Tim Smith and Big J inducted into Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo Hall of Fame

By Mitchell Now July 14, 2021 6:10 am

(Top Image: Jim Miskimins presents the Hall of Fame plaque to Big J’s daughter Amy and her children Patrick and Emma.)

Tuesday night marked the official start of Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo Week in Mitchell with the Community Kickoff event held at the rodeo grounds.

Tim Smith and Joel “Big J” Vandover were announced as this year’s Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo Hall of Fame inductees.

Dan and Diane DesLauriers are this year’s Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo Parade Marshals.

(The community gathers for the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo Community Kick-off Event.)

IMG_9455

(The community gathers for the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo Community Kick-off Event.)

IMG_9456

(KMIT’s Renee Robbins opens the program.)

IMG_9458 IMG_9459

(Rodeo announcer Davie Kimm addresses the crowd.)

IMG_9460

(Below: Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo Parade Marshals Dan and Diane DesLauries)

Crime

1 day ago

Judge Weighs ‘Stand Your Ground’ Defense in Tea Murder Case

A Lincoln County judge is weighing whether to dismiss a murder charge under South Dakota’s “stand your ground” law. Timothy Overton of Tea claims he shot contractor Isaiah Morales in self-defense during a June confrontation at his home. Prosecutors allege Overton attacked Morales with brass knuckles before firing the fatal shot, while the defense argues he was assaulted first. Testimony in the case resumes today in Canton.

Government

1 day ago

Governor Rhoden Seeks Nominations for District 16 House Seat

Governor Larry Rhoden is seeking nominations to fill the vacant District 16 House seat following the passing of Representative Richard Vasgaard. Community members can apply or nominate someone through a link at MitchellNow.com, with nominations due by September 7.

Lifestyle

1 day ago

Sioux Falls Tourism Sees Summer Slowdown

Sioux Falls tourism numbers fell this summer, with visits down 9% in June and 6% in July compared to last year. Experience Sioux Falls reports fewer travelers at Falls Park and other attractions, citing economic uncertainty and reduced international travel.

Government

1 day ago

Record Number of Build Dakota Scholarships Awarded

South Dakota Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden announced a record 630 Build Dakota Scholarships awarded in 2025, helping students train for high-demand careers in healthcare, construction, law enforcement, and other vital industries. The full-ride scholarships require recipients to live and work in South Dakota for at least three years, strengthening the state’s workforce. Since its launch in 2015, more than 4,500 students have benefited from Build Dakota, a program designed to keep talent in-state and support economic growth.

Government

1 day ago

Friends of Firesteel Push Lake Mitchell Fundraising to $3M Goal

Friends of Firesteel is rallying Lake Mitchell residents to help raise $3 million in support of the city’s $25 million lake restoration project. With $1.7 million already pledged from major foundations and private donors, the nonprofit is playing a key role in backing the long-awaited dredging effort. Mayor Jordan Hanson says while the city has secured full project funding, community donations will be recognized with a plaque once work begins in 2026 to restore Lake Mitchell’s health and vitality.