Author Archives: Rita Pravecek

Summer children’s production

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Dan Bechtold/Winner Advocate Photo
A summer children’s production will be presented June 5 at the Winner Community Playhouse at 3:30 and 7 p.m. KiDsKiTs is a series of short skits directed by Sarah Taggart. Pictured in front from left are Rogue Patmore, Lexie Boerner, Avery Manke, Peyton Jenson and Katie Burns. Second row from left are Ellika Hamiel, Aubrey Heenan, Levi Heenan and Carter Peppel. Third row from left are Grace Barnes, Carissa Greathouse, Evan Taggart, Shannon Rank and Addi Heenan. In back from left are Amelia Boerner, Paige Sachtjen, Amanda Edwards, Riley Peppel and Grace Brown. Not pictured is Chloe Taggart.

The cast has been named for the children’s play which will be presented June 5 at the Winner Community Playhouse.

KiDsKiTs is being sponsored by the Winner Community Playhouse with Sarah Taggart as the director.

The performances will be at 3:30 and 7 p.m. The doors will open at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The cast includes Addi Heenan, Carissa Greathouse, Lexie Boerner, Elika Hamiel, Katie Burns, Grace Barens, Amanda Edwards, Avery Manke, Rogue Patmore, Carter Peppel, Evan Taggart, Riley Peppel, Peyton Jensen, Levi Heenan, Grace Brown, Aubrey Heenan, Amelia Boerner.

Backstage will be Paige Sachtjen, Chloe Taggart and Justin Hausmann.

Emily Moser and Shannon Rank will be working lights and sound.

Student directors are Leah Wiechelman and Andrew Taylor.

New weed supervisor eager to get started

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By Dan Bechtold

Editor

Duane Wetzel is the new weed supervisor in Tripp County.

He just started his job a week ago and is eager to get started tackling those pesky weeds.

However, much needed moister that ranchers need has slowed his start of spraying.

“I am new to this and I am eager to get out there. Weather is not helping,” he said.

Prior to applying for the Tripp County job he worked for CHS for five years on the feed side.

Wetzel is not totally new to spraying weeds. He worked for one summer for  former weed supervisor the late Greg Womeldorf. “Greg taught me a lot,” said Wetzel.

The new weed supervisor grew up in Wessington Springs. Right out of high school he went work in the oil fields of North Dakota.

After working in North Dakota, he went to Mitchell Technical College where he got a two year degree in animal science nutrition. He also took some agronomy classes.

Eight years ago he moved to Winner and enjoys living in this part of South Dakota.

“I am an easy going guy. I am going to be up front with people. I am going to be honest with them. If there is a weed problem come to me and we will get it solved. It is best if you come to me, don’t go and complain to your neighbor,” he said.

He encourages people to call him to discuss weed issues. His phone number is 840-1729.  He is up for phone calls or text messages.

“It is neighbor helping neighbor, that is what we are here to do.”

Suzy Willuweit celebrates 45 years at Winner Regional Health

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By Dan Bechtold

Editor

Suzy Willuweit has seen a lot of changes at Winner Regional Health in the 45 years she has worked for the healthcare organization.

She started work  in 1976 as a nurses aide and was taught by Cecilia   Ross, who was the director of nursing at that time.

Willuweit worked for a year as a unit clerk before joining the purchasing department in 1982. This is where Willuweit found her niche and has been in purchasing ever since.

Willuweit explained she goes to the different departments in the hospital and takes them their supplies. She also places orders which is requested by the hospital departments.

She explained the ordering of major items is made by Karen Worden.

The long time employee enjoys working with people. “I am out on the floor all the time and I get to meet a lot of people,” she said.

There have been many changes in purchasing over the years from handwritten orders to now computer generated requests.

COVID-19 has hit the purchasing department hard. She noted there have been a lot of backorders and it has been hard to get some supplies.

Suzy Willuweit is one of the long time and dedicated employees at Winner Regional Health.

Melvin Reiser, 68

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Mass of Christian Burial for Melvin Reiser, 68, of Butte, Neb.,  was held Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Butte. Reverend Richard Reiser and Reverend Bernard Starman were the concelebrants, with burial in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Butte.

Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post 51 and Army National Guard Honor Guard.

Brockhaus Funeral Home in Spencer, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements. Melvin died Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at Niobrara Valley Hospital in Lynch, Neb.

Melvin Michael Reiser, son of Wilbur and Agnes (Lechtenberg) Reiser, was born Aug. 5, 1952, at Lynch, Neb. He attended Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School until the eighth grade and graduated from Butte Public School. Melvin served in the United States Army from 1972 until 1975 and was stationed in Germany. Melvin was blessed with two adopted sons, Gary and Carl Reiser and an adopted granddaughter, Rebeka.

Melvin was a teacher and taught at Osmond Public School, Martin School in Martin, South Dakota, Anoka School. His last school was Cheyenne Eagle Butte School where he taught for 35 years.

Melvin was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, All Saints Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus.

Melvin is survived by his adopted son, Gary Reiser; granddaughter, Rebeka; and siblings, Louise Ann Reiser of Spencer, Donna (Donald) LaFerrier of Elk Point, South Dakota, twin brother, Marvin (Julie) Reiser of Butte, Richard Reiser of Omaha, David (Linda) Reiser of Spencer, and Gregory Reiser of Spencer. Many nieces and nephews and friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Agnes (Lechtenberg) Reiser; adopted son, Carl Reiser; sister-in-law, Pamela Reiser; and nephew, Jacob Reiser.

George A. Davis, 90

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George A. Davis was born to Roy and Florence (Linton) Davis on March 6, 1931, in Deadwood, SD. He was the youngest in his family and joined a brother, Sam and three sisters, Nellie (Parsons); Inez (Sharp) and Margaret (Kollmar). He grew up in Deadwood, Millboro, Igloo and Custer, SD.

 In 1966, he married the love of his life, Opal Clark. They lived in Custer and eventually bought their own place south of Argyle in Custer County. In addition to raising livestock, he worked on the railroad for many years, starting on the section crew in Custer and worked his way down the line retiring out of Edgemont, SD.

He loved animals and always had some combination of horses, cows, chickens, pigs and lambs as well as dogs, cats, and even a raccoon. He could often be found out walking amongst the cattle, talking to them in his own special way. Some even answered back. He was a true cowboy and loved riding. He had one extra special horse, Wasaka, who he raised from a foal and had for 27 years. He liked to read the history of the country and remembered everything. And if he loved horses, he also loved horse power. The faster the better.

George loved people. He never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone he met.   He and Opal travelled all over the country visiting family and friends and making new ones. They loved to go dancing. He was always up for an adventure and in his 70’s he hiked Black Elk Peak with his niece and her family and travelled to France with a neighbor.

Music was another passion. He learned to play music by ear without any formal instruction.

Preceded in death by his wife, Opal; his parents, Roy and Florence Davis; his siblings, Margaret Kollmar; Inez Sharp and Nellie Parsons; his nieces, Sandra Rhoades; Joy Showalter; and a great grandson, Nicholas Farrell.

He is survived by his step daughter, Gloria Bennett of Tuscon, AZ; grandchildren, Tami Habeck of Tuscon, AZ; Robert (Micole) Miller of Newcastle, WY;  Leona Farrell of Edgemont, SD; 3 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren as well as nieces, Beverly Rose; Devera Sharp; Glenda Keller; Patricia Davis; Dusty Thorstenson; nephews, Jim Sharp; Kenny Kollmar and their families that he enjoyed immensely.

 Memorial services will be held 10 a.m., Monday, June 7, 2021, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.  Committal services will follow at Custer Cemetery in Custer, SD.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Winner girls bb team gets national good deed award

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Dan Bechtold/Winner Advocate Photo
Winner girls basketball team was presented a national Good Deed Award at the
athletic awards night on May 18. The Winner American Legion Auxiliary submitted
the entry to state which sent it on to national. After every basketball game,
whether at home or away, the girls help clean the bleachers and pick up trash.
Judy Wilcox of the Winner Legion Auxiliary presented the award to coach Larry
Aaker. Girls in front from left are Emma Jorgensen, Karlee Brozik, Joselin
Kludt, Ellie Brozik, Bella Swedlund, Katherine Jankauskas and Melanie Brozik.
Team members in back from left are Ava Craven, Aryn Meiners, Maggie LaCompte,
Kalla Bertram, Kelsey Sachtjen, Shannon Calhoon and Jenna Hammerbeck.

Foundation check to building committee

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Submitted Photo
The Tripp County Community Foundation-First Fidelity Bamk fund awarded a $25,000grant to the Tripp County Building Facility Committee for a new sheep and swine building at the Tripp County Fairgrounds. Construction has begun and the building along with new pens is to be complete prior to the Mid Dakota Fair, Aug. 5-7.Accepting the grant is Bonnie Rutten, chairman of the committee, center. Also pictured are Dawn Covey and Rita Neyens, chairman and vice chairman of the Tripp County Community Foundation.