By Dan Bechtold/ Editor
A county project to add culverts on 318th Ave. has been stopped and a more study will be done. At the Dec. 29 meeting of the Tripp County Commissioners a motion was approved to stop the current project to allow more time for further study. There is a concern during heavy rains of water going over the road and then flooding farm yards. Mike Pravecek explained the water comes within a foot of his home. There were eight people who live in this area at the meeting.
Scott Schweitzer of Brosz Engineering, Pierre, explained the hydrology study that was done in 2017. He explained the work order was just to look at two locations on 318th Ave. He did not look at property down stream .The goal of the project was to make the road travel safe. Persons attending the meeting asked that a study be done down stream.
In other business, the commissioners set salaries for 2021. The salary of commissioners will remain the same at $9,500 per year.
The salary of Roger Sund, highway superintendent, went from $47,528 to $50,028 per year. The salary of register of deeds Louise Flisram remains the same at $44,450 per year. The salary of treasurer Candy Biggins will start at $40,109.The salary of auditor Barb DeSersa will remain the same at $43,930.
The salary of director of equalization Janiece Weber will remain at $38,000 a year. The salary of IT specialist Melanie Levi will go from $48,110 to $48,630 per year. Salary of sheriff Shawn Pettit will go from $45,926 to $48,000 per year. The salary of ambulance directors Kathie Cole will remain at $47,2195 and Sissy Orel at $44,200 per year.
The salary of state’s attorney Zach Pahlke will start at $69,670 per year. Todd Stiehl, deputy sheriff, will go from $19.50 to $20 per hour. Dan McMurtrey, deputy sheriff, will go from $16 to $16.50 per hour. Jon Burdette, dispatcher, will remain at $13.75 per hour and his salary as emergency manager will go from $8,760 to $9,277 per year.
Marty Zeigler, custodian, will go from $31,200 to $33,500 per year.
The salaries of deputies and secretaries will increase or remain the same as follows: Heather Schroeder, $14.10 to $15.76 per hour; Marcia Haukaas remains at $11.85 per hour; Holly Lillebo from $14.35 to $15.75 per hour; Makaleigh Nilson remains at $15 per hour; Kristin Assman, from $15.10 to $15.70 per hour Debbie Steinke from $15 to$15.25 per hour Tracy Swanson from $18 to$18.25 per hour (no health insurance); LaVonne Brickman remains at $15 per hour (part-time). Bev Vaughn, ambulance billing, remains at $16 per hour; Bev Vaughn, welfare director, will start at $10,000 per year. Don Vogt, recycling manager, remains at $18,470 per year. Joan Vogt, recycling employee will remain at $11.75 per hour and Ron Long Crow, recycling employee, will remain at $10.50 per hour.
The salaries of full time employees at the library will include: Misti Burns, librarian, from $32,500 to $33,250; Edith Brooks remains at $15.25 per hour; Val Padmore remains at $11.25 per hour (part time) Milton Douglas, veteran service officer, will remain at $16 per hour. Connie Christensen, highway department secretary, will go from $17 to $18.50 per hour. The salaries of highway construction employees will remain at $21 per hour. This includes Gerald Tyburec, Milo Ptacek, Andrew Connelly, Kevin Osborne, Jay Supik, Scott Bolie and David Witt.
Part-time ambulance attendants will remain for a trip under 100 miles, $100 per trip; 450 miles $250 per trip; ambulance attendants over 450 miles, $350 per trip. EMT above B will increase from $114 per day to $126 per day, EMT-B will increase from $108 per day to $120 per day. Coroner Dr. Rick Wagner will remain at $58 per call.
In other business, a raise was approved for on call EMTs. The raise will be 50 cents an hour. Ambulance directors Kathie Cole and Sissy Orel requested the raise. They noted the important work that is being done by EMTs. Cole said she and Orel cannot do their work without the EMT volunteers. There are two EMTs on call 24/7. Approval was given to purchase an AED for the fairgrounds.
The commissioners approved the purchase of a cell phone for the extension office.
End of the year money transfers were approved. There were both cash transfers and contingency fund transfers.
Alvin Pahlke has served as state’s attorney for 12 years and his last day in this position was Dec. 31. Taking over as state’s attorney will be Zach Pahlke. Zach Pahlke was unopposed in this year’s election.
The next meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Jan. 12.
By Dan Bechtold /Editor
Several ordinances received final approval at the Jan. 4 meeting of the Winner City Council. In total, there were 11 ordinances that received the approval of the council.
This was the council’s first meeting of the new year.
The ordinances that were approved include:
•Ord 980—Amends the administrative citations provision by adding alternate off street parking surfaces and premises identification for enforcement.
•Ord 981—Amends the code of ordinances regarding abandoned and inoperable vehicles. If a vehicle is not screened from public view it should be properly covered, a common tarp will not be acceptable.
•Ord 982—deals with nuisance weeds and grass
• Ord 983—Provides for enforcement of premises identification requirements. All addresses are required to have a number. Persons who violate this will be notified by the code enforcement officer and the person has 20 days to make the correction.
•Ord 984—Adds to the list of items that are property maintenance violations. Councilman Justin Schuyler voted no and Councilmember Val Sherman was not at the meeting. The rest of the council approved the ordinance.
•Ord 985—Amends the time for compliance of property maintenance violations. Violations will have six months to comply.
•Ord 986—Amends the ordinance for off street parking surfaces.
•Ord 987—Amends the code of ordinances to set the penalty for violations. The penalty will be $500 or up to 30 days in jail
•Ord 988—Amends certain requirements for vacant commercial structures
•Ord 989—This is a supplemental appropriation ordinance
•Ord 990—This is a supplemental budget ordinance for the halfway house fun.
Reports were presented by city administrators.
Public safety commissioner Justin Day reported there were 134 inmates in jail as of Monday. The average inmate count for December was 120 and the yearly average was 105.There are 30 participants on the 24/7 program.
The communication center had 1,900 incidents entered into the CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) for the month of December.
The 911 calls totaled 780.Mike Brown, code enforcement officer, presented a monthly and a year end report.
For December, there were three building permits issued and 11 code violations.
In the yearly report, Brown said the planning and zoning/building department issued 68 building permits in 2020. The value of permitted work in 2020 was $1,067,610. This includes $597,910 for residential permits and $487,700 for commercial permits. Brown said during 2020 there were 508 violations of municipal codes.
The Spruce Up program had four structures taken down last year. Finance officer Chandra Weidner presented a report on the money that has been submitted which will receive CARES funding due to COVID-19. She also told the council the city sales tax is up 1.17 percent from a year ago.
Troy Kruger, public works director, presented a report on work various crews have been doing. In the consent agenda, the council approved a pubic records request policy.
Requests for public records are to be made through the finance office. The policy sets the price for copying documents and the charge if staff time to gather the documents takes more than an hour.
The Winner Advocate was designated as the official newspaper for the city of Winner. Named as official bank depositories for the city of Winner are Wells Fargo, First Fidelity and BankWest.
The active fire department roster was listed in the minutes for workmen’s comp compliance.
Approval was given to January fuel bids: No. 2 diesel, CHS, $1.85 per gallon; No. 1 diesel, CHS, $1.99 per gallon; 87 Oct (10 percent), CHS, $1.87 a gallon; regular unleaded, CHS, $2.00 a gallon; propane, CHS, $1.05 per gallon.
Approval was given to substantial completion of Phase 3 of the jail addition project.
A contract was approved for Puetz Design and Build, Mitchell, for a project in the new jail. The project will be done by the end of January.
What a way to start the new year! A last second shot at the buzzer by Winner’s Elijah Pederson gave the Warriors a 58-56 victory over Lennox in the Sacred Hoops Classic in Mitchell on Saturday.
Brady Fritz was named the MVP of this game. In the dramatic finish, Winner was trailing by 2 with less than a minute to play. Slade Cournoyer took a nice mid range shot that just missed the rim and Brady Fritz came from the backside for a tip to tie the game at 56-all.“We then had to get a stop on the defensive end. Lennox was very patient before shooting a 3 pointer with about 25 seconds to go and that short fell short,” said Winner coach Brett Gardner.
Lennox called a time out to set their defense. “We told our guys we are going to the rim with under 6 seconds to play so Lennox cannot get the ball back,” said Gardner. Lennox fouled twice to stop the clock. With 8 seconds to go, Blake Volmer drove to the elbow and faked a hand off to Cournoyer and then swung a pass to Peterson in the corner. Peterson took one dribble and pulled up for a 15 footer as time expired. As the ball fell through the hoop the Winner team and bench erupted in joy as Winner captured in the victory. “It was a big shot for Elijah and the Winner Warriors,” said the coach.
Fritz scored 25 points in this game. Volmer and Cournoyer each had 11, Peterson, 6 and Ethan Bartels, 5.Fritz pulled down 7 rebounds, Volmer, 6 and Peterson, 5. The Warriors shot 41 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line.
“We are very happy with the toughness we showed in a physical, fun game at the Corn Palace,” said Gardner. “The feel of that game was much like a SoDak 16 game and we were able to make some key stops down the stretch.
We are proud of our guys for handling themselves and making big plays when needed,” said Gardner. He said Peterson’s shot was huge and was a fun ending to a great game. “His teammates were so happy for him and it was awesome to see the guys celebrating on the court together,” he explained.
Winner vs. Bon Homme On Thursday, Winner defeated Bon Homme 71-42. Fritz scored 20 points, Volmer and Bartels, 14 each. The Warriors shot 38 percent from the field and made 9 of 20 free throws. Volmer and Peterson each pulled down 10 rebounds, Bartels, 8 and Fritz, 6.
Volmer had 4 assists and Bartels had 8 steals. “We felt the game didn’t have much flow but our guys rebounded the basketball very well and that was the biggest difference. On nights that you don’t shoot very well you seem to do other things such as force turnovers and grad rebounds. We were able to do that and the outcome was in our favor because it,” said the coach. The Warriors outrebounded Bon Homme by 25 and that is big to gain extra possession.
Winner won the junior varsity game 48-17. Leading scorers were Kolbie Osborn, 13, Finn Bartels and Kylar Meek, 9 each; Michael Olson and Shawn Hammerbeck, 6 each. Bartels had 5 assists. Winner has games on Thursday and Saturday. On Thursday, Winner will play Colome with the JV game starting at 6:30 p.m.
SoChae Kim Sinclair, 77, of Gillette, Wyo., passed away from complications related to COVID-19, on Dec. 25, 2020 at the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center. Her husband, son (Robert), and daughter (Betty) were by her side.
SoChae Kim was born Dec. 13, 1943, in Hungnam, Korea to her parents, ManYelle Kim and Aesun Jo. During the Korean War, SoChae’s family was gravely impacted by the hardships that many Korean families endured. In December 1950, her family was evacuated to the Island of Geoje on the S.S. Meredith Victory leaving their home in Hungnam with only what they could carry. They were then relocated to Busan, Korea where she grew up and later owned a successful beauty salon. Sochae’s experiences left an indelible sense of inner strength that was a guiding principle throughout her life. She believed her life story was an example for her children regarding the importance of self-reliance and perseverance.
In 1968, SoChae met William Sinclair while he was stationed in Wae Gwan, Korea, serving with the 44th Engineering Battalion in the United States Army. They were married that year and subsequently moved to White River, South Dakota where they were active members in the community and school district. She was a member of the UMW (United Methodist Women) and the American Legion Auxiliary for nearly forty years. SoChae was a constant self-learner who was always mastering new skills in cooking and gardening, most notably her beautiful rose gardens throughout her and William’s property.
In 2017, SoChae and William relocated to Gillette, Wyo., to live closer to family due to health reasons. SoChae’s energetic spirit and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was always willing to help people in need and believed that everyone could make something of themselves through hard work and an opportunity.
She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and two brothers; YongTeak and YongBok.
SoChae is survived by her husband of fifty-two years, William Sinclair; her seven children, Enam Tong (Busan, Korea), Susan Danilson (North Sioux City, SD), Sunhui Cash (Houston, TX), Myoung Andie Coughlin (Omaha, NE), HyongKyu Tong (Denver, CO), Betty Sinclair (Minneapolis, MN), and Robert Sinclair (Gillette, WY). Eleven grandchildren; YouTek and Jiun Kim, Dustin and Jacob Sorenson, Bryan Cash, James Coughlin, Jr., Ronnie and Andrew Tong, Paul Danilson, Breianna and Milo Sinclair, along with six great grandchildren.
SoChae’s wishes were to be cremated and although a service will not be held at this time, there will be a memorial service held on July 16, 2021 at 1 p.m. MST at the Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD.
Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 S. Medical Arts Gillette, Wy 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.WalkerFuneralGillette.com
Dennis Kevin Mahto, 57, began his journey on Monday, Dec. 28th, 2020 at Sanford Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Wake services were held at the Winner Community Building in south Ideal on Sunday, Jan. 3 at 7 pm and Monday, Jan. 4 at 7 pm. The funeral began on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 11 am. The burial followed in the Winner Cemetery in Winner, South Dakota.
Dennis was born July 10, 1963 to Elvira Donnice Mahto in Pierre, South Dakota. He was a part of a large family, his siblings: Sandra, George ‘Buff’, Jeff, Blaine, Joan, David, Laurette, Georgia, and Denise. He grew up in Wolf Point, Mont., and in Pierre, SD, moving often with his family. He had a love for traveling, and a passion to work with his hands, such as drawing and carpentry.
Despite his age at the time, he spent the majority of his youth taking care of his grandparents, Leslie and Alma Mahto in Pierre. He then moved to Winner and married Nancy Antoine on Sept. 2, 1989. He had three children, Noland, Dayle, and Aarin. During these early years, he battled diabetes, which would develop into kidney disease much later in life. Dennis would often travel with his father-in-law, Roger; for work. Doing jobs like construction and working on houses. He also worked as a bus driver for a time at the Lame Deer Head Start Center. His bus code name was ‘The Rubber Duck’. He liked to jam out to rock music with the kids. Dennis was a part of bowling leagues during the fall and winter and played softball on his Wayne’s Auto’s team in the summer. Both of which he excelled at. It wasn’t long into those years that he discovered he had leukemia and began to lose his sight shortly after. Dennis withdrew from work around 2004 and remained at home with his family and grandchildren. He developed many lifelong friendships and remained active despite everything he endured. Dennis was always noticeable due to his trademark Vikings hat and sunglasses. Every weekend he was always looking forward to the next football game. His favorite activity was to sit out in his backyard with a cold one in the sun; with his radio while his family and grandchildren played nearby. Dennis loved all his family near and far.
Toward the fall of this year, Dennis contracted Covid-19, which he managed to beat. After his recovery, he spent the remainder of his days at home with family till his health took a turn. He fought till the very end for all of those that he loved and those who loved him. Now he is finally at rest and at peace.
He is preceded in death by his mother Donnice; his siblings Joan Wetsit, Laurette Wetsit, Denise Zimmer, George ‘Buff’ Wetsit, and David Wetsit; his grandparents Leslie and Alma (Wells) Mahto and Sydney and Alma Bad Moccasin; his father-in-law Dr. Roger Milk; his uncle Leslie Mahto Jr and uncle Norman Wilson; his nieces Sayra Mahto, Daveau and Mariah Azure; his granddaughter Jozlyn Turney, and his nephews Elijah Zimmer; Mason and Nathaniel Wetsit.
He leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Nancy Antoine, and his children Noland (Sami, Kaycen, Na’Talia, and Gracie), Dayle (Jaziel and Wyatt), and Aarin. His siblings, Sandra Mahto Stracener (Mike and family), Jeff Wetsit (Tamara and family), Georgia Wetsit (and family), and Blaine Wetsit (Sally and family).
He also survived by, Truman Mahto Carmen), Karen Howe, Kathy Mahto, his mother-in-law Lavina Milk; Nichole Smart( Ken and family) and Mary Antelope, Bernadine Wilson, Heather King (and family), Ruperta ‘Bobbi’ Larson Galen and family) Algie Mahto (and family), Samuel Antoine(and family), Jay Antoine (Nanette and family), Paula Antoine (and family), Julie Turney (and brothers and sister Rachel)… and his many nieces and nephews, and all his grandchildren, and beloved friends.
Dennis was a very strong man who always confronted a problem head-on and full of confidence. He was very proud of all his long battles and all the hardships he overcame in his life. Dennis had an amazing sense of humor and seemed to always have a joke ready. Dennis always lent a hand to those who needed him and never judged a situation. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family and friends. He was a determined and passionate man who wouldn’t let anything stand in his way. Dennis will always be remembered, sorely missed, and greatly loved forever.
Michael Murphy, 79, of Denver, Colo., passed away on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020.
Mike was a devoted father, grandfather, and good friend to many.
He was born on Oct. 15, 1941 in Smith Center, Kan., to Fred and Bernice (Lathrop) Murphy. He grew up in Smith Center and later Winner, South Dakota. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in 1962. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
After college he served in the United States Army. Mike practiced accounting as a CPA for 40 years in Denver, retiring from Benson Mineral Group where he worked for 25+ years.
On October 3, 1964, he married Valerie Jean Sturges. They raised two children, Michael and Christine.
Mike loved to be outside. He fished and hunted while growing up in Kansas and South Dakota as well as in the mountains of Colorado. In his retirement he spent a great deal of his time hiking near his home in Evergreen and later walking daily around his neighborhood in Denver. He was also an enthusiastic sports fan and enjoyed attending Denver Broncos games, (in any kind of weather), with his family and friends for many years. He also enjoyed watching Nebraska football on TV.
Mike was also an avid reader and had a great passion for knowledge. Those who knew Mike would say that although he was a man of few words, he was a man of great integrity and kindness.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Valerie. He is survived by his son Michael and his wife Mika (Brooklyn, NY), his daughter Christine and her husband Joel and their two children Miles and Ava (Denver, CO), his brother James and wife Rhonda (Spokane, WA), his sister Jane and her husband Andrew (Denver, CO), as well as several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Veneda Kay (Andrews) Eagle Hawk passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020 at 12:24PM at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.
Wake services were held on Saturday, Jan 2 and Sunday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Auditorium. Funeral services were held on Monday, Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Auditorium. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.
Veneda Kay (Andrews) Eagle Hawk was born in Winner, SD on March 2nd 1955. Her mothers name was Delphine Andrews. Veneda went to Todd County School. In her younger years she liked to go to the ball games, spend time with family, she loved her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.
She met the love of her life in 1980 and married Clarence Matthew Eagle Hawk II on Dec. 5, 1984.
She had 2 kids Michael Todd Andrews and Lynette (Chet) Andrews, and adopted daughters; Camille Angelic Herman, Chloe Raine Eagle Hawk, Clarence Matthew III (Madonna) Eagle Hawk, Frances (Jack) Brandis, Angela Eagle Hawk, Nicole Eagle Hawk, & Janice Eagle Hawk. Nieces and nephews she helped raise, Darrell (Donnella) Herman, Dan (Clarissa) Herman, Isabelle Angelic Herman, & Deloris (Colin) Herman.
She has 2 sisters, Marilyn (Diz) Herman, Elizabeth Ann Blacksmith (Deceased). Adopted sisters: Dorothy Heth, Mary Chasing Hawk, Alva Chasing Hawk, Alice Blacksmith, Dawn Blacksmith, David Blacksmith, & Martha Blacksmith and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren.
Raised by her aunts and uncles: Martha (Geno) Williams, Esther Andrews, Mary (Andrews) Martin, Jeanette Andrews, Anita Andrews, Frieda Blacksmith (Deceased) Larry Andrews (Deceased) Orlando Andrews (Deceased) Wally Andrews (Deceased) Richard Andrews (Deceased) Grandpa: Wallace Andrews (Deceased) Grandma: Mercy (Greenwood) Andrews (Deceased)
There are 25 active cases of COVID-19 in Tripp County. As of Monday, Dec. 28, there were no new cases reported.
In Tripp County there have been 584 recoveries and 64 have been hospitalized. There have been 11 deaths in Tripp County.
Statewide, as of Monday there were 246 new cases reported. The total active cases is 6,523.There are currently 288 persons hospitalized.
The total number of deaths is 1,446. Since COVID-19 started the total confirmed statewide cases is 88,894.
The state health department reported on Saturday the state administered 12,910 doses of either the Moderna or Pfzier vaccine.
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