Category Archives: Local

From Sioux Falls Argus Leader
Written by Brian Haenchen

Winner’s Cameron Kuil was named the boys track athlete of the year at the Sioux Falls Argus Leader sports award ceremony on June 3.

The 400-meter dash is not an event Winner senior Cameron Kuil looks forward to running in.

“I always kind of dread it right before the race,” he explained.

However, Kuil’s emotions typically change when he crosses the finish line.

“But after it’s done, I feel good,” he continued. “I’m tall, have long legs and I guess some speed. It’s all contributed to me running some good times.”

Kuil had ample reason to feel good following the 400 at this year’s state meet. The future South Dakota State University Jackrabbit successfully defended his state title, completing his lap in 48.52, a personal best mark which placed him nearly two seconds ahead of the rest of the field.

He also ran to victory in the 200 and was .01 second away from finishing first in the 100 as well.

For his performance, Kuil was named the MVP Class A in track.

Other Winner nominees for the Argus Leader awards were: Krockett Krokikowski as football player of the year; Dan Aaker as coach year and Winner as the football team of the year.

By Dan Bechtold, Editor

Two college students spent a month in Winner learning about rural medicine.

Elizabeth Scholl, Brookings, is a medical lab science student at South Dakota State University and Jodi Sutton, Sioux Falls, is a family nurse practitioner student, also at SDSU.

Both women took part in the Rural Experiences for Health Professions Students (REHPS). The program places college students who are enrolled in a health program in a four week experience with preceptors established in rural areas of South Dakota. The students are exposed to all areas of a rural healthcare community.

The last day for the two women was on May 31 and they gave a presentation on what they have learned in the month spent in Winner.

They both said the experience was amazing.

Sutton said they were able to observe surgical procedures, see patients in the clinic, help in the lab and pharmacy and watch a couple of births.

Sutton noted in a larger city like Sioux Falls she would not have had the opportunity to see all he things she saw in Winner.

“The community of Winner has really welcomed us and we got to do a lot of fun things like attend a little kids baseball game, attend a movie at the Winner Drive-In Theater and tour the fire hall and ambulance bay,” said Sutton. They also had a chance to visit a farm.

Scholl said she likes chemistry and started out as a chemistry major. She wanted to do something in the medical field so switched to medical lab science.

As part of the REHPS program the students are required to do a community project. They presented a sun safety lesson to second graders and gave each one a pair of sunglasses.

Cole Shippy grew up in Colome, SD and graduated in 2011. He then attended Western Dakota Technical Institute in Rapid City for diesel mechanics in which he achieved his AAS degree. After high school graduation Cole didn’t know if he would return to the family feedlot. “I kind of picked something where I could leave and have a job somewhere else, but I also picked something that would help with the feedlot in case I did come back.” During college, Cole had an internship for a semester and worked in a truck shop. While working there, Cole decided he didn’t think it was his thing to lie underneath trucks fixing all day while it was nice outside. He decided he would rather be outside instead of in a shop all day. “That’s when I decided I knew I was headed back (to the feedlot).”

Cole’s wife, Lacey, grew up in Dayton, VA and graduated from high school in 2011.
She attended a community college for 2 years and then attended Virginia Tech for 2 years and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness. She didn’t plan on going back to the family farm where they raised dairy, poultry, pigs, and a little bit of everything. Growing up Lacey participated in 4-H by showing steers and hogs. She was very active in the livestock judging aspect.

Before Lacey graduated from Virginia Tech, she was on the hunt for a job. While attending the National Association of Farm Broadcasters convention, she gathered numerous business cards for possible jobs. From those business cards, she sent emails to all inquiring about job openings. She heard back specifically from WNAX in Yankton with a job opening in the Ag News Department. WNAX wanted her to come out and see the area. Lacey states, “They figured if I was going to take a job out here, I should see what I am getting into because South Dakota is kind of foreign for me from where I am from.” In December 2013 she visited South Dakota for 3 days and got offered the job at WNAX. Lacey took the job and came back to South Dakota in March 2014 with a friend to do some house hunting and drive around. While house hunting, Lacey and her friend wanted to see how far west they could go and drove as far west as Winner and ate at Dairy Queen. “I had no idea I would be living somewhere in between! We thought it was the middle of nowhere!”

Lacey stated WNAX ran ads for the Burke Stampede. She told her news director that it sounded like fun and she was going to go! He said to her “do you even know where Burke is?” She said, “No but I’m going to find it.” While at the Burke Stampede she heard about a dance hall in Norden, NE. She again said “that sounds fun” and found her way to Norden, NE. It wasn’t the first dance she went to, but Norden Dance Hall is where Cole and Lacey met.

Lacey compares Winner to where she grew up in Virginia. She says life here is very different. “It is laid back, slow, no rush to get places and do things, and the people are a lot more laid back. Harrisonburg, VA is such a busy place and there are so many different types of people. It made it hard to interact with your neighbors. Out here you can trust the people in town. It’s a big difference.”

The people is what Lacey enjoys most about living in Tripp County. “Just a super friendly place to be. I feel safe and I feel welcomed. This is a much different culture than where I came from and I like it.” Cole agrees with enjoying the people. He states the community is like one big family.

The biggest challenge for Lacey living in a rural area is tornadoes! She doesn’t do those very well! She says people need to appreciate what they have living in Tripp County.

Cole doesn’t feel there are too many challenges living in a rural community. He states “with the internet, you can get anything you need in a couple of days. There are lots of jobs and work if people are willing to do it.”

Lacey is glad she is raising her family here and not where she grew up. She states, “It is a safe place. I look out the window during the day and there are kids running up and down the streets. Their parents aren’t running after them or afraid they are going to get hit by a car or picked up by a gang member. This is a good, wholesome place to raise a family. There are a lot of opportunities (for kids) if you seek them out.” Cole feels there are many opportunities to keep children busy in their community as well.

When asked what advice each would have for someone contemplating moving to Tripp County, Cole states, “I have never regretted moving back.” Lacey states, “You have to see it to appreciate it. I’ve been happy with the decision to come out here. Don’t worry about Walmart not being 5 minutes away!”

Cole and Lacey Shippy live in Colome with their newborn son, Mason. They both work at Shippy Cattle Company.

By Dan Bechtold, Editor

The local chapter of Pheasants Forever is working to promote the hunting in this part of South Dakota with a special project.

The national Pheasant Fest will be in Sioux Falls Feb. 16, 17 and 18, 2018. This is the first time this national outdoor show has been in South Dakota.

Local members of Pheasants Forever came up with the idea to put together a publication that features hunting and local Pheasants Forever member.

It is a way for local hunters and /or lodges to get their name in front of a national audience.

“We are trying to do something to promote our area,” said Mike Scott, president of the local chapter of Pheasant Forever.
Scott added they are not competing with the Winner Area Chamber of Commerce as this will be a one shot deal.

In this brochure will be stories and picture of Tripp County Pheasant Forever members and lodges.

This summer, Molly Sperlich, a graduate of Winner High School, will be conducting interviews, writing stories and taking pictures.

Persons who would like to be in this publication need to call Sperlich as soon as possible so she can set up a schedule. Persons can call her at 605-430-4730. They can also call Scott at 840-9992.

Sperlich will be a freshman at the University of South Dakota where she will be majoring in journalism. Since she is going to college in mid-August, all interviews need to be conducted prior to this time.

The deadline for new people to contact Sperlich is the first week of August.

The high school graduate is excited to be starting this project and be able to learn journalism skills.

Persons who are not members Pheasants Forever members and want to be in this publication can pay the Pheasants Forever dues and they will be included.

Sperlich will come to the landowner’s lodge or ranch to conduct the interviews and learn more about their hunting operations.

A unique feature of this project is that the picture to be used on the front cover will be auctioned off at the local Pheasants Forever banquet in October.

Scott says once all the material is collected and the brochure is printed it will be taken to Pheasants Fest for hunters from across the nation to see the hunting opportunities that are available is area of South Dakota.

Scott sees it as a great promotional tool but also to encourage local people to go to Sioux Falls in February and experience Pheasant Fest.

Scott says all types of hunting can be featured, it just does not not just have to be pheasants.

So, persons interested in being a part of this special project are urged to give Sperlich a call and set up a time for an interview.

By Dan Bechtold, Editor

Three teachers who have retired from the Colome Consolidated School District have a combined total of 130 years of teaching.

Greg Sherman has taught for 43 years, his wife, Renee, has taught for 44 years and Cindy Sealey has taught for 43 years.
They have dedicated nearly four decades to providing a good education to students.

Greg Sherman and Sealey both started teaching in 1974 and Renee started in 1973.

Trevor Sachtjen of Winner graduated from Western Dakota Tech. He received a degree in business management and marketing.

Shayden Drey of Winner has been named to the dean’s list at the University of Sioux Falls for the spring semester.

Tawny Barry of Carter, has been named to Eastern New Mexico University’s dean’s List for the spring 2017 semester.

Tawny Sherman of Winner has been named to the spring semester honors list at Dakota State University, Madison.

In the early 1960s in a small rural community of Winner, an idea came to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4674 Commander.  His idea was to line the “streets” of the Winner Cemetery with flags on Memorial Day.  His idea became a reality when 16 casket flags flew on the streets of the cemetery.  The reason 16 flags were flown was to honor the memory of those from the community who had paid the ultimate price in combat.  For an unknown reason, the number was much higher than 16, but that was all they were aware of at that time. This number of flags continued to be flown for several years on Memorial Day.

In the 1990s the three veteran’s organizations in town met and decided they would form an organization called “The Avenue of Flags Foundation”.  Members from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans, all from the Winner community, met and laid out the bylaws and purpose of the organization. About 430 flags were being flown by 1996.

The need for more man power was readily identified, followed by more flag poles, wagons to hold the poles, cement holes, bigger cedar lined chests to hold the flags and funds to purchase the needed items.  The call went out to the community along with the needs list.  Many hours were donated during the weeks before Memorial Day to perform those tasks that make up such a huge project. The people responded; men, women and children all came at 5 am to help put the flags up and again a 5 pm to take them down.   The sight is breath-taking with the flags flying so majestically in the morning breeze.  Each flag pole has the name of a veteran on a plaque.  By 1999, a metal building was built to house the materials used for Memorial Day.

This year, over 850 flags will fly on Memorial Day at the Winner cemetery in a visual honor of those who bravely served. The cemetery, which is kept well-manicured by the city workers throughout the year, is the final resting place for so many who have served with pride and have now gone to their heavenly home.  See these beautiful flags wave with pride as you join fellow community members in remembering these men and women, at the annual Memorial Day service which begins at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 29.

By Dan Bechtold, Editor

Marian Burtz never attended a prom in high school.  The resident of the Winner Regional Longterm Care Center attended her first prom on May 18.  The staff came up with the idea of hosting prom for the residents.  Burtz was dressed in formal and was all smiles when she was introduced at the grand march.  Burtz could not sleep the night before the prom because she was so excited.

DeeAnn Woods, activities coordinator at Winner Regional, said the event was phenomenal.  The activities room was decorated in pastel colors to go with the spring prom theme. There were lots of lights. The dining room and chapel were also decorated.

Ryan Kindt, a CNA at Winner Regional, mentioned to Woods that it would be nice for all the residents to get dressed up. Kindt made the comment shortly after the Winner High School prom.  Woods said it just clicked and she went into a planning mode and had lots of help from the staff.

Prom dresses were donated by Once Upon a Story boutique of Sheridan, Wyo. The sister of a Winner regional employee owns the business.  So, 50 prom dresses were given to the center and Woods was surprised to learn they did not have to be returned.

The men wore button down shirts and ties. Each man had a boutinar and the women had a corsage.  For the women, staff went room to room with makeup. Woods explained she fixed a lot of hair that day.

Bob Vrbsky provided the music for the dance.

There was a king and queen chosen. Bob Hansen was the king and Emma McKee was the queen.  Woods noted the special care unit had its own king and queen with Bill Brodrecht as the king and Mae Arcoren as the queen.

Woods said there was excitement all week leading up to prom.  “The best thing was the smiles,” said Wood. “You could see how happy they were,” she added.  Woods said the prom was so successful that it will be done next year.

WHS 4th quarter Honor Roll

Seniors
Honor – Chloe Bartels, Sidney Bohnet, Drew DeMers, Shannon Duffy, Luke Engel, Wyatt Ewing, Brea Heth, Sydney Hollenbeck, Mackenzie Irick, Skyler Jermolenko, Chase Kingsbury, John Kludt, Krockett Krolikowski, Cameron Kuil, Abigail Leyden, Kyran Meek, Isaac Naasz, Sam Schuyler, Molly Sperlich, Jacob Woods
Merit – Trevor Bertram, Nick Blare, Kayleb Brozik, Nathan Erickson, Avery Gilchrist, Bailey Harter, Liz Jankauskas, Kaycee Konvalin, Trace Larson, Alex Meiners, Rhys Middlesworth, Hannah Peterson, Jayden Schroeder, Rachel Sherman, Ryan Sherman, Jordan Turgeon, Jace Voegeli, Tristan Watzel
Juniors
Honor – Meredith Calhoon, Riley Calhoon, Madyson Frazier, Madelyn Hanson, Ronae Klein, Zachary Lapsley, Samantha Marts, Levi McClanahan, Brekkyn Nagel, Lauren Norrid, Charles Novak, Macy Olson, Ian Tunnissen
Merit – Aidan Bachamann, Michaela Bachmann, Dalton Baker, Carter Brickman, Elisabeth Duffy, Macie Ferwerda, Justus Gregg, Hannah Hanson, Matthew Hartley, Daesha Klein, Hanna LaCompte, Nick Lantz, Lexie Nedved, Destiny Ruden, Alex Schaeffer, Mason Schuyler, Matthew Smither, Nathan Smither, Riley Sund, Savannah Vogel
Sophomores
Honor – Bayli Beehler, Sierra Hansen, Gabriel Kocer, Sophia Lewis, Gracie Littau, Abigail Marts, Makenna Petersen, Alexis Richey, Casey Stickland, Andrew Taylor, Madison Thieman, Logan Tunnissen, Brandon Volmer, Tyson Westendorf, Sadie Woods
Merit – Taylor Audiss, Brielle Bachmann, Elijah Blare, Shea Connot, Jeanette Cook, Kassandra Cox, Jeslyn Felix, Liliann Jelinek, George Kraft, Katy Lantz, Tyler Olson, Nolan Sachtjen, Hunter Shopene, Wyatt Turnquist, Tedra Vrbka
Freshman
Honor – Austin Bicek, Jacob Clay, Kiersten Durrin, Kara Ewing, Morgan Hammerbeck, Emmarie Kaiser, Isabelle Leyden, Ryder Mortenson, Ethan Niehus, Jayce Palmer, Trevor Peters, Addy Root, Heather Rowe, Saige Schuyler, Charlotte Shopene, Alicia Stands, Kenndal Turnquist
Merit – Joren Bruun, Jaynee Gregg, Phillip Jorgensen, RaeLynn Kemp, Zane Mandl, Riley McClanahan, Kameron Meiners, Loren Moeller, Nathan Monk, Austin Olson, Abigail Pajl, Shaelyn Peneaux, Marlee Schaeffer, Isaac Schramm, Ethan Vesely, Gage Watson
Eighth Grade
Honor – Meagan Blare, Bailey Brown, Megan Brozik, Shannon Calhoon, Evan Farner, Brady Fritz, Hayley Hanson, Katherine Jankauskas, Maggie LaCompte, Mackenzie Levi, Steven Lin, Delanie Nelson, Preston Norrid, Landon Thieman
Merit – Brennan Bachmann, Zach Bohnet, Taya Burleson, Kady Cable, Jesse Colson, Owen Duffy, Jackson Hansen, Taylor Headrick, Dawsyn Kahler, Arista Kaiser, Mercedes Klein, Allie Lapsley, Aissa Long Crow, Aryn Meiners, Kayla Natoli, Gennefier Schuppan, Marlie Schuyler, Shelby Scott
Seventh Grade
Honor – Finn Bartels, Ellie Brozik, Jenna Hammerbeck, Hattie Hespe, Emma Jorgensen, Kaden Keiser, Adrienne Lewis, Elvis Lin, Marissa Meiners, Michael Olson, Kaleb Osborn, Kolbie Osborn, Elijah Peterson, Charley Pravecek, Kelsey Sachtjen, Keyleigh Stands, Bella Swedlund
Merit – Parker Baker, Shayla Bice, Adam Bohnet, Alex Bohnet, Torre Buus, Joey Cole, Taralynn Cordier, Katie Dreyer, Shelby Guerue, Raelen Heinzman, Hailey Hollenbeck, Hannah Kaiser, Ashton Klein, Gilon Kraft, Kylar Meek, Aaron Monk, Owen Monk, Alani Old Lodge, Sidda Schuyler, Ryan Sell, Caylin Swift Eagle, Jackson Vesely, Trinity Vrbka, Madaline Watzel, Achilles Willuweit
Sixth Grade
Honor – Kendyl Bachmann, Brindy Bolander, Melanie Brozik, Faith Covey, Maggie DeMers, Justin Hausmann, Ainsley Henderson, Cam Irick, Tessa Mann, Kelbi Meiners, Aleya Miller, Pierce Nelson, Dalton Petersen, Rylee Root, Blake Volmer
Merit – Ethan Bartels, Mali Beehler, Kaden Bennett, Luke Boerner, Penelope Chasing Hawk, Silas Chasing Hawk, Illyanna Crabb, Shayne Day, Kiley Felix, Joselin Kludt, Tayden Mathis, Rowdy Moore, Riley Orel, Hunter Osborn, Jack Peters, Sutton Schweigert, Clay Sell, Mallory Thayer, Leah Wiechelman