By Dan Bechtold
Editor
The Colome Consolidated School Board will hold a special election on June 20. The election will be on the reorganization plan submitted to the South Dakota Department of Education to dissolve the consolidated part of the Colome School District.
The deadline to register to vote in this election is June 5. Persons can register to vote at the Tripp County Auditor’s Office.
On June 20, the election polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The polling places will be at the fire hall in Colome, the city hall (post office) in Witten and the community hall in Wood.
Persons can also cast an absentee ballot.
A vote for the proposed school district reorganization plan would be to approve the plan as it is written and approved by the South Dakota Department of Education.
If the plan is approved, the Mellette County land area that is currently in the Colome, Consolidated School District would attach to the White River School District. The Tripp County land area around Witten that is currently in the Colome Consolidated School District would attach to the Winner School District and the Tripp County land area south and east of Winner that is currently in the Colome Consolidated School District would become the Colome School District. The school in Colome would remain open.
A vote
against this plan would be to deny approval of the plan as it was written and
approved by the S.D. Department of Education.
If the plan is not approved there would be no changes to the current district
land boundaries and the school would remain the Colome Consolidated School
District. The school in Colome would remain open and students living in the Wood
and Witten area would be provided transportation or mileage to the school in
Colome.
The elementary school in Wood closed last year. Citizens from the Wood and Witten area petitioned to dissolve the consolidated district.
Colome became a consolidated school district in 2009. A public vote approved the consolidation with Wood and Witten. At that time, both the Wood and Witten elementary schools were open.
On Oct. 10, 2022, the Colome Consolidated School board received a verified petition from Wood/Witten area registered voters requesting the school board develop a reorganization plan dissolving the school district and to hold an election.
If approved, the new plan would take effect July 1, 2024.
Public meetings on the reorganization plan were held Nov. 28 in Wood and Dec. 5 in Colome.
The Department of Education set the election for June 20.
If persons in this consolidated school district want to vote in this election they must register to vote by June 5.
On Tuesday May 16 22 Tripp County 4-H Members attended the 2023 Tripp Co. 4-H Beef Skillathon and Beef Showmanship Clinic, which was a certified Youth Livestock Literacy Event.
The skillathon included five stations to test the 4-H members knowledge on Feed Identification, Breed Identification, Equipment Identification, Meat Cuts Identification, and a quiz on Quality Assurance. This event was open to all ages of 4-H youth ranging from 8-18. The youth were given 10 minutes at each station. After the results were tabulated, the youth reviewed each station, were given the correct answers, and were able to ask questions regarding each area.
The 4-H Beef Project is more than just selecting an animal to show at the county fair. The Beef Project area includes education in all areas of raising beef animals. Youth are encouraged to expand their knowledge each year by attending educational events like this. Youth can also compete at the state level in the Livestock Skillathon that includes information on other livestock species. The Beef Project area provides the best educational value if members see it as a year long project in which they select an animal as a calf and then see this animal through to becoming a bred heifer and/or an animal fed for consumption, along with participation in educational events like this.
In addition to the Skillathon, this event included a beef showmanship clinic. Calah Covey, a 4-H alumnus of the Tripp County 4-H Program, presented this portion of the event. 4-H members learned about dress code, proper equipment, handling techniques, show ring etiquette, and the importance of working with your animal at home.
Roper Moore, a Tripp Co. 4-H member brought his heifer in to demonstrate to the youth. The youth had an opportunity to ask questions and even work on practicing setting up the animal.
High point individuals for the Beef Skillathon were:
Beginner – Kade Fenenga
Junior – Allie Littau
Senior – Maggie DeMers
This event was put on by Calah Covey and Sydney Hollenbeck members of the Animal & Biological Sciences Committee, Alyssa Streich – 4-H Volunteer, and Dawn Covey – member of the Beef Committee.
A program of SDSU Extension, South Dakota 4-H is the largest youth development program in the state, providing programs to youth ages 5 to 19 regardless of interest. To learn more about 4-H in Tripp County or how to enroll, email tripp.county@sdstate.edu or call (605)842-2858.
By Bosten Morehart
Staff writer
The Immaculate Conception Church Springfest is taking place June 3.
The events will include the Springfest along with the celebration of St. Mary’s School.
Activities taking place include a silent auction, a meal, and several activities for kids and families.
Doors will open at 4 pm for the silent auction preview and social hour.
Food will be served from 5 pm to 7 pm. There is an event fee of $6 which includes your meal.
Food being served will include burgers, brats, hot dogs, salads.
Some of the activities going on for kids will be face painting, chalk drawing, bubble blowing area, variety of toys and games.
There will be a cash bar on site.
A raffle will be going on, prizes include a 2022 Chevy Trax, $2,000 cash prize and $1,000 cash prize.
You do not have to be present to win the Chevy Trax but you do need to be present to win the cash prizes.
You can purchase your advance event tickets and raffle tickets at Frontier Motors Ford (only raffle tickets) , Hobby Shoppe, Marty’s, Parish office.
Marlo Bicek, 83, of Winner, SD passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.
Marlo was born on March 3, 1940 to Raymond and Dorothy (Keogh) Bicek where his parents lived south of Colome. Marlo has always called himself a simple man which started early on in his life; being raised with no electricity using kerosene lamps for any lighting needs and a wood stove to heat the house. He attended the Kansas Flats country school and developed many lifelong friends during his attendance there.
Marlo made the decision to serve his country by enlisting in the National Guard. He was a member of the 730th medical company, based in Winner. Shortly after enlisting he met the love of his life, Linda Lee Sweetland, at the Little Diner located on Main Street Winner. After much persuasion he finally convinced her to go on a date with him. On their third date as they were dancing, Marlo told Linda that he could dance with her forever and the decision was made; they were engaged.
A wedding was soon planned for December of 1961 but plans soon were changed when Marlo was called up for active duty to Fort Riley, Kan. Marlo and Linda were then married on Sept. 3, 1961 creating a union, which Marlo had always said was meant to be. Through this union, four children were born: Kay Evans (Daniel) of Storm Lake, Iowa, Amy Engel (DeWayne) of Winner, SD, Todd Bicek (Angie) of Winner, SD and Carol Peterson (Justin) of Winner SD.
Early on in Marlo and Linda’s marriage, Marlo discovered the second love of his life; being a truck driver. Lil Smokey (dad’s CB handle) and a lifelong career of logging over 3 million miles began. During his trucking career, Marlo developed the reputation of being a man who never met anyone who was a stranger. His children and wife would tell you that they spent many, many long-suffering hours in the back of the family’s station wagon waiting for their dad/ husband as he visited with his newfound friends at gas stations and truck stops.
Dad lived a simple life. He modeled generosity and paying it forward before it was even popular. Always seeing needs of others and helping in any way that he could, even if he was struggling to financially meets the needs of his family. He gave of his resources, money and time whenever he could.
Even though dad worked countless hours, he always found the time to get into a little bit of mischief, tell jokes and share many stories that entertained others. He also found partners to participate in his crazy antics; teaching his grandkids that having fun was an essential to living a happy life.
Since the passing of his Dolly (Dad’s name for his beloved Linda), he did his very best to help fill the void of our missing mom and grandma. Grateful and blessed for the time that we got to share with him are his children, Kay, Amy, Todd and Carol. Grandchildren Samantha Bausch (Eric), Kelly Evans (Joni), Ethan Engel, Jesse Engel, Emilee Engel (Reese), Brandon Bicek (Emily), Austin Bicek, Hannah Peterson (Ian), and Elijah Peterson (Kayleona). Great grandchildren Hastings and Elodie Bausch, Jade Evans, Oaklyn Bicek, and Gavin Fury. Sisters Rhea Nye, Donna Daley (Vinnie), and Doreen Kaiser (Kevin). Preceded in death by his wife Linda, parents Raymond and Dorothy, siblings Thomas and Lynette and brother-in-law, LaVerne Nye.
Winner boys track team won the Region 7A championship beating out runner-up Bennett County by 22 points.
The regional meet was held in Mission on May 18.
Aiden Barfuss won the 100 (10.97). In the preliminaries the Winner junior ran an 11.26 for first.
The Winner Warrior were strong in the relays. The relay team of Zac Olson, Jackson Bachmann, Blake Volmer and Barfuss won the 4×100 in 45.68.
The relay team of Bachmann, Donny De’Sersa, Volmer and Karson Keiser won the 4×400 in 3:43.51. The relay team of Hayden McMurtrey, Matthew Calhoon, De’Sersa and Keiser won the 4×800 in 10:31.31.
The relay team of Olson, Bachmann, Volmer and Keiser won the sprint medley in 3:51.50.
Shawn Hammerbeck won the shot put in 44-0.25 and the discus in 122 feet.
On the girls side, Keelie Kuil set a new Winner school record in the 200. Her winning time was 25.86 breaking the record held by Danette Mills of 25.87 set in 1998.
Kuil also won the 400 in 1:01.44.
The relay team of Preslie Petersek, Kylie Sachtjen, Livvy Audiss and Karlee Brozik won the 4×200 in 1:53.05. The relay team of Lilly Barfuss, Petersek, Audiss and Kuil won the 4×400 in 5:09.93.
Jenaya Schrader won the discus (101-3) and Karlee Brozik won the triple jump (32-9).
The Winner girls placed third.
“The boys had a really good day and it was good to finally have everyone back running,” said coach Larry Aaker.
“We had some kids step up and even though we went for quality races our depth on the boys side definitely helped us.”
Aaker added: “The girls did well. We went for quality races for them rather than quantity and so they weren’t set up to win regions. We did have some kids who were not able to compete in some races because of the smoke in the air that caused poor air quality. This was unfortunate but at the end of the day their health was our number one priority,” explained the coach. Smoke from wildfires in Canada engulfed most of the state on Thursday with very hazy air quality.
Boys results include:
100—Aiden Barfuss, 1st, 10.97; Zac Olson, 4th, 11.62
200—Andrew Henderson, 9th, 25.81
800—Hayden McMurtrey, 2nd, 2:21.37; Matthew Calhoon, 4th, 2:21.44
1600—Karson Keiser, 2nd, 4:45.46
110 hurdles—Austin Blare, 2nd, 17.64
300 hurdles—Blare, 2nd, 47.31
4×100 relay- 1st, 45.68
4×200 relay—3rd, 1:49.34, Austin Blare, Andrew Henderson, Broden Duffy, and Micah King
4×400 relay—1st, 3:43.51
4×800 relay—1st, 10:31.31
Medley relay—1st, 3:51.59
Shot put—Hammerbeck,
1st, 44-00.25;
Derek Fenenga, 6th, 36-05.50
Discus—Hammerbeck, 1st, 122-00; Fenenga, 3rd, 107-09
Triple jump—Blare, 2nd, 36-00.75
Results of the Winner girls include:
100—Daisy McIntyre, 3rd, 13.00; Tessa Sieh, 6th, 14.23
200—Keelie Kuil, 1st, 25.86; McIntyre, 7th, 28.53
400—Kuil, 1st, 1:00.30; Petersek, 2nd, 1:01.44
100 hurdles—Lilly Barfuss, 4th, 19.10
4×100—2nd, 55.36, Daisy McIntyre, Kylie Sachtjen, Karlee Brozik and Lilly Barfuss
4×200—1st,1:53.05
4×400—1st, 4:22.97
Shot put—Schrader, 2nd, 32-09
Discus—Schrader, 1st, 101-03
High jump—Kylie Sachtjen, 2nd, 4-05
Long jump—Karlee Brozik, 3rd, 14-03.50; Tessa Sieh, 6th, 11-06
Triple Jump—Brozik, 1st, 32-09
Blake Volmer of the Winner boys basketball team has been chosen as the Best of the West as selected by the Rapid City Journal.
Volmer shot over 50 percent to lead the Warriors to one of the best winning streaks of the season.
The senior guard average just under a double-double picking up 19.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game as Winner strung together 15 straight wins and suffered just three losses all year.
Volmer, a Black Hills State commit, also dished out 4.1 assists per game, shot 51 percent from the floor and earned a first team all-state selection.
Gerald “Red” Hartford, 96, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital in Rapid City, SD.
Funeral service were held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Rosebud Cemetery in Bonesteel, SD.
Gerald D. (“Red”) Hartford, loving and caring husband, dedicated father, entrepreneur, builder, businessman, Marine, and racer ascended to heaven May 17, 2023 at the age of 96. His was a life lived full pursuing his various interests and realizing his vision through hard work and perseverance.
He was born April 6, 1927 into a humble depression-era environment in Ewing, NE to Otto and Addie (Wilson) Hartford, the third of three children, his older brother Floyd and sister Norma, both deceased. The family moved to a site near Bonesteel, SD during his early high school years where he would board in town during the week. This meant, of course, that he had access to an automobile at a time when most students did not. Although thin as a rail, he excelled at running track while at Bonesteel HS.
Although they knew of each other, he didn’t get close to the love of his life, Alice Ruth Jons until she had graduated high school a year before he did. Alice was attending the State Normal School in Springfield, SD pursuing her teaching degree, and they met through mutual friends.
Their romance was put on hold for thirteen months while Gerald fulfilled his voluntary enlistment in the Marine Corps at the end of WWII. Once honorably discharged at age 19, they continued their courtship to the eventual decision to get married. However, he had promised his mother that he would not marry as a teenager. Thus, they were wed the day after he turned twenty years old April 6, 1947 at Alice’s parent’s farmhouse (Emil and Lydia Jons) south of Bonesteel.
Gerald was a gifted mechanical wizard, and his first steady job was with Rozum Ford in Mitchell, SD where they set up residence. He did side auto/mechanical work for a number of people from around the Mitchell area, plus built a number of items for his own enjoyment, one being a V8 powered hydroplane racing boat. This exposure led to his becoming involved in the local auto racing scene, first as a co-promoter of the Mitchell Speedway, then a race car/engine builder, and then a driver. Although there were a couple short periods where he didn’t race during the summers, his very successful race career in eastern SD and western MN spanned from the mid-1950’s through 1972, earning several track championships along the way. He is also a member of the Huset’s Speedway Hall Of Fame, in Brandon, SD.
A move in 1966 brought the family to Winner, SD where he worked as sales manager for Miller Bros. Chevrolet/Oldsmobile for the next 18 years. In 1976, he and Alice purchased the rough lumber yard (Hiway Lumber) and set out building it up to a full-service lumber/hardware/appliance business. He was elected President of the SD Lumberman’s Association. Also during this time, he built/started Hiway Hardware in Hill City, SD along with a mini-strip mall on the same lot. He then built the building that currently houses Krull’s grocery.
Throughout this period, he built over 30 homes in the Winner area and served as a city commissioner.
These businesses and buildings were sold over time, and at age 65 he and Alice started their last enterprise, Hartford Cabinet Shop, which manufactured commercial and residential cabinets until he turned 85, when he finally “retired”. But he kept both a small wood shop and metal shop to keep him busy.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 76 years, Alice, as well as his children Barbara Tracy (Rapid City, SD), Jerry and wife Leslie (San Diego, CA), Lynn Jacobs and husband Pete (Rochester, MN), and Rick and wife Twila (Hickory, NC). Also, six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
We’ll dearly miss this man of many talents, but just as much, we’ll miss his witty sense of humor, his understated but always present caring, and his strength of character. There were still many projects he would have liked to initiate and complete. He just ran out of time.
Agnes Volmer, 98, of Winner, SD passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at the Winner Regional Healthcare Facility in Winner, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Isidore Catholic Church in Colome, SD. Burial will follow in the Colome City Cemetery. A rosary will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.
Agnes Julia Volmer was born on June 27, 1924, at the family farm north of Norden, Neb.. She was the youngest of five children born to John and Catherine (Simons) Keogh. She attended country school, then continued her education at St. Martins, in Sturgis SD, and graduated from St. Johns Catholic High School in Omaha, Neb. When World War II started in 1939, Agnes returned to the family farm to help her ailing father with the farm because her brothers were drafted into the army.
On Oct. 30, 1946, she married Henry F. Volmer to this union one daughter was born. They lived on the Volmer ranch northwest of Keya Paha and were members of the St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Agnes was a member of the Altar Society, the local extension club, and the VFW Auxiliary. She always had a big garden, was a fantastic seamstress, crocheted and knitted. In the early 1970s, she worked at the Outlaw Trading Post. Then in 1977 they sold the ranch and headed west to Rapid City. She did various jobs and then took a position at the Rapid City Medical Center as a transcriptionist and receptionist working there until she retired. Not long after she retired, Henry was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 1993. Instead of sitting at home, Agnes began volunteering her time at Rapid City Regional Hospital. Taking care of her house, mowing the yard, and tending to her flowers and garden. In 2014, she moved back to Winner to be closer to her family.
Agnes was always very independent, insisting on doing her own housekeeping, cooking meals, and baking cookies. She loved to share her food with others; if you stopped, she would have a cookie for you, and she loved to take her neighbors’ food. When a new tenant moved into the building she would welcome them, and make sure if they needed anything to knock. She was also an avid reader, reading everything from history to cooking and non-fiction books. She had read so many books that her daughter had trouble finding books that she had not read.
One of Agnes’ greatest joys was her grandchildren. When they would come to visit her eyes would twinkle and her contagious smile would appear, and you just knew something mischievous was about to happen.
Survived by her daughter Rosemary King, of Winner SD, 2 granddaughters Phyllis (Tim) Meiners, of Winner, and Susan (CJ) Munkvold, of Irene SD. As well as five great-grandchildren, Ashley Meiners, Sioux Falls, Alex Meiners and Aryn Meiners of Winner, James Munkvold and Jayden Munkvold of Irene, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Henry, parents John and Catherine Keogh, brothers John and Robert Keogh, sisters Mary Hughes and Sister Margaret Mary Keogh, sister-in-law Mary Keogh, Dorothy Keogh, Margaret Williams, brother-in-law Charles Williams and Joseph Volmer. Nephews Joseph Keogh, Larry Keogh, Ronald Keogh, and Raymond Keogh
Loading ...