Christmas Essay Winner

Dan Bechtold/Winner Advocate Photo
Chord Blotski, a 4th grader in Winner, was the winner of the Christmas essay contest for Christmas in the Courthouse. For writing the winning essay he received a new bike presented by the Tripp County Commissioners. Pictured from left are commissioners Mark Winter, Joyce Kartak, Chip Schroeder plus Blotsky, his parents Kodi and Chad and fourth grade teacher Lisa Vesely.

State FFA

Justin Hausmann of Winner won first place in ag broadcasting at the state FFA Leadership Development Events held in Pierre.

“We are so proud of him,” said Winner FFA advisor Nicole Roth.

Normally, Hausmann would advance to nationals but ag broadcasting does not have a national competition.

The Winner parliamentary procedure team competed in a tough semifinal. They did not make it to the finals.

The team is made up of Justin Hausmann, Maggie DeMers, Clay Sell, Ryan Sell, Amanda Blare and Bailey Fairbanks.

“The team put in many hours of hard work to make it to that point, as earning our way to state is no easy feat in our district,” said Roth.

She explained the chair of this event said it was the closest scores he had seen in years.

Roth thanked Wyatt DeJong for offering his coaching services.

The students also had the opportunity to visit the capital to see the Christmas trees and talk with FFA sponsors.

Bryce Dade Eagle Hawk, 35

Bryce Dade Eagle Hawk, 35, of Ideal, South Dakota passed away on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 at the Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD. 

 Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at noon at the Winner Ideal Community Hall.  Burial will follow at the Trinity Episcopal Cemetery in Ideal, SD.  Wake services were held on Monday, Dec. 13, and Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.  at the Winner Ideal Community Hall.

Bryce Dade Eagle Hawk was born Dec. 1, 1986 in Winner, SD to Renetta Eagle Hawk and Wayne Long Crow Sr.  Bryce was raised by his grandmother Lucy (Eagle Star) Eagle Hawk.

Bryce went to school in Ideal until his freshman year.  He then attended and graduated from Winner High School in 2006.

Bryce loved being with family and friends, Bryce was always full of laughter and jokes.  Bryce enjoyed playing volleyball, horseshoes and in his younger years he enjoyed playing softball with our family team “The Familia” during Labor Day weekend.

Bryce was a dedicated fan of the Denver Broncos.

Bryce is survived by his 3 brothers: Byron and Harrison Eagle Hawk and Emery Long Crow, 4 uncles: Clarence “Junior” and Daniel Eagle Hawk Sr., Charles and Larry Long Crow, 2 aunts: Leona (Dewey) Foote and Blossom Cook.

Bryce is preceded in death by hi parents Renetta Eagle Hawk and Wayne Long Crow Sr., his maternal grandparents Clarence “Matthew” and Lucy (Eagle Star) Eagle Hawk, his paternal grandparents Wilmer Long Crow and Charlotte Cook, his aunts Virginia (Eagle Hawk) Parkis and Tammy (Cook) Foote, his uncles John Sr., Burton Sr. Eagle Hawk and Harold Cook.

                                                                             “Go Broncs!!”

Michael F. Cahoy, 91

Michael F. Cahoy, 91, of Winner, SD passed away on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 15th, 2021 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church from 6-7 p.m. with a rosary beginning at 7 p.m.

Mike was born Jan. 16, 1930 to Mike and Mary (Vido) Cahoy in Winner. He attended local schools, graduating from Winner High School in 1947.  After working a few years around Winner and in Omaha he entered the Navy and was always proud of his years of service to the country.

He returned to Winner, met Deloris Gartner and they married in 1957.  They began Cahoy Motor Co. and operated this auto repair business for decades.  He loved the Winner community and served it in many capacities, including Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the American Legion, the Avenue of Flags, and the ROCS board.

Mike loved a good joke and pulling pranks on everyone. It didn’t matter if you had known him briefly or a long time, he was ready with something to make you smile.

He is survived by his daughter Jean Klein, her husband Jerry and their children, Michael (Amanda), Joseph, Peter and Emily. He is also survived by special friend Vanetta Habeger.  He was preceded in death by his wife Deloris, his parents and his sister Lucille.

Roger Allen Pochop, 83

Roger Allen Pochop passed away Dec. 8, 2021, at the Winner Long Term Care Facility at the age of 83 years.

A celebration of life was held Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome. 

Roger was born Nov. 11, 1938, to George and Pauline (Meyers) Pochop.  He was the third of four boys: Virgil, Darrel, and Merle.

Roger grew up on a farm in the Colome/Dallas area.  He graduated from Colome High School in 1956.  After graduation, he began his life-long career in farming and ranching.  After a short period of service in the United States Army, he returned to the farm where he and his wife Jeanne lived, until the time of his death.  He had four children:  Myra (Dan) Stoney, Michael (Tami) Pochop, Sandra Gillispie and Jamey (Lisa) Stroschine.

Roger’s faith was the most important part of his life; he was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome where he was a life-long member. He taught Sunday school and served on the church council for many years.  Roger was proud to be a veteran and was active in the Colome Legion.  He was a staunch Republican and not afraid to let anyone know his opinion.  Roger also spent several years working for FSHA measuring grain bins.  He loved meeting people.

Roger is survived by his wife Jeanne of 40 years, his four children, their spouses and 13 grandchildren and a soon to be great-grandchild.  Also surviving are his brother Merle, sisters-in-law Verna and Margaret, brother and sister-in-law Stan and Connie Bicek, many nieces and nephews including three special nephews: Donnie Hambek, Damen and Cory Pochop.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Pauline, and two brothers Virgil and Darrel.

Parting words — Life should not be a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming “Wow, what a ride”

Football players honored for Best of the West

Joey Cole, quarterback for the Winner football team, has been named Best of the West MVP.  

The Rapid City Journal picks the Best of the West team.

Also recognized from Winner Kaden Keiser, Charley Pravecek and Riley Orel with Aiden Barfass, Jackson Vesely and Achilles Willuweit being named to the honorable mention list.

Cole guided the Warriors to their second straight undefeated season and back to back Class 11B state championships.

Cole was also a South Dakota Coaches Association all-state selection for defensive linemen after recording three sacks four tackles for loss, two pass breakups and recovering four fumbles.

Of the multiple rushing options the undefeated Warriors had at their disposal this season, no one punched in more touchdowns than Kaden Keiser. He finished his senior campaign with 16 while picking up 747 yards. He also caught six passes for 156 yards with one touchdown.

Charley Pravecek was named outstanding lineman in both this year and last year state championship games. He helped the Warriors rush for nearly 4,000 yards.

Riley Orel’s defensive performance was impressive. The junior collected three interceptions, two pass breakups and two tackles for loss as well as 26 tackles.

Orel also rushed for 933 yards on 72 carries. He also rushed for 933 yards on 72 carries with six touchdowns. He also caught seven passes for 130 yards and four touchdowns.

Oral interp students place at state

Submitted photo
Winner High School students participated in the state oral interp this weekend in Huron. In front from left are Amanda Edwards, Addi Heenan and Leah Wiechelman. In back from left are Hayden McMurtrey, Amanda Blare, Justin Hausmann and Noah Manke.

Three Winner High School students earned a superior rating at the state oral interp festival this weekend in Huron.

Addi Heenan and Amanda Edwards competed in duet and earned a superior.

Justin Hausmann competed in non-original oratory and earned a superior.

Amanda Blare competed in storytelling and earned an excellent.

The WHS team earned an excellence award.