Unprecedented flooding in the spring, followed by drought conditions in the fall. Presidential election. As the New Year begins, let's take a look back at 2024 and reflect on just a few of the highlights and changes the past year brought.

In January, the Marty Indian School girls' basketball team competed at the annual Lakota Nation Tournament, winning the He Sapa bracket. The Lady Braves cheer team won the Sportsmanship award. Mike Dangel completed the prestigious “Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program” for Charles Mix Electric. Andes Central National Honor Society began the Homework Room to assist students who may want or need extra help.

February highlights included Andes Central senior athletes and parents being honored at Parents Night. Seniors honored were Anaias White Eyes, Danica Middendorp, Nevaeh Morgan, and Claire Johnson. The Lady Thunder advanced to the SoDak16 after defeating the Avon Pirates 54-39. Knothead’s Bar and Grill was re-opened under new ownership with Kristan Soukup as owner/operator.

March marked the end of the Lady Thunder's season after being defeated by Ethan in the SoDak 16 with a final score of 59-62. Darrell Miller was named the new Chief Executive Officer of the Indian Health Service Yankton Service Unit. Charles-Mix County 4-H had a new administrative assistant, JoCee Johnson. Kharis Dion and JorDee Hjelm returned from the AAU State Wrestling Tournament with state championship titles. Andes Central’s National Honor Society held their induction ceremony. The eight students inducted were Luke Dangel, Isaiah Milk, Katelyn Dvorak, Rory Kiyukan, Mackenzi Johanneson, Leah Brown, Cambria Ronfeldt, and Gracie Ronfeldt.

April found Missoula Children’s Theatre presenting “Cinderella.' Play leads were Adara Hopkins, Madilyn Janis, Sadie Antelope, Ellani Aungie, and Ian Long Jr. Riata Bultje received two scholarships through the FFA. Abigail Svatos, Emery Bultje, and Madeline Derry qualified for State FFA Career Development Events (CDEs). Katie Swatek Hjelm was featured on the cover of Senior Inspire Magazine. The Gus Stop in Pickstown opened and had a ribbon cutting ceremony. Andes Central held their prom.

In May, the Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge began work on the new visitor’s center. Graduation was held. The Fort Randall Casino hosted its first Indigenous Fashion Show. Organizers were Taira Little and Cecily Rose Engelhart. Merritt and Joanne Stegmeier were chosen as Fish Days Parade Marshals. Abigail Svatos of Andes Central qualified for the State Golf Tournament.

June means Fish Days with this past year's theme being 'Circus!' Aubrey Gray was crowned Ms. Bullhead and Cliff Johnson won the coveted title of Mr. Carp. Freshman Madilyn Janis placed 8th at the State Track Meet in javelin. This was the first year that Andes Central participated in the event. The 2024 Miss Fish Days Queen was Syrianna Never Miss A Shot and Lil Miss Fishy Bella Johanneson. Mark and Angela Schofield purchased the Circle H Motel & RV Campground, re-branding and renaming it the Lake Andes Inn. The Class of 1974 hosted its 50th reunion. Flooding impacted Charles-Mix County after being hit with constant rain to the tune of 8-12 inches. Nikki Fathke opened Sips in Bloom in Knotheads, a coffee/specialty drink shop.

In July, Mary Jo Parker and Rebecca Beeson attended the SDSU Energize Conference on behalf of Lake Andes to get more ideas on rural housing, what was needed to start helping the community be eligible for grants, etc. Darrell Pepper of Geddes was awarded Volunteer of the Year Award at the Dakota Credit Union Association’s Annual Summit held in May. The National Guard 153rd Engineer Battalion held a 20-year reunion of their deployment to Iraq. Wade’N Around Water Equipment Rentals opened, offering water equipment rentals. The Charles-Mix Historical Society Museum utilized a $20,000 grant to replace several of the museum’s outer building roofs. The Charles-Mix Lake Restoration held its July 4th RibFest.

August kicked off with the Lake Andes Volunteer Fire Department receiving a grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation which allowed them to purchase a new brush fire rig. The Charles-Mix County Fair Board reorganized in an effort to revive the Charles-Mix County Fair to run in conjunction with Charles-Mix County 4-H Achievement Days. Tyler Hofer represented the Lake Andes Fire Department at the annual Freeman Fireman’s Rib Cook-off. A Back-to-School BBQ and Open House was held at Andes Central School. “What the Duck? BBQ & Grill” opened in the other side of the Duck In Waddle Out.

In September, the Lake Andes Volunteer Fire Department attended electric vehicle training in Garretson. Lisa M Durham was honored and memorialized at the Durham trail dedication. Dick Padrnos, formerly of Lake Andes, was inducted into the South Dakota Basketball Hall of Fame. Lake Andes’ First Lutheran Church was preparing to celebrate their 125th year in service with a ceremonial church service and potluck planned for November. AJ Johnson and Mahpiya Irving were crowned Homecoming royalty at Andes Central's coronation.

October events included Andes Central’s Middle School and High School Counselor, Synnora Wilbur holding a four-week Organizational Boot Camp to help interested students learn the tips and tricks in getting organized not only for school purposes but in other aspects and areas of their life. The South-Central Coalition Against Human Trafficking hosted a human trafficking awareness presentation featuring Steve Sternhagen and Peri DeCory. The Thunderhawk football team’s season came to a close when they were defeated by Hanson in the first round of playoffs.

In November, Marty Indian School presented “Hercules” under the directorship of the Missoula Children’s Theatre. Greenwood Presbyterian Church began renovations to the 153-year-old church. The Lady Thunder volleyball season came to an end when they played the Avon Pirates in region play. The Lake Andes Public Library held a Storytime South Dakota Event with Mayor Ryan Frederick and Councilman Connor Florey as special guest readers. Garth Maas and Hunter Loeffler were named to the Great Plains All Conference football team.

Madeline Derry and Madilyn Janis were awarded first and second place respectfully in the Voice of Democracy essay contest in December. The annual Parade of Lights event was held on Main Street Lake Andes. The National Guard celebrated 388 years.