District Governor Mike Gibson continues his travels throughout District 5610, visiting Rotary clubs, connecting with dedicated members, and discovering the many ways Rotarians are making a difference in their communities. From large clubs to small clubs, every visit offers an opportunity to hear inspiring stories, learn about meaningful service projects, and experience the fellowship that brings Rotarians together. While every club has its own personality and traditions, the Rotary spirit remains the same: people coming together to make a difference.
We are excited to announce that Lucinda Noronha from Rotary Club of Sioux Falls West has been selected as District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) and will serve as District Governor for the 2029–30 Rotary year!! This is an exciting milestone for Lucinda and District 5610 as she prepares to take on this important leadership role, supporting clubs, inspiring Rotarians, and championing the spirit of Service Above Self throughout the district.
Please join us in congratulating Lucinda on this wonderful achievement! We look forward to the leadership, enthusiasm, and inspiration she will bring to District 5610 as she prepares for her year of service. Congratulations, Lucinda!
Congratulations to Ashok Kumar of the Rapid City Rotary Club, recipient of the Roger L. Kozak Service Above Self Award. This prestigious honor recognizes Rotarians who exemplify Rotary’s highest ideals through integrity, compassion, and selfless service. Through his dedication to Rotary and the broader community, he has inspired fellow Rotarians and made a lasting difference in countless lives. We are proud to celebrate Ashok's remarkable service and the example he sets for all of us.
What an incredible District Conference! From inspiring speakers and meaningful conversations to new ideas and shared experiences, it was a weekend to remember.
If you missed the conference, don't worry! You'll have opportunities to catch up through presentations that Rotarians will share throughout the district, as well as recordings and resources that we plan to post on our website. We are sharing a photo album so everyone can enjoy the memories, even if you didn't get a chance to take many pictures yourself. View photos
The first year of Unite for Water has given us plenty to celebrate. Across five participating Rotary districts, clubs came together to protect our waterways, promote clean water, educate their communities, and create meaningful impact locally and around the world.
73 projects were reported during our first year!
Behind every project were Rotarians who saw a need, built partnerships, and took action. Together, these projects demonstrate what is possible when we work collectively toward a common goal.
Joanna Molascon, with her parents, brother and sister, stood very poised as she presented her winning essay to about 100 Rotarians and guests at the Rotary District Conference on Friday, October 23rd at the Crazy Horse Memorial near Custer, SD. She was greeted with a standing ovation for a job well done!
Get ready to experience Rotary on a global scale! Barcelona is calling, and Rotarians from around the world are preparing to come together for the 2027 Rotary International Convention, taking place June 26–30, 2027, in beautiful Barcelona, Spain.
The Rotary International Convention is more than an event — it’s an opportunity to connect with fellow Rotarians, discover inspiring projects, exchange ideas, and celebrate the difference Rotary makes in communities around the world.
Our thoughts and best wishes are with the dedicated team preparing to travel to Moldova, October 31–November 7, 2026, to help bring greater mobility and independence to individuals in need.
Through Hope Haven International, with funding provided in part by Rotary West of Sioux Falls, volunteers will participate in a wheelchair distribution mission in partnership with the Barlad Rotary Club in Romania and the Chisinau Rotary Club in Moldova.
The Rotary Club of Wagner recently welcomed 11 Rotarians from Thailand for a four-night visit as part of a Rotary Friendship Exchange, celebrating the connections that bring people and communities together across the globe. During the first two days of their visit, the group explored the rich culture, history, and hospitality of South Dakota while building friendships with local Rotarians and community members.
The IRS requires all Rotary districts and Rotaract clubs in the United States, including U.S. territories, to file an annual information return. For organizations whose tax year follows the Rotary year (July 1–June 30), the next filing deadline is November 15, 2026.
Mr. Mike Ricke, Principal, Madison Middle School had about 60 students join Madison community members and Rotarians in a dedication of the first Peace Pole in Lake County. This Peace Pole, now standing proudly at the entrance of Madison Middle School, is more than a symbol. It is a daily reminder—visible to every student, educator, family member, and visitor—that peace begins with us. With our choices. With our words. With how we treat one another.
Marshall Sunrise and Noon Clubs helped deliver new beds to 12 Children. The clubs assisted "Help Tuck Them In" which is based out of Tracy, MN. Help Tuck Them In builds and distributes new beds to children in need who do not have a bed to sleep in.
The Rotary Club of Watertown, South Dakota, is excited to welcome two new members, Mike Landuyt and Karen Ruby! As the newest members of the club, Mike and Karen join a network of dedicated volunteers committed to making a positive difference in their community and around the world through Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self.
Young riders in Luverne who wear a helmet and follow the rules could get a free ice cream, thanks in part to the Luverne Rotary Club.
The City of Luverne and the Rock County Sheriff's Office have launched a safety campaign aimed at kids riding e-bikes, electric scooters, and other micronized vehicles. The idea came from a Civic Assembly group that looked at the growing number of these vehicles around town and the risks they pose to riders and pedestrians. The group recommended focusing on education and encouragement instead of citations.
Sioux Falls West Rotary Club recently celebrated an extraordinary moment in our club's history: a surge of generosity, leadership, and Rotary spirit that resulted in six new Paul Harris Fellows and one member achieving Paul Harris Fellow +2. This achievement reflects not only our members' commitment, but also the inspiring leadership of fellow club member and District Governor‑Nominee Jeanelle Lust, who championed a focused Rotary Foundation giving push across the district.
Rapid City Rotary members recently joined fellow advocates in action to volunteer with Feeding South Dakota, supporting efforts to address hunger and help individuals and families throughout the region. Their volunteer service reflects Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self and the power of people working together to strengthen their communities.
Rushmore Rotary members recently volunteered at Love Inc. as part of United Way’s Month of Caring, lending a helping hand to support individuals and families throughout the Black Hills community. On Tuesday, Rotarians helped haul donations, paint cabinets, and sort socks and Christmas items, contributing their time and energy to assist Love Inc. with its important community work.
Vermillion Rotary members demonstrate their commitment to community service. Following their regular weekly meeting, a dozen members of the Vermillion Rotary Club spent time giving back to their community by packing 500 hygiene kits for the food pantry at Feeding Vermillion.
The Rotary Club of Canton recently partnered with employees from Canton Agri Science to install windbreak screens around the community’s pickleball courts. The screens will remain in place year-round, helping players enjoy the courts more comfortably, even on windy days.
