PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem announced her plan to help South Dakotans get “Back to Normal” following the COVID-19 pandemic on April 28.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly changed the path so many South Dakotans were on. Some of us lost friends and loved-ones,” Noem said. “This disease also stole our most precious commodity—time.
In addition to the health costs, the social costs of this virus are historic in the worst way. I have let science, facts, and data drive our decision-making, and we will continue to do so.
“South Dakotans have taken personal responsibility for their health and safety seriously.
They have done a tremendous job practicing good public hygiene and social distancing. Together, we’ve cut our projected peak infection rate by more than 75 percent.
South Dakotans have lived up to our state’s motto: ‘Under God, the people rule.’ “The plan I am unveiling continues to put the power of decision-making into the hands of the people – where it belongs.
Today’s plan relies on South Dakotan’s continuing to exercise common sense, reasonableness, innovation, and a commitment to themselves, their families, and – in turn – their communities.”
For the rest of the story, pick up this week’s edition of the Winner Advocate or subscribe to the Winner Advocate call (605)842-1481!
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed May 4-8 Teacher Appreciation Week in South Dakota.
“While schools and communities won’t be able to hold face-to-face Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations this year, I hope they find some unique ways to thank teachers for all they do,” said Secretary of Education Ben Jones.
“I continue to be amazed at everything our state’s teachers are doing to ensure that South Dakota students keep learning, even during these extended school closures.”
The Department of Education will be using the hashtag #ThankATeacher on social media throughout the week.
Members of the public are invited to share a message of thanks for the teachers impacting students across the state and country.
As part of this special week, the South Dakota Department of Education is pleased to announce the following individuals as South Dakota’s Regional Teachers of the Year:
Region #1: Lisa Weier, Project Lead the Way, George S. Mickelson Middle School (Brookings)
Region #2: Marissa Whipple, second grade, Baltic Elementary
Region #3: Amanda Hargreaves, sixth grade, Mitchell Middle School
Region #4: Spencer Cody, science, Edmunds Central Middle and High School
Region #5: Luke Erfman, computer/STEAM, rural schools, Meade School District
A statewide panel of educators will select one of these regional finalists to represent the state as the 2021 South Dakota Teacher of the Year.
The 2021 South Dakota Teacher of the Year will be announced sometime this fall. That individual will be South Dakota’s candidate for the National Teacher of the Year Award.
The National Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952 and continues as the oldest, most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching.
The 2021 National Teacher of the Year will be announced during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in spring 2021.
Dan Bechtold/ Winner Advocate Photo Cooks at the Winner lunch program pack sack lunches. The cooks make 500 sack lunches a day to be distributed Monday through Friday. Pictured from the left are Linda Devish, Liz Bachmann, Cindy Bennett, Deb Hoffer and Erin Miller.
Dan Bechtold/ Winner Advocate Photo Don Sabol made a statement with the front of his car in the wave parade. Like the car, many people ware wearing masks.
Winner High School seniors will be honored on May 16 with a wave parade on Main Street.
The seniors will be lined up on Main Street and persons can drive through in their vehicles and congratulate the graduates.
The event will be held from 2-2:30 p.m. and the public is invited to drive through to see the seniors.
May 16 was to be the date of the Winner High School graduation but has been moved to June 13 due to COVID-19. Graduation is planned for the Winner Armory at 2 p.m.
If social distancing recommendations allow, the graduation ceremony will be at 2 p.m. June 13 in the Armory and will be broadcast on Winnerwarriorslive.
Submitted Photo Some of the workers at the Winner Law Enforcement Center accept Girl Scout cookies from Denise Debus’ daycare center. Pictured from left are Adam Bossert, Marc Dvorak, A.J. Wiley, and Deb Bice.
Russell “Rusty” J. Till, 45, of Bismarck, N. D., passed away on April 28, 2020 after a lifelong battle with diabetes.
Rusty was born at Baptist Hospital in Winner, SD on July 3 1974. Rusty grew up in the Wood/White River area and later moved to Winner, SD.
He worked for many years as a manager at the local McDonald’s. Rusty’s favorite job was providing music entertainment with his best friends, they were known as “Digital DJs”.
Some of Rusty’s hobbies were riding his motorcycles, fishing with his sons, spending time with his family, going to see movies with his nieces, and watching his nephew play softball.
Many of his friends will remember spending time with him cruising the four lanes in his Chevy S10 pickup with his music blaring.
Rusty’s favorite time of year was celebrating his birthday and having his family come together for the 4th of July fireworks show that his brother-in-law hosts in Bismarck.
Rusty is survived by his mother Judy Till, of Pierre, SD, his sisters Karen (Tim) Hagen of Bismarck, ND and Janet (Melvin) Toman of Carter, SD, his two sons, Alex Till and Riley Sund, of Winner, SD, the mother of his sons and lifelong friend, Tammy Sund, of Winner, SD, and his nieces and nephews, Casey (Gene) Baker, of Newell, SD, Craig (Alyssa) Toman, of Carter, SD, Lindy (Sean) Gandy, of Bismarck, ND, Kelsey (Cody) Miller, of Wilton, ND, Justin Hagen, of Bismarck, ND, Precious (Jagger) Walking Eagle, of El Paso, TX, Ayanna and Marisa Tafoya of Bismarck, ND and his great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Robert “Bob” Till. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1p.m. at the Wood Community Hall on Saturday, May 16.
Lyle Smith was born Nov. 25, 1939, to Herbert and Ida (Juhnke) Smith. He grew up on his family’s ranch in Vivian, SD and graduated from Vivian High School in 1957.
After high school, he attended Dakota Wesleyan College for one year and then enlisted into the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1961.
Lyle married Mary Muldoon on Aug. 20, 1966. They established their family ranch south of Presho where they raised their 4 children.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, snow skiing and taking trips with family and friends. Also, he was an avid pilot.
Lyle was a life member of the Presho Lions Club. He was active in bowling and golf leagues in Presho. You could find him at Hutch’s for coffee many times throughout the day.
The last few years of his life he lived at Bethany Meadows in Brandon, SD. His jokes will be missed in the hallways. Thank you to family and friends who visited and sent Lyle cards and gifts.
He certainly appreciated it. Lyle tested negative for the COVID-19 virus but was certainly a victim of the social distancing.
Lyle is survived by his children; Margaret Louwagie (Steve Kesteloot) of Marshall, MN, Rev. Daniel Smith of Clark, SD, Dustin (Brooke) Smith of Presho, and Melissa (Eric) Fowles of Jensen, UT.
He is also survived by his brother Lorne Smith, his grandchildren: Miranda, Abigail, Natalie, Brayden, Gabe, Violet, Marissa, and Adam and numerous nieces nephews and cousins.
Lyle was preceded in death by his wife Mary M. Smith, his parents Herb and Ida Smith, brothers Richard and Robert, sister Marlys and sisters-in-law Joyce and Carolyn.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established and the funds will be used to make updates to the Presho City Park. Donations can be sent to the Lyle Smith Memorial at 30328 248th Street, Presho, SD 57568.
Graveside services were held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at Holy Angels Catholic Cemetery in Presho with Reverend Daniel Smith officiating.
The public is welcome to attend but the family asks that you please respect social distancing.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak this service will be live streamed on the Isburg Funeral Chapel website. You can find the link at the top of Lyle’s obituary. Visitation will take place before the graveside.
Due to CDC guidelines this will be limited to 10 people at a time. Please call Melissa at (701) 339-8978 if you would like to schedule a time. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be written at: www.isburgfuneralchapels.com. You can also show support by taking part in our “Together In Spirit” option. Please email your name and a message of support to togetherinspirit@yahoo.com and we will place it on a heart that will be attached to a chair at the visitation.
The family will be able to read your heartfelt message and know that you are together with them in spirit.
Blaine “Bing” Kounkel, 83, of Winner, South Dakota, formerly of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Winner Regional Healthcare Center in Winner, South Dakota.
Graveside service were held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Hinton, Iowa.
Reverend Steven Stoll officiated. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.
Blaine Roy Kounkel was born April 30, 1936 in Merrill, Iowa, the son of Roy and Loretta (Robinson) Kounkel.
He attended country school in Stanton Township, rural Plymouth County, Iowa and graduated from Le Mars Community High School in 1954.
He was united in marriage to Carolyn Larson on Nov. 10, 1958. To this union, six children were born.
Bing farmed in Plymouth County until 1972, when he and his family moved to Sioux Rapids, Iowa. In 1975, they moved to the Neptune area in rural Plymouth County, Iowa.
Bing did several jobs over the years including, custom spraying, well work, ran the Neptune store, and drove truck up until retiring due to his health. In 2008, he moved to Le Mars and in 2013, moved to Winner, South Dakota.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Hinton and the Shrine Temple. He was active in the White Horse Mounted Patrol for many years. He enjoyed working with horses and was a baseball fan.
His favorite team was the Clearfield Sandburs which his grandsons Landon, Brody, and Logan played on. He enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren in all their activities.
Survivors include Carolyn Kounkel of Le Mars; 4 children: Jeff Kounkel of Iliff, CO, Jackie (Dan) Davison of Le Mars, IA, Molly (Curt) Calhoon of Ideal, SD, and Troy Kounkel of Jasper, MN; 17 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; two brothers: Jack (Connie) Kounkel of Merrill, IA, and Don “Hap” (Sandy) Kounkel of Merrill, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Loretta Kounkel; two children, Lori Kounkel and David Kounkel; and a brother, Keith Kounkel.
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