THOUGHT FOR TODAY

An impossibility is only a possibility you don’t understand yet.

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREES

Thursday, Dec. 16:
* 12:00-1:00: Harrisburg High School band and choir.

Friday, Dec. 17:
* 12:00-1:00: Timber Lake Middle School choir.
* 6:00-6:30: Nickolas/Sargent trio, Pierre.

Saturday, Dec. 18:
* 10:00-12:00: Annie Tucker, Fort Pierre (piano).
* 12:00-12:30: Christina Hanson, Fargo, and Rebekah Royer, Pierre (vocals).
* 12:30-2:00: Hill City High School choir.
* 2:00-3:00: Mitchell Children’s Choir.
* 3:00-5:00: Students of the Andrea Royer Studio, Pierre.
* 5:00-7:00: Six Nation Army, Pierre.
* 7:00-8:00: Lady Singers Club, Pierre.

Sunday, Dec. 19:
* 12:30-1:00: Dirty Boot Band, Pierre.
* 1:00-1:30: First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir, Pierre.
* 2:00-3:00: Studio A and Stanley Music Company students of Andrea Krueger and Shelly Stanley, Pierre.
* 3:00-5:00: Kim and the Cue Balls, Rapid City.
* 5:00-6:00: Pierre Youth Orchestra.
* 6:00-7:00: Priscilla Hofer, Pierre (piano).
* 7:00-8:00: Lori Hall and Ron Smith, Pierre (handbells and piano).

Monday, Dec. 20:
* 12:00-1:00: Lincoln High School women’s ensembles, Sioux Falls.
* 5:00-6:00: Watertown High School choir.
* 6:00-8:00: Annie Tucker, Fort Pierre (piano).

Tuesday, Dec. 21:
* 12:00-1:00: Washington High School Bella Voce, Sioux Falls.
* 7:00-8:00: Lori Hall and Ron Smith, Pierre (handbells and piano).

Wednesday, Dec. 22:
* 5:00-7:00: Annie Tucker, Fort Pierre (piano).
* 7:00-8:00: Ron Smith, Pierre (piano).

PIERRE GOVERNORS SPORTS ROUNDUP

Athletes of the Week: Selected by the Pierre Athletic Coaches Association for this recognition last week were Blake Judson and Mylie Taylor of the wrestling teams.

This week’s schedules:
— THURSDAY
* Wrestling: at Aberdeen Central.
— FRIDAY
* Boys basketball: home vs. Sturgis, 7 p.m.
* Girls basketball: at Sturgis, 7:30 p.m.
— SATURDAY
* Gymnastics: at Mitchell invitational.
* Girls wrestling: at Ashley invitational.
* Boys wrestling: at Elk Point-Jefferson invitational.
* Girls basketball: at Spearfish, 2 p.m.
* Boys basketball: home vs. Spearfish, 2 p.m.

Girls basketball: The Governors lost both games of their home weekend against the Rapid City schools. In an opening-night loss to Stevens, 77-58, Pierre trailed 16-8 after a quarter and 41-25 at halftime. The next afternoon the Govs lost to Central, 74-33, trailing after a quarter by 10-2 and at halftime by 32-8.

Boys basketball: The Governor boys dominated both Rapid City teams out west on opening weekend. They led Stevens 18-2 after one quarter and 34-15 at halftime on the way to a 68-38 triumph. Eight men scored, led by Lincoln Kienholz with 17 points, Jackson Edman with 15 and Matt Hanson with 13. Jett Zabel had 10 rebounds in Brianna Kusler’s debut as head coach. At Central Kienholz didn’t score until the second quarter but ended up with a team-high 21 points. Ben Heisler had 12. Pierre led at halftime by 29-20 but 47-23 after three periods as the Govs pulled away.

Gymnastics: At the Mitchell quadrangular the Governor girls were fourth with a 127.6 team score. Nevaeh Karber was 12th and Ryen Sheppick 13th in the all-around standings. At Aberdeen’s meet Pierre was seventh with a 129.3 score. In the all-around Karber was 18th and Emelia Loe 29th.

Girls wrestling: At the Rapid City invitational Pierre had two individual champions—Marlee Shorter at 190 pounds and Ciara McFarling at 285. Other placers: Ireland Templeton, second at 154; Gianna Stangeland, third at 132; Abbi Lewis, third at 142; Mylie Taylor, third at 170; Sydney Uhrig, fourth at 106; Dani Ringstmeyer, fourth at 120; Emalee Larson, fourth at 190; Hattie Baldwin, sixth at 132; Kezrey Benning, seventh at 126. On Tuesday the girls blew through Harrisburg to win a 60-0 dual in Pierre. Lewis, Ringstmeyer, Stangeland, Templeton and Shorter all won by falls.

Boys wrestling: At the Rapid City Invitational, a huge tournament with many superior wrestlers and teams, Pierre placed fourth with 177.5 points behind Stevens, Watertown and Harrisburg. Blake Judson remained unbeaten as he won the 138-pound title with three pins and two decisions. Noah Williams was second at 120 and Joshua Rydberg second at 285. Other placers: Alex Oedekoven, third at 106; Tristan Spencer, fifth at 132; Lucas Chamberlain, fifth at 170; Chase Carda, sixth at 145. On Tuesday the Governors dominated Harrisburg in a dual, 46-17. Lincoln Schoenhard, Chamberlain and Nate Williams won by falls, and Spencer, Noah Williams and Deegan Houska won in technical falls. Oedekoven and Judson won by decisions.

STANLEY COUNTY BUFFALOES SPORTS ROUNDUP

This week’s schedules:
— THURSDAY
* Girls basketball: home vs. Philip.
* Boys basketball: home vs. Philip.
— SATURDAY
* Gymnastics: home for Stanley County invitational.
* Wrestling: at Plankinton invitational.
* Boys basketball: at Miller.
— TUESDAY
* Wrestling: at Redfield quadrangular.
* Girls basketball: at Jones County.
* Boys basketball: at Jones County.

Gymnastics: The Buffaloes’ scheduled meet at Wagner last Saturday was canceled due to the winter storm.

Girls basketball: The Buffaloes had their Lyman game postponed by last week’s winter weather. Then they lost to White River, 59-28 and to Winner, 64-24. In the latter game Winner got off to a 21-0 start. Jordyn Sosa was high scorer for SCHS with eight points. SCHS stands at 0-3 to open the season.

Boys basketball: After their Lyman game was postponed, the Buffalo boys fell at the hands of Winner, 55-36. A 17-2 second quarter propelled the Warriors to an insurmountable lead. Lathan Prince scored 14 and Cormac Duffy 12. The boys stand at 0-1.

SULLY BUTTES CHARGERS SPORTS ROUNDUP

This week’s schedules:
— FRIDAY
* Girls basketball: at Herreid-Selby Area.
— SATURDAY
* Boys basketball: home vs. Winner.
— MONDAY
* Boys basketball: at Aberdeen Roncalli.
* Girls basketball: at Aberdeen Roncalli.

Boys basketball: The Chargers lost to Lyman in their season opener, 67-33. Sully Buttes was in a 36-15 hole at halftime. High scorer was Marshall Wittler with 10.

Girls basketball: The Charger girls are off to a 3-0 start. This week they trimmed North Central, 63-20, leading by 28-2 after a quarter and 43-6 at the half. Lydia Hill had 19 points and Stevie Wittler 12. On Tuesday the girls defeated Lyman, 61-40 as Hill scored 17 and Tailynne Bradford 15.

COUNTDOWN

2 days: Surprise Package Christmas concerts (Dec. 18-19).
2 days: Oahe Capitals boys varsity league home openers (Dec. 18-19).
4 days: Georgia Morse Middle School band/choir concert (Dec. 20).
6 days: “Kennedy Center Honors,” CBS-TV (Dec. 22).
9 days: Christmas (Dec. 25).
15 days: College football national semifinal games (Dec. 31).
23 days: College football national championship game (Jan. 10).
28 days: NFL playoffs begin (Jan. 15).
30 days: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 17).
44 days: Grammy awards, CBS-TV (Jan. 31).
47 days: State one-act play festival, Rapid City Central (Feb. 3-5).
48 days: Winter Olympics opening ceremonies, Beijing (Feb. 4).
55 days: State gymnastics meet, Mitchell (Feb. 11-12).
57 days: Super Bowl, Los Angeles (Feb. 13).
58 days: Valentines Day (Feb. 14).
65 days: Presidents Day (Feb. 21).
68 days: State wrestling tournaments, Sioux Falls Premier Center (Feb. 24-26).
69 days: State Bantam B hockey tournament, Expo Center (Feb. 25-27).
70 days: NSIC basketball tournaments, Sioux Falls Sanford Pentagon (Feb. 26-March 1).

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“There has been one consistent truth in my life—you have to believe it’s possible. Only you can make it real. You will find beautiful souls that will remind you of the potential of your self-commitment and even inspire you to have accountability, but you have to be determined to never let yourself down. Be focused to know that as long as you put in the hours and get up earlier than your doubts. You will continue to hack the laws of possibilities and find the path to overcome and achieve. Nothing I’m proud of was ever realized without the audacity to believe.”
— Wilmer Valderrama, star of “NCIS”

COLLEGE SPORTS ROUNDUP

FCS playoffs quarterfinal scores:
— Left-hand bracket
#8 Montana State 42, #1 Sam Houston State 19
South Dakota State 35, #5 Villanova 21
— Right-hand bracket
#3 James Madison 28, #6 Montana 6
#2 North Dakota State 27, #7 East Tennessee State 3
Semifinals schedule:
South Dakota State at Montana State, 1 p.m. CST Saturday, ESPN2.
James Madison at North Dakota State, 8:15 p.m. CST Friday, ESPN2.

Morningside bowling (Alex Badger): Idle last week, the Mustangs will be in Las Vegas for two tournaments over four days—Saturday-Sunday and Monday-Tuesday.

Dakota Wesleyan wrestling (Tyson Johnson): The Tigers lost a dual to Briar Cliff, 26-16. Tyson won his match at 157 pounds in a 5-0 decision. DWU wrestlers’ next action is at St. Thomas (Fla.) Jan. 7.

Mary wrestling (Lincoln Turman): The Marauders shut out MSU-Moorhead in a dual, 41-0, then defeated Minot State, 29-12. Some Mary wrestlers go to Indianapolis this weekend for the Midwest Classic tournament.

Wyoming wrestling (Tate Samuelson): The Cowboys were idle last week but have a huge dual against Oklahoma State at home Friday.

Mount Marty men’s basketball (Lincoln Jordre): The Lancers lost to Concordia (Neb.), 87-72. LIncoln did not score and had a rebound and a block. In an 83-51 loss to Jamestown he went scoreless and had two rebounds, a block and a steal. Now 3-13, Mount Marty plays Friday at Waldorf (Iowa).

Dakota Wesleyan men’s basketball (Nick Wittler): The Tigers lost to Dordt College, 72-58. Continuing as a starter, Nick was 7-of-16 in field goals (3-of-10 in threes) for 17 points with an assist, a steal and a block. DWU plays Peru State (Neb.) in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Saturday, then goes on to St. Thomas (Fla.) Sunday.

Augustana women’s basketball (Katie Bourk, Aislinn Duffy): The Vikings lost two more NSIC games. In a 91-86 loss to Minnesota State, Aislinn was 8-of-18 (2-of-5) and 10-of-10 for 28 points with 21 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and an assist. In a 73-71 loss to Concordia-St. Paul, she was 9-of-18 (3-of-5) and 4-of-5 for 25 points with 14 rebounds, three assists and a steal. Augustana goes east to Upper Iowa Friday and to Winona State Saturday.

Dakota Wesleyan track-field (Cobey Carr, Abby Ferris, Morgan Oedekoven): At DWU’s earlybird meet Cobey placed sixth in the 60-meter run in :07.76 and eighth in the 200 in :26.26. Abby was fifth in the long jump at 13’4 1/4″ and second in the high jump at 4’6″. DWU is off now until a meet at Dordt Jan. 15.

Augustana track-field (Elizabeth Schaefer): The Vikings teams are off for the holidays until going to the Minnesota State invitational Jan. 14.

Northern State track-field (Rachel Guthmiller): The Wolves are idle until competing against the University of Mary in a dual meet Jan. 15.

Black HIlls State track-field (Frank Becker): The Yellowjacket’ next indoor meet is at home Jan. 14-15.

Dakota State track-field (Houston Lunde): The Trojans teams are off for the holiday break until going to Mount Marty’s invitational Jan. 15.

South Dakota State football (Regan Bollweg): The Jackrabbits trailed at halftime 21-14, but a strong second half led them to knocking out Villanova in Philadelphia 35-21. The Jacks play at Montana State in the semifinals Saturday afternoon.

North Dakota State football (Grey Zabel): The Bison won yet another home playoff game, 27-3 over East Tennessee State. They will be home again Friday night against James Madison in the semifinals.

South Dakota men’s basketball (Max Burchill): The Coyotes won in overtime over Northern Arizona, 76-71, and last night defeated Bellarmine, 78-64. Now 7-4, USD is home for Summit League games Monday vs. Oral Roberts and Wednesday vs. Kansas City.

South Dakota State swimming (Morgan Nelson): The Jackrabbit swimmers are idle until competing in a dual against St. Cloud State Jan. 15.

South Dakota State track-field (Addy Eisenbeisz): The Jacks’ next meet is at the Bison Cup at NDSU Jan. 15.

South Dakota State men’s basketball: The Jackrabbits have a 9-4 record despite going 1-2 this week. SDSU lost at Idaho, 98-84; won over Washington State on a neutral court in Spokane, 77-74, on Baylor Scheierman’s three-pointer at the buzzer, and lost last night at Missouri State, 75-63. SDSU is home for Summit League games Monday vs. Kansas City and Wednesday vs. Oral Roberts.

South Dakota State women’s basketball: The SDSU women stand at 4-7 after losing to Kansas State, 79-73, and beating Dakota Wesleyan last night, 90-43. The Jacks play at Kansas City Monday and at Oral Roberts Wednesday.

South Dakota Mines track-field (Erick Colman): The Hardrockers are off until BHSU’s meet Jan. 29-30.

South Dakota women’s basketball (Chloe Lamb): The Coyotes defeated Valparaiso, 51-31. Chloe was 5-of-11 (1-of-4) and 0-of-0 for 11 points with four boards, three assists and two steals. Now 6-4, USD plays at Creighton in Omaha tonight (Thursday), at Oral Roberts Monday and at Kansas City next Wednesday.

CORONAVIRUS ROUNDUP

The United States death toll from COVID-19 has passed the 800,000 figure, but hey, the pandemic is over, right? We should retain those “God-given freedoms” that Governor Noem talks about so often and refute all scientific and medical advice and political mandates, right? Just imagine the entire population of South Dakota being wiped out—that’s what a death toll of 800,000 looks like.

Meanwhile, Washington National Cathedral this week tolled its 12-ton bell 800 times—once for every 1,000 American deaths.

In South Dakota December is already the fifth deadliest month of this year so far as COVID deaths are concerned. January was the worst with 290, and February got a bit better with “only” 110 deaths. The monthly toll began to rise again this fall with 93 in October and 99 in November.

Yesterday’s Department of Health report showed the state death toll has reached 2,419 and the number of active cases in the state is 7,065.

Some other highlights of the past week:

• In Bemidji, Minn., where Pierre native Katie Carter is a powerful voice on the Public Radio stations, she posted on her Facebook page a message from an emergency room nurse in Bemidji: “Monday night there were no beds for patients needing admission to hospitals in Bemidji, Fargo, Grand Forks and Bagley. Why? Because there are hundreds of unvaccinated people with COVID taking those beds. Please have some empathy and prevent more hospitalizations by getting a COVID vaccination!”
• Gov. Gavin Newsom in California has invoked a new mask mandate that started Wednesday and runs through at least Jan. 15.
• The NBA has postponed a pair of Chicago Bulls games due to a COVID outbreak on the team. Ten players have been assigned to the COVID list due to falling under the NBA’s health and safety protocols.
• The NHL postponed Carolina Hurricanes games this week due to several players entering the league’s COVID protocols.
• The NFL issued a new requirement that players, coaches and other team personnel will all have to get their COVID booster shots by Dec. 27. Among NFL teams the Cleveland Browns have eight players and the Los Angeles Rams nine on the COVID list.
• Dr. David Angus said that the term “fully vaccinated” now means all three vaccinations.
• Cornell University reported more than 900 new COVID cases during the week of Dec. 7-13 despite a 97% on-campus vaccination rate. The university has closed its main campus in Ithaca, N.Y., for the rest of the semester; shifted all final exams to an online status, and canceled December commencement exercises.

BONUS QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“It’s increasingly clear there was a large group of people who planned—by any means available—to ignore the valid vote of American citizens. If that’s not bad enough, we’re about to watch some members of Congress vote to not hold them accountable.”
— Mark Hartling, former Lt. Gen., U.S. Army, now a national security analyst for CNN

BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES

Thursday, Dec. 16:
Steve Hinker, Bonnie (Pitlick) Rus, Nathan Hamm, Rachel (Weber) Bishop, Brenda Goeden, Eric Serbousek, Brooke Lee, Natalie LIkness, Augustus Gross, Vicki Hagemann, Rod Burley.
— 4th anniversary, Brandon/Kelli (Cronin) Nagel.

Friday, Dec. 17:
Kathie Patten, Jackson Palmer, Molly (Robertson) Golla, Jessica Jockheck, Mason Frohm, Edna Brunmeier, Ryan Nuttall, Molly Williams, Austin Mammenga, Kade Anderson.

Saturday, Dec. 18:
Joseph Bock, Ruth Smith, Jeff Swartz, Jordan Jarvis, Kai Hanson, Calvin Hofer, Sandy Tillman, Gary McMath, Ross Olson, Devan Bruns, SuzMarie Squires, Jayne Parsons, Kirsti (Garrett) Cuppy.
— 17th anniversary, Jamison/Cathy Rounds.

Sunday, Dec. 19:
Alexander Meagher, Blake Hemminger, Karin (Unkenholz) Hansen, Tim Bjorneberg, Dianne Noyes, Elise Titze, Lisa Dorschner, Georgia Hanson, Breanna Costello, Jim Costello.
— Anniversary, Casey/Alyssa Kahler.
— 1st anniversary, Allen/Zoe (Donahue) Hiller.

Monday, Dec. 20:
Conor Getty, Henry Melius, Valori (Kunsman) Fairbanks, Steve Hosman, Dustin Garber, Charlette Beesley, Michaela (Thompson) Novak, Louis Mehlhaff, Marcie (Lyngstad) Long, Joel Schwader, Mathis Joens, Maddy Jo Seyer, Josh Lamb, Mary Sarvis, Jean Cowan, Nicole Neal, Kari Dale, Rick Dopps, Luke Studer.

Tuesday, Dec. 21:
Timaree (Ice) Axlund, Laura (Winter) Anderson, Matt Jahraus, Thomas Ahlers, Isaac Vogel, Eric Sprenkle, Sarah Gran, Delaney Uecker, Allison Gundon, Jamie Goff, Chris Frost, David Zellmer, Evan Nielsen, Caitlin Bingner, Colt Norman, Brad Moore, Tyler Moodie, Erica Schipper.

Wednesday, Dec. 22:
Gerad Johnson, Brandon Rausch, Neil Eichstadt, Cameron Bullard, Twila Merkwan, Jeff Adel, Susan (Erickson) Ogan, Seneca Hertel.

Thursday, Dec. 23:
Maranda Ehrenfried, Jeremy DeWitt, Terry Mattke, Susan Colleran, Kesiah (Pearson) Frederick, Dietrich Johnson.
— 12th anniversary, Eddie/Reina Welch.
— 15th anniversary, Kyle/Jeannie Kafka.

HOCKEY UPDATE

SDAHA boys varsity standings: (Wins-Losses-Ties-O.T.losses-Points)
(1) Rushmore 7-0-0-0 14
(2) Brookings 4-0-0-0 8
(2) Oahe 4-1-0-0 8
(4) Sioux Falls #1 2-0-0-0 4
(4) Sioux Center 2-2-0-0 4
(6) Aberdeen 1-0-0-1 3
(7) Watertown 1-2-0-0 2
(8) Sioux Falls #2 0-3-0-1 1
(9) Huron 0-2-0-0 0
(9) Yankton 0-4-0-0 0
(9) Mitchell 0-5-0-0 0

SDAHA girls varsity standings:
(1) Aberdeen 7-0-0-0 14
(2) Mitchell 4-0-0-0 8
(2) Sioux Falls 4-0-0-0 8
(2) Brookings 4-4-0-0 8
(2) Huron 4-7-0-0 8
(6) Watertown 3-4-0-0 6
(7) Oahe 2-2-0-1 5
(8) Rushmore 2-5-0-0 4
(9) Sioux Center 1-4-0-1 3
(10) Yankton 1-4-0-0 2

Oahe Capitals boys varsity: In a battle of unbeaten teams led the Rushmore Thunder in Rapid City by 3-0, but the Thunder scored twice in the second period and three times in the third to deal the Capitals their first loss, 5-3. Ashton Griese scored once and Carter Sanderson twice for Oahe. Kieran Duffy made 37 saves. Now 4-1, the Capitals will be home against Yankton at 7 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.

Oahe Capitals girls varsity: The girls lost to Sioux Falls, 9-2. Oahe goals were scored by Brylee Kafka and Ashton Lee, and Abagail Stewart Fromm made 36 saves. The girls are home vs. Yankton at 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.

Sioux Falls Stampede: After a weather postponement vs. Sioux City Friday, the Stampede lost twice to Tri-City, 3-2 in a shootout and 4-1. Sioux Falls goes to Lincoln Friday, and Lincoln comes to Sioux Falls Saturday.

Aberdeen Wings: The Wings swept Minot, 4-1 and 5-4 in a shootout. Aberdeen is home Friday and Saturday vs. St. Cloud.

Badlands Sabres: The Sabres swept a pair from Sheridan, 5-2 and 5-4. The Rapid City club is home Friday and Saturday vs. Bozeman.

Rapid City Rush: The Rush lost to Kansas City, 2-1, but since has won three in a row—7-3 and 5-2 over Kansas City and 2-1 at Idaho last night. Rapid City stays at Idaho for Friday and Saturday games.

Minnesota Wild: The Wild won its eighth straight game, 5-2 over San Jose, before losing to Los Angeles, 2-1, and to Vegas, 6-4. Tuesday’s game against Carolina was postponed due to a COVID outbreak on the Hurricanes team. Minnesota is home vs. Buffalo Thursday and Florida Saturday, then goes to Dallas Monday.

BASKETBALL UPDATE

Sioux Falls Skyforce: Both weekend games vs. Windy City were postponed due to poor travel weather. The Force is off until a game at Santa Cruz Dec. 29.

Minnesota Timberwolves: After a 136-104 loss to Utah and a 123-106 loss to Cleveland, the Wolves outscored Portland, 116-111, and last night won at Denver, 124-107. Now 13-15, Minnesota is home vs. the Los Angeles Lakers Friday and Dallas Sunday, then goes to Dallas Tuesday.

WORDS OF WISDOM

“It’s great to be great, but it’s far greater to be human.”
— The late U.S. Sen. Robert Dole

PARKER’S PERSONAL NOTES

• The Minnesota volleyball team that defeated the USD women in the first round of the NCAA Tournament went all the way to the regional finals before losing to Wisconsin. These teams play spectacular smash-mouth volleyball. The Final Four have won their regionals and play in the national semifinals tonight (Thursday) with Wisconsin vs. Louisville at 6 p.m. CST, followed by Nebraska vs. Pitt at 8:30. Go, Big Red! The championship match is Saturday. You can find the matches on one of the ESPN networks.
• Technology these days is great, but wait a minute! I walked into the Central-Pierre boys basketball game Saturday afternoon. Realizing I had forgotten to pick up a printed program containing the teams’ rosters, I went back to the lobby and was told they don’t print programs any more, but “you can get the lineups if you use your phone.” What???!!! I have to have a smart phone to get the players’ uniform numbers? No thanks.
• In past years I have skimmed through all of the family Christmas letters I have received to get news items for the Midweek Update. I will do that again, so if you want to be included, send me your Christmas letter at this address: Parker Knox, 5285 Mercury Dr., Rapid City SD 57703.
• The schedule for the Midweek Update: regular issue next Thursday, Dec. 23; no issue Dec. 30; back as usual Thursday, Jan. 6.
• It couldn’t be called a “snow day” because the temperature in Lincoln yesterday was to be 71 degrees. However, the public schools in the Nebraska capital city closed for the day due to . . . . . wait for it . . . . . the wind! Of course there was a monster storm headed for the Midwest in the forecast, so the school people took the necessary precautions to not have the kids in school buildings. Fortunately the storm passed Lincoln with minimal damage before heading northeastward.

GOLF UPDATE

PGA Champions Tour (Tom Byrum): The tour is playing in Orlando at the PNC Championships this weekend.

FOOTBALL UPDATE

NFL games on local TV (subject to change by the networks):
Thursday: Kansas City vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 7:20 p.m., Fox and NFL Network.
Saturday: Las Vegas at Cleveland, 3:30 p.m., NFL Network.
Saturday: New England at Indianapolis, 7:15 p.m., NFL Network.
Sunday: Tennessee at Pittsburgh, noon, CBS.
Sunday: Dallas at New York Giants, noon, Fox.
Sunday: Green Bay at Baltimore, 3:25 p.m., Fox.
Sunday: New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 7:20 p.m., NBC.
Monday: Minnesota at Chicago, 7:15 p.m., ESPN.

Minnesota Vikings: Leading 29-0 in the third quarter against Pittsburgh, the Vikings held on for dear life to escape with a 36-28 win. It was their 10th straight game decided by one score or less. Minnesota’s next game is at Chicago on Monday night.

MIDCO SPORTS NETWORK LIVE GAMES

Friday, 5:45 p.m.: Boys basketball, West Fargo vs. Fargo North.
Friday, 7:15 p.m.: Girls basketball, West Fargo vs. Fargo North.
Saturday, 3 p.m.: Boys basketball, Sioux Falls Christian vs. Sioux Falls O’Gorman (MS2).
Saturday, 4 p.m.: Men’s basketball, Northern vs. St. Cloud State.
Saturday, 6 p.m.: Women’s basketball, Northern vs. St. Cloud State.
Monday, 7 p.m.: Men’s basketball, USD vs. Oral Roberts.
Monday, 7 p.m.: Men’s basketball, SDSU vs. Kansas City (MS2).
Tuesday, 5:45 p.m.: Girls basketball, Fargo Davies vs. West Fargo.
Tuesday, 7 p.m.: Boys basketball, Fargo Davies vs. West Fargo.
Wednesday, 7 p.m.: Men’s basketball, SDSU vs. Oral Roberts.
Wednesday, 7 p.m.: Women’s basketball, UND vs. NDSU (MS2).

FOOTBALL CONTESTS #19 AND #20

In our contest last week Eric James and Levi Neuharth had 9-1 records to earn 10 points each. Eric missed only Army’s loss, and Levi’s only wrong guess was the Bengals, who lost to the 49ers. At 8-2 for nine points each were Greg Dean, Kyle Richards, Mikal Kern, David Ludwig and Randy Pool. At 7-3 for eight points each were Jon Boer, Seb Axtman, Thonas Voeltz, Dawn Magee, Nathan Vetter and Jason Noyes.

With the plethora of bowl games and the windup of the NFL season ahead, we have two contests this week and three next week, so watch for them! In the meantime, here we go:

Contest #19 (send your 10 winners to parkerhome16@hotmail.com by tomorrow/Friday afternoon):
(1) FCS national semifinal: James Madison at North Dakota State
(2) Cure Bowl: Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina
(3) New Mexico Bowl: Fresno State vs. Texas-El Paso (UTEP)
(4) Independence Bowl: BYU vs. Alabama-Birmingham (UAB)
(5) NFL: Las Vegas at Cleveland
(6) NFL: New England at Indianapolis
(7) NFL: Green Bay at Baltimore
(8) NFL: Washington at Philadelphia
(9) NFL: Cincinnati at Denver
(10) NFL: Tennessee at Pittsburgh

Contest #20 (send your 10 winners to parkerhome16@hotmail.com by Saturday morning):
(1) Lending Tree Bowl: Eastern Michigan vs. Liberty
(2) L.A. Bowl: Oregon State vs. Utah State
(3) New Orleans Bowl: Louisiana vs. Marshall
(4) Myrtle Beach Bowl: Tulsa vs. Old Dominion
(5) Idaho Potato Bowl: Kent State vs. Wyoming
(6) Frisco Bowl: San Diego State vs. Texas-San Antonio (UTSA)
(7) Armed Forces Bowl: Missouri vs. Army
(8) Gasparilla Bowl: Florida vs. Central Florida (UCF)
(9) Hawaii Bowl: Memphis at Hawaii
(10) FCS national semifinal: South Dakota State at Montana State

NEWS OF PEOPLE AND EVENTS

Kim Malsam-Rysdon will leave the Department of Health as its cabinet secretary at the end of the first week of January. She has been secretary of the DOH since 2015. She will be replaced by Joan Adam, who is currently division director for administration at the Department of Health, a department for which Adam has worked for 20 years. (News courtesy of “Today’s KCCR News.”)

Our sympathy to the Guthrie family. Clark’s mother, June Guthrie of Murdo, passed away Dec. 8 at the age of 92.

Wayde Wieczorek, 25, died Dec. 3 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls a week after sustaining injuries in a car accident. His funeral was held Dec. 10 at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. Wayde attended Stanley County High School and briefly attended Black Hills State. He returned to Fort Pierre, then to Sioux Falls. He has been working in Sioux Falls and Aberdeen. Wayde and Jenny Schlepp became parents of a son in June of 2018. He is survived by his son, Liam Wieczorek of Aberdeen; his mother, Jeri Wieczorek (Wade Falor), Fort Pierre; his father, Brian (Kim) Wieczorek, Pierre; his siblings, Chad (Rachel Smith) Wieczorek, Columbia, S.C., and Kenna and Reid Wieczorek, Fort Pierre; his step-siblings, Drayton of Pierre and Mikayla (Austin Krier) of Sioux Falls; his significant other, Maddie Smith of Sioux Falls, and Liam’s mother, Jenny Schlepp of Aberdeen as well as many other relatives.

Alberta (Flansburg) Olson’s 6-year-old grandson, Mason Carlson, has a challenge to collect a Christmas card and envelope from each of the 50 states. If you are an out-of-state Midweek Update reader, consider sending a card and envelope to Mason at 519 N. Lincoln, Canton SD 57013.

Lacey Hepker of Onida graduated magna cum laude last weekend from Black Hills State University with a bachelor of science degree in English.

Charlotte Conway, 89, died Dec. 8. A rosary service will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, followed by Mass of Christian Burial there at 10 a.m. Charlotte graduated from high school at Parker in 1950 and taught two years at Harrisburg after earning an associate degree at Mount Marty. She married Donald Conway in 1954, and they made their home in Pierre. Charlotte taught at Lincoln Elementary for two years, then retired from teaching to raise their three children. In 1972 she joined the Greater South Dakota Association, which later became the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She became director of that organization’s Youth Business Adventure and stayed in that position until retiring in 2009. Charlotte is survived by her son, Steve (Laura) Conway of San Jose, Calif.; her daughters, Kathy (James) Rath of Del Ray Beach, Fla., and Nancy (Ron) Bugay of Pierre; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and four siblings, Vernon (Alice) Staebell, Dolores (Alvin) Cink, Dennis (Carolyn) Staebell and William (Marty) Staebell.

Pierre Players has announced its cast members for the midwinter show, “Making God Laugh.” Directed by Alisa Bousa and Scott Lee, the show will feature a cast that includes Tonya Ness, Andrew Yaeger, Megan Bauck, Aaron Siebersma and Earl Turner.

Jeff Garrett’s son Josh of Boulder, Colo., rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange one morning last week. Josh is the owner of Solid Power, a company that manufactures batteries for electric cars. This year Ford Motor Company is using his batteries in all of their electric vehicles. Josh is also the grandson of Betty Garrett of Pierre.

We see high school seniors signing their college letters of intent all the time, but it may have been a first when Riggs senior Adisyn Kuxhaus signed a letter of intent to attend South Dakota State and participate on the Jackrabbit equestrian team.

Pfc. Hunter Jordan died in Pierre on Dec. 4. A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at Feigum Funeral Home, preceded by visitation starting at noon. Hunter attended school at McIntosh until his senior year and graduated from Riggs High School in 2019. His military service began in February 2018 when he joined the National Guard’s 200th Engineer Company’s Mobridge detachment. He later transferred to the 200th’s Pierre platoon. He graduated from basic combat training and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He is survived by his parents, James and LaKisha Jordan, and his brother, Jackson.

Among the winter commencement graduates from Northern State University last weekend were Joe King of Pierre with a bachelor of science degree in biology and an allied health certificate and Dustann Norris of Blunt (magna cum laude) with a bachelor of science in education with emphasis on elementary and special education.

The Christmas concerts by the local vocal group Surprise Package will take place at First United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.

Yvonne Stroup, 97, Salem, died Dec. 4 at Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater. Services will be held in the spring. She, her husband Lee, and their family made their home in Salem. She is survived by a son, Doug Stroup of Salem; a daughter, Peggy (Monty) Bechtold of Pierre; three granddaughters, Kelley (Stu) Larson of Sioux Falls, Cori (Brandon) Haag of Pierre, and Bailey (Mic) Johnson of Tea; eight great-grandchildren, and a sister, Joyce Bunjer of Omaha.

Midwest Construction and Development, a company owned by Mark and Glennis Zarecky and their children, has been honored as Family Business of the Year for 2021 by the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce.

Terah Zebroski, 50, of Winnemucca, Nev., passed away unexpectedly Dec. 8. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at the Boys & Girls Club in Winnemucca. She was the wife of Onida native Ted Zebroski. Other survivors include her daughter, Ava; her son, Lennox; her son, Jonathan (Crystal); her mother, Linda Smith; her brother, Bryan Smith; her mother-in-law, Beverly Zebroski of Onida, and other relatives.

PONDER THIS

“You never really know what’s coming. A small wave or maybe a big one. All you can really do is hope that, when it comes, you can surf over it, instead of drown in its monstrosity.”
— Alysha Speer