Funeral services for Eldon White Pipe age 46 of Gregory, South Dakota, will be held on Saturday, July 17 at 1 p.m. at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home, Gregory, SD. Burial will be at a later date.
The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) is pleased to announce that Brett Gardner, athletic director at Winner School District, has been recognized by the NIAAA as a Certified Athletic Administrator.
To earn this distinction, Brett has demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of interscholastic athletic administration. The voluntary certification process included a thorough evaluation of the candidate’s educational background, experience and professional contributions, as well as a rigorous, comprehensive written examination.
Brett is one of an elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide to attain this level of professionalism.
The NIAAA is a national professional organization consisting of all 50 state athletic administrator associations and more than 12,000 individual members. It is dedicated to promoting the professional growth of interscholastic athletic administrators and preserving the educational nature of interscholastic athletics and the place of these programs in the secondary school curriculum.
The Tripp County 4-H Rodeo will be held July 15 and July 16.
The ambassador contest will be held July 15 with horsemanship starting at 6:30 p.m. followed by interview and speeches in the 4-H building. Horsemanship and speeches are open to the public to attend.
Ambassador coordinators are Sarah Gustafson and Shayna Dillon.
Judges for the horsemanship are JoLynn Grieves and Dustin Schmidt. Appearance and interview judges are Amanda Willuweit and Dr. Eric Heath.
Speech judges are Sandra York and Brandy Biggins.
The crowning of the ambassador will be July 16 at 8:30 a.m. at the rodeo grounds.
The ambassador contestant in the senior division is Avery Schacht of Lake Andes.
The junior ambassador contestants are: Brecken Vosika, Gregory; Savannah Lyon, Burke: Draya Haase, Winner; Oakleigh Elwood, Reliance and Candice Aamot, DeSmet.
The 53rd annual rodeo will be held at the Tripp County Fairgrounds on July 16 starting at 9 a.m.
Events are:
Junior girls—flag race, pole bending, barrel racing, goat tying and breakaway roping
Jr. boys—Bareback steer riding, flag race, cattle riding, goat tying and breakaway roping
Junior dally team roping is open to both boys and girls.
Sr. girls—pole bending, barrel racing, goat tying, breakaway roping and ribbon roping
Sr. boys—Bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wresting, calf roping
Senior dally team roping is open to both boys and girls.
Rodeo stock will be provided by Hollenbeck Rodeo Co., Winner.
This year will see over 125 contestants competing to qualify for a spot at the SD state 4-H finals to be held in Ft. Pierre Aug. 20, 21 and 22. This will be the 50th anniversary for the state 4-H finals rodeo. Contestants who place first through fourth will earn a spot at the finals.
There will not be a gate admission to attend the rodeo in Winner and concessions will be available on the grounds.
Karri and Denny Allen with Healing Hope Ministries are bringing the walk to remember to Winner. It will be held on Sunday, July 18 at 1:30 pm at the city park. There will be cookies and drinks donated by local businesses. There will be various door prizes also donated by local businesses. There will be signs remembering children that have passed along the walking path at the park.
Katie Hurley lost her son, Brooks, in an accidental shooting.
Brooks Dean Hurley was a wild, bright and ornery three and a half year old boy. He loved everything about life; animals, movies, anything that went “vroom”, the rain, “Garth Me” songs, lightning bugs, “nuggles” with Mom or Dad, he loved it all. He lit up a room with his contagious smile and deep blue eyes.
This is Katie’s story about what happened three years ago that changed her life forever.
On Feb. 16 2018 at 6:37 pm my world stopped spinning. I was on my way to pick up my kids after work and I received a phone call from my now ex boyfriend whom had been watching my kids while I was at work. He was screaming that Brooks had been shot. I just remember dropping my phone, my ears were ringing and the only thing I could think about was my sweet little boy and how I could not hear him crying on the other end of the phone. Surely he should be crying, if he was hurt he would cry. There was no crying.
Brook’s death was caused by an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound. He found a handgun that was loaded in a nightstand drawer that Katie did not know was there.
I raced to the house, and ran inside to find my little boy laying lifeless on the floor. My daughter, who was ten years old at the time, was there. She had called 911 while CPR was performed. When I arrived I took over CPR. Somehow the directions to where we were confuseding and the ambulance had taken the wrong turn. So my daughter, being so brave, ran down the driveway to the road to flag them down. Everything was happening so fast and at the same time so slow. I know now in situations like this that adrenaline takes over your body. I have been CPR certified for many years but never in my life did I imagine I would have to use those skills to try to save my own child’s life.
When the ambulance arrived they scooped my sweet boy up off the floor, ran him to the ambulance and headed to the hospital. My daughter and I followed behind the ambulance. She called family and close friends on the way to have them meet us at the hospital. I had never prayed so hard in my life.
When we arrived at the hospital we were met there by familiar faces. The pastor who married Brooks’s father and I being one of them. He took me in a room and prayed with me. I had never felt so close yet so abandoned by my faith. I did not understand how or why this could be happening. This was the kind of thing that only happens in movies.
After a short time I was allowed into the room where the nurses and doctors were working frantically to save my sons life. I stood at the foot of the bed and prayed and pleaded with God to please save my little boy. I knew that the more time that went by the odds of my little boy coming home with me were diminishing.
I was told I was needed in the lobby as more family were arriving. They said that they had a flight crew coming to fly Brooks to the Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls. I held onto that hope. It sounded so promising. After sitting in the waiting room for a few short minutes a man whose name I can’t remember but will forever remember his face, came out and knelt down in front of me, took my hands in his hands and said the hardest words I’ve ever had to hear. ” I’m so sorry, we did everything we could…but your son did not make it.”
It has been three years now since we lost Brooks. It has been a daily struggle to keep moving forward and I couldn’t have kept my head above water if it weren’t for my family and friends but mostly my faith. I am a very private person when it comes to my faith, losing Brooks really tested my relationship with God. It is so hard to understand the “why?”
Two years ago I was pointed in the direction of Healing Hope Ministries by my boyfriend, Ted Kahler’s mom, Julie Kahler. I found them on Facebook and saw they were having a walk to remember children who had passed away. So I decided to reach out to Karri and we attended the walk in Valentine, NE last year. It was wonderful and made me feel supported and reminded me that I am not alone on this journey. It has helped me in finding my faith again and knowing that Brooks is okay and that we will see him again some day.
I wanted to help bring this event to Winner as I know there has been so much loss in our local communities. I hope that this brings parents, grandparents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins and anyone else who has been affected by the loss of a child together to support each other in our journeys. Every child deserves to be remembered and every child’s story deserves to be heard.
Frances Montour, age 93, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the Winner Regional Health Care Center in Winner, SD.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.
A wake service was held on Friday, July 9, 2021 at 7 p.m. at the Winner Middle School Gymnasium.
Frances Maple Sprague Montour was welcomed to her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, surrounded by her family. Frances was born in Bradley, Mich., on March 10,1928 to Adam and Elizabeth Sprague. She was raised in the Bradley Community until she married Raymond Montour on June 6, 1951.
Frances was one of 11 children and is the last one to pass on.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond A. Montour.
She was the beloved mother to Rebecca Wakeman (Thomas), Ruth Hooper (Kenneth), Sharon Phelps (Walter), David Montour, James Montour (Louva), Elizabeth Montour, and Esther Montour and grandmother to Anthony Wakeman, Maria George, Elena Wakeman, Christopher Wakeman, Catherine Wakeman, Suzanna Miller, Joshua Hooper, Joe Hooper, Serena Hooper, Sarissa Hooper, Wayne Phelps, Dakota Phelps, Raymond Montour, Max Montour, Jess Montour, Brandon Montour, Andy Wilson, and Amanda Wilson.
She was the great grandmother to Antoinette Wakeman, Raiden Wakeman, Alyssa George, Nicholas George, Mikayla George, Madison George, Olivia Sanchez, Riley Sanchez, Keziah Wakeman, Madalyn Wakeman, Maximino Betancourt, Milo Miller, Selah Miller, Drew Hooper, Ella Hooper, and Ashlynn Phelps.
She was a member of the Match-E-Be-She-Wish Band of the Pottawatomi Indians. Frances and her husband, Raymond, were the founders of the Society of Indian Missions. She was an honorary member on the board of the Society of Indian Missions for many years. Frances was a very devout Christian and prayer warrior. One of her greatest joys was to go to church.
Memorial Services for Ruby Graham age 77 formerly of Springview, Neb., were held on Saturday, July 10 at 10:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church, Springview, NE. Burial followed in Mt Hope Cemetery.
Ruby passed away at the University Medical Center in Omaha, Neb., on July 1, 2021.
Ruby Mae Weston Graham was born on Sept. 7, 1943, to John Earl and Joella (Ellis) Weston in Ainsworth, NE.
Ruby attended grade school at the Cottonwood school which is located in the yard at the Weston Ranch. She attended eighth grade through high school in Springview, NE.
On July 6, 1960, she married Donald Graham. To this union three children were born: Russell, Barry and Brinda.
Ruby was blessed with the birth of her daughter Sondra on Nov. 10, 1981.
Ruby had a love for flowers and plants. Her green thumb could make anything grow and her flower beds were amazing. She enjoyed her years working at various Walmart greenhouses, and was willing to share her knowledge with everyone.
Ruby enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandkids. Nothing she enjoyed more than cuddling the little ones! She loved to travel and had many interesting adventures and saw beautiful sites. Her recent trips were canceled due to Covid, which was a disappointment to her. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing and playing games with her kids. Playing cards with family and friends was also an enjoyable pastime.
Ruby, 77, of Red Cloud, NE, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, July 1, 2021. She passed away at the Buffet Cancer Center in Omaha, NE.
Survivors that cherished their time spent with Ruby include her son, Russell (Renee) Graham of Springfield, OH; her son Barry Graham of Chetek, WI; her daughter Brinda (David) Simons of Winner, SD; her daughter Sondra (Mike) Peck of Bonesteel, SD; granddaughters Danielle of Kathleen, GA, and Michelle of Santa Fe, NM; granddaughters Tara of Downsville, WI, and Halley of Menomonie, WI; grandson Trenton of Rapid City; granddaughter Megan of Watertown, SD; granddaughters Lacy and Ily of Bonesteel, SD; and eight great grandchildren; her brother Ben (Sue) Weston of Springview, NE; and numerous, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents John and Joella Weston, her brother Brad Weston, and grandson Tommy.
Harold Benson, 79, of Winner, SD passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the Winner Regional Hospital in Winner, SD.
Funeral service was held on Monday, July 12, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Winner. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.
Harold Duane Benson was born at the Winner Hospital on Jan. 4, 1942, to Walter and Edna (Stark) Benson, the oldest of four boys. He attended Blue Valley grade school and graduated from high school in 1960.
In 1962 Harold was drafted into the U.S. Army. Assigned to a special unit, Harold was very proud of the fact that he did not have to wear a uniform while serving his country. He was discharged from the Army in1968.
Harold was a lifetime member of the American Legion.
Harold was married to Sue Muzney on May 24,1969. Harold was a truck driver most of his life while living in Iowa. After retirement he returned to Winner and continued his love of playing cards and attending baseball games. He would attend as many games as he was able to cheering on the youngest to oldest baseball players.
Harold passed away July 6, 2021 at Golden Prairie Manor. Harold was preceded in death by his parents,Walt & Edna, two brothers Dale and Tommy, mother-in-law and father-in-law James & Imo Muzney, brother-in-laws LLoyd Stevens and Don Muzney, and sister-in-law Carolyn Muzney.
Harold is survived by his brother Bob (Judy), sister-in-law Cindy Jones (Kelly), niece Bobbi Jo (Scott)Rank, nephews Jay Benson (Carrie), Blake Benson, Chad Benson (Darla), and Nick Benson (Lauren), and Darrell (Peggy) Muzney of Iowa. Two great nieces and 3 great nephews.
Edwin L. Assman, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at his home in Pierre.
Services were held at 10 am, Tuesday, June 22, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, and he will be interred at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis.
Ed was born on June 23, 1952, to Joe and Esther Assman of Mission, South Dakota. He was the third eldest child of seven that included two older brothers,three younger brothers, and a younger sister. He grew up farming and ranching, deciding at an early age, that was not what he wanted to do for the remainder of his life. He attended a one room country school until 9th grade, and he was the only student at his grade level throughout. He attended Todd County High School in Mission, participating in band, wrestling, and track, and graduating in 1970.
After acquiring consent from his mother because he was underage, he volunteered for the U.S. Army at the age of 17. He was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood for combat medic training and Ft. Sam Houston for Airborne training. He arrived in Vietnam in early April of 1971. He was stationed at Northern I Corps on the DMZ as a medic for light armor troop with frequent engagements with the North Vietnamese near Con Thein (Alpha 4) fire base. His unit was 1st Platoon B troop 3rd squadron 5th Armored Calvary 9th Infantry Division. He was wounded in heavy combat on May 18,1971, earning his first Purple Heart. Ed was able to return to his unit, however, he was seriously injured again on June 18 that same year, earning his second Purple Heart. He was able to leave for home to heal and recuperate in late August on convalescent leave, but later returned to the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg. He worked as an Airborne medic until he obtained an honorable discharge in July of 1972.
After being discharged from the Army, Ed was hired as the youngest ever (at that time) for the South Dakota Highway Patrol, at the age of 21. He quickly rose through the ranks, as he was promoted to sergeant in 1982, and lieutenant in 1990, where he was eventually stationed in Pierre. He had a variety of accomplishments, including the youngest sergeant, the youngest lieutenant, and the SWAT team leader. He was even the first trooper awarded the Meritorious Service Ribbon for apprehending hundreds of drug offenders. He also taught drug tactics at the police academy. During his time as a State Trooper, Ed was the leader of various security details, including President George H. W. Bush when he visited South Dakota. Unfortunately, in 1997, due to heart complications, Ed had to medically retire early. Since that time, he continuously worked as an investigator for the Crime Victims Program and had his own private investigation firm.
Family and friends can attest that Ed had an incredible sense of humor, and was extremely witty, well read, and very articulate. He was a true patriot. Ed was also very passionate about history and would frequently attend Mountain Men Rendezvous with full pre-1840 era Fur Trade re-enactments, that included the correct attire, housing, and weapons. He was always up for a road trip or any impromptu adventure. He was not only a loving husband, father, brother; overall friend to everyone that knew him. Just know you were all loved by him.
Grateful for sharing Ed’s life and survived by his loving wife, Josephine, sons, Clint (Shannon), Colter, and Bridger, brothers, Dave (Diana), Greg (Cindy), Chris (Cathy), Brad (Debra), Mike (Darla), sister Mary Beth (Chris Lovejoy), and grandchildren, Aubrey, William, and Ethan.
Proceded in death by his parents, Joe and Esther, infant sisters Jean and Kimberly, and little brother Gordon.
With a heavy heart we are saddened by the loss of a true patriot who was willing to take a bullet for his country and did take a bullet for his country.
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