Category Archives: News

The Winner High School competitive cheer team competed at the state meet in Aberdeen.  The girls tied for 8th place with Arlington/Lake Preston with 215 points.

“As a coach, I could not ask for a better bunch of girls. These girls went out there Friday, Oct. 21, and left everything on the cheer floor,” said coach Val Ewing. “We stuck all our stunts and the girls did their best routine yet.”

“I am disappointed in how we placed, not is how the girls did or in their performance, but in how the judges scored us,” said Ewing.

“There is a rubic to be followed and I don’t feel that we received the scores we earned. It’s disappointing to know where we have been placing and to hear other coaches tell you that your performance was amazing and then not have the scores reflect that. I honestly think we should have been top four. I am extremely proud of the girls and how far they have come and can’t wait for next year,” said Ewing.

Freya Simpson, Tripp County Librarian, has been recognized as a Home Town Hero.

Freya was honored at a recent Retired Teachers Meeting in Winner. Freya started her position on Dec. 1, 2008. As a county librarian ,she has the responsibility to make the library function well; to make the public feel welcome and to accommodate their library needs.

She said she is constantly challenged to keep our library up to date in this fast paced 21st Century. To help reach that goal she achieved Public Libraries Accreditation. This is to be done every three years. Current accreditation continues until 2017. She instituted a new library digital system, Destiny, which allows a continual assessment of what is needed and what should be weeded out. She believes the library should provide a safe, clean and friendly place for the public and staff.

One of the biggest challenges is to keep up with technology, public access to computers, and WI-FI; E-books and more. Just recently she, with the help of the library staff, kicked off the first Lego challenge which will provide opportunities for kids from age 5-9 to work/play with Legos and to stretch their imagination and creativity. This after school program will continue for two times a month for the next three months.

Each fiscal year, Freya presents a comprehensive report of the budget, activities and requests to the County Commissioners and to other interested groups. This reveals a tremendous record of activity at the library including the out of town visitors who stop by to read the newspapers and to use the internet. This is an increasing activity indicated by a high number of requests.

The library is funded through the Tripp County Budget, the City of Winner and through various other charitable givings. Guidance for the library come through a Library Board and through a group known as Friends of the Library.

Freya makes use of the local newspaper and the radio to inform patrons of the various services available, new programs and even for requests of needed items . She said, “We live in a caring community and it’s an honor to serve our patrons”.

The award was presented by Marsha Risseeuw, local Modern Woodmen Hometown Awards chair.

By Dan Bechtold, Editor

Through its dues and fundraisers the Winner Quarterback Club is there to support, assist the athletic program at Winner High School.

In so many ways, the quarterback club has an impact on the community and the school district.

The officers of the club are: Jason Bartels, president; Scott Schuyler, vice president; Suny Bruun, secretary/treasurer and Sara Hammerbeck, incoming secretary/treasurer.

The family of the late Lawrence “Larry” Kauer donated $3,000 in memorial money to the Tripp County 4-H trust fund that is maintained by the Tripp County Community Foundation.

Kauer’s family wanted to put the money someplace where it would be used in remembrance of him into perpetuity. They also requested that the earnings from these funds be used to sponsor the Tripp County Club feeder calf pen of three contest. This is a new contest that was started in 2014 and until now has not had a permanent sponsor. Larry enjoyed taking care of his calves. He was excited that a young 4-Her chose to show one of his calves and he loved helping wash and groom that calf.

As most people know, Larry lived to help others and especially enjoyed those things where kids were involved.

By Dan Bechtold, Editor

Fifty years ago, Clarice Poler of Colome started selling Avon products.

Avon is the world famous manufacturer and seller of cosmetics and personal care products.

For the Colome woman it was a change to start an exciting career.

She started selling on Nov. 8, 1966 and has no plans to retire. However, this month she will celebrate a milestone with Avon.

Her sister, Dorothy Rohde sold Avon and was moving to town. She asked Clarice if she would like to take over her job. Poler explained she received encouragement from several people to take on the new job.

She was assigned a certain area to sell and had between 40 to 50 customers. Mainly working in the rural area. She would drive and visit the women, showing them samples of new products and taking their orders.