Author Archives: Colton Hall

Winner/Colome Amateur Team Falls in State Meet

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The Winner/Colome amateur baseball team fell to Larchwood, Iowa, in the opening round of the state amateur baseball tournament in Sioux Falls.

The Pheasants were defeated 10-4. Larchwood had 10 runs in the final four innings.

“We had a good season,” Winner/Colome coach Kevin Graesser told the Mitchell Daily Republic.

“We come out of a really good district as champs and we thought we were playing really good ball. But give them credit, they had a good pitching staff,” said Graesser.

The first five innings was scoreless with Connor Hopkins pitching for the Pheasants.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Austin Calhoon and Geno Katz hit back to back RBI singles, Lakin Negebauer laid down a sacrifice bunt and Kelly O’Bryan had an RBI single for a 4-2 lead. It was Winner/Colome’s last run of the day.

The Pheasants loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the 8th inning but they could not get a run across. Larchwood added four more runs in the top of the 9th inning.

Offensively, Zach Harter was 4-5, Reed Harter had two hits including a triple.

Winner Regional Foundation Golf

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Several golfers took part in the Winner Regional Foundation golf tournament held Aug. 4 at Winner Country Club.

Winners of the first flight were Justin and Kara Zeigler, Brandon and Karley Arizmendis

Second place in this flight went to Larry Aaker, Brett Gardner, Jessica Calhoon, Austin Calhoon

Champions of the second flight were Keith, Kari and Lynn DeMers and Chuck Keiser.

Second place in this flight went to Rick and Deb Godel, Terami Nespor and Michelle Lovejoy.

Winning the third flight were Stormy, Melissa and Ryder Halligan and Ty VandenHoek.

Second place went to Jason and Tovi Bartels, Jamie and Kevin Keiser.

Zeigler Wins Golf Tournament

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Justin Zeigler was the champion of the Benson Haley Gant golf meet held Aug. 5 at the Winner Country Club. This tournament was a one-man scramble.

Second place in the championship flight went to Derris Buus with Mike Cahoy taking third and Nick Larson, fourth.

Winner of the first flight was Mike Hammer. Other placers were Bill Benedict, 2nd; Austin Hammer, 3rd and Tim Gant, 4th.

Second flight winner was Frikkie. Second place went to Mike Dreyer. Also placing were Buck Jedlicki, 3rd and Bob Benson, 4th.

 

Dick Frantz, 87

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Dick Frantz, 87, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018 at the Winner Regional Long-Term Care Center in Winner, SD.

Funeral service were held on Monday, Aug. 6, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery. Dick was born on July 21, 1931 to Gerald & Lorraine (Nelson) Frantz. He grew up on the family ranch in Ideal, SD, 25 miles north of Winner. This is where he learned his strong work ethic. At a young age he learned to be a cowboy and accepted responsibility for running the ranch. Dick loved his horses, cattle, and the open range.

In 1949, Dick graduated from Winner High School. After high school, he attended Ag school in Colome, SD for 3 years. He joined the US Army in March of 1952. On June 12th, 1952 he married the love of his life Donna Lee Ambroz. They got married in Red Bank, New Jersey, where Dick was stationed. Dick spent 14 months overseas in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in March of 1954 with the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars, the U.N. Service Medal, National Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Dick and Donna continued their life together and returned to the family ranch. To this union, 4 children were born; Doug, Dan, Deb, and Deone. Dick was a successful rancher and businessman. In 1961, he was chosen as the Outstanding Young Rancher and in 1965 the Local Jaycees selected him as the Outstanding Farmer. In 1966, he was awarded the Outstanding Young Man of America.

He was very active in the community, but what he was most proud of was his family. Dick was happiest in a room full of family and friends. As a people person, he would visit with anyone anywhere. He was a good story teller and loved a good joke. He was a man of exceptional generosity. Dick always made sure his family came first. Dick and Donna were the perfect example of what a marriage should be.

He met many lifelong friends working Fridays at the Winner Livestock Auction for 50 years. Dick served on the Winner School Board and Tripp County Rural Fire Department for 30 years each. He was on the 4-H horse committee for many years and for 26 years Dick was the trail boss for trail rides. He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge in Winner for 64 years. Dick was a lifelong member of the VFW and the American Legion. As a Christian, he was a member of the Ideal Presbyterian church for 77 years and held many positions.

In 1997, he became an honorary member of the Sioux Tribe. They gave him the name Wamblee Oheteca. Which means “Brave Eagle.”

Grateful for having shared his life are his children; Doug Frantz (Connie), Dan Frantz (Patty), Deb Nelson (Terry), Deone Frantz (Shane). His grandchildren; Rich Frantz, ReAnn Frantz, Renae Kaiser (Clay), Brandon Frantz, Amanda Frantz, Danielle Frantz (Jamie), Jesse Frantz (Sara), Alyssa Welk (Brady), Tennille Miller (Mike), and Lexie Nedved, also numerous great-grandchildren. His brother Jack Frantz (Marlene), and sister-in-law Donna Hughes (Jon).

Awaiting him in Heaven is, his dear wife Donna, his parents, sister Della Bolton, brother Wesley Frantz, and sister-in-law Marian Bloom.

Rose Enders, 69

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Rose Enders, age 69, of Jenison, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East building), 4235 Prairie Street, SW, Grandville, Michigan. Burial will be at a later date in Winner, SD.

Rose was born in West Point, Nebraska, on June 15, 1949 to Richard (Dick) and Magdalene (Meg) Doescher (Heinecke). She was the oldest of eight children: Richard (Bev), Randy (Linda), Ronda (Harland), Judy (Jack), Cheryl, Tom, and Chris (Lisa). Her parents lived across north central Nebraska and south central South Dakota. Rose graduated from Winner High School in 1967.

In March of 1969, Rose married Joey Leo Enders in Winner, SD. They made their home in Massachusetts as Joe finished his Air Force commitment. After the Air Force, they initially made their home in Yankton, SD as Rose pursued her education at Yankton College, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education. She subsequently also received her Master’s Degree from California Lutheran as she and Joe pursued their life dreams in southern California.

Joe and Rose moved from life in the sun to Western Michigan to accept new life challenges. Rose worked as an educator for the next 40 years spending her energy building self-esteem with disadvantaged youth in the inner city of Grand Rapids. Rose literally loved her work, which went beyond the normal commitment or dedication . Rose taught, coached, and mentored many children which all had special places in her heart. Joe and Rose welcomed children into their lives and home, making each child feel accepted, special and loved. Rose’s desire to make all children feel cared for can’t be understated; just look at the Facebook page blow up’s.

Rose’s legacy in the Grand Rapids Public Schools will be foundational, as all that she cared about was building children’s self esteem and mentoring those students down an avenue to find a better way of life. Rose was compassionate, firm, and strict, but always putting herself at risk to make sure her students were cared for and could see a positive way forward in life. Rose’s legacy is carried forward with the love that she displayed daily to her children (students).

Rose’s other passion was to care for her namesake rose gardens. She was fabulous at taking care of her plants and competing and judging shows across the central United States. Rose won many ‘best of show’ and would want to be remembered as a kind soul and being reunited with her lifelong love, Joe.

Rose’s and Joe’s special adoptions were Joyce (John) Jefferson and their children Jonte and Mya along with Takeia Sherman and her daughter Khyleice Grover.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, both parents, and brother Richard.

She is survived by her siblings (except Richard) and Joe’s sister Jana (Paul) Kemp.

In lieu of flowers or contributions, please consider donating school supplies to your local schools.

Peace be with our sister, aunt, friend, mentor and confidant who always cared more for her acquaintances than she cared for herself. Let’s celebrate Rose’s life legacy. Rest in peace our beautiful sister.

Brown County Resident First WNV Death Of Season

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The Department of Health reported today a Brown County resident died of West Nile virus (WNV) associated causes, the state’s first WNV related death this season. The individual was in the 80 to 89 age group.

“Our sympathy is with the family. We only hope their tragic loss will encourage others to take the threat of West Nile virus seriously,” said Dr. Joshua Clayton, state epidemiologist for the department. “We can’t emphasize enough how important it is for people to protect themselves and their families by using repellent and avoiding the outdoors when mosquitoes are most active.”

To date this season, South Dakota has reported 10 cases of human WNV and three hospitalizations. Nationally, 39 cases and one West Nile-associated death have been reported. Clayton said weekly surveillance updates will show cases continuing to climb.

South Dakotans can reduce their risk with the following precautions:

Apply mosquito repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535) to clothes and exposed skin.
Reduce mosquito exposure by wearing pants and long sleeves when outdoors.
Limit time outdoors from dusk to dawn when Culex mosquitoes, the primary carrier of WNV in South Dakota, are most active.
Get rid of standing water that gives mosquitoes a place to breed.
Regularly change water in bird baths, ornamental fountains and pet dishes.
Drain water from flower pots and garden containers.
Discard old tires, buckets, cans or other containers that can hold water.
Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely.
Support local mosquito control efforts.

These precautions are especially important for people at high risk for WNV, including individuals over 50, pregnant women, organ transplant patients, individuals with cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease, and those with a history of alcohol abuse. People with severe or unusual headaches should see their clinician.

Visit the department’s website at westnile.sd.gov for more information.

$3.7 million Grant Saves 23 Lives in South Dakota

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Helmsley Charitable Trust Equips 186 organizations with life-saving equipment.

A $3.7 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, administered over the past three years through the South Dakota Department of Health, has saved the lives of 23 people. The LUCAS® 2 Cardiac Care Project equipped 134 EMS agencies and 52 critical access hospitals in South Dakota with the necessary tools to improve survivability in sudden cardiac arrest victims.

The LUCAS® Chest Compression System (LUCUS® 2) delivers consistent, reliable and uninterrupted chest compressions which allows healthcare providers to concentrate on other equally important aspects of patient care; providing patients with the best opportunity of survival. The LUCUS® 2 device virtually frees up one healthcare worker to perform other essential tasks.

“The LUCUS® 2 devices can save lives,” said Walter Panzirer, a Trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “People living in rural areas deserve access to the same healthcare technology as those living in metro areas enjoy. Working with the State of South Dakota Department of Health we were able to equip first responders in the state with LUCUS® 2 devices, equipment they couldn’t otherwise afford, giving cardiac patients a better chance at survival.”

“We extend our gratitude to the Helmsley Charitable Trust,” said Kim Malsam-Rysdon, Secretary of Health. “This investment in rural healthcare will help ensure South Dakotans have access to life-saving care in emergency situations, regardless of transport distance. These devices will continue to support the Department of Health’s mission to promote, protect and improve the health of every South Dakotan for years to come.”

According to those charged with using the new device, the LUCUS® 2 is making a difference when emergency medical units respond to a scene.

“The patient arrested at their place of employment,” said one South Dakota paramedic. “According to bystanders, the patient collapsed and became unresponsive. When we arrived on-scene, no CPR was in progress and after one round of manual CPR, we placed the LUCAS®. The patient achieved ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) on-scene and we did not lose them again. The patient was discharged alive without deficits.

“The LUCAS® is a huge help because it frees up a crew member to do other interventions,” he added. “It makes me feel more confident because I can think and focus on the next steps. It [LUCAS®] played a huge role in this patient surviving.”

The $3,777,926 grant was implemented in January 2014, placing a total of 202 devices in 186 South Dakota EMS agencies and hospitals.

Witten Legion Celebrates 71st Anniversary

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For 71 years the Witten American Legion Post has been an important part of the community.

The community celebrated the 71st birthday at a program on Sunday, July 30.

Among the guests present were Hugh Holmes, Mitchell, past state commander and Jeff Hrabanek, Tripp County Commander. Past Boys Staters from the Witten post attended.

Ken VanKekerix, commander of the Witten Legion, served as the MC.
Some of the veterans spoke of their experience during the Korean War.

Members of the Witten Legion who were unable to attend are: Eugene Arthur, Steve Bridgman, Russell Dreyer, Shane Gardner, Gale Harrison, Kelly Helkenn, Mike McDonald, Mike Novak, James Shonehard, John Simpson, Alan Smith, James Underhill, Damon Whittaker and Shirley Whittaker.

Following the program, cake and ice cream were served.

Woman Charged with Embezzlement

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A Colome woman has been charged with embezzling an estimated $16,000 from her employer over a period of eight months.

Megan Fast, 28, was hired by Kucera Electric in Winner in November 2017 for accounting and administrative duties for which she was given access to the company’s multiple bank accounts.

On July 12. Well Fargo reportedly contacted the owners of Kucera Electric to let them know that fraudulent activity had been detected on the company’s accounts.

According to a report submitted by special agent Jeff Metzinger of the South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation on July 18, a Wells Fargo branch manger showed the owners multiple unexplained checks written to Fast and excess payroll direct deposits to Fast. Additional payroll direct deposits totaling $2,800 made to Fast’s mother, who had never worked at Kucera Electric, were also allegedly found.

Fast is charged with grand theft by embezzlement, a Class 4 felony.

Barbeque Planned for Aug. 4

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The 6th annual Winner Area Chamber of Commerce BBQ pit row will be held on Aug. 4 on Main Street.

There are 11 teams entered in the competition.

Pork is a new category this year along with pork ribs and beef brisket.

The top five places in each category will be paid out. There will be a grand champion selected. The cumulative points for the three categories will determine the grand champion.

The public tasting will start at 7 p.m.

The Winner Chamber will supply six racks of pork ribs, two 6-8 pounds of pork butt or shoulder and one 8-10 pound beef brisket to each participating team.

Teams can pick up their meat between 5 to 6 p.m. on Friday or after 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The teams need to set up their cooking area between 6-10 a.m. Saturday. All meat must be cooked on Winner Main Street.

The first block of Main Street will be blocked off Saturday for the BBQ competition.

Judging for the ribs will be at 5:45 p.m. Judging for the pork will be at 6:15 p.m. and judging for the brisket will be at 6:45 p.m.

The Winner Chamber will also have a side dish competition. A side dish is any item that best accompanies the barbeque. The side dish will be judged by six neutral judges.

The winner will receive $100 in Winner Cash.

In addition to the BBQ, there will be a bean bag contest starting at 1 p.m. The entry fee will be $20 per team.

KWYR will be playing music from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Persons can purchase six tickets for $10 for the BBQ at the Chamber office.

The Chamber has ordered food to feed an estimated 400 people.

Persons are welcome to come to Main Street have a good time and enjoy some great food on Aug. 4.

Visitors in town for the Class B State Junior Legion baseball tournament are invited to join the fun on Aug. 4.