THOUGHT FOR TODAY

To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.
— Aristotle

ENTERTAINMENT AT THE CAPITOL

THURSDAY, DEC. 1
— Noon to 1 p.m.: Bison grades 7-12 choir.
SATURDAY, DEC. 3
— 11:30 a.m. to noon: Kantorei choral group, Rapid City.
— Noon to 1 p.m.: Merry Tuba Christmas.
— 1 to 2 p.m.: Dakota Sunshine Singers, Aberdeen.
— 3 to 4 p.m.: Northern State University percussion ensemble, Aberdeen.
— 4 to 6 p.m.: O’Rourke Music Studio, Rapid City.
— 6 to 6:30 p.m.: Young Adult Reformed Fellowship.
— 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Nordic Nimble Feet Norwegian Dancers, Brookings.
— 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Priscilla Hofer piano, Pierre.
SUNDAY, DEC. 4
— 1 to 2 p.m.: Karen Huebner piano students, Pierre.
— 2 to 4 p.m.: Pierre Music Store students and instructors.
MONDAY, DEC. 5
— Noon to 1 p.m.: Timber Lake Middle School choir ensemble.
— 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Little Players, Pierre.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7
— Noon to 1 p.m.: Aberdeen Christian School.
THURSDAY, DEC. 8
— Noon to 1 p.m.: Stanley County piano class, Fort Pierre.

PIERRE GOVERNORS SPORTS ROUNDUP

Volleyball: After a quarterfinal 3-1 loss to Sioux Falls Jefferson on game scores of 15-25, 26-24, 21-25, 21-25, the Governors rebounded strongly and captured the consolation championship trophy. In the consolation semifinals Pierre defeated Rapid City Stevens in another close match on game scores of 25-20, 25-21, 19-25, 22-25, 15-9. Then in the fifth-place match the Governors swept Sioux Falls Lincoln, 3-0, on game scores of 25-19, 25-16, 25-19. The Governors ended the season with an 18-6 record. Seniors playing their final matches for Pierre were Remi Price, Lily Sanchez, Makenna Schlekeway, Ayvrie Kaiser, Dani Beck, Grace Soma, Hannah Lemieux and Madison Swenson.

Volleyball: Lily Sanchez, senior setter, and Ayvrie Kaiser, senior outside hitter, were named second-team All-State at the end of the season. Kaiser and Reese Terwilliger were selected on the all-tournament team at the state tournament.

Football: Just as they dominated Class 11AA, the Governors dominated the All-State selections in that classification. On offense the Governors honored were quarterback Lincoln Kienholz, wide receiver Jack Merkwan, fullback/tight end Jett Zabel, and offensive linemen Matthew Coverdale and Christian Busch. On defense the honored Pierre players were defensive lineman Jason Maciejczak, linebacker Gavin Stotts and defensive back Jacob Mayer. Also named All-State was Jayden Wiebe on special teams and Cade Kaiser in a special athletes category. Kienholz was named the team’s All-American selection.

Football: Pierre’s Lincoln Kienholz was honored as captain of the Sioux Falls Argus Leader’s annual Elite 45 football team, honoring the 45 best players in the state regardless of classification. Also selected as one of the Elite 45 was Pierre’s offensive and defensive lineman Jason Maciejczak. On the honorable mention list were Jack Merkwan and Jett Zabel

This week’s schedules:
— THURSDAY
Gymnastics: at Huron quadrangular, 5:30 p.m.
— FRIDAY
Girls/boys wrestling: at Mandan invitational, 3:30 p.m.
— SATURDAY
Girls/boys wrestling: at Mandan invitational, 9 a.m.
Gymnastics: at Sioux Falls Jefferson invitational, 11 a.m.

VOLLEYBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SCORES

Class AA: Harrisburg 3, Sioux Falls Jefferson 1.
Class A: Sioux Falls Christian 3, Elkton-Lake Benton 1.
Class B: Warner 3, Chester Area 1.

STANLEY COUNTY BUFFALOES SPORTS ROUNDUP

This week’s schedules:
— THURSDAY
Gymnastics: at Huron quadrangular, 5:30 p.m.
Wrestling: at Lyman triangular.
— SATURDAY
Wrestling: home for Stanley County invitational, 10 a.m.
— TUESDAY
Girls basketball: at Chamberlain, 6:30 p.m.

SULLY BUTTES CHARGERS SPORTS ROUNDUP

This week’s schedules:
— SATURDAY
Wrestling: at Stanley County invitational, 9 a.m.
— TUESDAY
Girls basketball: home vs. Ipswich, 6 p.m.

Football: Landon Hepker, who quarterbacked the Chargers on offense and played linebacker on defense, was named to the Class 9B All-State team. Lineman Reese Voorhees was named to the All-State honorable mention list. Hepker was also selected for the honorable mention list of the Sioux Falls Argus Leader’s Elite 45.

COUNTDOWN

1 day: Pierre Players’ “‘Til Beth Do Us Part” (Dec. 2-4, 8-10).
4 days: Blunt elementary Christmas concert, 7 p.m. (Dec. 5).
4 days: Stanley County high school/middle school Christmas concert (Dec. 5).
4 days: Jeff Gould/A Prairie Christmas on Stage (Dec. 5).
5 days: Governor’s budget address to the Legislature (Dec. 6).
7 days: Holiday Jam with the Hegg Brothers (Dec. 8).
8 days: Sully Area Singers’ Christmas cantatas (Dec. 11).
11 days: Riggs High band/choir concert (Dec. 12).
14 days: Onida elementary Christmas concert, 7 p.m. (Dec. 15).
15 days: Surprise Package Christmas concerts (Dec. 16-17).
18 days: Georgia Morse Middle School band/choir concert (Dec. 19).
18 days: Sully Buttes high school/middle school Christmas concert, 7 p.m. (Dec. 19).
21 days: Buchanan Elementary Christmas concert (Dec. 22).
24 days: Christmas Day (Dec. 25).
27 days: “Kennedy Center Honors,” CBS-TV, 7 p.m. (Dec. 28).
30 days: College football national semifinals (Dec. 31).
37 days: Inauguration events in Pierre (Jan. 7).
38 days: FCS national championship game (Jan. 8).
39 days: College football national championship game (Jan. 9).
44 days: NFL playoffs begin (Jan. 14-15).
57 days: Rodeo Rapid City and Black Hills Stock Show (Jan. 27-Feb. 4).

COLLEGE SPORTS ROUNDUP

South Dakota State swimming (Morgan Nelson): At the Augustana invitational meet Morgan placed 56th in the 200-meter individual medley in 2:19.99, eighth in the 100 breast in 1:05.36, 27th in the 100 individual medley in 1:03.45 and 15th in the 200 breast in 2:29.83. She swam on State’s “B” team in the 200 medley relay, placing sixth in 1:45.22, and on the “A” team in the 400 medley relay, placing fourth in 3:49.38. The Jackrabbits are idle until a home dual vs. St. Cloud State on Jan. 14.

Charleston volleyball (Jaxin Melby): The Eagles defeated Fairmont State, 3-0, in the NCAA Atlantic Region tournament, but lost in the finals against #1 seed Gannon University, 3-2. Charleston’s final record was 33-5 in Jaxin’s final season there.

North Dakota State football (Grey Zabel): The Bison defeated UND, 42-21, in the regular-season finale, ending with a 7-1 record in the Missouri Valley conference and 8-2 overall. NDSU was tabbed as the #3 national seed in the FCS playoffs and had a first-round bye last weekend. The Bison play in the second round at home Saturday vs. Montana at 2:30 p.m. You can watch if you are a subscriber to ESPN+.

South Dakota State football (Regan Bollweg): The Jackrabbits had their bye on the last weekend of the regular season. Selected as the #1 national seed in the FCS playoffs, SDSU had a bye through the opening round last Saturday. The Jacks will be home in the second round this Saturday at 2 p.m. against Delaware. The game will be available for viewing if you are a subscriber of ESPN+.

Northern football (Jacob Howard): Jacob, the junior offensive lineman from Onida, was named to the all-NSIC all-conference second team.

Augustana swimming (Ella Ward-Zeller): At the Augustana invitational meet Ella placed 41st in the 50 freestyle in :24.54, 12th in the 200 individual medley in 2:08.53, ninth in the 400 individual medley in 4:39.83, 17th in the 100 backstroke in :58.36 and seventh in the 200 backstroke in 2:05.84. She swam on the Augie “B” team in the 200 medley relay, placing ninth in 1:47.39; on the “B” team in the 800 free relay, placing seventh in 7:47.04; on the “B” team in the 400 medley relay, placing ninth in 3:55.74, and on the “C” team in the 400 free relay, placing ninth in 3:34.21. The Vikings’ next meet will be at home vs. Omaha on Jan. 19.

Dakota Wesleyan wrestling (Tyson Johnson, Aric Williams): The Tigers split a pair of GPAC duals. In a 22-17 loss to Concordia, Aric won his 149-pound match in an 8-6 decision, and Tyson lost by fall in 2:58 at 157. In a 43-3 win over Hastings Aric won by fall in 1:49, and Tyson won by fall in 6:05. DWU returns to the mats Saturday at the Doane Open in Crete, Neb.

Northwestern (Iowa) football (Morris Hofer): In the first round of the NAIA playoffs the Raiders defeated Dickinson State, 49-7, as Mo had three solo tackles, one assisted tackle, one quarterback hit and one interception. He was involved in two tackles-for-loss for a total of nine yards and one sack for a loss of five yards. In the quarterfinals last Saturday Northwestern won at home over #8 Marian (Ind.), 52-27, and Mo had one quarterback hit. The stunning home loss by defending national champion Morningside, the #1 team in the NAIA nation, leaves Northwestern with a genuine chance at the national title. In the semifinals this Saturday at noon Northwestern will play Indiana Wesleyan.

Volleyball: USD won the Summit League volleyball championship for the fourth time in five years and begins play in the NCAA Tournament in Omaha at 3:30 p.m. Friday against Houston. The winner of that match then faces Creighton or Auburn at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Mary women’s basketball (Chloe Lamb): The Marauders lost to the University of Tampa, 88-65, and beat Hawaii-Hilo, 72-44, in a pair of games played in Hawaii. Mary plays at Northern tonight, home vs. MSU-Moorhead Saturday and home vs. Minot State Tuesday.

Augustana women’s basketball (Katie Bourk, Aislinn Duffy): The Vikings are still unbeaten at 6-0. Auge beat Briar Cliff, 85-55, as Aislinn was 10-of-14 (2-of-3) and 0-of-0 for 22 points with 10 rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal. In a 93-74 win over Wayne State, Aislinn went 8-of-12 (1-of-3) and 2-of-2 for 19 points with 12 boards, four assists and a block. Augie beat DWU, 89-66, as Aislinn was 5-of-15 (2-of-6) and 2-of-6 for 13 points with seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. In a 71-33 win over Chadron State, Aislinn was 5-of-12 (0-of-1) and 0-of-0 for 10 points with nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Augustana is at Southwest Minnesota State tonight and home vs. USF Saturday.

South Dakota men’s basketball (Max Burchill): The Coyotes lost at Mississippi State, 79-42, as Max in 10 minutes was 0-of-2 with no points, two rebounds and an assist. In a 68-58 win over Long Island in Fort Myers, Fla., he saw 28 minutes and went 2-of-5 and 4-of-6 for eight points with five boards and four assists. In the championship game there USD lost to Sam Houston State, 80-49, as Max played 14 minutes and was 2-of-3 (1-of-1) and 0-of-0 for five points with three rebounds, a steal and an assist. USD lost at Coastal Carolina, 68-59, as Max in 20 minutes was 0-of-3 for no points with three assists and a steal. On Monday USD beat Mount Marty, 97-58, as Max in 16 minutes was 3-of-5 and 2-of-2 for eight points with six rebounds, four assists and a steal. USD plays BYU in Salt Lake City Saturday, then goes to Air Force in Colorado Springs Tuesday.

University of Mary wrestling (Lincoln Turman): The Marauders are now ranked eighth nationally in Division II. On Tuesday they returned to action with a 43-10 dual win over Jamestown. At 149 pounds Lincoln took only 84 seconds to win by fall over his opponent in 1:24. Mary wrestles at the Dragon Open in Moorhead Saturday, then returns home for a triangular with Concordia College and Dickinson State next Wednesday.

Mount Marty men’s basketball (Lincoln Jordre): The Lancers lost to Hastings, 75-57, and Lincoln did not play because he was away at his grandmother’s funeral. In a 71-65 win over Dakota Wesleyan he was 3-of-4 and 2-of-4 for eight points with five rebounds and an assist. In a 79-70 loss at Southwest Minnesota State, Lincoln was 3-of-8 and 1-of-2 for seven points with five boards. In a 97-58 loss at USD he was 2-of-4 for four points with two rebounds and two blocks. Last night MMC defeated Midland, 67-62, and Lincoln was 1-of-2 for two points with four rebounds. Now 5-6, the Lancers go to Morningside Saturday and to Concordia next Wednesday.

Dakota Wesleyan men’s basketball (Nick Wittler): DWU lost to Indiana Wesleyan, 73-59, and Nick was 5-of-6 (2-of-3 in threes) for 12 points with a rebound and an assist. In a 78-71 loss to Carroll (Mont.), also played in Aberdeen, Nick was 5-of-13 (0-of-6 in threes) and 5-of-6 for 15 points with three rebounds and an assist. In a 71-65 loss to Mount Marty Nick was 0-for-5 and had a rebound, an assist and a pair of steals. Last night DWU defeated Dakota State, 74-62, as Nick went 2-of-10 (1-of-7 in threes) and 0-of-3 for five points with a rebound and an assist. Now 3-5, DWU is home vs. Doane Friday and Hastings Saturday.

WORDS OF WISDOM

I heard a bird sing in the dark of December. A magical thing! And sweet to remember. We are nearer to spring than we were in September. I heard a bird sing in the dark of December.
— Olivia Harford

HOCKEY UPDATE

Oahe Capitals girls varsity: The girls team’s league openers will be at home next week on Dec. 9 against Mitchell and Dec. 10 against Rushmore.

Oahe Capitals boys varsity: The Caps had a brilliant opening weekend, securing wins in all three of their games. Pierre defeated defending state champion Brookings, 4-3. Ashton Griese scored in the first period. Jarron Beck scored in the second period on an assist from Griese. Down 3-2, the Caps tied the game on Beck’s goal on another Griese assist. Devin Dodson converted a Griese assist for the winning goal. Oahe won despite being outshot 45-17, emphasizing the terrific work in goal by Collin Lee, who made 42 saves. In the second game of the weekend the Capitals defeated Brandon Valley, 5-4. Barret Schweitzer, Beck, Griese and Dodson scored, then Jayce Anderson put home the winning goal at 13:07 of the second period. Spencer Anderson made 23 saves in goal. On Sunday the Caps capped off the weekend with a 6-1 domination of Brandon Valley. Beck had a hat trick, Griese scored twice and Schweitzer added a goal while Lee made 14 saves. The Capitals have one game this weekend, a rematch at Brookings at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Rapid City Rush: The Rush took two of three from Tulsa, winning 9-1 and 4-3 in overtime and losing 3-2, then took two of three from Kansas City, winning 5-2 and 7-5 and losing 4-3. Rapid City is on the road to Texas to play Allen Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Badlands Sabres (Mason Martin): The Sabres lost four over the past two weekends, falling to Sheridan by 8-4 and 6-1 and to Yellowstone by 3-2 and 2-1 in a shootout. Badlands plays Friday and Saturday at Great Falls.

Aberdeen Wings: In their only game of the past two weeks the Wings defeated Bismarck, 4-2. Aberdeen plays at Bismarck this Friday and Saturday.

Minnesota Wild: The Wild lost to Pittsburgh, 6-4; won in overtime over Carolina, 2-1; beat Winnipeg, 6-1; lost to Toronto, 4-3, and beat Arizona, 4-3. The team plays Edmonton Thursday, Anaheim Saturday, Dallas Sunday and Calgary next Wednesday.

BASKETBALL UPDATE

Women’s basketball:
— USD (4-3): Beat St. Louis U. 71-67; lost to Santa Clara, 75-50; lost to Fordham, 78-65.
Upcoming games: Friday at Northern Colorado; Tuesday home vs. Drake.
— SDSU (4-4): Lost to UCLA, 72-65; beat Rutgers, 75-56; beat Louisville, 65-55; lost to Washington State, 61-41; lost to Montana State, 71-66.
Upcoming games: Saturday home vs. Northern Iowa.

Men’s basketball:
— USD (4-4): Lost to Mississippi State, 79-42; beat Long Island U., 68-58; lost to Sam Houston State, 80-49; lost to Coastal Carolina, 66-59; beat Mount Marty, 97-58.
Upcoming games: Saturday vs. BYU in Salt Lake City; Tuesday at Air Force Academy.
— SDSU (3-4): Lost to Stephen F. Austin, 93-82; beat Valparaiso, 61-50; lost to James Madison, 79-60.
Upcoming games: Friday at Kent State; Saturday at Alabama; Tuesday at Montana.

Sioux Falls Skyforce: The Force split with Windy City, losing 115-93 and winning 99-94. Sioux Falls beat Grand Rapids, 102-93; lost to Wisconsin, 133-126, and lost a pair to Cleveland, 126-111 and 115-103. The Skyforce is home vs. Wisconsin Sunday and Tuesday.

Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves went on a three-game win streak, beating Philadelphia 112-109, Miami 105-101 and Indiana 115-101. l Then came losses to Charlotte, 110-108; to Golden State, 137-114, and to Washington, 142-127. Last night the Wolves beat Memphis, 109-101. Now 11-11, Minnesota is home vs. Oklahoma City Saturday and Indiana next Wednesday.

SOCCER UPDATE

World Cup: The U.S. Men’s National Team did it the hard way, but they escaped out of Group B to advance to the knockout round at the World Cup in Qatar. The USA tied Wales, 1-1; tied England, 0-0, and beat Iran, 1-0, in a must-win game Tuesday to remain alive. In their first game in the sudden-death knockout round, the USA will play the Netherlands Saturday morning at 9 a.m. CST on Fox. That winner will go on to a quarterfinal game on Friday of next week.

FOOTBALL UPDATE

NFL games on live local TV this week (subject to change by the networks):
Thursday: Buffalo at New England, 7:15 p.m., Prime Video.
Sunday: New York Jets at Minnesota, noon, CBS.
Sunday: Green Bay at Chicago, noon, Fox.
Sunday: Kansas City at Cincinnati, 3:30 p.m., CBS.
Sunday: Indianapolis at Dallas, 7:20 p.m., NBC.
Monday: New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 7:15 p.m., ESPN.

Midco Sports Network live games this week:
— FRIDAY
Men’s hockey: UND vs. St. Cloud State 7:30 p.m.
— SATURDAY
Women’s basketball: USF vs. Augustana, 3:30 p.m. (MS2).
Men’s basketball: USF vs. Augustana, 5:30 p.m. (MS2).
Men’s hockey: UND vs. St. Cloud State, 6 p.m.
— TUESDAY
Girls basketball: Bismarck vs. Mandan, 5:45 p.m.
Boys basketball: Bismarck vs. Mandan, 7:30 p.m.

Missouri Valley Football Conference final conference standings: SDSU 8-0, NDSU 7-1, UND 5-3, Youngstown State 5-3, Northern Iowa 5-3, Southern Illinois 4-4, Illinois State 4-4, Missouri State 3-5, USD 2-6, Indiana State 1-7, Western Illinois 0-8.

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings were embarrassed at home by Dallas, 40-3, but rebounded with a 33-26 win on Thanksgiving night over New England. Now 9-2, Minnesota is home at noon Sunday against the New York Jets.

Denver Broncos: The Broncos continued to fall, losing in overtime to Las Vegas, 22-16, and to Carolina, 23-10. Now 3-8, Denver goes to Baltimore Sunday.

Nebraska Cornhuskers: Matt Rhule was welcomed to Lincoln Monday as the Huskers’ seventh coach since Tom Osborne retired. He has an eight-year contract. His tenure as NU’s head coach will begin with a Thursday night game Aug. 31 at Minnesota. The rest of the Nebraska schedule for next fall: Sept. 9 at Colorado, Sept. 16 Northern Illinois, Sept. 23 Louisiana Tech, Sept. 30 Michigan, Oct. 7 at Illinois, Oct. 21 Northwestern, Oct. 28 Purdue, Nov. 4 at Michigan State, Nov. 11 Maryland, Nov. 18 at Wisconsin, Nov. 24 Iowa.

FOOTBALL CONTEST #16

Our Contest #14 two weeks ago saw Levi Neuharth miss only the Vikings’ collapse against Dallas. His 9-1 record earned him 10 points in our season-long contest. At 8-2 for nine points each were Mikal Kern, David Ludwig, Randy Pool, Beth Rinehart and Seb Axtman. At 7-3 for eight points each were Eric James, Jon Boer, Nathan Vetter, Dawn Magee and Jason Noyes.

Last week the losses by Ohio State, LSU, Oregon and the Titans doomed most of our contestants. But Dawn Magee picked Texas A&M over LSU and Michigan over Ohio State and ended up at 8-2 for 10 points. At 7-3 for 9 points each were Levi Neuharth and Debra Bollinger. At 6-4 for 8 points each were David Ludwig, Nathan Vetter, Jason Noyes, Kyle Richards and Thomas Voeltz.

This week’s games (send your 10 winners to parkerhome16@hotmail.com by FRIDAY afternoon):
(1) PAC-12: USC vs. Utah.
(2) Big 12: TCU vs. Kansas State.
(3) SEC: LSU vs. Georgia.
(4) Big 10: Michigan vs. Purdue.
(5) ACC: Clemson vs. North Carolina.
(6) FCS 2nd round: Delaware at SDSU.
(7) FCS 2nd round: Montana at NDSU.
(8) NFL: New York Jets at Minnesota.
(9) NFL: Kansas City at Cincinnati.
(10) NFL: Tennessee at Philadelphia.

PARKER’S PERSONAL NOTES

• Many of you have seen Andy Ogan’s spectacular photography on Facebook over the past few years. Now he has his own website at www.andyoganphotography.com. Check out what prints he has available for sale and how you can have them. He has so very many that I could imagine as wall art hanging above somebody’s living room couches!
• It’s time for sending out Christmas letters for those folks who still do so. As in past years, I will use any that I receive to post some of your family’s 2022 highlights in upcoming issues of The Midweek Update. I look forward to receiving your letter at 5285 Mercury Dr., Rapid City SD 57703.
• We know Tyler Bonnett has been at the USA’s three group-stage matches at the World Cup in Qatar because he has been posting photos from there. I well remember that moment during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when Tyler and Dustin Bonnett both suddenly appeared on worldwide television as they cheered for the USA in one of their matches.
• The South Dakota death toll from COVID-19 reaches a milestone of these days, probably this week, when the magic number of 3,100 is hit. Probably no tweet from the governor on that occasion. But she has joined other governors (all Republicans, of course) in urging the President to end a mandate that all military personnel be vaccinated against COVID. Why in the world would we want all of our military people to be protected from COVID and from spreading it to others? Freedom, of course—freedom to do as we please regardless of its effect on others.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

The color of springtime is in the flowers. The color of winter is in the anticipation.
— Terri Guillemets

BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES

Thursday, Dec. 1:
D.J. Stars, Kristin (Rau) Hayward, Shawn England, Lena (Burtts) Hammell.

Friday, Dec. 2:
Scott Weischedel, Kristin Gunderson, Brady Douglas, Cayden Jensen, Randy Weischedel, Tyler Bryant, Liam Dehne, Jamie (Driscoll) Olson, Andrew Heymans.

Saturday, Dec. 3:
Kyler Gabriel, Hannah Harmon, Shawn Ludemann, James Lee, Brandon Cruse, Louise Snodgrass, Amy Stotts, Heath Olson, Porter Hunsley, Trey Redetzke, Landen Lizotte, Nolan Ortbahn, Jake Imsland, Brad Heckenlaible, Hallie Holden-Wright.
— 6th anniversary, Rip/Heather (Schreiner) Ray.

Sunday, Dec. 4:
Chad Harris, Matthew Dial, Scott Senftner, Zack Weinheimer, Calvin Bumann, Wanda Boyle, Jesse Boyer, Carmen Ziegler, Mandy Bartels, Deb (Raue) Evans, Andrea Calkins, Kirsten (Colestock) Pittman, Kayson Boyer.
— 23rd anniversary, Mike/Ann Shoup.

Monday, Dec. 5:
Elizabeth Stofferahn, Lacie Boyle-Herman, Jill (Rounds) Sleger.

Tuesday, Dec. 6:
Darlene Stampe, Jason Knox, Dan Johnson, Ruby Renemans, Steve Zarecky, Jon Beastrom, Brianna (Emerson) Bolger, Isaac Williams, Danielle (Ryan) Schroeder, Bob Hoisington.

Wednesday, Dec. 7:
Jim Kuchta, Owen Picchietti, Desirae Ludwig, Bonnie Lahren-Gallagher, Sarah Parker, Sam Shaw, Jacob Severson, Alex Helbig, Homer Harding.

Thursday, Dec. 8:
Erin McKillip, Tim Smith, Kathryn Schuetzle, Chris Markley, Carolyn Deal, Rochelle Scott, Rhener Gordon, Tammy (Pool) Cole.
— Anniversary, Edd Hogan/Larissa FastHorse.

NEWS OF PEOPLE AND EVENTS

Earl Fanger, 83, Blunt, died Nov. 17. A celebration of his life was held Nov. 22 at the Blunt school gym. He attended high school in Pierre for 2 1/2 years, then joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After his service he married Mary Feller in 1963. The Fangers farmed on their family farm and on the John Zebroski farm, and Earl was a farmer all of his adult life. He is survived by his wife, Mary Fanger; his sons, George (Janet) Fanger, Earl (Jaylene) Fanger and Joe (Jennifer) Fanger; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; his sister, Avis Demmon; his brother, Joe Fanger, and many nephews and nieces.

Riggs High senior Jackson Edman signed his letter of intent to attend Black Hills State University beginning next fall and play basketball for the Yellowjackets. Another Riggs senior, Maya Shorter, signed her letter of intent to attend Minnesota State-Mankato and participate in track and field there.

Marlene (Palmer) Hoffman, 85, died Nov. 26 at Highmore Health Care. Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Harrold school gym. The daughter of the late Pat Palmer graduated from Harrold High School. She later found her perfect job as head cook at the Harrold school. Marlene married Wilbur Hoffman in 1956. For the last four years she has lived at the nursing home in Highmore. Survivors are her husband, Wilbur Hoffman; her sons, Jim Hoffman and Randy (Danette) Hoffman; her honorary daughter, Debra Ingle; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; her sister, Beverly (Ron) INgle, and her brother, Jim (Marian) Palmer. Among those who preceded her in death were her mother and an infant daughter, Patty Lynn.

District 24’s Rep. Will Mortenson was elected majority leader of the House of Representatives by the Republican caucus. Hugh Bartels of Watertown, who spent his childhood years in Onida, was selected as Speaker of the House.

Tom Harmon, 79, died Nov. 22. His funeral took place yesterday at Community Bible Church. Tom graduated from James Valley Christian High School at Huron in 1961, attended Grace Bible Institute for a year and graduated from Northern State College in 1972. He married Esther Lutes in 1970, and they both were teachers for several years. In 1978 Tom completed his Juris Doctor degree from the USD law school as well as a master’s degree in education administration. Tom moved his family to Pierre to clerk for Chief Justice Roger Wollman. Then he spent 12 years in the South Dakota attorney general’s staff. In 1991 he became a partner in the Tieszen law office, and in 2006 he opened his own law practice. Tom was active in Community Bible Church, the Elks Lodge and the State Fair Commission. Survivors include his wife, Esther Harmon of Pierre; his son, Erin (Susanne) Harmon of Sioux Falls; his granddaughter, Hannah Harmon; his daughter-in-law, Kat Cornelius of San Francisco; his brothers, Craig (Dorothy) Harmon of Huron, Philip (Connie) Harmon of Whitewater, Wis., and Joel (Bobbie) Harmon of Elkhorn, Wis.; his sisters, Rebecca (Don) Donalson of Tomball, Texas, Rachel (Ken) Ediger of Wichita, Kan., and Sally (David) Lott of Newport News, Va., and other relatives. Among those preceding him in death were his son, Elliot Harmon; a granddaughter, Darlene Harmon; a brother, a nephew, his parents and his in-laws.

Matt and Alaina Blake of Urbandale, Iowa, in the Des Moines suburbs revealed they are expecting a baby girl in May. The Blakes have a son, Saxon.

Ryan Parker Knox’s current appearance in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center of New York City” (yes, that’s the title of the play) at Next Stage Southwest in Tucson, Ariz., ends its run this weekend. The play earned rave reviews by a Tucson reviewer: “A stunning production long on title but longer on hilarious humor. . . . The chemistry between Samantha Cormier and Ryan Parker Knox pulls them into a palpable togetherness that never loses balance.”

Helen Stewart, 97, died Nov. 19 at Avantara in Pierre. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 26 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Fort Pierre. Helen grew up near Wagner and attended Notre Dame Academy in Omaha. She married Louis Stewart in 1947, and they raised four children. The family came to Fort Pierre in 1956. Helen worked at various local motels, at State Publishing for eight years, at Buhl’s Laundry for three decades and at the Capital Journal as researcher for the “Down by the Old Missouri” column. She is survived by three sons, Ken Stewart of Pierre, Dean (Mary) Stewart of Pierre and Shannon (Marlene) Stewart of Eaton, Colo.; her daughter, Shirley (Mark) Barber of Onida; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Carin (Doyle) Hayn announced she is retiring as PGA professional at Hillsview Golf Course after 11 years in that position.

Pierre Players’ last show of the 2022 season, “‘Til Beth Do Us Part,” opens this weekend with 7:30 performances Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. The show continues with 7:30 shows next week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 8-9-10. Call 224-7826 for ticket reservations.

Spencer Sarringar, who played his second season of summer collegiate baseball with the Bismarck Larks in the Northwoods League, earned the “Finest in the Field” award for the catcher’s position for the second straight year.

Mike Walter, 73, died at home in the Spring Creek area north of Pierre Nov. 27. His funeral will take place at First United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. next Monday, Dec. 5. Mike attended school at Hitchcock and married Lavonne in 1990. He lived in many places before they settled at Spring Creek. He started Mike’s Landscaping, Painting and Tree Service, retiring in 2017. Mike was a former state pool champion and a co-winner of the South Dakota Governor’s Cup walleye fishing tournament. He is survived by his wife, Lavonne; his daughters, Tausha (Guthrie) Kraft, Tammy (Chris) Stricherz, Tonia Thompson and Randi (Abram) Spaid-Elder; his sons, Todd (Chanda) Walter and Rocky Spaid; 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a sister Shirley (Galen) Jones of Rapid City.

Tiffany Sanderson, the current secretary of the Department of Education, is leaving that position to become president of Lake Area Technical College in Watertown effective Jan. 1.

Long-time Pierre resident Ed Baer, whose health had been failing in recent weeks, passed away last week while his wife, Rhoda, and his daughter, Larissa FastHorse, were singing a hymn to him. A memorial service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Los Angeles on Dec. 10. There will be a service and burial in Pierre some time this coming spring. The family is asking for donations in Ed’s name in lieu of flowers. Friends can send messages to Rhoda, Larissa, and Larissa’s husband, Edd Hogan, at 4061 Grand View Blvd. #214, Los Angeles CA 90066.

The Sully Area Singers, a chorus of singers from Onida and the Sully County area, assemble each winter to present a Christmas cantata. Their program this year will be formed twice on Sunday, Dec. 11. At 2 p.m. they will be at ParkWood Apartments in Pierre, followed by a 5 p.m. performance at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Onida.

Brad and Katie (Zeller) Murphy of Denver are the parents of a son, Cassius James Joseph Murphy, who was born Nov. 23. “Cash” joins a big sister, Memphis, who will be 7 in February, in the Murphy family.

The Surprise Package vocal group will present its annual Christmas concerts twice—at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, and at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17—both at Trinity Episcopal Church.

PONDER THIS

Christmastime was always my favorite time of year. It did something to me. It made me softer. More kind-hearted, not an affliction I fall prey to lately. But back then I loved the days leading up to Christmas as much as I loved the day itself.
— Serena Valentino