THOUGHT FOR TODAY

“You’ll never change a life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” — John C. Maxwell, GratitudeHabitat.

PIERRE GOVERNORS SPORTS ROUNDUP

This week’s schedules:
Wrestling: Saturday, @ Mitchell invitational; Tuesday, @ Brandon Valley.
Gymnastics: Saturday, home for Pierre Invitational, noon.
Boys basketball: Thursday, home vs. Brandon Valley; Friday, home vs. Brookings.
Girls basketball: Friday, @ Brandon Valley; Saturday, @ Brookings.

Gymnastics: Pierre outdueled Aberdeen Central, 141.500 to 135.850. Mikah Moser, who won the floor exercise, bars and beam, of course was first in the all-around at 37.2, a new school record. Her floor score of 9.7 is also a school record. Sophie Bullard, who won the vault, was second at 36.050 and Meg Erwin fourth at 34.600. At the Brookings invitational Pierre was fifth of 11 schools. Moser was fifth in the all-around at 35.078, Bullard seventh at 34.225 and Erwin 12th at 33.100.

Boys basketball: It’s been awhile since the Governors were swept by the two Rapid City teams in their annual weekend double dip, but it happened this time. Pierre gave Stevens a good game Friday before losing 63-57. The Govs were down 33-25 at halftime but only 46-44 after three quarters. Peyton Zabel scored 23, Garrett Stout 16 and Carson Tschetter 15. Central pulled away to a big lead in the fourth quarter Saturday and beat the Govs, 57-37. Pierre was outscored at the stripe by 17-2. Zabel scored 15 and Tschetter nine. Pierre stands at 1-6.

Girls basketball: The Lady Govs lost twice in Rapid City over the weekend. At Stevens they fell 72-49, never recovering after a 17-4 deficit after the first period. Emily Mikkelsen scored 13 and Kylie Kessler 11. Central beat Pierre 63-44 as Mikkelsen scored 11, Kessler 10 and Mackenzie Rath 10. Pierre is 2-6.

Wrestling: Pierre placed third in the team standings behind Rapid City Stevens and Bismarck High at the Rotary tournament in Bismarck. Lincoln Turman was second at 120 and Michael Lusk second at 145, both men losing close decisions to Bismarck wrestlers in their finals. Will Turman was third at 132 after losing a sudden-death match in the semis to a Stevens wrestler. Austin Senger was third at 160, Maguire Raske third at 170, Hayden Shaffer sixth at 106 and Gage Gehring fourth at 195. In an ESD dual Tuesday, Pierre whipped Mitchell, 52-12. Shaffer, Will Turman, Cade Hinkle, Garrett Leesman and Pryce Dyk scored pins for Pierre; Lusk and Barry Browning won by tech falls, and Lincoln Turman, Jack Van Camp, Raske and Gehring won by decisions.

BUMPER STICKER OF THE WEEK

I WAS AN HONOR STUDENT.
I DON’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED.

STANLEY COUNTY BUFFALOES SPORTS ROUNDUP

This week’s schedules:
Wrestling: Saturday, @ Potter County invitational; Tuesday, @ Mobridge-Pollock.
Gymnastics: Saturday, @ Madison invitational.
Boys basketball: Thursday-Saturday, @ Jones County invitational, Murdo (opening game, 6:30 Thursday vs. Colome; other pairings: White River vs. Bennett County, Lyman vs. Kadoka, Philip vs. Jones County); Tuesday, @ Lyman.
Girls basketball: Thursday, @ Bennett County.

Wrestling: At the Monster Mash tournament in Presho, the Buffaloes placed 11th as a team with 68.5 points. Winner was the team champion. Luke Heninger placed second at 126 pounds, J.D. Carter seventh at 138, and Reid Wieczorek eighth at 145.

Gymnastics: Hot Springs won the SCHS invitational meet. The Lady uffs placed sixth with a 47.60 score.

Boys basketball: The Buffaloes suffered defeat for the first times of the season this week and now stand at 5-2. SCHS lost to McLaughlin, 79-52, as Brady Hoftiezer had 21 points and five rebounds. SCHS won over New Underwood, 65-32, then on Tuesday lost to Potter County, 74-55.

Girls basketball: The Lady Buffs are still winless after three losses this week, including 61-32 to McLaughlin, 48-10 to New Underwood and 48-35 to Potter County.

SULLY BUTTES CHARGERS SPORTS ROUNDUP

This week’s schedules:
Wrestling: Saturday, @ Potter County invitational.
Boys basketball: Thursday, home vs. Miller; Tuesday, @ Timber Lake.
Girls basketball: Thursday, home vs. Miller; Saturday, @ Hanson Classic vs. Hanson, Mitchell, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, @ Timber Lake.

Boys basketball: The Chargers are 5-1 after two comfortable weekend wins. SBHS beat Highmore-Harrold, 86-63, as Jacob Howard and LIncoln Jordre scored 19 points each, Nick Wittler 14 and Devan Kleven 11. The Chargers led James Valley Christian 19-9 after a qwuarter and rolled to a 75-59 win. Jordre scored 26, Wittler 16 and Howard 12.

Girls basketball: The Chargers rolled Highmore-Harrold, 55-35, leading 22-14 at halftime. It was 22-2 after one quarter and 34-4 at halftime in a 53-18 win over James Valley Christian. In that one Rachel Guthmiller and Marinda Archer had 14 points each. SBHS is 7-0.

PONDER THIS

A single act of kindness throws roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.
— Amelia Earhart

BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES

Thursday, March 11:
Terri Disburg, Ben Kramer, Chris Mangan, Kyle Kurth, Lowell Gordon, Michelle Rose, Laura Truax, Mitch Foth, Susie Rilling, Kristie (Hallock) Moore, Nolan Bisbee, Naomi Lors, Beverly Mickelson.

Friday, March 12:
Trey Owens, Sheila (Beougher) Lee, Lane Kozel, Meaghan (Anderson) Neuberger, Ripley Joy, Terry Woster, John Stengle, Lyndsey Ring, Randy Sprenkle, Nicole Mosiman.

Saturday, March 13:
Chris Hull, Alex Thorson, Carrie (Schlaak) Barnes, Tyler Boe, Jill (Borth) Sweetman, Brenda (Crandell) Carroll.

Sunday, March 14:
Jim Keyes, Rachelle (Reeves) Daniels, Mike Ludwig, Breckan Shindle, Anne (Burchill) Williams, Guy Erlenbusch, Christina Lusk.
— 1st anniversary, Shawn/Sara Ludemann.
We fondly remember Colt Gunderson, whom we lost 12 years ago today.

Monday, March 15:
Anajoy Schmitgen, Barb Hillestad, Madison Sutton, Nic Hogan, Easton Dozark, Eli Stoeser, Harrison Jennings.

Tuesday, March 16:
Anne Denton, Kate (Wylie) Berreth, Tennile (Asmussen) Lindskov, Helen Dutt, Wendy Carroll, Ashley Denton, John Hamilton, Andrew Tople, Cheryl (Wire) Stierna, Brad Wedeking, Jacki (Parlin) Wicker, Kelli (Snow) Rohrer, Samuel Lechtenberg.
— 2nd anniversary, Derrick/Jenny (Hallenbeck) Orr.

Wednesday, March 17:
Jerry Hofer, Anthony Zebroski, Nolan Merrill, Shanna Payne, Karen Lindbloom, Scott Hofer, Sara (Kindopp) Gloe, Valerie (Fanger) Marso, Kyle McKeever, Sherri Sundem Wald, Lauretta Dimmick, Jamie (Gannaway) Heymans, Stacy Mercer.

Thursday, March 18:
Jonathan Moe, Leann Weischedel, Tyson Lindekugel, Rick LaFurge, Twila Dockter, Cody Cruse, Robbin Paxton, Cody Henrichsen, Kaden Parsons, Kaden Kampfe.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

North Dakota State: The Bison are back on top, winning their sixth national championship in the last seven years. NDSU jumped ahead of #1 James Madison, the defending champs, 17-3, then held on with key defensive plays in the second half to win 17-13.

TOM SWIFTS

“I can’t believe I ate that whole pineapple,” Tom said dolefully.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL ROUNDUP

South Dakota State men (Lane Severyn): In their only game in the past week the Jackrabbits won at Omaha, 101-88, led by Mike Daum’s 27, David Jenkins’ 22, Reed Tellinghuisen’s 16, Tevin KIng’s 15 and Skyler Flatten’s 12 points. Lane was 1-of-2 for three points with one rebound. Now 14-5 overall and 2-0 in the Summit, SDSU is home vs. Oral Roberts at 7 p.m. tonight and vs. Denver at 2 p.m. Saturday.

South Dakota State women (Sydney Palmer): The SDSU women beat NDSU, 83-63, led by Madison Guebert with 18 and Macy Miller with 14. Sydney was 1-of-7 for two points with four rebounds and an assist. The Jacks are 12-4 overall and 2-0 in the Summit, heading to Denver tonight, to Oral Roberts Saturday and home for a non-league game vs. DWU Tuesday.

Summit League men’s standings: Oral Roberts 3-0, SDSU 2-0, USD 2-1, Fort Wayne 1-1, NDSU 1-1, Western Illinois 0-2, Denver 0-2, Omaha 0-2.

Summit League women’s standings: USD 3-0, SDSU 2-0, Western Illinois 2-1, Oral Roberts 2-1, Denver 1-1, Fort Wayne 1-3, NDSU 0-2, Omaha 0-3.

South Dakota men: A 15-3 early lead disappeared, and the Coyotes were beaten at home by NDSU for the second straight year. This time it was 84-79. USD is 14-5 overall and 2-1 in the Summit. The Bison were led by redshirt freshman Cameron Hunter, who scored 35. Matt Mooney had 23 for USD, which plays at Fort Wayne tonight and home vs. Oral Roberts next Wednesday.

South Dakota women (Chloe Lamb, Ciara Duffy): The USD women are now 12-5 overall and 3-0 in the Summit League. In league play last Thursday USD won at Western Illinois, 82-58. Ciara had a teamk-high 21 points on 9-of-14 (3-of-5 in threes) and 0-of-0 along with nine rebounds and five assists. She earned Summit League Player of the Week honors for the second straight week. Chloe was 1-of-3 in free throws for one point. Last night the Coyotes overwhelmed Mount Marty, 87-25. Ciara was 3-of-6 (2-of-4 in threes) and 2-of-02 for 10 points with four rebounds, two assists and four steals. Chloe was 5-of-8 (2-of-4 in threes) and 0-of-0 for 12 points with three rebounds and three assists. USD is home vs. Fort Wayne at 1 p.m. Saturday and on the road to Oral Roberts next Wednesday night.

Dakota Wesleyan women: The Tigers bombed St. Mary (Neb.), 68-29, led by Amber Bray’s 22 points. After a game at Northwestern last night, DWU hosts MIdland Sunday, goes to SDSU Tuesday and goes to Dordt next Wednesday.

Dakota Wesleyan men: The Tigers lost last night to Northwestern, 95-86. DWU hosts MIdland Sunday and goes to Dordt next Wednesday.

Augustana women (Katie Bourk): The Viking women remain unbeaten at 14-0, including 10-0 in the NSIC, after two weekend wins, but the game of the year so far is coming up this weekend when Augie plays at Northern. Augustana defeated Minnesota State, 79-60, led by Abby Hora’s 18 and Presley O’Farrell’s 17. Augie beat Concordia-St. Paul, 85-966, led by Presley O’Farrell with 20, Logan O’Farrell with 17 and Naomi Rust with 16. Augie plays at MSU-Moorhead Friday and at Northern Saturday.

Augustana men (Steven Schaefer): The Vikings lost in overtime to Minnesota State, 94-91, after staging a comeback from a 24-point deficit to get into overtime. Marcus Asmus with 25 led Augie scoring. Steven was 2-of-7 for four points with four boards. Augie then beat Concordia-St. Paul, 76-60, led by Jordan Spencer with 19 and John Warren with 17. Steven was 7-of-12, including 3-of-6 in threes, for 16 points with five rebounds, one assist and three steals. Now 10-6 overall and 5-5 in the NSIC, the Vikings go to MSU-Moorhead Friday and to Northern Saturday.

Mount Marty men: The Lancers lost to Briar Cliff, 84-63, and lost to Dakota State, 79-64. In the latter game MMC was led by Marcus Mathieu’s 18 points. The Lancers host Concordia Saturday and go to Morningside next Wednesday.

Mount Marty women: The Lancer women lost to Presentation, 66-54; defeated Dakota State, 82-75, and lost to USD last night, 87-25. In the latter game Sarah Castaneda had 15 of her team’s 25. MMC hosts Concordia Saturday and goes to Morningside next Wednesday.

Tennessee women (Caleb Currier): The Lady Vols, ranked #6 in the nation this week, are still unbeaten at 15-0 and stand at 3-0 in the SEC after beating Auburn, 70-59, and Vanderbilt, 86-73. Tennessee hits the road to #17 Texas A&M Thursday and to #9 South Carolina Sunday. After that Tennessee has to face #2 Notre Dame and #4 Mississippi State, so it’s a tough two weeks.

South Dakota Mines women: The Hardrocker women lost to CSU-Pueblo, 71-45, led by Sami Sheffeck with 13. Mines won at New Mexico Highlands, 71-55, as Anna Haugen scored 19. Now 10-5 overall and 5-4 in the RMAC, Mines is home this weekend vs. Adams State Friday and Fort Lewis Saturday.

South Dakota Mines men: The Hardrockers lost at CSU-Pueblo, 87-74, as Troy Brady scored 24. Mines lost at New Mexico Highlands, 84-56, led by Jake Heath’s 11. Now 6-8 overall and 3-6 in the RMAC, Mines hosts Adams State Friday and Fort Lewis Saturday.

Dakota State women: The Lady Ts defeated Dickinson State in conference play, 85-58, led by Britley Plautz’s 18 points. DSU lost to Valley City State in another NSAA game, 77-69. Raven Patton led DSU with 12. On Tuesday DSU lost to Mount Marty, 82-75, as Plautz scored 13. DSU goes east for NSAA games at Viterbo Friday and Waldorf Saturday.

Dakota State men: The Trojans lost to Dickinson State, 79-71 led by Kevin Daniels with 33. They defeated Valley City State, 82-78, as Justin Folkers scored 28. Daniels led DSU with 18 on Tuesday in a 79-64 win over Mount Marty. Now 9-10 overall and 3-3 in the NSAA, DSU goes to Viterbo Friday and to Waldorf Saturday.

Black Hills State women (Remi Wientjes, Racquel Wientjes): The BHSU women rolled New Mexico Highlands, 76-51. Remi was 3-of-4, including 1-of-2 from downtown, for seven points with three rebounds, one steal and one assist. Racquel didn’t score and had one rebound. BHSU lost at CSU-Pueblo, 58-47, as Rachel Erickson was high with 13 points. Remi was 0-for-5 and did not score. Now 11-4 overall and 5-4 in the RMAC, BHSU hosts Fort Lewis Friday and Adams State Saturday.

Black Hills State men: The Yellowjackets lost to New Mexico Highlands, 75-62, led by Fraser Malcolm’s 15. BHSU won at CSU-Pueblo, 72-67, as Makaleb McInnis scored 17. Now 8-5 overall and 5-4 in the conference, BHSU is home vs. Fort Lewis and Adams State this weekend.

Northern women: The Wolves are 13-2 overall and 9-1 in the NSIC as they await unbeaten Augustana in Aberdeen this Saturday. NSU hosts Wayne State first on Friday. NSU swept the weekend, beating Mary, 67-49, and Minot State, 74-65. Miranda Ristau was high scorer with 16 and 23 points, respectively.

Northern men: The Wolves whipped Mary, 71-55, led by Ian Smith with 21 and Darin Peterka with 18. NSU beat Minot State, 75-56, as Smith scored 17, D.J. Pollard 16 and Gabe King 15. Now 10-`1 overall and 10-0 in the NSIC, Northern hosts Wayne State and Augustana this weekend. The Wolves’ only loss was to defending national champion Northwest Missouri State.

University of Sioux Falls men: The Cougars defeated Upper Iowa, 77-72, led by Trevon Evans with 28. In a 72-70 loss at Winona State, USF was led by Drew Guebert with 31. Now 10-5 overall and 6-4 in the NSIC, USF is home vs. Bemidji State Friday and Minnesota-Crookston Saturday.

University of Sioux Falls women (Moira Duffy): In a 60-46 win over Upper Iowa, Kaely Hummel led USF with 23. Moira didn’t score but had two boards, one assist, one block and a steal. USF lost at Winona State, 59-51, led by Hummel’s 14. Moira was 1-of-3 for two points with seven rebounds. Now 9-5 overall and 6-4 in the NSIC, USF is home vs. Bemidji State and Minnesota-Crookston this weekend.

ANOTHER THOUGHT

Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.
— Margaret Cousins, GratitudeHabitat.com

COUNTDOWN

15 days: Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo, Rapid City (Jan. 26-Feb. 4).
16 days: Riggs High one-act play (Jan. 27, 29).
17 days: Grammy awards, CBS (Jan. 28).
19 days: President’s State of the Union address (Jan. 30).
21 days: State one-act play festival, Sioux Falls (Feb. 1-3)
24 days: Super Bowl LII, Minneapolis (Feb. 4).
29 days: Winter Olympics, PyeongChang, South Korea (Feb. 9-25).
29 days: State gymnastics tournament, Watertown (Feb. 9-10).
34 days: Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday (Feb. 14).
34 days: Summit League swimming championships, Vermillion (Feb. 14-17).
36 days: Pheasants Forever national pheasant feast and quail classic, Sioux Falls (Feb. 16-18).
40 days: Georgia Morse Middle School musical (Feb. 20-21).
42 days: Minnesota Twins spring training opener (Feb. 22).
43 days: Pierre Players’ “The Three Musketeers” (Feb. 23-25).
43 days: State wrestling tournaments, Sioux Falls (Feb. 23-24).
44 days: NSIC basketball tournaments, Sioux Falls (Feb. 24-27).
50 days: USD Chamber Singers concert, Faith Lutheran Church (March 3).
50 days: Minnesota United MLS season opener (March 3).
50 days: Summit League basketball tournaments, Sioux Falls (March 3-6).
51 days: Oscars, ABC (March 4).
54 days: NAIA national men’s basketball tournament, Sioux Falls (March 7-13).
55 days: State girls basketball tournaments, “B” Brookings, “A” Watertown (March 8-10).
56 days: State boys hockey tournament, Fort Pierre (March 9-11).

A LIFE LESSON

It’s O.K. to take care of yourself. Remember: You can’t pour from an empty cup.
— TobyMac #SpeakLife

COLLEGE SWIMMING ROUNDUP

South Dakota State (Chris Rumrill, Wyatt Rumrill, Daniel Jacobson, Ashley Theobald): The Jacks resume the season in a dual at St. Cloud State Saturday.

COLLEGE HOCKEY ROUNDUP

Division I men’s hockey:

• Minnesota-Duluth (9-9-3, 3-7-0): Idle last week. Friday-Saturday, @ Colorado College.
• Colorado College (9-8-3, 3-5-2): Idle last week. Friday-Saturday, home vs. Minnesota-Duluth.
• Minnesota State (16-6, 14-4): Swept Alaska-Anchorage, 5-2 and 4-1; Friday-Saturday, @ Alaska-Fairbanks.
• Wisconsin (10-10-3-0, 4-6-2-0): Lost to Penn State 5-1; tied Penn State 3-3 but lost 1-0 in shootout; Friday-Saturday, home vs. Michigan State.
• Minnesota (13-10-1, 4-7-1): Lost to St. Cloud State 5-2; beat St. Cloud State 2-0; Friday-Saturday, home vs. Michigan.
• St. Cloud State (13-3-3, 7-2-1): Beat Minnesota 5-2; lost to Minnesota 2-0; Friday-Saturday, home vs. Western Michigan.
• Western Michigan (11-8-1, 6-4-0): Idle last week; Friday-Saturday, @ St. Cloud State.
• Bemidji State (11-6-5, 8-4-4): Beat Lake Superior State 3-0 and 6-3; Friday, home vs. North Dakota; Saturday, @ North Dakota.
• Denver (12-6-4, 6-4-2): Lost to Miami 4-3; beat Miami 4-1; next Jan. 19-20, home vs. Omaha.
• Miami (Ohio) (9-9-2, 4-5-1): beat Denver 4-3; lost to Denver 4-1; Friday-Saturday, @ Omaha.
• North Dakota (11-6-5, 6-4-2-2): lost to Omaha 4-1; beat Omaha 7-0; Friday, @ Bemidji State; Saturday, home vs. Bemidji State (7:00 Midco Sports Network).
• Omaha (10-9-1, 3-7-0): beat North Dakota 4-1; lost to North Dakota 7-0; Friday-Saturday, home vs. Miami (Ohio).

Nebraska men (Derek Burke): The Husker club team, after a month off, returns to their ice against Iowa State twice this weekend.

South Dakota State men (Alex Meagher): The Jackrabbit club team is scheduled to play NDSU twice this weekend in Watertown—8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday.

Midland women (Traci Corcoran): The Warrior women have been idle since Dec. 2. They return to the ice in Minneapolis for two games this weekend against the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Their record is 13-7-1.

COLLEGE WRESTLING ROUNDUP

Northern: The Wolves lost a dual at Augustana, 36-6. The only Wolves points came on decision wins by Tanner Olson at 157 pounds and Diego Gallegos at 197. NSU competes this weekend at the Midwest Duals in Kearney, Neb., against Lindenwood, Chadron State, Western State (Colo.) and Nebraska-Kearney.

Augustana (Lane Lettau, Jebben Keyes): The Vikings whipped Northern in a conference dual, 36-6. Jebben won by forfeit at 133 pounds, and Lane won by pin at 285 pounds in a school-record nine seconds. Augie’s next meet is against Southwest Minnesota State Jan. 18.

Dakota Wesleyan: The Tigers wrestled at Briar Cliff last night and go to the Nebraska-Kearney duals Friday.

South Dakota State: SDSU, ranked #15 in the nation, defeated Oregon State in a dual, 30-13. Ranked No. 1 in the nation, Seth Gross had a pin win at 133 pounds. Logan Peterson won by pin at 165, and David Kocer won by technical fall at 174 for the major Jackrabbit wins. They are now 5-2 in duals. SDSU opens the Big 12 season on the road this weekend at Utah Valley Friday and at Air Force Sunday.

STRANGE FACTS ABOUT THE U.S.

In 1872 Russia sold Alaska to the United States for about two cents per acre.

COLLEGE TRACK ROUNDUP

South Dakota: The Coyotes resume the indoor season Saturday at the Hawkeye Invitational in Iowa City.

Liberty (Cortney Dowliing): Cortney’s season begins in a meet at Lexington, Va., Jan. 19-20.

South Dakota State (Rachel Propst, Max Reinke, Riley Sears): The Jacks resume the indoor season Saturday at NDSU’s Bison Classic in Fargo.

South Dakota Mines (Theron Singleton): The Hardrockers get back into action Friday at BHSU’s meet in Spearfish.

Black Hills State (Kelsey Van Den Hemel, Sam FJelstad, Allan O’Donnell): The Yellowjackets host their own meet Friday in Spearfish.

WEDDING DAYS

March 3: Kyle Cichos/Ali Meister.
March 3: Corbin Mannis/Emily Barnhill.
April 14: Kai Hanson/Kayla Saxe.
April 28: Chris Pope/Morgan Peterson.
May 19: Prince Harry/Meghan Markle.
June 2: Ethan Fife/Heather Mangan.
June 2: Cole Cruse/Kadence Feininger.
June 16: Matt Blaseg/Taryn Wolf.
June 16: Brandon Vockrodt/Kayla Nuese.
June 29: Jack Markel/Eileen Leong.
July 7: Matt Tetzlaff/Korie Lebeda.
July 14: Shawn Hlavacek/Rebekah Hartmann.
Aug. 18: Jason Noyes/Micki DeCurtins.
Sept. 29: Tyler Arbach/Rachel Hartmann.
Oct. 6: Rodd Bauck/Megan Vockrodt.
Oct. 6: Cale Pell/Sarah Lihs.

PHILOSOPHICAL TWISTS

I think my neighbor is stalking me. She’s been googling my name on her computer. I saw it through my telescope last night.

HOCKEY UPDATE

Sioux Falls Stampede: In their only game this week, the Stampede lost to Madison, 6-4. Sioux Falls is home vs. Fargo Friday and Saturday.

Gillette Wild (Coleman Varty): Back in league play after the holidays, the Wild beat Great Falls twice, 5-3 and 4-3. Now 13-15-2-1 and in fourth place in their six-team division, Gillette plays two at Bozeman this weekend.

Oahe Lady Capitals: The girls varsity lost to Watertown, 6-0, as Mariah Nelson made 26 saves in net. They lost to Watertown again, 9-2, as Amy Gilkerson scored a pair of unassisted goals. Abigail Stewart-Fromm made 20 saves and Nelson 13 saves. The girls play at Sioux Falls at 8:45 p.m. Saturday and at 10:15 a.m. Sunday.

Oahe Capitals: The boys varsity won a pair of league games over the weekend. In a 2-1 win over Huron, Spencer Wedin scored first off a Caden Davis assist in the first period. Wedin scored a shorthanded goal in the third period for a 2-0 lead. Tristan Fuerst made 20 saves. Oahe beat Aberdeen, 5-1, Sunday. Clay Ambach had a pair of goals, and Wedin, Talon Griese and Jacob Molseed had single goals. Riggs Sanchez got assists twice, and Davis and Carsten Mueller each had an assist. Tate Mueller made nine saves. The Caps go to Fremont for league games at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 12:45 p.m. Sunday.

Minnesota Wild: The Wild defeated Buffalo 6-2, lost to Colorado 7-2 lost in overtime to Calgary 3-2, and beat Chicago last night 2-1. Minnesota will be home Saturday vs. Winnipeg (6:00 FSN) and home Sunday vs. Vancouver (7:00 FSN).

Rapid City Rush: It was a rare weekend sweep for the Rush, who beat Utah, 2-1, Saturday night and beat Utah again Sunday, 7-5. The latter game was started on Friday, but unsafe ice forced its postponement after the first period to Sunday when the Rush overcame a 3-1 deficit to outscore the Grizzlies 6-2 and win 7-5. The Rush, after playing Colorado last night, play at Colorado again Friday and Saturday, then return to Utah Monday.

BASKETBALL UPDATE

Toyama Grouses (Sam Willard): The Grouses are in the midst of a three-week holiday break. They return to action vs. Shimans Jan. 20-21.

Midco Sports Network live basketball this week:

Thursday—Denver @ NDSU men, 7 p.m.
Friday—Minnesota-Crookston @ Southwest Mnnesota State women 6:00, men 8:00.
Saturday—Oral Roberts @ NDSU men, 2 p.m.
Tuesday—UND @ NDSU men, 7 p.m.
Wednesday—Oral lRoberts @ USD men, 7 p.m.

Sioux Falls Skyforce: The Force won over Iowa, 128-103, and beat Agua Caliente, 113-103, this week. Sioux Falls hosts Windy City Thursday, goes to Ontario Sunday and is back home vs. Salt Lake City next Wednesday.

Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves lost to Boston 91-84; beat New Orleans 116-98; beat mighty Cleveland 127-99 and last night beat Oklahoma City for the third time this season, 104-88. Minnesota is home vs. New York Friday (7:00 FSN), home vs. Portland Sunday (8:00 ESPN) and at Orlando Tuesday (6:00 FSN).

WORD PLAY

Did you hear about the fellow whose entire left side was cut off? He’s all right now.

FOOTBALL UPDATE

Minnesota Vikings: After their bye week through the first round of the NFL playoffs, the Vikings are home Sunday in the late afternoon game against New Orleans with kickoff set for 3:30 on Fox.

NFL games on TV this weekend:

Saturday: 3:30, NBC, Atlanta @ Philadelphia; 7:15, CBS, Tennessee @ New England.
Sunday: 12:05, CBS, Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh; 3:30, Fox, New Orleans @ Minnesota.

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE 2018 SCHEDUL

Sept. 1: @ Iowa State.
Sept. 8: Montana State.
Sept. 15: Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Sept. 29: @ North Dakota State.
Oct. 6: Indiana State.
Oct. 13: Youngstown State (Hobo Day).
Oct. 20: @ Northern Iowa.
Oct. 27: @ Illinois State.
Nov. 3: Missouri State.
Nov. 10: @ Southern Illinois.
Nov. 17: South Dakota.

PARKER’S PERSONAL NOTES

• The second ballot issue certified by the secretary of state’s office to be on the November ballot is called Initiated Measure 24. It prohibits contributions to ballot question committees from non-residents, out-of-state political committees and entities that have not filed with the secretary of state for the preceding four years. Be prepared to do your homework, voters!
• When my family and I moved to Pierre the first time in 1978, we lived on the east side of town on Adams Street in what was then the first house south of Riggs High School. Our boys were five and two at the time, so we often needed a babysitter. One of our very first was Suzi Stein, so it was interesting this week to be in touch with her about her retirement (What?! Where did those years go?!). Read her information in the news section below.
• As I said last week, I’m incorporating some of the news items I received in Christmas letters into this week’s news below.

GOLF UPDATE

PGA Champions Tour: The tour for which Tom Byrum has qualified for all season begins at a tournament in Orlando this weekend.

FOOTBALL CONTEST #21

Last week the Chiefs and the Rams saw to it that nobody would get all six games correct for 10 points. But Kyle Richards and Nathan Vetter get eight points each for 5-1 records; both of them picked the Chiefs against the Titans. At 4-2 for six points each are Jared Martin, Mikal Kern, Jeff Adel, Debra Bollinger, Shirley Javurek and Greg Dean.

This week’s contest (send your four winners to parkerhome16@hotmail.com by Saturday morning):

(1) NFC: Atlanta @ Philadelphia
(2) AFC: Tennessee @ New England
(3) AFC: Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh
(4) NFC: New Orleans @ Minnesota
Note: All 4 correct earns 10 points; 3 correct earns 8 points.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Even as the sky cannot decide what color she will be, so we must give grace to allow ourselves—and all around us—to grow to whom they decide to be.
— Julianna Zobrist

NEWS OF PEOPLE AND EVENTS

During a three-week break in his professional basketball team’s season in Japan, Sam and Morgan (McLain) Willard and their daughter Mia flew home to visit Morgan’s mother and brothers and Sam’s parents, all in Pierre.

The School of Fine Arts at Northern State University announced the recipients of its scholarships for 2017-18. Joni Willoughby received the Inez Holden Estate Endowment. Megan Hanson received the James and Melva McNeary Memorial Music Scholarship and the Richard Niebuhr and Craig Golz Music Scholarship. Alexandra Burke received the Linda LaFave Sandau Memorial Music Scholarship and the NSU Music Faculty/Friends/Alumni Scholarship. Catherine Woodmansey received the Loren Lomis Memorial Scholarship.

Dennis Lindbloom passed away at the age of 78 at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital on Jan. 4. Services were held Monday at Southeast United Methodist Church in Pierre. He grew up in Pierre and graduated from Riggs High School, then served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964. He worked for the city of Pierre as an electrical lineman. He is survived by his wife, Barb, and their son Chad and his wife Jami of Rapid City. Among those who preceded him in death was the Lindblooms’ other son, Chip.

If superb choral music is something you enjoy, save the night of Saturday, March 3. The USD Chamber Singers, the university’s elite choral group, will be on spring tour, and one of their concert stops will be at Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre at 7 p.m. that evening. The concerts are free though a free-will offering will be collected. Other stops on the Chamber Singers’ tour:

• March 2, Augustana Lutheran Church, Sioux City, 7:30 p.m.
• March 4, Homestake Opera House, Lead, 7 p.m.
• March 5, First United Methodist Church, Rapid City, 7 p.m.
• March 6, Trinity Lutheran Church, Chamberlain, 7 p.m.
• March 8, First Lutheran Church, Omaha, 7 p.m.
• March 9, First Congregational UCC, Sioux Falls, 7:30 p.m.

The fall semester Dean’s List at the University of South Dakota includes these area students: Jordyne Schultz, Chad Wieczorek, Katie Lehrkamp, Tori Jones, Chloe Lamb, Amanda Jandt, Annette Becker, Brooke Miller, Brooke Wiest, Caitlin Bolte, Carlie Hanson, Cash Anderson, Cassandra Jones, Connor Jallo, Michael Hanson, Miranda Panzer, Samantha Shields, Shaina Farris, Tatum Richards, Joshua Sayler, Kaitlyn Severyn, Katie Bartlett, Katy Honeywell, Layne Hohn, Liz DeTample, Madisyn Neibauer, Mariah Fuchs, MaryEllen Shrake, McKenna Halverson, Conrad Adam, Emily Wald, Dillon Axtell, Demeri Hanson, Hallie Jerome, Jaid Freestone, Jenna Johnson, Jon Albright, Joel Johnson, Jenny Miller.

Honored on USD’s Academic Honors List for the fall semester for part-time students are these area students: Hope Jurrens, Alesha Hanson, Becky Bergeson, Dacey Neely, Jana Doherty, Jason Larson, Joel Jochim, Kaitlin Cummings.

Riggs High graduate Haley Ketteler, who is a mechanical engineering major at Montana State University in Bozeman, arrived in England last weekend and this week has begun a semester of study abroad at Lancaster University.

John and Linda Knox of Onida became great-grandparents last Friday night, and their daughter and son-in-law, Jayne and Clark Kraemer of Rapid City, became grandparents. The Kraemers’ daughter, Ally Formanek, and her husband Nick became first-time parents when their daughter, Maren Faye Formanek, was born at Rapid City Regional Hospital on Jan. 5. She weighed five pounds and measured 18 inches. Maren was flown to Sioux Falls on Sunday and remains there in the Sanford NICU.

“The Grapes of Wrath” is the next show at The Rogue Theatre in Tucson, Ariz., running Jan. 11-28. Ryan Parker Knox is playing four different roles in this show, his 28th play at the Rogue over five seasons.

Blunt native Jesse Olson passed away at a nursing home in Globe, Ariz., Sunday morning at the age of 71. Services will be held Saturday at the Lamont Mortuary Chapel in Globe.

Ashley (Zimmerman) and Josh Wheeler, who have been in North Carolina, have moved to Milwaukee, having decided to come back to the Midwest to be closer to their families. Josh is working as a buyer for a steel company, Scot Industries. Ashley is a lab scientist for Noah Associates, a toxicology lab. They live in Shorewood, the first suburb north of the city on the lake.

Dates for your calendars:

• March 3: Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center’s “Hollywood Tonight.”
• May 3: Pierre Educational Foundation’s Evening of Excellence.
• Aug. 3-4: Riggs High Class of ’78 40-year reunion.
• Sept. 14-15: Riggs High Class of ’68 50-year reunion.

For supper on Monday make it pizza! A fund-raiser for Capital City Children’s Chorus will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at Pizza Ranch in Fort Pierre. Dine-in, carry-out and drive-up proceeds in part will go to the chorus.

Maddy Ryan, granddaughter of Bob and Mickie Miller and daughter of Tim and Thea (Miller) Ryan of Sioux Falls, who graduated last month from Arizona State, will begin a career in Chicago, working for Sparks Foundry, an advertising agency, writing digital content.

Suzi Stein, who graduated from Riggs High School in 1984, retired at the beginning of this month from more than 25 years with Threlkeld & Company Insurance in Tyler, Texas. She served as CEO/director/shareholder for that agency whose specialty is providing insurance to the oil and gas industry in Texas and some of the surrounding states. Suzi started there as a file clerk while finishing her accounting degree at the University of Texas-Tyler. She also served in the Army National Guard for 16 years and graduated from Officer Candidate School as part of that career. Suzi resigned from that duty in 2002 to dedicate more time and energy to her insurance career. She says she loved the military but balancing two careers made it complicated and difficult to balance. Suzi plans to continue a lot of the nonprofit work she did on behalf of Threlkeld & Company. She is on the executive board of the Community Relations and Development Committee for the Salvation Army in Tyler. She also serves on the development board at UT Health Center Northeast/M.D. Anderson, and she is on the board for the Accounting Society at UT-Tyler and the advisory board for Project Search, a project giving kids with disabilities marketable job skills. Wait; there’s more! Suzi is past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Tyler and past president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving/East Texas and past member of the UT-Tyler Alumni Advisory Council. Suzi recalls that her first paying job was a Capital Journal paper route and babysitting for her neighborhood in Pierre. During junior high and high school she and her mother ran the concession stand at Hyde Stadium. In her junior year at Riggs, Rick Dockter hired her at Godfather’s Pizza. “I am so very grateful for all the opportunities I have been given and for all the people whom I’ve hard the privilege to work with over the years,” she said. “The Pierre community instilled a work ethic in me that gave me the ability to compete for work anywhere in the nation. I’m South Dakota Proud!” Suzi plans to travel and to see family and friends more often now that she is retiring. Her parents, Jim and Karen, moved from Pierre to Brookings in 2016, and their sons are nearby—Steve in Volga and Mike in Sioux Falls. “I learned along the way that I’m most content when I give others a hand up,” Suzi said. “I was fortunate enough over the last few years to be able to fund the Suzi Stein Endowed Scholarship at UT-Tyler. I love that my scholarships help students who are struggling financially to create a better life and that my volunteer work gives people in need some help. There is no glory, but my heart is full and grateful for my opportunities to give back.”

There was some fascinating news in the Christmas letter from Dennis and Shirley Eisnach. They now have 14 grandchildren, including six through international adoption from China, Uganda and Colombia. The newest members of the family are a 16-year-old girl and her 13-year-old brother from Colombia who have become part of Keith and Darla (Eisnach) Wrage’s family in Mankato. Tava Raquel Sophia and Trace Jeronimo now give the Wrages seven kids—three biological, two Chinese and two Colombian—and their names flow right off one’s tongue—Tate, Ty, Tage, Tava, Trace, Tessa and Tad. Meanwhile, in 2017 the Eisnachs enjoyed grandson Taylor Becker’s graduation from SDSU’s pharmacy school. He and his wife, LaTora, work in Sioux Falls (she is a pediatric nurse at Avera McKennan, and he works at Shopko’s pharmachy) and have a new home in Brandon. The Eisnachs also had three grandchildren far away on summertime assignments—Tate Wrage interning with Goldman Sachs in New York, Ty Wrage with Cru in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Tanna Becker interning at All God’s Children International Adoption Agency in Vancouver, Wash. Back home Dennis continues treatments to combat multiple myeloma. He recently had a good bone marrow biopsy report, so the Eisnachs are grateful for that. They are thankful for their good days and a great oncology staff right at home in Pierre.

Speaking of the Eisnachs, we also have the Christmas card from Dave and Denette (Eisnach) Becker and their family. In addition to Taylor’s and his wife’s employment mentioned above, they work with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle at Brandon Valley High School, and both are involved in praise band and Bible study at King of Glory Church. Tanna continues her one-year internship in Washington state as mentioned above. There she is involved with waiting children advocacy and learning different aspects of international adoption and orphan care. The other biological Becker, Kaylee, is a senior at Riggs High, looking forward to the Close Up class trip to Washington, D.C., and a possible college career leading to physical therapy or the healthcare field. The two young men who have become part of the Becker family are Frank, a junior at Riggs, and Vick, an eighth grader at Georgia Morse, and both boys are deeply involved in school and church activities.

Dave Kinsman’s new book, “Hope Has Arrived,” is now available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Westbow Press.

A corrected address for Thelma King, who is recuperating from a broken pelvis sustained in a fall Dec. 30: Thelma King, Maryhouse/TCU, Room 209, 717 E. Dakota Ave., Pierre SD 57501.

Dale and Eileen Bertsch’s Christmas letter reveals that Eileen, though she has been helping out at the Department of Tourism again during the busy preparation time for their winter conference, will retire again at the end of January. Dale has managed to remain retired! The Bertsches enjoy their four grandchildren, especially since Todd and Adam and their families are all in Pierre. Their letter revealed that Adam and his wife, Megan (Linn), have purchased the VFW liquor license and are in the process of building a sports bar named The Fieldhouse which will open this summer.

Services will be held at a later date for Agnes Cady, who died Jan. 4 at Swedish Hospital in Edmonds, Wash., after a long battle with diabetes and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). The former Agnes Sorenson graduated from Onida High School in 1957 and earned a teaching degree at what was then Northern State Teachers College. She taught in Sully County rural schools and in Agar. She and her husband, Jean Cady, raised two children, Vianna and Jay. They moved in 1989 to Tacoma, Wash., and later to Edmonds. Among her survivors are her husband of 55 years, Jean Cady; daughter Vianna and her partner, Jeffery Pittman; son Jay and his wife Trudy, and two grandchildren. Friends can send notes to the Cady family at 8625 – 204th St. SW, Edmonds WA 98026.

Dr. Tom Huber, according to the family Christmas letter, assumed a new role on Jan. 1—that of local director for the Pierre Rural Family Medicine Residency Program. The first residents will arrive in Pierre in July 2019. Meanwhile, Dr. Tom continues his medical practice but is spending more time with teaching, curriculum development, resident evaluations and administrative issues. Tom and Peggy have two of their grandchildren in Pierre where Molly and Darin Hausmann live. Molly is a nurse with the Department of Health, and Darin works in the parts department at Beck Motors. Their kids are a son in the second grade and a daughter who is 4. Jessi and Eric Herrscher continue to teach in Plymouth, Minn., and live in Hanover. They have a boy in the second grade and a daughter in the first grade. Max and Lisa Huber and their daughter live in St. Paul. Max and Lisa both work for the University of Minnesota in different areas.

The highlight of 2017 as revealed in the Anderson family Christmas letter was, as to be expected, the trip to Zimbabwe by Cash and his dad, Rob. Cash will graduate from USD in May. His dad remains the oldest lawyer at the May Adam firm who goes to the office every day. Sheri still works at the state Supreme Court. The Anderson men in Zimbabwe made contact with an amazing variety of animals, birds and great people, according to the letter, including farmers who had lost their farms, people who exist on little or nothing, the ambassador to Zimbabwe from the Netherlands and a professional hunter whose family has lived in that region since the 1920s. Each day they met elephants, buffaloes, kudus, crocodiles and other animals up close, and at night they sat by campfires, told stories and listened to the lions and the leopards.

Pierre’s police chief, Dan Panzer, revealed this week he will officially retire on March 9. He has been chief since 2014 and came to the Pierre Police Department from Vermillion in 1989. (News courtesy of “Today’s KCCR News.”)

Jamie (Stokke) LeMire, who lives with her family in Olathe, Kan., one of the southwest suburbs of Kansas City, posted on Facebook last night that her child’s school had already called off for today because, with the temperature at a cool 50 degrees, the forecast called for “light freezing rain and a wintry mix expected.” It was so warm, in fact, that her husband Jeff’s outdoor hockey game last night was called off. Jamie, who like so many of us went years at a time without Pierre ever calling off school, wondered aloud “Would we have ever finished a school year?”

According to the Christmas letter from former Pierre United Methodist pastor Genie (Butler) Kistler and her husband Gary, the big event in their family was a reunion organized by Gary’s youngest son and held in the Black Hills. They had 28 people in attendance. Gary and Genie took a tour that included a first-time visit to Niagara Falls, a fall trip through the Adirondacks, and a visit to New York City where they did the tourist things and saw two shows, “Come From Away” and “School of Rock.” The Kistlers spent Thanksgiving at their Arkansas home and Christmas at their South Dakota home at Hartford.

Jamie Huizenga has declared his candidacy for another term on the Pierre City Commission in the June election. He is completing his third term.

The best photo on any Christmas card is always that of Dr. B.O. and Karen Lindbloom. Sadly the good doctor had to give up golfing in 2017, and Karen has become his full-time caregiver, but he entertains himself with crossword puzzles and endless television, and he thinks his new lift chair is quite the deal. Karen keeps busy as director of music at Faith Lutheran, choral accompanist for son Rodd’s music groups at Riggs High and the middle school. She squeezed in a summer visit to St. Cloud to see her other son, Chris Bauck, and his family.

The fall semester Dean’s List at South Dakota State University includes these area students (an asterisk* indicates a 4.0 grade-point average): Bridgette Fanger*, Clay Feller*, Rachel Propst*, Payton Geppert, Shale Kramme, Martee Larson*, Shelby Meintsma, Ashley Theobald*, Blake Widvey, Kendyll Jones*, Conner Archer, Erin Foth*, Greer Hofer, Audrey Johnson*, Bramm Pickner, Josh Weinheimer, Landon Badger, Hannah Becker, Justin Berheim, Matt Blaseg*, Michell Boe, Michael Buhl, Blake Dean, Haley Dorschner*, Bennett Eisenbeisz, Logan Gesinger, Daniel Griese*, Sarah Haberman*, Nathanael Hill*, Colbi Hook*, Alyssa Iedema*, Jacey Jessop*, Cartney Knecht*, Brad Koch, Ian Krekelberg*, Ethan Leif*, Kylie Light, Abby Lingle, Caleb McKinley*, Madison McLaury*, Sydney McLaury, Stephanie Nelson*, Andrew Norwick, Madelyn Reinke*, Nathan Remmick, Chris Rumrill, Wyatt Rumrill*, Sierrah Schlekeway, Kelsey Schmitz*, Cody Somsen*, Levi Stoltenburg, Kallie Stout, Moina Syed*, Rebecca Urban, Taryn Wolf*, Brady Woodring*, Marie Zander*.

Gary and Bobbi Drewes’ Christmas letter from Rapid City told of highs, such as their helicopter ride over Crazy Horse and rides through the Hills with their Harley Owners Group, and lows, such as a tour into the depths at Wind Cave and three surgeries for Gary—two for his back and one from an infected cat bite! Many of their kids and 20 grandkids made visits to the Hills in 2017.

The Christmas letter from Pastor Brad and Susan Urbach reveals that they spent the end of 2017 at the Vikings-Bears game in Minneapolis. Earlier they had been to New Orleans for the annual meeting of the board of directors of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund to which Brad had been appointed for a three-year term. Last year they spent Memorial Day weekend in the Rockies where Brad performed the wedding of his sister’s daughter and the Urbach family had a rare everybody-present reunion. Brad continues to fill pulpits where necessary and fill short-term pastor vacancies, and Susan works at Linn Medical Clinic. Now for updates on their six children. (1) Jonathan Urbach began a new career with Exxon Mobil, an adventure which included training in Houston and getting stranded during Hurricane Harvey. His wife, the former Andrea Viken, has trimmed her optometry practice work to two days a week. Their children are Anna, 15; Olivia, 13, and Nathan, 9. They live in suburban Minneapolis. (2) Todd Unterbrunner began a new job at Black Hills Community Bank as a commercial credit analyst, and his wife Polly is director of STARBASE Rapid City. Their kids are Aidan, 13; Ashton, 10; Liam, 7, and Landon, 4. (3) Jessica (Unterbrunner) Luhman and her husband Mark moved back to South Dakota and live at Brandon. Mark is director of operations and part owner of Popeye’s restaurants in Sioux Falls and Sioux City, and Jessica works for Sanford Health in inpatient rehab. Their daughter, Delainey, is 5. (4) Jennifer Urbach is still in Denver and works full-time at Brookdale Assisted Living Center. She has Cody, 13, and Lexi, 8. (5) Rachel (Hermanson) and Jesse Knutson continue to farm north of Brookings. Rachel works as a nurse care manager at Brown Clinic in Watertown and can work from home. They have Isabel, 7; Emma, 5, and Owen, almost 2. (6) Brian Hermanson, after graduating from St. Louis University with an advanced dental degree, opened a new practice in endodontics in Pierre. His lady, Paige, is still in St. Louis finishing her degree.

The Pierre Athletic Coaches Association has begun making a monthly award called the Pierre Governors/National Guard Warrior of the Month. It goes this time to gymnast Mikah Moser. Other nominees for the award this month were wrestlers Maguire Raske, Lincoln Turman and Jace Bench-Bresher and gymnast Meg Erwin.

Shirleen and Mike Fugitt’s Christmas letter focused on two major events in 2017—their son Ryan Kennedy’s wedding to his fiancée, Kristin, early last fall and an African safari enjoyed by Shirleen and her sister Jane. Shirleen said the best option she and Mike have found is road trips to see family members scattered around the country.

A spring trip last year to the Charleston and Kiawah Island area of South Carolina was one of the 2017 highlights mentioned on Tom and Barb ogaard’s Christmas card. They spent Christmas in Billings with their son Brent, his wife Jenni, and their kids—Brynn, 10; Troy, 8, and Clark, 5—and Jenni’s parents.

Mat and Bre Ripperger and their children continue to live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. One of their major purchases in 2017 was a camper, so they took a five-state trip during the summer and made great memories with their kids. Parker is a first-grader, and Haylie is 3. The family also attended the wedding of Mat’s younger sister, Shelby, where Parker and Haylie served as ring bearer and flower girl, respectively.

John and Mary Hoover of Custer celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2017. Their sons—Lucas and Jordan with his wife Nikki and kids Leighton and Hart—were there to help celebrate. The Hoovers also spent six weeks last winter in Henderson, Nev., outside Las Vegas where Jordan’s family lives. In July Jordan and Lucas took their dad on a Canadian fishing trip.

Scott Bollinger has been named to the board of directors of BankWest. He serves as Commissioner of Administration in the governor’s cabinet.