News Flash

PIERRE, SD – Toddler Time at Rawlins Municipal Library takes place every Monday and Wednesday from 10–11 a.m., offering a structured and engaging program for toddlers and their caregivers. 

The first half hour focuses on early literacy through storytime, with songs woven between readings to keep children engaged. The second half emphasizes social interaction, featuring games and activities designed to help toddlers develop important social skills. 

On Monday, March 16, the program welcomed seven adults and nine toddlers. Youth Services Coordinator JoAnn Fischer led a St. Patrick’s Day–themed storytime, reading festive books and allowing the children to choose songs to sing between stories. 

An outreach version of Toddler Time was held the following day, Tuesday, March 17, at Head Start. This program brings the library experience directly into classrooms, with Fischer visiting each room to read to the children. The session was especially memorable as it coincided with St. Patrick’s Day and included a special visit from Mayor Steve Harding, who joined in to read to students in several classrooms. 

“When I was reading to the children at Head Start, their eyes were wide, and they were so excited to listen to the story,” said Mayor Steve Harding. “It gives me great pride and joy to spend time reading with the youth in our community and to see that excitement for books at such a young age.” 

Toddler Time will continue next week with a spring-themed program. 

“Toddler Time is one of the best programs the library offers because we are investing in the children of our community,” said Library Director Abby Edwardson. “These little kids will one day be future readers and leaders.” 

To learn more about Toddler Time and other upcoming library programs, visit rawlinslibrary.org.

PIERRE, SD – The Pierre Fire Department conducted a joint training exercise on Monday, March 16, with members of the 82nd Civil Support Team (CST), a 22-member military hazardous materials response unit based at Ellsworth Air Force Base. 

The 82nd CST specializes in hazardous materials monitoring and response, providing support to local, state, and federal agencies during incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive hazards. 

During the training exercise, Pierre firefighters practiced decontamination procedures and received a briefing on the team’s specialized equipment and operational capabilities. The training provided an opportunity for local responders to better understand how the Civil Support Team can assist during hazardous materials incidents or other complex emergency situations. 

“We are very fortunate to have this resource located close to our community where we can take advantage of training opportunities like this,” said Pierre Rescue Lieutenant Brandon Van Zee. “Our volunteers will take what they learned and continue building on that training in the future.” 

“Residents may not always see the training that happens behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in keeping our community safe,” said Mayor Steve Harding. “Strong partnerships are essential in public safety, and training with the 82nd Civil Support Team allows our firefighters to share knowledge, coordinate resources, and strengthen the response capabilities we rely on to protect Pierre residents.” 

Joint training exercises like this help strengthen coordination between local emergency responders and specialized response teams, ensuring a more effective response should hazardous materials or other high-risk incidents occur. 

The Pierre Fire Department regularly participates in training and preparedness exercises to maintain readiness and ensure the community's safety. 

Individuals interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer firefighter with the Pierre Volunteer Fire Department may contact Fire Chief Ian Paul at firechief@ci.pierre.sd.us or 605-773-7401.

PIERRE, SD – The City of Pierre is inviting community groups and volunteers to participate in the 2026 Go Green & Clean Community Clean Up, scheduled to take place April 22 through May 17, 2026. 

“Each year we see volunteers of all ages step up to help care for our parks, trails, and public spaces,” said Mayor Steve Harding. “Their efforts, along with the partnerships we have with community organizations and local groups, make a real difference in keeping Pierre welcoming for both residents and visitors.” 

The annual program encourages residents, organizations, and volunteer groups to help improve the community by cleaning parks, neighborhoods, public spaces, and other areas throughout Pierre. Groups may choose a project from the City’s project list or propose a new project to complete during the program. 

The City will provide garbage bags and gloves to assist volunteers with their cleanup efforts. Supplies can be picked up at the City of Pierre Solid Waste Facility at 2800 E. Park Street. 

Volunteers are encouraged to haul collected debris to the Solid Waste Facility, so materials can be weighed and included in the program’s tracked totals. Participants are also asked to send photos of their volunteer groups and complete projects to help recognize community participation and celebrate the community’s efforts. 

Several community groups have already committed to projects throughout Pierre. Planned volunteer efforts include flower bed planting, park cleanups, litter collection along roadways and trails, and cleanup efforts along the Missouri River and other public spaces. Community organizations such as local service clubs, youth groups, businesses, and civic organizations participate each year. 

Each spring, the City of Pierre invites volunteers from across the community to assist with activities and projects that help clean up public lands, parks, road ditches, and other areas throughout the city in preparation for the busy summer season and the many visitors who travel to Pierre. The Go Green & Clean campaign was started by former Mayor Laurie Gill in 2010 and has grown into a strong community tradition. Each year, more than 200 volunteers from over 30 local organizations participate in cleanup efforts across the city. The campaign typically concludes with the annual Missouri River Clean Up event held in early July. 

Community groups interested in participating, proposing a project, or learning more about the program are encouraged to contact: Bryan Tipton, Parks and Recreation Director, Bryan.Tipton@ci.pierre.sd.us 

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