Category Archives: Local

Betty Lou Kost, 88

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Funeral services for Betty Lou Kost, 88, of Eagle Butte were held Monday, Sept. 13, 2021 at the Holloway Arena in Parade. Burial was  at the Eagle Butte Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge.

Betty passed away Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, at the Mobridge Regional Hospital.

Just north of Parade, South Dakota, about 5 miles there is a sign at the ranch gate that reads “HE WHO ENTERS IS A STRANGER BUT ONCE”.  The author of these prophetic words really meant them.  Here is her story:

On March 11, 1933, Jack and Alberta Hayes Strong welcomed their first born, a beautiful, brown-eyed girl named Betty Lou.  Betty Lou Strong was brought into this world with the aid of a county nurse at Grandma Hayes’ home near Glad Valley – her folks were sheep herders following the sheep from hill to hill in their sheep wagon.  Betty Lou grew up riding her pony Snooky to herd the sheep.  She bathed in the dam, baked in the summer sun, and slept in the wagon.  While riding Snooky, she dreamed of being a cowgirl – a dream that she lived out in a big way through her children, grandchildren and now great- grandchildren.

 As Betty grew up, her momma wished for her to know the finer side of life and so, Betty was sent to live with Grandma and Grandpa Hayes for a short time and while there graduated from Morgani Modeling School in Denver, Colo.  Betty loved showing her girls how to set a striking pose when it came time for queen contests, proms, and pictures.  To this day, her daughters and granddaughters know that pearls will compliment any outfit.

Betty graduated from Eagle Butte High School in 1951.  That summer she attended Black Hills State College and that fall began teaching at the Strool Country School just south of Prairie City.  She also taught one year in Pavilion, Wyoming.

Betty Lou met her match in tenacity, hard work, and no quit in 1954 when she married Anton (Cotton) Kost, a handsome rancher. Together they commenced to building a ranch and farming operation with Betty Lou doing everything in her power to make it all work. That included attending summer school and taking extension courses to obtain that valuable teaching degree.  Betty taught second grade and when the Cheyenne River Agency moved to Eagle Butte, she moved to kindergarten.

Betty made kindergarten a famous and special place in Eagle Butte for over 40 years.  The lives that she touched are immeasurable.  Every student was special to her, and all believed that they were Mrs. Kost’s favorite.  Betty loved music and invited fellow teachers, Mrs. O’Neil and Ms. Sutphen to gather in her classroom for music.  Betty produced outstanding musical programs, and busy as they were, she could coax Anton into making elaborate backdrops for her programs.

In 1987 tragedy struck when Anton was killed in a farming accident while planting winter wheat south of Eagle Butte.  Betty continued to teach and partnered on the ranch with son John, a recent graduate of Kansas State University.  John put his animal science degree to work.  Daughter Melissa and husband Doug Maher were vital to the transition of the operation as well.  The workload was heavy – Grandma Betty was thrilled when granddaughter Lacy and grandson Dane came home to help.  Betty was a director for Production Credit Association (PCA) and in 1988 she was presented the South Dakota Pioneering Spirit Award in recognition of “The Tenacity, The Ability to Improve, The Unselflessness of the Pioneer”.

In 2002 Betty Lou made the decision to retire from teaching.  That year marked her 48th year of teaching.  Betty was honored to be the National (NAIA) Teacher of the Year in 1993.

Betty Lou loved rodeo.  She was determined that her crew be afforded the opportunity to win at every level.  From horses to pickups and trailers, she made it happen.  She hauled or followed her kids everywhere.  She donated countless buckles and awards.  She wrote countless letters, with a little spending money tucked inside, to her rodeo kids and many others.  When at a rodeo, Grandma Betty was where you went for times, scores, placings, and the answer to “how many til’ me”.  Betty was inducted into the Casey Tibbs Hall of Fame as a rodeo promoter in 2003.

Betty picked up where her folks left off as a prayer warrior for all.  She was remarkable in her Christian walk because she didn’t just believe it, she lived it.

Betty had pretty much been denying that she had Parkinson’s for the past 15 years.  Ever the positive one, she gritted through the debilitating disease.  On Sept. 6 Betty’s earthly journey ended, and her heavenly journey began.

Among her final words of love and confidence that all would carry on, she smiled ever so sweetly and said, “I loved what I did”.

Her beloved family includes son John Kost, Eagle Butte SD, daughters Renee (Bill) Sutton, Burke, SD, and Melissa (Doug) Maher, Eagle Butte, SD. Grandchildren Dee (Tyler) Haugen, Sturgis, SD, Lacy Maher, Eagle Butte SD, Billie (Kelsea) Sutton, Burke, SD, Rehme (Tayler) Thompson, Stephenville, TX, Dane (Sydney) Maher, Eagle Butte, SD.  Great Grandchildren, Landry, Arina and Blaisely Haugen, CeCe Lou Cowan, Liam Sutton, Maris and Maysa Thompson, Waylon and Vince Maher.  Sisters Lois (Texas James) Bennett, Fritch, Texas, Paula (Dan) Veit, Bismarck, ND.  Nephews Butch (Renee) Kost, Amarillo, TX, Steve Kost, Pierre, SD, James Lee (Charlotte) Bennett, Fritch, TX, Colby (Jessy) Bennett, Fritch, TX, Matt (Kendra) Veit, Malta, MT.  Nieces Judy (Martin) Albl, Aberdeen, SD, Cheryl (Brett) Hamilton, Palm Desert, CA, Gaye (David) Newlun, Palm Desert, CA, RaeLynn Snidal, Calgary Alberta, Canada, Penny (Lee) Hetletved, Bismarck, ND.

She was preceded in death by husband Anton Kost, parents Jack and Alberta Strong, twin sons Joseph Paul and Douglas Dwight, Great-Granddaughter Lenore Sutton, special cousins Ralph and Buck Scheele.

Winner High School Students of the Month

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Winner High School students honored as August students of the month include in front from left Keelie Kuil and Hannah Kaiser. In back from left are Justin Hausmann, principal Gerald Witte and Jacob Manke. Each month WHS recognizes for students who have done something positive in academics, athletics, activities, behavior, community involvement.

Marketing director joins Winner Regional Health

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By Dan Bechtold

Editor

Brady Kerkman is the new director of marketing and philanthropy for Winner Regional Health.

He has over 20 years experience in marketing and fundraising.

Kerkman says he loves healthcare. “I know Winner pretty well and I have always had a passion for rural health care. I want to make sure we have a strong presence in the community,” he explained.

Kerkman added the health care center does a good of supporting local businesses and local schools.

“I want to put convenience back into healthcare,” he said. “Knowing that you do not have to travel to Sioux Falls or Rapid City for some services that are offered here is important.”

Prior to starting his new job in Winner, he was the executive director of MentoringWorks Inc., formerly Big Brother Big Sister of Hastings, Neb.

While in Hastings he got his master’s degree from Grand View University, Des Moines, Iowa. His master’s is in organizational leadership.

Kerkman grew up in Clearwater, Neb.   He graduated from Mt. Marty College in 1995 with a BA degree in social science with a double emphasis on psychology and sociology and a minor in commercial art.

For 20 years he worked in South Dakota. He worked for the Department of Corrections starting out in Redfield and then worked at the state training school where he was the residential director.

For eight years he worked for S.D. Advocacy Services which is a nonprofit disability agency. He was the director of two programs with this agency.

In this capacity he traveled all over the state and Winner was one of his coverage areas  and he would come here on a monthly basis.

Kerkman was appointed by then Gov. Mike Rounds to sit on the board of South Dakota vocational rehabilitation services.

The Department of Correction then recruited him  to come back. He was the policy compliance manager for three years and in that time wrote 640 policies  and oversaw the corrections review team.

He left the DOC when his wife, Maria, got a opportunity for a job in Salt Lake City, Utah. The couple lived in Salt Lake for three years. While Utah he was a program director for Utah Department of Health in the birth to three program.

After Utah, the family relocated to Grand Island, Neb., and Kerkman worked in Hastings.  He ran  various non profits including a child advocacy center and three health care clinics.

On the side, he owns a consulting business, BMD Enterprises, where he does fundraising, marketing, strategic planning and team development.

The job in Winner is a perfect fit.

He feels it is important to tailor the services of Winner Regional Health to the local community. “It is very important we customize our services to fit the culture of the community,” he said.

Kerkman also feels it is important to educate the community on the services that Winner Regional provides. “There are a number of services that people are not aware that are offered here.”

He is also impressed with the home-grown professionals who are working at Winner Regional Health. These are Winner High School graduates who have come back to the community.

The new marketing director and his wife have an 11 year old son, Dimitri.

T. K. Lafferty sung the National Anthem at the Winner Area Chamber of Commerce Ranch Bronc and Bull Riding Event

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T. K. Lafferty sang the national anthem at the Winner Area Chamber of Commerce ranch bronc and bull riding event on Sept. 4. Lafferty attends St. Francis school.

By Dan Bechtold

Editor

T. K. Lafferty has a clear voice for singing.  The 12 year old from Rosebud sang the national anthem Saturday at the Winner Area Chamber of Commerce ranch bronc and bull riding.

Lafferty will be going into the seventh grade at St. Francis School.

Recently, he has been singing the national anthem at several events. He sang at the Rosebud Fair, in Kyle and Frontier Days in White River.

The singing came about as an challenge by his father. His father said either ride in a rodeo or sing.

The 7th grader chose singing.

He is happy with his choice.

“I like the pride I feel after singing the national anthem,” he explained.

Play Review,Play is hilarious

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Dan Bechtold/Winner Advocate Photo
The cast and crew of the Winner Community Playhouse fall production include in front from left Sandra York, director; Brandy Biggins, Vickie Barfuss, Rhonda Stoecklin, Emily Moser and Susi Brown-Riedl. In back from left are Linda Nelson, Doug Nelson, Ron High Rock, Tim Novotny, Tami Comp, Arianne Boerner, Barb DeSersa and Dan Patmore, technical director.

By Dan Bechtold

Editor

The Winner Community Playhouse latest production is filled with hilarious sight gags and dialogue.

“Where There’s A Will There’s A Murder” opened this weekend.

It will also be presented Sept. 16, 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. each evening at the playhouse. Door open at 7:30 p.m. For reservations call 842-1958 or e mail wicoplay@gwtc.net

It is a  play that will keep you laughing and keep you on your toes to count all the dead bodies. Why are there so many dead bodies?   Well this is why.

Ten distant relatives learn that each of them is about to inherit a million dollars. Wheels begin turn and the plot thickens. If some were dead more money for the others. Who would create such a diabolical motive to kill off cast.

Who did it?  Well, you are not getting that out of me. You will have to go to the play to find out.

As the bodies pile up, the laughs come fast and furiously in this “whodunit.”

The action in the play takes place on an island in the middle of a terrible storm.

The cast of 11 does a great job.

Tami Comp and Tim Novotny play the maid and butler.

Vickie Barfus plays a doctor and Emily Moser plays Agatha Crispie, a spoof on the famous mystery writer Agatha Christie.

Ron High Rock and Barb DeSersa play a couple who are guest at the reading of the will.

Brandy Biggins is a wealthy socialite and Rhonda Stoecklin is a proper lady. Rhonda is new to the Winner stage. She is director of drama activities in the Todd County School District.

Linda Nelson plays one of the guests who is concerned as people start dying.

Now the price of admission along is worth it to see Doug Nelson as a punk rocker called Stark. You know like one one rock stars Sting and Madonna.

Doug with red and blue hair is a treat to see.

Randy Farley is the voice on the radio.

The cast is to be complimented on the work they put in on this play. They all did a great job.

The play is directed by Sandra York with Dan Patmore as the technical director. Both have done a great job.

If you want a fun evening, go see this play.

Scan Day at Tripp County Library

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Bring your personal history-photos, letters, diaries, family histories, service records, and other historic or sentimental documents to the  Tripp County Library on Thursday, Sept. 23. 

The South Dakota State Library staff will scan your documents and create a digital copy to preserve it for the future.  USB flash drives with digital copies of the documents will be provided to you.  

This makes it easy for you to share family history with other members of your family.  You can email pictures, share them on Facebook, share on genealogy websites and with genealogy groups. 

Tripp County Library is booking appointments now.  Each participant is limited to 10-15 items with a time slot of 30 minutes.  You may drop off your items and pick them up later if you prefer. 

For those interested in genealogy research, the South Dakota State Library will also do a presentation from 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm on the genealogy databases available. 

This is a great time to get your questions answered and learn tips from the pros.  Call Tripp County Library at (605) 842-0330 to book your appointment.

Shirley A. Volquardsen, 82

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Funeral service for Shirley A. Volquardsen, 82, of Laurel, Neb.,  formerly of Norfolk, Neb.,  will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wayne. Father Jerry Connealy will be officiating the service. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., prior to the service on Wednesday.

Graveside service for Shirley and Henry “Hans” Volquardsen will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 16 at the Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Norfolk. Father Scott Schilmoeller will be officiating the graveside service.

Shirley passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021 at the Providence Medical Center in Wayne. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Mason Mendez which will be put into his Nebraska college fund.

Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk is in charge of the arrangements.

Shirley was born on March 19, 1939 in Colome, South Dakota to Martin and Martha (Tuttle) London. She grew up and attended grade school in Colome. She graduated from Colome High School in 1957 and worked at the Colome Bank. She moved to Norfolk in 1966. Shirley married Henry “Hans” Volquardsen on July 8, 1972 in Norfolk. Henry passed away in 2005.

After marriage, Henry and Shirley continued living in Norfolk. She worked for Northwestern Bank in Norfolk for 8 years. In 1979, due to the health of their daughter Gloria, Shirley and Henry welcomed into their hearts and home their grandson, Chris Mendez.

She enjoyed dancing, having a good time, and attending baseball games in Winner, SD. Shirley was not a fan of heights. She was a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Norfolk, and the Rosary Crusade.

Survivors include her grandson Chris Mendez of Laurel, great-grandson Mason Mendez, brother Dave “Bud” London of Newman Grove, friend Mike (Sarah) Naeve and their family of Winside, 12 nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband Henry, daughter Gloria Jean, parents, two sisters Catherine Flakus and Marlene Cahoy, 3 nephews Marty London, Damon London, and Jim Flakus.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.