MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) Elementary and middle school students from around South Dakota will compete Saturday, Feb. 7, in the state spelling bee at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell. Why it’s important: The competition ensures the state will be represented in May at the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington. It’s the second year DWU and South Dakota News Watch are sponsoring the state bee. The timeline: Schools have until today to hold their own competition and crown a school winner who will take the stage in Mitchell. Schools taking part will be announced next week. Bee attendance details: The Feb. 7 competition is held in the Sherman Center on DWU’s campus in Mitchell. It’s open to everyone at no cost, and tickets are not required. Registration for the competitors will begin at 9 a.m. Central time and the bee will start at 10 a.m.