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From classrooms and competition floors to fire halls and fairgrounds, 2025 proved once again that the Lake Andes and Ravinia areas thrive on dedication, resilience, and togetherness. The past year was marked by academic achievements, athletic milestones, community celebrations, and the quiet but powerful efforts of volunteers and leaders who keep our towns moving forward.

The year opened with local students earning academic honors at the college level and Andes Central students shining in spelling bees, reading competitions, and career fairs. Recognition of local businesses and organizations followed, including Cahoy’s General Store being named South Dakota Retailer of the Year and the Lake Andes Public Library receiving a significant grant to improve accessibility for all.

Athletics provided countless highlights throughout the seasons. From record-setting track performances and state-qualifying runners to championship titles in cheer, dance, and junior high volleyball, AC/DC athletes consistently represented the area with pride. Individual accomplishments, such as national competition appearances and state medals, underscored the dedication of both students and coaches.

Community events once again brought neighbors together. Fish Days celebrations, Fire Department fundraisers, Easter and Christmas festivities, parades, homecoming activities, and holiday traditions filled the calendar and strengthened local bonds. Volunteer fire departments in both Lake Andes and Ravinia remained active not only in service, but in training, competitions, and community engagement.

Agriculture and youth development continued to play a vital role, with strong harvests, successful 4-H participation, state fair achievements, and FFA members traveling to the national convention. Meanwhile, local schools celebrated milestones such as graduations, feather ceremonies, Veterans Day programs, Native American Week, and district recognition for excellence in governance.

As the year came to a close, the community paused to honor long-time service, generous donations to local causes, and the shared joy of gathering together under holiday lights.

Inside this edition, readers will find a month-by-month look back at the moments—big and small—that defined the past year. Together, they tell the story of a community rooted in hard work, support for one another, and pride in calling the Lake Andes and Ravinia area home.

USD announced the fall 2024 Dean's List. Local students on the Dean's List included Paige Petry and Payton Petry, both from Lake Andes.

Cahoy's General Store was named 2025 Retailer of the Year by the South Dakota Retailers Association.

Marty and Andes Central eighth graders attended the 14th annual Career Fair in Wagner sponsored by Wagner Community Memorial Hospital- Avera.

For the first time in ten years, the Lake Andes Volunteer Fire Department was the host of Firefighter 1 and 2 classes for firefighters from throughout the county.

Among those on the Dean's List announced by Northwestern College was Alaina Bechen.

Parents night was held for 24-25 girls and boys basketball senior players.

The AC/DC boys wrestling team traveled to Wagner to compete in the Region 3B Boys Wrestling Tournament where Luke Dangel placed 6th.

Andes Central hosted the Missouri Valley Regional spelling bee. Students from Andes Central that placed were: Sully - 1st in the 3rd grade division; Bradley - 3rd in the 4th grade division; and Kyvon - 1st in the 4th grade division.

The Lake Andes Volunteer Fire Department held their annual steak supper. Members that received recognition for their dedication to the fire department were: Will Bennett for 15 years, Eric Schoenfelder for 10 years, and Dave Stimpson for 10 years.

March

Katie Swatek was named Photographer of the Year at the SYNC conference in Destin, Florida.

AC/DC boys hosted Corsica in Region play, ending their season with a tough 45-47 loss.

'Preserve and Prosper' debuted with their first open house scheduled for March 25.

Andes Central sent three teams of students to compete at the Prairie Reader competition in Armour. Second and fifth grade teams won first place in their divisions.

April

Ravinia Fire Department held their 44th annual smoker fundraiser.

Lake Andes Public Library was awarded a $10,000 grant that was to help the library construct a ramp for admittance into the library with a new patio area for ease of getting into and out of the library.

Prom was held with the theme: A Night in Vegas.

Businesses and organizations in Lake Andes came together to hold an Easter carnival on April 19.

AC/DC's track season kicked off. The girls team won the Gregory Invite Team Title, and

the boys relay team set a new 4x2 record in Corsica with a time of 1:58.29.

May

Andes Central Feather Ceremony and Graduation were held.

Josie Brouwer and Sabas DeHaan were named Event Champions at the O'Gorman Invitational track meet.

Candidates for Mr. Carp and Ms. Bullhead for 2025 Fish Days were announced.

AC/DC had 15 tracksters qualify for the state meet in Sioux Falls with multiple athletes medaling in various events.

June

Tony Slaba and Cayla Nelson were announced as Mr. Carp and Ms. Bullhead at Fish Days. Fish Days events were enjoyed by all!

Local youth attended Farmers Union Day Camp in Geddes.

The 5th annual 605 Unity Jam was held in Wagner.

July

Community members, family, and friends gathered in Pickstown for a 4th of July parade and picnic in the park.

Luke Dangel competed in the National Shooting Sports Championships and earned his way to nationals in .22 rifle.

Lake Andes Fire Department traveled to Avon to take part in their annual water fights. Lake Andes brought home second place.

The Wagner Teener baseball team defeated Elk Point to earn a spot at the state tournament.

August

The 2025 Charles Mix County 4-H County Fair was held.

The Wagner Teener baseball team ended their season with a 5th place finish at the state tournament.

Kashton Garcia and Rory Kiyukan were crowned Homecoming king and queen.

Family Fun Night was held during Homecoming week, complete with water inflatables, a dunk tank, and a cook out.

September

AC/DC's cross country team conquered the heat in Freeman where Aspen Niewenhuis took 1st, Scarlett Cole placed 5th, and Luke Dangel placed 8th.

State fair results were announced with many local youth receiving ribbons.

October

The AC/DC Thunder JH Volleyball team brought home a championship title after a strong showing at the Colome tournament.

Andes Central celebrated Native American Week with multiple guest speakers.

AC/DC state qualifying cross country runners Aspen Niewenhuis and Luke Dangel ran hard at state. Aspen placed 53rd and Luke placed 66th.

Fall harvest brought record yields in the area.

November

The

Platte-Geddes/AC/DC Competitive Cheer and Dance team took home 1st place from state cheer and dance competition for the second year in a row.

The Andes Central School District School Board earned a Gold Level award for their work in the 2024-25 school year.

The AC/DC Lady Thunder volleyball season came to a close after a tough loss to Burke in Class B Region 5 Quarterfinals.

Andes Central School's annual Veterans Day Program was held.

Andes Central FFA members attended the 98th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Preparations were under way for Lake Andes' 7th annual Holiday Activities.

December

Lake Andes held their annual Parade of Lights.

The Wagner Area Cancer Fund, ROCS Dining Service, and CASA all received donations from the Ft. Randall Federal Credit Union.

The Lake Andes community came together the evening of December 21 for an outdoor Christmas celebration.

Bryan Slaba's retirement from Wagner Community Memorial Hospital-Avera was announced after nearly two decades of dedicated service and leadership.