Wall, South Dakota

Craig Mattick’s guest on In Play is longtime coach and administrator Merlin Doyle. One of the first officers of the South Dakota High School Athletic Directors Association when it formed in 1973, Merlin helped launch girls track and wrestling programs, coached basketball and football, and served as both principal and athletic director. He spent 31 years in the Wall School District. Joined by his wife, Mary Jane, Merlin—now 90—may not recall every moment, but his passion for the kids and the Wall community remains as strong as ever.

It was domination from start to finish for the Wall Eagles on Friday as they powered their way to the 9A state football championship. On offense, defense, and special teams, Wall performed like a well-oiled machine as they defeated Howard 60-6 for the title.

In Wall, South Dakota, the population may sit just under 700 — but on game day, it feels like the center of the world. Get a behind the scenes look at how one of the best teams in 9-man football prepares for Friday night.

As summer winds down, school leaders from across the state are preparing their districts for the new academic year.

In this Dakota Life story from 2016, we visit Barr's Sign Studio and discover how the iconic Wall Drug signs are created and maintained.

Despite being part of a booming tourist attraction, Wall Drug’s pharmacy faces challenges common to independent rural pharmacies.

A chance meeting with a salesman in Watertown led Ted and Dorothy Hustead on a drive across South Dakota to investigate an opportunity in a tiny town called Wall.

The state Supreme Court heard arguments in the city of Wall’s dispute with a convenience store chain looking to build a gas station there.

Piper Cordes of Wall, South Dakota is the high school world champion in barrel racing for 2023. She claimed the title this past week at the national high school rodeo finals in Gillette, Wyoming.

The Blasius family captures the heart of South Dakota through their community involvement. Parents Brett and Paula and their children Lane, Josie, Blair, Burk, and Jace all participate in the rodeo, which started with their dad when he was younger.