PLATTE, S.D. –  On Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, Governor Larry Rhoden and South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) Secretary Joel Jundt will be joined by federal, state, and local leaders for the Platte-Winner Bridge groundbreaking event. The ceremony will include remarks from key project leaders, followed by a formal groundbreaking and photos. Honoring a tradition from the original bridge dedication held in 1966, the Platte-Geddes High School and Winner Area High School bands will perform at the groundbreaking, connecting generations of South Dakotans.

WHAT:  Platte-Winner Bridge Groundbreaking (Presentation with groundbreaking ceremony)

WHEN:  Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 – 2:30 p.m. CT

WHERE: Event will take place near the iconic Wayside Chapel site, located on the north side of S.D. Highway 44 on the east bank of the Missouri River.
                

Onsite parking will be available for guests. Wayfinding signage will be provided. In the case of inclement weather, the presentation and ceremonial groundbreaking will take place indoors at the Platte-Geddes Elementary School, located at 401 S. Iowa Ave., in Platte.

About the Platte-Winner Bridge:

• The existing Platte-Winner Bridge was completed in 1966 and has connected South Dakotans for 60 years.
• Construction is planned for 2027–2031.
• The new bridge is designed for a 100-year service life. 

The existing bridge will remain open throughout construction and will not be removed until the new bridge is complete. Information is available on the project website at https://dot.sd.gov/plattewinnerbridge/. For updates on major traffic changes during construction, a free text-in service is also available. To subscribe, simply text PLATTEWINNERBRIDGE to 605-566-4041.

About SDDOT:
The mission of the South Dakota Department of Transportation is to provide a safe and efficient public transportation system.

For the latest on road and weather conditions, road closures, construction work zones, commercial vehicle restrictions, and traffic incidents, please visit https://sd511.org or dial 511.

Read more about the innovative work of the SDDOT at https://dot.sd.gov.

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Volunteer Fire Department will hold a Halloween Parade on October 30th at the Rosebud Fairgrounds beginning at 7pm. If you would like to enter a float, please call Kenny at 605-828-0977.

Community Connections of Winner will be holding a couple more Halloween Family Fun Nights on October 28th and the 31st at the Connection Building. You can bob for apples, enjoy apple cider and cookies, games for kids will be provided along with a haunted house from 6 to 8pm each of the three nights.

The Clearfield Hall’s annual Soup Supper is coming up on Sunday, November 1st from 4 to 7pm for a free will offering. There will be a Silent Auction and Country Store during the event too.

Tonight, the Carlock Dance Hall will be holding their annual Halloween Costume Party and Dance, as the Silverado Band will be playing from 8pm to midnight! There will be prizes for best costumes, plus concessions and beverages will be available for puchase too.

A Fall Vendor Fair will happen tomorrow at the Chamberlain Community Center, and also at the Silver Dollar Bar in Chamberlain. The event will start at 10am. There will be over 25 total vendors in total. This is a benefit for Julie Pickner.

10-15-26 Rain Reports

Jeff Farner in Winner reported .35

Pete Haukaas of Okreek received .35

Stan Bicek, 10 miles south of Colome, received .30

Monte Mayes in Ideal received .30

Cheryl Schroeder in Winner reported .38

Michael Buitenbos in Platte received .20

Brent Ring at Turtle Buttes received .35

Justin Zeigler at hole #5 at Winner Country Club reported .50

Chuck Keiser at Jordan Hill reported .70

Lynne Simkins, 12 miles west of Winner, received .29

Delbert Klein, four miles east of Burke, reported .20

Jason Bartels in Witten reported .65

Jeff Schramm on East 10th Street in Winner reported .40

Brian Hofeldt in Millboro received .50

The Chamberlain Middle School Explorers are doing chores for residents in Brule County, to help raise funds for Julie Pickner. Whether it’s leaves that need to be raked, windows that need washed or maybe a garage that needs cleaned, call Doug Knust at 680-9999.

The Southern Belle Cattlewomen will hold a Beef Fest Beef Buffet on October 16th from 11:30am to 1:30pm the Tripp County 4H Center in Winner.  You can enjoy Dine in or get take out.  A $10 donation is suggested.

The Gregory County Historical Society will meet on Wednesday October 14th.  There will be a meal at 6:30 with the annual meeting to follow.  Also, they ask that you bring an item to share that is relevant to your family history or the history of the area.