Trap team wins first ever state title

Submitted Photo
The Winner /Colome varsity trap team won first place with a score of 477/50.
Pictured from left are Jack Anderson, Katie Welker, Jude Sargent, Hunter Shippy
and Tane Pravecek.

The Winner/Colome high school trap team competed at the South Dakota Clay Target league state tournament in Aberdeen on Saturday June 12.

  The Winner/Colome team had 4 junior varsity and 9 varsity shooters competing. There was a total of 340 shooters from 26 teams across the state at the tournament. The Winner/Colome shooters had a fantastic day with all of the kids shooting at or above their season averages.

The Junior varsity shooters were Breven Bolander, Derek Fenenga, Noah Manke, and Oren Sargent. Breven had an 82/100. He had a season average of 18.4 and shot an average of 20.5 at the state tournament. He tied for 22nd place overall in JV shooters.

  Derek shot 78/100, his season average was 17.5 and he improved to a 19.5 and tied for 44th, Noah shot 73/100 his season average was 18.4 and he shot 18.25 in Aberdeen and tied for 72nd place. Oren shot 68/100, his season average was 16.8 and he averaged 17 and tied for 98th place. There were 136 junior varsity shooter at the state tournament.

Varsity shooters were Jack Anderson, Faith Covey, Jesse Larson, Hunter Osborn, Tane Pravecek, Cole Rank, Jude Sargent, Hunter Shippy and Katie Welker. Jack shot 92/100, his season average was 21.7 and was 23 in Aberdeen and he tied for 21st place overall in varsity shooters. Faith had 91/100, season average 20.3 with 22.75 in Aberdeen and tied for 25th place. Jesse shot 88/100, season average 20.7 and improved to 22 and tied for 42nd place. Hunter O had 79/100, season average 20 with a 19.75 in Aberdeen and tied for 76th place. Tane shot 99/100, season average 21.8 and improved his to a 24.75 at the state tournament and tied for 2nd place. The tie was broke by reverse run of target hits which moved him to the 3rd place medal.

  Cole shot 80/100, season average 19.25 with a 20 at state and tied for 74th place. Jude shot 94/100, season average 23.2 with a 23.5 in Aberdeen and he tied for 16th place. Hunter Shippy shot a 94/100, season average 19.9 and had a 23.5 at state and tied for 16th place. Katie shot 98/100, season average 24.7 with a 24.5 in Aberdeen. She was the 1st place varsity female. There were 97 varsity shooters at the state tournament.

At the tournament you shoot your first 50 targets then you have to wait until all the other teams sharing you trap house have shot their 1st 50 and then you shoot your 2nd 50. So you have a wait time of anywhere for 2 to 2 1/2 hours between rounds. A lot can change in those 2 hours, temperature, wind and mental exhaustion to name a few things. A team consists of 5 shooters. We didn’t have enough junior varsity shooters to have a team. The team is comprised of your top 5 scores in each division. The top 5 varsity members for Winner/Colome were Jack Anderson, Tane Pravecek, Jude Sargent, Hunter Shippy and Katie Welker. These kids ended up being the top team in the state. They shot a combined score of 477/500. They had the top score overall between the 1A and the 2A schools, which shot trap on Sunday in Aberdeen. Shooting is a mental sport where you really have to keep you mind sharp and clear and concentrate on one target at a time. Our kids did a tremendous job of that coming from 3rd place after the first 50 targets to flipping to 1st place after 100.

Shooting 50 straight at the tournament were Tane Pravecek and Katie Welker. Shooting 25 straight were Jack Anderson and Hunter Shippy got his 1st ever which was very cool to see! If you are gonna do your best state is a great place to do it!

We as coaches cant say enough good things about these kids. They have worked hard and went to Aberdeen and brought their A game, ready to compete and ready to bring home our first ever state tournament team championship. Tane is our only senior on the team and it was great to see him close out his high school career as the first male from our team to bring home a state medal. We would also like to thank those who have donated to our team to help defray the costs for the kids. We appreciate your support of this great team!

James Edwin Kucera, 91

James Edwin Kucera was born Jan. 4, 1930 to Joseph and Rosalia (Hotz) in Gregory, South Dakota.  He passed away on May 20, in Gregory, South Dakota at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center.

Jim was the youngest and grew up on various farms in Gregory County.

After graduating from Gregory High school, Jim proudly served his country in the Korean War.  After his discharge from the Army, he went to work for Rohr Aviation in Southern California, as a machinist. 

On Sept. 14, 1968, Jim married Betty Nash in Imperial, Calif. and the couple resided in El Cajon, Calif., until Jim retired.

The couple then moved to Panguitch, Utah, and after that, they settled in Payson, Arizona.  After Betty’s death in 1998, Jim moved to Winner, South Dakota.

In 2001, he married Darnytia Heying in Winner, South Dakota and resided there for many happy years.  Darnytia passed away May 29, 2017.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rosalia, brother, Joseph (Joey) W. Kucera, Jr., sisters, Eleanor Darnaby, Springfield, Missouri, Viola Hall, Rapid City, South Dakota, and Betty Fortuna, Gregory, South Dakota.

Survivors include step-children,

Linda Watson (Norman) of Ideal, South Dakota, Bob Kucera (Shelley) of Winner, South Dakota, Rick Kucera (Lynnette) of Winner, South Dakota, Darla Jones (Steve) of Rapid City, South Dakota, Brenda Jorgensen, (Bryan) of Ideal, South Dakota and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and cousins.

Jim will be laid to rest in the Black Hills National Cemetery, for veterans, with a private family service.

Memorials can be made to the Winner American Legion, where he was a member.

Tripp Co Rodeo Athletes to Compete at State

Prairie Portrait Photo
The Tripp County high school rodeo team includes in front from left Garret
Phillips, Ashlyn Hoffine, Baylie Hoffine, Saydee Heath, Saylor Schuyler and
Rowdy Moore. In back from left are Dusty Sell, Stetson Shelbourn, Burner
Schenefeld, Linkyn Petersek, Jack Anderson, Jesse Larson and Riley Shippy.

By Shelley Heath

 The Tripp County Rodeo consist of 14 members with students that attend school in  Colome and Winner. This week beginning on Tuesday, nine of these members will be performing at state finals held in Ft. Pierre from the June 15-19.

Beginning on Tuesday evening, there will be a round of cutting and reined cow horse.  On Wednesday, there will be the second round of cutting and reined cow horse followed with afternoon performances of the short go of cutting and in the evening the short go of the reined cow horse.

Thursday is the start of the regular events with performances starting at 9 am and 5 pm, and the same will continue for Friday.  On Saturday, the contestants will compete in the short go beginning at  4 p.m.  The top four contestants from each event will then go on to represent the state of South Dakota at National High School Rodeo finals, to be held in Lincoln, NE in July.

Seniors team members are Saydee Heath, CHS, competing in cutting, reined cow horse, breakaway, team roping and goat tying; Baylie Hoffine, CHS, competing in  poles and barrels; Linkyn Petersek, CHS, competing in  reined cow horse, tie down roping, team roping and steer wrestling.  Junior team member competing is Riley Shippy, CHS, competing in bull riding.  Sophomore team members competing are Ashlyn Hoffine, CHS, competing in poles and goat tying; Rowdy Moore, WHS, competing in team roping and steer wrestling; Burner Schenefeld, CHS, competing in tie down roping. Freshmen team members are Garret Phillips, WHS, competing in cutting, reined cow horse, team roping and tie down roping; Saylor Schuyler, WHS, competing in  barrels and poles.

Results can be viewed on the sdhsra.com web site and click the tab results.

Author to speak in Winner

An author of children’s books, Bruce Arant will be in Winner on June 17 at the Tripp County Library.

Children will be able to learn about illustrations and participate with fun, imaginative drawing exercises.

There will be two sessions: 10 -11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.

There is limited seating and persons can call the library at 842-0330 to reserve a spot.

Arant is self-taught in a variety of mediums that include chalk pastel, oil pastel, graphite, ink, colored pencil and watercolor.

He has authored and illustrated two traditionally published books and has illustrated a number of books for authors.

Arant’s book, Simpson’s Sheep won’t Go to Sleep has garnered attention including two 2014 Nebraska book awards, nominee  for the 2015-2016 Golden Sower Award, selected to represent the state of Nebraska at the 2015 national book festival, placement on the Nebraska 150 book list.

A follow up sequel, Simpson’s Sheep Just Want to Sleep received the 2018 Nebraska  Book award for best children’s picture book. The book also represented the state of Nebraska at the 2019 national book festival.

Arant maintains a very active speaking schedule with regard to his writing and illustrating work.

He engages audiences in elementary schools, public libraries, teacher’s conferences and community organizations with lively book readings and fun-filled imagination-driven exercises.

Prior to launching Arant Creative Group as a full time illustrator, author and editor, he enjoyed a career of nearly 20 years in the magazine and custom publishing industry where he held a variety of editorial and creative positions.

Arant graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in marketing.

Vernon Kerner, 72

Funeral services for Vernon Kerner age 72 of Gregory, South Dakota, will be held on Friday, June 18 at 10:30 a.m. at St John Lutheran Church, Gregory, SD. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery of Gregory.

There will be a prayer service at 7 pm on Thursday night at the church. Visitation will be one hour prior to both services.

Patricia Clausen, 79

Patricia Clausen, 79, of Burke, SD passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at the Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD. 

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Union Baptist Church in Burke, SD.  Burial will follow in the Graceland Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 from 5-7 p.m. at the Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD.

Patricia Lou was born on Oct. 25, 1941 to Herman and Zella (Bartlett) Larsen in Colome, SD. She and her five sisters grew up in South Dakota on farms south of Colome by the Keya Paha River, north of Hamill, southwest of Carter, and northwest of Winner. Pat loved her parents and enjoyed spending time with her sisters and their families. In her later years, Pat and her sisters remained close and savored their time together.

Pat attended Nelson Grade School in Todd County for eight years. In the summer she raised ducks and saved enough money to buy a suitcase for freshman year at boarding school in Mission, SD. In 1956, her family moved near Winner, SD and she finished high school there, graduating in 1959. Pat attended Southern State Teacher’s College, graduated in 1962, and taught at one-room country schools in Gregory County for three years. Many years later in 1994, Pat resigned from her 8-year post as Title 1 tutor at the Burke Elementary School and set her sights on the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. In May 1997, Pat graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and taught elementary school in Springview, Nebraska, then Witten, SD. She retired in 2009. She dearly loved all her students!

On Aug. 15, 1962, Patricia Lou married Glen Paul Clausen and from this union four wonderful children were born: Pamela Jean, Robley Paul, Lorinda Lou, and Brian Henry. Glen and Pat made their home in Burke, SD for 38 years, working in the family business at Clausen Funeral Home and raising their children. In June 2001 they separated, and a peaceful divorce was final in August 2001.

Pat’s most important career was being the best Christian wife and mother she could be. She tried to be there for her children, supporting them with prayer in whatever they endeavored to pursue. Pat spent countless quality time with her four children – playing games, doing creative artwork, reading, singing, talking about Jesus, enjoying nature, helping with homework, and playing in the yard. Pat especially loved being a grandmother and her truest delight was spending time with her grandchildren and great grands.

Patricia accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior when she was eleven years old while attending Church Camp in the Black Hills. How did she get there? Well, she and scores of other kids rode in a semitrailer used for hauling cattle! Pat’s faith in God was the cornerstone of her life and she shared Jesus with others by her acts of service and kindness.  Pat was a champion for the underdog and dearly loved her elderly friends, helping them with rides to church, doctor appointments, and chatting over coffee. She missed them so when they were gone.

She was an active member of the Union Baptist Church and enthusiastically served wherever needed. Pat loved children and teaching them about Jesus as well as encouraging young people in their faith; to that end she was especially passionate about two ministries: Camp Judson, serving as Camp Judson Scholarship Coordinator, and The Rock, supporting its outreach mission to the youth of our community.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Zella Larsen, sisters Beverly and Phyllis; in-laws Henry and Phillis Clausen; the father of her children, Glen Clausen; Great-grandson, Archer Jones; brothers-in-law, Cameron Clausen, Guy Farley, and Delbert Paulson.

Patricia is survived by her daughter, Pamela (Jim) Klein of Gregory, SD; son, Robley (Cyrele) Clausen of Emporia Kansas; daughter Lorinda Clausen of Minneapolis, MN; son Brian (Amy) Clausen of Sioux Falls, SD; Granddaughter Tricia Jean (Klein) and Dylan Jones and their daughters, Jordan Lee, Wren Patricia, and Autumn Jean; Granddaughter Jamie Lynn (Klein) and Rio Jones and their children Jayden Michael, Mckenzi Jo, Keaton Jay, and Cash Rio. Granddaughter Coley Clausen and grandsons Tony and Steve Clausen; Sisters Evelyn Farley, Sena (Dennis) Lauritsen, Mary (Jerry) Fisher; sister-in-law, Midge Clausen; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorials may be directed to the Union Baptist Camp Judson Scholarship Fund or The Rock.

“Because He lives, I am in Heaven. Because He lives, all tears are gone. God took me home, I’ve crossed that River, and I am with my precious Jesus all the time.”

Tripp County 4-H receives a check

Submitted Photo
Scott Hollenbeck, treasurer of the Tripp County 4-H Leaders Corporation, presented Bonnie Rutten, chairman of the Tripp County building facility committee with a check for $20,000 to be used for the new building being constructed at the Tripp County Fairgrounds along with new livestock pens for the building. These funds will make a total of $30,000 the Tripp County 4-H Leaders have given to building projects at the Tripp County Fairgrounds. Previously, the leaders gave $10,000 for renovations of the existing dairy barn. The leaders have been saving up funds over the past few years and are glad to see the dreams of improvements and renovations at the fairgrounds are coming to fruition. Supporting all the 4-H programs, 4-H youth and continuing to make improvements of the facility are the perpetual goals of the Tripp County 4-H Leaders. None of this could not be done without all the volunteers and donors.

Blare receives scholarship

Amanda Blare received a scholarship to attend a South Dakota FFA leadership retreat this summer.

FFA members were able to write an essay how their FFA adviser impacted their lives.

Twenty-five students had their essays chosen and will receive a scholarship. Blare received the Walt Johnson memorial scholarship. As part of her essay, Blare wrote: “Mrs. Nicole Roth gave me opportunities to learn and grow. Without her pushing me to do more and work harder, I would still be a shy little blond sitting in the back and never standing up for myself. Because of her, I have self confidence. She doesn’t get nearly enough credit for the awesome things she does.

Regional high school rodeo comes to Winner

The regional high school rodeo will be held in Winner at the Tripp County Fairgrounds June 11, 12 and 13.

About 120 cowboys and cowgirls will be vying for a spot in the state rodeo finals which starts June 15 in Ft. Pierre.

The rodeo on Friday will start at 1 p.m. with cutting and reined cow horse.

The rodeo on Saturday starts at noon and on Sunday at 10 a.m.

The Tripp County contestants in the rodeo are: seniors, Saydee Heath, Colome High School; Baylie Hoffine, CHS; Linkyn Petersek, CHS; juniors, Riley Shippy, CHS; Dusty Sell, CHS; Jesse Larson, CHS; sophomores, Rowdy Moore, Winner High School; Ashlyn Hoffine, CHS; Burner Schenefeld, CHS; freshmen Garret  Phillips, WHS: Saylor Schuyler, WHS; Bailey Fairbanks, WHS; Stetson Shelbourn, WHS and Jack Anderson, CHS.

Justin and Shelley Heath are the Tripp County high school rodeo advisors.

The stock contractor for the timed events is Brent and Jennie Belkham of Blundt. Donnie Moore is the stock contractor for the rough stock.

The announcer in the large arena is Cody Kartak and in the small arena is the Rick Odenbach family.

Andrew Odden  will be one of the bull fighters.

There will be a concession stand all three days of the rodeo.

The local regional rodeo committee members are: Marty and Roni Phillips, Justin and Shelley Heath, Ben Kartak, Jentrie Maurer, Andrew Odden, Jerry Salonen, Kirby Kartak and Danielle Schubert.