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The 1888 Great Plains blizzard that claimed hundreds of lives

The Jan. 12, 1888, "Schoolchildren's Blizzard" swept across the Great Plains, killing at least 235 people — and possibly up to 500, according to some estimates — many of whom were children on their way home from school. Illustrations showing "Scenes and Incidents from the Recent Terrible Blizzard in Dakota" were published in the Jan. 28, 1888, edition of Frank Leslie's weekly newspaper.
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The Jan. 12, 1888, "Schoolchildren's Blizzard" swept across the Great Plains, killing at least 235 people — and possibly up to 500, according to some estimates — many of whom were children on their way home from school. Illustrations showing "Scenes and Incidents from the Recent Terrible Blizzard in Dakota" were published in the Jan. 28, 1888, edition of Frank Leslie's weekly newspaper.

In the Moment is SDPB’s daily news and arts program.

On today's show:

Active COVID 19 numbers in South Dakota continue to rise. We check in with Dr. Joshua Crabtree from Sanford Health with an update.

Fundraising efforts are discussed regarding a new visitor center at Badlands National Park. SDPB's Arielle Zionts has more.

On January 12, 1888, a blizzard claimed the lives of hundreds of newcomers to the Great Plains, including a devastating number of schoolchildren. We talk with author Melanie Benjamin about her novel "The Children's Blizzard." The book is this year's South Dakota One Book.

As Larry Rohrer recalls the most recent Fiddles and Friends concerts he says that knowing when not to play is every bit as important as accompanying his fellow professionals on stage.

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Internationally known pianist Calvin Jones returns to his hometown of Pierre to perform Saturday night at the Pierre Riggs Theater. Jones has been performing compositions from his new release, "Paramount: The Symphony Sessions," with orchestras worldwide.

In the Moment airs live at 12CT/11MT. The audio from the day's show is attached soon after the show airs.

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Lori Walsh is the host and senior producer of In the Moment.
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Steven is a producer for In the Moment.