THOUGHT FOR TODAY

“To now find ourselves heading into a third year of this, knowing that the greatest danger is not the virus itself but the selfishness and ignorance and lack of compassion of the people we are tethered to here—that is something that for as long as I live I will never understand.

“We missed a year because an invisible enemy violently stole it away. We missed a second year because people we live alongside could not be persuaded to be decent. Heading into a new year, I shudder to think how much more we will lose, knowing we are still fiercely fighting this relentless virus as well as human beings who have witnessed the same death and sickness and suffering we have and simply don’t give a damn.

“We should be through this, but we are not. We’re not because people refuse to do the right thing. That is a tragedy.”
— John Pavlovitz

ELECTION DEADLINES

Candidate petition-filing deadlines:
— March 29 for primary election candidates.
— April 26 for independent candidates.

Voter registration deadlines:
— May 23 for June 7 primary election.
— Oct. 24 for Nov. 8 general election.

Absentee voting:
— Begins April 22 for the June 7 primary election.
— Begins Sept. 23 for the Nov. 8 general election.

PIERRE GOVERNORS SPORTS ROUNDUP

This week’s schedules:
— THURSDAY
Gymnastics: home triangular meet.
Boys basketball: home vs. Sioux Falls Lincoln.
Girls wrestling: at Bismarck Legacy.
Boys wrestling: at Bismarck Legacy.
— FRIDAY
Boys wrestling: at Lyman tournament, Presho.
— SATURDAY
Girls wrestling: at Lyman tournament, Presho.
Boys wrestling: at Lyman tournament, Presho.
Gymnastics: at Brookings invitational.
Boys basketball: at Sioux Falls Washington.
Girls basketball: home vs. Sioux Falls Washington.
— TUESDAY
Girls basketball: home vs. Lakota Tech.
Boys basketball: at Winner.

Gymnastics: Pierre dominated the Rapid City schools in a triangular at Rapid City with 128.7 points to Stevens’ 59.8 and Central’s 57.95. In the all-around standings Emmy Loe was second with a 32.9 score, and Nevaeh Karber was third at 31.75. Karber won the bars with Loe second. In floor exercise Loe was second and Emerie Stephens fourth. On the beam Ryen Sheppick placed second and Isabel Jirsa third. In the vault Stephens and Natalie Flottmeyer were Pierre’s best, tying for second.

Girls basketball: The Governors, down by nine points in the fourth quarter, rallied to take a 46-45 lead at Sioux Falls Lincoln but lost the game, 47-46. Remi Price was high scorer with 16 points. Pierre is now 2-3.

STANLEY COUNTY BUFFALOES SPORTS ROUNDUP

This week’s schedules:
— THURSDAY
Girls basketball: home vs. McLaughlin. Postponed.
Boys basketball: home vs. McLaughlin. Postponed.
Gymnastics: at Pierre triangular.
— FRIDAY
Wrestling: at Lyman tournament, Presho.
— SATURDAY
Wrestling: at Lyman tournament, Presho.
Girls basketball: vs. Estelline-Hendricks at Redfield Classic.
Gymnastics: home for Stanley County invitational.
— SUNDAY
Cheer/dance: home meet.
— TUESDAY
Girls basketball: home vs. Potter County.

Girls basketball: The Buffaloes lost to Highmore-Harrold, 52-22, and are now 1-5 for the season. Jordyn Sosa had eight points and Taylee Stroup seven.

Boys basketball: SCHS won over Highmore-Harrold, 49-28. The Buffaloes, now 4-1, were led by Lathan Prince with 11 points, Cormac Duffy with 120 and Stran Scott with nine.

SULLY BUTTES CHARGERS SPORTS ROUNDUP

This week’s schedules:
— THURSDAY
Boys basketball: home vs. Highmore-Harrold.
— FRIDAY
Wrestling: at Lyman tournament, Presho.
Girls basketball: at Highmore-Harrold.
— SATURDAY
Wrestling: at Lyman tournament, Presho.
Girls basketball: vs. Florence-Henry at Redfield Classic.
— TUESDAY
Boys basketball: at Ipswich.

Boys basketball: The Chargers lost to host Parkston, 65-56, at the Parkston Classic. The Sully Buttes boys are now 0-4.

Girls basketball: Two more wins in the past week—43-20 over Menno at the Parkston Classic and 59-41 over Philip—lifted the Chargers to a 6-1 record. In the Philip game Lydia Hill had 20 points and Stevie Wittler 15.

COUNTDOWN

2 days: FCS national championship game, Frisco, Texas (Jan. 8).
4 days: FBS national championship game, Indianapolis (Jan. 10).
5 days: Legislative session begins (Jan. 11).
9 days: NFL playoffs begin (Jan. 15).
11 days: Dr. Martin Luther King Day (Jan. 17).
22 days: Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo, Rapid City (Jan. 28-Feb. 6).
25 days: Grammy awards, CBS-TV (Jan. 31). Postponed
28 days: State one-act play festival, Rapid City Central (Feb. 3-5).
29 days: Winter Olympics opening ceremonies, Beijing (Feb. 4).
36 days: State gymnastics meet, Mitchell (Feb. 11-12).
38 days: Super Bowl LVI, Los Angeles (Feb. 13).
39 days: Valentines Day (Feb. 14).

COLLEGE SPORTS ROUNDUP

Summit League men’s basketball standings: SDSU 3-0, Oral Roberts 3-1, St. Thomas 2-1, NDSU 1-1, Kansas City 1-1, Western Illinois 1-2, Denver 1-2, Omaha 1-2, UND 0-1, USD 0-2.

Summit League women’s basketball standings: USD 4-0, SDSU 4-0, Western Illinois 2-1, St. Thomas 2-1, Oral Roberts 1-2, Omaha 1-2, NDSU 1-2, Kansas City 0-2, Denver 0-2, UND 0-3.

Dakota Wesleyan wrestling (Tyson Johnson): After a long holiday break, the Tigers resume wrestling at St. Thomas (Fla.) Friday.

Mary wrestling (Lincoln Turman): The Marauders swamped Dickinson State in a dual, 44-9. Lincoln, wrestling at 141 pounds, won his match in an 8-3 decision. Now 4-0 in duals, Mary will face four dual opponent from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in a duals tournament Saturday at Gunnison, Colo.

Dakota Wesleyan track-field (Cobey Carr, Abby Ferris, Morgan Oedekoven): The Tigers haven’t competed for several weeks, but they resume at Dordt College’s meet Jan. 15.

Dakota Wesleyan men’s basketball (Nick Wittler): The Tigers lost twice in GPAC play this week. In a 69-58 loss to Northwestern, Nick did not score and had two boards. Last night DWU lost to Briar Cliff, 76-64, and Nick was 3-of-7 (2-of-5 in threes) and 1-of-2 for nine points. DWU is now 6-9 overall and 3-5 in the conference. The Tigers go to Concordia Saturday and return home vs. Midland next Wednesday.

South Dakota men’s basketball: The Coyotes’ two games on their scheduled North Dakota road trip to UND and NDSU were canceled. After a long layoff they have to play at SDSU at 6 p.m. Saturday on MS2. The UND game will be made up Monday at 7 p.m. on Midco Sports Network.

South Dakota women’s basketball: USD defeated NDSU, 65-38, as Chloe was 10-of-16 (5-of-7 in threes) and 2-of-3 for 27 points with one rebound, four assists and four steals. Then the Coyotes whipped UND just as badly, 85-46, and Chloe was 2-of-6 (1-of-4 in three-pointers) and 1-of-2 for seven points with four boards and two assists. Now 11-4 overall and 4-0 in the Summit, USD hosts SDSU in a battle for first place at 1 p.m. Saturday on Midco Sports Network. Chloe Lamb was named Summit League Player of the Week.

Augustana track-field (Elizabeth Schaefer): The Vikings resume the indoor season at Minnesota State-Mankato’s meet Jan. 14.

Augustana women’s basketball (Katie Bourk, Aislinn Duffy): The Viking women are 7-5 overall and 3-5 in the NSIC after beating Wayne State, 74-63. Aislinn was 5-of-7 and 3-of-4 for 13 points with seven rebounds, one assist and a blocked shot. Augie is home Friday vs. MSU-Moorhead and Saturday vs. Northern State.

Colorado Mines women’s basketball (Liz Holter): The Orediggers are 12-1 overall and still unbeaten at 7-0 in the RMAC after a 67-55 win over Black Hills State. Liz, who is the granddaughter of Milt and Dawn Morris of Pierre, had five points, four rebounds, four assists and four steals in the BHSU game. The next game is at home in Golden against New Mexico Highlands on Saturday.

Northern State track-field (Rachel Guthmiller): The Wolves’ indoor season resumes in a dual against University of Mary Jan. 15.

Black Hills State track-field (Frank Becker): The Yellowjackets after the holiday break return to competition on their home track for a Jan. 14-15 meet.

Dakota State track-field (Houston Lunde): The first 2022 meet on the Trojans’ schedule is Mount Marty’s meet Jan. 15.

Mount Marty men’s basketball (Lincoln Jordre): The Lancers lost to Drake, 82-53; then lost to Dordt in GPAC play, 83-73. In that game Lincoln was 1-of-4 for two points with two rebounds, two blocks and a steal. Last night Mount Marty won its first league game after nine straight defeats, 70-67 in overtime over Concordia. Lincoln was 0-of-3 and 1-of-2 for a point with three boards. Now 5-14 overall, MMC is off till next Wednesday at home vs. Northwestern.

South Dakota State swimming (Morgan Nelson): The Jackrabbits return to the pool for competition in a home dual against St. Cloud State Jan. 15.

South Dakota State men’s basketball: After the holiday layoff the Jackrabbits stayed perfect in the Summit League at 3-0 with a 90-86 squeaker win over North Dakota State. The SDSU-UND game was postponed. Now 12-4 overall, SDSU hosts USD at 6 p.m. Saturday on Midco Sports Two.

South Dakota State women’s basketball: The Jackrabbits are 8-7 overall and 4-0 in the Summit League after sweeping the North Dakota schools. SDSU beat UND, 72-54, and NDSU, 77-60. SDSU plays at USD at 1 p.m. Saturday on Midco Sports Network.

South Dakota State track-field (Addy Eisenbeisz): After the long holiday break the Jacks will resume the indoor season at NDSU’s Bison Cup meet Jan. 15.

South Dakota Mines track-field (Erick Colman): The Hardrockers have more of their holiday break to endure before their next meet at Black Hills State Jan. 29-30.

North Dakota State football (Grey Zabel): The Bison are in Frisco, Texas, for the FCS national championship game vs. Montana State Saturday at 11 a.m. CST on ESPN2.

Morningside bowling (Alex Badger): After their holiday break the Mustang bowlers return to action in a tournament at Addison, Ill., Jan. 16-17.

Wyoming wrestling (Tate Samuelson): The Cowboys return to the mat Sunday in a dual at South Dakota State.

WORDS OF WISDOM

“You don’t get to refuse vaccines and masks, oppose all mandates and social distancing, spread lies about mandates being unconstitutional, file lawsuits to overturn all protective health measures in your state and then ask why Biden hasn’t ended the pandemic yet. You know YOU’RE the reason.”
— Andrew Wortman

WEDDING DAYS

Jan. 6: Anthony Hoekman/Angie Iverson.

PARKER’S PERSONAL NOTES

• As I was on house-manager duty in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center on a recent night during a concert inside the theater, I looked across Columbus Street to see that the lights of a van in the parking lot were on. Assuming the lights would eventually turn off on their own as car lights tend to do these days, I looked back over that way a few minutes later. The lights were still on. So I walked over to the vehicle, expecting to find either (1) somebody inside or (2) the car running. Neither was the case. I tried the door handle, expecting to find the vehicle locked. It was not. I climbed into the driver’s seat and discovered that the lights were still on because the keys were still in the ignition switch and the ignition switch was still turned on! Since that night, I have tried to imagine the circumstances under which the people in that van—especially the driver!—got out and left the parking lot, not a one of them noticing that the lights were still on and the driver hadn’t taken the keys with him. After the concert I noticed that people did leave the theater, get into the van and drive away. I wonder if the driver noticed that, although his keys were in the ignition switch, the ignition switch had been turned off by me.
• In this issue of The Midweek Update I traditionally make the annual presentation of the Parkie Awards. Not this year! Last January I began, as I always do, listing events, people, quotes, and more that happen so that, when the end of the year arrives, I will remember the highlights of the year and make my Parkie Awards accordingly. However, midway through 2021, my compilation of people and events disappeared from my laptop. It just up and disappeared one day, never to be found again. So I gave up on doing the awards for 2021. I hope I’m still around a year from now so that I can properly “honor” those people and events that deserve such awards for 2022. Just as she would have been for this year, Kristi “Wash Your Hands” Noem will likely be a prime candidate for several of the awards unless she undergoes a rapid change.
• With so many football games on TV during the past two holiday weeks, I saw numerous commercials numerous times. I want Progressive Insurance to know that I am sick and tired of the guy who talks about those “young homeowners who have become their parents.” The same is true of the woman in red from head to toe, including her high high-heels, on the Verizon commercials. She walks as if she is trudging through snow drifts in her high heels.
• With the Winter Olympics only a month away, our interest in wintertime sports reaches a new high. You who watch only the figure skating during the endless hours of Olympics telecasts should know that the U.S. figure skating championships are on this weekend. The women’s free will be on NBC Friday at 7 p.m. CST; the pairs on USA Saturday night at 6 p.m., and the men’s free on NBC Sunday at 1 p.m.
• The two big health systems based in Sioux Falls, Avera and Sanford, have released their lists of the most popular baby names of 2021. At Avera the most used girls names, in order, were Lilian, Willow, Elizabeth, Charlotte and Sophia, and the boys list included Lucas, Theodore, Charles, Oliver and Henry. Over at Sanford the most popular baby names for newborn girls were Amelia, Emma, Harper, Charlotte, Evelyn and Olivia, and the boys list was topped by Oliver, Henry Theodore, Jack, Asher and Liam.
• South Dakota Public Broadcasting listed its top 10 high school-age sports moments of 2021, and Pierre was involved in two of them. At #6 was the final seconds of the state team duals wrestling tournament when Hayden Shaffer, with the Governors trailing Stevens by three points, suddenly pinned his Stevens opponent in the final seconds to win the championship for the Governors. At #3 was Cole Peterson’s clutch championship-winning field goal as Pierre dealt Tea Area its first loss in the 11AA title game.
• My newsroom boss at the Capital Journal from 1989 to 2004, Dana Hess, who more recently has been covering the Legislature for member papers of the South Dakota Newspaper Association, is giving up on covering the Legislature. In his op-ed piece in several papers last week, he concluded, “If I had to place bets on the outcome of the next legislative session, I’d say that some lawmakers will be working overtime to enhance their conservative credentials. There are likely already efforts under way to write legislation to mimic the Texas monstrosity that turns citizens into anti-abortion vigilantes. I’m Catholic and believe in the sanctity of life, but laws that pit citizens against citizens are not what this country should be about. In journalism circles in South Dakota we often bemoan the fact that there are fewer and fewer reporters writing about the Legislature. Now there’s one less, and I feel bad about that. But not bad enough to force myself back into the press box and try to write objectively about legislation and resolutions that I know are silly, symbolic, wrong-headed and cruel.”
• Brace yourself for the next two months. The Legislature comes back starting Tuesday. God, help us. We can be sure the state’s most critical issues—those transgender athletes who are supposedly taking away all of our poor daughters’ opportunities; inserting God into the public schools; who can use which bathrooms; anything about guns and making them more available; of course abortion and whether a pack of men should be deciding what individual women can do with their own bodies; overturning anything we the public approved with our votes; which parts of actual history should and which should not be taught in the public schools so that we educate even more conservatives in this state; making it more difficult if not impossible for citizens on the reservations to vote, and on and on—will occupy the legislators’ minds for most of January. After that, who knows what they will come up with. For sure there will be some solutions to problems that don’t exist. It is, of course, an election year, so anything this Republican body can do to impress those thousands of South Dakota conservatives who, when they cast their ballots, simply check the Republican column is fair game.
• Legendary TV and movie actress Betty White from “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “Golden Girls” passed away last week three weeks before her 100th birthday. I believe it was actor Ryan Reynolds who said of Betty, “It says so much about your life and legacy when people think you died too soon at 99.”
• I noticed that Rapid City Post 22 released its 2022 baseball schedule, and Pierre Post 8 will be at the beautifully renovated Fitzgerald Stadium June 10-11, playing the Hardhats on both days and also taking on Casper on June 11. The Fitz will be the scene of the state Legion tournament July 27-31 and the Central Plains Regional Aug. 3-7. Since Post 22 will be host of the Central Plains Regional, whichever other South Dakota team finishes highest at the state tournament will advance to the regional as the state’s official representative. Remember, that’s what happened in 1994 when Pierre Post 8 reached the championship games of the state tourney at Hyde Stadium against Post 22 and, although the Hardhats won the state title, Pierre also went to the regional where they eliminated the Minnesota and Iowa state champs before being eliminated themselves by an Omaha team that went on to the Legion World Series.
• It was one year ago today. The pictures unfolding on television made our jaws drop. It was like a scene from some third-world country where mobs control the government and change it whenever they have the desire to do so. People were breaking into, climbing all over and destroying parts of the U.S. Capitol, assaulting police officers and hunting down Congressmen, and down the street at the White House, the sitting President of the United States, having ordered—or at least strongly suggested—the rioters do what they did, watched for hours. Did he or any of those unruly scumbags really believe that in this country the person sitting in the highest office of the land could be determined by physical force and violence? What if Vice President Pence that day had not signed off on the certification of the electoral votes of the 50 states? Would the people of the United States, millions of us, have stood by and watched the end of our democracy and allowed the election loser to stay in office? I especially would like to know what South Dakota’s trio in Congress would have done or said—anything? nothing? Trump has spent the last year egging on his millions of followers, some of whom apparently actually believe that the election was “stolen.” If he runs again—and he almost certainly will do so—will he and his mobs accept the results of the 2024 presidential election if they don’t go their way? Are we in for this mob rule all over again? The government of this country unbelievably is on shaky ground these days. With Republicans and Trumpers in control in so many states, with their having changed voting laws to favor themselves and their man, and with the Republicans almost certain to regain control of both sides of the Congress, I shudder to think what is ahead. I won’t be around much longer to see what becomes of this country, to see who will stand up against this vile man and his white-supremacist, ultra-conservative sheep and to see if the U.S.A. will survive as we know it or if it somehow is allowed by its own people to become a place like one of those third-world countries where only the strongest and the most violent prevail, but my grandchildren and their kids will be. As U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who is part of the bipartisan committee investigating the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol, said the other day, “We are in the fight of our lives to save the American democracy.” If that doesn’t scare the daylights out of you and give you reason to worry, you must be one of them. And I don’t understand what it is for which you are fighting and what kind of country you really want this to be.

ELECTION UPDATE

A proposal to expand Medicaid eligibility in South Dakota—one of only 12 states not to do so—will appear on the general election ballot in November. That was revealed Monday when the petitions to put the issue on the ballot were validated. It is called Constitutional Amendment D.

At the present time passage of that amendment to the state constitution would require only a simple majority. However, if Constitutional Amendment C passes each party’s primary election in June, passage of Amendment D in November will require a 60% approval.

Republicans in the Legislature who control what goes on in this state put that issue on the primary ballots because it is likely that the vast majority of people who vote in June will be Republicans since they will have candidate issues to decide. The Republican leaders assume that Democrats and Independents will not bother to go to the polls to vote simply on Amendment C since their ballots will, for the most part, be void of candidate contests. They must assume that the majority of Republican voters will follow their lead and approve Amendment C, requiring 60% approval for the Medicaid issue and other subsequent measures to come before voters.

CORONAVIRUS ROUNDUP

Yesterday’s Department of Health COVID report showed that the South Dakota death toll from the virus has, as expected, passed the 2,500 mark and now stands at 2,507, pending today’s daily report.

The number of new cases since Tuesday reported yesterday was 2,254, and the number of hospitalizations in the state reached the highest number in more than a year. As of yesterday’s report the number of South Dakotans who had contracted COVID stood at 183,030.

• Last Thursday Sanford Health said that, of 180 hospitalized with COVID at its Sioux Falls hospital, nearly 92% were unvaccinated. Of the 25 hospitalized at Monument Health, 72% were unvaccinated.
• The Crow Creek school at Stephan announced it will allow no fans to attend home sports events for the rest of the basketball season.
• Masks will be required at all times except when drinking or eating at the Vikings-Bears game Sunday, due to the city-wide mask mandate in Minneapolis.
• Mayo Clinic at Rochester confirmed it has fired approximately 700 employees who refused to get vaccinated.
• The president of France, Emmanel Macron, said, “The unvaccinated. I really want to bug them. And so we will continue to do so, to the end. That’s the strategy.”

HOCKEY UPDATE

Rapid City Rush: The Rush split four games vs. Utah, winning 3-0 and 3-1 and losing 4-3 in overtime and 6-4. Rapid City will be home Friday, Saturday and Sunday against Iowa.

Minnesota Wild: The Wild haven’t won a game since Dec. 9. In the past two weeks they lost the Winter Classic outdoor game to St. Louis, 4-1, and had games against Winnipeg and Ottawa postponed because of the COVID restrictions in Canada. Minnesota plays at Boston tonight and at home vs. Washington Saturday. Monday and Wednesday games next week against Canadian foes have already been postponed.

Badlands Sabres: A strong Helena team swept the Sabres, 6-2 and 7-3. Badlands will be home Friday and Saturday against Yellowstone.

Aberdeen Wings: The Wings swept a pair from St. Cloud, 5-3 and 2-1. Aberdeen goes Friday and Saturday to North Iowa.

Sioux Falls Stampede: The Stampede defeated Omaha, 3-2, and lost to Fargo, 4-1, and are now 10-15-1. Sioux Falls is home Friday vs. Waterloo, on the road to Lincoln Saturday and back home vs. Fargo Sunday.

Oahe Capitals girls varsity: The Caps lost to Mitchell, 4-3. Goals were scored for Oahe by Adisyn Gray, Cameron Larson and Ashton Lee whie Abagail Stewart Fromm made 45 saves. The girls are home vs. Mitchell at 8 p.m. Friday and on the road to Huron for a 3 p.m. Sunday faceoff.

SDAHA girls varsity standings (wins-losses-ties-overtime losses=points): Sioux Falls 10-0-0-0=20, Mitchell 8-1-0-0=16, Aberdeen 8-2-0-0=16, Brookings 6-6-0-0=12, Watertown 5-6-0-0=10, Huron 4-4-0-0=8, Oahe 3-3-1-1=8, Sioux Center 2-8-0-1=5, Rushmore 2-7-0-0=4, Yankton 1-4-1-1=4.

Oahe Capitals boys varsity: The boys defeated Sioux Falls #2, 6-4, as Ashton Griese and Jarron Beck scored two goals each and Devin Dodson and Barret Schweitzer a goal each. Kieran Duffy made nine saves. On Sunday the Caps lost for only the second time all season when Brookings beat them, 5-2. Keenan Howard and Grayson Hunsley had the Capital goals, and Carter Schulz made 27 saves in the nets. The Caps get another shot at Brookings at home in the Expo Center at 7 p.m. Saturday, then host Mitchell at 4 p.m. Sunday.

SDAHA boys varsity standings (wins-losses-ties-overtime losses=points): Brookings 7-0-0-0=14, Rushmore 7-0-0-0=14, Oahe 7-2-0-0=14, Sioux Falls #1 6-0-0-0=12, Aberdeen 3-1-0-1=7, Sioux Center 2-2-1-0=5, Watertown 2-5-0-0=4, Sioux Falls #2 1-6-0-1=3, Mitchell 0-6-1-0=1, Huron 0-4-0-0=0, Yankton 0-1-0-0=0.

GOLF UPDATE

PGA Champions Tour (Tom Byrum): The 2022 Champions Tour schedule begins at the Mitsubishi tournament in Hawaii Jan. 17-22.

BASKETBALL UPDATE

Sioux Falls Skyforce: All three games of a series against Santa Cruz—one in California and two in Sioux Falls—were postponed. The Skyforce is home tonight vs. Iowa, plays at Salt Lake City Saturday and Monday and goes on to Aqua Caliente next Wednesday.

Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves lost to Utah, beat Boston, lost to New York, Utah and the Los Angeles Lakers, beat the Los Angeles Clippers and last night defeated Oklahoma City, 98-90. Minnesota plays at Oklahoma City Friday, at Houston Sunday and at New Orleans Tuesday.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I am opposing a social order in which it is possible for one man who does absolutely nothing that is useful to amass a fortune of hundreds of millions of dollars while millions of men and women who work all the days of their lives secure barely enough for a wretched existence.”
— Eugene V. Debs (1855-1926)

FOOTBALL UPDATE

NFL games on local TV (subject to change by the league and the networks):
Saturday: Kansas City at Denver, 2:30 p.m., ABC and ESPN.
Saturday: Dallas at Philadelphia, 6:15 p.m., ABC and ESPN.
Sunday: Pittsburgh at Baltimore or Indianapolis at Jacksonville or Tennessee at Houston, noon, CBS.
Sunday: Chicago at Minnesota, noon, Fox.
Sunday: San Francisco at Los Angeles Rams or Seattle at Arizona or New Orleans at Atlanta, 3:25 p.m., Fox.
Sunday: Carolina at Tampa Bay or New York Jets at Buffalo or New England at Miami, 3:25 p.m., CBS.
Sunday: Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas, 6:20 p.m., NBC.

Minnesota Vikings: Officially eliminated from playoff contention now, the Vikings lost to the Los Angeles Rams, 30-23, and to Green Bay, 37-10. They are 7-9 heading into the last regular-season game at home Sunday noon against Chicago on Fox.

FOOTBALL CONTEST #25

Send your 10 winners to parkerhome16@hotmail.com by SATURDAY morning, Jan. 8:

(1) NFL: Tennessee at Houston.
(2) NFL: Dallas at Philadelphia.
(3) NFL: New England at Miami.
(4) NFL: New Orleans at Atlanta.
(5) NFL: New York Jets at Buffalo.
(6) NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas.
(7) NFL: Seattle at Arizona.
(8) NFL: San Francisco at Los Angeles Rams.
(9) FCS championship: North Dakota State vs. Montana State.
(10) BCS championship: Georgia vs. Alabama.

MIDCO SPORTS NETWORK LIVE GAMES

— THURSDAY
Women’s basketball: Omaha vs. UND, 7 p.m.
— FRIDAY
Men’s hockey: Cornell vs. UND, 7 p.m.
— SATURDAY
Women’s basketball: Denver vs. UND, 1 p.m. (MS2).
Women’s basketball: SDSU vs. USD, 1 p.m.
Men’s hockey: Cornell vs. UND, 6 p.m.
Men’s basketball: USD vs. SDSU, 6 p.m. (MS2).
— TUESDAY
Girls basketball: Sioux Valley vs. Hamlin, 6 p.m.
Boys basketball: Sioux Valley vs. Hamlin, 8 p.m.

BONUS QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I’m scared to death about the denial of science. Science is real. Science is the most real thing in our world, other than nature. I’m hoping we’ll all get back to a place where we really understand that science is tested knowledge.”
— Harrison Ford

BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES

Thursday, Jan. 6:
Dan Currier, Ruth Ann Scharnweber, Nancy McKenney, Scott Lovald, Brad Englund, Bradley Dean, Stephanie (Ellenbecker) Vandel, Patrick Baker, Deneen Clausen, Riley Hausmann, Crystal Ortbahn.

Friday, Jan. 7:
Lucy Bradley, J.D. Pohlman, Bryan Beck, Kim de Hueck, Peter Mickelson, Alisa (DeMers) Bousa, Amber (Russell) Lockwood, Ellen (Gormley) Hopper, Jordan LaBrie, Hannah Waack, Eileen Briggs.

Saturday, Jan. 8:
Sigrid Wald, Schelle Fuchs, Hudson Jarecke, William Coolidge, Erik Osterkamp, Drew Garry, Keaton Schneider, Perry Job, Grayson Hunsley, Bruce Pearson.

Sunday, Jan. 9:
Mabel Kusler (#87), Dan Rounds, Phil Howard, Aaron Chittum, Dan Rasmussen, Amy (Tate) Mancuso, Jamie (Jaeger) Spaid, Earl Lindell, Gavin Picchietti, Melissa Foss, Katie Douglas, Cheri (McComsey) Wittler, Susan Pietrus, Deb (Marshall) Harkless, Carol Uecker, Chiles Heien.
— 12th anniversary, Merlin/Nicole (Mikkelsen) Schwinler.

Monday, Jan. 10:
Mallory (Petersen) Dekker, Ben Gloe, David Johnson, McLean (Thompson) Kerver, Rich Zabel, Tara (Dieken) Mangan, Jason Irion, Landon Russell, Evelyn Rounds, Ryan Fowler, Kelli Koll.

Tuesday, Jan. 11:
Terri Disburg, Ben Kramer, Kyle Kurth, Lowell Gordon, Chris Mangan, Michelle Rose, Laura Truax, Mitch Foth, Susie Rilling, Kristie (Hallock) Moore, Nolan Bisbee, Naomi Lors, Beverly Mickelson.
— 2nd anniversary, CodyTibbs/Laurie Johnson.

Wednesday, Jan. 12:
Lyndsey Ring, Meaghan (Anderson) Neuberger, Terry Woster, Nicole Mosiman, Randy Sprenkle, Ripley Joy, Trey Owens, Sheila (Beougher) Lee, Lane Kozel.
— 4th anniversary, Stuart/Heather Stofferahn.

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

NEWS OF PEOPLE AND EVENTS

Graveside services are being held this (Thursday) morning at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Harrold for Bob Garrity, 81, Fort Pierre, who passed away Jan. 3 at Maryhouse. He attended 10 years of school in Harrold and graduated from ag school at South Dakota State College. He married Mary Gregg in 1959 and adopted her son, Donald Pfeiffer. They had three children—Wanda, Art and Bret—together. After his divorce Bob returned to SDSU and finished an ag degree, then taught at New Underwood. He served as an Extension agent in Lyman and Potter counties, then started Garrity Lawn Care, working in the Mitchell, Blunt, Fort Pierre and Pierre areas. He was preceded in death by his parents, his three sons, a sister and two brothers. Survivors include his wife, Gloria, and his daughter, Wanda; brothers Tom Garrity of Hoven and Mike Garrity of Pierre, and his sisters, Patricia Rausch of Pierre, Kay (Bob) Pfeil of Clear Lake, Marjy Gregg of Fort Pierre, and Carol (Dan) Bancroft of Rapid City.

The engagement of Pierre native Hallie Getz to Gettysburg native James Willey was announced over the holidays.

KCCR News reported Tuesday that Jim Mehlhaff will be a candidate in the June primary election for the Republican nomination for the District 24 seat in the state Senate, a contest which traditionally means election to the seat. The incumbent senator, Mary Duvall, has already announced she is a candidate for re-election. Mehlhaff was a Pierre city commissioner for 12 years. In his candidacy announcement he said the district needs “a conservative voice.”

Michael Zarecky and Lauren Zickrick became parents just in time for Christmas on Dec. 23. Their son, Sullivan Andrew Zickrick-Zarecky, was born that day, weighing 8 pounds, 12 ounces, and measuring 21 inches.

Karen Lindbloom’s Christmas letter included a photo of her and 15-year-old grandson Ian Bauck taken at Ian’s confirmation service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud, Minn., in October. He is a sophomore at St. Cloud Tech High School and the son of Karen’s older son, Chris Bauck, and his wife. During 2021 Karen sold the home on Bridgeview Avenue that she shared with her late husband, Dr. B. O. Lindbloom, for nearly 33 years and moved into a townhouse. Karen continues as choral accompanist at Riggs High School where her younger son, Rodd Bauck, is choral music director, and she also continues as director of music at Faith Lutheran Church. She participates in various musical projects around Pierre.

Beverly (Banghart) Tennant, 87, Onida, who graduated from Pierre High School in 1952, died Dec. 27 at Avera Oahe Manor in Gettysburg. Her funeral service was held Jan. 3 at the Onida United Methodist Church. Bev married Leon Tennant in 1952. She is survived by her husband; four children, Leanne (Bob) Cunningham of Sioux Falls, Randy (Gail) Tennant of Pierre, Lori (Jerry) Sperry of Pierre, and Kari (Dan) Kalkman of Chaska, Minn.; a brother, Al (Judy) Banghart of Scottsbluff, Neb., and two sisters, Betty Christianson of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Linda (Gary) Vermundson of Rapid City.

James Cutshaw, principal of the Stanley County middle school and high school, was named the Ivan Dixon Administrator of the Year by the South Dakota School Counselors Association.

An update for Pierre Methodists on former pastors from their Christmas cards: Leonard and Jackie Haggin continue to live on the southwest side of Sioux Falls. It’s hard to believe this was their 25th Christmas since Leonard retired. They have stayed well during the pandemic and stay in touch with their daughters. Genie (Butler) Kistler and her husband, Gary, spent Christmas at home at Hartford because they had to take down a storm-damaged barn and silo. They plan to spend the rest of the winter at their Arkansas home, however. On their Christmas card they hope for a 2022 that is more “normal” than 2020 and 2021 have been.

Robyn Starks Holcomb updated us all on her family at Christmastime on her Facebook page. Robyn is in her 11th year as head choral music director at Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls. Her husband, the retired Dr. Jeff Holcomb, stays busy with his family farm but also works as building security/hall monitor/sweep enforcer at Lincoln High School and at home is the wrangler of the family dog. Oldest daughter Laurel graduated in 2021 from USF with a B.A. in communication studies and theatre and is now assistant oral interpretation coach at Lincoln High School. Elise is student teaching and working as a substitute teacher. She will graduate in May 2022 from SDSU and DSU with a cooperative degree in early childhood/elementary education with a coaching endorsement. Lily graduated from Roosevelt in 2021 and is now a freshman exercise science/personal training major on the physical therapy track at Augustana where she participates in cheerleading and chorale while working at Year Around Brown. Robyn’s dad, Ken Starks, long-time owner of the Country Kitchen restaurant in Pierre back in the day, is the family bird feeder/squirrel trainer/pie maker and is cared for by Ben, his black Lab.

Jesse and April Beesley, who live in Fort Worth, Texas, revealed they are expecting their second child in May. They have a daughter, Charlette, in their family now.

Marsha Chase, 81, Pierre, died at home Dec. 28. A memorial service took place Jan. 5 at Oahe Presbyterian Church. Marsha grew up on farms near Hitchcock and Redfield and attended school at Tulare. She came to Pierre in 1960 and married Lyman Chase in 1967. She worked at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Survivors include her husband; four children, Lori Day (Randy Lee) of Sioux Falls, Teresa Summerfield of Castle Rock, Colo., Darren (Lana) Chase of Fort Pierre, and Susan (Roger) Nagel of Castle Rock; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her brother Dallas Foglesong of Huron, and her sister, Marlene (Jerry) Shantz of Pierre.

Jim and Rosa Iverson’s Christmas letter was full of family information. Jim himself, after surviving a mild COVID case, is working on his physical health, which he says will include more golf, more pickleball and more exercise. He keeps busy maintaining their old house on Washington Avenue. Rosa went to Honduras last April for a niece’s wedding and visited her immediate family. She went to Mexico in May to visit cousins she hadn’t seen in 30 years. She continues putting her bilingual translation skills to work in Pierre and keeps the Zesto girls on task in the summertime. Older son J.J. Iverson is the owner of a beautiful home on Lake Kampeska outside Watertown. He has traveled a great deal in 2021, especially visiting former football players he has coached who are now playing college ball. Angie Iverson will be married today (Jan. 6) in a small family ceremony to Anthony Hoekman, and a reception will be held later in 2022 at a winery near Brookings. Angie continues her Prairie Mermaid business as an on-line boutique. Younger son Chris and his wife, Nino, are also new homeowners of a townhouse in Washington, D.C., and they entertained his parents for a week last spring. Chris and Nino visited her native homeland of Georgia last summer, and they came to South Dakota to spend Thanksgiving with the rest of the Iversons. In Watertown Ashley and her husband, Jason Feyereisen, stay busy at their jobs—Ashley as a registered nurse in the surgery department at the Watertown hospital and Jason in his 17th year with Tessier’s Inc. Ashley joined a local CrossFit gym and a sand volleyball team and is now preparing for her first CrossFit competition in April 2022. The Feyereisens’ daughter, Mia, is 3; attends a day care center and is the focal point of every family gathering.

Former Pierre resident Dana Darger, director of pharmacy at Monument Health’s Rapid City hospital, was named among the “50 most influential leaders in pharmacy” awards and recognition program. Dana formerly worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre.

Ron and Glenda Woodburn enjoyed a Christmastime reunion with their three daughters and families all in one place at the same time. Guests were Hilary and James Hunt and three children of Stillwater, Okla., Kendra and Michael Zuercher and three children of Sioux Falls, and Gillian and Matt Hanson and two children of Ogden, Utah. The Hunts’ children are pre-school, kindergarten and third grade; the Zuercher kids are in grades 1, 3 and 5, and the Hanson children will be 2 and 4 in March.

KCCR News reports that all three present District 24 legislators—Sen. Mary Duvall and Reps. Mike Weisgram and Will Mortenson—plan to seek re-election to their respective second terms in the 2022 election cycle.

Nick and Liz (Winter) Marso of Pierre are the parents of a daughter, Hazel Marie Marso, who was born Dec. 26. She joins a brother, Calvin, 2 1/2, in their family.

A major change is at hand in the Tom and Peggy Huber household in Pierre. In his Christmas letter Dr. Tom announced he had, after 41 years as a family physician, decided to “hang up his stethoscope.” So he will be spending a lot of time at home in Peggy’s domain. His last four years as local director of the Pierre Rural Family Medicine Residency Program has reaffirmed Tom’s belief that “our future health care needs are in good hands. These new physicians will be just fine.” Jessi (Huber) and Eric Herrscher relocated in 2021 from suburban Minneapolis to suburban Boise. They both found teaching jobs out there and live in Nampa where son Sam is in the sixth grade and daughter Maya is a fifth grader. Molly (Huber) and Darin Hausmann bought a new home in Fort Pierre, and he and his dad finished the unfinished basement. Their kids continue in the Pierre district—Riley in sixth grade and Cailyn in second grade. Molly continues her nursing career with the Department of Health, and Darin maintains the parts department at Beck Motors. Max and Lisa Huber moved to a new location within the Twin Cities in the Highland Park area of St. Paul. Both continue to work for the University of Minnesota, and Max has a travel agency on the side. Dakota is in kindergarten, and Rocco is in preschool.

Patrick Wellner, a frequent paddler on the Missouri and other rivers, reports he paddled 1,356 miles during 2021.

Dennis and Joyce Williams continue to add mileage to their car as they visit and attend activities with their kids and grandkids in Minnesota, Sioux Falls and Utah. Dennis retired last February, and Joyce’s Christmas letter says “there is nothing he doesn’t like about retirement.” They spent Christmas Eve with Denny’s sister and brother-in-law in Larchwood, Iowa, and spent Christmas Day with son John, his wife Laura, and their daughters, Ericka and Kennedy, in Sioux Falls. John, who coached the Sioux Falls Christian boys tennis team this past fall, is also assisting with the girls team there. While John continues his insurance career Laura is an aide in the early childhood class at SFC. Son Chris, his wife Lindsey, and their children—son Weston and triplet daughters—came to the Williams home in Pierre for Thanksgiving as did the rest of the family except for the three oldest grandchildren in Minnesota who were busy with athletic activities. At a recent hockey game Marie was grazed on the side of her head by a stray hockey puck and had to go to the ER for five staples. Paul and Christie’s oldest daughter, Karissa, is attending nursing school in Mankato. Their son Mark graduated from high school in 2021 and will start college this spring semester. Daughter Samantha, though only a sixth grader, will be on the high school tennis team as early as next school year.

Mike Mikkelsen, 91, Agar, died Dec. 29 at Avera Oahe Manor in Gettysburg. His funeral took place Wednesday at the Agar Hall, followed by burial with military honors at the Onida cemetery. Mike attended the rural Todd School through the eighth grade, then served with the U.S. Marines from 1951 to 1953. He returned to Sully County to become a life-long farmer. He married the former Margaret McFarling in 1954. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Margaret Mikkelsen; five sons, Steve (Pat) Mikkelsen of Agar, Jerry (Jo) Mikkelsen of Fort Pierre, Jay (Carrie) Mikkelsen of Agar, Michael (Jill) Mikkelsen of Yankton and Kelly (Michelle) Mikkelsen of Pierre; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, Dan (Nancy) Weischedel; three sisters-in-law, LaVonne Weischedel, Betty Boyle and Donna Thaden, and a brother-in-law, Charles (Linda) McFarling.

The President’s List at Mitchell Technical Institute for the fall semester included these local students: Jack Mercer (4.0), Taylor Christ, Zach Farries (4.0), Denton Beck (4.0), Klarissa Gorham, Ashlee Hiller (4.0), Jenna Keyser (4.0), Amanda Nelson (4.0), Daniel Tafoya.

Because of COVID and everyone’s busy schedules, Larry and Mary Jo Johnson weren’t able to get together with their sons for Christmas. However, December was busy anyway. Larry built set pieces for Christmas at the Capitol and played Santa Claus at the tree lighting. Mary Jo scheduled all of the entertainment at the Capitol and oversaw the logistics of the choirs and bands which came to perform. The Johnsons also performed for a number of holiday events. Chris Johnson and Andrea are in Oak Creek, Colo., enjoying the activities available up in the mountains when not working. Tom Johnson and his wife, Parker, are in Minneapolis, teaching music and dance classes. The Johnsons’ Christmas letter said that the Capital City Band, which Larry directs, had the largest band in many years last summer. One of the highlights was the concert when Tom was home and played a guitar solo with the band on “Classical Gas.”

Jim Blair, 73, died Dec. 27. A celebration of his life was held Jan. 2. He grew up in the Milesville area and married Sandra Lowe in 1968. After a career as a farmer and owner of Ridge & Ridge Rebuilders, he moved to Pierre in 2003. Survivors include his wife, Sandra; three children, Todd (Tamara) Blair, Tanya Fillngim and Tiffanie (Brian) Wakeley; nine grandchildren; a brother, Kelly Blair; and four sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law.

Fern Barnett enjoyed the holidays in Hawaii with her daughter, Brianne Roby; Bri’s husband and their children. The Robys live in Minneapolis.

Jalen and Tiera (Feller) Lamb are the parents of a son, Vance James Lamb, who was born on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. He weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces, and measured 21 3/4 inches. He joins a sister, Layla, 2 1/2, in their family. Jalen, who is a doctor of osteopathic, has been accepted as part of the Pierre Family Medicine Residency Program, but his first year of work is in Sioux Falls. Tiera, who is a nurse practitioner at Avera Medical Clinic in Pierre, and her children are currently living in Onida while Jalen is in Sioux Falls.

The Rev. David Zellmer, who has a difficult time staying retired, has another interim pastorship. This time he has begun serving as interim senior pastor at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

The fall semester Dean’s List at the University of South Dakota includes the following local students: Alexandria Allison, Jack Maher, Carter Karst, Andie Allison, Mark Abernathy, Chloe Lamb, Kieran Quinn, Miles Amende, Paige Pollreisz, Morkeia Mutchelknaus, Dawson Puepke, Mary Howard, Phil Adam, Nolan Rounds, Carston Miller, Jessi Martell, Casey Williams, Emily Mikkelsen, Tessa Putzier, Taylor Davis, Chloe Kaiser, Ellie Richards, Caleb Lusk, Joana Zanin, Abigail Foster, Morgan Magdanz, Cassidy Miller, Hanna Jerome, Reagan Wiebe, Taylor Evans, Keara Peplinksi, Machal Raske. Part-time USD students who earned recognition on the Academic Honors List are Joseph Rysdon and Jaid Firestone.

Jack Campbell, 82, passed away Dec. 21 at Edgewood Care Center in Pierre. A celebration of his life is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at Feigum Funeral Home. Jack grew up in eastern Sully County and graduated from Onida High School in 1957. After briefly attending Huron College, he returned home to farm with his father. Jack married Lillian Mikkelsen in 1961. He was also a beekeeper and an outdoorsman. Surviving are his wife, Lillian Campbell; his daughter, Jackie (Kirk) Yackley; his sons, Scott (Liz) Campbell and Greg (Shelly) Campbell; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Jay Mickelson may have retired from full-time teaching at Riggs High two years ago, but his presence is still felt there as he substitute-teaches frequently. He also has been giving tours at the Capitol and the Cultural Heritage Center museum. He also has lectured for the OLLI (Other Lifetime Learning Institute) program on LTC John Waldron, a South Dakota Native American hero at the Battle of Midway for whom the Pierre-Fort Pierre highway bridge is named. Beverly Mickelson is back accompanying the chancel choir and directing the bell choir at First United Methodist Church since those groups returned to active duty, and of course she is still organist at the church. The Mickelsons hosted son Drew, his wife Nicole, and their three children for an early Christmas in Pierre in mid-December. Drew and Nicole’s third child, Logan, was born last March, joining big brother Taylor and big sister Aubree in their family. Drew continues to commute about 50 miles to work in Aberdeen, delivering propane and keeping his boss’s customers happy with petroleum products. He also has a small herd of cattle and helps with farm work in his spare time. Meanwhile, Allison Mickelson continues her studies at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow, Scotland, pursuing her master of fine arts in acting. Jay and Beverly hope to be in Scotland for Allison’s graduation in June. The Mickelsons are blessed that both have their mothers still alive—Bev’s mom, Leota, 96, and Jay’smom Anna Jane, almost 95.

PONDER THIS

“This is such a unique New Year’s Day because, even as we toast our glasses to the future, we still have our heads bowed for what has been lost. I think one of the most important things the new year reminds us is that old adage—“This too shall pass.” You can’t relive the same day twice, meaning every dawn is a new one, and every year an opportunity to step into the light.”
— Amanda Gorman