Author Archives: Rita Pravecek

Trap shooting awards presented

  By | | , ,
Leave a comment
Submitted photo
Katie Welker of the Winner/Colome high school trap shooting team was the high
overall female shooter in the state. Parker Baker was the high overall male
shooter in the state. He was also the first place male in the conference and
high overall shooter in the conference.

The Winner/Colome high school trap team recently handed out awards from the fall league. Winner/ Colome had the top 2 shooters in the state. Parker Baker was high overall male in the state and also high overall shooter with a 24 average. He also was 1st place male in the conference and high overall shooter in the conference. Katie Welker was the high overall female shooter in the state with a 23.8 average and was 1st place female shooter in the conference. As a team the Winner/Colome shooter took 1st place in the conference.

The following are the scores for each shooter for the 5 weeks of shooting. The scores are the number of targets out of 50 that are hit. Week 1: Jack Anderson 47, Parker Baker 47, Matt Brozik 33, Megan Brozik 32, George Clark 44, Faith Covey 44, Hunter Osborn 38, Cole Rank 41, Hunter Shippy 44, and Katie Welker 48.

Week 2: Jack 45, Parker 50, Matt 26, Megan 36, George 44, Faith 38, Hunter O 32, Cole 44, Hunter S 38 and Katie 46.

Week 3: Jack 44, Parker 48, Matt 33, Megan 37, George 46, Faith 40, Hunter O 35, Cole 39, Hunter S 35 and Katie 48.

Week 4: Jack 43, Parker 47, Matt 30, Megan 39, George 45, Faith 41, Hunter O 42, Cole 34. Hunter S 31 and Katie 47.

Week 5: Jack 46, Parker 48, Matt 28, Megan 35, George 41, Faith 33, Hunter O 43, Cole 40, Hunter S, 38 and Katie 49.

Sign up for the spring league of clay target shooting has begun. There is still time if anyone in grades 6-12 are interested in joining the league. For more information please contact Tim Pravecek or Laura Welker. There is always room for more shooters, come join the fun!

Drawing for roses at ball game

  By | | , ,
Leave a comment
Dan Bechtold/Winner Advocate Photo
Winner High School and middle school student council sold chances on a bouquet
of roses at the girls basketball game on Friday, Feb. 5. The proceeds of the
chances that were sold went to the Cameron Vobr family. Winners of the roses
were Sierra Hansen and Joy Tyburec. Pictured from left are Marie Hansen,
Sierraâ++s mother, Leila Balsiger, Skyler Hansen and Joy Tyburec.

COVID-19 Report

  By | | ,
Leave a comment

There are eight active cases of COVID-19 reported in Tripp County.

As of Monday, there were no new cases.In Tripp County, there have been 636 persons who have recovered since the pandemic started.

Those who have ever been hospitalized is 72.There have been 15 deaths in Tripp County.

Statewide on Monday there were 43 new cases reported and 11 probable.

The active cases are 2,308.Currently, there are 112 persons hospitalized. The state reported six new COVID-19 deaths on Saturday.

That brings the total deaths to 1,809.

Two killed in crash near Winner

  By | | ,
Leave a comment

A 29 year old woman and  a 56 year old woman were killed in a deadly car crash just east of Winner on Feb. 3.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol said the accident happened at 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Highways 49 and 44.

According to the highway patrol a 1995 Chevrolet pickup was southbound on Highway 49 when the driver failed to make a complete stop at the junction with Highway 44.

The pickup collided with a 2017 Kia Forte which was west bound on Highway 44.

One of the three occupants in the Kia, a 29 year old woman,  was not wearing a seat belt was thrown from the vehicle and was later pronounced dead at the Winner hospital.

The 30 year old male driver of the Kia and a 56 year old female passenger both suffered serious non-life threatening injures and were taken to the Winner Hospital.

The second female died on Thursday after being transported to a Rapid City hospital.

The two women were identified as Krystie  Clairmont, a 29-year-old passenger in the Kia and Ina Fast Horse, 56, also a passenger in the Kia. Both women were from Rosebud.

Nathaniel Wood, 29, Commerce City, Colo., was driving the pickup and Arnold Jordan, 30, Rosebud, was driving the Kia.  Both men were taken to the  hospital in Winner.

The 29 year old male driver of the pickup also suffered serious non-life threatening injuries and was taken to the Winner hospital.

The state trooper who investigated the accident said weather  conditions were poor at the time of the accident. He said there was heavy snow, wind and visibility was low.

The accident is still under investigation.

Road legislation subject of cracker barrel

  By | | , ,
Leave a comment

By Dan Bechtold

Editor

South Dakota lawmakers hear from persons in their district that the state needs to do more to help fund road and bridge repair.

This was one of several topics discussed at a legislative cracker barrel Saturday in Winner.

The meeting was sponsored by the Winner Area Chamber of Commerce.

District 21 lawmakers attending were Sen. Erin Tobin, Rep. Rocky Blare and Rep. Caleb Finck.

Rep. Finck said HB1237 makes an appropriation for the purpose of funding county, township roads and bridges.

The request is for $4 million to match a federal program for repairing bridges in South Dakota. Last year this money was able to fix 49 bridges and Finck hopes more bridges can be repaired if funding is approved.

The representative from Tripp also has a concern for townships. He is introducing a bill to repair small structures at the township level. The funds would come to the county and then be distributed to the townships.

“This is something that has not been done before,” said Finck.

He hopes the legislature will fund $9 million for this program.

The three legislators said this year there is more money available due to COVID-19 funds that the state received from the federal government.

Blare said there will be one time money available this year.

With the advent of electric cars the legislature is looking at how to charge a fee.

Currently, there are about 167 electric cars in South Dakota.

A representative from Sioux Falls has introduced a bill that would charge owners of a electric cars a yearly fee. The fee proposed is $50. Finck does not think this is enough. He noted the average South Dakotan pays more than that in fuel tax.

The proposed legislation only applys to cars and pickups.

“As much as we would like to think electric semis are a thing of the future it will happen sooner than we think,” said Finck. The new Amazon facility slated to be built in Sioux Falls has ordered 100 electric semis. “In the next two years we may see electric semis on the interstate,” added Finck.

Also discussed were term limits, infectious diseases and redistricting.

In addition to Winner, the lawmakers made stops in Platte and Gregory.

Stanley Jones Trust has gifted Winner Regional Health

  By | | ,
Leave a comment
Submitted Photo
The Stanley Jones Trust has gifted Winner Regional Health $37,976.53. Pictured
from left are Dan Bechtold, Winner Regional Foundation president; Steve Hayes,
Stanley Jones Trust board member; Kevin Coffey, Winner Regional CEO; Mike
Sprenger, Stanley Jones Trust chairman; Leigha Dempsey, Winner Regional
Foundation director and Donna Kubik, Winner Regional Foundation board member.

Cameron Vobr, 4 months

  By | | , ,
Leave a comment

Cameron Vobr, 4 months, of Colome, SD passed away on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Fall, SD. 

Funeral service was held on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 at 2 p.m.  at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial  followed in the Colome City Cemetery.   Cameron Wade Vobr passed away in the arms of his parents on Feb. 1, 2021 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Cameron was born on Sept. 25, 2020 to Ethan Vobr and Tasha Welch in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Cameron joined his big brother, Bentley.

Despite his short time on earth, Cameron brought so much joy and happiness to those he was with. He will forever be remembered by family and friends for how happy of a child he was. Cameron was at his happiest when he was able to have bath time, often resulting in plenty of splashing and giggling. He also enjoyed his time with his father, watching all kinds of sports together. Cameron was constantly being watched over by Bentley. Cameron enjoyed all activities that took place with his brother, including just being held.

Cameron gave the ultimate gift in his passing, giving the gift of life, being a donor. Cameron will never be forgotten by his family. His memory will continue to live on through each person that followed his journey.

Cameron is survived by his parents, Ethan and Tasha, his brother, Bentley, his grandparents

Melanie Cole & Roy Stevicks,

Gene & Maggie Welch.

 Preceded in death by his great-grandparents Charlie Vobr and Marvin (Swede) & Carol Long.

Jonathan David Marshall, 19

  By | | , ,
Leave a comment

Jonathan David Marshall, 19, of Mission, SD joined the spirit world on Friday, Jan. 29th, 2021.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 at 11 a.m.  at the Okreek School Gym. Wake services were held on Thursday, Feb, 4, 2021 at 7 p.m.  at the Okreek School Gym. Burial  followed at the family ranch.

Jonathan was born on Feb. 17, 2001, in Valentine, NE to Steven Marshall and Ruth Heinert.

Jonathan spent a majority of his childhood on the Rosebud Reservation. Jonathan attended elementary school in Rosebud, SD, Mission, SD and Rapid City, SD. Jonathan moved with his parents to North Dakota in 2015 and graduated from New Town High School in 2019.

While growing up, Jonathan found a love for the outdoors. Hunting and fishing with his family was one of his favorite things to do. Jonathan also fell in love with baseball. He started playing with Mission Mayhem Little League, and played high school baseball and finally finished his baseball career with the Makoti Mavericks. While he was on the field, he played hard and always had a huge infectious smile.

Jonathan moved home with his grandparents, Deb and Clayton Sully and found a job working with OHDC, where he fell in love with his work. He enjoyed building stuff with his hands and took pride in knowing he helped build homes and offices for people to utilize.

Jonathan is survived by his brothers and sisters, Dominic, Lawrence, Christopher, Sundance, Jaxson, LaylaJo, Khloe and Stacey. Jonathan took great pride in being a big brother and role model for them all. Jonathan is also survived by his parents, Steven Marshall and Ruth Heinert, grandparents, Debra and Clayton Sully Sr, and Stan and Maureece Heinert. Jonathan is also survived by countless family members and friends.

Rose Gran, 90

  By | | , ,
Leave a comment

Rose Gran, 90, of Winner, SD passed away on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Facility in Winner, SD. 

Funeral service was held on Monday, Feb. 8, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. 

Rose was born Oct. 20, 1930 at Hamill, SD to Joe and Agnes Nespor.  She was 1 of 10 children.  She attended grade school near Hamill and graduated Winner High School in 1948.  After graduation she was employed at the Farmer’s State Bank in Winner and also Nespor Hardware. 

On July 19, 1949 she married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life Leonard Gran.  To this union 3 children were born, Kathy, Lennette and Brad.

After a brief time in Georgia while Leonard was in the service they lived near Hamill where they ranched.  Leonard auctioneered and Rose worked on the ranch.  In 1966 they purchased the Cliff Phillips place east of Okreek, SD where they ranched and lived for over 40 years.

Rose was a hard worker and where Leonard was and whatever he did she was right beside him, from clerking the sales to fixing fence, poisoning prairie dogs, opening and closing gates, working cattle and cooking the noon meal for her family and whoever else happened to be there.  If you left her table hungry it was your own fault.

She loved riding her 4-wheeler around the ranch checking cattle or just making sure we were doing things right and if we needed any help.  Many neighbors will tell you that no one watched a gate better than Rose Gran and would and could sit there for hours.  She held all these important titles up until December of 2015 when she entered Elder Inn.

Rose is survived by her children Kathy (Dennis) Calhoon of Winner, Lennette (Tom) Toman of Carter and Brad (Lureen) Gran of Carter.  Five Grandchildren; Michelle (Travis) Carpenter of Mitchell, SD, Deonne (Jeff) Portner of Tea, SD, Darnele (Mitch) Smith of Tea, SD, Grant (Molly) Toman of Carter and Gus (Brooklynn) Gran of Carter, 8 great-grandchildren; Mason, Cade and Sutton Carpenter, Dawson and Presley Portner, Oliver and Oakley Smith and Delanie Gran.  Rose was preceded in death by her husband Leonard, parents Joe and Agnes Nespor, siblings; Mildred Frizzell, Eva Hossle, Marie Spreckles, Darlene Fabinich, Stanley Brozik, Frank Nespor, Joie nespor, leonard Nespor, Lawrence and LaVern Nespor.

Horizon Health Care has announced the 2020 Horizon Health Care Provider of the Year

  By | | , ,
Leave a comment
Submitted Photo
Len Wonnenberg, left, Huron, formerly of Winner, has been named 2020 Horizon
Health Care provider of the year. Wonnenberg is a physician assistant and works
at James Valley community health center in Huron.

Horizon Health Care has announced that Len Wonnenberg, PA-C, has been recognized as the 2020 Horizon Health Care Provider of the Year.

Wonnenberg is the son of Roger and Jackie Wonnenberg of Winner. Wonnenberg is a graduate of Winner High School.

Each year, Horizon Health Care recognizes an employee who embodies the spirit of care that Horizon strives to provide to its patients and communities. Selection is based on several items, including patient satisfaction, quality of care, service to community, and effective leadership. This is the fifth year a provider has been recognized with this honor.

Len is a primary care provider at Horizon’s James Valley Community Health Center in Huron.

 Len joined Horizon Health Care in 2012. A South Dakota native originally from Winner, Len attended graduate school at University of South Dakota and holds a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant studies.

Len is a dedicated provider, colleague, and part of the Huron community. His investment in patient care is evident in his patient satisfaction scores, where 93% of Len’s patients indicated he is the “best provider possible.” Though Len maintains a complex panel of patients, he works diligently to improve the quality of care provided to his patients. One of his patients shared, “I grew up never going to the doctor, until I came to Horizon Health Care and started getting medical care. I have diabetes and I have learned to take care of myself through my provider, Len. Len always makes sure I come in for my diabetes and pain control appointments. I can see he cares, he takes time to talk to me, and I’m not scared to come to the doctor anymore.”

Len is passionate about providing education and treatment for diabetes not only for his patients, but in his community and at the state-level. He is vice president of the South Dakota Diabetes Coalition and has been involved with many panel discussions and trainings surrounding diabetes. Locally, Len has collaborated with several other members of the Huron medical community to form the James Valley Diabetes Group and helped organize the Diabetes Day educational fairs in the past. He continues to speak regularly to community and civic groups.

Len and his wife, Amanda, reside in Huron with their three children.