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Content by Kara Harders

A mother and daughter exploring the Freeman Prairie Arboretum.

The Value of Placemaking in Small Rural Communities in South Dakota

Placemaking offers a transformative approach for small rural communities in South Dakota, turning public spaces into cherished community assets. Learn about some success stories in the Freeman and Webster communities.

A woman stands in a clothing store behind a pink shirt with geometric patterns

Energize conference inspires new Wessington Springs business owner

April 24, 2024

Dacia Mitchell opened Modest Moxie, a clothing boutique, in Wessington Springs after attending the 2023 SDSU Extension Energize conference.

Graphic designer designing a logo on a computer based on a technical sketch.

The Crucial Role of Marketing for Small Businesses

For small enterprises especially, utilizing smart marketing techniques can make a significant difference in the visibility, credibility, and overall profitability of a business.

headshot of Michael Perry, Energize keynote speaker

Register now for 2024 SDSU Extension Energize conference

February 13, 2024

Registration is open for the sixth annual South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality Energize Conference on May 22 and 23, 2024, in Hot Springs.

Multi-ethnic family unloading a moving truck.

The Vital Role of Newcomers in Rural Communities: Making Places Feel Like Home

In small towns and rural areas, new folks bring big changes that matter a lot. And when they feel welcomed and understood, they stick around and help make things better for everyone.

A room of people sit around tables and listen to the young entrepreneurs panel at the 2023 Energize conference in Wessington Springs

Hot Springs to host SDSU Extension 2024 Energize Conference

December 29, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality and the community of Hot Springs will host the 2024 Energize Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference on May 22 and 23, 2024.

Sunny Hannum, a dancer based in Fort Pierre, SD, dynamically posing with a horse in a field.

Hosannah Dance Studio: Sunny Hannum

In this episode of Home Starts Here, Kara Harders and Joshua Hofer, SDSU Community Vitality Field Specialists, meet with Sunny Hannum, of Fort Pierre, South Dakota, Co-Owner of Hosannah Dance Studio based in Fort Pierre, SD.

Sun rising over small town mainstreet.

SDSU Extension to host webinar on rural community narratives

August 15, 2023

“Rewriting the Rural Narrative,” hosted by South Dakota State University Extension, starts at 5:30 p.m. MT/6:30 p.m. CDT on Aug. 17.

Eliza Blue, a self described “writer, folk singer, and accidental rancher" in Bison, South Dakota.

Eliza Blue

In this episode of Home Starts Here, Josh and Kara meet with Eliza Blue, a self-described “writer, folk singer, and accidental rancher.” 

A picture of the entrance to the International Vinegar Museum in Roslyn, South Dakota

International Vinegar Museum: Lawrence Diggs

In this episode of Home Starts Here, Kara Harders, meets with Lawrence Diggs, of Roslyn, South Dakota to talk about the deep reaching impacts their vinegar museum has had on their community.