NUMEROUS FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARE CONTINUING THIS MORNING TO TRY AND CONTAIN THE POWER DAM ROAD FIRE THAT IS BURNING IN MELLETTE COUNTY. COURTESY OF THE SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, THE FIRE OVERNIGHT WAS LOCATED IN THE RIVER BOTTOM OF THE WHITE RIVER ON THE SOUTH BANK. AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE, THE TOWN OF OKATON WAS EVACUATED LATE LAST NIGHT, ALONG WITH SEVERAL RANCHES SOUTH OF THE WHITE RIVER. MELLETTE COUNTY SHERIFF LAFE GILDEMASTER SAID BASED ON WHAT HE IS SEEING, RESULTS ARE PROMISING IN MELLETTE COUNTY’S PORTION OF THE FIRE. SHERIFF GILDEMASTER CONTINUES TO ASK THAT EVEN IF THE FIRE DOES LESSEN IN ACTIVITY TODAY, THAT PEOPLE STILL AVOID THE AREA, AND LET THE FIRE PERSONNEL FINISH DOING WHAT THEY NEED TO DO WITHOUT THE DISTRACTIONS OF EXTRA TRAFFIC. CHERRY TODD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE POSTED ON THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE THAT THEY HAD POLES BURN UP IN THE FIRE, AND THAT THE FAR NORTHWEST CORNER OF CHERRY-TODD SERVICE AREA WILL BE WITHOUT POWER FOR A PORTION OF THE DAY TODAY. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, YOU ARE ASKED TO CALL THEIR OFFICE AT 856-4416. WE WILL CONTINUE TO BRING YOU UPDATES ON THE FIRE AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE TO US.

We have updated information regarding the ongoing grass fire, northwest of White River. We received confirmation from Mellette County Sheriff, Lafe Gildemaster, that the grass fire, northwest of White River, is a large fire, and they are receiving assistance from several area fire departments. Sheriff Gildemaster requests only necessary traffic on Highway 83, and no travel outside of the official efforts off Highway 83 in the area of the fire. We’ll bring you further details as we hear from Sheriff Gildemaster throughout the evening on KWYR.

We recently talked to Jon Burdette with Tripp County Emergency Management, regarding the fire in the Carter/Mosher area that is ongoing. Jon stated that the fire is west of  Carter, and there are no road closures currently for this fire. We will continue to stay in touch with Mr. Burdette and bring you any updates on the fire as they become available to us.

This afternoon, there are two grass fires burning in Central South Dakota. We received confirmation from Mellette County Sheriff, Lafe Gildemaster, that the grass fire, northwest of White River, is a large fire, and they are receiving assistance from several area fire departments. The second fire unofficially is near the Carter- Mosher Area. Mellette County Sheriff Gildemaster requested that the general public please stay away from the fire areas, and allow the firefighters to do their job. We’ll bring you further details as we hear from Sheriff Gildemaster throughout the evening on KWYR.

A Financial Aid Night will take place on Wednesday, September 25th at 6pm in the Gregory School. This night is mainly for seniors and their parents but juniors are welcome to attend. This night will consist of the process and how to apply for financial aid for post secondary education.

Southern Plains Behavioral Health Services will host a butterfly release tonight, focusing on suicide awareness and prevention, beginning at 7pm at the Gregory Park Performance Center. Brittany Atteberry will be the speaker. If you have any questions, call Liz at 941-5617.

The 18th annual Iona Cowboy Poker Run will happen on September 21st. Signup will start at 11am. All forms of transportation are welcome. A free will donation meal will start at 5:30pm.

A Financial Aid Night will take place on Wednesday, September 25th at 6pm in the Gregory School. This night is mainly for seniors and their parents but juniors are welcome to attend. This night will consist of the process and how to apply for financial aid for post secondary education.

Winner High School Student Council members are accepting nominations for this year’s Homecoming Parade Marshal through Monday, September 9th. If you have an individual in mind, send a detailed description of the individual’s background, and why you feel they deserve Parade Marshal to [email protected]. You can also mail nominations to 431 East 7th Street, Winner, SD, 57580.

The 18th annual Iona Cowboy Poker Run will happen on September 21st. Signup will start at 11am. All forms of transportation are welcome. A free will donation meal will start at 5:30pm.