A Rapid City business with Winner connections has a chance to receive a $15,000 grant from a program that helps veteran-owned businesses.
Outside In, a children’s indoor playground, is owned by Taryn Pike and Kelsey Baird, both daughters of Phil and Cyndy DeMers of Winner. They have owned the business since 2018.
Since Pike is a veteran she qualified for this special loan from Street Shares Foundation, a nonprofit organization that exists to inspire, educate and support military entrepreneurial community.
Persons in the Winner community can help Pike by voting. They can go the website at: https://streetssharefoundation.org/vote
The deadline for voting is May 3.
For the rest of the story pick up a copy of the Winner Advocate or subscribe by calling (605) 842-1481!
Karen Jean Hauck Upchurch Ward, age 76, Gainesville, GA, formerly of Winner, SD, died peacefully in her sleep on April 19, 2020 at her home.
She was born to the late Emil Alfred Hauck and Doris Esther Vetter on Sept. 13, 1943. Ward was raised in Winner and graduated from Winner High School.
After graduating from high school she moved to New York City to be a personal assistant. She then moved to Georgia and worked for the state of Georgia as a secretary.
She is preceded in death by her first husband, Frank Ray Upchurch; and son, Kelly Shawn Upchurch.
A loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Karen was an amazing cook, and an avid lover of all things crochet. She could be found often crocheting blankets, hats and squares to send to Africa.
Karen also had a passion for books and all things music. She was always reading something new and has a vast library of over 10,000 books she has collected throughout the years.
Her musical love started in high school where she sang in the local choir and church choir as a 3rd soprano. A member of the gospel group the Regeneration, she also sang the National Anthem for the Atlanta Braves each Mother’s Day for nearly 10 years.
Karen is survived by her daughter Shannon Jean Upchurch, of Newnan, GA; two precious grandsons whom she adored, Maxwell Todd Prochnow and Mitchell Reid Prochnow; her sister Laurel Renee Daniel, a sister in law Lores Hauck, and 4 nephews.
A private burial was performed at Roselawn Memory Garden in Lagrange, GA on Friday, April 24, 2020, where she was laid to rest beside her son and first husband.
A celebration of life will be held later in the year after the threat of COVID-19 has passed. She will be dearly missed.
Robert George Bahm was born March 28, 1934 on a farm near Lucas, South Dakota to Henry and Effie (Hedlund) Bahm. He joined his sister Alice and his brothers Bill, Lawrence and Lester.
He attended the Lucas School through the eighth grade. At the age of fourteen, he began working for area farmers.
In 1957 Robert moved to Pierre, South Dakota and worked at the Oahe Dam. While in Pierre he met Lavina Faatz, they were married Nov. 12, 1957 and to this union two sons were born: Randy and Rodney.
Robert had health issues which began in 1994. He passed away on April 22, 2020 at the Gregory Healthcare Center in Gregory, South Dakota at the age of 86 years.
Robert is survived by his wife Lavina of 62 ½ years; his son Randy and wife Rochelle and their daughter Sydney (Josh); his son Rodney and his children: daughter Mandy with her kids Jason and Neveah, son Kelly (Monque) and daughter Kobe; and his brother, Raymond Bahm.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Alice; his brothers: Bill, Lester and Lawrence and his sister Joyce.
As per Robert’s wishes, no services will be held.
Pursuant to the resolution approved by Winner City Council on Monday, April 20 all enclosed retail businesses that promote social gatherings such as bars, restaurants, video lottery, gyms, and city-owned walking paths and ball fields are open to ten (10) people or less with social distancing pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order and recommended CDC guidelines. Individual and family unit only pertains to social distancing.
The following are points of clarification on the resolution:
• The picnic shelters and all playground equipment remain closed in all city owned parks due to the inability to efficiently sanitize for the public’s safety
• An enclosed retail business is defined as the legal premises. For the purpose of a bar, it’s the legal description of their liquor license. The premise includes both the inside and outside.
• A family unit is defined as residents of the same house. They must live together. Relationship is NOT a factor, job is NOT a factor, and team affiliation is NOT a factor.
o For example, if a family of five goes out to eat, that group still counts as 5 people toward the overall number of 10 but we do not have to be 6 feet apart. If parents and grandparents joined, the total go to 9 for the overall count and the parents and grandparents would need to be socially distanced from the other two groups.
o People with the same employer still must be socially distanced and count toward the overall total count of 10
o Applicable to teams if it arises in the future. Each individual will have to be socially distanced from each other in compliance with CDC guidelines as room permits (ie baseball field, park, etc.)
• Bars: No more than 10 total people (excluding staff) inside and outside and MUST practice SOCIAL DISTANCING (6 feet apart) unless a family unit (Each member is still counted as an individual and towards the total of 10)
• Restaurant: No more than 10 total people (excluding staff) inside and outside and MUST practice SOCIAL DISTANCING unless a family unit (Each member is still counted as an individual and towards the total of 10)
• Video Lottery: No more than 10 where SOCIAL DISTANCING standards allow. If 6 foot apart (as per CDC guidelines) is not attainable then the number of individuals allowed shall be decreased to attain a 6-foot minimum of space. Unless Family Unit applies
• Parks and Fields: SOCIAL DISTANCING must be practiced unless family unit applies and must comply with CDC guidelines.
Further, any business that is open to the public in the City of Winner must follow Governor Kristi Noem’s executive order and are encouraged to follow all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The city asks residents to practice all recommended CDC guidelines everywhere, including their necessary trips to businesses, outside in public open spaces, at home, etc. These recommendations include:
• Avoid groups of 10 or more people;
• Practice social distancing, keeping at least 6 feet away from others;
• Avoid non-essential travel;
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others in public.
By U.S. Sen Mike Rounds (R-SD)
We’re now in the end of April and COVID-19 is continuing to impact our daily lives. Around two thousand cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in South Dakota, and social distancing continues throughout the state.
While we hope the end of this period of uncertainty is coming soon, Congress continues to pass legislation to address the crisis and provide much-needed relief.
Recently, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law a $480 billion dollar package that provides more funding for hospitals, nationwide testing, and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so more small businesses can now participate.
The PPP is a loan program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for businesses with 500 employees or fewer, as well as self-employed individuals. As of Friday, April 24, casinos with 500 or fewer employees are now eligible for PPP loans.
I’ve been urging the SBA to make sure tribally-owned casinos and gaming operations in Deadwood are able to receive financial assistance during these times, so I’m glad the administration has now modified their rules.
The PPP provides up to $10 million in loans to businesses to help cover payroll costs for employees, as well as pay for rent, interest on mortgages and utilities. Businesses who use PPP loans to keep employees on the payroll can have most of the loan forgiven.
The PPP was originally allocated $350 billion in the CARES Act, but that money ran out in less than two weeks. This is a sign that the program is working, and businesses are able to keep their staff on the payroll for the time being.
However, because of the high demand for the program, our recent legislation provided an additional $320 billion for the PPP so even more businesses can receive these partially-forgivable loans. The Small Business Administration estimates that more than 80 percent of our small businesses in South Dakota have utilized the PPP so far.
If you’re interested in participating in the program, your local lender will be able to assist you in applying for a loan.
The bill we passed also clarifies that agricultural enterprises are eligible for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), a program that got a funding boost in our legislation.
These loans will provide up to $10,000 of economic grants to businesses hurting because of COVID-19. Our ag community has been struggling for years due to low commodity prices, ongoing trade negotiations and, now, the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is finalizing a proposal to provide a relief package to farmers and ranchers whose businesses have been impacted by COVID-19. As a vital component of our nation’s food supply chain, we must do everything we can to make sure they can continue to put food on the tables of America’s families.
The proposal isn’t final yet and needs to go through the official approval process in the federal government, but USDA’s goal is to begin taking applications in May and for farmers and ranchers to begin receiving their relief packages in June.
What we’ve learned about the proposal so far is that USDA will issue a single payment determined using two calculations: for price losses that occurred between January 1 and April 15, 2020, producers will be compensated for 85 percent of the price lost during that period.
The second part of the payment will help to cover 30 percent of expected losses from April 15 through the next two quarters. USDA’s proposal sets the payment limit at $125,000 per commodity with an overall limit of $250,000 per individual or entity.
We will continue reviewing the proposal to assess its impact on South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. We’d also welcome input from the ag community in our state so we can share it with USDA.
We know businesses and families are struggling right now, and we hope that we’ll be able to safely reopen the country in the near future. In the meantime, we’re working to provide aid for those who need it during this crisis. Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to contact my office if there’s anything we can do to help.
Greg Whitlock, Secretary
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program will take several actions to assist farmers, ranchers, and consumers in response to the COVID-19 national emergency.
President Trump directed USDA to craft this $19 billion immediate relief program to provide critical support to our farmers and ranchers, maintain the integrity of our food supply chain, and ensure every American continues to receive and have access to the food they need.
“During this time of national crisis, President Trump and USDA are standing with our farmers, ranchers, and all citizens to make sure they are taken care of,” Secretary Perdue said.
“The American food supply chain had to adapt, and it remains safe, secure, and strong, and we all know that starts with America’s farmers and ranchers. This program will not only provide immediate relief for our farmers and ranchers, but it will also allow for the purchase and distribution of our agricultural abundance to help our fellow Americans in need.”
CFAP will use the funding and authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), and other USDA existing authorities. The program includes two major elements to achieve these goals.
Direct Support to Farmers and Ranchers: The program will provide $16 billion in direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted and will assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19.
USDA Purchase and Distribution: USDA will partner with regional and local distributors, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat. We will begin with the procurement of an estimated $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products, and $100 million per month in meat products.
The distributors and wholesalers will then provide a pre-approved box of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks, community and faith based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need.
On top of these targeted programs USDA will utilize other available funding sources to purchase and distribute food to those in need.
USDA has up to an additional $873.3 million available in Section 32 funding to purchase a variety of agricultural products for distribution to food banks. The use of these funds will be determined by industry requests, USDA agricultural market analysis, and food bank needs.
The FFCRA and CARES Act provided an at least $850 million for food bank administrative costs and USDA food purchases, of which a minimum of $600 million will be designated for food purchases. The use of these funds will be determined by food bank need and product availability.
Further details regarding eligibility, rates, and other implementation will be released at a later date.
Additional Background:
USDA has taken action during the COVID-19 national emergency to make sure children and families are fed during a time of school closures and job losses, as well as increase flexibilities and extensions in USDA’s farm programs to ensure the U.S. food supply chain remains safe and secure.
Feeding Kids and Families
USDA expanded flexibilities and waivers in all 50 states and territories to ensure kids and families who need food can get it during this national emergency.
USDA is partnering with the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty, McLane Global, PepsiCo, and others to deliver more than 1,000,000 meals a week to students in a limited number of rural schools closed due to COVID-19.
USDA authorized Pandemic EBT in Michigan and Rhode Island, a supplemental food purchasing benefit to current SNAP participants and as a new EBT benefit to other eligible households to offset the cost of meals that would have otherwise been consumed at school.
USDA expanded an innovative SNAP online grocery purchase pilot program in Arizona and California, Florida and Idaho, and DC and North Carolina, in addition to Alabama, Iowa, Nebraska, New York, Oregon and Washington.
Actions to Ensure a Strong Food Supply Chain
USDA is working to ensure the food supply remains safe and secure.
USDA announced flexibilities to ensure food distribution for certain food products like dairy and eggs reach retail settings.
USDA announced farm loan flexibilities, deferrals, and maturity extensions.
Whole of Government Response in Rural America
USDA released The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide, a first-of-its-kind resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic.
USDA opened a second application window (April 14, 2020 to July 13, 2020) for $72 million of funding under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program.
USDA Rural Development lenders may offer 180-day loan payment deferrals without prior agency approval for Business and Industry Loan Guarantees, Rural Energy for America Program Loan Guarantees, Community Facilities Loan Guarantees, and Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees.
USDA will use the $100 million provided for the ReConnect Program in the CARES Act to invest in qualified 100 percent grant projects.
PIERRE – The COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty to individuals and families across South Dakota including financial hardships and the Department of Social Services (DSS) reminds the public it has programs to help.
“The mission of the Department of Social Services is to create strong families,” said DSS Cabinet Secretary Laurie Gill. “When families are struggling, there are options to help support and strengthen them.”
For families dealing with financial stress, there are economic assistance programs available through DSS that may help.
Programs include assistance with nutrition, home heating, and healthcare expenses, as well as temporary financial assistance for very low-income families with children who are deprived of parental support.
Eligibility varies by program. To apply, go online to dss.sd.gov and click on the Economic Assistance tab or call your local DSS office. Contact information for offices across South Dakota is available by clicking on the
Find Your Local Office link at dss.sd.gov.
Childcare assistance is also available to families who meet income guidelines and minimum work and/or school requirements.
Additional information including application forms are available by clicking on the Child Care tab at dss.sd.gov.
“These are difficult times and the Department of Social Services is committed to helping support families through them,” Gill said.
“If an individual lost their job or a family had wages significantly reduced, that can add a lot of stress to an already difficult situation. We are here to help when families need it.”
Loading ...