Category Archives: News

William Harrison Furrey, 81

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William Harrison Furrey, 81, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018.

Memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Winner City Cemetery. A visitation will be on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 starting at 6 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. William Harrison Furrey was born Aug. 14, 1936, in the Ashurst Hospital in Rosebud, South Dakota. He was the third child of Harry and Louise Furrey of Okreek, South Dakota. He was baptized as a Catholic in St. Peter’s Church in Okreek.

In the fall of 1936, the family moved to another farm, and from there he later attended grade school in Nelson School. He attended and graduated from Todd County High School; his senior class photo states, “Sometimes I sit and think and sometimes I just sit.” After high school, he returned to the farm. In 1971, after his father’s death, he and his brother Harley formed a partnership, Furrey Bros., to farm and ranch. This partnership lasted for 47 years until his passing.

In 1988 he married Laurine Adams Whiting and acquired two stepsons and a step daughter. He was a charter member of Mission Council 4077 Knights of Columbus and also 4th Degree Knight. He also served on the 1st board of Commissioners in Todd County. He was a very well-liked man and had very few, if any, faults.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Louise Furrey, and two half-brothers, Gerald and Del Furrey.

He is survived by his wife, Laurine, his brother, Harley, two sisters, Dorothy Schultz and Mary Cournoyer, two stepsons, Dustin and Rod Whiting, and a stepdaughter, Bernice Whiting, as well as nephews, nieces, and cousins.

While writing this, for some reason, I think of Mark Anthony in Julius Caesar, “The evil that men do lives after; them the good often interred with their bones.” Anyone who tried to list Bill’s faults would have a lot of empty paper.

Dale Lewis Thompson, 85

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Dale Lewis Thompson 85, of Colome, SD passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Lake Andes Healthcare Center in Lake Andes, SD.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Isidore Catholic Church in Colome, SD. Burial followed in the Colome City Cemetery.

Dale passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on Sunday, April 22, 2018 at the Lake Andes Senior Living Center in Lake Andes, SD.

Dale L. Thompson was born May 3, 1932 to Lewis and Gertie (Hansen) Thompson. Dale was born in the Mitchell Methodist Hospital in Mitchell, SD. He graduated from high school in 1950 in Letcher, SD. He worked on the family farm with his father.

Dale was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1950 and served until 1955 in the 26th Infantry Dog Scout Platoon as a dog handler where he earned the Korean Service medal.

On July 5, 1974 he married Marianne King. To this union 2 daughters were born. He and Marianne lived in Colome, SD. Dale drove gravel trucks for Carlson Construction for many years. He was a handyman and willing to help anyone with any task.

Dale enjoyed cutting down trees and chopping firewood for his pride and joy wood stove that heated the family home.

Dale is survived by his wife Marianne of Colome, SD; sister Donna (Joe) Muth of Bismarck, ND; two children, Robin (Adrian) Hamilton of Norfolk, VA and Holly Thompson of Sacramento, CA; two grandchildren, Christian Hamilton and Camryn Hamilton.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

 

Marian (Earll) Gregg, 77

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Marian (Earll) Gregg, 77, of Carter, SD, one of God’s special angels here on earth, was called home to be with the Lord April 25, 2018, surrounded by all of her children and special friends, Les and Shareen Canfield.

Funeral services were held on Friday, April 27, at 2:30 p.m. at the Winner Community Church. Burial followed at the Winner City Cemetery.

Marian was born July 14, 1940, the second of two daughters born to Lloyd A. Earll and Geraldine J. (Schmidt) Earll in Valentine, NE.

Marian graduated from Winner High School in 1958. After graduation, Marian attended cosmetology school in Sioux Falls and earned a cosmetology degree, a talent she used for many years including setting up a salon in her home “Country Cut and Curl”.
On Oct. 14, 1961, Marian married the love of her life, James “Jim” Gregg. To this union, three sons and two daughters were born.

Marian was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a wonderful friend and neighbor. A fervent Christian, Marian welcomed the day she would be home with the Lord, and instilled in her children the importance of strong Christian values. Marian loved her family and demonstrated that love until the day she died.

Marian is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jim, Carter, SD; her sister, Lorraine (Earll) Dohmen, Winner, SD; children Jeff Gregg (Heidi Ode), Carter, SD; Julie Gregg-Bubac (Duane), Omaha, NE; Jill Christensen (Joe), Arlington, SD; Jerred Gregg (Kara) and Jason Gregg, all of Carter, SD; grandchildren that Marian loved so very much, Jamin Hartland (Sarah), Rapid City, SD; Jessa Ellendorf (Gabriel), White River, SD; Jadyn Gregg, Spearfish, SD; Mark Bubac (Timmi), Rapid City, SD; Christi Bubac, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Dustin Christensen (Samantha), Edgemont, SD; Gary Christensen (Kayla), Sioux Falls; Sara Wollen (Bryce), Sioux Falls, SD; Jacey Gregg, Belle Fourche,SD; James, Jacob, Josey and Jenna; Justus, Jaynee, Jentry, Jude, and Jett, all of Carter, SD; great grandchildren Sage Bubac, Rapid City, SD, Claire and Chloe Christensen, and Brody Wollen, Sioux Falls, and baby girl Christensen coming in June, Edgemont, SD, and Zylias; brothers and sisters-in-law Josephine Klein, Hidden Timber, SD; John Gregg (Jeanne Carpenter Thelen), Evansville, WY; Dennis Gregg (Kay), Martin, SD; and many, many special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Geraldine Earll, mother and father-in-law Florence and Herbert Gregg, brothers-in-law Lawrence Klein and James Dohmen, and sister-in-law Loyce Gregg.

Marian touched many lives and brought joy and happiness to family and friends. She will be missed dearly. Until we meet again, Toots!… We love you.

South Dakota Moves Out of Last Place for Average Teacher Salary 11.8 Percent Increase Boost State Average to 48 in Nation

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For the first time in over 30 years, South Dakota’s average teacher salary no longer ranks last in the nation according to a recently released report by the National Education Association (NEA). The NEA’s 2018 Rankings & Estimates publication shows South Dakota’s average teacher salary increased by 11.8 percent during the 2016-2017 school year. This is the largest increase by any state. The pay bump moved South Dakota up to 48th place overall in the nation followed by West Virginia, Oklahoma and Mississippi.

South Dakota Education Association (SDEA) President, Mary McCorkle, said the new data clearly reflects the work of Governor Daugaard’s Blue Ribbon Task Force and the impact of the half-penny increase of the state’s sales tax.

“SDEA welcomes the news this report brings for our teachers and students. The data is evidence the Blue-Ribbon Task Force accomplished one of its main goals, moving the state’s average teacher salary from the bottom of the list,” said McCorkle. “As a state, we were stuck at the bottom for far too long, so moving up means South Dakota is moving in the right direction for teachers and students.”

McCorkle does caution the report is just a snap-shot in time and without a continued effort to keep moving forward the state could find itself at the bottom once again.

“We took a big leap forward in 2016, but we can’t let 48th be the place we stop. We must keep moving forward,” said McCorkle. “As the state embarks on the three-year review of the new funding-formula adopted in 2016, I think we can say, based on this report, we did a lot. Now, we must ask what do we need to do to keep the momentum going. Standing still is not an option for our teachers, and it certainly is not an option for our students. We must keep focused on the future.”

The NEA report provides comparative state data and national averages on a host of important public education statistics, teacher salaries, student enrollment, and revenue and expenditures for the most recent school year. NEA has produced the Rankings and Estimates report for more than 70 years. The complete report can be found at http://www.nea.org/home/73145.htm.

Awareness Campaign Aimed at Reducing Youth Suicide in South Dakota is launched

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The South Dakota Department of Social Services has developed a suicide awareness and prevention campaign, BeThe1SD, to help decrease the number of suicides in South Dakota.

Since 2004, over 1,700 lives have been lost due to suicide in South Dakota. Those numbers have increased each year, with nearly one in six high school students in South Dakota having suicidal thoughts or tendencies, according to the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

The ‘BeThe1SD’ campaign emphasizes a positive message that encourages youth to be vigilant about the signs of suicide and to “be the one” to make a difference. The campaign is supported by federal funds issued through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Agency (SAMHSA), a Division of the Federal Department of Health and Human Services.

“The goal of the campaign is to educate and empower all South Dakotans so they can be proactive in preventing suicide,” said Department of Social Services Secretary Lynne Valenti. “We especially want to encourage young people to get involved because even a simple gesture or a question of concern can make a difference and save someone’s life.”

The campaign specifically targets South Dakota youth, which is a high-risk population, but is applicable to anyone in crisis. BeThe1SD highlights the warning signs of suicide and informs youth on how to get help for themselves, their friends and their peers.

Approximately 25 South Dakota high school students participated in the campaign, which included video and photoshoots at Dell Rapids High School. A website for the campaign can be found at BeThe1SD.com.

To learn more about suicide, the warning signs, how to get help and to find upcoming suicide prevention training, please visit sdsuicideprevention.org. For more information about the ‘BeThe1SD’ campaign, please contact Tia Kafka at 605-773-3165.

Students Outline FFA Accomplishments

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By Dan Bechtold, Editor

Winner High School FFA members highlighted events this past year at a sponsor’s banquet held Saturday at the Tripp County 4-H Center.

It was FFA’s way of showing their appreciation for sponsors and supports.

The evening started with a meal, followed by talks and ended with a pie and labor auction.

Luke Hennebold explained the summer ag program which culminated in showing animals at the Mid Dakota Fair.

Heather Rowe talked about the Washington Leadership Conference. Five members of the local chapter attended.

Daesha Klein explained the Run for a Reason which was held this summer. This was a 5K and a 10K with proceeds going to help a family who lost their home in a fire.

The added twist to this run was that it was turned into a color run.

Katy Lantz described the global youth institute held in Des Moines, Iowa.

Alex Schaeffer reported on the events at the national FFA convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Seventeen Winner FFA members attended.

Ryder Mortenson told of local students who ran for District 4 FFA office.

Elisabeth Duffy and Tanner Moeller reported on the successful fruit sales. With the fruit that was left over 23 boxes were given to area families.

Matt Hartley reported on the war on hunger and the challenges the participants faced.

Abigail Pajl reported on the local event for FFA Week.

Justus Gregg explained the details of the state convention in Brookings and outlined the awards the Winner chapter received.

Advisor Wyatt DeJong gave an overview of the FFA year. He noted there has been wonderful support from the community.

Piano Students Earn Perfect Score

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Three Winner piano students earned a perfect 1+ (superior plus) at the recent piano contest in Gregory. The Winner 8th grade girls with the perfect score are Adrienne Lewis, Marissa Meiners and Hattie Hespe.

Other Winner area students participating in the piano contest were: Emily Sachtjen, Justin Hausmann, Amanda Blare, Brooke Burns, Jed Blare, Lena DeMers, Livvy Audiss, Maggie DeMers, Arnolla Duffy, Andrew Henderson, Emma Vandenbark, Ainsley Henderson, Leah Wiechelman, Faith Covey, Katie Welker and Maya Vandenbark, High marks were earned by all.

Piano teachers for these students are Danielle Catoe, Michaela Johnson, Carol Peterson and Jan Ringstmeyer.

Former Winner Teacher Named to Sports Hall of Fame

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Blanche Barnum, who taught in Winner in 1925, is a 2018 South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame legends inductee.

Winner was her first teaching and coaching job. She taught English and coached basketball before moving to Mitchell where she coached the rest of her career. She died at the age of 94.

Barnum graduated from the University of California in Berkley. She played tennis for California which only had around 7,000 students at that time. She also worked for the Berkley recreation department.

After receiving her degree in health and physical education and a minor in English, she accepted her first job in Winner.

Barnum played golf until she was 90 and played tennis until she was 83.

Barnum taught all levels in the Mitchell School District from 1951 to 1969.

Before Title IX existed, Barnum had formed Girls Athletic Association while teaching physical education at the middle school in Mitchell.

In 1960, she was named the supervisor for physical education in the Mitchell School District.

WHS Track Team Places in Indoor Meet

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Outdoor weather has not been kind to the Winner track team so they took their action inside.

The team took part in the Wesleyan Open on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell on April 16.

Due to the snow and cold, the Winner team has not able to compete much outdoors.

The DWU Avera Sports and Wellness Complex provided an indoor place to compete.

Winner’s Ellie Brozik won the 200 in :27.34 and Sidda Schuyler won the 3,200 in 12:35.90. Schuyler also placed second in the mile run in 5:36.67.

Kelsey Sachtjen placed first in the high jump with a leap of 4-11.

The girls team won two relays—4×400 and medley.

For the Winner boys, Brady Fritz won the triple jump (41-2) and placed second in the long jump (20-4). Fritz also placed second in the 200 in :23.87.

Kade Watson won the 3200 in 10:53.05 and the boys medley relay took first place.

Results of the Winner girls include:

400—Alexis Richey, 4th, 1:07.66

200—Brozik, 1st, :27.34; Morgan Hammerbeck, 5th, :29.80

800—Richey, 5th, 2:45.94

1600—Sidda Schuyler, 2nd, 5:45

3200—Schuyler, 1st, 12:35.90; Aryn Meiners, 4th, 14:36.43

60 hurdles—Skyler Hansen, 4th, :10.91; Tedra Vrbka, 5th, 11:08

4×200 relay—2nd, 1:57.92, Tedra Vrbka, Kelsey Sachtjen, Katherine Jankauskas and Skyler Hansen

4×400 relay—1st, 4:24.96, Saige Schuyler, Ellie Brozik, Kelsey Sachtjen, Morgan Hammerbeck

Medley relay—1st, 4:36.79, Morgan Hammerbeck, Ellie Brozik, Alexis Richey and Sidda Schuyler

High jump—Sachtjen, 1st, 4-11; Katherine Jankauskas, 5th 4-4

Results of the Winner boys include:

60 meter dash—Riley Calhoon, 2nd, :7.43; Nolan Sachtjen, 4th, :7.61

200—Fritz, 2nd, :23.87; Sachtjen, 4th, :24.52

1600—Kade Watson, 3rd, 5:03.13

3200—Watson, 1st, 10:53.05

medley relay—1st, 3:58.85, Riley Calhoon, Brady Fritz, Joren Bruun and Kade Watson

Long jump—Fritz, 2nd, 20-04; Calhoon, 3rd, 19-6.50; Joren Bruun, 7th, 17-5.50

Triple jump—Fritz, 1st, 41-02; Calhoon, 3rd, 38-3.50; Bruun, 4th, 37-3.75

Shot put—Levi McClanahan, 4th, 42-05;

Colton Schroeder, 6th, 37-02