The American Legion meets at 7:00 pm the first Monday of every month at the legion hall. Any Veteran who would like to join the legion may contact Jim Pekron at 605-854- 3421.
The De Smet Woodcarvers meet from 1-3 pm every Thursday during the winter at the city community center. This men and women’s group welcomes newcomers, provides wood for carving, and does not require dues. Many of the members take woodcarving classes as well as subscribe to woodcarving magazines for new ideas. The woodcarvers also do chip carving, relief carving and round carving. For more information, please call Dale Goreham at 605-854-3168.
This non-profit, service oriented group meets once a month. The De Smet Community Women give money to people who have loved ones in the hospital to help cover their mileage, and they also donate to the Women’s Abuse Shelter in Brookings. They organize community events and projects throughout the year with proceeds donated to many local charities. For more information, please contact Helen Janish at 605-854-3554.
The SDSU Extension office focuses education outreach on youth (with 4-H), agriculture, farm and consumer sciences and community development. Please call the Extension office at 605-854-3851 for more information.
The American Legion Auxiliary meets at 7:00 pm the first Monday of every month at the legion hall. Any woman who is a relation of an active, retired or deceased veteran may join. Local dues are $12.00 for a senior membership and $2.00 for a junior (birth-18) membership. The Legion also awards local scholarships for any member or any member’s son or daughter who graduates from high school. For more information, please contact Karen Brown at 605-854-3057 or Donna Steward at 605-854-3057.
This active group has been an important part of De Smet’s development and activities for 58 years. They meet every Monday at noon at the Oxbow Restaurant. Kiwanis supports the youth of the community. Please contact any Kiwanis member for more information.
The Order of the Eastern Star meets at the Masonic Temple on Main Street the fourth Monday of June, August, September, October and November. They also meet the second and fourth Monday of March and April, and the second Monday of May. For more information, please contact Shirley Lenz.
The Harvey Dunn Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the work of noted artist, Harvey Dunn, who grew up locally. They also provided encouragement for artists in visual and performing arts. The group conducts the annual Plein Air Art event held the second Friday through Sunday in August in De Smet. For information, call Cheryl at 605-854-3383.
The Snowdrifters snowmobile club meets the third Wednesday of every month. The club grooms and maintains a 160-mile trail that covers De Smet to Oldham to Ramona, which includes Lake Preston to Arlington and Lake Poinsett to Bryant up to Willow Lake and as far west as Iroquois. Dues are only $25.00 for fun and enjoyment. For more information, please contact Diane Hiles at 605-854-3660.
The Women’s Study Club meets once a month at 2:00 pm Fridays during the winter months. The club has been established since 1903. The group also helps with different educationoriented service projects.
The International Chapter of the PEO sisterhood meets 15 times a year. This members-only organization supports five philanthropies. The group that began in 1920 raises money for educated-based loans, scholarships and college support. The mission of PEO is to educate women and to motivate each other to achieve our highest aspirations. For more information, please contact Gale Anderson at 605-854-3530.
Meals are prepared and fed to senior citizens ages 60 plus at Ward’s Store Monday through Friday every week at 11:30 AM. The cost is $3.40. Meals are also delivered to those needing home delivery at the same cost. Anyone desiring a meal for that day should call Ward’s Store, 854-3688, by 10:00 AM. This program is sponsored by the Interlakes Community Action Partnership.
City Sponsored Youth Activities include Boys Baseball, ages 7 – 12, and Girls Softball, ages 7 – 12 held during the summer months. There is no charge to participate. For additional information, contact City Hall, 605-854-3731.
The De Smet Development Corporation was created as a resource for existing businesses in De Smet and for the development and expansion of the economic climate of the area. It is an active group comprised of local business leaders who continually seek new ideas for growth. Anyone interested in the advancement of De Smet and maintaining and improving the quality of “Frontier” life here are invited to become a member. For more information, please contact Jamie at (605) 854-9011
The De Smet Masonic Lodge first met 93 years ago in 1883. The Masons have remained strong in De Smet. Past memberships include Charles P. Ingalls, C.S.G. Fuller, George Masters and other names familiar in the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. The present Lodge is on the corner of Calumet & Third Street. It was purchased prior to World War I. They continue to meet every third Monday of each month. For more information, call Dave Harris, 854-3576.
The De Smet Chamber is an active group of business people promoting De Smet. They sponsor many civic functions including Old Settler’s Day (longest running celebration in SD), 4th of July Rib Fest and other local promotions. They meet the 1st Monday of every month. For more information, contact Chamber President, Chad Kruse, 854-3773.
This non-profit organization was formed to help our friends and neighbors with monetary support in their time of need. Various teams sponsor money making events throughout the year. For more information or to become part of this worthy group call Sharon Peterson 605-854-3394.
The Kingsbury County Genealogy Society is a small group trying to keep our history alive. They meet the 2nd Tuesday at 5PM at the De Smet Mutual Building in De Smet, SD. Visit the website
South Dakota based non-profit organization, Beef Bucks, Inc., was recently a gift tag prize on America’s #1 game show – Wheel of Fortune. Their purpose is to promote the beef industry and consumer education. The main office of Beef Bucks, Inc. is located in De Smet. For more information, contact Nancy Montross, 605-854-3502.
