Sanborn County, and most of South Dakota, was hit by Winter Storm Diaz last week that started slowly as rain on Monday and then dumped over a foot of snow on the area on Wednesday and Thursday. As could be expected, schools were closed from Tuesday to Friday along with all activities being either cancelled or postponed. Sections of I-90 were closed to traffic for over 24 hours because of the lack of visibility and the many trucks that had already found themselves in the ditch or stranded. Highway 34 going west from the 281 junction was closed for a couple days, as well, as the road conditions were treacherous for anyone to try to take the hills on that route.

As usual, everyone eventually found a way to get their roads and yards cleaned out so they could go back to as normal lives as can happen after a harsh winter storm. Temperatures are still extremely frigid this week, so the snow isn’t going anywhere, but pathways have been cleared to get to places. Although the area hasn’t had a storm that has unloaded this much snow in a while, it really isn’t anything new for the upper Midwest, so people just take it in stride. The fortunate thing during this round of rough winter weather is that there were no reports of anyone being without power, which makes being held up at home a little easier when one can still do laundry, cook and watch TV.

It sounds like another storm is brewing to happen this week as the paper goes to press. Hopefully it won’t be as bad as forecasted, and there won’t be as much to report in next week’s issue. Stay safe and warm, and if you must travel, make sure to take a winter travel kit with you.

…See pictures in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!

Black Friday shoppers were out and about on Friday, Nov. 25. Shoppers were lined up outside the door of Dumont Boutique and CreativeWEB waiting for the doors to open at 8 a.m. and hoping to take advantage of great sales. 

While many people started their holiday shopping on Friday, 6B Seed and Supplies helped people either continue a family tradition, or possibly start a new one, with their sale of fresh Christmas trees, greenery and other goodies, which started on Wednesday, Nov. 23 and continued on Friday and Saturday. It was an event for the whole family with an exotic animal petting zoo, a hot cocoa and smores station, Christmas cookies, lots of trees and décor for sale and the farm decorated with lights galore. Their Santa and Sweet Shop is still open with many great Christmas items available for decorating or gift giving. They have another wonderful event planned for Saturday, Dec. 17 with a kids’ book reading by local author, Amanda Radke at their Santa and Sweet Shop at 10:30 a.m. along with the shop open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for any last minute shoppers.

Many people took advantage of the nice weather the area experienced over the Thanksgiving weekend to get their outdoor decorations up, too, so the whole county is looking festive and ready for the Christmas season.

…See plenty of pictures in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!

Advent season will soon be arriving, and several annual events will be occurring. Starting the celebration is the annual Christmas concert, “Hope Has Hands,” performed by the Community Choir on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 5 p.m. at the Woonsocket Community Center. There is no charge for the concert, but people are encouraged to bring non-perishable items for the Sanborn County Food Pantry. Following the concert will be a potluck meal. Everyone is invited to attend this great event.

The Woonsocket Community Club is sponsoring the Christmas Caring Tree for Sanborn County. Applications can be picked up at the Woonsocket First National Bank Omaha or at the local schools. The deadline for the applications is Nov. 30 and will be confidential.

Another annual event is the Sanborn County Courthouse’s “Parade of Trees.” County-wide residents, organizations and businesses are invited to bring an artificial tree (no lights) to the courthouse and decorate it in their own style. There is no particular theme; just use good taste.

Trees can be placed on any of the three floors. They should be in place between Nov. 28 – Dec. 15 and remain until after New Year’s Day – removed by Jan. 5, if possible.

Santa (presented by the Woonsocket Community Club) will be present at the courthouse on Friday, Dec. 16, between 3-4:30 p.m. There will be door prizes and treats for the children.

Trees can be viewed any day the courthouse is open – 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are looking forward to seeing a lot of visitors that come to enjoy the trees. Please call Lynn Brueske at 796-4516 or Kami Moody at 796-4513 at the courthouse for any questions.

Another beautiful tradition for many years has been for the county residents to decorate their home and businesses with lights, signs, etc. to brighten the season.  The Christmas Decorating Contest will be sponsored, and the five categories are Best Business, Best Theme, Most Creative, Best Use of Inflatables and Best Overall – People’s Choice. Let’s make the season festive.