Author Archives: Rita Pravecek

Colome FFA at Leadership Camp

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Two FFA students from Colome and their advisor attended the state leadership retreat at Storm Mountain. Pictured from left are national FFA officer Miriam Hoffman, Morgan Gill, Landi Krumpus, state FFA president Tessa Erdman and Sarah Manderfeld, Colome FFA advisor.

South Dakota FFA Members discover their superpowers at summer leadership training

The South Dakota FFA Association conducted its annual Leadership Retreat July 6-9, at Storm Mountain, Rapid City. A total of 85 FFA members in grades 9-12 attended the Storm Mountain Camp from across South Dakota.

The Colome FFA Chapter had two officers in attendance. Those attending from Colome were: President, Morgan Gill; and reporter, Landi Krumpus.

The retreats centered on a survivor theme, focusing on teaching members how to “Learn, Lead, and Succeed.” FFA Members developed and enhanced their leadership skills and self-confidence through interactive learning. The program featured workshops that helped members discover the value of servant leadership, personal values, personal and team strengths, creating effective teams, Ag advocacy, positive mindset, and conflict resolution. They will use these new skills and ideas to benefit their local chapters and communities.

Retreat attendees also participated in a service-learning project helping with beautification at the Central States Fairgrounds in Rapid City and attending the lighting ceremony at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial.

The retreats were directed by the 2021-2022 State FFA Officers: President, Tessa Erdmann, Groton; Vice President, John Peterson, Sturgis; Secretary, Hadley Stiefvater, Salem; Treasurer, Paige Lehrkamp, Hermosa; Reporter, Alexis Hughes, Rapid City; and Sentinel, Trinity Peterson, Willow Lake. Retreat staff also included Kayleigh Thill, Chancellor; and Kylie Harriman, Parker; SD FFA Ambassadors.

The retreat was sponsored by the CHS Foundation, Northland Ford Dealers, Farm Credit Services, Army ROTC, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Bayer. Retreat t-shirts we’re sponsored by SoDak Labs, SD Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers, Army ROTC, Plains Towing and Recovery, Hogemeyer Seed, Kibble Equipment, Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, SDSU Farmhouse Fraternity and Tractor Supply Company. Scholarships for individuals to attend sponsored by: SD FFA Foundation, West River Electric Association, Sioux Valley Energy, Walt Johnson Memorial and Doland FFA Chapter.

Kruger named wrestler of the year

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Sam Kruger was named the wrestler of the year in the South Dakota high school sports awards.

Kruger is a Winner High School graduate and state wrestling champion.

Kruger finished the season undefeated and captured his third consecutive Class B championship.

Winner wrestling coach Spencer Novotny says Kruger is a leader in the wrestling room and an all around good kid.

Novotny said the wrestler of the year award is given to an athlete who has had a good career.

In addition to being a three time state champion, the WHS graduate is a two time runner up and one time placed third.

Kruger placed all six years he wrestled.

“He put in a lot of hard work and finished his last two season undefeated. All of that work shows his character,” said the WHS coach.

“It is an honor to get this award and I am privileged to have been able to coach him. He taught me more than I probably taught him,” said Novotny.

“He is a great kid and will be tough to replace,” said Novotny.

Kruger plans to wrestle at South Dakota State University.

Also honored in the state awards program is Kendyl Bachmann who placed third in dance.

The Sioux Falls Argus Leader sponsored the sports award program.

Chamber golf winners

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First flight golf winners in the Winner Area Chamber of Commerce golf tournament
include from left Tanner Best, Lucas Jeklicki, 2nd; Tom Renner and Mark Gubbles,
first and Justin and Kara Zeigler, 3rd. The Chamber golf meet was held on Friday
at Winner Country Club.

Tom Renner and Mark Gubbles were the winners of the first flight of the Winner Area Chamber of Commerce golf tournament July 16.

Second place in this flight went to Lucas Jedlicki and Tanner Best. Taking third was Justin and Kara Zeigler.

The winner of the second flight was Rusty Arthur and Lisa Halverson. Second went to Grayson Andel and Keegan Littau. Third went to Stacy Halverson and Megan Shippy.

James and Kyle Mathis won the third flight. Casey and Levi Heenan took second and third went to Wayne and Shelly Kindt.

Tripp County 4-H Rodeo

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Avery Schacht, Lake Andes, third from right, was crowned the senior ambassador at the Tripp County 4-H Rodeo. Named the junior ambassador was Kyla Mammen, Colome, third from left. Mammen also won the horsemanshp. Pictured from left are Oakley Elwood, Reliance, 2nd runner up for junior ambassador; Draya Haase, Winner, 3rd runner up; Mammen, Schacht, Brecken Vosika, Gregory, first runner up and Candice Aamot, DeSmet, 4th runner up and Miss Congeniality.

Dallas Farm Couple Selected to Participate in 2021 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program

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Dallas farmers Hank and Melissa Wonnenberg were selected to participate in the 2021 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership program. The couple is pictured at the Brandenburg Gate in Germany. In 2020 Hank represented U.S. farmers as a participant in World Trade Organization global forum on food and agriculture held in Berlin.

Dallas crop and cattle producers Hank and Melissa Wonnenberg were selected to participate in the 2021 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program.

“Ever since we learned about the program a few years ago, we were hoping we’d have the opportunity to participate,” says Hank, who also works off the farm as a banker.

Hank explains that the reasons the couple was eager to participate in the year-long leadership development program are many.

“We’ve been involved in South Dakota Farmers Union now for a while, and we are interested to learn more about the national organization, understand how other states’ Farmers Union organizations do things, learn about agriculture outside South Dakota and have the opportunity to network with other young producers.”

  This program provides all those opportunities and more, explains Doug Sombke, SDFU President and FUE President. “This program is designed to empower agriculture leaders and it includes producers from five states,” Sombke says. “It provides the family farmers and ranchers who participate with leadership and advocacy training through workshops, training and tours in the five participating states as well as D.C.”

Along with South Dakota, farm couples from the states of North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin and Minnesota are also involved.

Sponsored by Farmers Union Enterprises, the organization which oversees Farmers Union Industries, throughout the year, the couples involved meet up for several sessions. The sessions begin with a summer family session where the participants and their families will meet for the first time. Couples will also meet up during one of the participating state’s annual conventions, attend the 2022 National Farmers Union Convention and participate in the National Farmers Union Washington, D.C., Fly-In.

“Farmers Union is good about providing members with opportunities that help us grow,” Melissa says. “When Hank and I joined Farmers Union, we were looking for a way to be involved outside our community because we both volunteer a lot in our community.”

 Actively engaged in South Dakota Farmers Union, Hank and Melissa have advocated on behalf of the organization’s grassroots policy in D.C. and in January 2020, Hank participated in World Trade Organization (WTO) Global Forum on Food and Agriculture held in Berlin, Germany, during International Green Week, the world’s largest agriculture and food exhibition.

“It was quite the eye-opening experience because I was there with farmers from around the world. So, it gave me a global perspective of agriculture – how we are different, but yet share many of the same challenges,” Hank says. “We think this experience will be similar in the fact that we will learn about what agriculture outside of South Dakota looks like.”

Hank and Melissa raise crops and cattle on Hank’s family’s farm near Dallas. Although their financials are separate, the family shares labor with Hank’s mom and dad, Steve and Joan, and his brother and sister-in-law, Andy and Aliza.

Since the beginning, they have focused on raising high performing genetics which exhibit strong maternal, as well as paternal, traits. The family sells breeding stock during their annual private treaty sale.

Hank adds that their herd is also known for a gentle disposition. “I think working around dairy cows all the time, us kids learned how to work cattle from a very young age – people are always impressed with how we move our stock cows,” he says.

Like Hank, Melissa also has a second job, but it’s one she can do from their farmhouse. She works part time, providing online English tutoring to Chinese students. And she is a full-time mom to their daughters, Elizabeth, 9, and Lydia, 8.

Their girls are active in softball and 4-H, so Hank and Melissa volunteer as coaches and club leaders. They are also advocates for agriculture education and Melissa helps organize the local Farmers Union day camp.

“Volunteers are the way you have activities that keep your community going,” explains Melissa. “If people aren’t volunteering it is tough to keep a small community going. And the same goes for Farmers Union, if we don’t have volunteers, it is tough to get things accomplished at the state and national level, so we get the help we need for our farms.”

Brenda Lea Leighton Vanderwalker, 62

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Graveside services for Brenda Lea Leighton Vanderwalker and inurnment were held at the Winner Cemetery in Winner, SD on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 with Rev. Morris Gustafson officiating.

Brenda was born to Wilford Sr. (Bud) and Belva Jean Leighton on Nov. 25, 1958. The eldest of 3 children, she grew up in Witten, SD and graduated from Wood High School. Following high school, Benda married Jeff Hanson of Witten. They resided in Colome, SD and were blessed with three sons: Jason, Jamey and John. Brenda and Jeff parted ways and Brenda later married Richard Vanderwalker of White River, where she worked as a dietician at the White River Healthcare Center.

Brenda studied at Sinte Gleska University to pursue a career in teaching. After Richard passed away, she remained in White River and completed her college education. Along the way she met and fell in love with August (Augie) Chasing Horse. While working as a teacher at the White River Elementary School, Brenda continued to pursue her higher education, including certification in special education. She was a life-long learner and passionate about the kids she worked with.

Brenda shared the remainder of her life with Augie, traveling when she could, spending time with family, going to movies and listening to Elvis (she may have been his #1 fan.)

 Brenda Lea Leighton-Vanderwalker passed away on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 with her best friend August Chasing Horse and son Jason Hanson at her side.

She is survived by her life partner August Chasing Horse of White River; sons: Jason (Crystal) Hanson of Pierre, SD, Jamey Hanson of Brookings, SD and John (Bobbie Jo) Hanson of Loretto, WI; parents Bud and Jean Leighton of Winner, SD; sister Vicki (Jim) Supik of Winner and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Brenda was preceded in death by her brother Wilford Eugene Leighton, Jr and spouse Richard Vanderwalker.

Paul Storms, 61

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Paul Storms, 61 of Winner, SD passed away at his home on Saturday, July 17, 2021 in Winner. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 10 a.m.  at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner.  Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery in Clearfield, SD.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 6-7 p.m. with a rosary beginning at 7 p.m.

Paul Edward Storms was born on Feb. 24, 1960 in Winner, SD to Leo and Ruth Storms. He was the youngest of five siblings. Paul attended Jordan school through eighth grade and graduated from Winner High School in 1978.

Paul’s mechanic roots led him to his first job at Car Care in Winner, SD during high school. After graduating, he built his own house, spent Sunday evenings at Winner Speedway, and met many lifelong friends during this time. Paul’s mechanic career involved UPS, a Chevy dealer in Deadwood, and then brought him back home to join Storms Brothers Repair. While working at the family business, Paul assisted his dad with building a metal cross for a cemetery in Mission. To thank him for his assistance, the tribe honored him with an eagle feather and he was given a Lakota name at a special ceremony. For the last 25+ years Paul has operated Storms’ Haygrinding, serving many customers in the area.

Paul’s love for cars led him to meet Ellen, where she worked at a gas station in Gregory, SD. Paul embraced Ellen and her two children, Michele and Michael. In April of 1988, Eric completed their family. Paul loved his family and enjoyed hosting get togethers at Stormy’s. He cherished time with his grandchildren and attended many of their activities. Paul was involved in various organizations including Bassmasters, North Star A.B.A.T.E., and the Winner Stock Car Association.

In Paul’s words to a close friend, “I’ve lived a good life. Don’t be sad for me. I have no regrets. Remember to love everyone. And always keep your tank full…”

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Ruth Storms; brother Linus Storms; and many close family and friends.

Paul is survived by Ellen Moss; 3 children- Michele (TJ) Bice, Michael (Chelsey) Moss, and Eric (Destiney) Storms; 11 grandchildren- Shayla, Cora, Evan, Reven, Bryken, Bohdi, Jace, Rowdi, Rooke, Henry, and Sully; two sisters- Myra Christensen and Nancy (Brian) Walsh; brother- Jack (Ellen) Storms; sister-in-law- Pat Storms; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Roger Lloyd Schlem, 80

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Roger Lloyd Schlem, 80, of Piedmont, SD, died Friday, July 9, 2021, at Monument Health Rapid City hospital.

Roger was born November 19, 1940, to Rose Tideman in a tar paper house in Tripp County, SD, he was the oldest of five children. He had 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

 Roger married Rose Marie Dierks on Aug. 19, 1962, and together they had three children, Valarie, Dana, and Richard. Roger loved farming, fishing, bowling, and helping Rose with the gardening.

 Roger is survived by his daughters, Valarie Schlem of Tilford, SD, and Dana (Rich) Schmidt of Huffman, TX; his son, Richard Schlem of Rapid City, SD; brother, John Schlem of TX; and a sister, Marie McCollum of OK; and three grandchildren, Kelsey Schmidt, Zachary Schmidt, and Elias Schlem.

 Roger was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 59 years, Rose M. (Dierks) Schlem; mother, Rose E. Schlem; brother, Charlie Schlem; and a sister, Sharon Schlem.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.

Michael “Mike” Herrlein, 54

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Michael “Mike” Herrlein, 54, of Mitchell, SD, died Monday, July 12, 2021 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.     Mass of Christian Burial was held  10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 15, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial was at Calvary Cemetery in Mitchell.  Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Michael Herrlein was given the “gift of gab” by his parents Carolyn (Smith) Reis and Donald Joseph Herrlein Sr. on Oct. 29, 1966.  His gift was appreciated by all who knew him but especially his six siblings who were often given the saving grace of Mike’s quick wit. Mike grew up and later worked around cattle and crops throughout the years.  Often, Mike would tell stories about the scrapes he would get into while working cattle such as roping calves with “good mothers”, next to pivots or in feedlots.

Mike liked to have fun.  He would often tell of a time when someone’s car was put on blocks just enough so the tires would spin, bajaing with vehicles in unique places, and replying with funny phrases.  Some of these also got Mike into trouble such as when a boat rider said: “Dad, I see the bottom!”

Mike spent most of his adult life “fixing things” and “getting it done”.  This was easily demonstrated in his work as a mechanic while living in Nebraska.  One night, Mike was in a car wreck after which he touched a live electrical powerline.  Afterward, the “Bandit” was constantly teaching everyone how to do things in new ways such as tying shoes and changing diapers with one hand.  He also attended Black Hills State University and the University of South Dakota attaining a business administration degree.

Mike found his match in his wife when evaluating whose billiard skills were better.  Tammie and Mike were married in September 2004.  Three of his proudest moments were when his boys Andrew, Jordan, and Conor were born.  He loved to camp, hunt (deer, pheasant, and waterfowl), fish and watch old western movies and Yellowstone with the boys.

Mike’s latest adventure was also his favorite job as a Crop Insurance Agent where clients became his friend and family.  Mike was thankful every day for those he worked with over the phone and on his many road trips in the region.  Mike would often be driving down the road talking on the phone, eating a cheeseburger while trying to catch farmers.

  Mike is survived by his wife, Tammie; sons, Andrew (19), Jordan (13), and Conor (9); mother, Carolyn (Brad) Reis; brother, Joe Herrlein; sisters, Laura Herrlein, Koreana (Lance) Strande, Melissa (Darin) Tillie, Holly (Jesse Turpin) Reis, and Amy (Brandan) Moe; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Jeanette A. Ertz, 68

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Jeanette A. Ertz of Grand Junction, Colo., — beloved wife, mother, and baptized child of God — was taken to rest in Christ on June 29, 2021.  She lived a life shaped by God’s gifts of baptismal grace and faith, and died in God’s promises of eternal life for all who trust in Jesus’ redeeming death and resurrection.

Jeanette was born on Oct. 29, 1952, to Dale and Joyce Swedlund, in Winner, South Dakota.  As an infant she was baptized into salvation and faith in Jesus in 1952, in Witten, South Dakota. 

She and Melvin (Mel) were married in December 1971, and remained so for over 49 years. 

Jeanette and Mel met shortly before she left for college.  She moved west to attend college near Rapid City, South Dakota.  Mel followed soon after and it wasn’t long before they were married.  They then ventured out to Colorado Springs, Colo.  Jeanette worked full time in Colorado Springs, for a local electrical company.  Within a few years their family expanded as they welcomed their daughter, Mandy.  Soon after Mel accepted a job offer in Grand Junction, Colo.  So, the family moved over to the Western Slope of Colorado.  This is where they would settle and raise their family.  Their son, Lance, made his appearance a few years later.  Jeanette was able to stay home with both kids and was kept very busy running after both children and tending to their unique needs. 

Jeanette and Mel started a garage door and window business which kept the whole family busy for many years.  Jeanette was an integral part of that business.  She and Mel were also able to travel a bit, taking a couple cruises and a few other fun, island adventures.  After owning the business for over 18 years, they decided to sell the company and were both able to enjoy some retirement adventures.  They took the opportunity to travel a bit and immensely enjoyed spending time together. 

Jeanette loved her family, her flowers and yard, and also her church.  She looked forward to spring each year.  Then she could get out, plant a few items, and enjoy the pretty yard that followed. She enjoyed talking with friends and keeping in touch with everyone.  She often would contact friends to catch up, even those from her childhood in South Dakota.  Talking to her friends and loved ones always gave her a lot of joy!

 She is survived by her two loving children, daughter, Mandy Kaspar (Jason), of La Grange, Texas, and son, Lance Ertz, of Grand Junction, and also by her brother.  She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mel, her parents, two brothers, and one sister. 

Funeral services were held at Lutheran Church and School of Messiah, Grand Junction, Colo., on July 13, 2021, at 11 a.m.  In lieu flowers, donations may be made to the school at Lutheran Church and School of Messiah.