life in the Golden Triangle and beyond.
Global aid worker helps raise money for mission from SD
When Raphael Murillo and his family moved to South Dakota from the West Coast, he brought his global nonprofit career with him. Read how he continues to make a worldwide impact from home using his Golden West service.
Remote worker strengthens her community by volunteering
Jewell Bork lives on a ranch in Jones County – just like she always wanted. As a remote worker, she can help her community with her work and spend her free time volunteering at the Turner Community Center. Read how Jewell’s Golden West service connects her to more opportunities than she imagined.