Category Archives: News

Winner at Pierre Relays

  By | |
Leave a comment

Brady Fritz won the long jump at the Pierre Legion Relays on Thursday.

Fritz finished with a leap of 21 feet-4 inches edging out Rapid City Central’s Kailleb Walton-Blanden for first place. Fritz qualified for the state track meet in the long jump.

Also qualifying for state were the boys 4×100 relay and Kelsey Sachtjen in the high jump.

There were over 20 high school teams at the meet. This included some of the larger schools in the state from Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

In the preliminaries of the girls 100 meter hurdles, Skyler Hansen ran a :17.87, Tedra Vrbka, :18.70 and Elisabeth Duffy, :19.26

Results of the Winner girls include:

4x 800 relay—8th, 10:42.30, Alexis Richey, Sidda Schuyler, Meagan Blare and Saige Schuyler

100 preliminaries—Ellie Brozik, 10th, :13.56

4×100—14th, :55.90, Tedra Vrbka, Katherine Jankauskas, Madison Thieman and Morgan Hammerbeck

400—Alexis Richey, 13th, l:05.47; Saige Schuyler, 18th, 1:06.47; Meagan Blare, 29th, 1:08.99

1600—Aryn Meiners, 46th, 6:46.41

300 hurdles—Hansen, 17th, :53.22; Katherine Jankauskas, 26th, :55.11; Elisabeth Duffy, 32nd, :58.42

Medley relay—3rd, 4:36.09, Tedra Vrbka, Morgan Hammerbeck, Kelsey Sachtjen and Sidda Schuyler

200—Skyler Hanson, 36th, :31.24; Katherine Jankauskas, 38th, :31.27; Madison Thieman, 45th, :32.17

3200—Sidda Schuyler, 6th, 12:05.52; Aryn Meiners, 33rd, 14:39.34

4×400 relay—11th, 4:28.31, Alexis Richey, Kelsey Sachtjen, Morgan Hammerbeck and Saige Schuyler

discus—Jaynee Gregg, 38th, 71-04

high jump—Kelsey Sachtjen, 9th, 4-11

shot put—Jaynee Gregg, 30th, 28-08

Long jump—Vrbka, 17th, 14-8

Result of the Winner boys include:

1600—Kade Watson, 16th, 4:57.22

4×100—8th, :45.02, Riley Calhoon, Nolan Sachtjen, Joren Bruun and Brady Fritz

400—Bruun, 14th, :55.84

200—Brady Fritz, 12th, :24.61; Riley Calhoon, 23rd, :25.24

3200—Watson, 13th, 10:45.82

shot put—Levi McClanahan, 19th, 41-06; Colton Schroeder, 37th, 36-08; Landon Thieman, 43rd, 35-03

discus—Preston Norrid 18th, 118-06; ; McClanahan, 23rd, 112-05; Jacob Clay, 48th, 88-09
Long jump—Fritz, 1st, 21-04; Riley Calhoon, 15th, 18-10.75; Joren Bruun, 31st, 17-06.50.

Triple jump—Fritz, 10th, 40-09; Bruun, 20th, 38-02; Calhoon, 26th, 36-11

The next meet for Winner will be April 26 at Lyman

 

Opal Boes, 87

  By | |
Leave a comment

Funeral services for Opal Ann Boes were held April 21 at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke with Pastor David Schmidt and Pastor John Schwartz officiating. Burial will be in the Herrick Cemetery at a later date.

Opal Ann Boes was born Aug. 19, 1930, at St. Charles, South Dakota to Darwin and Fern Wilson. She passed away quietly, holding her son’s hand, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre, South Dakota at 4:09 p.m. on April 13, 2018 after a courageous battle with health issues.
Opal was the middle child of three and grew up on a farm south of Herrick, South Dakota. She was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burke, South Dakota and was confirmed and baptized at St John’s Lutheran Church in Herrick as a child. At the age of 15, she met Naven Boes at a dance in Herrick, they dated for one year. They were united in marriage on Dec. 13, 1946 at the Naper Lutheran Church in Naper, Neb., in front of their witnesses Art and Erma Boes. This love would remain and sustain them for the remainder of their lives. To this union seven children were born. They would live on several farms within the Burke area prior to purchasing the Boes family farm from Naven’s parents in 1961. There they continued to live and raise their children until Naven’s death on Sept. 13, 1999. After his death, she sold the farm and moved to Gregory, South Dakota for a short time before moving to Ft. Pierre, South Dakota in 2002. She worked at the Community Youth Center until suffering a stroke, while working in 2009.

Some of Opal’s favorite activities included dancing with Naven, as they spent many nights gliding across a waltz floor as their children watched. She loved listening to music, especially Daniel O’Donnell and Lawrence Welk. She enjoyed hosting card parties for the neighbors and was always willing and able to play a hand of six point pitch or checkers at the drop of a hat with her grandchildren. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and any other child. Nothing would bring a smile to her face faster than a visit from a young person. She enjoyed all of her grandchildren’s sporting events, graduations, marriages and proms, and loved watching her favorite Chicago Cubs.

During her years on the farm she was known to raise large gardens of vegetables that she would use to feed her family or to sell. Acres and acres of tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, muskmelons, and onions. She also raised and butchered hundreds of chickens each year. She worked side by side with Naven, but was known for always having a chocolate brownie and cup of coffee ready for her family or guests.

Opal was preceded in death by her husband, Naven; her daughter, Joyce; her grandson, Steven; her great-grandson, Stetson; her parents, Darwin and Fern; her step-mother, Olive; her sister, Dorothea, her brother, Edwin; her in-laws, Jacob and Hulda Boes; 9 brothers-in-law and 5 sisters-in-law.

Opal is survived by her children and their spouses: Twila (Kenny) Combs of Dallas, SD; Bradley (Elaine) Boes of Rapid City, SD; Lorna (Richard) Whiting of Gregory, SD; Krista (Steve) Cerny of Rapid City, SD; Douglas (Candi) Boes of Ft. Pierre, SD; Timothy (Jen) Boes of Johnston, IA; her son-in-law, Sonny; 21 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Attorney General Candidate Speaks in Winner

  By | |
Leave a comment

By Dan Bechtold, Editior

Lawrence County state’s attorney John Fitzgerald wants to be South Dakota’s next attorney general.

Fitzgerald was in Winner on April 9 for the Lincoln Day dinner.

He is one of three Republicans seeking the party’s nomination as attorney general.

Current attorney general Marty Jackley is running for governor.

Fitzgerald says he has the level of experience that sets him apart from the other candidates for attorney general. He says he has the determination for serving justice and helping people.

Fitzgerald received his undergraduate degree in history from Black Hills State University in 1977 and his law degree from the University of South Dakota in 1979.

The candidate has been a prosecuting attorney in South Dakota for 38 years. He was elected state’s attorney in Butte County and then became a special state’s attorney in Lawrence County, working half time in each county.

Since 1995, Fitzgerald has been the Lawrence County state’s attorney.

He says it would be a dream come true to be elected attorney general. “The work of attorney general is similar to what I do as state’s attorney but on a larger level. I think I am well qualified and I am up to the challenge,” he said. “I think I could be a good addition to the attorney general’s office.”

When asked what kind of attorney general he would be, he responded: “I would be one that has a lot of practical experience as a prosecuting attorney. I have a lot of valuable insight and skill and knowledge into what it takes to be an attorney general.”

Originally from Boston, Fitzgerald explained his background as the oldest son of Judge John Fitzgerald. He explained that his family was affected by an attempt on the life of his father and how the mafia tried to kill his father.

His father was a criminal defense attorney in Boston who was representing people that work for the mafia. Fitzgerald said he was 12 years old at the time.

His father crossed the mafia and they decided they were going to kill hm. They planted a bomb in his car and when he started it the bomb went off blowing off the attorney’s leg and maimed his other leg. His father survived and agreed to testify against the mafia.

The government got the older Fitzgerald a job with the Small Business Administration working with disaster relief. The elder Fitzgerald came to Rapid City after the 1972 flood. He liked the area and moved his family to western South Dakota.

Fitzgerald and his wife, Mary, have been married for 39 years and have three grown children and five grandchildren who all live in South Dakota.

 

Absentee Voting is Now Underway for S.D. Primary election

  By | |
Leave a comment

Absentee voting for the June 5 South Dakota primary election started on Friday, April 20.

Registered voters can vote in person at the county auditor’s office. Persons must bring a photo ID to vote.

Voters wishing to vote absentee by mail must fill out an absentee ballot application and have their signature notarized or provide a copy of their photo identification. Voters must mail or return this application to the county auditor. If mailed, persons must make sure the ballot arrives by election day.

Six-man football, State Dual Wrestling Tourney Considered

  By | |
Leave a comment

By Dana Hess

For the S.D. Newspaper Association PIERRE —

Big changes may be on the way for football and wrestling after the first reading of handbook proposals at Monday’s meeting of the South Dakota High School Activities Association.

Among the many handbook changes considered were the advent of six-man football and the addition of a dual title to the state wrestling tournament. Starting in the 2019-20 season, six-man football would replace the 9B classification, leaving only two classifications of nine-man football.

The new classification would be open to any school with an average daily membership of 40 or fewer male students. That number was too high for Jay Wammen, head football coach at Harding County.

Wammen said he knew that some coaches would field a six-man team with 30 players on the sideline just so they could have a “powerhouse six-man team.” He suggested the number be cut to 25.

Wammen also noted that six-man football doesn’t offer players the full range of experience they would need to go on to play football in college.

“We hope a lot of our kids get to play at the college level,” Wammen said.

SDHSAA Assistant Executive Director John Krogstrand said the decision to use the average daily membership of 40 was designed to be more inclusive. Board member Sandy Klatt of Brandon Valley asked if the advent of six-man football would mean the dissolution of some football cooperatives. Krogstrand said that might happen, but it would be the only way that some small communities could get back to hosting high school football games.

“They can have their Friday nights back home,” Krogstrand said.

The board approved the first reading of the creation of six-man football on a 5-2 vote. Board members Dave Planteen of Baltic and Steve Morford of Spearfish cast the dissenting votes.

Krogstrand said wrestling coaches have been hopeful that the dual tournament would be reinstated.

“The coaches are hungry to get it back,” Krogstrand said. “If we’re bringing it back, we have to make sure that we do it right.”

Getting it right was the subject of a lengthy debate. The original proposal called for implementing the tournament during the next school year. Some athletic directors in the room, who already had their dual schedules set for next year, balked at making the change so fast.

Some board members agreed.

“I feel like we’re trying to build the airplane while we fly it,:” said board member Brian Maher of Sioux Falls.

The motion that passed unanimously called for implementing the tournament in the 2019-20 school year with SDHSAA staff tasked with figuring out how teams would qualify for the tournament.

In addition to the athletic handbook, first readings were also held for changes to the fine arts handbook. One of those changes included a major change for show choir.

SDHSAA Assistant Executive Director Brooks Bowman said each year fewer teams are taking part in show choir. The change approved Monday would discontinue the State Show Choir Competition to have it eventually replaced by an All-State Show Choir.

“We would not sponsor show choir next year,” Bowman said, explaining that the show choir advisory board is working on the details for the All-State event.

The handbook changes will have their second and final reading at SDHSAA’s June meeting.

Winner Man Injured in Rollover

  By | |
Leave a comment

A Winner man was seriously injured when he lost control of his pickup at 1:30 p.m. on April 6 and rolled into a ditch, according to the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

Terry Mayes, 37, sustained non-life threatening injuries when the 1999 Ford F-150 pickup landed on its roof in shallow water, along state highway 53, a mile south of U.S. Highway 18.

Mayes was driving north when the pickup rolled. Unable to exit the vehicle by himself, Mayes was transported by ambulance to the Winner hospital and later flown to a Sioux Falls hospital.

The highway patrol is investigating.

Colome Community Members to Serve on School Building Committee

  By | |
Leave a comment

 

Two community members will serve on the Colome Consolidated School Board building committee.

At the April 9 school board meeting, the board voted for members to serve on the committee. Elected were Brian London and Kelly Dougherty.

At the meeting, a discussion was held about the community concerns in regard to the school and the condition of the current high school. The board voted to proceed with getting quotes on how much it would cost to get more accurate renovation estimates.

A motion was made to bring a decision to a public vote once the estimates are returned. However, after a lengthy discussion, this motion was rescinded until the estimates are returned so they can determine what their options are regarding a public vote.

FCCLA Members Participate in State Leadership Conference

  By | |
Leave a comment

Members from the Winner FCCLA Chapter joined over 1,500 members, advisers, and guests who attended the South Dakota FCCLA [Family, Career and Community Leaders of America] Leadership Conference held on April 7-10 at the Denny Sanford Convention Center/Sheraton Hotel in Sioux Falls. The theme was “Be !nspired by FCCLA” and the convention was a huge success.

A team of seven officers serve on the state executive council and presided over the meeting. Their term as a state officer concluded at the closing session. Members attended workshops, competed in STAR [Students Taking Action with Recognition] Events and Knowledge Bowl, and ran for leadership positions.

Kent Julian, an author and dual business owner, was the keynote speaker on Sunday night during the opening general session. On Sunday and Monday students had the opportunity to attend workshops presented by leadership team members, FCCLA officers, and guest presenters along with being involved trying out a driving simulator, participating in service projects, and visiting the career fair.

The second general session of awards and special recognition took place Monday evening. Sadie Woods, Emmarie Kaiser, and Shelby Scott competed in the Talent Show Monday afternoon. Emmarie Kaiser was a finalist! All girls sang and Shelby Scott also played her Ukulele.

On Tuesday morning, STAR Event results were announced. Local results from the Winner Chapter include Sadie Woods and Katy Lantz, Silver, Megan Brozik, Gold, and Shelby Scott, Silver. Members who advance to the National competition will travel to Atlanta, Ga., to represent South Dakota in their respective event at the National FCCLA Leadership Conference June 28- July 2.

FCCLA stands for Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America and was first established in 1945. FCCLA was chartered in South Dakota in 1946. FCCLA is the only youth-led organization with the family as its central focus. This career-technical student organization prepares youth to assume adult roles in society as wage earners, community leaders, and caring family members by giving them important life skills needed to thrive in their families, careers, and communities. Members learn how to be active community leaders, caring family members, and prepare for life beyond high school.

FFA Place in Two Competitions

  By | |
Leave a comment

The Winner High School Chapter of FFA participated in a contest in Groton on April 5.

Results include: vet science team, 1st; –Savannah Vogel, 1st; Katy Lantz, 2nd; Heather Rowe, 3rd; Kayla Bachmann, 4gh and Kaesha Klein, 8th.

The floriculture team too first place with Andrew Taylor, 1st; Madyson Morehart, 2nd; Logan Tunnissen, 4th; Ryder Mortenson, 10th; Elisabeth Duffy, 15th

The WHS Future Farmers of America competed in Lennox on April 6.

The vet science team won first place—Lantz, 2nd; Vogel, 3rd; Klein, 6th; Rowe, 14th and Bachmann, 15th.

The biotechnology team took first—Andrew Taylor, 1st; Casey Stickland, 3rd; Ryan Sell, 5th

The livestock judging team took third—Justus Gregg, 9th; Luke Hennebold, 12th. Other team members are Brandon Volmer, Tanner Moeller and Kenzie Bachmann.

The floriculture team took 8th—Logan Tunnissen, Ryder Mortenson and Elisabeth Duffy.

The ag business team took 11th—Matthew Hartley, Ethan Niehus and Jalen King.

The national resources team took 11th—Ashton Klein 2nd in junior high; Aaron Gilchrist, 19th and Chase Boerner as a team member.

 

GOP Candidates Speak at Lincoln Day Dinner

  By | |
Leave a comment

By Dan Bechtold, Editor

Republican political candidates seeking the governor’s office, a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and attorney general spoke at the Tripp Country Lincoln Day Dinner on April 9 in Winner.

Kristi Noem, who is now serving in Congress, is running for governor.

She is a believer in term limits. When she was elected in 2010 she said she was not going to stay in Washington, D.C., for 10 years. “I have worked hard and it now time to come home,” she said.

Noem noted that South Dakota does a lot of things right. However, wages are not going up and businesses are not expanding. “We need to change that. I am passionate about reforms we need to make in South Dakota,” she said.

Noem wants people who are welfare programs to go back to work. “We need to set the example for the nation. We have thousands of empty jobs in this state and we need people to fill them. It will help them and their families be more successful in the future,” she explained.

The candidate noted South Dakota is making headlines for scandals, mismanagement, million dollar lawsuits. “That needs to change. We need to bring integrity into our state government and more transparency for our taxpayers,” she said.

Noem noted it is important taxpayers trust their state government.

Attorney General Marty Jackley is also a candidate for governor. He was unable to attend the banquet as he is in Washington, D.C., preparing to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Megan Assman of Winner, East River director for the Jackley campaign, spoke on behalf of the candidate. Assman gave Jackley’s background and what he has done for South Dakota as attorney general.

Three GOP candidates for attorney general spoke. John Fitzgerald is the state’s attorney in Lawrence County. He talked about solving the methamphetamine problem in the state.

“We need to increase our efforts in education, rehabilitation and law enforcement,” he said.

Jason Ravnsborg of Yankton, is a lawyer also seeking the post of attorney general. He is also a Lt. col. in the Army Reserves.
Lance Russell, a legislator, is also seeking the attorney general post. The last two years he was responsible for the attorney general bills in the legislature.

He says the state needs a much stronger conflict of interest law.

The three Republican candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives also spoke at the dinner.

Speaking were Dusty Johnson, a former member of the PUC; Secretary of State Shantel Krebs and Neil Tapio, a state legislator from Watertown.