Vol. 23, No. 17; Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

Jan 12, 2023 | Parker's Midweek Update | 0 comments

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

To read a poem in January is as lovely as to go for a walk in June.
— Jean Paul

PIERRE GOVERNORS SPORTS ROUNDUP

Girls basketball (6-1): The Governor girls extended their perfect record to 6-0 with a 59-41 win over Sioux Falls Lincoln. Ryann Barry had a 30-point game, accompanied by Remi Price’s 11 and Reese Terwilliger’s 10 points. On Saturday Pierre lost for the first time this season in a 57-40 loss at the hands of Sioux Falls Washington.

Girls wrestling: Pierre subdued Harrisburg in a girls dual, 36-6. Then at the Lyman invitational in Presho, the Governor girls ran away with the team title. Capturing individual championships were Londyn Allen-Hunsaker at 106 pounds, Danni Ringstmeyer at 126, Abby Lewis at 142, Marlee Shorter at 190 and Ciara McFarling at 285. Gianna Stangeland placed second at 132 and Ireland Templeton third at 154. Other Pierre placers: Shaylee Speck, fifth at 106; Kali Ringstmeyer, fifth at 113; Lexie Hillmer, fourth at 113; Hannah Strait, fourth at 142; Hattie Baldwin, fifth at 154; Heavenly Thompson, fifth at 285.

Boys basketball (6-2): Losses to a pair of Sioux Falls teams ended the Governors’ perfect record last week. In a 72-62 loss to Lincoln, Jackson Edman scored 16 points, Ben Heisler 14, Carson Ahartz 12 and Jacob Mayer 10. In a 63-57 loss to Washington, Heisler had 20 points, Mayer 14 and Edman 11. Lincoln Kienholz missed those two games while he was playing in a football all-star game in Texas. On Tuesday the Govs trailed Winner early by 7-0 but went on a 19-0 run to take charge of the game and beat the Warriors easily, 66-32. Keinholz had 16 points and six rebounds, Heisler 11 points, Brecken Krueger 10 points and six rebounds, and Edman nine points.

Boys wrestling: In a classic dual the Governors edged Harrisburg by 31-28. Tristan Spencer had a pin in 3:16 at 138 pounds early, but Pierre trailed 22-9 when magic began to happen. Governor wrestlers won six of the last seven matches to squeak out the dual win. First Deegan Houska won by major decision, 11-3; then Trey Lewis won a 5-3 decision; then Chance Carda won by pin in 1:49. Elijah Boutchee’s 7-4 decision and Josh Rydberg’s 1-0 decision tied the dual at 28-28, and Jacob Mason won his 106-pounds match, 4-0, in the final match of the dual with the team victory on the line.

This week’s schedules:
— THURSDAY
Girls basketball: at Lakota Tech, 7 p.m. (in Pine Ridge)
Boys wrestling: at Watertown, 7 p.m.
— FRIDAY
Girls wrestling: at Harrisburg invitational, 4 p.m.
— SATURDAY
Boys wrestling: at Mitchell invitational, 9 a.m.
Gymnastics: home for Pierre invitational, 11 a.m.
— TUESDAY
Girls basketball: home vs. Douglas, 7 p.m.

Football: Governor quarterback Lincoln Kienholz was named the Gatorade South Dakota Football Player of the Year for the 2022 season. Pierre also had an athlete winning that distinction when Garrett Stout won the award after the 2019 season.

STANLEY COUNTY BUFFALOES SPORTS ROUNDUP

This week’s schedules:
— THURSDAY
Girls basketball: at Lyman.
Boys basketball: at Jones County invitational vs. Jones County, 8 p.m.
— FRIDAY
Boys basketball: at Jones County invitational.
— SATURDAY
Boys basketball: at Jones County invitational.
Wrestling: at Battler invitational, Gettysburg.
Gymnastics: at Madison invitational.

Boys basketball (1-6): The Buffaloes lost at McLaughlin, 59-41. Broch Zeeb led SCHS with 15 points, and Paxton Deal contributed eight. On Monday the boys lost to Philip, 87-37, to fall to 1-6 for the season.

Girls basketball (4-7): Playing four games in six nights, the SCHS girls went 3-1 over that stretch. They won at McLaughlin, 49-36; defeated Aberdeen Christian, 40-26, at the Redfield Classic; won in overtime over Philip, 33-31, and lost Tuesday to Potter County, 64-42.

SULLY BUTTES CHARGERS SPORTS ROUNDUP

This week’s schedules:
— THURSDAY
Girls basketball: at Miller.
Boys basketball: at Miller.
— FRIDAY
Girls basketball: home vs. Timber Lake.
— SATURDAY
Boys basketball: vs. Redfield at Redfield Classic.
Wrestling: at Battler invitational, Gettysburg.
— TUESDAY
Wrestling: at Mobridge-Pollock round robin.
Boys basketball: home vs. Timber Lake.

Girls basketball (7-0): The Chargers improved to a perfect 7-0 with a 49-41 win over Aberdeen Roncalli Monday night. Stevie Wittler scored 24 and Lydia Hill 11. Last week the girls won over Highmore-Harrold, 65-25, and won over Northwestern at the Redfield Classic, 52-39. In the latter game Hill had 22 points and Stevie Wittler 13.

Boys basketball (0-5): The Chargers lost to Highmore-Harrold, 66-52, despite 19 points from Landon Hepker and 13 from Wesley Wittler. After a close 62-59 loss to Aberdeen Roncalli on Monday, the boys lost at Ipswich Tuesday, 63-46. Wittler scored 18 in a game that was tied at the half, 26-26.

COUNTDOWN

2 days: NFL playoffs begin (Jan. 14-15-16).
4 days: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 16).
8 days: Pierre girls wrestling invitational (Jan. 20).
9 days: Pierre boys wrestling invitational (Jan. 21).
15 days: Rodeo Rapid City and Black Hills Stock Show (Jan. 27-Feb. 4).
15 days: Riggs High one-act play (Jan. 27-28).
21 days: State one-act play festival, Sioux Falls O’Gorman (Feb. 2).
23 days: ESD Conference gymnastics meet, Pierre (Feb. 4).
24 days: Grammy awards, CBS-TV (Feb. 5).
29 days: State gymnastics meet, Aberdeen (Feb. 10-11).
31 days: Super Bowl, Los Angeles (Feb. 12).
33 days: Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14).
35 days: ESD Conference girls wrestling meet, Brandon (Feb. 16).
37 days: Regional boys wrestling tournament, Mission (Feb. 18).
39 days: Presidents Day (Feb. 20).
42 days: State wrestling tournaments, Rapid City (Feb. 22-25).
43 days: Pierre Players’ “The Outsiders” (Feb. 24-26, March 2-4).
43 days: Baseball spring training begins (Feb. 24).
44 days: Minnesota Loons MLS season opener (Feb. 25).
44 days: NSIC men’s/women’s basketball tournaments, Sioux Falls (Feb. 25-28).
47 days: Georgia Morse Middle School musical (Feb. 28, March 2).

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

One of his doctors, when Buffalo Bills football player Damar Hamlin woke up for the first time since his cardiac arrest and asked who won the game: “Damar, you won. You won the game of life.”

COLLEGE SPORTS ROUNDUP

South Dakota State football (Regan Bollweg): The Jackrabbits left no doubt about their #1 ranking in the nation in FCS football. In the national championship game in Frisco, Texas, Sunday, SDSU dominated North Dakota State, 45-21. The Jacks finished the season with a 14-1 record as they defeated the Bison for the fourth straight time.

South Dakota men’s basketball (Max Burchill): The Coyotes split with the North Dakota teams on the road. At UND the Coyotes won by 62-60 as Max got in for 19 minutes and had five rebounds, three assists and a steal. In a 73-61 loss to NDSU he had 19 more minutes of action and had three points on a three-pointer along with an assist and four boards. USD is home Saturday evening against SDSU on Midco Sports Network.

Dakota Wesleyan men’s basketball (Nick Wittler): The Tigers won in overtime over Briar Cliff, 78-76. Nick got in for 16 minutes but did not score. DWU lost to Concordia, 78-69, as Nick was 5-of-9 (4-of-8 in threes) and 1-of-2 for 15 points with one rebound. Last night the Tigers defeated Midland, 74-68, and Nick had three rebounds and two assists. Now 9-8 overall and 5-4 in the GPAC, DWU hosts Mount Marty Sunday.

Dakota Wesleyan track (Cobey Carr, Abby Ferris): Idle since the holiday break, the Tigers return to action at the Dordt Open Saturday.

South Dakota Mines track (Erick Colman): The Hardrockers resume the indoor season at Black Hills State’s meet Saturday.

North Dakota State football (Grey Zabel): The Bison lost a national championship game in Frisco, Texas, for the first time when they fell at the hands of South Dakota State, 45-21. NDSU finishes with a 12-3 record.

Minnesota State-Mankato track (Maya Shorter): The Mavericks’ indoor season resumes with a home meet this Friday.

Black Hills State track (Frank Becker): The Yellowjackets host a home meet this Saturday as their indoor season resumes.

Augustana swimming (Ella Ward-Zeller): The Vikings have been idle since mid-December. They return to the pool with a dual against Omaha next Thursday.

Augustana women’s basketball (Aislinn Duffy, Katie Bourk): The Vikings split a pair on a northern NSIC trip. In a 62-60 loss at Northern Aislinn was 7-of-18 (0-of-3 in threes) and 6-of-8 for 20 points with five rebounds two assists and two steals. Augie won at MSU-Moorhead, 64-40 as Aislinn was 8-of-12 (3-of-3 in three-pointers) for 19 points with six boards, three assists and three steals. Now 13-3 overall and 7-3 in the NSIC, Augustana is home this weekend vs. Mary on Friday and Minot State Saturday.

Dakota Wesleyan wrestling (Aric Williams, Tyson Johnson): DWU’s participation at the Hastings Open was canceled. In a dual against Jamestown the Tigers won 34-12. At 149 pounds Aric won by a 5-2 decision, and at 157 Tyson won by a 13-1 major decision. DWU sends wrestlers to the Missouri Valley Invitational at Marshall, Mo., Jan. 20-21.

Mount Marty men’s basketball (Lincoln Jordre): The Lancers defeated Concordia, 89-64, as Lincoln went 8-of-10 (4-of-6 in three-pointers) for 20 points with five rebounds and two assists Last night the Lancers gave #15 Northwestern a tough game but lost 76-73. Lincoln was 5-of-6 and 2-of-6 for 12 points with four boards. Now 9-12 overall and 3-8 in the GPAC, Mount Marty plays at DWU Sunday and at Midland next Wednesday.

University of Sioux Falls track (Jessica Lutmer): The Cougars’ indoor season resumes Saturday at the Mount Marty meet.

Northern track (Addison Cumbow): The Wolves return to the indoor season Saturday against Jamestown.

Mary wrestling (Lincoln Turman): At the national duals in Louisville, Ky., last weekend, the Marauders staked a claim for some national recognition by winning three of four duals, including a 21-12 win over #2 Nebraska-Kearney. Mary also defeated Ashland, 37-8 in the first round; lost to St. Cloud State in the semifinals, 26-6, and won the third-place match over West Liberty, 37-3. Lincoln wrestled only in the St. Cloud dual, losing his 141-pound match in a 7-4 decision. Mary begins NSIC conference duals Thursday at Minnesota State and Friday at MSU-Moorhead.

South Dakota State swimming (Morgan Nelson): The Jacks resume their season in a dual against St. Cloud State Saturday.

PARKER’S PERSONAL NOTES

  • The support in Texas for the SDSU football team at its national championship game was nothing short of amazing but not surprising. Just so you can plan ahead, this coming fall’s SDSU-NDSU regular-season game is due to be in Brookings. According to a newspaper story I saw after the game, SDSU’s opener right now will be Sept. 9 at home against Montana State although SDSU hopes to fill the season-opening Sept. 2 date which now is an open date. Meanwhile, NDSU’s opener will be Sept. 2 against Eastern Washington, not in Fargo but in Minneapolis, one of NDSU’s major recruiting bases.
  • When Deion Sanders (or Coach Prime as he enjoys being called) takes over as Colorado coach, his three non-conference games before he has to face the PAC-12 schedule will be Sept. 2 at TCU (sure to be a national TV game), Sept. 9 at home vs. Nebraska and Sept. 16 at home vs. Colorado State.
  • A person of my age can’t help but wonder, when renewing his driver’s license until 2028, if this is the last time I’ll be doing this!
  • Because I despise the Packers so immensely, I hate it whenever they get an advantage. The Vikings won the division so will face three first-place opponents next fall while the third-place Packers get to play three third-place opponents. Otherwise, the teams play the same 14 teams in their other games. But while the Vikings get first-place Eagles, the Packers get the third-place Giants. The Vikings get the first-place Bengals while the Packers get the third-place Steelers. And the Vikings get the first-place 49ers while the Packers get the third-place Rams. Actually there’s not much difference because the third-place teams this season could well be first-place teams by the time next fall arrives.
  • Isn’t it interesting (and disgusting) that the next hearing regarding the Hillsdale College social studies standards that Governor Noem wants to impose upon the South Dakota public schools was scheduled to be held in Pierre (midway in the state) on a Saturday, Feb. 11 (when teachers and parents could attend), but now it has been moved to Friday, Feb. 10, in faraway Rapid City. Hopefully people representing the West River schools that don’t have school on Friday will show up.
  • Champions Indoor Football (CIF), the league in which the second-year Rapid City Marshals will be playing again starting this spring, has adopted interesting ways to score extra points following touchdowns. A team can still get one point the traditional way—by kicking the ball through the uprights from the 2-yard line. A two-point conversion is also still possible from the 2-yard line, either by running or passing. But now a 3-point extra-point is possible by placing the ball at the 5-yard line and running or passing it in. And there’s more! A 4-point conversion is possible by running or passing the ball across the goal line starting at the 10-yard line.
  • This will be the first spring with sanctioned softball under the auspices of the SDHSAA. This week they announced mercy rules will be in effect for these games—10 runs after five innings but 15 runs after three innings. Pierre’s season opens with a pair of home games—Saturday, March 25, vs. Rapid City Central and Friday, March 30, vs. Aberdeen Central.

ONE YEAR AGO IN THE MIDWEEK UPDATE

January 13, 2022: On the day Governor Noem praised herself for her hands-off approach to the COVID pandemic, all 66 counties in her state reported “high community spread.”

WORDS OF WISDOM

We live in a stage of politics where legislators seem to regard the passage of laws as much more important than the results of their enforcement.
— President William Howard Taft

HOCKEY UPDATE

Aberdeen Wings: The Wings were swept by Austin, 4-1 and 4-2. Aberdeen plays Friday and Saturday at Minot.

Rapid City Rush: The Rush won two of three over Utah, winning 5-2, losing 6-4 and winning 3-2 in overtime. Rapid City plays at Tulsa Friday and Saturday and at Kansas City Monday.

Badlands Sabres: Idle last weekend, the Sabres play Friday and Saturday at home vs. Yellowstone.

Oahe Capitals girls varsity: Idle last weekend, the Capitals girls’ next league game will be at Brookings at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

Oahe Capitals boys varsity: The Caps lost at Rushmore, 4-3, though they scored two late goals to cut their deficit down to that final one-score margin. Barret Schweitzer, Ashton Griese and Jarron Beck made the Oahe goals, and Colin Lee had 21 saves in goal. The Caps are idle this weekend but have a busy one awaiting them at the end of next week when they play at Sioux Falls #2 Jan. 20, at Mitchell Jan. 21 and at Aberdeen Jan. 22.

Minnesota Wild: The Wild lost to Buffalo, 6-5; lost to St. Louis, 2-0, and lost to the New York Rangers after a shootout, 4-3. Minnesota plays at the New York Islanders Thursday, then takes on Arizona Saturday and Washington Tuesday.

FOOTBALL UPDATE

Minnesota Vikings: In a meaningless game to end the regular season, the Vikings beat the Bears in Chicago, 29-13, and finished with a 13-4 record. Minnesota is home in the first round of the playoffs against the New York Giants at 3:40 p.m. Sunday on Fox.

Denver Broncos: A horrendous regular season for the Broncos ended with a 5-12 record after a 31-28 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

NFL playoff games on TV this weekend (times are CST):
— SATURDAY
Seattle at San Francisco, Fox, 3:35 p.m.
Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville, NBC, 7:15 p.m.
— SUNDAY
Miami at Buffalo, CBS, 12:05 p.m.
New York Giants at Minnesota, Fox, 3:40 p.m.
Baltimore at Cincinnati, NBC, 7:15 p.m.
— MONDAY
Dallas at Tampa Bay, ESPN, 7:15 p.m.

Minnesota Vikings: With the end of the regular season we now know each NFL team’s list of opponents for next fall’s season. The Vikings will have eight home games and nine road games, the opposite of the season just ending. Here’s whom the Vikings will face:
* 6 games vs. their own division (home-and-away vs. Chicago, Detroit and Green Bay).
* 4 games vs. AFC West (home vs. Kansas City and L.A. Chargers; away at Denver and Las Vegas).
* 4 games vs. NFC South (home vs. New Orleans and Tampa Bay; away at Atlanta and Carolina).
* 1 game vs. first-place team in NFC West (home vs. San Francisco).
* 1 game vs. first-place team in AFC North (at Cincinnati).
* 1 game vs. first-place team in NFC East (at Philadelphia).

Denver Broncos: Since some of you make treks down to Denver to see NFL games, here’s whom the Broncos will face next fall:
* 6 games vs. their own division (home-and-away vs. Las Vegas, L.A. Chargers and Kansas City).
* 4 games vs. NFC North (home vs. Green Bay and Minnesota; away at Chicago and Detroit).
* 4 games vs. AFC East (home vs. New England and New York Jets; away at Buffalo and Miami).
* 1 game vs. last-place team in NFC East (home vs. Washington).
* 1 game vs. last-place team in AFC South (at Houston).
* 1 game vs. last-place team in AFC North (home vs. Cleveland).

Kansas City Chiefs: And since some of you follow the Chiefs and because we get so many of their games on local TV, here’s the Chiefs lineup for next fall:
* 6 games vs. their own division (home-and-away vs. Denver, L.A. Chargers and Las Vegas).
* 4 games vs. NFC North (home vs. Chicago and Detroit; away at Minnesota and Green Bay).
* 4 games vs. AFC East (home vs. Miami and Buffalo; away at New England and New York Jets).
* 1 game vs. first-place team in AFC North (home vs. Cincinnati).
* 1 game vs. first-place team in NFC East (home vs. Philadelphia).
* 1 game vs. first-place team in AFC South (at Jacksonville).

FOOTBALL CONTEST #24

Almost all of our contestants last week picked SDSU, Jacksonville, Bufalo, Cincinnati, Seattle, the 49ers and the Vikings, so excellent records were plentiful. The very worst record was 6-4! But Kyle Richards had a perfect 10-0 so earns double-10 or 20 points. At 9-1 for 9 points each, each of them failing on the Packers’ loss, were Thomas Voeltz, Nathan Vetter, Levi Neuharth and Jon Boer. At 8-2 for 8 points each were Randy Pool, Mikal Kern, Terry Tousley, Seb Axtman and David Ludwig.

This week’s contest (send your 6 winners to parkerhome16@hotmail.com by Saturday morning):
(1) Seattle at San Francisco.
(2) Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville.
(3) Miami at Buffalo.
(4) New York Giants at Minnesota.
(5) Baltimore at Cincinnati
(6) Dallas at Tampa Bay.
(For those in our season-long competition, we will give 10 points for 6 games picked correctly, 9 points for 5 correct, 8 points for 4 correct and 7 points for 3 correct.)

BASKETBALL UPDATE

Midco Sports Network live games this week:
— Thursday, 7 p.m.: Women’s basketball, UND vs. Omaha.
— Friday, 7 p.m.: Men’s hockey, UND vs. Western Michigan.
— Saturday, 1 p.m.: Women’s basketball, USD vs. SDSU.
— Saturday, 1 p.m.: Women’s basketball, UND vs. Denver (MS2).
— Saturday, 6 p.m. Men’s hockey, UND vs. Western Michigan (MS2).
— Saturday, 6 p.m.: Men’s basketball, USD vs. SDSU.

Summit League basketball update:
— MEN’S BASKETBALL
* USD (7-9): The Coyotes beat UND, 62-60 and lost to NDSU, 73-61.
Upcoming game: Saturday home vs. SDSU.
* SDSU (8-9): The Jackrabbits lost to NDSU, 65-59, and edged UND, 60-59.
Upcoming game: Saturday at USD.
— WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
* USD (8-9): The Coyotes beat UND, 79-67, and lost to NDSU, 79-76.
Upcoming game: Saturday at SDSU.
* SDSU (13-5): The Jacks beat NDSU, 94-63, and beat UND, 105-72.
Upcoming game: Saturday home vs. USD.

Sioux Falls Skyforce: It was a winning week on the road for the Skyforce. They won twice at Rio Grande Valley, 115-104 and 124-110, then won on Monday at Stockton, 112-104. Sioux Falls stays out west to play at Santa Cruz Thursday and Friday before returning home to face Raptors 905 Sunday and Lakeland Tuesday.

Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves had a four-game winning streak going, concluding with a 128-115 win over the Los Angeles Clippers and a 104-96 win over Houston, but last night they lost to Detroit, 135-118 Now 20-23 for the season, Minnesota plays at Phoenix Friday, at Cleveland Saturday and at Utah Monday before returning home vs. Denver next Wednesday.

GOLF UPDATE

PGA Champions Tour (Tom Byrum): The Champions Tour for players 55 and older begins its 2023 schedule at the Mitsubishi Electric tournament in Hawaii Jan 19-21.

BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES

Thursday, Jan. 12:
Meaghan (Anderson) Neuberger, Terry Woster Lyndsey Ring, Nicole Mosiman, Ripley Joy, Randy Sprenkle, Trey Owens, Sheila (Beougher) Lee, Lane Kozel.
— 5th anniversary, Stuart/Heather Stofferahn.

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

Saturday, Jan. 14:
Mike Ludwig, Rachelle (Reeves) Daniels, Breckan Shindle, Anne (Burchill) Williams, Guy Erlenbusch, Crue Cronin, Jim Keyes, Christina Lusk.
— We fondly remember Colt Gunderson, who passed away 17 years ago today.

Sunday, Jan. 15:
Madison Sutton, Easton Dozark, Nic Hogan, Eli Stoeser, Barb Hillestad, Anajoy Schmitgen, Turok McNulty, Harrison Jennings.

Monday, Jan. 16:
Cheryl (Wire) Stierna, Alvin Kelley, Andrew Tople, John Hamilton, Ashley Denton, Anne Denton, Kate (Wylie) Berreth, Tennile (Asmussen) Lindskov, Tristan Bryant, Wendy Carroll, Samuel Lechtenberg, Kelli (Snow) Rohrer, Jacki (Parlin) Wicker, Brad Weeking.
— 7th anniversary, Derrick/Jenny (Hallenbeck) Orr.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 18:
Leann (Sevening) Weischedel, Jonathan Moe, Tyson LIndekugel, Rick LaFurge, Twila Dockter, Kaden Kampfe, Cody Henrichsen, Robbin Paxon, Cody Cruse, Kaden Parsons.

Thursday, Jan. 19:
Becky (Barringer) Hoffman, Natalie Blaseg, Martha Nystrom, Clint Fouts, Jake Vogel, Lane Hawkins, Allen Hiller, Fletcher Delvo, Noah Wright, Karla Baus, Darin Hausmann, Destiny Garber, Caren (Howard) Huxford, Chandra Schoenhard, Barbars Crandell-Miller.

NEWS OF PEOPLE AND EVENTS

Tom Olson, 73, died at home in Pierre Jan. 1 after a long battle with health issues. A celebration of his life is planned for 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at New Life Church in Pierre. He grew up in Aberdeen and graduated from Central High School. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, he attended Northern State College for a degree in business. He worked as a stockbroker in Illinois where he married Jill Bolton in 1982. They moved several times as Tom operated new businesses along the way in Texas, Wisconsin and Florida before moving to Pierre where he operated Outpost Lodge and Big Tom’s Diner. He is survived by his wife, Jill; his children, Heath, Kalie and Tieg; a granddaughter; his daughter, Tanya (Dean) Tyska of Inverness, Ill.; two grandchildren and a brother, Bob (Cheri) Olson of Aberdeen. Among those preceding him in death was one of his children, Codi.

The Over Forte big band, organized by Larry and Mary Jo Johnson some 40 years ago, played music for its seventh inaugural ball in the Capitol Rotunda Saturday night. The band first played for an inaugural at Governor Janklow’s second inauguration, followed by the two inaugurations each of Mike Rounds, Dennis Daugaard and now Kristi Noem.

David Laustsen, 75, a former member of the South Dakota Legislature, died Jan. 7 at the age of 75 in Doylestown, Pa. A graduate of Aberdeen Central High School, Mr. Laustsen had a long-time career in radio and television. Among the places where he worked was Aberdeen where he managed KKAA-AM and KQ95-FM. At the age of 29 he was elected to the House of Representatives, serving 1977 to 1984, then served in the Senate from 1985 to 1987 He left South Dakota to attend law school at Temple University in Philadelphia. Among his survivors are his wife Jean, a son, a daughter, three grandchildren and a sister.

The fall semester Dean’s List at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology includes these local students—Payton Peery, Aydan Johnson, Garrett Petersen, Kara Huse, Adeline Abernathy, Erick Colman, Chloe Jungwirth, Devin Strutt.

If ever you should decide to send a birthday card, even to someone you don’t know well, here is the time. Long-time Sully County resident Hazel Baumberger, who has lived in Pierre for the past many years, will be 107 next week on Sunday, Jan. 29. Make a note to send her a card at ParkWood Apartments, 400 Parkwood Drive, Pierre SD 57501.

Bernita Benjamin, 59, died at home in Pierre Dec. 31. A memorial service is planned for 5 p.m. this Sunday, Jan. 15, at Calvary United Pentecostal Church. Born in Chicago, Bernita grew up in Mississippi and graduated from Racine Christian Academy in Wisconsin. She married Jack Benjamin in 1983. She is survived by her husband; her children, Amy (Josh) Hansen, Nathan Benjamin, Sara (Jason) Hamil, Annleaia Johnson and Ashley Stetson; six grandchildren and three siblings.

Alice (Kirley) Jones of Brandon died Dec. 30. Her funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Feigum Funeral Home. Alice graduated from high school in Fort Pierre. She married Robert Schick in 1954, and they had two daughters before divorcing in 1962. She married Walter Jones in 1969 and gained two sons, Scott and Tim. They lived in Haakon County until 1973 when they moved to Dell Rapids. In 2014 they moved into an assisted living facility. When health issues intervened, they moved into Bethany Homes. Alice is survived by her daughters, Deb (Larry) Miles of Alcester and Robin (Bruce) Even of Pierre; her stepsons, Scott (Lynn) Jones of New Holstein, Wis., and Tim (Nancy) Jones of Tracy Minn.; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Heather (Knox) Sazama is one of eight presenters at the Freedom Expo 2023 to be held Friday at the Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City. The Expo is South Dakota’s premier public awareness event on human trafficking. The event is free to the public. Heather works as a prosecutor in the U.S. attorney’s office in Rapid City.

Kyle and Leslie Sarringar revealed on Facebook this week that they are expecting a baby in July, and the newborn will join big brother Hudson in their family.

Jerry Ripperger, 65, died Jan. 4. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. this Friday at Miller Funeral Home in Sioux Falls with a prayer service there at 6:30. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Good News Church, 1800 S. Valley View Rd., Sioux Falls. Jerry was born in Madison and lived there for many years. Most recently he and his wife lived at Hartford. Surviving are his wife, Pam; his children, Jeremy (Penny) Ripperger, Amy (Brian) Grunewaldt, Mat (Bre) Ripperger, and Shelby (Spencer) Kommes; his mother, Nanch (Jim) Rensch; his sister, Julie Ripperger, and six grandchildren.

A South Dakota native from a prominent athletics family heads up the athletic training staff of the Buffalo Bills, all of whom had to deal with the ultimate emergency a week ago Monday when one of their players, Damar Hamlin, suffered cardiac arrest on the field in Cincinnati. Nate Breske, a native of Webster and a graduate of Northern State where he was a two-year quarterback for the Wolves, is head athletic trainer for the Bills. He and his staff were honored prior to the Bills’ home game last Sunday. Breske was an intern with the Patriots for a summer, then worked as an assistant athletic trainer for the 49ers and head athletic trainer for the Bears before securing the job in Buffalo, where he has been since 2018.

Riggs High senior Lincoln Kienholz, who has committed to Ohio State for football beginning next fall, played at the All-American Bowl, a national high school all-star game in San Antonio, last weekend Though his West team lost to the East 55-17, Kienholz threw two touchdown passes—one covering 43 yards in the third quarter and another covering 38 yards in the fourth period. He completed five of six passes for 107 yards and those two touchdowns, and he also had one rush for five yards.

Jay Mickelson underwent detached retina surgery in Sioux Falls just before Christmas. Since then two checkups have gone well. He has some restrictions for the time being—no singing, limited reading and writing, and definitely no snowblowing. So if Pierre gets one of its patented snowfalls within the next few days, the Mickelsons can use some help with the snow removal. According to Bev Mickelson, friends have come through with any lifting and snowblowing so far, and the help has been “the best part of Christmas this year.” Bev, meanwhile, will have some carpal tunnel work done late in January. The Mickelsons hope that, by the end of January, they will be able to visit their fourth grandchild, who may have been born by the time you read this. The Mickelsons’ Christmas letter revealed they were frequent fliers in 2022, including Jay’s going on a two-week medical mission to the Dominican Republic; a flight to Juneau, Alaska, to see daughter Allison in “Fun Home” in the lead role of Alison Bechdel; a 48th anniversary trip to England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, and camping trips with son Drew, his wife Nicole and their Taylor (6), Aubree (3)( and Logan (1). Allison flew from Scotland to Juneau to appear in that play, and while her parents were on their trip to Europe later in the year, they were present when Allison graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with a master of fine arts in acting. Drew and his family live on Nicole’s parents’ farm near Conde, and Drew still commutes 55 miles one way daily to Aberdeen to work for Performance Oil. Back home Jay substitute-teaches at Riggs High and leads tours of the Capitol and the museum, and Bev is constantly busy with church music and other music engagements around town.

Bertha “Babe” (Hattum) Magnusson died Jan. 2. Her funeral took place Monday at Feigum Funeral Home. Babe was raised in Fort Pierre. She worked at the Chuckwagon Cafe for many years. She married George Magnusson in 1990, and he passed away in 2000. Babe is survived by her stepdaughter, Wanda (Clayton) Boyle of Pierre; her stepsons, William (Julie) Magnusson of Mountain Home, Idaho; Shawn Magnusson of Rapid City and Scott Edmaiston of Chicago; seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Jake and Savannah Stewart, who live in Miller, are the parents of a daughter, Charlotte Irene Stewart. She was born Jan. 4, weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces, and measuring 19 1/2 inches. She joins two big sisters in the Stewart family.

Steve Harding announced last week he plans to seek a new term as mayor of Pierre in the June 6 city election. Candidate petitions have a deadline of March 28. In Fort Pierre a municipal election, if necessary, would be held April 11, and the petition deadline there is Feb. 24.

The University of South Dakota announced its Dean’s List for the fall semester, and it includes these local students—Austyn Wiebe, Ellie Smith, Jack Maher, Carter Karst, Gabriella Linn, Maguire Raske, Carissa Ott, Andie Allison, Mattie Jones, Griffin Petersen, Miles Amende, Alexandra Smith, Paul Adam, Paige Pollreisz, Morkeia Mutchelknaus, Maegan Walsh, Mary Howard, Phil Adam, Grant Judson, Tyler Gere, Carston Miller, Emily Mikkelsen, Jordan Morley, Ellie Richards, Joana Zanin, Abigail Foster, Morgan Magdanz, Hanna Jerome, Raegan Wiebe, Taylor Evans. Among part-time USD students, Halli Drewes and Rylie Miller earned Academic Honors.

Dr. Kelly Glodt, superintendent of the Pierre schools, told the school board Monday night that the district has one more snow day it can use if the weather calls for it. After that any missed day of school will have to be made up at the end of the current school calendar. Pierre missed an unprecedented four consecutive days of school due to the prolonged blizzard the week before Christmas.

Barb Downs, 68, passed away unexpectedly at home Jan. 7. A private family memorial service will take place, followed by an informal public celebration of life at 5 p.m. tonight (Thursday) at Downs Marine. Barb lived with her family in Pickstown until they moved to Fort Pierre where she graduated from Stanley County High School. She and Dan Downs were married in 1974, and they became the parents of three sons. Dan and Barb operated Downs Marine. Barb was active in the Fort Pierre Booster Club, a Cub Scout leader and a past Fort Pierre Fan of the Year. She was also a founding member of Moms Against Ugly Uniforms. Survivors include her husband, Dan Downs; her sons, Shaun (Jenny) Downs of Laramie, Wyo., and Jason (Lacey) Downs of Pierre; her daughter-in-law, Sonia of Spearfish; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her mother, Pat Duffy of Fort Pierre, and her siblings, Terry (Wendy) Biegen of Sioux Falls, Dana Costner of Fort Pierre and Jill (Damian) Prunty of Pierre. Among those who preceded her in death were her son, Chad Downs, and her sister, Darci Deal.

Nick and Karlea (Stahl) Larson became parents for the first time on Jan. 9. Their son, Ben (actually Bennett Melvin Larson), weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces, and measured 20 3/4 inches.

Pierre native Barry Johnson and his wife Janeen of Stillwater, Okla., are excited at the news that they will become grandparents for the first time in late July. Their son Zach and his wife Mere are expecting their first child.

The fall semester Dean’s List at Black Hills State University includes these local students: Tori Fratzke, Riley Hannum, Haylee Hauck, Teyah Lewis, Hunter Martell, Mikah Moser, Kayla Peplinski, Sydney Theobald.

PONDER THIS

Never reduce a target. Instead, increase actions. When you start rethinking your targets, making up excuses and letting yourself off the hook, you are giving up on your dreams.
— Grant Candone

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