Vol. 19, No. 32; Thursday, April 19, 2018

Apr 19, 2018 | Parker's Midweek Update | 0 comments

25 YEARS AGO TODAY THE STATE CAME TO A STANDSTILL

That Monday, April 19, 1993, was chilly and gloomy. Just before the supper hour it became a day most of us will always remember. A state government plane bearing Governor Mickelson, two pilots and five others home from an economic development trip to Cincinnati had crashed in eastern Iowa with no survivors.

At the end of that week on Friday, April 23, this was Parker’s column in the Capital Journal:

Capital City images of a week never to be forgotten

As an unforgettable week mercifully comes to a close, there are images that won’t go away. . . . . .

At the stroke of midnight Wednesday night, the breath-taking sight of the armed services color guard, in full-dress uniforms, rehearsing their bringing the colors down the front steps of the Capitol. . . . . .

The pain on the faces of the governor’s staff people at the Tuesday afternoon inauguration of Governor Miller, less than 24 hours after the accident. . . . . .

The beauty of South Dakota’s most perfect spring day so far as well as the utter silence of thousands of people standing together on the front lawn during the memorial service indoors. . . . . .

The awful reality of the situation that struck me when, just an hour after hearing the first word on the radio, I drove by the Capitol and the mansion and saw the flags at half staff. . . . . .

The message by the Rev. Brad Urbach at the Ministerium’s memorial service Wednesday evening. He picked a wonderful time to deliver his best sermon ever. . . . . .

The dignity of the Riggs High men’s choir as they sang “Steal away home . . . I ain’t got long to stay here” during the visitation in the Rotunda. . . . . .

The man in front of me in the visitation line in the Rotunda, reaching out from his wheelchair to touch the flag on the governor’s casket. . . . . .

The soaring voice of Jay Mickelson figuratively lifting the roof from Lutheran Memorial at Wednesday’s memorial service and literally lifting the spirits of those who were there. . . . . .

The coming together of so many caring people to take care of so many details so well in such a short time, under such circumstances. Pastor Urbach is right. It is a blessing to live in a place such as this. . . . . .

The sound of Mark Mickelson’s plane overhead, arriving from Boston in the early hours of Thursday morning as I lay in bed, unable to sleep. . . . . .

One of pilot Dave Hansen’s daughters, positively nodding in the affirmative as the Rev. Urbach said in his Wednesday evening message, “State planes will fly again.” . . . . .

With the rising sun still low but shining through the trees, people walking from all directions toward the Capitol amid the early morning dew at 7 a.m. Thursday, long before the building was even scheduled to open for the viewing of the casket. . . . . .

The voice of courageous press secretary Janelle Toman, fighting to control her emotions as she made various heart-breaking announcements to the press all this week. . . . . .

The sight of so many of our local school kids who, presented with the choice of an afternoon holiday or presence at the Capitol Thursday afternoon, chose the latter option. . . . . .

The tears welling up in so very many pairs of eyes into which I looked this week. . . . . .

The diversity of this state—young, old, white, Native American, urban, rural—reflected in the steady stream of people passing by the casket. . . . . .

The magnificent speaking voice of the Rev. Don Veglahn as it reverberated up into the heights of the dome, out across the Capitol grounds and across the state. . . . . .

The stature of the West River cowboy who picked up the state’s reins in the twinkling of an eye. How sad that that most momentous day in Governor Miller’s life could not have been a happy occasion. . . . . .

And finally, the help we received from our friend Barb Reed, who stopped by our front steps Thursday evening while on a jog with one of her daughters and some friends. This strong woman, who not only lost her husband but also her boss, the governor, in the accident, said she had been given some good advice from a friend. “She told me I have two choices. I will either get through this, or I won’t. I have decided that I will.”

If she can, so can we all.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal, you will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child or a parent.
— Barbara Bush

PIERRE GOVERNORS SPORTS ROUNDUP

Girls track: The Lady Govs squeezed in a trip to the rescheduled Rapid City Track-o-rama last Thursday before the statewide blizzard hit on Friday. Mackenzie Rath won the shot put event at 40’3/4″ and placed third in the discus at 109’8″. Other second- and third-place finishes for Pierre: Kyla Keyes, third in the 3200, 13:12.21. Addy Eisenbeisz, second in the high jump at 5’4″ and second in the long jump at 16’10 1/2″. Sophie Bullard, third in the pole vault at 10’3″. 4×400 relay, third in 4:22.28.

Boys track: At the Rapid City Track-o-rama Caleb Lusk won the 800-meter run in 2:06.33. Erick Colman was the shot put winner at 53’5 3/4″. Jack Maher placed second in the discus at 145’9″. The 4×800 relay team was third in 9;07.02.

This week’s schedules:
Track: Thursday, Pierre Legion Relays, 11:30 a.m.
Boys tennis: Thursday, @ Aberdeen triangular (with Central and Roncalli); Tuesday, home triangular (with Huron and Spearfish).
Girls golf: Tuesday, Pierre Invitational, 10 a.m.

Boys tennis: The Governors lost to Rapid City Stevens, 9-0, and lost to Aberdeen Central, 8-1. The Pierre point in the latter match was earned by Paul Adam in singles. Monday’s triangular with Brandon Valley and Sioux Falls Washington was postponed to April 27.

THOUGHTS ON GETTING OLDER

When I was a child, I thought nap time was a punishment. Now it feels like a mini-vacation.

STANLEY COUNTY BUFFALOES SPORTS ROUNDUP

Boys track: At the Rapid City Track-o-rama last Thursday Cale Meiners placed second in the 800 in 2:07.58. Brady Hoftiezer was third in the shot put at 47’7″.

This week’s schedules:
Track: Thursday, @ Pierre Legion Relays; Monday, @ Bill Pistulka Invitational, Winner.
Golf: Thursday, @ Big Dakota Conference meet, Pierre; Friday, @ Philip Invitational.

SULLY BUTTES CHARGERS SPORTS ROUNDUP

This week’s schedules:
Track: Saturday, @ Ipswich invitational.
Golf: Next meet April 26 @ Faulkton invitational.

Track: At the Bob Judson meet in Pierre three Charger throwers qualified for the state meet—Jacob Howard in both the shot put and discus, Rachel Guthmiller in the discus and Lauren Wittler in the shot put. Winners at the Pierre meet included Guthmiller in the discus at 126’7″ and MacKenzie Weinheimer in the 200-meter dash in :24.73. The boys 800-meter relay team composed of Morris Hofer, Coulton Lentz, Sebastian Frost and MacKenzie Weinheimer won their event in 1:42.63.

FOR LANGUAGE LOVERS ONLY

At the end of the day a cliche walks into a bar, fresh as a daisy, cute as a button and sharp as a tack.

COUNTDOWN

8 days: Pierre Players’ “Cookin’ with Gus” (April 27-29, May 3-5).
14 days: Pierre Educational Foundation’s Evening of Excellence (May 3).
15 days: South Dakota State Arts Conference, Sioux Falls (My 4-5).
22 days: Riggs High School Evening for the Arts (May 11).
28 days: State boys tennis tournament, Rapid City (May 17-19).
30 days: High school baseball regional tournament (May 19).
32 days: Voter registration deadline for June 5 primary and local elections (May 21).
35 days: NCAA Division II men’s/women’s track championships, Sioux Falls (May 24-26).
36 days: State track meets, Rapid City/Sturgis (May 25-26).
37 days: Pierre Trappers home opener (May 26).
38 days: High school baseball state tournament, Sioux Falls (May 27).

HOCKEY UPDATE

Minnesota Wild: In the first round of the playoffs the Wild lost twice at Winnipeg, won at home 6-2 in Game 3, but lost Game 4 Tuesday 2-0 to fall down 3 games to 1 in the series. Game 5 is Friday at 6:30 p.m. on FSN and USA. Games 6 and 7, if necessary, would be Sunday and Wednesday, respectively, with times and networks to be determined.

Sioux Falls Stampede: The first-round playoff series between the Stampede and Lincoln is tied at 1-1 headed into a deciding third game tonight (Thursday) in Sioux Falls. The Stampede won Game #1 5-3, and Lincoln won last night in Game #2, 6-3. The winner plays Omaha or Waterloo in the Western Conference semifinal series next.

PAUSE TO REFRESH

And every day the world will drag you by the hand, yelling, “This is important!” And “This is important!” And “This is important!” “You need to worry about this!” “And this!” “And this!”

And each day it’s up to you to yank your hand back, put it on our heart and say, “No. THIS is is what’s important.”
— Iain Thomas, Mindful Christianity Today

BASKETBALL UPDATE

Toyama Grouses (Sam Willard): The Grouses lost twice to Tochigi Brex. In a 76-67 loss Sam was 3-of-5 in threes and 2-of-2 in free throws for 11 points with six rebounds, a steal and four assists. In a 69-65 loss he was 2-of-5 in twos, 2-of-4 in threes and 2-of-3 in free shots for 12 points with nine boards, four assists, three steals and a block. Now 22-31, Toyama plays two this weekend against Nagoya DD (26-27).

Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves had their chance in Game #1 of their first-round series against top-seeded Houston but lost 104-101. Minnesota also lost Game #2 last night, 102-82. Down two games to none, the Wolves will be home for Game #3 Saturday at 6:30 (ESPN and FSN) and for Game #4 Monday at 7:00 (TNT and FSN). If a fifth game is needed, it would be next Wednesday in Houston.

RED SKELTON’S RECIPES FOR THE PERFECT MARRIAGE

The last fight was my fault. My wife asked, “What’s on the TV?”

I said, “Dust.”

SOCCER UPDATE

Minnesota United FC: The Loons lost at Portland, 3-2, Saturday night. This weekend they are home against the Seattle Sounders at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Sioux Falls Thunder FC: The Thunder will begin their second year of existence with a pair of friendlies at home at the USF complex—April 28 vs. the Bugeaters and May 1 vs. the American Outlaws. The regular-season opener is at home vs. Minneapolis City SC on May 5. Sioux Falls plays in the National Professional Soccer League North along with Minneapolis City SC, Dakota Fusion of Fargo, Duluth FC, LaCrosse Aris FC, Med City FC of Rochester, Minnesota Twin Stars FC of Maple Grove, and Kiejos Son Los Trapos FC of St. Paul.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

To make a difference in someone’s life you don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care.
— Mandy Hale

FOOTBALL UPDATE

NFL football: The league has announced opponents during the upcoming preseason. The Vikings will play at Denver during the Aug. 9-13 period, home vs. Jacksonville Aug. 16-20, home vs. Seattle (Aug. 23-26) and at Tennessee (Aug. 30-31). The Broncos will host Minnesota (Aug. 9-13), home vs. Chicago (Aug. 16-20), at Washington (Aug. 23-26) and at Arizona (Aug. 30-31). The regular-season schedule will be revealed on NFL Network early this evening.

Sioux Falls Storm: So far at least, Arizona has the Storm’s number. After beating Sioux Falls in last year’s IFL championship game and doing the same in this year’s season opener, Arizona won in Sioux Falls Monday, 48-40, as the Storm dropped to 4-2. The Storm is home Saturday at 7:05 vs. Cedar Rapids.

GOLF UPDATE

PGA Champions Tour: At last weekend’s Mitsubishi event Tom Byrum tied for 45th place with a 3-over-par 219. He shot a -3 69 in the first round, +1 73 in the second round and +5 77 in the third round, earning $7,020. He now stands 48th in this year’s money earnings list with $88,910. The Champions Tour goes to Ridgedale, Mo., this weekend for the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge.

WORTHLESS FACTS

Snails can be deadly. They have 14,000 teeth.

BASEBALL UPDATE

Pierre high school baseball: In between inclement weather and last weekend’s blizzard, Pierre got in its first two games of the season on Thursday night at home. Pierre swept Huron, 4-1 and 7-5. In the opener Peyton Zabel hurled five innings, giving up no hits at all and striking out 14. Garrett Stout and Austin Hoss finished the game in relief. Stout had three hits. In the nightcap Maguire Raske pitched the first two innings, giving up one run, two walks and three hit batters while fanning five. Dawson Puepke, Grey Zabel, Stout and Hoss pitched in relief. Grey Zabel had two hits.

High school baseball schedule: Tuesday, home vs. Sturgis, 4:00 and 6:00; Wednesday, home vs. Brookings, 4:00 and 6:00.

Minnesota Twins:
Friday: @ Tampa Bay, 6:10 (FSN).
Saturday: @ Tampa Bay, 5:10 (FSN+).
Sunday: @ Tampa Bay, 12:10 (FSN).
Monday: @ New York Yankees, 6:05 (ESPN).
Tuesday: @ New York Yankees, 5:35 (FSN, MLBN).
Wednesday: @ New York Yankees, 5:35 (FSN).
Thursday: @ New York Yankees, 12:05 (FSN, MLBN).

Chicago Cubs:
Friday: @ Colorado, 7:40.
Saturday: @ Colorado, 7:10.
Sunday: @ Colorado, 2:10.
Tuesday: @ Cleveland, 5:10 (MLBN).
Wednesday: @ Cleveland, 6:10.
Thursday: Milwaukee, 7:05 (MLBN).

Colorado Rockies (times are MDT):
Friday: Chicago Cubs, 6:40.
Saturday: Chicago Cubs, 6:10.
Sunday: Chicago Cubs, 1:10.
Monday: San Diego, 6:40.
Tuesday: San Diego, 6:40.
Wednesday: San Diego, 1:10.

THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD

Directions: Draw four boxes side-by-side. Draw four more boxes directly below the first row of four. Then draw four more boxes directly below the second row. Place the numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the four boxes in the top row. Put a 5 in the left-hand box in the middle row and a 6 in the lefthand box in the bottom row.

Clues:
1 across: Coffee.
1 down: He got his 2,000th hit in baseball last week.
2 down: Commercials.
3 down: You and I probably don’t sit in their section.
4 down: TV newswoman ___ Curry.
5 across: Norse mythology god.
6 across: The first all-sports channel on TV.

(Solution at the bottom of this Update.)

PONDER THIS

You have brains in your head,
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
— Dr. Seuss

BIRTHDAYS

Thursday, April 19:
Sawyer Garrett, Cheri (Olinger) Raymond, Robert Sautner, Sandii Bartels, Olivia Perli, Joe Mauer, Rhonda (Massey) Watson, Amanda Nielsen, Brooks Garrett, Shane Prunty, Erin (Nielsen) Nielsen, Kerry (Leuning) Rosane.
— 49th anniversary, Rodger/Patty Pearson.

Friday, April 20:
Michael Burke, Elaina Rounds, Ty Holsteen, Kristen (Viken) Carlson, Jim Sutton, Steven Gordon, Marlee Casanova, Linda Euneau, Ryan Parker Knox.
— 5th anniversary, Troy/Bonnie (Pitlick) Rus.

Saturday, April 21:
Larissa Fasthorse, Neil Nemec, Teresa (Zebroski) Murdoch, Ava Stoeser, Melissa Gosselin, Alexander Becker, Vicki (Kinder) Rapp, Mira Garrett, Adam Bertsch, Olivia Graff, Kara (Kurth) Kuiper, Danyelle Angyal, Colette Kemink, Donna Cole. We fondly remember Hyrma Zakahi on her birthday.
— 6th anniversary, Jake/Tara Johnson.

Sunday, April 22:
Bob Burke, Bonnie Bauder, Lindsey (Jungwirth) Costello, Sandra Hepper, Mark Livermont, Tim Schmidt.
— 12th anniversary, Todd/DeNeil (Hosman) Taylor.

Monday, April 23:
Grady Gilmore, Shirley Bonhorst, Heather Sperry, Gracie (Lindbloom) Curtis, Dusty Paulsen, Teva Snodgrass, Karen (Cremer) Hofer, Preston Mohlman, Scott Carbonneau, Tara Jo St. Germaine.
— 7th anniversary, Brian/Sarah Custer.

Tuesday, April 24:
Damian Dieken, Sean Devine, Terry Larsen, Phil Leidholt, Karissa Guthrie, Dave Lingle, Briggs Goehring, Autumn Bryant.
— 36th anniversary, Jack/Jill Aadland.

Wednesday, April 25:
Evan Jarvis, Lola Hollingsworth, Amanda Olson, Betty Jones, Cameron Sass, Stephanie (Magedanz) Bartsch, Greg Lakner, Helen Jane Paxton, Peggy Hofmeister, Jodie (Hickman) Anderson.
— 9th anniversary, Chase/Joanie (Flottmeyer) Blair.
— 32nd anniversary, Bob/Laurie Gill.
— 5th anniversary, Trevor/Jackie Fisher.

Thursday, April 26:
Ellie Mangan, Jean Easland, Beth Simon, John Wellhouse, Matt Mitchell, Julie Miller, John Bradley, Nathan Ellenbecker, Susan (Van Camp) Wendelbo, Rebekah Hartmann, Brian Chicoine, Sheryl Nielsen, Jane Candler, Susie (Gloe) Hanson, Sarah Gloe.
— 4th anniversary, Tyler/Nikki (Koenig) Sullivan.
— 4th anniversary, Will John/Kylee (Lamb) Johnson.
— 15th anniversary, David/Ann (Beemer) Candler.
— 4th anniversary, Andrew/Ashley Tople.
— 15th anniversary, Dennis/Jackie (Thorson) Richey.

ZESTO SHERBET SCHEDULE

Thursday: lime.
Friday-Sunday: raspberry.
Monday-Tuesday: root beer.
Wednesday-Thursday: coconut.

COLLEGE TRACK ROUNDUP

South Dakota Mines (Theron Singleton): Because meets in South Dakota were cancelled by the weather, the Hardrockers went to Golden, Colo., for Colorado Mines’ meet. Theron started the 10,000-meter run but was one of several men who did not finish the race. Mines competes Friday at Northern’s invitational in Aberdeen.

Black Hills State (Allan McDonnell, Kelsey Van Den Hemel): At Colorado Mines’ meet in Golden, Kelsey placed 12th in the 5,000-meter run in 20:09.16. Allan continued his superlative freshman year with a pair of wins. He won the high jump at 2.05 meters, an NCAA provisional qualifying mark, and won the triple jump at 13.66 meters. BHSU sends athletes to the Blue Hawk Games at Dickinson State or to the Mt. San Antonio College Relays in California this weekend.

Liberty (Cortney Dowling): The Flames hosted their Wildcat Invitational in Lynchburg last weekend, but Cortney did not compete. Liberty sends athletes to the Virginia Challenge in Charlottesville and the Duke Invitational in Durham this weekend.

Mary track (Jack Wollman): The Marauders were scheduled to compete at NDSU’s Hokanson meet, but that was cancelled. They send athletes to Dickinson State’s meet and three California meets this weekend.

South Dakota State (Rachel Propst, Max Reinke, Riley Sears): The Jacks’ trip to the Hokanson meet in Fargo was called off by weather. This weekend SDSU sends athletes to three California meets in Long Beach, Azusa and Torrance. On Tuesday SDSU goes to the USD twilight meet.

COLLEGE GOLF ROUNDUP

South Dakota women (Katie Bartlett): Idle last week, the Coyote women play in the Summit League championships at Nebraska City, Neb., Sunday through Tuesday.

Northern Michigan women (Karissa Guthrie): The Wildcats were idle last week, They are back on the links Friday at the GLIAC conference tournament at Nashport, Ohio.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

Spring games: USD and SDSU will both have their spring games this Friday night. The Coyotes’ game will be at 7 p.m. on Midco Sports Network, and the Jackrabbits’ game will air at 6 p.m. on MSN2. Nebraska’s spring game at 11 a.m. Saturday can be viewed on the Big Ten Network.

COLLEGE BASEBALL ROUNDUP

Division I: We’re only two months away from the College World Series in Omaha, so here are the latest college baseball rankings—1 Florida, 2 Stanford, 3 Arkansas, 4 North Carolina State, 5 Texas Tech, 6 Kentucky, 7 Oregon State, 8 Indiana, 9 Duke, 10 Vanderbilt, 11 Mississippi, 12 East Carolina, 13 UCLA, 14 Southern Mississippi, 15 North Carolina, 16 Texas A&M, 17 Clemson, 18 Florida State, 19 LSU, 20 Coastal Carolina, 21 Texas, 22 Oklahoma, 23 Georgia, 24 Connecticut, 25 Minnesota.

South Dakota State (Landon Badger, Quinn Reimers): One of the three SDSU-NDSU games was cancelled, but the Jacks won the other two. In a 5-4 win Landon was 2-of-5 at the plate. SDSU won on a walkoff single by Gus Steiger in the bottom of the ninth. Landon was 0-for-5 in a 12-9 win. Tuesday’s game at Minnesota was postponed to next Wednesday. SDSU’s scheduled home series vs. Oral Roberts this weekend has been moved—the first two games will be played in Council Bluffs and the other game at Millard North in Omaha. Now 9-20 overall and 7-5 in the Summit, SDSU is also scheduled to host DWU Monday.

Minnesota (Nolan Burchill): The Gophers beat Purdue, 22-7 and 18-8. The third game of that series was cancelled as was Tuesday’s home game vs. South Dakota State, which will now be played next Wednesday. Minnesota (23-10 overall and 7-1 in the Big 10) hosts Iowa Friday through Sunday.

Northern (Spencer Sarringar): The Wolves lost twice to Minot State, 6-2 and 8-2. Four games with Wayne State were cancelled, and two games vs. Minnesota State were postponed. Now 9-13 overall and 2-8 in the NSIC, Northern hopes to host Mary for four games this weekend.

LIFE LESSON

A great attitude becomes a great mood, which becomes a great day, which becomes a great year, which becomes a great life.
— Unknown

WEDDING DAYS

April 28: Chris Pope/Morgan Peterson.
April 28: Connor McKittrick/Amanda Deiss.
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. 11: Steve Long/Cassie Amundson.
Aug. 18: Jason Noyes/Micki DeCurtins.
Aug. 19: Derek Berman/Danea Duxbury.
Aug. 25: Steven Gordon/Katelynn Engh.
Sept. 29: Tyler Arbach/Rachel Hartmann.
Oct. 6: Rodd Bauck/Megan Vockrodt.
Oct. 6: Cale Pell/Sarah Lihs.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Individually and independently, I’m nothing at all. One has to know how to surround himself with accomplished and loyal individuals.
— Joel Robuchon

PARKER’S PERSONAL NOTES

— “Live from Lincoln Center: Stars in Concert” is a new series on PBS featuring Broadway theater stars. The four-week series airs on Fridays starting this week (April 20) with two-time Tony-winning Sutton Foster with special guest Jonathan Groff. Check the PBS listings for the time in your area. Next week on April 27 Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr., who starred onstage in “Hamilton,” will be the star performer.

A PARTING THOUGHT

Maybe we should adjust faster; maybe we should adjust slower. But whatever the era, whatever the times, one thing will never change: Fathers and mothers, if you have children, they must come first. You must read to your children, and you must love your children. Your success as a family, our success as a society depends not on what happens in the White House but on what happens inside your house.”
— Barbara Bush in a 1990 commencement address at Wellesley College

NEWS OF PEOPLE AND EVENTS

Andrew Kightlinger’s film, “Tater Tot & Patton,” will be featured at the Black Hills Film Festival next week. The 2018 festival theme, “Big Vistas, Big Stories,” celebrates the diverse and expansive landscapes that shape the characters portrayed in independent film. Cinematographers capture scenes that set a mood for the audience and suggest insight into the characters. “Tater Tot & Patton” will be the opening-night film at 7 p.m. next Wednesday, April 25, at the Elks Theatre in downtown Rapid City. Kightlinger and some of the cast and crew will participate in a discussion session afterwards. The film festival continues Thursday and Friday in Rapid City, Spearfish and Hot Springs and concludes Saturday in Hill City.

The last performance of the Riggs High musical, “Bye, Bye, Birdie,” will begin at 5:30 p.m. tonight (Thursday) at the Riggs theater.

The funeral service for Max Jones, 74, Hayes, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Lutheran Memorial Church, followed by burial at Sansarc Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday), followed by a prayer service at 7, at the church. He died April 16 at Avera St. Mary’s Hospital. He grew up on a ranch in the Hayes area and graduated from Fort Pierre High School in 1961. He and Joyce Roen were married in 1967. They ranched for many years. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joyce Jones; his son Todd Jones and his wife Darcy of Hayes; his daughter, Kimberley Farries and her husband David of Onida; four grandchildren; his sister, Norma Tibbs and her husband Rocky of Fort Pierre; three sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law.

Mike and Rachel Fisher of Maple Grove, Minn., became parents for the first time on April 11. They have a new son named Mason William Fisher. Grandparents include Rod and Terry Fisher in Pierre.

Francis Whitebird will be one of the speakers and presenters at the 2018 South Dakota State Historical Society History Conference at the Ramkota in Rapid City April 27-28. This year’s theme focuses on the variety of South Dakota’s people and what made us what we are. For information and registration go to www.history.sd.gov or call 773-6000.

Services were held Wednesday at Faith Lutheran Church for Evelyn Sandal, who passed away April 14 at Pierre Care and Rehabilitation at the age of 104. She and her family came from Illinois to Haakon County in 1919. She married Roy Sandal in 1930. They ranched in Haakon County until 1947 when they moved into Pierre. Among her survivors are her son, Glenn Sandal of Pierre; 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Essie “Dimp” Olson and Bessie “Dolly” Nafus. Among those who preceded her in death were her two daughters, Reta Weischedel and Marlene Young.

The Evening for the Arts at Riggs High School, featuring an art show, live music, an auction and a big-band dance, has been rescheduled for May 11 after being weathered out last Friday.

Jon and Torri (Ice) Lechtenberg have accepted new positions with the Chase County School District at Imperial, Neb. Jon will be grades 7-12 principal, and Torri will teach middle school math. They have been at Southern Valley Schools in Oxford, Neb., for 10 years.

Laura Schoen Carbonneau is leaving her position as executive director of the Pierre Chamber of Commerce at the end of May.

Mike Hawkins of San Antonio, Texas, formerly of Pierre, died at the age of 53 April 10 under hospice care. He graduated from Riggs High School in 1982 and from DeVry Institute in Phoenix. He later earned two degrees from Golden Gate University in California. Mike married Julie Hickman in 2000. He worked for Teledyne and USAA in Sacramento and for USAA after he moved to San Antonio. Among his survivors are his son, Jack Hawkins of San Antonio; his parents, Jerry and Sheryl Hawkins of Pierre; five sisters, Kim Paxton and her husband Doug, Amy Fitzke and her husband Terry, and Nikki Bothwell, all of Pierre; Rise Waldera and her husband Todd of Alexandria and Sarah Pekarski and her husband Jess of Rapid City. A service was held at Lutheran Memorial Church on Monday.

Josh and Emily Zellmer of Rapid City are the parents of a daughter, Aidy Don, who was born last week. She joins a sister, Leone, in their family.

Rachel Propst, nearing the end of her first year of pharmacy school at SDSU, took part in the white-coat ceremony for her and her classmates last week. They have three years to go before they become full-fledged pharmacists.

The South Dakota Fellowship of Christian Athletes will present their annual Honor Athlete Awards Monday at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. The awards honor outstanding high school and college athletes from the local Sioux Falls high schools and colleges. It is interesting to know that two of the children of former Sully Buttes coach Chuck Benson and his wife, the former JoElle Byre, are honored this year—Seth Benson from Washington High and Ellie Benson from SDSU. Another of this year’s recipients is Courtney Klatt from Lincoln High. Her mother is Pierre native Sandy (Case) Klatt.

Dorothy Grinager Lindbloom, 93, Sioux Falls, died April 10 at Sanford Ava’s House Hospice. Services will be held this Saturday, April 21, at the Halladay-Peterson Chapel at Dow Rummel Village. Arrangements are being handled by Heritage Funeral Home. Dorothy and Lloyd Grinager were married in 1946. They lived in Sioux Falls, Milbank, Pierre, Rapid City, Yankton, Mitchell and Sioux Falls again as he pastored Methodist churches. He died in 1987. Dorothy married Warren Lindbloom, a college classmate, in 2003, and they lived in Denver, Tampa and Sioux Falls. She is survived by her husband, Warren Lindbloom; her children and their spouses, Howard and Karen Grinager, Christine and Dale Howard, John and Nancy Grinager, Eric and Ruth Grinager, and Donn and Kristin Grinager; 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, two stepchildren and five stepgrandchildren.

There are still two more major awards from the high school basketball season to be awarded. The Mr. Basketball and Miss Basketball awards from Hansen Anderson Basketball will be bestowed at the Ramkota Inn in Sioux Falls on May 6. Among the candidates for Mr. Basketball are Peyton Zabel of Riggs High and LIncoln Jordre of Sully Buttes High. One of the candidates for Miss Basketball is Rachel Guthmiller of Sully Buttes High. Another is Courtney Klatt of Sioux Falls Lincoln, whose mother is Pierre native Sandy (Case) Klatt.

The latest issue of Simpson College’s magazine has a story on senior Garrett Pochop from Pierre and his soccer career. Access the story at this link:
https://www.issuu,com/simpsoncollege/docs/2018_spring_magazine_final/22

Dr. Paul Turman, a member of the Pierre school board, has been elected to the South Dakota High School Activities Association’s board of directors.

Elaine Jundt passed away April 14 at the age of 80. Services were held Wednesday at Lutheran Memorial Church. Interment is to take place today (Thursday) at Black Hills National Cemetery. A native of Eureka, Elaine married Clyde Jundt in 1955. They lived in Rapid City while he attended the School of Mines. His military service took them to Camp Carson in Colorado; Fort Belvoir, Va.; Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and Camp McCoy, Wis. They settled in Pierre. After her children were grown, Elaine worked as a teacher’s aide and for the Department of Social Services until retiring in 1994. She is survived by her husband, Clyde Jundt of Pierre; their son, Darell Jundt; three daughters, Debra Bakeberg and her husband Alan of Pierre, Sharie Novak and her husband Pat of New Ulm, Minn., and Mary Scott and her husband Mike of Aberdeen; 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Sharon Petersen, in Illinois.

The last show of the 2017-18 season at The Rogue Theatre in Tucson, Ariz., is Shakespeare’s “King Lear.” Ryan Parker Knox plays the role of Kent in the show which opens next Thursday, April 26. Performances are on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons through May 13. There will also be matinees May 5 and 12.

Scott and Bailey (Armstrong) Wagner, formerly of Pierre, became the parents of a son, Calvin Armstrong Wagner, who was born March 19 at Columbia, Mo. He weighed 8 pounds, 15 ounces.

Pierre Swim Team’s postseason awards event included the presentation of Swimmer of the Year awards. Caleb Huizenga was named Male Swimmer of the Year, and Ella Ward-Zeller was the female recipient of that honor. The Coach’s Choice Award and the Swimmers’ Choice Award both went to senior Evan Rumrill.

Jason and Ashley (Iverson) Feyereisen of Watertown became parents for the first time on April 16. Their daughter, Mia Marie Feyereisen, weighed 5 1/2 pounds and measured 18 1/2 inches. She is the first grandchild for Jim and Rosa Iverson. Jason works as a journeyman for Tessier’s, and Ashley is an operating room registered nurse at Prairie Lakes Hospital.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

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PARKER’S COLUMN

(The following first appeared in the Midweek Update 15 years ago in April 2003, 10 years after the plane crash.)

April 19 was a Monday 10 years ago this week. I got home in Pierre after work in Onida just before 6:30 p.m., and as I walked into the house, my wife and sons said, “The governor’s plane is missing.”

I flipped on KELO-TV, and as Steve Hemmingsen was concluding the 6 o’clock news, he looked as grim as he ever had, and he said something like, “We will be here with late news on what looks to be an ominous evening.” They knew a meeting was already taking place in the governor’s office, that state government executives were already taking charge, fighting their grief and doing what had to be done.

Our friend Kathy Valnes heard from somebody the names of the men on the plane, and she called to confirm our worst fears—it was indeed Governor Mickelson, our friend Ron Reed, pilots Ron Becker and Dave Hansen, GOED director Rolly Dolly, power company executive Angus Anson, and Sioux Falls businessmen David Birkeland and Roger Hainje. I called our Capital Journal Statehouse reporter, Leta Childers, to see if she had heard the news. She had not. “My God!” she exclaimed. “I’m on my way.”

I had something for which I had to go to the east side of town, but I don’t remember what, maybe to pick up the girls somewhere. As I headed east on Broadway past the Capitol, I was struck at how eerily quiet the city had suddenly become. Traffic was not moving. Though it was still early evening, the weather had almost instantly become very cold and gray.

On that Tuesday afternoon I along with hundreds of others sat on the grand staircase as Walter Dale Miller took the oath as governor from Chief Justice Miller.

On Thursday hundreds of us who couldn’t get inside stood in sunshine in silence on the front lawn of the Capitol as the memorial service for the governor inside was broadcast over loudspeakers out across the lawns. Eventually the Mickelson family, state officials, Sen. Robert Dole and other special guests came out the front door and down the steps. The procession of cars went out the Capitol drive, following the hearse as it took George Mickelson around the grounds of the mansion one last time, then headed back west on Broadway, up Euclid and on to Brookings for the funeral service the next day.

The story about that motorcade, written, I think, by Kevin Woster in the Argus Leader the next morning, still drives me to tears every time I read it. In every town people solemnly lined Highway 14 as the motorcade came through. And there was the story of a lone farmer behind the steering wheel on a tractor, stopped in the middle of his field, standing with his hand over his heart in tribute as the governor’s family rode by. He was, for sure, the people’s governor.

In a small city like Pierre, we embrace our governor, whoever it is, especially if he and his family embrace their temporary “hometown.” The Mickelsons did that. The older kids, Mark and Amy, were already in college when their dad took office, but David went to Riggs High. As we sat in our church choir loft, it was nothing unusual to see George and Linda Mickelson slip quietly into church and into the back pew on Sunday mornings.

My fondest memory of him goes back to an Easter Sunday. I don’t remember which year it was, but we were at the mansion for the Elks’ Easter egg hunt. I had been organist for Easter services that morning, and the Mickelsons had been there. As the kids went to the door where George and Linda Mmickelson stood watching the flurry of activity, he went out of his way to say, “Your music is always wonderful, but today it was especially magnificent.” I heard him speak many times. His warmth and compassion and humanity and genuineness could win over any audience, but that one compliment on a glorious Easter Sunday—not from a governor to a constituent but from one Methodist to another—is what I will always remember most about the man.

My best wishes to the Mickelson and Adam families and all the rest of their relatives, to Lane Dolly, to the Hansen girls and their families and their mom, to Jon Becker and his mom and their family, and to all the others so personally affected by what happened on April 19, 1993. I hope it is some small comfort to them to know that many of us are again thinking of them as the anniversary of the tragedy comes and goes this week.