Saige Schuyler received the best agriculture award and Jaynee Gregg the best family and consumer sciences award at the Tripp County 4-H recognition event on Nov. 9.
Local 4-Hers and adult leaders were honored.Discovering 4-H awards went to Easton Shippy and Elizabeth Wonnenberg and Allie Littau. This award goes to a first year 4-H member.
Clovervale 4-H Club received the Mary Lou Connelly award. This goes to the club that presents the most Youth in Action public presentations. Clovervale had 12 presentations. Members who did public presentations were Allie Littau, Evan Littau, Bailey Fairbanks, Lena DeMers, Madisan Graber, Jocelyn Soles, Maggie DeMers, Jaelyn Assman, Rylan Assman and Kayla Natoli.
Brianna Gilchrist received the Margaret Novotny memorial learning by doing community service award.
Khiara Evans won the Spirit of 4-H award in memory of Fred and Dorothy Littau. Two Bobby Fisher memorial awards were presented. Evan Taggart received the Bobby Crocker award which is given to a 4-Her in the beginner division involved in the foods project.
Bailey Fisher received Bobby Fisher memorial small animal award.
Roper Moore received the Kenny Perry livestock memorial award.
Miranda Fisher was the recipient of the Lois Myers family memorial family and consumer sciences award.
Maggie DeMers received the Keith Myers family memorial livestock award.
Jesse Larson received the Charles Mayes memorial horticulture award.
Horticulture project participation went to Lena DeMers, Allie Littau, Jocelyn Soles, Maggie DeMers, Evan Littau, Miranda Fisher, Jaden Graber, Kennley Sedlacek Reed Sedlacek and Madisan Graber. These awards are sponsored by John and Cindy Peterson.
Crop and plant science project participation went to Lena DeMers, Maggie DeMers and Jesse Larson. John and Cindy Peterson sponsored these awards.
Abe Kaiser received the Charles “Chuck” Froning award. This year a COVID sportsmanship award was given because the normal herdsmanship awards did not happen. Winning the award were: beef—Abe Kaiser, dairy—Cassie Shutt, sheep—Payton Fisher, swine—Parker Mathis, goat—Rustin Schroeder, small animal—Kayla Natoli.
Breeding and market beef awards were presented. Grand champion breeding heifer goes to Josie Kludt, reserve champion heifer goes to Roper Moore, grand champion market animal goes to Lena DeMers and reserve champion market animal goes to Jaden Graber.
4-Hers were honored who placed at the state fair. Bailey Fairbanks placed 4th in dairy cattle showmanship.
Two Tripp County photos were chosen for the 4-H calendar. Maggie DeMers and Brindy Bolander submitted photos.Graduating seniors honored were Jaynee Gregg and Saige Schuyler
Friends of 4-H awards were presented to Curt Moseman and Scott Peterson.
Alumni plaques were presented to Brooke Fisher and Taylor Hrabanek.
Hrabanek was a member of the Border Bumpers 4-H Club with Janet DeMers as her club leader. She was involved in various projects including horticulture and photography but the main area she spent her time on was swine, exhibiting in it each year. As a member of the 4-H club she was involved in many community service projects including helping to host the annual chili cookoff and running concession stand out of a horse trailer for community centennial celebrations. Her dedication to the swine project and community service continued after graduating out of 4-H as she returned annually to serve as a ring steward and help with shows during the Mid Dakota Fair. More recently, Hrabanek has served as a member of the sheep, swine and goat committee, using her experience in help current 4-Hers have a great experience.
Fisher grew up in Tripp County 4-H as a member of the Clovervale and Rowdy Rascals. She showed beef, horse, sheep, small animals and exhibited in various family and consumer science project areas. In addition to several best of show awards, she won small animal round robin twice. As a 4-H parent, Brooke also serves on the sheep, swine and goat committee.
Brooke and Taylor were instrumental in being able to create plans so livestock shows could still be offered in a manner that was socially distanced in the Mid Dakota Fair.
The meritorious award went to the Miles and Kim DeJong family. This family will be starting its third generation of involvement in the Tripp County 4-H program. The entire family has been involved in Tripp County 4-H as members, leaders, and volunteers. The have supported Tripp County 4-H by their willingness to work and help financially. They have helped with livestock shows, fashion revue, offered their talents to judge project areas, assisted with fundraising, gave guidance to other youth with their livestock projects and have been willing to do just about anything that was asked for them.
Family members are: Miles and Kim DeJong, Tina DeJong, Tara and Adam Sturlaugson, Katrin and Kevin Van Zandbergen, Wyatt and Zana DeJong and grandchildren Lydia, Geneva, Levi, Anna and Caleb Sturlaugson and Kylee, Kelli and Cooper VanZandbergen.
The third generation includes: Lydia, Geneva, Levi, and Kylee. Other awards were presented but they had been featured in the Winner Advocate’s section following the Mid Dakota Fair and at the horse show.
Three members of the Winner volleyball team have been named to the Southeast South Dakota all conference team. Named to the team are Ellie Brozik, Kalla Bertram and Mackenzie Levi.
By Dan BechtoldEditor
Community member came together Sunday evening to welcome home the Winner High School volleyball team who played in the state tournament.
The Winner Lady Warriors won the SoDak 16 and qualified for the state meet which was held this last weekend in Watertown. The girls played three matches in the Watertown Civic Arena. They lost to Hamlin and Madison and defeated Hill City.
At Sunday’s celebration, coach Jaime Keiser said the team is fortunate to have been able to get this far due to COVID-19.“This is a special team of amazing girls who never cared who got the stats or the credit, all they wanted to do was win,” explained the coach
Keiser said the play at state was a complete team effort.
“The state meet did not go as we were hoping. We were excited to see Hamlin and everyone on this team wishes we could have that match back,” said the coach. “I know these girls could have played a lot better against Hamlin,” she added. “I know how much potential they have and we did not put that full potential into the Hamlin match.
Keiser was proud of how the girls came out against Madison the next day. She said Winner gave 110 percent. The coach added the girls gave 110 percent against Hill City and came up with a win. “I am very honored to have been able to coach these girls. I would not want to coach any other team.” Assistant coach Jenna Phillips spoke along with the five seniors.
The Winner Area Chamber of Commerce banquet is set for Jan. 14.
The Chamber is looking for nominations for year end awards. Nominations are being sought for: business of the year, volunteer of the year, employee of the year, farm and ranch family of the year and the achievement award.
The Chamber is also seeking three new board members. Nominations may be sent to the Chamber office. Persons can email nominations to thechamber@gwtc.net Going off the Chamber board are: Brent Ring, Lee Chytka and Jean Harter Shutt. The theme for this year’s Chamber banquet is “Survivor.”
The speaker will be Holly Hoffman of Sioux Falls. She is best known for competing on the reality television show “Survivor.” She is a motivational speaker and an author. The Chamber board is looking for a location to hold the banquet.
Mike Scott, executive director of the Chamber, says the date of the banquet could change depending on where Tripp County and the state are with COVID-19. If there are a lot of cases in Tripp County in January the date could change.
Two members of the champion Winner High School football team have been named to the Sioux Falls Argus Leader Elite 45 football squad.
Brady Fritz and Sam Kruger were named to the Elite 45 and Preston Norrid was named honorable mention.
Branded by his coach as one of the fastest players in the state, Fritz was dynamite for the Winner Warriors in 2020.
Commanding an offense that does its damage on the ground, he rushed for 499 yards and eight touchdowns on 68 carries but was also effective when called on to pass. He was 23 of 38 for 504 yards.
At free safety, Fritz intercepted a pass and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown.
“Brady is a real leader and a quality person off the field,” said coach Trent Olson.
Kruger was the Warriors leading rusher and receiver this season. On the ground, he logged 810 yards and 12 scores on 105 carries. Through the air he caught five passes for 89 yards and four touchdowns.
On defense, Sam played SAM linebacker. “That is the most difficult position in our defense,” said Coach Olson.
Kruger logged a team high 60 tackles and two forced fumbles.
“We were very balanced on both offense and defense, but Sam was our best all around player,” Olson said.
“He has been instrumental in our success these past couple of seasons,” said Olson.
Norrid, also a senior, was included in the list of honorable mention.
Six members of the Winner High School football team have been named to the Class 11B all state team. Winner (12-0) is represented by Sam Kruger, Preston Norrid, Bosten Morehart, Kaden Keiser, Charley Pravecek and Brady Fritz.
Winner defeated Bridgewater/Emery-Ethan in the state 11B football championship 18-14. Both teams were powered by dominate offensive lines so it is no surprise that all state linemen were Warriors or Seahawks.
Norrid and Morehart paved the way for Winner’s rushing attack. The seniors were both three year starters while Norrid also played fullback this season.
“Great leader and very versatile player,” said coach Trent Olson about Norrid. “Extremely physical and hard nosed.” Olson said of Morehart: “Stout player in the middle for us on both sides of the ball.” Olson said Morehart was a big part of why Winner was effective in running the ball and stopping the run.
Kruger paced Winner’s ground game with 810 yards and 12 touchdowns. He added four touchdown receptions and 45 tackles. The 6-2 175 pound senior was chosen as the most outstanding back of the state championship.
Olson said Kruger always got the tough yards for Winner. Keiser was selected to the all state team as an athlete. Keiser had 423 yards rushing and seven touchdowns while posting 29 tackles and four interceptions on defense. The junior speedster had close to 300 return yards.“ He had a great postseason for us,” Olson said. “Played big in the biggest games. He had four interceptions in the last three playoff games and made a bunch of big tackles.”
Pravecek was chosen for the defensive line. He had 25.5 tackles and seven sacks to earn all-state defensive line honors. Pravecek was named the outstanding lineman at the Class 11B championship game.“ Excellent two way lineman,” said Olson. “Our most productive defensive lineman. He has good technique and disciple,” said the Winner coach.
Fritz was an all state defensive back while also orchestrating Winner’s offense from his quarterback position. Fritz finished with seven tackles, two fumble recoveries and one pick six. The senior threw for 504 yards and seven touchdowns. He rushed for 499 yards and had 8 touchdowns.
“Incredible athlete with great speed,” said Olson. “Excellent leader. True dual threat QB. He speed and experience at free safety really prevented a lot of big plays for our opponents,” said Olson.
By Dan Bechtold
Editor
Tripp County Commissioners approved the purchase of PPE equipment for the ambulance service at the Nov. 24 meeting.
Co-ambulance directors Kathy Cole and Sissy Orel explained this would help when transporting patients who have tested positive for COVOD-19.
The equipment would include head gear and the air filtration system.
The commissioners approved renewing the contract for the law library. Via conference call, the commissioners heard from lawyer Sandy Steffen on the need for the library.
Director of equalization Janiece Weber and three residents who live along Parvin Road attended the meeting to discuss an address change.
Weber explained she received a call from the post office about the addresses in that area. To provide for a correct 911 mapping two of the homes had their addresses reversed.
Laura Kahler, 4-H youth advisor, updated the commissioners on activities in her office. She explained the Mid Dakota Fair was held with some modifications along with holding a 4-H recognition night with everyone wearing masks and spacing themselves to provide for social distancing.
Kahler felt fortunate Tripp County was able to have a fair amidst a pandemic while some counties in the state were unable to have a fair.
The local federal bridge program agreement was signed by the commissioners.
Melanie Levi, IT specialist for the county, recommended the county purchase a Zoom system. Levi explained she had visited with District 3 and they recommended this would be the best system for the county.
A motion was approved to purchase the system for $2,500.
Custodian Marty Zeigler presented the maintenance agreement from Kone for work on the courthouse elevator.
The liquor license for Smokin’ Barrels was renewed.
A discussion was held on raises for highway maintenance workers. The commissioners approve setting the salary at $21 per hour effective Nov. 29.
An excessive session was held for personnel.
The next meeting will be Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. The commissioners are meeting in the afternoon due to a training session for all county employees later that day.
The Winner Regional Health Holiday Festival will feature an online auction Dec. 3 through Dec. 5.
The auction will start on Dec. 3 at 12 p.m. and go through Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.
Auction items can be viewed at Charityauctionsonline.com
Normally, a dinner and a live and silent auction are held at St. Mary’s Hall the first Saturday in December. However, due to the current pandemic the foundation board felt it would be best to have an on line auction this year.
Proceeds from the auction will go toward items needed by the healthcare center.
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