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New secondary principal Steve Helgeland, a native Mt. Vernon, S.D., stands in front of the Hot Springs High School building. Photo by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star

New secondary principal Steve Helgeland, a native Mt. Vernon, S.D., stands in front of the Hot Springs High School building. Photo by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star

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Helgeland takes over as new secondary principal

Brett Nachtigall
Thursday, September 24, 2026
HOT SPRINGS – New Hot Springs Secondary Principal Steve Helgeland comes to the district most recently from Menno, where he served one year with multiple roles including superintendent, but has spent more than 20 years of his career in education on the side of Special Education.
The state’s auditor who examined Fall River County’s books for 2024/25,Toby Qualm, spent more than a half hour discussing his findings at the September 17 commission meeting. Photo by Beth Bogart/FRCH-S

The state’s auditor who examined Fall River County’s books for 2024/25,Toby Qualm, spent more than a half hour discussing his findings at the September 17 commission meeting. Photo by Beth Bogart/FRCH-S

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Audit of county finances finds weaknesses in internal controls

Beth Bogart
Thursday, September 24, 2026
HOT SPRINGS – Toby Qualm, the auditor from the State’s Department of Legislative Affairs who has been in charge of looking into Fall River County’s finances for 2024 and 2025, presented his report to the commissioners at their September 17 meeting.
Advanced Engineering and Environment Services (AE2S) representative Christian Heinrich, who was also joined by colleague Madison Krause, overviewed five proposals for the city to consider. In light of Edgemont’s immediate needs, AE2S’s recommendation was for creating a new municipal well. Recommended as well was AC pipe replacement for the whole city. Photo by Lance Borde/Fall River County Herald-Star

Advanced Engineering and Environment Services (AE2S) representative Christian Heinrich, who was also joined by colleague Madison Krause, overviewed five proposals for the city to consider. In light of Edgemont’s immediate needs, AE2S’s recommendation was for creating a new municipal well. Recommended as well was AC pipe replacement for the whole city. Photo by Lance Borde/Fall River County Herald-Star

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City of Edgemont learns about water supply concern options

Lance Borde
Thursday, September 24, 2026
EDGEMONT — The current water issues Edgemont is facing was the main topic again at last week’s city council meeting, as representatives from Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services (AE2S) gave a presentation of water resource alternative for the council to consider.
While holding the American flag, Bridget Lane of Hot Springs rings the bell mounted on a Hot Springs VA fire truck to signify reaching the top of the grand stair case during last week’s 9/11 Grand Stair Challenge. Photo by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star

While holding the American flag, Bridget Lane of Hot Springs rings the bell mounted on a Hot Springs VA fire truck to signify reaching the top of the grand stair case during last week’s 9/11 Grand Stair Challenge. Photo by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star

9/11 Grand Stair Challenge sets records, honors 25th anniversary

Beth Bogart
Thursday, September 17, 2026
HOT SPRINGS - On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the local memorial stair-climbing event broke several records, including the most flights up the VA stairs by one individual (170), the most total flights (2,420) and the most money raised for the community ($5,487).

Hot Springs trailer parks again topic at council meeting

Brett Nachtigall
Thursday, September 17, 2026
HOT SPRINGS – The condition of the town’s various trailer parks and the age of the trailer homes within those parks was discussed once again at the Hot Springs City Council meeting held last week on Tuesday, Sept. 8, when it was brought up during Communication from the Public.
Connie Geiser, Battle Mountain Humane Society board member, watches Bailey, a border collie mix, having some outside playtime in the fenced area outside the new veteran building. Photo by Charity Maness / Fall River County Herald Star

Connie Geiser, Battle Mountain Humane Society board member, watches Bailey, a border collie mix, having some outside playtime in the fenced area outside the new veteran building. Photo by Charity Maness / Fall River County Herald Star

Battle Mountain Humane Society unveils new building offering homes for veterans’ pets while attending treatment at the VA

Charity Maness
Thursday, September 3, 2026
HOT SPRINGS – What began as a dream for Connie Geiser, Battle Mountain Humane Society (BMHS) Board member and the entire board has finally come true –– dedicated boarding space for dogs and cats of veterans going through treatment programs at the Hot Springs VA.
Workers with The Mammoth Site test the soil on a hill near Maverick Junction where large 4-foot x 8-foot letters spelling HOT SPRINGS will be erected below a mammoth statue to help direct travelers towards the community. Photos by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star

Workers with The Mammoth Site test the soil on a hill near Maverick Junction where large 4-foot x 8-foot letters spelling HOT SPRINGS will be erected below a mammoth statue to help direct travelers towards the community. Photos by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star

Finally finishing The Mammoth

Brett Nachtigall
Thursday, September 3, 2026
HOT SPRINGS – What started as a literal mammoth undertaking by a trio of Hot Springs residents more than 20 years ago, may finally come to completion, thanks to a considerable recent donation from Steve and Carla Simunek to The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, SD.
Small but mighty, here is one of the area’s four Automated License Plate Reader cameras, which is located along Hwy. 18. Photo by Charity Maness / Fall River County Herald Star

Small but mighty, here is one of the area’s four Automated License Plate Reader cameras, which is located along Hwy. 18. Photo by Charity Maness / Fall River County Herald Star

Automated License Plate Reader cameras active in Hot Springs

Charity Maness
Thursday, August 20, 2026
HOT SPRINGS – Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras have been operational in the Hot Springs area for more than two years, including at Maverick Junction as well as on the Hwy 18 on the southwest edge of town.
This rundown trailer park near the City of Hot Springs’ water fill station was the topic of discussion during a recent council meeting. Photo by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star

This rundown trailer park near the City of Hot Springs’ water fill station was the topic of discussion during a recent council meeting. Photo by Brett Nachtigall/Fall River County Herald-Star

Trailer park owner asks Hot Springs City Council for loosened restrictions to aid with park improvements

Brett Nachtigall
Thursday, August 13, 2026
HOT SPRINGS – Prior to going into an Executive Session to discuss legal matters pertaining to an wastewater property lease agreement with landowner Gary Romey, the Hot Springs City Council heard from Zach Dixon via telephone during Communications from the Public.
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