Mavis O’Bryan, 81

O'Bryan

Mavis was born April 18th 1934 to the union of Ralph and Margaret Pettit (Holden). She was the eldest of a family of 13 and started a lifelong experience of mothering and nurturing very early in life. Mavis was baptized into the Catholic Church in Dallas shortly after birth and was supported by her faith throughout her life. Mavis attended rural elementary schools and graduated from Colome High School. She pursued a teaching degree and for several years taught at rural schools near Hamill, Winner, and Colome.

Mavis married Richard M (Dick) O’Bryan on July 7th, 1955 in Danton in a small church ceremony, which began a 60 year journey of love and devotion to husband and family from which 5 children were born. Shortly after marriage Mavis and Dick purchased their farm home south of Winner and worked side by side to improve and enlarge it their entire life. Mavis was always very proud of what had been accomplished with such a meager beginning and hard work.

Mavis was a lifelong resident of Tripp County and actually lived most of her life within 2 miles of where she was raised. Although her travels were few and distance was short she was always close to where she wanted to be…Home!!! Home where there were no locks on the doors, the wood stove was always warm, the coffee was always fresh, there was always room at the table for more, and she offered whatever she had to eat and enjoy.

Mavis’s deep faith in God and her ability to see the good in all people molded her into a very giving person. She always had something to give whether it be eggs, cream, garden produce, canned goods, cup of coffee, a moment in time, some comfort and yes sometimes even “a piece of my mind”. She was always giving something to someone. Her giving attitude was very important when she recognized firsthand the need for support of the mentally challenged in the area. Her efforts and the help of many enabled the forming of the South Central Adjustment Training Center in 1975, with a goal of supporting, protecting and enabling the mentally challenged to have opportunities equal to their capabilities. Over time the efforts and goals have led to the current “Community Connections“ group.

Mavis’s giving efforts although somewhat in the background did not go unrecognized. She was lifelong member of the Catholic Daughters of America and a member of the Legion Auxiliary Post of Colome. She was nominated and received the 1984 ARC State Volunteer of the Year and the 1985 ARC North Central Region Volunteer of the Year. Mavis also spent many hours, days, and years at the Winner Regional Hospital volunteering as a nurse’s aide before actually becoming an employee.

In 1992 Mavis was nominated and received the State of South Dakota Volunteer of the Year Award for her volunteer efforts. This award attracted the attention of the National Volunteers Association, which recognized and nominated her to receive the National Jefferson award. She very humbly became one of very few recipients of this award in Washington, DC with a visit to the White House in June 1992.

Phyllis Ann McGinnis, 89

McGinnis, Phyllis obit

Phyllis was born October 6, 1926 in Seattle, WA, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Bradfield) Good. She graduated from Kent High School in Kent, WA, the Class of 1945. Phyllis furthered her education at the University of Washington, obtaining a nursing degree. She then worked as registered nurse for two years. Following this practical experience, Phyllis went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Columbia University. She was united in marriage on June 30, 1956 at St. James Episcopal Church in Kent, WA to Richard McGinnis. Their marriage was blessed with three children; Paul, Stephen and Dorothy.

Phyllis was a devoted wife and partner with her husband who served as an Episcopal priest throughout his life, working as a missionary in Anvik, Alaska, and as a rector at Trinity Episcopal in Winner, SD, Trinity Episcopal in Watertown, SD, and the former St. David’s Episcopal in Jacksonville, FL. Later in life they worked tirelessly to preserve marriages creating a marriage ministry model which is now used about the country and overseas. Phyllis greatly enjoyed her children, their spouses, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Phyllis and Richard were fortunate to share many wonderful adventures together, traveling the country. She valued her family, her relationships, her marriage and her Lord most of all.

Beverly Biggins, 82

biggins obit

Beverly May Biggins was born August 4th, 1933 in Bonesteel, SD. She was the daughter of Arthur and Maude (Cline) Kortmeyer. Bev lived in Gregory, Naper, NE and moved to Winner, SD at the age of 10. Her dad was a butter maker at the creamery in the early years. Later he became an expert in the in the construction business.

Bev was raised with two brothers, Jack and Harry Kortmeyer, and one sister Donna (Bob) Trego. Bev attended Winner High School where she made lifelong friendships. She married the love of her life, Bob Biggins, on September 28, 1952. Together they had had five children: Steve, Joe, Rick (Pam), Barry (Cindy) and Candy, all of Winner.

Bev was the neighborhood mom to many kids as well as a Cub Scout den mother for many years. You would see her at all of her kids sporting events, she was the official score keeper for all of their baseball/softball games. Bev worked at the soda fountain during her school years, later working at the West Side Market. She started working at the Tripp County Auditors in and 1976 and later transferred to the Tripp County Assessor’s Office until her retirement in 1998. After retiring she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Barry to Receive Torchbearer Award

windsor barry farmers union

The highest award the organization bestows upon youth, these teens are recognized for their commitment to community and leadership skills.

Torchbearers have completed all levels of the Famers Union youth achievement awards.
Windsor Barry of Carter is one of the youths receiving this honor

“These youth have exhibited leadership and given back to their communities and the industry of agriculture through participation in Farmers Union leadership training, camps and volunteering their time for community development,” explains Bonnie Geyer, South Dakota Farmers Union Education Director.

Torchbearers will be recognized during the Thursday, Dec. 10 South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention luncheon which begins at 11:45 a.m. in Huron at the Crossroads Convention Center

Windsor Darrel Barry is the son of Wade and Cleo Barry, Carter. He is a third-generation Farmers Union member and the fifth in his family to receive the award ­ three of his siblings and his dad, Wade. After graduation he plans to attend South Dakota State University and major in Environmental Science.

In his own words: Farmers Union, and the people within the organization have impacted my life tremendously. For that, I say, ‘thank you.’ Thank you for helping not only me, but everyone within the youth program.

When I first attended State Camp as a seventh grader, I was surprised by how accepting people can be, and discovered that being myself is completely fine.

Through Farmers Union Youth Programming I also learned about how cooperatives work and how they benefit rural communities.

I consider many of the friends I’ve made and people I’ve met through Farmers Union as my second family because no matter how hard our life may get, or what gets thrown our way, I can always count on the people within Farmers Union.

I would like to thank my grandmother, Viola Barry. Without her love and support I would not be in this great program, which I have come to love.

Gregory County Man Sentenced in 2nd Degree Manslaughter Case

PIERRE, S.D – Attorney General Marty Jackley announced Nov. 24 that Herris Gene Lambley, 77, Herrick, was sentenced for second degree manslaughter for charges stemming from an incident that involved a vehicle crash that resulted in the death of Steven Wheeler on May 26, 2015.

He was granted a suspended imposition of sentence and placed on 5 years of probation. As a part of Lambley’s probation, he is required to complete 100 hours of community service, write an apology letter to the victim’s family, pay fine in the amount of $5,000, pay court cost in the amount of $104 and $17,149.70 in restitution.

This case was investigated by Gregory County Sheriff’s Office and South Dakota Highway Patrol was prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

Illegally Dumped Snow Causing Problems

snow in bushes

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Transportation reminds the public and commercial snow removal operators that it is illegal to place or dump excess snow on highway right of way, which includes driving surfaces, shoulders and ditches.

“The recent snowstorm across South Dakota has deposited a large amount of snow already this year and we are seeing an increase in violators,” said Rod Gall, Yankton area engineer. ”The space within the right of way needs to be reserved for future snow that may fall on the road. If the department’s plow operators do not have a place to put that snow, it severely hampers their ability to clear roadways.”

Violation of the anti-dumping law is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to one year in jail, $2,000 in fines, or both. It is the policy of the SDDOT to remove snow that has been illegally piled within the highway right of way that may be a safety hazard. In addition, violators will be billed for the costs of removing illegally dumped snow.

“Piling snow in the state highway right of way can also be very dangerous,” says Gall. “Snow piles can restrict sight distance, as well as present an extreme hazard if a vehicle leaves the roadway. Snow piles that remain adjacent to the road may cause additional drifting and visibility problems posing more safety hazards to travelers, as well as additional expenses for manpower and equipment to remove the illegally dumped snow.”

Property owners and access users are reminded it is their responsibility to remove snow from the ends of driveways and around their own mailboxes.

The department asks landowners and commercial snow-removal operators to keep excess snow on private property or haul it to legal dumping sites.

Simply Divine to Hold Open House Nov. 28

rita pravecek

There is a new business in Winner that will be opening soon providing manicures, pedicures and nail services.

Simply Divine LLC, 117 E. 2nd St., will hold an open house on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 4-6 p.m.  This is the day of the Parade of Lights in Winner.  The new business is owned by Rita Pravecek and she will be serving refreshments plus offering door prizes during the open house.

Simply Divine will open for business on Dec. 1. The business will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Saturday by appointment only. The business will be closed on Mondays.

The firm will offer manicures, pedicures, artificial nails and paraffin wax treatment for hands. Also offered will be spray tanning.  There will be some retail products for sale. The business will also offer gift certificates.

Pravecek graduated Oct. 19 from Desaree and Company School of Beauty in Sturgis. The school included 400 hours of training on nail technology. Pravecek explained there was 60 hours of classroom work.  The owner of the business is married to Greg Pravecek. Her children are Lauren Week, Jaikob Week, Cailob Week and Adysen Pravecek.

English, Duffy Advance to State

state oral interp qualifiers

Duncan English and Shannon Duffy of the Winner High School oral interp team have qualified for the state meet.
English, Duffy and other WHS students took part in the regional oral interp contest Nov. 16 in Oacoma.

English will compete at state in serious and non-original and Duffy will compete in storytelling.

Other WHS students competing at the regional were: Megan Brozik in poetry; Bethany Cable in humorous; Kenzie Irick and Eleanor Moleterno in duet. In reader’s theater were: Janine Bartels, Matthew Hartley, Kenzie Irick, Eleanor Moleterno and Emily Moser.

In addition to Winner, teams in the region are Bon Homme, Chamberlain, Miller, Parkston, Stanley County, Todd County and Wagner.
The state meet will be Dec. 4-5 in Sturgis.

Offices to Close For Thanksgiving Holiday

The Tripp County Courthouse will be closed both Thanksgiving and Friday, Nov. 27.  All state offices in Winner will be closed Thanksgiving and on Friday.

The post office will be closed Thanksgiving and open on Friday.

There will be no noon meals served at the Winner Senior Citizens Center on Thursday and Friday.

Southern Plains Behavioral Health Services will be closed Thanksgiving and Friday.

Main Gate Counseling will be closed Thanksgiving and open on Friday.