Five Neighbors Named 2026 Heart of Dakota Honorees
Veblen, SD · September 24, 2026
Wipers will get plenty of work on the gravel this morning as drizzle settles in. Grab an extra layer and keep the headlights turned on early.
The Lead
The Britton Area Foundation, Britton Area Chamber, and Marshall County Journal named the recipients of the 28th Annual Heart of Dakota Awards on Wednesday, honoring five regional residents for steadfast service to community and agriculture. Autumn Olson earned the Customer Service award, while Judy Pfitzer received the Community Involvement honor for years of behind-the-scenes civic support. Longtime producers Mike and Susan Smith were recognized with the Agribusiness award, and Kirby Stenvold captured the People’s Choice distinction. In small towns across the Coteau prairie where volunteer boards and local farms keep civic life humming, the annual awards offer a rare moment to pull quiet leaders into the spotlight. A community social celebrating the honorees is scheduled for 5:00 PM next Wednesday at the Britton Country Club, with the awards presentation following at 6:30 PM.
Local Pulse
- Commission Sets Fall Road Planning Meeting Roads Marshall County commissioners locked in October 5 for their annual secondary road and culvert planning session.
Today's Outlook
- High 67°F · Low 62°F — Drizzle (72% chance of precipitation)
- Keep an umbrella handy today as cool drizzle lingers across the area.
What's On Around Town
Today
Morning Community Yoga Britton Public Library (759 7th St), Britton, 8:30–9:30 AM · Free Gentle stretching and breathwork to start the morning indoors.
Sisseton Farmers Market Drenttel Park, Sisseton, 3:00–6:00 PM · Free Fresh seasonal produce, farm eggs, and fresh-baked sweets in the park.
Tomorrow
Fall Frenzy City-Wide Sales Downtown and Area Businesses, Britton, All day
Koffee Klatch Britton Public Library (759 7th St), Britton, 1:00–2:45 PM · Free
Saturday
- Historic Grounds Lantern Tour Fort Sisseton Historic State Park (11907 434th Ave), Lake City, 8:00–9:00 PM
Spotlight & Story
- 722 Main Street
- Long before morning regulars lined up for drive-thru espresso at Cups, this downtown Britton storefront housed the Prayer Rock Museum, then an upcycled furniture workshop named The Painted Past. Owner Kelsey Waletich added coffee eight years ago, selling 75 cups that first day.
Veblen Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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