State Trap 2022

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The state high school trap tournament was held recently. High placers from Tripp County are from left Jude Sargent, 2nd place varsity male award and team first place conference award; Katie Welker, 2nd place state tourney, first overall conference, first female conference medals, and high overall
trap, high female trap, high female skeet award and Jack Anderson, first place male conference medal and high overall male shooter.

The Winner/Colome high school trap and skeet teams traveled to Aberdeen June 10 & 11 to compete at the South Dakota Clay Target League state tournaments.

On June 10, 7 team members competed in the state skeet tournament. The team finished 4th place overall. For individual results, Katie Welker shot a 93 which was good for 1st place varsity female. Jack Anderson shot a 76, Noah Manke 89, Cole Rank 74, Jude Sargent 89, Oren Sargent 64 and Hunter Shippy 62.

In the trap division, the varsity team finished in 4th place. Individuals placing in the tournament were Katie Welker, 2nd place varsity female with a 99. Jude Sargent was 2nd place varsity male with a 98. Faith Covey tied for 9th place varsity female with an 88 and Jack Anderson tied for 10th place varsity male with a 96.

Other individual scores were as follows: Breven Bolander 86, Matt Brozik 55, Derek Fenenga 89, Jesse Larson 89, Noah Manke 80, Hunter Osborn 84, Cole Rank 9, Oren Sargent 73, Payton Sargent 69, Hunter Shippy 85, Alec Thieman 88 and Austin VanDerWerff 68.

Six members of the Winner/Colome team were named to the trap All State team. Those include: Jack Anderson, Hunter Osborn, Cole Rank, Jude Sargent, Hunter Shippy and Katie Welker.

Katie Welker was also named to the all state skeet team.

Bridge Dedication

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The White River Bridge on S.D. Highway 183, south of Presho, was recently dedicated to U.S. Marine Corporal John Hutchison. On Aug 19, 1968, Hutchison, a aerial gunner of a CH-46 helicopter, was killed while participating in a troop extraction mission in South Vietnam, Quang Tri province. Bob Carrico, lead highway maintenance worker from Pierre, second from right, carried the state flag of South Dakota for the American Legion Post 20 presentation of colors at the bridge naming ceremony for Corporal Hutchison.

DiGrazia joins foundation board

Michael DiGrazia recently was elected to the Winner Regional Health and Wellness Foundation Board of Directors.

DiGrazia currently serves as a physical therapist assistant at Winner Regional Health. He grew up in Shreveport, La.,

which is in the northwest portion of the state that is referred to as the Ark-La-Tex region, where Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas border each other.

 DiGrazia started his career in physical therapy in 2007 at Louisiana State University Medical

Center (LSUMC) as a physical therapist technician. He received his associate’s degree as a physical therapy assistant (PTA) from Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) in 2012. Upon completion of his degree, he returned to work at LSUMC as

a PTA. While working as a PTA,  DiGrazia attended Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS), where he went onto graduate in 2014 with his bachelor’s degree in community health. His area of professional interest is with neuro, ortho and geriatrics.

In 2015, he made the decision to start travel therapy, as it provided him with more financial opportunities and the ability to travel abroad between his assignments.  DiGrazia traveled to many countries and continents, including Europe, South America, Africa, and the Caribbean. Aside from his joy for traveling; he enjoys camping, hiking, golfing, fishing, boating, and exercising. In 2018, his travel assignment brought him to Winner where he stayed a year

before becoming a full-time employee of Winner Regional Health in May of 2019. He has a strong commitment to the

critical access system, as it is a multi-setting design that allows him to get to know the patient better than any other

hospital he had worked at.

In 2022,  DiGrazia was invited to attend one of the board meetings to gain a better understanding of what the

foundation does and the mission it serves. Following the meeting, he felt he could have a positive impact in the foundation and knew he needed to be a part of that.  DiGrazia strongly believes and supports the work of the foundation, as it is dedicated to support Winner Regional Health in providing high quality healthcare for the ever-evolving needs of a rural community. His application was met with great support and was unanimously elected to the Winner Regional Foundation Board of Directors.

Currently the foundation meets every other month for one hour. The board generally meets on the

first or second Wednesday of the month.

“As we expand our presence in each of the counties we

serve, we invite you to consider applying to the board of directors,” said Brady Kerkman, director of marketing & philanthropy. “As we understand and respect

that everyone leads busy lives, we can accommodate virtual meetings for those who may reside

outside of Winner. If you’re looking to give back to your community that truly impacts thousands

of individuals each year, we invite you to contact Brady Kerkman at Winner Regional Health at (605)

842-7231. The foundation is forward thinking, takes an out-of-the box approach, and is driven to bring strategic goals and plans to reality,” said Kerkman.

Susan Rose Bell, 55

Susan Rose Bell, 55, of Lander WY, was born May 31, 1967 and tragically passed away on June 26, 2022. A one-night wake was held on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at 7 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD. A final service will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 1 p.m. at the Winner Ideal Community Hall in Winner, SD.

Susan Rose was born to Gloria “Dolly” Iron Shooter and Edward Lonnie Bell Sr. in Lander, Wyo. She was raised in Winner, SD where she attended grade school. In 1986 she attended Kicking Horse Job Corps in Ronan, Mont., where she obtained her GED.

Not long after she met the love of her life, the late great Bianca Bill. Together they had five children; Billie Jean (Jose) Hernandez, Bobbi Jo, BoCephas Joshua, and her babies Brandee Jewel (Rey) and Brindi Jaden, a bonus son Bill Felix Jr. “BJ”. Together they had 17 grandchildren; Isaias, Rosabella, Joseph, Rosalee, Josias, Bianca, Israel, Skye, Sinella, Rosalena, Shiloh, Vicente, Travis, Elvira, Everleigh, Cassini, Lacina, and one on the way. Her children and grandbabies made her world go around, everything she did was because of them.

For the last 6 ½ years, Susan was employed with Community Connections, she loved all her residents. Throughout her life she has made many friends and had love for every person that she has came across.

Susan is survived by all her children, grandchildren, her mother Gloria Iron Shooter, two brothers; Kelly and Denny DeNoyer, two sisters; Lindsay and Karlee Jones, her auntie Ruth DuBray and three uncles; Darrel, Kenny, and Xavier Iron Shooter, her stepmom Sharon Bell, and all her family in Wyoming.

She will be missed by all her family and friends. Long Live Shushie Bell.

Bradley R. Gish, 63

Bradley R. Gish, 63, of Hastings, Neb., passed away on March 30 at Nebraska Heart Hospital in Lincoln. He was born in Winner Jan. 26, 1959.

A memorial service will be held at the Hamill Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Gish was a truck driver for the Dallas/Ft. Worth Roofing Supply in Dallas, Texas for 26 years. He moved back to Hastings in 2014. He worked for Hastings Parks & Recreation and Booselma Travel Center. He was recently employed by the Hastings Public Schools.

Gish liked to spend time with his grand nephews, mother, sisters, cousins and close friends. He liked watching NASCAR racing and movies. He liked to play the lottery.

He is survived by his mother, Marilyn Gish of Hastings; sisters, Lynette Gish, Hastings, Jolene (Dave) Osborne of Monroe, Mich.; nephew Michael (Miranda) Osborne of Virginia; nieces, Stephanie Osborne of Monroe, Katelyn Osborne of Monroe, Lacey Gish of Hastings, grand nephews, Matthew Buck, Jayden Gish, Cain Osborne, aunts, June Scrivers of Imperial, Neb.; Betty Musilek, Mesa, Ariz.; uncles, Leroy (Sheila) Varilek, Rapid City; Martin Varilek, Winner and many close family, friends and roommates.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lindy Gish; sister, Denise Gish, grandparents, Leonard and Rose Gish and George and Lillian Varilek, eight uncles and two aunts.

Mike Rhode, 95

Micheal Rohde passed away peacefully at his home in Winner, SD, on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at the age of 95.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Colome City Cemetery in Colome, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

Micheal was born on the family farm south of Colome on April 13, 1927, to Joseph and Bridget (London) Rohde. He joined siblings Agnes, Walter, Cecilia, and Edward. He experienced the Dirty Thirties during his childhood, and he shared stories of the difficult times that his family endured. When he was a teenager, he almost died due to a ruptured appendicitis. He did not return to high school because of his long recovery. 

Mike joined the Army in 1947 and was stationed in Washington and Alaska. He came back to the family farm after his service. To earn extra money, he traveled to Chicago to drive a vehicle back to South Dakota for a car dealership. While there, he visited an Army buddy who set him up on a blind date with Marilyn Smith. This was the start of a love story that would include almost 70 years of marriage, nine children, 25 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren. 

Marilyn moved to South Dakota, and they were united in marriage on Sept. 6, 1952, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Paxton, SD. They made their home on the family farm. Over the years, Mike and Marilyn worked hard to expand the family farm/ranch where they raised their family, cattle, hogs, and crops.

 Mike also worked for the Farm Service Agency as a field representative. With this job, he traveled to many farms and knew producers all over Tripp Co. Mike never met a stranger. He could carry on a conversation with anyone, and he always had a story or two to share. Mike also met many people through his love of coon hunting. He raised Blueticks, and he spent many nights chasing raccoons and telling stories. His keen eye and steady hand made him an expert marksman with a rifle. He also enjoyed time fishing; it didn’t matter if he was at a dam in Tripp Co. or along the Missouri River at Ft. Thompson.

Mike’s faith and family were very important to him. He was extremely proud of their children, and he loved to talk about them. Mike and Marilyn’s family includes the following:

-Son Steve (Gin) of Rapid City and children Aimee (Ray) Brinson of Slidell, LA, and children Owen and Audrey Brinson; Regina (Aaron) Ueckert of Valley, NE, and children Greyson and Hadley Peters and Ameri Ueckert; and Dylan Rohde of Omaha, NE.

-Son Marty (Barb) Rohde of Yankton and children Sara (Jon) McMahon of Sioux Falls and children Cecilia and Joslyn; and Levi Rohde of Yankton.

-Daughter Kathleen (Ron) Ernest of Winner and children Ethan (Krystine) Ernest of Winner and children Jaya, Esmae, and Zayden; Erin Ernest (Karl Lehman) of Lead and son Ren; Scott Ernest of Winner; and Grace Ernest (Shane Crawford) and son Sawyer.

-Daughter Sheila (Mark) Gau of Pickstown and children Jasmine (Jeremy) Kreeger of Wagner and children Kendra, Cord, and Wade; Tina (Kelly) Nielson of Sioux Falls and children Miah, Colton, Connor, and Cali; and Leo Gau of Pickstown.

-Son Joseph (Pam) Rohde of Billings, MT, and children Brandton (Andrea) Rohde of Washington and children Cadence, Teagan, Kenna, and Brynn; and Jessica (Matt) Henry of Missoula, MT, and children Rowan and Asher.

-Son Ryan (Julie) Rohde of Colome and children Michael Rohde (Brittney Evans) of Chamberlain and Zane Rohde (Thyme Edoff) of Colome.

-Son Ross (Judy) Rohde of Rapid City and children Amy (Ben) Pravecek of Hulett, WY, and children Payton Eagle-Pravecek (Jeremiah Johnson) and Paxton Pravecek; Mandy and Justin Holcomb of Gillette, WY, and children Abby Millburg and Nash Holcomb.

-Daughter Leila Wells of Winner and children Danielle (Dane) Anderson of Plentywood, MT, and children Finn and Ollie Anderson; Ashley Adair of Rapid City and children Andre, Neveah, and Chancellor; and Laven Adair of Rapid City.

-Daughter Rhonda (John) Gehlsen of Black Hawk and children Paige (Kyle Schilling), Isaac (Annika Enevoldsen), Hannah, and Gabriel Gehlsen.

Mike and Marilyn also helped to raise two nephews: William and Jack Holden.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bridget Rohde, and his siblings and in-laws: Agnes and Don Maher, Walter Rohde, Cecilia and William Musilek, and Edward and Dorothy Rohde.

Burke Area Farmers Market kicking off 2022 season

Farmers market season is just around the corner! The Burke Area Farmers Market will kick off the year with their first Market on Thursday July 7th from 5:30-7:00 PM at the Burke City Park. In addition to shopping with vendors, there will be a meal for purchase by Chubby’s food truck, a kids’ coloring contest, and live music from our friends Jerry Squared!

You will find many old and new friendly vendor faces at the Market this year, and you can read all about them on the vendor page of BAFM’s website at www.burkeareafarmersmarket.com. Shoppers can expect a food truck or vendor at every market plus fun things each week like little free library days, free s’mores, and a veggie tattoos. There will be plenty of fun for kids and grownups alike – and you’ll be able to beat the heat at the new splash pad this year.

The market will also bring you presentations on food and farming topics, live music, and recipe samples. One way to stay connected with the market is by following their Facebook page Burke Area Farmers Market and Instagram account @burkeareafarmersmarket.

If you have questions about shopping or participating in the Market as a vendor, you can reach them by phone or email at (605) 830-5039 or burkeareafarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Board Vice President Fran Hill explained how much the market appreciates the love and support they get from all the customers and communities that come from all over south central South Dakota and north central Nebraska to shop and socialize. “Without our customers, there just wouldn’t be a Market. Join us again this year starting July 7th running through September 29th – we promise you won’t be disappointed!”

July busy for Chamber

July is a busy month for the Winner Area Chamber of Commerce.

First there is Crazy Day on July 15.

That night will be summer night in Colome sponsored by the Winner Area Chamber of Commmerce. The event in Colome will be from 6-11 p.m.

The band will be Country Rush.

There will be several food vendors and multiple sponsors for the event.

There will be games for kids plus a bouncy house.

The main feature will be an inflatable foosball game. Mike Scott, executive director of the Chamber, says there will be five persons on a team. There could be some friendly grudge matches said Scott.

The band will be Country Rush.

The end of July will feature BBQ Pit Row and Classic Car Show on Winner’s Main St.

The event will be held on July 30. This will mark the 10th anniversary of BBQ sponsored by the Winner Area Chamber of Commerce.

There is still time for persons to enter the BBQ. They can call the Chamber office to get registered.

The judging of the brisket, pulled pork and ribs will begin at 5 p.m. with the tasting beginning at 7 p.m.

Scott said there is a need for more judges. If you would like to help judge just call the Chamber.

A week before the event there will be a judging class where the rules will be explained.

New this year will be a kids barbeque contest. The age division is 6-10 and 11-15.

Participants will be give two pounds of hamburger ad will have an hour and a half to cook the meat. The contest is limited to 14 kids. Each youth will be provided a little smokie grill to use.

The Southern Belle Cattle women purchased he hamburger for the kids and will provide each participant with a gift bag.

The kids grilling will be from 10:30 a.m, to noon on Main St.

Youth who want to participate are to call the Chamber.