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Fewer calls to RCFD during holiday weekend, fire department reports
Rapid City Fire Department crews respond to a fire on Skyline Drive Monday in Rapid City.
Courtesy, Rapid City Fire Department
The Rapid City Fire Department responded to 46 less calls during Independence Day weekend compared to 2021, the department reported Tuesday.
RCFD Public Information Officer Tessa Jaeger said in a news release Tuesday the department responded to 174 calls for service between 7 a.m. July 2 and 7 a.m. Tuesday. There were six fires, including one trash can fire, one dumpster, one in an alleyway, two grass fires and one vehicle fire. She said the causes are listed as undetermined.
One of the grass fires occurred on Skyline Drive off of the Stonewall Overlook Monday. When crews arrived, smoke and flames were visible. A 40-by-40-foot area was burned.
The cause is under investigation and is suspicious by nature, Jaeger said in a separate release. There were reports of people using fireworks in the area before the fire started.
According to the release, rain helped give moisture to dry vegetation, but the area is still experiencing drought conditions.
In 2021, the department responded to 220 calls for services between 7 a.m. July 3 and 7 a.m. July 6, and 35 separate fire calls.
In 2020, there were 204 calls for service during the same time period, 25 of which were fire related. In 2019, there were 170 calls for service with four being fire related.
Rcfd
Tessa Jaeger
WITH VIDEOS: Fire crews quickly douse fire at Servall
People were allowed back into the Servall building on Main Street in Rapid City a little more than an hour after a fire began Monday morning.
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2022-07-05T21:01:26Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Fewer calls to RCFD during holiday weekend, fire department reports | Fire updates | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/fire/fewer-calls-to-rcfd-during-holiday-weekend-fire-department-reports/article_63de1bad-4dc3-5257-9600-a279ca2dc36e.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/fire/fewer-calls-to-rcfd-during-holiday-weekend-fire-department-reports/article_63de1bad-4dc3-5257-9600-a279ca2dc36e.html
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Mines alumnus earns Marie Curie Fellowship
South Dakota Mines logo
A South Dakota Mines alumnus who studies hurricane storm surges has earned a prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship. Eirik Valseth, Ph.D., is developing new mathematical methods to increase the state-of-the-art prediction capabilities for storm surges.
Valseth completed his doctorate in mechanical engineering at South Dakota Mines in 2019 and recently landed the Marie Curie Fellowship of the European Union, which is among the most prestigious fellowships in Europe. The fellowship funds collaborative research projects and provides high-quality researcher education and training.
Valseth currently works at the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. When the National Weather Service predicts a hurricane, Valseth and his colleagues use the supercomputers at Texas Advanced Computer Center to produce a forecast showing how high the storm surge will be.
“It’s very rewarding because I know my work today has real impact,” Valseth said. “Our models can be used to evacuate people and save lives. That is not something I ever previously thought I could do as a mathematician.”
Valseth’s future work as a Marie Curie Fellow will involve some parallel mathematics with new applications to increase the efficiency of hydropower in his home country of Norway, which relies on hydroelectric production for a vast majority of its energy needs.
Predicting and modeling the amount of runoff in a watershed above a hydropower dam is critical for forecasting potential energy generation and for maximizing efficiency. For years, forecasters have relied on past climate data to help determine the given amount of water available in any year. Valseth said climate change makes past data unreliable.
“So, when they make a prediction based on what happened in the past, it does not always translate into accurate predictions for the future. In Norway, we are seeing the impact of this right now as the price of energy has gone through the roof and more accurate models have the potential to help minimize such price surges in the future,” Valseth said.
Valseth will be developing new techniques by coupling partial differential equations to improve forecast models for rainfall, lake levels and downstream flow in rivers. The work has the potential to improve hydropower production and help reduce overall CO2 emissions. It could also help predict flooding on rivers around the world. As an example, the 2011 flood on the Missouri River in South Dakota reportedly caused more than $2 billion in damages; 4,000 homes were flooded and five people lost their lives. Valseth’s work to better understand and model runoff in river systems could have major benefits for predicting and preparing for future flooding events.
Valseth credits his Ph.D. advisor at South Dakota Mines, Dr. Albert Romkes, for his achievements. Romkes is an associate professor of mechanical engineering.
“The training he provided is the reason for my success,” Valseth said. “He taught many classes where I was the only student, so I could learn to survive in the world I am in now, so I give him all the credit for my accomplishments.”
Valseth said his work at the Oden Institute is a dream job.
“I knew that I wanted to come here to the Oden Institute because it is the absolute number one location for applied mathematics and computational science in the world. Again, thanks to my advisor, Dr. Romkes, I have been able to thrive here,” Valseth said.
"I’m extremely proud of the recognition Dr. Valseth is receiving with the award of this prestigious fellowship,” Romkes said. “He is a truly talented individual and scholar, and a strong example of the bright minds we are fortunate to educate at South Dakota Mines."
Eirik Valseth
Marie Curie Fellowship
Albert Romkes
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2022-07-05T21:01:33Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Mines alumnus earns Marie Curie Fellowship | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/mines-alumnus-earns-marie-curie-fellowship/article_0d638abb-c574-5964-8856-100f8cde9b9f.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/mines-alumnus-earns-marie-curie-fellowship/article_0d638abb-c574-5964-8856-100f8cde9b9f.html
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Brett Walfish, center, and Katie Smirnova, right, stand with student Asher Burke, 17, at the couples' home, and new home of the Rushmore Music Festival.
Laura Heckmann, Journal staff
The home of Brett Walfish and Katie Smirnova, off Klondike Road in Pennington County near Rapid City, is now also the home of the Rushmore Music Festival, thanks to a PUD Overlay approval granted at a June 21 Pennington County Commission meeting.
Brett Walfish and Katie Smirnova left a Pennington County Commission meeting June 21 with an approved Planned Unit Development Overlay from the Board of Commissioners, a step months and multiple meetings in the making.
The approval signaled the green light for the three-week Rushmore Music Festival out of their home off Klondike Road, beginning July 9.
The PUD overlay took Walfish and Smirnova down an unexpected road of controversy, with multiple public hearings bringing neighbors before the commission, voicing concerns over road safety, altered landscape and land use, among others. The commission ultimately granted the PUD overlay with 30 conditions.
“What we got approved for is what our needs are for this year,” Smirnova said.
The festival is on. Walfish and Smirnova founded the Rushmore Music Festival eight years ago, but their PUD overlay meant a permanent home for the festival. Having previously rented space at Black Hills University, they can now conduct the camp on their 17 acres of property, at their own home, to include four practice sheds. This year also marks the second year they’ve been able to offer the festival tuition-free.
The Rushmore Music Festival is an intensive solo and chamber music program aimed at students 12-18, attracting advanced musicians from across the country and globe. The three-week program focuses on individual technical mastery and artistic growth. Students also have the opportunity to attend faculty concerts and rehearsals throughout the program.
For Walfish and Smirnova, both classically-trained, professional musicians, music has influenced most of their lives.
Smirnova’s musical background began in St. Petersburg, Russia, when she was six years old, before moving to the United States when she was 10. She has a doctorate degree in violin performance from the Stony Brook University and bachelor and master degrees in violin performance from the Peabody Institute of the John Hopkins University, and studied at the Julliard School Pre-College Division.
Walfish has been playing since he was three, starting on the violin and transitioning to viola. He holds a master's degree and a graduate diploma in viola performance from the New England Conservatory, as well as a bachelor's degree from Indiana University’s Jacob’s School of Music.
They have performed all over the country and the world, but decided to bring their musical talents to the Black Hills when they fell in love with its beauty through visits to Smirnova’s mother, a chemistry professor at South Dakota Mines.
The festival began as a day program, working from 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday, with beginner to intermediate-level students. As the years progressed, they added an overnight program and started seeing the level of students rise.
For Walfish and Smirnova, the vision of the festival has always been to leave their students with positive experiences through music.
“And that's including when they have those low points,” Walfish said. “When you're working hard on anything, and they make their way and they have that breakthrough that pulls them out of it…”
“…that’s when growth happens,” Smirnova added.
They see that hard work and perseverance can bring accomplishments they never dreamed of, Walfish said. Walfish and Smirnova also want their students to see them putting in the legwork.
“We do everything, from backstage to picking up food, to teaching and performing,” Smirnova said.
They run streaming, paint walls and install cabinets.
“And for them to see that someone who went and majored in music has to do that, in order to create something unique. I think that’s pretty eye-opening for them," Smirnova said,
The program also offers student instruction in audience engagement, in hopes of rewriting a narrative where people see classical music as a boring, dying art form. Walfish and Smirnova educate their students on how to engage with the audience, both verbally and from the stage.
Twenty-one students are lined up for the 2022 festival. Joining the program is a rigorous process of auditions and interviews, almost like a college admissions process, Walfish said. This year’s group brings students from Florida, Hawaii, even Spain — and one Rapid City native.
Asher Burke, 17, has participated in the camp for two years, this summer marking his third and final time. A viola player, Burke began taking lessons with Smirnova and Walfish in 2019.
Articulate and well-mannered, Burke exemplified the program’s audience engagement training, speaking of the festival’s influence on his own relationship with music.
“It gave me a whole new perspective on learning music as a group,” he said. “It opened my eyes to writing my own, as well.”
The festival also brings the ability to learn music with like-minded people, he said — something “there’s not a lot of here.”
Their 2022 program will begin Saturday, as Walfish and Smirnova put the finishing touches on their home and prepare to welcome students. Their hope is a review from the Pennington County Planning Department in August will open more doors for the camp’s future, including more concerts and being able to house all faculty and students under their roof.
For more information on the Rushmore Music Festival, visit rushmoremusicfestival.org.
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2022-07-05T22:49:27Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Music festival moves forward with approved plan | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/music-festival-moves-forward-with-approved-plan/article_a65be8b8-29d2-566f-b711-3da04e40cd66.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/music-festival-moves-forward-with-approved-plan/article_a65be8b8-29d2-566f-b711-3da04e40cd66.html
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Pennington County discusses proposed mining ordinance
The Pennington County Board of Commissioners heard input from the public on a proposed ordinance amendment establishing hard rock mining requirements at their regular board meeting Tuesday morning.
The Pennington County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance amendment that would add a section establishing hard rock mining requirements to the Pennington County Zoning Ordinance at their regular board meeting Tuesday morning.
The proposed text was called Section 321 — Hard Rock Mining Operation — with the purpose listed to promote public health, safety and general welfare; permit the development and utilization of resources in a manner compatible with neighboring land uses; prevent the degradation of existing private and public water supplies; and minimize potential adverse environmental effects through use of Best Management Practices, all consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
The public hearing was the second reading of the draft, with the first reading having occurred at a prior Planning Commission meeting. The hearing brought input from both concerned citizens and members of the mining industry.
The draft went through “five or six meetings,” said Cody Sack, Pennington County Planning Department, before coming before the Board of Commissioners. Dating back to February, the draft had been “revamped,” several times, he said, incorporating input from the public.
The board discussed items that had been changed or removed from the draft ordinance, such as removing a requirement to conduct a socioeconomic impact study and changing the length of the permit from five years to 10 years.
The board, along with Megan Krueger, Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office, also discussed what the county’s limitations were in relation to laws already in place at the state level, and whether or not they could make their own more stringent than what the state already had in place.
Krueger said the county cannot do anything that is “directly in conflict” with the state statute. She said specifics of what have been discussed with the state regarding the ordinance is “attorney-client privilege type of conversation.”
Commissioner Travis Lasseter spoke to concerns he’d heard, as well as his own, regarding protection against contaminated water. Krueger said she could put together a memorandum, but it would not be opened to the public.
Several members of the public weighed in on the draft, voicing concerns over the ordinance not being strict enough when it came to protecting water from contamination, air quality and local control. Members of the mining community were also present to encourage the board to talk to experts and not make the ordinance stricter than necessary, creating a roadblock for mining operations.
The commission agreed to continue the proposed ordinance to the July 19 meeting to allow for further research and public comment, with a goal of Aug. 16 for a final decision.
The board also heard budget hearings from the sheriff’s office and Department of Equalization for the 2023 provisional budget. The board cannot approve the provisional budget prior to July 15.
Pennington County Board
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2022-07-05T22:49:33Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Pennington County discusses proposed mining ordinance | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/pennington-county-discusses-proposed-mining-ordinance/article_f1b50b81-d41b-5d47-a05a-6260561ea48f.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/pennington-county-discusses-proposed-mining-ordinance/article_f1b50b81-d41b-5d47-a05a-6260561ea48f.html
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Morgan Matzen Sioux Falls Argus Leader
Black Hills State University's main campus in Spearfish.
SIOUX FALLS | A new undergraduate certificate in “American Civic Traditions” will be offered next fall at all six of South Dakota’s public universities.
The new certificate program is aligned with the interests of the state and the strategic plan for the Board of Regents, according to the certificate request approved by the BOR on June 23.
Approval of the new certificate follows goals set by the state in the 2021 legislative session, when Gov. Kristi Noem called on the BOR to cultivate “a profound love of our country and a realistic picture of its virtues and challenges” across all six universities, and when the South Dakota Department of Education was granted $900,000 from the Legislature for a new civics initiative.
Only four of the universities — Black Hills State University, Northern State University, South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota — offer majors in fields related to the proposed certificate. Both Dakota State University and South Dakota Mines do not offer majors in a field related to the certificate, but students there can complete the certificates online.
While history, government and political science aren’t programs aligned with missions at DSU or Mines, the certificate aligns with state interests and BOR interests, according to the certificate request.
The certificate will be offered both on campus and online, doesn’t require new state resources and doesn’t require new courses to be added.
The four courses needed to complete the certificate include U.S. History I and II, American Government and State & Local Government. Mines doesn’t offer the latter course, but students seeking the certificate can take the course online at four other state universities.
The Board of Regents also approved an agreement between SDSU and the Institute of Technology Carlow and Carlow College, St. Patrick’s, both in Ireland. This new agreement will allow for joint research, faculty collaboration and student exchange between the institutions.
The board also approved another agreement between SDSU and Chandigarh University in India that will allow students who complete their first two years of undergraduate studies at the Indian university to complete their baccalaureate degree in computer science or data science at SDSU.
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2022-07-05T22:49:43Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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SD colleges to offer American civics certificates | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/sd-colleges-to-offer-american-civics-certificates/article_3428d642-e8d8-53c0-95f5-435a1a65c164.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/sd-colleges-to-offer-american-civics-certificates/article_3428d642-e8d8-53c0-95f5-435a1a65c164.html
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Walter Mousseau, Jr., 27, is facing the murder charge after he reportedly drowned 43-year-old Sheldon Glenn of Rapid City in Memorial Park Pond just before 7 p.m. Monday, while dozens of people were nearby at a concert.
Around 6:50 p.m. the Rapid City Police Department responded to a report of a man holding another man down in the water. When police arrived, Glenn was still under water and in an unknown location within the pond, according to a RCPD press release.
Witnesses identified Mousseau as the suspect, and police located and detained him. The Rapid City/Pennington County Water Rescue Team responded to retrieve Glenn, and a passerby who witnessed the altercation jumped into the water and helped find him.
A medical unit transported Glenn from the scene, and police later learned he had died.
Mousseau was taken to the Public Safety Building for an interview with the RCPD/Pennington County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division. After the interview, Mousseau was charged with first-degree murder.
He appeared in court on Tuesday for his initial appearance and is in custody at the Pennington County Jail on a $250,000 cash only bond. Mousseau’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. on July 20.
Brian Peck, a local man who said he knew Glenn from volunteering at free food events for the homeless community, told the Journal that Glenn was a veteran who struggled with post traumatic stress disorder and alcohol use. Peck said Glenn was scheduled to travel to Arizona next week for a treatment program.
Peck said Glenn had been helping him build a structure in his backyard for him to occupy, but that Glenn insisted it be used by a homeless family rather than himself.
“It’s not just another dead Indian. It’s Sheldon,” Peck said, recalling when he overheard someone say “It is just another dead Indian” in response to Glenn’s death.
RCPD spokesman, Brendyn Medina, said the department does not believe the incident was random and that Glenn and Mousseau were most likely associated in some way.
The investigation is ongoing and the RCPD asks witnesses of the incident to contact Detective Justin Gizzi at 605-394-4134 with any information regarding Glenn’s death.
Sheldon Glenn
Walter Mousseau Jr.
Brian Peck
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2022-07-06T00:32:58Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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First-degree murder charges filed in July 4 drowning death | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/first-degree-murder-charges-filed-in-july-4-drowning-death/article_f2aa864a-f1ce-549f-9f02-c65983f96411.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/first-degree-murder-charges-filed-in-july-4-drowning-death/article_f2aa864a-f1ce-549f-9f02-c65983f96411.html
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At their July 5 meeting, the Chadron City Council ratified a three-year contract with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Northern Panhandle Lodge No. 69. The contract, which focuses on the agreement between the City and unionized Chadron Police officers, begins October 1 of this year and runs through Sept. 30, 2025.
Sergeant Chelsey Stolley, speaking on behalf of the FOP, said some of the biggest issues were retention on recruitment. “We wanted to try and keep the people that we have.”
Another concern, she said, was wages for dispatchers, and keeping them competitive with other agencies in the Panhandle such as the Alliance Police Department.
Stolley also commended the two groups for working together so well on the contract and what the City could reasonably do.
Chief Rick Hickstein said the process went fairly fluid, and finished within a few meetings.
“This is a solid document,” Hickstein said. “The city manager and I, and the FOP, went through the document to make it more readable, more usable. We felt confident in that, and set it for a three-year period.”
Hickstein further added each year there will be wage and benefit openers to address changes as a result of inflation, though for the 2022-23 fiscal year wages are: $24.33-31.43 per hour for sergeants, $20.55-26.55 for officers and $16.60-21.44 for dispatchers.
The contract also addresses injuries, compensatory time, overtime, seniority, leaves of absence and several other topics. There are also stipulations that the officers cannot strike, nor can the City have a lockout.
City Manager John Sutherland noted the discussions leading to the contract were about problem-solving rather than each side trying to beat up the other, and neither entity wanted to mess up the working relationship they have. The result, he said, is a mutually beneficial document.
In other action, council approved an amended agreement and grant of trail easement with Nebraska Northwestern Railroad, Inc., and Nebkota Railway, Inc.
Northwest Nebraska Trails Association Treasurer George Ledbetter, noted his organization is not directly involved in this matter. He further explained there was an agreement granting the City an easement for construction of the Cowboy Trial Connection, which will run alongside Nebraska Northwestern Railroad from First Street to the end of the Cowboy Trail of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, about five miles east of the city. The project in mind right now is to do Phase 1 of that connection trail, which includes the first mile from First Street to McHenry Road.
Ledbetter further elaborated the initial easement was to grant a 20-foot wide section on the southernmost extension and edge of the right-of-way, which is granted to Nebraska Northwestern Railroad. Ledbetter noted that, at the meeting where the easement was granted, it was mentioned it might have to be amended. This is because the right-of-ways of railroads are a bit vague since they were granted 125 years ago, Ledbetter said.
Other issues that arose were existing fence lines possibly not reflecting accurately where the right-of-way is, and a desire to not disturb existing landscape any more than is necessary.
A trail was laid out by David Coe, Ledbetter said, but it does not entirely lie within the set area of the easement. Another surveyor was hired to accurately plot where the trail lies in relation to the center line of the railway.
Ledbetter also mentioned there will likely be an amendment when Phase 2 begins, as there are concerns the current path would cause issues with landowners.
A $7,995 proposal from American Legal Publishing was approved, for recodification of the City’s Municipal Code.
City Clerk Donna Rust noted the City has worked with the company for several years, but the last time a full recodification was completed was in 2010. Since then, she said, staff have tried to keep the code current but it’s come to the point where big changes need to be made.
Many of the changes, Rust said, involve bringing the City code up-to-date with state statutes and federal regulations. She added there was a case that went to court, and the penalty cited the wrong code section. “As the code is amended and has that domino effect, we found there were sections that hadn’t been changed consistently through.”
In addition to the recodification of the Code, American Legal Publishing also provides for up to 10 printed copies of the code, legal analysis, a searchable electronic format, training for remote users, and format and email support.
Plans and specifications for the 400 block of North Mears Street water main replacement project were approved, along with authorizing a notice to contractors. The project involves the section between Norfolk Avenue and Gordon Avenue, and is designed to improve water pressure and flow with the installation of a new eight-inch main. Bids will be received until 2 p.m. Aug. 9.
Building/Zoning Official Janet Johnson said that, with the given timeframe, the project could be completed by Oct. 1 before the weather gets too cold.
A progress payment of $5,433.65 was approved for Buettner Construction, for the North Pine Street water main connection loop.
Also during the meeting, council introduced Michelle Stoke, the new city finance officer/treasurer. City Manager Sutherland said Stoke “brings with her a wealth of relevant and applicable experience,” with more than 15 years in finance management positions. She has two undergraduate degrees — a B.A. in Finance and a B.S. in Accounting — and holds a Certified Economic Accountant (CEA) license.
Mayor Mark Werner said it was a good time for Stoke to learn the City finances, as annual budget meetings began this week. Stoke said it seems to come to her naturally that she’s jumping in with both feet and she’s looking forward to getting started.
Michelle Stoke
John Sutherland
Mark Werner
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2022-07-09T06:24:23Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Council addresses FOP contract | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/council-addresses-fop-contract/article_66aa3272-7d54-5757-aab8-3b9a36b2c3fa.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/council-addresses-fop-contract/article_66aa3272-7d54-5757-aab8-3b9a36b2c3fa.html
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Members of Chadron High’s 1961 Class B State championship basketball team with their coach, Verne Lewellen (extreme right), were on the stage in the Student Center at Chadron State when they and about 250 others gathered in 2010 to pay tribute to him. Larry Matthesen is at the microphone, while the others, from left, are Jerry Bauman, John Heiser, Rodney Kroeplin, Tom Saults, Bill Rice, Jerry Mathis and Larry Miller.
High school class reunions always coincide with Fur Trade Days. With a long list of events already on the schedule, it’s a great time for old grads to return to their hometown, get reacquainted with their classmates and recall the good times from their high school days
That’s happening again this year. For instance, three Chadron High classes from the early 1960s will have a joint celebration that will begin Saturday following the parade down Main Street. The gathering will be at the Bill Dowling American Legion Post in the 100 block of Bordeaux Street.
It’s not going to bring a huge throng to town, but more than 50, including spouses, have made reservations to participate. Others are welcome join them that afternoon.
At least from an athletic standpoint, the members of these classes will have lots of fond memories to discuss. When they were in high school spanning from 1959 through 1962, the Cardinals went 34-3 on the gridiron with both the 1960 and 1962 teams going undefeated. The 1959 team should have won them all, but finished 7-1 and the 1961 team went 8-2.
The basketball highlight was a biggie. The Cardinals won the school’s first state tournament championship in March 1961.
What happened in ’59? Well, the Cardinals outscored their opponents by 30 points a game in the seven contests they won, but lost to a mediocre Mitchell team 39-13 about mid-season. It was the only time during Coach Gordon (Fuzz) Watts’s 11 years as the Chadron High football mentor that the Cardinals were upset. The score was 39-13. They beat all the other teams by at least three touchdowns, but unexplainably, Chadron fumbled the ball 13 times that night and lost 10 of them.
There also was a major disappointment at the end of that season. Because of the blizzard conditions in early November, the Cardinals never got to play Rushville, which had a 20-game winning streak going. The game was postponed twice and finally cancelled altogether because of successive blizzards in early November.
Peru State and Chadron State did play at Elliott Field during that period, but the game had to be postponed for more than a week because the highways across Nebraska were so bad Peru could not make the trip. And when the game was played, Eagles’ quarterback Gary Tuggle suffered a frozen finger that newspaper accounts said might have to be amputated (it wasn’t), and two Peru players suffered frozen toes. Temperatures during that period dipped as low as 18 below.
One of the Cardinals’ wins in 1959 was a 46-0 verdict over Chadron Prep. It avenged a 21-12 victory that the Junior Eagles had posted the previous year when the teams met on the football field for the “first time in ??? years,” according to the Chadron Record. The facts are, Chadron High and Chadron Prep apparently never played a football game against one another prior to 1958 and ’59 and never played again. Prep was closed at the end of the 1961 school year.
In the fall of ’58, Chadron High had just two seniors on the team—Benny Steele and Ralph Byerly. Prep had nine, including one of the community’s all-time great athletes, Dick Muma, at quarterback and others such as Keith Benthack, Bob Broberg, Ken Cullers, Gene Pinsky and Don Schaefer were capable players.
The Junior Eagles suited up just 16 players for the game in 1959.
By 1959, the Cardinals had a lot more size and experience. Senior starters included ends Ray Cottier and Dave Reaser, linemen Wayne Burk and Lynn Gorr and halfback John Rasmussen, who was the quarterback for most of the Prep game because starter Larry Matthesen was ill. Another senior, Rob Harvey, took over at tackle after Gorr suffered a broken leg.
By the fall of 1960, the Cardinals were potent, to be sure. They went 8-0 and outscored their opponents by a 34-9 per game margin. All but one of the starters that season were seniors. They were Bill Rice and Randy Riggins at the ends, Gary Thompson at a tackle, Roger Jones and John Urwin were the guards, Chuck Mitchell at center, Matthesen at quarterback, Paul Kindig and Tom Sims at the halfbacks and Larry Miller at fullback. Another senior, Mel Reeves, could capably fill the bill at all of the runningback slots.
Junior Terry Cogdill was the other starting tackle.
Matthesen, Miller, Rice and Riggins were the stalwarts for the state championship basketball team, which finished with a 23-2 record. The fifth starter was junior Rex Norman. The Cardinals’ only losses were early in the season to Rushville 47-45 and Gering 69-65, which went on to reach the Class A State Tourney semifinals.
Coached by the incomparable Verne Lewellen, the 1960-61 Cardinals defeated Minden 65-59, Hooper 73-60 and Burwell 56-53 at the state tournament. Matthesen, who was a four-year starter and finished his career with 1,236 points and probably would have tallied at least 200 more if the 3-point shot had been available, was a first-team all-state selection, while both Miller and Rice were placed on the Class B all-tournament team.
Rice, who became an exceptional track athlete at the University of Montana, won the Class B high jump title that spring by clearing 6-3.
With Cogdill the only returning starter in the fall of 1961, the Cardinals’ football team had a much different look than it had the year before, but finished with an 8-2 record. The losses were to Gering and Sidney, both Class A teams that season.
That was the first year for the Rangeland Conference and the Cardinals won the playoff game over O’Neill 31-13 before wrapping up the season with a 19-0 win over Alliance, another Class A team.
At the end of the season, Chadron Record sportswriter John DeHaes put Cogdill on the All-West Rangeland team along with Terry Cottier and Rollin Lacy at the ends, Neil Daniels at guard, Norman at center and Denny Bach and Larry Gold in the backfield. Bach was a junior and Gold a sophomore. The others were seniors.
The 1962 Cardinals were a true juggernaut. They went 11-0 and were accorded the Class B state championship by both the Omaha and Lincoln newspapers. Watts said the 1962 team was probably his best because it had the most depth. The coach concluded his 11 seasons as the Cardinals’ head coach with a 79-17-4 record, believed to be the best in Nebraska during that period.
Just four seniors—Terry Doyle at end, Leonard Jones at tackle, Lornie Reeves at guard and Bach at halfback—were starters. Jones earned first-team all-state honors. The team definitely wrapped up the season on a high note. It won three games in a 12-day stretch, defeating Sidney 18-6, O’Neill 26-7 in another Rangeland championship game, and Alliance 32-6.
Another member of the Class of 1961 certainly excelled in athletics during his storied career as an official. Dale Butler was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 after he had officiated at least 2,100 baseball, softball, basketball and football games and helped develop several dozen umpires and referees.
There were still no girls’ sports in the early 1960s, but several members of the Chadron High classes that will be having the reunion this weekend definitely became involved in athletics as mothers and grandmothers.
Among them are three girls from the Class of ’61. Hazel Campbell Montague’s son Jim set the Chadron High basketball single game scoring record of 39 points that still stands in 1982 and her grandsons, Cody and Brady Roes, were both football and basketball standouts for the Cardinals. Cody also was an All-American tight end at Chadron State in 2013.
Another member of that class, Beverly Grant Miller, now of Lance Creek, Wyo., is the mother of Jason Miller, who was the world-champion steer wrestling champion in 2007. In addition, the late Harriett Burk Lecher, was the mother of Mike Lecher, who has a 105-50 record entering his 17th season as the Cardinals’ head football coach.
Lecher received Huskerland Prep Report’s Class C1 Mike Berens’s Coaching Award last fall. It recognizes a coach’s ability to get the best out of his players.
Larry Matthesen
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2022-07-09T06:24:35Z
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Early ‘60s reunion will have great things to remember | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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This last week, five individuals passed through Nebraska on their bicycles, travelling from Washington, D.C. as they make their way to Olympic Park, Washington. Among them was Richard Rivadeneira, a Marine who served from 1993-2018 with a tour in Fallujah, Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan — one in Marjah and one in Kandahar.
Rivadeneira, who was born and raised in Simi Valley, Calif. but who made his home in Valencia, said this ride is part of his journey with Post-Traumatic Growth. While Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is well-known, he said, very few people are aware of Post-Traumatic Growth. He explained the concept behind it is one of “whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, turning struggles into strength.”
He is riding with Warrior Expeditions, a non-profit organization that helps combat veterans, allowing them the opportunity to re-integrate back into civilian life. The rides are not quick, he said. They take time.
The bike ride is the newest addition for Warrior Expeditions, which started off with hiking. The founder, Sean Gobin, hiked the Appalachian Trail to “walk off the war.” Realizing how therapeutic it was and how beneficial outdoor therapy is, the program expanded to canoeing and cycling.
Rivadeneira chose cycling because he has a passion for it, and he enjoys pushing himself mentally and physically. He also felt it was the best way to see the country coast-to-coast, going 10 miles per hour and visiting small-town America.
Rivadeneira began his ride on June 1 at the reflecting pool of the U.S. Capitol, along with other cyclists Michael Buckley, Jared Sainato, David Davila and Carlos Monterroza. However, they are not riding as a set group as each veteran’s journey is different.
Though the days run together, Rivadeneira has been keeping a journal every night to remember all the towns he’s been through and people he’s met. The biggest takeaway for him has been how amazing, hospitable and kind people are, and how they’re willing to offer a hand. People have offered their homes for him to stay the night; his overnight rest stops also include hotels and camping.
One of the most impressive things for him has been how small-town America honors their fallen, something he’s seen consistently in any given town he’s come across. The ride itself has been incredibly therapeutic for him, as it provides a solitude for him and time to reflect.
It’s not just small town visits on the ride, Rivadeneira is following the Great American Rail Trail system — most recently the Cowboy Trail — and has gone through some more metropolitan areas including Pittsburgh, Chicago and Omaha. His trip that saw his arrival in Chadron the afternoon of July 1 actually began the morning of the same day in Valentine.
If he happens to get a flat, Rivadeneira is equipped to make repairs. If the chain on his bike breaks, knowing how incredibly kind everyone has been so far he knows someone would stop to help him.
This has already been an amazing journey, Rivadeneira said, noting his “success is in the momentum, not to get too comfortable in one place because then I may not want to leave. Just forward my mail here and call it home.”
Though in Chadron only a day before continuing onward, Rivadeneira’s visit to the town is a strong reminder of the impact small towns and cities can have on a person.
“It’s been an amazing journey so far,” he said. “I’ve met some of the best people, some of the nicest people.”
Richard Rivadeneira
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2022-07-09T06:24:38Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Veterans biking coast-to-coast pass through | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/veterans-biking-coast-to-coast-pass-through/article_43b89554-e56a-5b15-8e1d-51e5e913bb41.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/veterans-biking-coast-to-coast-pass-through/article_43b89554-e56a-5b15-8e1d-51e5e913bb41.html
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Jeremy Camp is one of two headliners performing July 17 at Hills Alive Christian music festival.
Skillet is one of two headliners performing July 17 at Hills Alive in Memorial Park in Rapid City.
Mac Powell headlines the July 16 music lineup at Hills Alive.
Jordan St. Cyr is one of the newer artists who will be showcased at this year's Hills Alive Christian music festival.
Hills Alive Christian music festival returns for its 36th year with its first-ever double headliners. Skillet and Jeremy Camp will both perform July 17.
Hills Alive, presented by Christian radio station KSLT, will be July 15, 16 and 17 in Rapid City. Admission to all three days of Hills Alive is free. The family-friendly festival opens with a preview night July 15 at Main Street Square. This year’s festival will showcase 14 national, regional and local bands and singers.
“We were able to get Jeremy Camp and Skillet for the same night so we thought we’re going to make it really big this year to close out on Sunday night,” said Haley Powell, Hills Alive director.
“Skillet – they’re a huge one that I think is going to draw a lot of people from a lot of different backgrounds,” she said. “We’re pretty excited about Sunday night.”
The July 16 headliner, Mac Powell, also is generating buzz from KSLT listeners, Haley Powell said. Mac Powell was formerly the lead singer of Christian rock band Third Day and now is a solo singer-songwriter.
Hills Alive opens July 15 at Main Street Square. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with New Life Pierre, a creative worship band from New Life Church in Pierre. Up-and-coming hip-hop artist Peabod and a drummer perform at 7:40 p.m., followed by recording artist Jonny Diaz at 8:15 p.m., and a closing performance by Stars Go Dim at 9:30 p.m.
On July 16, fans can listen to music on the Main Stage and in the Café Tent at Memorial Park. Main Stage concerts start with Peabod at 12:15 p.m., Jonny Diaz at 1:30 p.m., Stars Go Dim at 2:45 p.m., Jordan St. Cyr at 4 p.m., Cochren & Co. at 5:15 p.m., OneChild at 6:15 p.m., Jordan Feliz at 6:45 p.m., and headliner Mac Powell at 8:15 p.m.
Meanwhile in the Café Tent, dine in the shade while enjoying acoustic music by local artists. The lineup will feature Kyle Hoyt, AJ Beaird, Nicole Taylor from New Life Pierre, and Spearfish duo AgainsttheSea.
Music on the Main Stage in Memorial Park starts July 17 at 12:05 p.m. with Cochren & Co. The lineup continues with VOTA at 1:15 p.m., Jason Gray at 2 p.m., Blanca at 3 p.m., Peter Furler with VOTA at 4 p.m., We Are Messengers at 5:15 p.m., OneChild at 6:15 p.m., headliner Jeremy Camp at 6:45 p.m. and headliner Skillet at 8:15 p.m.
Powell said this year’s Hills Alive is expanding its youth area with attractions including skateboarding demonstrations, games, and youth counselor Bobby Bugattii from Wyoming.
Another new addition Saturday and Sunday is Black Hills Adventure Tours, which will be presenting demonstrations on the water at Memorial Park.
Fans can buy artists’ merchandise and browse or shop at food, retail and nonprofit vendors throughout the weekend.
The support of volunteers, sponsors and donors is vital each year to Hills Alive, Powell said.
“Our sponsors are huge. That’s really very important for helping us get our artists paid for. We’re thankful for our sponsors and donors,” she said.
Volunteers are still needed, Powell said. Anyone interested can sign up and see the list of available volunteer openings, find the schedule of Main Stage performances and more at hillsalive.com.
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2022-07-09T06:24:50Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Hills Alive returns with double headliners Jeremy Camp, Skillet | Entertainment | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/hills-alive-returns-with-double-headliners-jeremy-camp-skillet/article_1d3347f9-42af-5654-a13a-3f363747c1ab.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/hills-alive-returns-with-double-headliners-jeremy-camp-skillet/article_1d3347f9-42af-5654-a13a-3f363747c1ab.html
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Heated competition: Firefighter Combat Challenge kicks off in Rapid City
Donavin Neugebauer, with the Rapid City Fire Department, drags the 175-pound mannequin down the final stretch during the Firefighter Combat Challenge on Friday at Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City.
Cody Okray, with the Campbell County (Wyo.) Fire Department, rushes through the doors to hit the target with the fire hose during the Firefighter Combat Challenge on Friday at Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City.
The 38 participants, representing 11 states, in the Firefighter Combat Challenge stand for the national anthem as part of the opening ceremonies on Friday.
The Firefighter Combat Challenge kicked off Friday night at Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City.
The first evening of the two-day challenge got underway two hours after the scheduled start time of 4:30 p.m. due to lightning and severe storms in the area.
The national challenge is celebrating its 30th year. The challenge is centered around a course that mimics the physical challenges firefighters must undergo in their day-to-day lives as first responders.
Friday night started with individual competitors racing the clock and each other through the course. Teams will compete Saturday.
"It's nice that we do this where we can showcase some of the athleticism that's required to be a firefighter," said Bill Cina, coach of the Ellsworth Fire Combat Challenge Team, which planned the event.
The challenge started at the base of a five-story tower. Wearing full gear, pairs of firefighters raced up the tower carrying a 42-pound hose pack. The individual competitors then hoisted a 42-pound roll of fire hose up the tower. Once descending the tower, the competitors use a mallet to drive a beam, simulating forced entry. They then pulled fire hose through a saloon-style door before hitting a target with the stream of water.
The final leg of the course simulated saving someone from a fire. Competitors dragged a 175-pound, six-foot dummy named Rescue Randy backwards 100 feet.
Competitors represented 11 states — Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Mississippi and Texas.
“Firefighters, by nature, are competitive. If you did it in five minutes and 50 seconds, hold my beer. I can do this faster than you,” Cina said. "We're pushing each other, we're yelling at each other, and we're getting the job done ... This competition epitomizes the fire service in general."
The Rapid City Fire Department won first place in the female individual category and the team category at the last competition, held in Big Sky, Montana.
Friday's event kicked off with the national anthem, a prayer and recognition of first responders' families, who gathered to watch their loved ones compete.
Saturday's team and relay competitions kick off at 10:30 a.m. at Black Hills Harley-Davidson, 2820 Harley Dr., in Rapid City. The competition is open to the public and free for spectators to attend.
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Scenes from the first day of the Firefighter Combat Challenge on Friday at Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City.
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PHOTOS: Firefighter Combat Challenge
Firefighter Combat Challenge
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2022-07-09T06:24:58Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Heated competition: Firefighter Combat Challenge kicks off in Rapid City | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/heated-competition-firefighter-combat-challenge-kicks-off-in-rapid-city/article_9ef7bf89-1677-5d8d-89a5-7f11a46641b1.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/heated-competition-firefighter-combat-challenge-kicks-off-in-rapid-city/article_9ef7bf89-1677-5d8d-89a5-7f11a46641b1.html
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Air & Space Museum closed for renovations, outdoor airpark opened
The South Dakota Air and Space Museum is located near Ellsworth Air Force Base in Box Elder.
A preview of the South Dakota Air & Space Museum's new Black Hills Community Room, posted on the museum's Facebook page in May. The community room is part of several renovation projects the museum is working on, keeping its indoor galleries closed indefinitely.
BOX ELDER | The South Dakota Air & Space Museum’s gift shop and indoor galleries remain closed to the public due to ongoing renovations that began in January. The outdoor airpark, however, is currently open.
According to the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, there is no set deadline for the reopening of the indoor galleries, or the completion of the renovations. The work is being completed by a “small cadre of volunteers” with limited availability, the 28th Bomb Wing told the Journal.
Because the work is happening in all four galleries, the museum will not be opened until the work is complete.
The outdoor airpark portion of the museum is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of base events. The airpark offers visitors the opportunity to view 28 aircraft and items on display, ranging from a B-1B Lancer and B-25 Mitchell bomber to Cold War era missiles and air refueling assets tied to the base’s 80-year history.
Inside, the base’s history is getting a facelift, as large artifacts get shifted between galleries to reflect their appropriate historical eras. For example, the 28th Bomb Wing said that historic photo banners honoring early flight of Ellsworth B-17 bombers over Mount Rushmore and banners of the unit insignias from that era are being put into place.
Another change visitors can look forward to is a transformed hallway that will become the Black Hills Community Room, to honor Ellsworth’s Honorary Commander Program. The community room will also honor other key civic and community partners who have supported the museum and base over the years.
The space that was formerly the gift shop is being transformed into an art gallery, where staff will rotate displays of aviation art that have been in storage, as well as future displays.
The new art gallery, along with the repositioned artifacts, will help tell the story of Ellsworth, said the 28th Bomb Wing. While the story of the base dates back 80 years, the Air & Space Museum has been telling it since 1992.
The Air & Space Museum was established outside the gates of Ellsworth in 1992 as a Field Museum for the U.S. Air Force. The 28th Bomb Wing oversees the museum, and the base currently has one military member assigned to oversee museum operations.
The 28th Bomb Wing told the Journal that the museum has relied on volunteers — primarily members of the South Dakota Air & Space Foundation — to assist with operation of the gift shop, providing tours and other activities at the museum.
The South Dakota Air & Space Foundation was established in 1982 as a philanthropic corporation to assist, foster and perpetuate the Ellsworth Air Force Base Heritage Program, to include the South Dakota Air & Space Museum. Its purpose, according to the 28th Bomb Wing, is to further develop, improve, expand and directly support the USAF History & Museums Program, per Air Force and Department of Defense instructions.
Further information on when to expect the indoor renovations to be complete are forthcoming. In the meantime, visitors can enjoy the outdoor airpark and tour the many static displays. Visitors can also check the museum’s Facebook page for updates.
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2022-07-09T06:25:11Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Air & Space Museum closed for renovations, outdoor airpark opened | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/air-space-museum-closed-for-renovations-outdoor-airpark-opened/article_3417e9c7-8cb6-5e32-9b8e-07a78ec0f64f.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/air-space-museum-closed-for-renovations-outdoor-airpark-opened/article_3417e9c7-8cb6-5e32-9b8e-07a78ec0f64f.html
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Data security issue impacts Monument Health
Monument Health's fifth street entrance at 353 Fairmont Boulevard in Rapid City.
Monument Health was recently informed that one of its vendors, MCG Health LLC, had a security issue that could affect some Monument Health patients.
According to a Friday news release, MCG Health provides clinical guidance to health care providers and health plans. The company determined that an unauthorized party had obtained certain personal information about some patients of certain MCG customers.
Monument Health said the data may have included names, Social Security numbers, medical codes, postal addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth and gender.
After learning of this issue, MCG brought in a leading forensic investigation firm to assist in the investigation, the news release said. Also, MCG is coordinating with law enforcement authorities. MCG has deployed additional monitoring tools and will continue to enhance the security of its systems, the news release said.
"At Monument Health, we take patient privacy seriously. We have cooperated fully with MCG to ensure people are notified in a timely manner," the statement from Monument Health officials said.
MCG is sending notices via mail to patients whose information was affected. The company advises affected patients to monitor their credit reports and account information and to check for unfamiliar activity.
If suspicious activity is observed, affected individuals should promptly contact the institution at which the account is maintained.
MCG has established a dedicated toll-free telephone number for affected individuals who may have questions or who would like additional information about this issue. The toll-free number is 866-475-7221 and is available weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. MDT, and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. MDT.
More information, including instructions on how to place a fraud alert or security freeze on credit files, is available at mcg.com.
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2022-07-09T06:25:17Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Data security issue impacts Monument Health | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/data-security-issue-impacts-monument-health/article_04b00126-0c5c-5ca9-bd19-dfc2356ca466.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/data-security-issue-impacts-monument-health/article_04b00126-0c5c-5ca9-bd19-dfc2356ca466.html
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Ellsworth B-1 bombers, airmen complete mission to Indo-Pacific
Airmen assigned to 28th Bomb Wing greet each other at Ellsworth Air Force Base after returning from a Bomber Task Force Mission July 4. Bomber Task Force missions provide opportunities to train alongside allies and partners to build interoperability and bolster collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Courtesy, U.S. Air Force, Hannah Malone
A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, flies behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a Bomber Task Force mission over the Pacific Ocean June 25.
Courtesy, U.S. Air Force, Nicholas Priest
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE | While Americans were celebrating Independence Day, a contingent of airmen and several B-1B Lancers were returning home to Ellsworth Air Force Base after completing a Bomber Task Force mission to the Indo-Pacific.
The 34th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron executed several missions, including cooperation with key allies and partners. These missions included aerial integration with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force and hot pit refueling operations with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at RAAF Base Darwin in Australia – a first for the B-1B Lancer.
Accomplishing these missions further demonstrates the B-1B Lancer’s capability of executing Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts by utilizing minimal personnel and operating out of non-standard locations.
“As we practice and become more proficient at ACE, we enhance INDOPACOM’s ability to counter any regional adversaries or threats they pose to the freedom of free nations,” said Lt. Col. Ross Hobbs, 34th EBS commander. “The 34th EBS operations, maintenance and support personnel have absolutely crushed it during this deployment, and I couldn’t be more proud of the entire team.”
Over the course of the deployment, the “World Famous Thunderbirds” of the 34th EBS flew over 300 flight hours supporting allied integration and adversarial deterrence missions.
“This deployment was an amazing opportunity to demonstrate the B-1’s capabilities in the INDOPACOM (area of responsibility),” said Capt. Joel Hoyer, a B-1 weapons systems officer assigned to 34th EBS. “It’s been great to see all the training that we’ve accomplished at Ellsworth be applied to actual operations abroad.”
With a minimal footprint, and in accordance with ACE concepts, the unit flew 30 sorties in 30 days, a direct result of excellence in maintenance operations by the 28th Maintenance Group’s 34th Aircraft Maintenance Unit.
“I feel very fortunate to be here with the crew we have,” said Tech. Sgt. Cody Greenwalt-Walker, 34th AMU B-1B crew chief. “I couldn’t be more proud of the work we’ve accomplished.”
The U.S. continues to demonstrate its commitment to allies and partners through Bomber Task Force missions to the Indo-Pacific, showcasing U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command’s ability to deliver lethal, ready, long-range strike options to Geographic Combatant Commanders anytime, anywhere.
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2022-07-09T06:25:20Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Ellsworth B-1 bombers, airmen complete mission to Indo-Pacific | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/ellsworth-b-1-bombers-airmen-complete-mission-to-indo-pacific/article_d23717ce-bd24-5bda-bae6-95a85d7cac3c.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/ellsworth-b-1-bombers-airmen-complete-mission-to-indo-pacific/article_d23717ce-bd24-5bda-bae6-95a85d7cac3c.html
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Heat advisory in effect for Saturday
Heat indices on Saturday may reach 100 degrees to 105 degrees east of the Black Hills.
Courtesy, National Weather Service Rapid City
After a week of unstable air in the atmosphere, summer's full blast of hot, humid conditions will make an appearance this weekend over western South Dakota.
The National Weather Service in Rapid City has issued a heat advisory from noon until 8 p.m. MDT Saturday that covers northwestern, south central and southwestern South Dakota, including the Cheyenne River, Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations.
Triple-digit temperatures and heat indices are expected to impact the area. The weather service said the hot temperatures combined with high humidity levels could contribute to heat illnesses.
"Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances," the advisory from the National Weather Service said.
"Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible."
In a recent column, Rapid City Journal meteorologist Kirsten Lang explains why people are often told it is best to wear light-colored, lightweight clothing in the hotter months.
It has to do with “albedo.” And like your clothing choice to stay cool, it also explains the science behind why asphalt is a hotter surface in the summer or why snowpack will keep temperatures down in the winter.
The definition of albedo is the ratio of the intensity of light reflected from an object. In other words, it is a way of quantifying how much of the sun’s rays are reflected or absorbed from a surface on Earth.
Its scale ranges from zero, least reflective, to one, or most reflective. Objects that are lighter in color reflect, or bounce back, more of the sun’s energy. That means darker colors absorb more of the sun’s solar energy — making them hotter.
To put this into perspective with actual objects: white paint in the sunlight will absorb roughly 20% of the sun’s radiation and reflect around 80%, giving it a high albedo near 0.8. But black asphalt will have a very low albedo, of near 0.1-0.12, which means it absorbs nearly 90% of the sun’s energy and reflects only 10%. This low numerical number for albedo means the asphalt is much hotter.
The heat will continue Sunday, with high temperatures expected to be in the upper 90s and low 100s across West River, before another chance of showers and thunderstorms enter the picture for Sunday afternoon, Monday and Tuesday.
Temperatures early next week are expected to be in the mid to upper 80s. However, another heat wave appears in the forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.
Lee Enterprises, which owns the Rapid City Journal, has meteorologists serving its readers in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Virginia and now Oklahoma and South Dakota, with Kirsten Lang. Together they will collaborate and share content about the most relevant weather topics.
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2022-07-09T06:25:38Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Heat advisory in effect for Saturday | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/heat-advisory-in-effect-for-saturday/article_19882b57-88f2-594a-9fe7-9847dfec5114.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/heat-advisory-in-effect-for-saturday/article_19882b57-88f2-594a-9fe7-9847dfec5114.html
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Kylie Carlson South Dakota News Watch
Courtesy, South Dakota News Watch
First Families Now works with volunteers and community members to provide food and other necessities to those in need, but are receiving fewer donations and seeing fewer volunteers in 2022.
Courtesy, First Families Now
Many communities have public food banks or distribution services available for those who may need assistance in securing food.
The group Feeding South Dakota, a statewide provider of charitable food, is partnering with some local communities with a “mobile food pantry” to serve the growing need. Feeding South Dakota has permanent food bank locations in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, but the organization’s website also allows users to find mobile options closest to them.
“I used to get a lot of monetary checks and stuff as well to help out, and I don’t hardly get anything like that anymore,” she said. “When we give out food boxes, they’re not as full as they used to be.”
“Those who can’t come in, then we have my sons who go out into communities,” Phelps said. “There’s many people who are really, really, really poor. They don’t even have furniture in their house, much less food, so we try to make sure we transport stuff out there to them.”
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2022-07-09T06:25:47Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Inflation putting most pain on South Dakotans who make the least | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/inflation-putting-most-pain-on-south-dakotans-who-make-the-least/article_fed28a65-a6d2-538c-94d1-6937e24a5acf.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/inflation-putting-most-pain-on-south-dakotans-who-make-the-least/article_fed28a65-a6d2-538c-94d1-6937e24a5acf.html
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Family members of a man who died in March 2019 asked why he was taken from them Thursday afternoon during a sentencing hearing in a Rapid City federal courtroom.
Four family members — two of Dale Ecoffey Sr.'s siblings, his eldest son and his ex-wife — asked U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier to give Benjamin Wendell Smoke a 15-year sentence.
"(Smoke) gets to sleep and wake up, my father is sleeping and can't wake up anymore," Ecoffey's son said.
Schreier sentenced Smoke, 63, to a total of 156 months in prison — 96 months for a count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and 60 months for failure to register as a sex offender to run consecutively — along with five years of supervised release and a $200 special assessment.
Ecoffey was found by his youngest son in the passenger seat of a vehicle outside of his home in Pine Ridge the morning of March 18, 2019. According to an affidavit signed by an FBI agent, Ecoffey was found with a swollen, bruised and bloody face and eye, and the back of his head had cuts and blood. An autopsy found Ecoffey sustained broken throat and rib bones and died from asphyxiation.
According to a factual basis statement, Smoke assaulted Ecoffey in the face and torso with his hands and knocked him to the floor, then proceeded to kick him. Smoke then lifted Ecoffey from the floor and slammed his head into the corner of a wall, which lacerated the back of his head and caused a serious bodily injury. Ecoffey then bled from his head and was unable to walk.
According to the statement, Smoke continued to strike Ecoffey, then picked him up and placed him in his Cadillac Escalade.
Asst. U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen said Smoke attempted to hide evidence by wiping down the steering wheel of a vehicle, destroyed Ecoffey's phone as his son repeatedly called him, destroyed a blanket or towel used by Ecoffey along with his headband and jacket. She also said Smoke had no regard for Ecoffey's person.
Poppen said due to the nature of the case and Smoke's previous criminal history, including being convicted of first-degree rape in Pennington County, she requested a 15-year sentence.
Defense attorney Thomas Diggins requested a five-year sentence for Smoke in a medical facility. He said Smoke has several medical ailments, including kidney cancer and cirrhosis of the liver. He also said the injuries Smoke inflicted did not cause Ecoffey's death and there were other potential contributors.
Three others are associated with the case. Nancy Star Comes Out and Cecelia Titus both have cases closed from November 2021. Angie Standing Soldier, who Diggins said assaulted Smoke with a metal bar and directed Smoke to move Ecoffey's body, is charged with accessory after the fact, tampering with evidence and false statement. Her sentencing is scheduled for July 22.
Diggins also said Smoke was intoxicated at the time, and did leave Ecoffey in a place where he could be found. Schreier asked why he didn't take Ecoffey to the emergency room.
Schreier said many of the crimes Smoke has previously been involved with included alcohol and the man is at an age where if he wanted to change, he'd be able to make it happen. She said Smoke can either change or continue to get in trouble and put other lives at risk.
Schreier said this is one of the most abusive cases she's seen in a long time.
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2022-07-09T06:25:53Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Man sentenced to 13 years in 2019 death case | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/man-sentenced-to-13-years-in-2019-death-case/article_af464fbe-f1cf-5b65-8990-d1f10102fdba.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/man-sentenced-to-13-years-in-2019-death-case/article_af464fbe-f1cf-5b65-8990-d1f10102fdba.html
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ST. FRANCIS | A man accused of a fatal attack after breaking into a St. Francis home last year has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.
Prosecutors say Young broke into a house in St. Francis on Jan. 24, 2021 with intentions of stealing electronics. He entered a bedroom, turned on the light and after grabbing a hammer assaulted a couple who had been sleeping. The indictment said that Young then picked up a knife and repeatedly stabbed both victims.
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2022-07-09T06:25:59Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Man sentenced to 40 years for fatal attack in St. Francis | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/man-sentenced-to-40-years-for-fatal-attack-in-st-francis/article_55f998f7-d6bf-5bc2-8e20-a40e81f0c49d.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/man-sentenced-to-40-years-for-fatal-attack-in-st-francis/article_55f998f7-d6bf-5bc2-8e20-a40e81f0c49d.html
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Albert Harold Meyer
Albert Harold Meyer was born on July 4, 1943 and passed away peacefully on July 5, 2022. Albert was born near Nisland SD to Dave and Alma Meyer who were sugar beet farmers in the area. He attended High School in Belle Fourche, SD.
Albert went on a blind date in 1970 with Margaret Jorensen. That date was a success as they later married in 1972. Albert and Margaret have three sons David, Mathew and TJ. Albert was a devout Christian, a loving husband and a great father. He had a lifelong passion for the great outdoors. He enjoyed teaching his sons to hunt, fly fish, and golf. He was often spotted at auctions where he was hunting a good deal, a neat trinket or just a piece of days gone by.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Pine Lawn Memorial Park in Rapid City.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Meyer residence immediately following services.
Arrangements are being handled by Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home.
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2022-07-09T06:26:07Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Albert Harold Meyer | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/albert-harold-meyer/article_e40ac600-e7db-5f91-91b2-10be476831b0.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/albert-harold-meyer/article_e40ac600-e7db-5f91-91b2-10be476831b0.html
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RAPID CITY - Doug Veit, 47, loving husband, proud father and grandfather, son, and close friend to so many, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Monday, July 4, 2022.
Doug was born on October 10, 1974, in Denver, CO. He attended elementary school in Lincoln, NE and later moved to SD, graduating from Stevens High School in 1994.
Having a passion for cars and trucks, he was introduced to the automotive industry in 1996, working as a tire technician for Peerless Tyre Co. Being the hard working, driven, and goal oriented individual that he was, he quickly advanced in his career, eventually becoming store manager. He served as a mentor and led his team to success, while striving to provide exceptional customer service to the community. His career took him to Kansas and later to New Mexico, returning to Rapid City and the Black Hills that he called home in 2010. Seven years ago, Doug took a leap, purchasing Tires, Tires, Tires, where he continued to serve his loyal customers, many who became known to him as his closest and dearest friends.
While Doug was dedicated to advancing his career, his first passion was his lifelong devotion to his family. Doug met his high school sweetheart, Cathy, in 1991 at the age of 17, forever capturing her heart, and the two of them later married. By each other's side for over 30 years, they had four children together, sons: Douglas and Garrett, and daughters: MaKaela and Kirsten. Doug made a commitment to teach his kids to practice kindness, enjoy life, and follow in his footsteps by working hard to achieve their goals. As a very proud father, watching them grow and sharing in their successes proved to be the highlight of his life. In 2021, Doug was blessed with his first grandchild, Tyce, who brought a tremendous amount of happiness to his life. He welcomed his granddaughter, Sophia in June of 2022, looking forward to spoiling her just as much as he has Tyce.
Doug loved to be surrounded by nature, often spending his free time in the Black Hills area hiking, target shooting, and bow fishing. He enjoyed watching western movies, listening to metal and old-time country music, golfing with family and friends, wrestling and snuggling with dogs, feeding the birds and training his cat, preparing smoked meats for family get togethers, whiskey tasting, and traveling to new places. Doug enjoyed watching basketball with Cathy while cheering for opposing teams, was a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, and never missed a UFC event. When not shopping for the perfect new wheels and tires for his customers and friends, Doug spent much time collecting many things such as custom knives, guns, hats, watches, t-shirts, and tattoos. Some of his most prized possessions were the art projects and other items he kept that his kids made in school over the years. Doug was always a generous soul, helping those less fortunate and donating to local causes. He was committed to supporting and encouraging kids' growth and development, sponsoring many children's sports teams and events within the community.
Everyone who was privileged to know him will remember Doug to be a very quick witted, fun loving, and playful guy who loved sarcasm, playing practical jokes, and planning big surprises for those he loved. We're certain that whatever Doug is doing now, he is surrounded by endless mounds of unicorn balloons.
In 2018, Doug received the unfortunate news of his cancer diagnosis. Despite challenges through his battle to regain his health over the next 4 years, Doug remained strong, spreading positivity and remaining dedicated to providing for his family and enjoying life to the fullest. As one of his close friends so eloquently put it, he endured the horrific battle that cancer brings with stoicism, strength, and grace. He leaves behind a legacy that anyone would be proud of and it was an honor and privilege to call him a friend. We cannot agree more, as we are more proud of Doug than words can express.
Doug's favorite holiday was the 4th of July. We are convinced that Doug chose Independence Day as his day of freedom. He is now free from the burden of his illness. Those who knew him well know that Doug loved to do everything big, and so he must have chosen to go out with a bang. 4th of July will continue to be a big celebration for our family for years to come, and many fireworks will be lit in his honor. We will miss him dearly while we forever keep so many cherished memories very close within our hearts.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Cathy Veit; sons: Douglas Veit and Garrett Veit; daughters: MaKaela Thompson and Kirsten Veit; son in law, Nate Thompson; grandchildren: Tyce and Sophia Thompson; and mother, Nora Veit. Honorary pallbearers are Douglas Veit, Garrett Veit, Nate Thompson, Dave Osterman, Brandon Humphres, Terry Richards, Zach Kruthoff, Kene Roberts, Tadd Marnette, and Matt Maufort.
He will also leave behind so many others who were proud to call him a good friend.
A memorial service to honor Doug will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Kirk Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of a life well lived at the Rapid City Elks Lodge from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Our family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their continued support. We are very humbled by the outpouring of love from so many. "When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free... When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know. And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, miss me but let me go."
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2022-07-09T06:26:28Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Doug Veit | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/doug-veit/article_054a652d-8212-5b8a-aae8-f3bd7f910f53.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/doug-veit/article_054a652d-8212-5b8a-aae8-f3bd7f910f53.html
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Lee Etta Arends
RAPID CITY - Lee Etta Arends, 80, passed away July 7, 2022. She was born in Belle Fourche, South Dakota on August 23, 1941 and moved to Rapid City, South Dakota that same year. She attended Rapid City schools and lived in Rapid City her whole life. She traveled while she was young but always felt that Rapid City was home.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Henry and Stella Arends; two brothers: Kenneth and Donald; four sisters: Vivian Childers, Marian Mehlhoff, Hattie Taylor, and Carolyn Steinberg. She was also preceded by her life partner, Kenneth Price; and golf partner, Margaret Thomson.
Lee is survived by sisters: Helen Frey, Dayton, Ohio, Sena Zoller, Rapid City and Shirley Egge, Denton, Texas; and her good friends: Lynn Miller and Kyle Bladda. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
"She will be missed!"
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2022-07-09T06:26:55Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Lee Etta Arends | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/lee-etta-arends/article_de11ebf9-6108-5f99-a039-3b9ae45c79a1.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/lee-etta-arends/article_de11ebf9-6108-5f99-a039-3b9ae45c79a1.html
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Rich Hildebrand
KADOKA - Rich Hildebrand, age 72, of Kadoka, South Dakota, died Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at Monument Health in Rapid City.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 11, 2022 at the City Auditorium in Kadoka.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at the City Auditorium.
Interment with military honors will be held 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
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2022-07-09T06:27:10Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Rich Hildebrand | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/rich-hildebrand/article_e3081980-4050-5a5d-9b5b-daf9780bee46.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/rich-hildebrand/article_e3081980-4050-5a5d-9b5b-daf9780bee46.html
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Robin Michele Spring
UNION CENTER - Robin Michele Spring, 61, of Union Center, SD died Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.
Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at Central Meade County Community Center in Union Center, SD. Inurnment will be at a later date.
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2022-07-09T06:27:16Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Robin Michele Spring | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/robin-michele-spring/article_177ed504-7cad-5c08-9374-4ce3b7120741.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/robin-michele-spring/article_177ed504-7cad-5c08-9374-4ce3b7120741.html
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With possible criminal liability in images of a pre-sentencing report circulating on social media, Donna Garnette was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison Thursday.
The sentencing was continued from June 23 to allow Garnette's lawyer, Connor Duffy, to read an addendum to the pre-sentencing report.
Garnette pleaded guilty in Rapid City federal court to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance as part of a plea deal. The charge is connected to the overdose death of a 16-year-old Louis Sandoval in Porcupine on Dec. 6, 2020.
U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier sentenced Garnette to prison and said Garnette would be an excellent candidate for the substance abuse rehabilitation program. Following her time in prison, Garnette is sentenced to three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Schreier said the seriousness of the crime of distributing hydrocodone and fentanyl pills, and the role Garnette played in Sandoval's death, led to her sentencing.
According to court documents, including cases of three other defendants who have been sentenced, the pill Sandoval received from Tarriah Provost originally came from Garnette.
Previous testimony from Special Agent Corey Dumdei of the FBI indicates Garnette bought, sold and coordinated sales and purchases of various pills. Megan Poppen, who represented the United States in the case, said Garnette even made a sale at a funeral home following Sandoval's death.
Poppen requested Schreier revoke bond due to Garnette posting images of the pre-sentencing report on Facebook. Pre-sentencing reports include interviews with a defendant's family, prosecutor, law enforcement agents, victims, mental health and substance abuse treatment providers and others to help the court determine sentencing.
Duffy said he was not in his office when Garnette viewed the pre-sentencing report, which defendants are not supposed to have copies of. He said a member of his staff was with Garnette while she viewed it, and asked Schreier not to question his client on the matter.
Poppen recommended 10 years for the sentencing due to the nature of the case. She said Garnette and her significant other took Sandoval under their wing not to provide an upbringing, but to involve him in drug distribution on the reservation.
Duffy said Garnette was 20 years old when she snorted pills following her sister's suicide. He said she does not have history with alcohol, drugs or other criminal involvement. He said Garnette, now sober, will likely never be in another criminal court case.
Garnette spoke before Schreier imposed the sentence. Garnette, through tears and sniffles, said she accepts her actions during her addiction and apologized to those who were harmed throughout it.
She said if she could go back, she would never have said yes to snorting the pill. She said fentanyl is the worst thing that could have happened to her life.
Garnette said she hopes to get better through treatment and wants to create a better life for her two children. She said she was raised by her grandmother since her father was in prison and her mother was absent due to her own addiction. She said she wants better for her children.
"I want my baby to know me, and I hope my daughter won't forget me," Garnette said.
She said leaving them in the car and coming to the courtroom was the hardest thing she's had to do, especially when her daughter asked when she would come back home.
Garnette told Schreier upon questioning that she tried to get clean with her significant other but was pressured into starting with fentanyl. She said she was not told how addictive the drug was and that they would need a fix every six hours or they would start to go through withdrawals.
Garnette said the withdrawals included dripping sweat, feeling suicidal and being so cold her skin would crawl. She said the last day she used was when she was arrested in 2021. She said she went through withdrawals and was hospitalized for four or five days.
Schreier said Garnette needs to stay clean and to cut off relationships with people who use or else she will end up back in custody.
Garnette was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals after her sentencing. She was previously out of custody in order to give birth to her youngest child.
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2022-07-09T06:27:52Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Woman sentenced to 9 years in drug conspiracy | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/woman-sentenced-to-9-years-in-drug-conspiracy/article_2ad3cf3e-4dda-5668-aadf-370e1ae7699f.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/woman-sentenced-to-9-years-in-drug-conspiracy/article_2ad3cf3e-4dda-5668-aadf-370e1ae7699f.html
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Sabres sign forward Peyton Wilson
The Badlands Sabres announced Friday they have signed forward Peyton Wilson ahead of the 2022-23 season.
"Peyton is coming to us after finishing his high school career in Michigan and tallied over a point per game in his senior season, and was an integral part of his team's success” Sabres assistant coach Brooks Mitzel said. “Peyton is a versatile player, and can be used in a lot of different situations."
Wilson, a Hudsonville, Michigan native, played last season with the Hudsonville High USHS-MI club along with the BRPD Riverkings 18U AA, collecting 20 goals and 21 assists in 42 games.
"Peyton is equipped with size and skill, which we think will help him adapt to the junior level well," Mitzel said. "Wilson also has a great work ethic on the ice and is a great kid off the ice. He is the ideal player that this organization is looking for and we are excited to have him join our ranks."
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2022-07-09T06:28:23Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Sabres sign forward Peyton Wilson | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/sabres-sign-forward-peyton-wilson/article_d27617b6-314d-5601-9c1c-70c0774adb3a.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/sabres-sign-forward-peyton-wilson/article_d27617b6-314d-5601-9c1c-70c0774adb3a.html
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Sasquatch throttle Bison to open road trip
The Spearfish Sasquatch won their fifth straight game with a 10-5 win over the Gem City Bison Friday at Cowboy Field in Laramie.
Gem City jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second when Luke Banister singled to score Derek Wood and Quinn McCafferty.
Spearfish tied the game at 2-2 in the top of the third with two runs on three hits. Ryan Bachman plated the first run with a triple that scored Gabe Springer with one out. Johnny McHenry tied the game with a double on the following at bat that scored Bachman.
The Bison bounced back with two more runs in the bottom of the third on a bases loaded walk and fielder's choice to take a 4-2 lead.
The Sasquatch seized control in the top of the fifth with three runs on two hits, a walk, a hit-by-pitch and a passed ball to take their first lead at 5-4. Bachman brought in the first run on a single that scored Kennan O'Brien. McHenry followed with a double to score Bachman and eventually scored on a passed ball to give his team the lead.
The teams traded runs in the eighth inning to make it 6-5 Spearfish entering the ninth inning.
Spearfish began to run away with the game in the top half of the ninth with four runs on two hits, a walk, a hit by pitch, a passed ball and a wild pitch to take a commanding 10-5 lead.
Bachman started the scoring run with a single to score Springer. Harrison Clark scored McHenry and Bachman on a two-run double. Harrison Clark scored on a wild pitch to give the Sasquatch the 10-5 advantage.
Kenji Miller stepped on the mound for the final four innings and shut down the Bison in the bottom of the ninth to secure the victory. He pitched four innings and allowed one run (earned) on four hits with four strikeouts and no walks to pick up the save.
Nathan Leininger earned the win in three innings of relief work. He allowed two runs (both earned) on four hits with three walks and one strikeout.
Bachman and McHenry led the way for Spearfish at the plate. Bachman finished 3 for 5 with three runs and 3 RBIs and McHenry went 3 for 3 with three runs, two RBIs and two walks.
The Sasquatch return to action at 4:30 p.m. Saturday against the Bison at Cowboy Field.
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2022-07-09T06:28:29Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Sasquatch throttle Bison to open road trip | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/sasquatch-throttle-bison-to-open-road-trip/article_49f19018-28cf-5e11-8360-93f9ca53ec38.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/sasquatch-throttle-bison-to-open-road-trip/article_49f19018-28cf-5e11-8360-93f9ca53ec38.html
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Rapid City Stevens rising senior Simeon Birnbaum crosses the finish line first to win the 1-mile race at the Brooks PR Invitational on June 15 in Seattle.
Simeon Birnbaum awarded a $1,000 grant to the Rushmore Thunder Hockey Association this week after being named the Gatorade Player of the Year for South Dakota Boys Track & Field on June 29.
The Gatorade “Play it Forward Platform” allows recipients of the state awards to donate $1,000 to an organization “that helps young athletes realize the benefits of playing sports.”
“I think it’s pretty sweet and it’s awesome to give back to programs you were a part of, because they invest in you and give you opportunities,” Birnbaum told The Journal. “I’m giving to the Rushmore Thunder because I played youth hockey for 10 years of my life.”
Thunder boys varsity head coach Richard Novak heard the news Monday night and said he’s thrilled more kids will get opportunities to play hockey as a result of Birnbaum’s grant.
“For him to think about us and do that for kids playing hockey at Rushmore is great,” Novak said. “Hockey is not an easy sport to get into, but for him to think about giving kids an opportunity to play hockey is awesome.”
Birnbaum, a Rapid City Stevens rising senior, grew up in Canada before his family relocated to the Rapid City area when he was a kid, and he immediately found a home with the Rushmore Thunder family.
Now, he hopes his contribution allows other kids to pursue their hockey dreams as the sport continues to grow in the United States.
“Hockey in America isn’t as big as in other parts of the world, so having a program in Rapid City gave me the opportunity to compete,” Birnbaum said. “It was really awesome because if I moved to a lot of other places I wouldn’t have had that opportunity. It’s really important to keep that program going for future generations.”
Birnbaum said he still keeps up with the Thunder through former teammates and friends still involved in the organization.
“I still follow them, I can’t say extremely closely, but I know guys on the team and they are in some of my classes,” he said. “I try to stay involved and I talk to them about it.”
Rushmore forward Alexander Petrotto (center) celebrates scoring the first goal of the game for the Thunder in the SDAHA State Championship Game on March 13 at the Scheels IcePlex in Sioux Falls.
Kent Bush / Journal Staff
Novak said Birnbaum’s decision to give back to the Thunder program says a lot about the sports community in Rapid City and the way hockey gets in a player’s blood.
“Not everybody is going to be the best at hockey, but you develop a love for the game,” Novak said. “It’s infectious. Once you get going on hockey, it gets into you. For (Birnbaum), even though he’s not in the game anymore, to give another young man a chance to play the game is great of him.”
The junior is familiar with the Gatorade awards after winning the South Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year for cross country last fall. Birnbaum said winning both in the same year is a high honor.
“It feels great to be kind of dominating the running scene in South Dakota right now,” Birnbaum said. “It definitely was more of a surprise in cross country because it was a really tight battle between me and some other boys. But I feel like I had a really standout track season and feels good to be recognized for it.”
After he became the 16th high schooler and fourth junior to run a sub four-minute mile time at the Brooks PR Invitational last month in Seattle, Birnbaum began to receive national attention. His time ranked him fifth nationally among high school runners in the calendar year.
“People won’t be so surprised when they see me running fast in meets to come because it’s a shocker when somebody you don’t hear about breaks four minutes in the mile,” Birnbaum said. “I feel like people will get to know me.”
For the rest of the summer, Birnbaum’s focus is on staying healthy and preparing for the fall cross country season. But he still has his sights set on bigger cross country meets in the winter.
“My main focus for cross country is December when all the big races are,” Birnbaum said. “I have to be really smart and not peak too early. I have to realize we are five months out so I can take it slow and I’ll be ready when I need to be.”
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2022-07-09T06:28:42Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Simeon Birnbaum aims to grow hockey in Rapid City, awards Gatorade grant to Rushmore Thunder | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/simeon-birnbaum-aims-to-grow-hockey-in-rapid-city-awards-gatorade-grant-to-rushmore-thunder/article_e26a5f96-39b5-52a6-bce1-8fdd67539b11.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/simeon-birnbaum-aims-to-grow-hockey-in-rapid-city-awards-gatorade-grant-to-rushmore-thunder/article_e26a5f96-39b5-52a6-bce1-8fdd67539b11.html
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There is hot and then there is Oklahoma heat wave hot.
We spent a week in Oklahoma and there wasn't a day where the high temperature was below 100. It was so hot, the fish we caught were already cooked.
I couldn't help but notice this heat wave was similar to one about 11 years ago. That one stood out because it happened to hit when we were returning from Ethiopia with Dawit.
The first trip to Addis Ababa was in January and I spent several evenings rescheduling press times and delivery schedules for my newspapers because we had a blizzard come through central Kansas. The second trip was in late June and early July, and I had to help purchase a new air conditioner for my newspaper office because the old one died during the heat wave.
Even though he had never used water for recreation before, Dawit immediately fell in love with the slip and slide we had with a pool at the end. This week, he was in the lake enough to become an honorary fish.
He still doesn't like the heat.
He also doesn't love Rapid City's winter months.
Dawit was built for the 50s to 80s of the northeast Ethiopian mountainous areas in Tigray. Even with 11 years here, he still isn't a fan of the extremes.
We had a lot of fun celebrating Independence Day multiple times last week, but nothing will ever match the fireworks of flying to Ethiopia with one child and flying back with two. We left Addis Ababa at 11:59 p.m. on July 4 and didn't get back to Wichita until after 11 p.m. on July 6. Even with the time change, that was about 40 hours of travel time with long flights and long layovers.
We had to spend seven hours in Frankfort, Germany waiting for the flight back to Houston where Dawit would become an American citizen thanks to his mother's hard work getting him an IR-3 Visa during the adoption process. That was seven hours in an airport with a tired four-year-old who barely knew us and couldn’t talk to us. There were several times during that layover when we all wondered what we had gotten ourselves into. Then we found the McDonald's in the airport. Dawit had never had a french fry or chicken nugget. Let's just say we didn't need a great line of communication to figure out really quickly that it was love at first bite. That trip to McDonald's helped quell the stress and anxiety so much, we made a second trip before our next flight took off for America.
Dawit still loves McDonald's and still hates the heat. Nothing in the past 11 years has changed either of those things. But those are some of the only things that haven't changed. As he works his part-time job and gets ready for high school, that malnourished and sickly little four-year-old has turned into a fine young man.
I'm sure there are times when we all still wonder what we got ourselves into. All of the memories from our trip served as a reminder that it's been a wild ride that I wouldn't trade for anything.
Dawit
GOODWIN: Cautiously optimistic about a recount
Well, the Primary Election for the legislature has come and gone. Seems like a long time ago already. In District 30, the House of Represent…
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2022-07-09T06:30:54Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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BUSH: Still trying to beat the heat | Columnists | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/columnists/bush-still-trying-to-beat-the-heat/article_a53588d9-4bde-5344-834e-f19e58b0f063.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/columnists/bush-still-trying-to-beat-the-heat/article_a53588d9-4bde-5344-834e-f19e58b0f063.html
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We are thankful for those heroes who started and labored in the right-to-life effort. Many sacrificed their time and treasure to save babies. They prayed outside abortion facilities, counseled mothers at pregnancy care centers, and sought laws to restrict the deadly practice.
We are not so naive as to think that no more abortions will occur. After 50 years of a culture of death, we still have hearts and minds to change. We must continue to lovingly support and encourage women in their pregnancies. We must declare respect for life from the moment of conception and understand that all life is precious. We must recognize that we are created in the image of God.
Linda Schauer, State Director Concerned Women for America, Leola, SD
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2022-07-09T06:31:07Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Letters to the editor, July 8, 2022 | Opinion | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor-july-8-2022/article_db5c7304-7ee6-5f0a-9fd3-85aef1781d9d.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor-july-8-2022/article_db5c7304-7ee6-5f0a-9fd3-85aef1781d9d.html
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Brothers Bryce and Jayce Hoffman, the sons of Craig and Tara Hoffman, are headed to Abilene, Texas, later this summer, to compete in the Youth Bull Riding Association World Finals August 3-6
The boys’ father explained they rode all over Wyoming this spring, through the Flying V Rodeo Association series, then had to qualify for the finals by taking first or second. Bryce took first in everything and the all-around, Craig noted, and Jayce took second in the series, and in the finals won the “short go” to qualify.
The boys don’t ride in the same division, Craig noted, adding that it’s probably a good thing to avoid the brotherly competition.
Though Bryce is now 10 and Jayce 13, they competed as nine- and 12-year-olds, as the competitions take into account the riders’ age as of Jan. 1 of the year.
This isn’t the boys’ first rodeo, as they’ve been riding for at least the past four years. Craig said they go up and watch the college team compete and help out at the grounds. “Just watching the college kids is what got these two into it,” he said, adding Dustin Looper and Sam Nordick have helped teach them. A hired hand, Rowdy Moon, fights bulls and further encouraged the two boys.
Bryce added they started with calves, then worked their way up to bulls. Craig said they bought some bulls, and try to get on them once a week. Though they’ve taken a few whacks and even stomped on, it hasn’t deterred them from getting back on.
In addition to bull riding, Bryce and Jayce also compete in the other two rough stock events, bareback riding and bronc riding.
When they hit Abilene next month, they boys will be riding Aug. 3 and 4, and if they qualify for the final round they’ll compete again on Aug. 6.
With regard to aspiring bull riders, their advice is to just keep going even if they get hurt. Craig encourages anyone from the community to come out to their place and try their hand at bull riding, and they’ll be more than happy to help them.
Jayce Hoffman
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2022-07-10T06:24:34Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Siblings competing on world stage | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/siblings-competing-on-world-stage/article_1620efbf-1155-5f14-86c4-afb1322c7cf5.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/siblings-competing-on-world-stage/article_1620efbf-1155-5f14-86c4-afb1322c7cf5.html
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Best of the West: Class A Boys Track & Field
Track athletes fared well at the Class A state track and field meet this spring, as one athlete claimed all three sprint events, another found success in distance and one even surprised the field with a victory in hurdles.
Local champions were still crowned in field events, however, as participants from the Black Hills took home first-place medals in the long jump and pole vault.
Presented here is the Rapid City Journal's Best of the West Class A Boys Track and Field team, highlighting West River athletes who had standout performances in both running and field events this season.
Track Athlete of the Year: Blake Boyster, Custer
Custer's Blake Boyster wins the Class A boys 200 meter dash on the third day of the state track and field championships May 28 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.
The Wildcats junior claimed back-to-back 400-meter dash state titles, but followed it up by winning both the 100 and 200 and to complete the sprint triple.
Boyster ran a personal best 10.84 in the 100 this season, a 22.01 in the 200 and a 49.28 in the 400, collecting 14 total wins during the spring among the three events. He also anchored Custer's 4x400 relay team at State.
Field Athlete of the Year: Chase Maher, Rapid City Christian
Rapid City Christian's Chase Maher clears the bar to win the Class A boys pole vault during the second day of the state track and field championships May 27 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.
Maher was the top-seeded pole vaulter entering the state meet, and won the event with a leap of 14 feet, 6 inches, earning him a tie for the best performance among all three classes for a share of the gold medal.
The Comets sophomore won the Class A division by 6 inches, capping off an impressive season where he won eight of nine meets in the long jump and set a personal best of 15 feet.
Aiden Giffin, Belle Fourche
Belle Fourche's Aiden Giffin makes his mark in the Class A boys long jump on the third day of the state track and field championships May 28 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.
The Broncs senior was clipped by Blake Boyster in the 100 and 200, giving him second-place medals in both, but he bounced back to win the long jump state title by 1.5 inches for his maiden championship.
Giffin won the long jump in all nine events in competed in this season, setting a personal best leap of 23 inches.
Sawyer Clarkson, Belle Fourche
Belle Fourche's Sawyer Clarkson races his way to win the Class A boys 3200 meter run during the second day of the state track and field championships May 27 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.
The Broncs junior dominated the 3200 at State, winning it by nearly 19 seconds, and finished second in the 1600 with a personal best time of 4:21.61.
Clarkson, who was runner-up in the 3200 last year, came in first place in six events this season among the two events, and even won an 800, and set a personal record of 9:19.34 in the 3200.
Aaron Monk, Winner
Winner's Aaron Monk clears the final hurdle to win the Class A boys 110 meter hurdles on the third day of the state track and field championships May 28 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.
The Warriors senior shocked spectators at Howard Wood Field by winning the 110 hurdles with a time of 15.08, setting a personal record.
Monk won the 110 hurdles eight times during the season and placed seventh in the 300 hurdles (41.88).
James Pierce, Lead-Deadwood; Kade Watson, Winner; Miles Ellman, Custer; Gage Grohs, Custer; Justin Doyle, Custer; Mikael Grace, Custer; Winston Prill, St. Thomas More, Ethan Burnett, St. Thomas More
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2022-07-10T06:24:41Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Best of the West: Class A Boys Track & Field | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/best-of-the-west-class-a-boys-track-field/article_25758068-fc6a-5727-bc67-ecc5f1fa5447.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/best-of-the-west-class-a-boys-track-field/article_25758068-fc6a-5727-bc67-ecc5f1fa5447.html
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Rapid City Central High School receives culinary grant from Rachael Ray
Rachael Ray tapes an episode of her Emmy award-winning daytime talk show in this 2010 file photo. The Rachael Ray Foundation has awarded a grant to Rapid City Central High School to support ProStart, a program that trains students for careers in culinary professions.
Celebrity chef Rachael Ray and the ProStart program will give aspiring cooks and restauranteurs a chance to train for culinary careers in high school.
The South Dakota Retailers Association announced Rapid City Central High School is one of 38 schools nationwide that will receive a $5,000 grant from The Rachael Ray Foundation for the school’s ProStart program.
The Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grants and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation provided the 38 grants, totaling $225,000, to ProStart schools that have demonstrated a strong need to engage and educate high school students who are interested in restaurant and food service jobs.
ProStart is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops future restaurant and hospitality industry leaders.
In South Dakota, ProStart is a joint effort of the South Dakota Department of Education, the South Dakota Retailers Association and the South Dakota ProStart Advisory Committee. Funding from The Rachael Ray Foundation ProStart Grow Grants will prepare the Rapid City Central High School ProStart program to begin offering culinary arts and restaurant management courses, according to a press release from the South Dakota Retailers Association.
Information from Rapid City Area Schools about specifically how the money will be used is not yet available because the district is still completing the approval process to receive the grant funds.
The ProStart curriculum was developed more than 15 years ago to teach students in high school about culinary arts and restaurant management and to inspire interest in food service professions, according to Seanna Regynski, the South Dakota ProStart Coordinator with the South Dakota Retailers Association.
“In the past few years, you can see an increase of everybody needing employees. The National Restaurant Association created (ProStart). They saw that need of those types of industry positions and people to fill them. They created a curriculum to spark that interest at an earlier age (in hopes that) students enjoy it so much they decide to work in a restaurant post-high school,” Regynski said. “I think there’s a lot of success in finding students are interested in the culinary field after taking the program.”
The ProStart curriculum is taught in 17 schools throughout South Dakota, and it is being introduced this upcoming school year at Rapid City Stevens and Central High Schools, Regynski said. Central High School applied for and was selected to receive a grant from The Rachael Ray Foundation. Mobridge High School is the only other school in South Dakota to receive a ProStart Grow Grant.
The South Dakota Retailers Association press release said Central High School will receive an upgrade to its classroom to prepare students to work with industry-specific equipment.
“I believe Central will be using those grant funds to start their program – things like curriculum and buying equipment. A lot of schools will put in industry-specific kitchens for students to use so when they go to post-secondary school or into the work force in restaurants, they’re familiar with that equipment,” Regynski said.
“They learn safety and sanitation, management skills, knife skills and how to take care of their equipment,” she said. “The curriculum is basically what students would learn in post-secondary school, so they’re learning it at a high school level. … It’s a program we are passionate about as far as how we facilitate the program for students in South Dakota and provide those opportunities for exploration of that industry, and it’s just something we’re really proud of.”
Ray is the Emmy-winning host of “Rachael Ray Show,” now in its 16th season. She has hosted several shows on Food Network including “$40 a Day,” which featured an episode highlighting Tally’s in Rapid City and other Black Hills eateries.
The Rachael Ray Foundation is a private foundation funded by a portion of the proceeds of each sale of Rachael Ray Nutrish® pet foods. The foundation supports causes Ray is most passionate about, such as helping animals in need and working with organizations to empower kids and their families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking.
“ProStart programs, and the educators who support them, provide high school students across the country with skills they need to be successful throughout life,” Ray said in a press release. “We (The Rachael Ray Foundation) are proud to support the dreams, passion, and hard work that these Grow Grant recipients display in their classrooms and schools as they cultivate the next generation of restaurant and food service professionals.”
"ProStart is a great opportunity for high school students to learn culinary and hospitality management skills applicable in an array of businesses, from restaurants to hotel management," Nathan Sanderson, executive director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, said in a press release. "This is real-world career preparation at its finest."
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2022-07-10T06:24:53Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Rapid City Central High School receives culinary grant from Rachael Ray | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rapid-city-central-high-school-receives-culinary-grant-from-rachael-ray/article_9f2e337c-c3f0-5b99-8365-930de04009c5.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rapid-city-central-high-school-receives-culinary-grant-from-rachael-ray/article_9f2e337c-c3f0-5b99-8365-930de04009c5.html
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The Rapid City Education Center
Bart Pfankuch, South Dakota News Watch
About 75% of the more than 400 faculty and staff who left Rapid City Area Schools by the end of the 2021-2022 school year resigned from their positions.
With 14 resignations slated for Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting and 16 terminations and leaves total, the board would have approved 411 terminations and leaves throughout the school year. In total, there were 308 resignations, some of which were a breach of contract. The number includes faculty and staff, including principals and bus drivers.
According to meeting minutes, there were 473 recommendations for hire during the 2021-2022 school year. As of Friday afternoon, there are 214 open positions listed on the RCAS website, 60 of which are paraprofessional positions and 63 are teaching positions.
There are about 1,680 RCAS staff members overall, according to the district’s website.
In 2020-2021, there were 245 resignations of the 385 terminations and leaves, which is about 64%. There were 175 resignations of the 317 terminations and leaves by the end of the 2018-2019 school year, about 55%.
Numerous teachers and community members spoke at Board of Education meetings throughout the year noting the issue, asking for higher pay and more respect from board members when deciding policy.
Peggy Bias, who teaches special education students at Stevens High School, also spoke at the June 21 meeting. She said the special education department throughout the district is suffering. However, she spoke specifically to the shortage of paraprofessionals.
Bias said the hiring difficulties pre-dates shortages.
“Because of the shortage, we are unable to meet student needs appropriately,” she said. “No one can realistically state otherwise. … Without adequate staff, appropriate support cannot be provided in general education classes.”
Bias said it is a violation of federal law, and students’ safety is at risk.
She said she does not know how to meet the need, but it starts with pay based on feedback from exiting employees. Bias said the starting pay is currently the lowest paid of classified full-time staff.
According to the RCAS website, the salary range starts at $13.49 for paraprofessional listings. Bias said something needs to change and the situation will only get worse if nothing does.
Timmi Bubac, who previously taught English Language Arts at Stevens High School and resigned as of the end of the 2021-2022 school year, said at the May 17 board meeting that there is a mass exodus of teachers.
She said teachers who are choosing to stay say they are increasingly feeling undervalued and disrespected from members of the community and some Board of Education members.
Bubac said there was a statement from the board questioning whether teachers committed a crime while designing a new curriculum for the English 12 class. She said it felt like threats, intimidation and disrespect.
“It’s incredibly disappointing that this unsupportive statement came from this board,” Bubac said. “I would love to work in a district where the school board speaks more favorably about the teachers that educate their children even in the midst of a difference of opinion.”
Bubac’s comments came following questions and discussion on possible destruction of books purchased in 2021 for the English 12 class. The books were listed on a surplus list the board was scheduled to vote on in April.
Michael Birkeland, who will be sworn in as the Area 2 school board member Tuesday and is a former math teacher at Central High School, said at the Dec. 7 meeting that staff should not be leap-frogged in pay and that was one of the reasons he resigned.
In September, RCAS reported it had less than half of the necessary substitute teachers to cover increasing staff absences due to COVID-19. The district continued to have troubles with the virus in schools through January.
The Journal reported in August at the beginning of the school year that the difficulty of recruiting and retaining teachers was exacerbated by the pandemic. The district offered sign-on bonuses for the hard-to-fill positions and was trying to “creatively recruit” teachers and staff.
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2022-07-10T06:24:59Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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RCAS teacher resignations increase over previous school year | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rcas-teacher-resignations-increase-over-previous-school-year/article_bd3ea87f-a96c-5c42-bdc1-93c14a6d9d25.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rcas-teacher-resignations-increase-over-previous-school-year/article_bd3ea87f-a96c-5c42-bdc1-93c14a6d9d25.html
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Paul Sauser
American evangelicals love Donald Trump, a man who is plainly not representative of Christian principles. I’ve thought of myself as an evangelical and a conservative since 1974. Now, I don’t know.
As someone who has lived most of his life in rural, conservative South Dakota and Nebraska, I’ve had to re-evaluate my spiritual and political ties.
I was raised in the Catholic faith but fell away as a teenager. At the age of 20, though, I made my faith personal, rather than cultural or familial, (by accepting Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior).
Having come of age during the great cultural shift of the 1960s and ’70s, I had always wanted to live life with a purpose beyond my own personal peace and pleasure. I carried that feeling into my new Christianity.
I was drawn to the church by, among other things, the community of Christians described in the book of Acts, “having all things in common,” and by examples in the modern world of Christian community. We fellow believers called each other brother and sister, and it felt real.
At first, there was little talk of politics. If it came up at all, it took second place to doing what we thought of as God’s work, and, as they say, His kingdom is not of this world. We talked about whether abortion was right or wrong, but having the right answer was not the badge of belonging that it later became.
In the 1976 presidential campaign, we young believers were excited that Jimmy Carter (I mean, J.C., c’mon) was a born-again Christian. But somehow, by the time of the election, it was clear that God wanted Gerald Ford to win. Conservativism, the consensus went, would better protect our religious freedom. Still, I don’t remember abortion being a big part of the agenda.
With the late ‘70s and early ‘80s came the culture wars. Christians came to believe that if they did not do battle against the forces of liberalism and “secular humanism” God would rain down judgment on the nation. Though the church at large was more and more engaged, politics was not important to me.
Through my years as a non-traditional college student and 13 years as a journalist, I maintained an adherence to more-or-less conservative politics, voting for Republicans for president and most other offices. There was always a vague notion that liberals might do something that was bad for religious freedom, or jobs, or they preferred squirrels to jobs, or something.
That’s more or less where my head was in 2000, the last year I voted for a Republican presidential candidate, George W. Bush.
Since then, I have been gradually more repulsed by the GOP: the disdain of Cheney and Rumsfeld for anyone who didn’t agree with their two wars and their torture programs, the doubling down of economic dogma post 2008, the determination to destroy Obama, the increasingly racial motivations, the denial of science in global warming and the Covid pandemic, the lies that fueled the billionaire-backed Tea Party movement, the subversion of democratic processes (not a comprehensive list).
All the while the Republican Party was getting more divisive, more fear-mongering, more mendacious, my white evangelical brothers and sisters stayed on board.
It was hard to imagine it could get worse, but then came Donald Trump.
Despite his words, actions and character, white evangelicals have been all in. That has led me to a hard conclusion: If white American evangelicals can be so wrong about this party and this man, what can they possibly have to say to someone who would live a Christ-inspired life? Moreover, if that can’t discern evil when it’s looking them in the face, what else are they getting wrong?
Today, I’m a Democrat, hanging on to hope for my country. Today, I hang on to my faith, but I no longer look to American evangelicalism for a way to live it. I’m not sure where to turn next. The Black church? Main-line denominations? Should I bother with church at all? I don’t know yet.
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2022-07-10T06:26:13Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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SAUSER: A long, strange trip from right to left | Opinion | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/sauser-a-long-strange-trip-from-right-to-left/article_21158054-1f63-5040-89ce-d8cf5a7d3e32.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/sauser-a-long-strange-trip-from-right-to-left/article_21158054-1f63-5040-89ce-d8cf5a7d3e32.html
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Judas Priest arrives at the American Idol finale in Los Angeles in this 2011 file photo. Judas Priest and Queensryche will be in concert in Rapid City on Nov. 2.
Tickets are on sale now for the 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour, featuring one of heavy metal’s all-time greats, Judas Priest, with opening band Queensryche. The 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour is coming to Rapid City for a concert at 8 p.m. Nov. 2 in Summit Arena at The Monument. Tickets start at $45.50. For tickets and information, go to themonument.live.
The 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour celebrates Judas Priest’s 50th anniversary and the induction this year of Judas Priest band members Rob Halford, Glenn Tipton, Ian Hill and Scott Travis into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Grammy Award-winning Judas Priest originally formed in 1970 in Birmingham, England. Throughout the 1970s Judas Priest helped blaze a trail for metal with hits such as “Sad Wings of Destiny,” “Sin After Sin,” “Hell Bent for Leather,” “Unleashed in the East” and others. In the 1980s, Judas Priest became a global headliner with classics such as “British Steel” and “Screaming for Vengeance,” and was one of the first metal bands to be embraced by the then-fledgling MTV. Judas Priest’s success continued through the 1990s and 2000s. Their latest studio album, 2018’s “Firepower,” received international success and critical acclaim.
In 2020, an official, authorized photographic book, “Judas Priest: 50 Heavy Metal Years,” was issued, followed in 2021 by the 42-CD box set, “Judas Priest: 50 Heavy Metal Years of Music.”
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2022-07-11T01:54:52Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Tickets on sale now for Judas Priest, Queensryche | Entertainment | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/tickets-on-sale-now-for-judas-priest-queensryche/article_e377fb88-d2d7-5fdf-96d4-8c2f190409b2.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/tickets-on-sale-now-for-judas-priest-queensryche/article_e377fb88-d2d7-5fdf-96d4-8c2f190409b2.html
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A Rapid City police cruiser.
Photo courtesy RCPD
The Rapid City Police Department is currently seeking information about an incident reported Saturday night.
Shortly after 10 p.m., police were called to the area of Omaha Street and E. Boulevard for an injured person near the roadway. Police believe the injured individual was involved in an altercation with the driver of a vehicle before they were left on the side of the road.
No more information about the suspect or the victim was released.
Anyone with any information about the incident should contact police at 605-394-4131.
An anonymous tip can also be submitted by texting the letters 'RCPD' and the information to 847411.
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2022-07-11T01:55:04Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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RCPD seeks help locating assault suspect | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/rcpd-seeks-help-locating-assault-suspect/article_4924b871-4728-5f79-8a31-923c57ff6a37.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/rcpd-seeks-help-locating-assault-suspect/article_4924b871-4728-5f79-8a31-923c57ff6a37.html
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According to a Wyoming Highway Patrol press release, troopers tried to stop a Dodge Ram on U.S. Highway 85 in Hawk Springs, Wyoming for speeding. The vehicle reached speeds over 100 miles per hour while running from law enforcement.
The driver of the Dodge, Levi Anderson, 27, of Deadwood, fled north on U.S. 85 towards Torrington, Wyoming. As the trooper pursued the truck, he observed items being tossed out of the vehicle, Wyoming Highway Patrol stated.
Goshen County, Wyoming sheriff’s deputies and the Torrington Police Department deployed tire deflation devices around milepost 92 on US 85. The truck stopped around milepost 93 on US 85, and law enforcement arrested Anderson and Alice Oldson, 27, of Rapid City.
Both Anderson and Olson have previous charges in Pennington County related to methamphetamine use.
Anderson’s criminal history in Pennington County Court includes a conviction for unauthorized ingestion of a controlled substance for consuming methamphetamine. He was sentenced to three years in prison for the 2020 case. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to unauthorized ingestion of a schedule one or two controlled substance and was sentenced to a five-year suspended sentence and five years of probation. He was discharged from probation on March 3.
Oldson failed to appear at a Pennington County court hearing on Dec. 17, 2020 for six different counts: possession of a schedule one or two controlled substance for methamphetamine, unauthorized ingestion of a controlled drug for ingesting methamphetamine, possession of two ounces of marijuana or less, driving under the influence, ingesting an intoxicant other than an alcoholic beverage, and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. In 2016, she pleaded guilty to identity theft and served a two-year sentence for that charge.
Anderson was booked into the Goshen County Detention Center in Wyoming on charges of driving while under the influence, controlled substance, fleeing/eluding, speed, no proof of insurance, driving without a license, two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance, and interference with a peace officer.
Oldson was charged with interference with a peace officer and two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance. Both Oldson and Anderson were also booked on outstanding warrants for their arrest.
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2022-07-12T06:57:56Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Deadwood man, Rapid City woman caught in Wyoming high-speed chase | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/deadwood-man-rapid-city-woman-caught-in-wyoming-high-speed-chase/article_52fa438f-ff6d-5246-a080-3b16638bb68a.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/deadwood-man-rapid-city-woman-caught-in-wyoming-high-speed-chase/article_52fa438f-ff6d-5246-a080-3b16638bb68a.html
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Participants carry signs bearing the names of children who died at the former Rapid City Indian Boarding School during the "Remembering the Children Memorial Walk" in October 2021 in Rapid City.
Mayor Steve Allender
Rapid City Vision Funds have not yet been dispersed to the He Sapa Otipi/Indigenous Community Center, but city officials said the group has not submitted project designs, business plans or invoices.
He Sapa Otipi said in a press release Thursday that it had not received any of the $9 million funds allocated from the Rapid City Council due to a contingency stating the Department of the Interior needed to approve.
“Our community needs a place to revitalize our language and culture," He Sapa Otipi President Cante Heart said in the news release. "A safe place where our relatives can gather, young and old alike. This contingency only causes the project to not move forward, and continues to demonstrate the lack of relationship between the city and Native community.”
In January, the council approved a $2 million allocation in 2022 and $7 million in 2023 for the group to go toward the Native American Community Center/Community Development Corporation in partnership with the Indian Boarding School Lands group.
The project represents a solution to a 1948 act stating three parcels of land within the city could revert to the Department of the Interior, and a November 2020 resolution passed by the council that calls for a land substitution valued at $20 million.
In the release, the organization called for the contingency to be removed and the Vision Funds be awarded.
Mayor Steve Allender said Monday that no design work has been completed, the city is unaware of formal relationships with contractors and designers, and has not received a business plan.
"There's some allegation that they're being treated differently from other people, which is false and it can be demonstrated by our past Vision Fund awards and the multitude of recipients over the years," Allender said.
He said the payments from Vision Funds are made after verification that the contractors are paid and a structure in place. Allender said the money typically comes quarterly in the form of a reimbursement, and the city does not front the money for anyone's project.
Allender said there must be protections in place for the funds, which come from taxpayers. He said it would be inappropriate for the city to simply send a check with the money, and that is true for all projects.
"I support the Native American Community Center, I always have. I'm on record, I've given speeches about this, urging the City Council to fund this," he said. "This is something that we should be doing for the Native American population in Rapid City and in the whole Black Hills area, but I can't support what would appear to be a haphazard or high-risk scenario where we're delivering millions of dollars of taxpayer money without some assurance that the project is going to be completed."
Allender said the contingency is meant to make the award part of the settlement of the land issues. He said that's why the money was awarded in the first place.
Allender said he has not yet spoken with the group but was out with COVID-19 last week and came back to work Monday. He said the city has primarily spoken with the Indian Boarding School Lands group, but is working on contacting He Sapa Otipi this week.
He said if the money is not spent this year, the money will be held. Allender said the city has held funds for other projects before.
"This is a policy decision on how to deal with this allocation, and it's also a process question that everyone who submits for Vision Funds is held to," he said.
He Sapa Otipi did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.
He Sapa Otipi
Indian Boarding Schools
Indian Boarding School Lands
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2022-07-12T06:58:02Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Group, city at odds with lack of Vision Funds | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/group-city-at-odds-with-lack-of-vision-funds/article_edc50165-ad40-5c19-b3e3-3b4074f44318.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/group-city-at-odds-with-lack-of-vision-funds/article_edc50165-ad40-5c19-b3e3-3b4074f44318.html
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The U.S. Forest Service has given preliminary approval to a Minnesota company that wants to do exploratory drilling for gold in the Black Hills near Pactola Reservoir — Rapid City's main source for water.
The land involved is in the Jenny Gulch area in the Black Hills National Forest and is owned by the federal government. Minneapolis-based F3 Gold has been seeking approval for its drilling project for several years.
The project calls for exploratory gold drilling in up to 47 locations. In January 2020, people gathered in the Black Hills National Forest Mystic Ranger District office in Rapid City where the proposed drilling project north of Silver City was discussed.
In February 2020, the Rapid City Council voted 6-4 to approve a resolution opposing gold-exploration drilling in the Rapid Creek watershed near Pactola.
The Forest Service has now completed its final environmental assessment and issued the draft decision that would allow the drilling to move forward, but with numerous restrictions to protect cultural sites, water and other natural resources, South Dakota Public Broadcasting reported.
The Forest Service found in the draft notice that there was a "Finding of No Significant Impact." There is no mining, milling or production of ore proposed for this operation, the Forest Service said. The proposed project is expected to last approximately one year, from start to reclamation.
The Forest Service draft decision allows for 47 drilling pads on more than three acres near Jenny Gulch. The service said F3 Gold has a statutory right under the General Mining Act of 1872 to explore mineral claim areas for exploration purposes.
“While the USFS cannot deny the company it’s right to explore for gold on their claim, the USFS can impose limitations which are reasonable and necessary to protect NFS lands and resources,” said Jeff Tomac, Black Hills National Forest Supervisor.
Lilias Jarding of the Black Hills Clean Water Alliance said exploratory drilling could eventually lead to a gold mine. Jarding said a mine could pollute the Pactola Reservoir, which is a popular recreational destination and is also used as a storage reservoir for water systems, which include Rapid City.
The 2020 resolution from the city of Rapid City states the city opposes gold exploration and potential gold mining in the Rapid Creek watershed "due to the potential risk to the Rapid Creek watershed, the City's water supply, and the local economy."
Jarding brought the original resolution to the City Council.
The 45-day objection period started with the publication of the legal notice in the Rapid City Journal on Friday. Objections will only be accepted from those that previously submitted specific written comments during the public comment periods. The objection period will end on Aug. 22.
The Forest Service said objections raised during this period will be reviewed and resolved before a final decision is made.
Gold has been mined in the Black Hills since the 1870s. The Homestake mine near Lead was once the largest and deepest gold mines in North America before it closed in 2002. Gold and silver are still being mined at the Coeur Wharf mine near Lead, using open-pit mining techniques and heap-leaching with a cyanide solution.
Another company looking to begin exploratory drilling in the Black Hills, Dakota Territory Resource, owns eight mineral properties and has a combined ownership and/or surface lease on more than 19,000 acres in the Black Hills. The properties are all located within the Homestake District in the Northern Hills.
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2022-07-12T06:58:58Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Preliminary approval given for gold drilling near Pactola Reservoir | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/preliminary-approval-given-for-gold-drilling-near-pactola-reservoir/article_b63c2ab4-80a2-5391-9a2f-aad9d791cc61.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/preliminary-approval-given-for-gold-drilling-near-pactola-reservoir/article_b63c2ab4-80a2-5391-9a2f-aad9d791cc61.html
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Teen prevention program focuses on saving lives
A teen drives through an obstacle course in fatal vision goggles, meant to simulate drunk driving, as part of the Freshman Impact program.
Fire and rescue personnel reenact an emergency situation as part of the Freshman Impact program earlier this year.
Members of the South Dakota National Guard and Ellsworth Air Force Base lead students into a day of preventative education as part of a Freshman Impact program earlier this year.
A yellow, nondescript building situated off Radar Hill Road in Box Elder houses the headquarters of the Freshman Impact, a program that, since 2006, has had one goal — saving teen lives.
Freshman Impact is a one-day prevention experience for teenage students that aims to save teen lives through interactive, preventative education.
Rick McPherson, a retired law enforcement officer, started the program when a "culture shock" and a conversation spurred him to action.
McPherson came to the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office in 2003, where he started at the Wall substation. He described his beginning in South Dakota law enforcement as a “culture change” — underage kids having parties in the streets and parking lots, and “nobody seemed to care.”
His various attempts at a solution were either ineffective or met with criticism from parents. When his concerns came up in conversation with his friend, federal defense attorney Pat Carlson, her advice was simple: do something about it.
His previous attempts had been reactionary, they discussed, and it was time he got ahead of it. Carlson challenged him to be proactive, and the idea for Freshman Impact was born.
McPherson brought the idea to South Dakota Highway Patrol Trooper Kelly Stern, and together they presented the idea to their first school in Wall.
In its early stages, the program was simply called an “alcohol program,” with 40-60 students. They used golf carts and goggles called fatal vision goggles, meant to simulate the effects of being drunk, to run through an obstacle course marked with orange cones.
The following year, the program grew to schools in Philip and Kadoka, joining with Wall to create what was then called the “Tri-County Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program.”
In 2009, Douglas and New Underwood schools joined the list. The program evolved through experience and research, and eventually focused on freshmen, changing the name to “Freshman Impact.”
McPherson estimated the program has served 20,000 students and counting. The program’s logo reads “Creating Responsible Ripples,” with an image of ripples pulsing outward from a circle of water. The ripple effect, McPherson explained, is not just the teens, but the lives changed, sometimes saved, as a result.
The program itself is a massive undertaking, with first-time programs taking about a year to put in place. It involves an all-day set up of sometimes more than 100 volunteers, ranging from law enforcement and attorneys to judges, emergency medical technicians, medical helicopters, the South Dakota National Guard, fire and rescue personnel, and the Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard and Moulage team.
The program begins with a busload of kids, oftentimes from multiple schools. They’re taken through a series of both interactive and observed activities that demonstrate possible consequences of poor choices, and the lasting effects — both physically and emotionally — on themselves, their family and friends.
“It’s not scare treatment,” McPherson said. “It’s reality.”
The teens witness skits depicting party scenes that drastically transition into car crashes, emergency rooms, funerals and even a mock courtroom. The program also draws on volunteer efforts from students, group leaders and local coordinators.
The impact he sees on students is “literally amazing,” McPherson said. He described teens who started the program distracted and disrespectful ending in tears, or shell-shocked that a real judge would take their own time to be a part of the program.
Every program also includes on-site counselors and fosters better relationships between students and law enforcement and fire and rescue personnel.
“Because they care about you,” McPherson said. “When you see a kid, I tell anybody in a uniform, to let these kids know that behind the uniform, there are real men and women — there’s a real heartbeat, that cares for you.”
The process of bringing the program to a school begins with filling out an application. McPherson then works with them to customize the program — a unique aspect of the Freshman Impact program. The school can identify what issues may be facing their school specifically, be it mental health issues or particular drugs; the school can choose what areas they want to include.
Local coordinators are established and a minimum of six meetings are held prior to the program. The local coordinators, along will all first responders, are invited to the meetings. There is no charge to the schools. The nonprofit is funded entirely through fundraising, donations and grants.
“Over the years, I’ve had kids die in my hands because they weren’t buckled in," McPherson said. "But it’s just made me a more firm believer that this program needs to be given to every school without charge.”
McPherson is a one-man office, handling everything from answering phones and emails to grant applications. He’s now retired from law enforcement, dedicating his time entirely to the program.
Word of mouth has grown the program considerably since its inception in 2006, and McPherson said if he had one wish list item for the coming years, it would be more help.
Freshman Impact currently has 10 active programs — Alexandria, the Badlands, Armour, Central Dakota Plains (Presho), Douglas High School, Faith, Martin, Rapid City, Spearfish and Southern Hills, with plans to expand the list in the coming year.
The program itself is huge, he said.
“People can't fathom how in-depth this program goes,” McPherson said.
Those interested in volunteering or donating to the program can visit www.freshmanimpact.net or call 605-431-4672.
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2022-07-12T06:59:10Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Teen prevention program focuses on saving lives | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/teen-prevention-program-focuses-on-saving-lives/article_279ddcd3-3fe4-561c-a0a3-2fbd640bed7e.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/teen-prevention-program-focuses-on-saving-lives/article_279ddcd3-3fe4-561c-a0a3-2fbd640bed7e.html
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Law enforcement arrested Travis McDonald, 28, of Rapid City, during a 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally sex sting operation where law enforcement went undercover as minors online and had conversations with men who agreed to meet with personas they thought to be minors.
McDonald had a sexually explicit conversation with a special agent posing as a 13-year-old girl during the sting. He agreed to meet with her under the pretense of having sex.
McDonald pleaded guilty to the charge as part of a plea deal in which the government agreed to drop a charge of attempted enticement of a minor using the internet.
U.S. District Court Judge Karen Schreier sentenced McDonald to two years above the minimum sentence of five years. Both the defense and prosecution agreed to the seven-year sentence because McDonald’s original charge held a minimum of 10 years and was reduced because of the lesser charges.
In addition to his prison sentence, Schreier ruled McDonald will spend five years on supervised release — the minimum requirement. Sentencing guidelines required McDonald to pay restitution ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, but since no parties requested restitution, Schreier waived it. She also waived the $250,000 fine because McDonald is quote “indigent,” meaning he does not have the financial ability to pay the fine. McDonald will have to register as a sex offender when he is released from prison.
Court documents show McDonald sent lewd photos of himself to an undercover agent in August 2020 during the multi-agency sex sting. After conversations with the persona, McDonald agreed to meet at a location in Rapid City. Law enforcement met him and arrested him there.
Court documents say law enforcement found multiple images of pornography as well as artifacts referencing young pornography on McDonald’s phone after his arrest.
McDonald’s defense attorney, Alecia Fuller, said he is more remorseful for his actions than most clients she sees and “consistently reflects on his choices and actions to do better and be better.”
She referenced seven letters of support submitted by McDonald’s family and friends describing him as a good father, husband and son who stands up for others. Fuller said there is so much more to McDonald, and he isn’t defined by his poor decisions.
McDonald spoke for himself before Schreier delivered his sentence. Through tears he said he truly regrets everything he did and what he put the community and his family through.
“My actions let them down more than I thought I was at the time,” McDonald said.
Schreier accepted McDonald’s remorse.
“I can tell you have regret and remorse,” Schreier said. “More than I usually see.”
U.S. Assistant Attorney Heather Sazama said having strong relationships with friends and family and a positive work life is what makes offenders like McDonald dangerous because they are able to live two lives at the same time. She also said it is likely McDonald would have engaged in the discussed acts had the person he was speaking with been a child and not an agent.
Schreier made her statement to McDonald before delivering his sentence. She noted his family ties, his compliance while on pretrial release, and his lack of any prior criminal actions, but she emphasized the crime’s significance.
“The crime that happened is really a significant crime that can impact young girls in the community,” Schreier said.
Law enforcement arrested a total of eight men during the sting. Six were local to the Rapid City area.
South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce conducted the investigation. Other agencies that contributed to the investigation included Homeland Security Investigations, the South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, Pennington County Sheriff's Office and the Rapid City Police Department.
2020 Sturgis Sex Sting
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2022-07-12T06:59:23Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Seventh man sentenced after 2020 sex sting operation | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/seventh-man-sentenced-after-2020-sex-sting-operation/article_da3489d4-2a97-5d36-ad20-6300c5ecbad7.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/seventh-man-sentenced-after-2020-sex-sting-operation/article_da3489d4-2a97-5d36-ad20-6300c5ecbad7.html
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Kingsbury and Associates President/CEO Megan Kingsbury; Curtis Harper, owner and broker in charge of Sirius Realty; and members of the research and development advisory board answer questions from area residents about the proposed meat processing facility by the Western Legacy Development Corp. Monday night at the Journey Museum.
Curtis Harper, owner and broker in charge of Sirius Realty (center), answers questions on the logistics of the Western Legacy Development Corp.'s meat processing plant Monday night at the Journey Museum.
The Western Legacy Development Corporation meat processing plant anticipates groundbreaking in January 2023 despite no permits from the city, non-guaranteed space in the Black Hills Industrial Center, and still being in its research and development phase.
A panel of six representing the company and its advisory board answered questions for about two hours Monday night regarding the $1.1 billion, 1 million-square-foot facility that could bring 2,550 jobs to the area.
Megan Kingsbury, President/CEO of the corporation and President of Kingsbury and Associates, announced the proposed facility that would process 8,000 head of cattle per day and include a specialty bison line May 27. At the same time, Kingsbury announced the Black Hills Industrial Center was the preferred site. If it comes to fruition, this would be the largest processing facility in the United States.
Kingsbury was joined by her business partner Curtis Harper, owner and broker in charge of Sirius Realty; Kyle Treloar, Vice President of Dream Design International; outgoing state Sen. Troy Heinert (D-Mission), executive director of the InterTribal Buffalo Council; Farmers Union Industries CEO Dale Bednarek of Minnesota; and James Halverson, member of the Research and Development Advisory Board for the facility. Halverson is also the executive director of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, but said he was not representing the association in any official capacity.
Many residents asked questions concerned about transportation, water, wastewater, solid waste, logistics, smell, employees and housing. When asked about the odor from the facility, Kingsbury joked that it was the "smell of money."
Another resident and landowner, who has been in the area since 1993, said she lives about two miles away from the proposed site. She said she has not received one land survey or any information about the facility.
She said she wants ranchers and those in the cattle industry to receive everything they need, but she also doesn’t want her land value to go down, nor her family values to go down. She said she was concerned about people coming down her road, which will already see more traffic from the AEsir Technology battery manufacturing plant.
Kingsbury asked for clarification on the question.
“The question is the smell of your money is screwing me,” the woman said to applause from the audience of about 70.
The meat processing facility is not yet confirmed in the Black Hills Industrial Center. During the meeting, Kingsbury said a statement from Dream Design International President Hani Shafai printed in the Journal June 23 regarding a lack of space in the center was inaccurate.
Treloar said Monday that Dream Design is working with the different users within the industrial park to fit them out and make sure there’s enough space for everyone. He said they are working on the utilities, water, power and sewer.
“With that and where we’re at in the design process of this plant, we’re still putting those pieces together,” he said. “We’re putting together how that rail looks so that rail can use that facility so that you don’t have any packing outside.”
Kelsey Pritchard, director of marketing and communications for Dream Design International, said in an email Tuesday that there was nothing inaccurate about the statement.
Shafai said in an email Tuesday that Dream Design is making every effort to finalize agreements with these businesses in order to create sustainable high-paying jobs and continue to transform the regional economy.
“As far as the processing plant, we are in support of any business that helps our ag sector and creates added value industries,” Shafai said. “Though there is not enough room for the project within the current plan for the Industrial Park, we will work to help explore sites for the processing plant in the region. The size of the plant, the impact on the region, and its sustainability have to be considered in the evaluation process.”
Kingsbury said Western Legacy Development Corp is still in the six-month research and development phase with anticipation for groundbreaking in January 2023. She said Tuesday that research and development allows engineers, contractors and subcontractors to bid out and line up materials.
She said the company will receive all the required permitting in order to break ground in an appropriate timeline from the city. She said she did not immediately have information about the timeline for receiving the permits as of Tuesday afternoon.
City Communications Coordinator Darrell Shoemaker said in an email Tuesday that city officials have not been formally approached by officials with Western Legacy Development Corporation about their proposal.
“No permits, plans, applications or requests for information have been filed or submitted with the city,” he said. “There have been no inquiries with the city by company officials seeking information on the detailed processes and procedures that would need to be addressed and followed.”
Shoemaker said city officials cannot identify the processes required for the project until a specific location is identified and a complete operational plan is submitted. He said without the information, the city is unable to comment on specific or approximate procedures, timelines and requirements.
“We cannot speculate based on hypotheticals or hearsay,” he said. “It would be premature for city officials to comment on general timelines or general application and permit processes and procedures without company officials providing to city officials the specific and detailed information on their proposal.
“We invited project officials to contact us with their specific proposal and to inquire with questions or issues involving the city and their proposed project,” he said.
Kingsbury and Associates, along with Sirius Realty of which Kingsbury is a managing partner, privately holds the corporation. A company named Western Legacy LLC initially filed with the South Dakota Secretary of State June 1. The agent listed is Thomas Grimes and the organizer is listed as Robert Harper. Sirius Realty is based in Greenville, South Carolina, but its Rapid City branch is registered in South Dakota with Grimes as the agent with Kingsbury and Sirius Realty LLC SC as the owners. Kingsbury owns 51% of the Rapid City company.
Regarding the size of the facility, Treloar said Western Legacy is going through the redesign and learning more about the processes and what it’s going to take to renovate the size of the facility. He said the company has commissioned traffic studies that will evaluate the traffic impact to the existing highways and interstate system.
Treloar said the company has spoken with the Department of Transportation on the state Highway 79 corridor and Interstate 90 corridor to make sure the capacity exists. He said there will be vehicles coming in from all directions and expect the traffic load to be dispersed throughout the main streets.
Halverson said they estimate just over 200 trucks per day with 35 head per truck.
Kingsbury said not all of the livestock will come in traditional forms of transportation. She said that is part of the logistical study and analysis process they plan to release to the public.
Treloar said early calculations for the slaughtering, packaging and rendering facilities estimate upwards of 5,000 gallons of water per minute necessary to make the plant run. He said in the main facility, a lot of the water will be recycled within the plant itself.
“It is a high water use, but it does get reused and recycled throughout the facility, so it’s not a one-time use,” he said.
Bednarek spoke to the rendering facility and said about 50% of the material to be rendered will come out of water. He said a lot of water will be generated, but they plan to capture as much as they can and reuse it. He said the rest of it will go down through the pipes and be discharged as the city requires.
Kingsbury said Tuesday that eventually the excess would go into the city system after processing through a treatment facility on the plant’s site. She said all water treatment facilities will meet city and federal guidelines for re-entry into municipalities for wastewater facilities.
Harper said Monday night that the company plans on doing a fair amount of pre-treatment.
“We are working very diligently now to design what the wastewater treatment plant is going to look like,” he said. “We do not have it finalized yet, it’s too early in the process to have that.”
Kingsbury said within the design of the facility, there are no feedlots. She said all of the docking for cattle coming into the facility is internal, so no one will see the cattle be unloaded. She also said they plan on methane gas recapture for energy use on the packing side, and Bednarek said the building on the rendering side will be treated and have equipment designed specifically to add multiple layers between the building and the environment. He said it will be a totally enclosed facility and people will not be able to see any of the renderings outside of transportation.
Bednarek also said odor varies depending on the type of material that’s running. He said the company will run fresh animals, not dead animals.
Halverson said a lot of cattle in the country leave to get fed, but having spoken with producers on the eastern side of the state, northwest Iowa and Nebraska, they feel like within a 500-mile radius, there are plenty of cattle to supply demand.
“We don’t have all those numbers, in fact they’re fairly hard to ascertain if you go to the USD website,” he said. “There are people begging to be able to sell their cattle and they can’t do it.”
Halverson said he’s spoken with people who ship or truck cattle out to Texas, so sending them 500 miles away isn’t an issue. He said it does add to cost, but they think with their efficiencies, they’ll be able to cover it.
Heinert said it’s extremely difficult to get a buffalo processed and people have to travel a considerable distance. He said this facility would be accessible to tribes who use buffalo to feed their community.
Residents were also concerned about housing and employees. Kingsbury said they plan to have starting wages for an entry level tech position at $28 per hour. She said they plan to use technology that does not currently exist within North American facilities. Kingsbury also said the company is three to three and a half years out from “flipping the switch” on the first line.
She said they also plan to recruit with existing talent in the state.
Kingsbury said financially, this plant is a done deal and it’s a matter of making sure they create the best model on the blank sheet of paper they have.
“We want to be responsible with everything that we do, so yes, it is a done deal,” she said.
Kingsbury said for funding, Kingsbury and Associates is a debt equity capital firm. She said they manage their own funds internally and they’re able to capture those of interest outside. She said the plant is being completely funded by her firm and there is no outside funding.
Kingsbury said Tuesday that Kingsbury and Associates has nothing to do with Western Legacy. She said she has interests and holds various entities, and does not have to disclose all of her private information. She said the company is a private entity and would not disclose further information. She also said it depends on how she wants to structure the finances.
Halverson said from a producer’s point of view, there are concerns about the cattle market right now. He said there are currently four big packers owned by foreign companies that control about 85% of the packing industry.
“That’s not healthy for our markets and it’s really, really hurting our farmers and ranchers right now,” he said. “We think this is a really good opportunity to move the needle for our farmers and ranchers, and we think that it’s something that can also bolster the feeding industry.”
Rancher Uly Johnson said this will bring competition to the markets that are currently so controlled they can’t compete. He said the prices are crazy and what they get paid for their product, they can’t survive.
“We can hardly hold on to what we have the way it’s going and it’s just going to continue to degrade and get worse,” Johnson said. “Where’s our food going to come from if this continues at this rate.”
Johnson said if the plant does come to town, it will be great for the area and its economy. He said other businesses will come in, along with other opportunities.
Council member Pat Jones said he attended a similar meeting to Monday’s in Wall in June. He said the message seems consistent and his constituents' concerns were addressed. He said many people remember the Black Hills packaging plant from back in the day, and many will never forget it.
“We don’t want to experience that again,” he said.
Jones said it’s too soon to say if he will be able to support the plant, but once the company goes through the city’s process, he will be able to make that decision.
Kingsbury said Monday the company plans to continue to have public meetings and make everything known as much as possible.
“We certainly want to be as transparent as possible,” she said.
Megan Kingsbury
Black Hills Industrial Center
A preliminary map of the Black Hills Industrial Center provided by Dream Design International.
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2022-07-13T02:34:40Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Work still to be done on $1.1 billion meat processing plant | Business | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/business/work-still-to-be-done-on-1-1-billion-meat-processing-plant/article_854bdcef-f4f5-585a-9fcf-b62f37276f7e.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/business/work-still-to-be-done-on-1-1-billion-meat-processing-plant/article_854bdcef-f4f5-585a-9fcf-b62f37276f7e.html
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There’s been quite the buzz at 251 Main Street, the former home EJ’s BBQ and Take-Out, since the restaurant closed its doors earlier this year. Though the equipment, fixtures and furnishings were originally slated for auction, it wasn’t long until that same auction was cancelled. Almost just as quick, talk began about whether the building was purchased, and by whom.
Crews have been hard at work over the past few weeks, doing some major renovations to what is now a new Mexican restaurant, Molcajetes. Owner Gerardo Guzman noted he and his brother, Raul, also own Los Agaves Mexican Restaurant in Belle Fourche, S.D., and one of the other partners has two restaurants in South Dakota — one in Winner, the other in Chamberlain.
While Raul will continue to run Los Agaves, Gerardo will be her in Chadron with the new venture. The menuwill be similar to the one at Los Agaves, Gerardo said, and everything will be fresh and homemade.
The restaurant will have a new look for anyone’s who visited. The former murals along the walls have been removed, and the floors are now tile. Gerardo also plans to replace the tables and chairs as well.
“We’re thinking about opening the first week of August,” he noted. “We don’t know for sure yet, but that’s planned.” He said they are also working to make sure everything’s in order for the opening.
Though the upstairs of EJ’s had more of a bar atmosphere, Gerardo indicated any alcohol served would be ordered off the restaurant menu.
As to the reason for the expansion from Belle Fourche to Chadron, Gerardo said there’s something of a plan to make a circle of restaurants. With Raul heading up the Belle Fourche business and the other partners at Winner and Chamberlain, this was just the next spot.
Molcajetes is the first restaurant for them in Nebraska, and Gerardo is hopeful it will go over well.
Gerardo Guzman
Molcajetes
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2022-07-13T02:34:46Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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New restaurant looking for early August opening | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/new-restaurant-looking-for-early-august-opening/article_200b9bd5-d7d3-59e3-8a31-2be84c914ebb.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/new-restaurant-looking-for-early-august-opening/article_200b9bd5-d7d3-59e3-8a31-2be84c914ebb.html
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During their regular Monday evening meeting, the Chadron Public Schools Board of Education — with Board Member Melissa Webster absent — reaffirmed several policies for the district. Though there were public hearings opened for the majority of the policies, there was no public comment but there was some from the board.
The first policies addressed were: 6163.2, Internet Safety; 5138.1, Internet Safety and Student Acceptable Use of Technologies; and 4119.34, Internet Safety and Staff Acceptable Use of Technologies.
The monitoring and supervision of technology was questioned. Board President Tom Menke and Superintendent Ginger Meyer said Technology Director Eliu Paopao has done very well in getting on top of issues when and even before they arise.
The next policy reaffirmed was 1205, Parental Involvement. Board Member Boone Huffman noted he was unaware that, under the policy, parents may access all records pertaining to their kids who are under 18. Once a student is over the age of 18, parents can still access the information so long as the student agrees.
The policy also allows parents to observe classes, though it was noted this doesn’t happen much and parents typically show up at classes to speak with their kids.
A third re-affirmed policy was 5142.5, Anti-Bullying. Board President Menken noted the policy addresses on and off campus matters. He said he didn’t realize off-campus incidents could be address, and asked if this would also cover summer months.
Superintendent Meyer said typically the policy is not used during the summer months. She further explained if there is something off-campus that carries over and disrupts education it would be addressed.
Board Member Maddie Nitsch asked how often this past year there were any consequences for bullying. Meyer said most of the incidents could be handled in the schools, though there were some inappropriate pictures taken off campus and in such cases the Chadron Police Department is contacted.
The fourth policy re-affirmed was 5119, Student Fees. It was noted, during the discussion, that student fees are not just for sports, but all activities. Fees go into the Student Fee Fund, and Board Member Huffman said if the fund is used it should be for something that benefits K-12. Currently the fund has $42,812, and past uses have included auditorium improvements.
One of the ideas for the fund was resurfacing of the floor at the high school gym, as it sees use from all students with games or physical education. According to a maintenance report, when part of the old finish was removed it came off in sheets and hadn’t stuck to the floor from the previous summer. The floor will need to be re-sanded in the summer of 2023 to continue having a safe playing surface.
Another presented idea was moving the gym floor over to have bleachers on both sides. The current bleachers would be reduced in size, making two smaller sets.
The final re-affirmed policy was 5112, Student Attendance. Superintendent Meyer noted this policy goes hand-in-hand with the Juvenile Justice grant.
Additionally, six policies were replaced with new versions provided by the board attorney. These are: 1302, Title IX – Procedure for Complaints of Sexual Harassment; 3132, Internal Controls; 3311, School Bidding Requirements; 4019.13, Drug and Substance Use and Abuse; 4117.2, Resignations of Certificated Staff; and 6176, Special Education.
Superintendent Meyer explained there was language in the policies that needed some changes, so the policies were swapped out.
Also during the meeting, the board approved the annual notification of the wellness policy, Policy 5141.6.
The summer building and grounds staff were greatly commended for the work they’ve been doing with the buildings. Superintendent Meyer noted among their work has been a new paint job in the high school gym, new fencing and new concrete. Board Member Tye Pourier said of the summer staff, “Every time I drive by, they’re doing something.”
District parents are also reminded that, according to the Nebraska Child Nutrition program, school meals will no longer be provided free of charge in the 2022-23 school year. Free and reduced meal applications will be mailed out, and it’s extremely important parents fill these out and return them, even if they don’t qualify for the free and reduced program. Completed forms are used to help with state aid and federal funds for the district.
Ginger Meyer
Boone Huffman
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2022-07-13T02:34:52Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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School board reaffirms policies | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/school-board-reaffirms-policies/article_727eefc6-50ee-5456-bb3d-0a63f87002b0.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/school-board-reaffirms-policies/article_727eefc6-50ee-5456-bb3d-0a63f87002b0.html
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Rapid City Area School board members, from left, Michael Birkeland, Troy Carr and Jamie Clapham take their oath of office for a new term on the RCAS school board on Monday night in City Hall.
Michael Birkeland
Jamie Clapham
Jamie Clapham and Michael Birkeland were sworn in to the board Tuesday night and made area, if not state, history.
Clapham said it wasn’t something she thought about until late in the campaign.
“Anyone can represent our community, and I think it is important for students especially to see a diverse group of people care about them, chooses the best for them, and wants to represent them,” she said.
Clapham said the vote and election is a representation that the area is shifting and changing. She said it indicates that the area is becoming more diverse.
She said there may be some misconceptions about what South Dakota and western South Dakota is and as the region continues to grow, she hopes this will help show that the area isn’t just for a certain group of people.
Clapham said the board itself is diverse in gender, religious affiliation and age, among other things, that could showcase the board has a broad perspective.
“We represent the community as a whole, not just one part of the community,” she said.
Birkeland said over the past year it seems like there was an under-the-table attack on diversity in general. He said if anything, he and Clapham hope to set the tone of Rapid City being accepting of changes that are happening in the world.
He said Rapid City’s vote showed that the area is welcoming to all types of people. He said having the classroom decor policy on Tuesday’s agenda similar to the Lead-Deadwood policy before he and Clapham are sworn in is indicative of thoughts opposed to diversity.
Birkeland said what led Lead-Deadwood to that policy is not happening in Rapid City, so it’s hard to use the same policy and not make those conclusions.
He said when he was in high school and middle school, there was no openly gay representation in Rapid City. He said there were some murmurs and whispers, but no one was open about it, especially at Central High School.
“When I came back as a teacher, it was an entirely different place,” Birkeland said. “It has become considerably more normalized and accepted. I can tell kids feel more safe than I did as a high-schooler.”
He said kids stood up for each other, and most students didn’t care when they found out about him.
Birkeland said to come back now and to be elected to the school board, it feels great. He said he thought and considered if Rapid City would elect an openly gay man — if it was something people were ready for.
“It’s nice to see we are. We are ready for that,” he said.
Clapham said she hopes students understand they can be part of history and not know it, and that it can be empowering and engaging. She said she hopes they are excited and know that the world is changing and they can change history, too.
“They can be from Rapid City, South Dakota, and make history,” she said.
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2022-07-13T02:35:11Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Making history: Rapid City elects first Black woman, first openly gay man to school board | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/making-history-rapid-city-elects-first-black-woman-first-openly-gay-man-to-school-board/article_faca8698-a18e-5044-9b96-49d09309fc5c.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/making-history-rapid-city-elects-first-black-woman-first-openly-gay-man-to-school-board/article_faca8698-a18e-5044-9b96-49d09309fc5c.html
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New York man accused of triple murder will have trial in 2023
Arnson Absolu
A New York man accused of killing three people in Rapid City will have his trial next year, Circuit Judge Robert Gusinsky determined on Tuesday at a motions hearing at the Pennington County Courthouse.
Arnson Absolu’s trial is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023 through Feb. 10, 2023. The judge originally aimed for the trial to start in November, but the dates conflicted with Absolu’s defense attorney’s schedule.
The 37-year-old has been charged with three counts of premeditated first-degree murder for the August 2020 deaths of Charles Red Willow, 26, of Rapid City, Ashley Nagy, 29, of Greeley, Colo., and Dakota Zaiser, 22, of Rapid City.
Red Willow and Nagy were found dead Aug. 24, 2020, from multiple gunshot wounds in a vehicle at Thomson Park in Rapid City after a 911 call around 10:40 p.m. that day.
Zaiser, the third victim found, was initially identified as a possible witness in the deaths of Red Willow and Nagy. His body was discovered on Sept. 24, 2020 near Sheridan Lake.
Police previously stated they believe Zaiser’s body was moved to that location. Court documents estimate that Zaiser was killed sometime between Aug. 24 and 25, 2020.
Absolu was apprehended in the Bronx, New York in January 2021 and extradited to Rapid City on Jan. 19, 2021 after being charged with the murders. He is being held at the Pennington County Jail on no bail.
After missing the court’s deadline by four days, the state determined on May 31 it would not seek the death penalty for Absolu. A family member of Nagy’s expressed frustration with the state’s decision. If convicted, Absolu would still face a minimum of life imprisonment.
Absolu’s next day in the courtroom is at 9 a.m. on September 14 for an evidentiary hearing.
Robert Gusinsky
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2022-07-13T02:35:17Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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New York man accused of triple murder will have trial in 2023 | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/new-york-man-accused-of-triple-murder-will-have-trial-in-2023/article_85501f22-ecfc-5754-aa69-b171030b0e42.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/new-york-man-accused-of-triple-murder-will-have-trial-in-2023/article_85501f22-ecfc-5754-aa69-b171030b0e42.html
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A man who had a collection of thousands of images and videos of child pornography dating back to 1995 cried during his sentencing on Friday at federal court in Rapid City.
“I should have gotten help a long time ago,” Michael Parks said. “I knew I had a problem.”
Parks, 60, of Rapid City pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography on Jan. 7 after his arrest on March 23, 2021. He agreed to plead guilty in exchange for the government dropping a possession of child pornography charge.
A CyberTip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation Special Agent Brian Freeouf to the 60-year-old, according to a factual basis statement signed by the prosecution and by Parks. Parks used Bing Visual Search to find child pornography similar to an image he was already viewing.
The investigation led law enforcement to discover Parks’ collection, which included material showing babies, toddlers, bondage, torture, bestiality and erotica.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Viken sentenced Parks to five years in federal prison and five years of supervised release, the mandatory minimum. Parks will also have to pay $53,000 in restitution and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
“There is nothing insignificant about a five-year federal prison sentence,” said Viken, who chose to go below the guideline sentencing range of six-and-a-half to eight years.
The judge said Parks’ need for treatment is “very real” and stressed the importance that Parks “understand these are real children... who have real injuries.”
“The damage is extreme (and) long term for these children,” Viken said.
Parks’ defense attorney, Ellery Grey, said Parks now understands that his crimes impacted real children. During Parks’ statement to the judge before his sentencing, he said he takes full responsibility for his crimes and expressed regret for not seeking help. He said he “should have said something to somebody.”
Bing Visual Search
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2022-07-13T02:35:23Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Rapid City man sentenced to 5 years for child pornography | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/rapid-city-man-sentenced-to-5-years-for-child-pornography/article_6757c0d4-88f6-5bd2-b1cc-d098d801346f.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/rapid-city-man-sentenced-to-5-years-for-child-pornography/article_6757c0d4-88f6-5bd2-b1cc-d098d801346f.html
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Belle Fourche Post 32 mercy-rules Spearfish Post 164
Belle Fourche Post 32 defeated Spearfish Post 164 12-2 in six innings Tuesday evening in Game 1 of a best-of-three series at the Belle Fourche Baseball Complex.
Dalton Davis pitched six innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits with six strikeouts and just two walks in the win.
Connor Comer suffered the loss, allowing eight runs (four earned) on seven hits with two strikeouts and one walk in two innings.
Sean Wahlfelt went 3 for 3 for the Broncs with one run and one RBI, while Aiden Voyles went 2 for 4 with three runs and Ryker Audiss went 2 for 4 with two runs and one RBI.
Ty Sieber had the only multi-hit game for Spearfish, finishing 2 for 4 with one RBI and a walk.
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2022-07-13T09:59:26Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Belle Fourche Post 32 mercy-rules Spearfish Post 164 | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/belle-fourche-post-32-mercy-rules-spearfish-post-164/article_cc780dc7-9a37-51d1-8cd7-ccc82f1c2f49.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/belle-fourche-post-32-mercy-rules-spearfish-post-164/article_cc780dc7-9a37-51d1-8cd7-ccc82f1c2f49.html
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Avis Lassegard
RAPID CITY - Avis Lassegard, 100, passed July 9 2022 in Rapid City.
Born May 9, 1922 to John and Mabel (Bennett) Magnuson in Fedora, SD where she spent her early years, graduating from Plano School in 1941.
Avis married Harvey, the love of her life in 1942 and lived in the Mitchell area until their move to Wall in 1959.
Avis was employed at Wall Drug until the passing of Harvey in 1980 which brought her to Rapid City.
Avis became very active at the Minneluzahan Center and RSVP. She began to enjoy painting and one of her pictures won a blue ribbon. Her other hobbies included gardening, crocheting, collecting angels and watching baseball. She also enjoyed her time with her family.
Grateful for having shared her life are her son, Duane (Jean) of Arizona, daughter, Karen of Rapid City, siblings; Earl (Clarissa) of Oregon and Clara of South Carolina; her grandchildren Ole(Yvette), LaDon (Paul), Natasha (Sean) all of Rapid City, and Christine (Nolan) of Sioux Falls; nine great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey, son, Orville; brothers Jay and Gunnar, sister, Irene and son-in-law Edward.
Services will be held in Rapid City at Kirk Funeral Home on Monday, July 18 at 11:00am with visitation at 10:00am. Luncheon at the Rapid City Elks at 12:30pm. Burial will be Friday, July 22 at 11:00am CST at Rock Creek Cemetery in Mitchell, SD.
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2022-07-13T09:59:33Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Avis Lassegard | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/avis-lassegard/article_ff9923b5-e6a2-588b-a3ff-5a3cf48186ba.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/avis-lassegard/article_ff9923b5-e6a2-588b-a3ff-5a3cf48186ba.html
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Brigadier General Retired Donald "Don" W. Holliday
RAPID CITY - Brigadier General (Ret.) Donald "Don" W. Holliday passed away on July 8th at 1:50 p.m. in Rapid City, SD.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday July 15th at Osheim Schmidt Funeral Home.
Christian Wake service to begin at 7:00 p.m. Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 16th, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Rapid City under the direction of Father Brian Lane.
Burial will be at the Mountain View Cemetery in Rapid City with military rites conducted by the South Dakota National Guard.
Don was born March 4, 1931, at Luther Hospital, Watertown, SD to Donald E. and Olga (Kornmann) Holliday, the oldest of three sons. He attended elementary school in Watertown, SD, before relocating to Brookings, SD, graduating from Brookings High School in 1949. He attended South Dakota State University graduating with a BS in Education in 1953. He also graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate receiving a commission from ROTC in the Regular Army as a 2nd Lieutenant.
He served on active duty in the U. S. Army with duty stations at Fort Benning, GA; Fort Riley, KS; Fort Leonard Wood, MO; Alameda Naval Air Station, CA; Salzburg, Austria and Augsburg, Germany. He resigned from the Regular Army on September 1, 1956, enrolling as a Graduate Student at SDSU. On October 18, 1956, while in graduate school, he became a member of the South Dakota National Guard in Brookings. On July 1, 1957, he transferred to State Headquarters in Rapid City beginning his career as a full-time technician with the South Dakota National Guard. In January 1958, he met Betty D. Kostel who was teaching at Rapid City Central High School. They were united in marriage in Betty's hometown, Tyndall, SD, on December 27, 1958. Don and Betty were blessed with four children, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren: Jane, January 12, 1960, Beth, July 24, 1961, Tom, November 13, 1963, and Kay, June 2, 1966. Grandchildren are Abbie Lockwood (Jane and Dave Lockwood), Callie, Grant and Megan Woody (Beth Woody), Tyler and Caitlin Holliday (Tom & Debbie Holliday), and Karsten and Tove Kopperstad (Kay & Perry Kopperstad). Great grandchildren are Kayden, Liv and Kingston Holliday and Finn Burson (Tyler Holliday & Michelle McCann).
Brigadier General (Ret.) Holliday retired as the Assistant Adjutant General, South Dakota National Guard on June 30, 1985. He then worked as an Investment Broker with A. G. Edwards & Sons Inc. 11-1/2 years before retiring. He was dedicated to serving his clientele, many remaining friends long after he retired. When he retired from the investment business, the office manager asked why was he retiring? Don's response: he and Betty wanted to visit Grandchildren, making it difficult to take care of clients. Don was very proud of his National Guard service and the time in the investment business. He was outgoing, humble, generous and a thoughtful man of great integrity who was a true gentleman.
Don and Betty loved supporting all their children's activities and rarely missed a band or sporting event. When raising their family, Betty and Don were very active in community affairs. Don was Past President of the following organizations: National Guard Association of South Dakota, South Dakota State University Foundation, Sky Ranch for Boys, Toastmasters Club, Downtown Kiwanis, Department of Military Affairs Federal Credit Union, Meadowbrook PTA, Rapid Skiers, and the South Dakota Federal Business Association (West). He was a Lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Guard Association of the United States. For more than 15 years he represented the National Guard at meetings of the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee. Don was a lifelong supporter of SDSU and loved following all SDSU sporting events. Every day mattered and every individual mattered to Don. He was grateful for the many lifetime opportunities, friends and blessings offered to him.
He truly valued his relationships with his many friends, keeping in touch with those he grew to know and appreciate through his life. Don and Betty more than anything, cherished their family, they enjoyed visiting and watching the development and successes of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and were proud of all their achievements. Don and Betty loved to travel, having the opportunity to visit Europe, Canada, Latin and South America as well as visiting many states and going on several cruises. One of their most enjoyable and memorable trips was a cruise to Alaska celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with every member of their family.
He is survived by his daughter Jane (David) Lockwood of Spearfish, SD; daughter Beth Woody of Missoula, MT; number one son Tom (Debbie) Holliday of Gilbert, AZ; and daughter Kay (Perry) Kopperstad of Stavanger, Norway; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren.; a sister-in-law June Holliday of Alma Center WI; a brother-in-law Jack Kostel of Portland, OR, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Betty, his parents, Don and Olga Holliday, his brothers Bob Holliday and Larry Holliday, sister-in-law Ann Kostel, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Kathleen and Augie Puccinelli.
In lieu of flowers a memorial may be given to the South Dakota State University Foundation or South Dakota National Guard Museum.
Don's online guestbook can be signed at www.osheimschmidt.com.
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2022-07-13T09:59:39Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Brigadier General Retired Donald "Don" W. Holliday | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/brigadier-general-retired-donald-don-w-holliday/article_ff6d7ae8-484b-57a1-b764-ca9b8de302b4.html
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RAPID CITY - Donald Grant Tye flew home to his heavenly father on Friday, July 8, 2022.
Don was born to "Grant" Tye and Rose (Feiock) Tye on May 15, 1937, in Rapid City, SD. Don grew up in the Rapid City area, joining the Navy in 1960. After his time in the service, he worked as a painter/service manager and started Tye's Auto Body in Custer, SD, in 1983. Don volunteered as an EMT for Custer Ambulance Service, later becoming a full-time EMT for the Missouri Ambulance Service in Chamberlain, SD.
Don enjoyed stock car racing and held many long-standing records at the Black Hills Speedway. He enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, and flying his plane; anything to go fast! He also enjoyed spending time with his family at the cabin on Slate Creek. He belonged to the VFW, Masonic Temple, and he was a Shriner.
Don was blessed with two families. He married Kathryn Jobe July 14, 1962, and was blessed with one daughter and one son. On September 12, 2005, he married RaBetta (Betty) Streets and gained two daughters and one son. Don enjoyed spending time with his family, especially holidays.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, and one brother. Don is survived by his wife, RaBetta; children, Sherri (Jim) Sanders, Anthony "Tony" Tye, Mark (Taryn) Streets, Wendy Knapp, Kristi (Brett) Shollenbarger; 14 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial to the Shriners Children's Hospital has been set up in his name.
A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, July 14, 2022, 1:30 p.m., at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Sturgis, SD. A graveside service, with military honors, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.
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2022-07-13T09:59:45Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Donald Grant Tye | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/donald-grant-tye/article_2f1a6c4e-61dd-5bd5-b5dd-fe1e2dd78f52.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/donald-grant-tye/article_2f1a6c4e-61dd-5bd5-b5dd-fe1e2dd78f52.html
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John D. Kuchenbecker
RAPID CITY - John D. Kuchenbecker, age 97, of Rapid City, South Dakota, died on Sunday, July 10, 2022 at his home outside of Rapid City.
John Dewey Kuchenbecker was born February 1, 1925, to John and Clara (McBride) Kuchenbecker in Madison, South Dakota. John was the youngest of six siblings. In 1932, John moved north of Philip with his folks and attended school in the Philip School District.
In 1939, John moved to Baudette, MN and worked on a dairy farm with his sister Dorothy and brother-in-law Dwight Smith. In 1942 at age 17, John joined the Navy and served in World War II until being discharged on February 17, 1946. During the war he received 6 battle stars in the Asiatic Pacific Theater and 2 stars in the Philippine Liberation.
Upon his discharge in Chicago, he drove back to Philip and married Gladys Mae Hanrahan from Milesville, South Dakota on March 2, 1946 in Rapid City. Together they had four boys: LeRoy (1948), Keith (1948), Mike (1953) and Kevin (1966).
Upon their marriage they set up to ranching for 26 years in western South Dakota. In 1968 they sold the ranch in Haakon County and moved to Philip where he started working for the State of South Dakota as a State Meat Inspector and West River Compliance officer until his retirement in 1988. John and Gladys began to winter in Mission, Texas and spend their summers between Philip, Rapid City and West Whitlock.
Throughout his 10 decades, he made a lifetime friends wherever they were. They spent 27 years enjoying south Texas during the extreme South Dakota winters. He was instrumental in the creation of a new woodworking and wood carving facility at Alladin Villas. The summers were busy with family gatherings, and fishing on the Missouri River at West Whitlock where they enjoyed multi-generations of friends. John enjoyed happy hours and was a hell of a fisherman, card player and a talented woodcarver leaving his artwork with all of his offspring.
In 2009 he enjoyed the honor and privilege to take a trip to Washington DC as a part of the Honor Flight and was present at the South Dakota dedication of the WWII Memorial in Pierre. He was active in membership of the VFW, American Legion, and Knights of Columbus.
His survivors include the love of his life and partner for 76 years, Gladys, three sons Keith (Linda), Mike (Holly) and Kevin (Shana), 11 grandchildren Angi Frederick, Jami Kuchenbecker, Brad (Carrie) Kuchenbecker, Polly (Todd) Unterbrunner, Jana (Chris) Kenzy, Garret Kuchenbecker, Lisa Kuchenbecker, Carmen (Isaac) Almanza, Nici Kuchenbecker, Seth (Mackenzie) Kuchenbecker and Cole Kuchenbecker; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by their son and daughter-in-law, LeRoy and Gloria Kuchenbecker, his parents, four sisters and one brother.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. with a vigil service starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 15, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Interment with military honors will be held at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
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2022-07-13T10:00:22Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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John D. Kuchenbecker | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/john-d-kuchenbecker/article_cda94ffb-80e7-5a54-b23b-5c29d7baba38.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/john-d-kuchenbecker/article_cda94ffb-80e7-5a54-b23b-5c29d7baba38.html
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Children enjoy a unique view of aquatic life at the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives in Spearfish. An award-winning children's book, "Let's Feed the Fish," encourages adults and children to visit and explore the 126-year-old fish hatchery.
"Let's Feed the Fish: Meet Me at the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery" was published by the Booth Society. Pictured from left are the book's illustrator, Bill Feterl, and authors Karen Holzer, Joanna Jones and Kindra Gordon.
Bill Feterl of Deadwood is shown creating one of his watercolor illustrations for the award-winning children's book "Let's Feed the Fish."
Carlos Martinez holds his Department of the Interior's Meritorious Service Award and an accompanying framed trout photo on the grounds of the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives in Spearfish.
Science, history, art and the beauty of the Black Hills combine in a children’s book that invites all ages to feed the fish and more at the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives.
Spearfish’s 126-year-old fish hatchery is the setting for an award-winning tale, “Let’s Feed the Fish: Meet me at the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery.” The story follows two young boys and their aunt as they wander through the grounds, explore historic venues and feed the fish.
“We wrote it as a way to showcase the hatchery, and people could take the hatchery home with them through this book or visit the hatchery through this book,” said Karen Holzer, executive director of the Booth Society and a co-author of the book. “There’s text that’s historic and scientific. It works well (with readers) in third through sixth grade.”
The original watercolor illustrations, along with the message "Meet me at the museum" repeated throughout the book, allow the story to serve as a picture book for younger readers, Holzer said.
“We’re always looking for ways (to increase) educational outreach. This brings children and parents together to read the book and tour the grounds. It encourages them to go into the museum and look specifically at some of the items that are on display and learn about the science and scientific nature of fish culture,” she said.
The story was developed and written by Holzer, former Spearfish resident Joanna Jones and Kindra Gordon of Whitewood. Bill Feterl of Deadwood, an accomplished artist and signature member of Artists of the Black Hills and Northern Plains Watercolor Society, created the illustrations for the front and back covers and throughout the book.
“Let’s Feed the Fish” can be purchased at the hatchery’s Pond Gift Shop, at Cheyenne Crossing near Lead, and it will soon be available at Mitzi’s Books in Rapid City. Libraries throughout the Black Hills have the book as well, Holzer said.
The Booth Society published the hardcover book in 2021 to commemorate the fish hatchery’s 125th anniversary. The Booth Society is the nonprofit friends group of the D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery, and it's responsible for fundraising, educational and visitor services. Sales of “Let’s Feed the Fish” benefit the Booth Society, Holzer said.
Founded in 1896, the hatchery has evolved. Now known as the D.C. Booth Historical National Fish Hatchery and Archives, it is the only historical national fish hatchery in the United States, Holzer said. In 2023, she said a complete renovation of the exhibits is planned.
“We have 1.8 million items in archival storage here on the grounds from all over the United States and even some international items,” she said. “There’s so much more here than just feeding the fish. This book was able to take it a step further and tell a little more history and give a little more science background … and exploration of the outdoors and combine it with art.”
In June, the hatchery announced “Let’s Feed the Fish” received a 2022 Partnership Award from the Public Lands Alliance. This award honors individuals, organizations, publications, products, programs and services that embody leading-edge achievements in the preservation of public lands and that enrich the visitor experience.
The Booth Society won the Publication of the Year Award, which recognizes a book or other publication that was created in partnership by a nonprofit organization and a public land, that is innovative in educating and interpreting public lands to its readers and that impacts a substantial audience.
"We are thrilled to receive this award. In addition to the honor itself, the award has provided national recognition for the book, the Booth Society, and the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery. We love providing visitors the opportunity to take home a book filled with picturesque watercolor illustrations that showcases the hatchery grounds,” Holzer said. “It was a wonderful project. … It was really great to be recognized by the Public Lands Alliance."
The Public Lands Alliance is a network of about 160 member organizations that serves more than 650 public lands, including national parks, forests, monuments and fish and wildlife refuges. The alliance contributes over $250 million dollars annually to the preservation and visitor enhancement of those lands.
Carlos Martinez, director of the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives, also has been honored with the Department of the Interior's Meritorious Service Award. The Meritorious Service Award is the second-highest honorary recognition granted to employees of the Department of the Interior. The award is presented for an important contribution to science or management, a notable career, superior service in administration or in the execution of duties, or initiative in devising new and improved work methods and procedures.
Martinez was given the award in recognition of his outstanding leadership as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Broodstock Coordinator. His efforts maintained distinct species and strains of inland salmonids nationwide to ensure the availability of an adequate number of salmonid eggs to satisfy fisheries' priorities and the biological requirements of resource management. Martinez coordinates about 65 million eggs each year, which are provided annually to federal, state, tribal and private fishery agencies.
Martinez has served as the National Broodstock Coordinator for 14 years. Martinez was given the service award June 21 at the annual National Broodstock meeting in Deadwood.
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2022-07-13T16:12:24Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Award-winning book showcases historic fish hatchery | Entertainment | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/award-winning-book-showcases-historic-fish-hatchery/article_70535ca7-8d02-5b6d-bb10-e4cca2b02f41.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/award-winning-book-showcases-historic-fish-hatchery/article_70535ca7-8d02-5b6d-bb10-e4cca2b02f41.html
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John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett will be in concert Oct. 24 at Deadwood Mountain Grand.
Tickets go on sale Friday for Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt’s concert Oct. 24 at Deadwood Mountain Grand. Tickets can be purchased at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Box Office, by calling 877-907-GRAND or at ticketmaster.com.
A singer, composer and actor, Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues. Besides four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award and was named Texas State Musician.
A master lyricist and satirical storyteller, John Hiatt’s lyrics and melodies have graced more than 20 studio albums, have been recorded by Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, and scores of others, and have earned him a place in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, a BMI Troubadour award, and a lifetime achievement in songwriting designation from the Americana Music Association.
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2022-07-13T16:12:30Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Tickets on sale Friday for Lovett, Hiatt concert | Entertainment | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/tickets-on-sale-friday-for-lovett-hiatt-concert/article_a1a909e5-5f95-56c0-a389-916802ffa5a5.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/tickets-on-sale-friday-for-lovett-hiatt-concert/article_a1a909e5-5f95-56c0-a389-916802ffa5a5.html
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Best of the West: Class AA Girls Track & Field
Presented here is the Rapid City Journal's Best of the West Class AA Girls Track and Field team, highlighting the West River athletes who had standout performances in both running and field events this season.
Track Athlete of the Year: Baylee Van Zee, Rapid City Stevens
Rapid City Stevens' Baylee Van Zee (right) leads teammate Claire Fierro to win the girls Class AA 100 meter hurdles on the third day of the state track and field championships May 28 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.
The Raiders senior beat Watertown's Myah Morris by .01 seconds to win the 100-meter hurdles at the state meet in upset fashion.
Van Zee won the 100 hurdles at nine meets this season, recording a personal best time of 15.25 seconds. It was her lone event at State, but she also ran the first leg of a Stevens 4x200 relay team that won a couple events during the regular season, and also competed in the 200 and sprint medley.
Field Athlete of the Year: Matayah Yellow Mule, Rapid City Central
Rapid City Central's Matayah Yellow Mule wins the Class AA girls triple jump on the second day of the state track and field championships May 27 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.
The Cobblers senior used the last leap of her high school career to win back-to-back state triple jump titles, recording a distance of 38 feet, 1.5 inches.
The championship finished off an undefeated season in the triple jump for Yellow Mule, who won the event in all nine meets she competed in. She also reached a personal best of 39 feet, 9 inches.
The University of South Dakota signee had a full schedule at State and performed well, placing fifth in the 100 (12.68), 11th in the long jump (16 feet, 8.5 inches) and anchored Central's 4x100 relay team that finished runner-up (49.08).
Avery Kirk, Spearfish
The Spartans freshman finished runner-up in the state high jump competition with a personal best leap of 5 feet, 4 inches, falling to champion Jayaunna Stroh of Brandon Valley by 1 inch.
Kirk won the high jump at two meets this season, including the Black Hills Conference, where she also won the 200. Additionally, she ran the second leg of a Spearfish sprint medley relay that placed first at the Rapid City Track-O-Rama.
Emily Adams, Rapid City Stevens
Rapid City Stevens' Emily Adams reacts to clearing the bar at 11 feet while competing in the pole vault during the first day of the state track and field championships May 26 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.
The Raiders senior used a personal best mark of 11 feet to finish runner-up in the pole vault at the state meet.
Adams, exclusively a pole vaulter, won the event four times this season, including at the Black Hills Track Classic.
Brionna Holso, Rapid City Stevens
Rapid City Stevens' Brionna Holso wins the girls 400 meter dash during the Black Hills Track Classic on April 30 at Woodle Field in Sturgis.
The Raiders junior recorded top-six finishes in all four events she competed in at the state meet, with her best performance coming in the 3200 where she placed third.
She also came in fourth in the 800, fifth in the 1600 and sixth in the 4x800, anchoring the relay.
Holso, who also competed in the 400 and 4x400 during the regular season, recorded eight first-place finishes this spring.
Hailey Uhre, Rapid City Stevens; Claire Fierro, Rapid City Stevens; Brynn Nelson, Rapid City Stevens; Anna Hoffman, Spearfish; Gretchen Adamski, Spearfish
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2022-07-13T16:12:36Z
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Best of the West: Class AA Girls Track & Field | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Douglas school board receives update on new elementary school
A rendering of the new Douglas Elementary School from a presentation by DLR Group to the Douglas School Board Monday evening.
The Douglas Board of Education received a presentation from DLR Group on the elementary school design development at its regular board meeting Monday.
DLR Group previously presented a schematic design to the board in April, providing more detailed interior and exterior renderings with Monday’s presentation, along with site concepts and future plans.
The presentation focused on the lower level academic area, noting that similar concepts will be applied throughout the rest of the school.
Slides walked the board through the current site development, emphasizing ease of drop-off and pick-up. The slides showed a one-way street along the outside of the building to the south, where all the drop-offs will occur, and allows stacking for 40 or more vehicles.
The presentation noted there will be sidewalk around the entire building, allowing kids to get dropped off and enter in either the front or back. The presentation also provided renderings of outdoor, enclosed classroom space with synthetic turf and outdoor whiteboards.
The slides of the interior were a reminder of the concept previously introduced to the board of inspiration from the Black Hills and an exploratory feeling of caves with sky and sunset tones. The presentation showed color palettes, textured paint and geometric patterns that will be used throughout the building. Renderings also included the main entry, collaborative spaces, academic areas, a media center and design elements designed to engage students.
The exterior slides highlighted the outdoor paneling and revisited drop-off lanes, wind protection, parking and the building’s two-story approach.
DLR Group said the next steps will be putting the finishing touches on the design development phase in the next few weeks, then moving on to construction documents, taking them through late September or early October. The new school will be located between the Creekside Estates and Prairie View Estates housing developments.
In other business, the board honored member Ben Frerichs with a resolution thanking him for his five years of service to the Douglas School District. The resolution read that Frerichs has “faithfully served the children and patrons of the Douglas School District,” noting his involvement, contributions, and time and energy “freely given.”
Board member Chris Misselt thanked Frerichs for being someone who “stand[s] up physically and verbally” in a world of “Facebook courage.”
“I feel like the board is in such a great place right now,” Frerichs said. “We don’t always agree on everything, but we have the candid discussion. We resolve stuff.”
He told the board “it’s been an honor.” Tonya Amaral was sworn in as a new member at the board’s annual meeting immediately following the regular meeting.
The board also approved the purchase of Tyler Technologies Transportation Management System in the amount of $113,502.50. The board received a presentation on the system at a previous meeting, and its capabilities for GPS tracking, route planning and student rosters, among other things. The technology will be funded using Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.
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2022-07-13T16:12:43Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Douglas school board receives update on new elementary school | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/douglas-school-board-receives-update-on-new-elementary-school/article_991d6c18-a50e-57a3-9865-abd11eee5f44.html
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Mines students, faculty assist in startup of dark matter detector
Mines physics graduate student Jack Genovesi runs cables above a data acquisition rack during upgrades on the LZ experiment at the 4850 level of SURF.
Deep below the Black Hills of South Dakota in the Sanford Underground Research Facility, an innovative and uniquely sensitive dark matter detector—the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment, led by Lawrence Berkeley National Lab — has passed a check-out phase of startup operations and delivered first results.
South Dakota Mines physicists played an integral role in LZ by creating technology that reduced the amount of background radiation that could skew the experiment’s results. They are continuing to make important contributions by calibrating and analyzing the experiment.
“We’re ready and everything’s looking good,” said Kevin Lesko, Berkeley Lab senior physicist and past LZ spokesperson. “It’s a complex detector with many parts to it and they are all functioning well within expectations.”
LZ researchers report that with the initial run, LZ is already the world’s most sensitive dark matter detector.
“We plan to collect about 20 times more data in the coming years, so we’re only getting started. There’s a lot of science to do and it’s very exciting,” said Hugh Lippincott, LZ spokesperson for the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Dark Matter particles have never actually been detected — but that might change. The countdown may have started with results from LZ’s first 60 “live days” of testing. These data were collected over a three-and-a-half-month span of initial operations beginning at the end of December. This was a period long enough to confirm that all aspects of the detector were functioning well.
Although it’s unseen because it does not emit, absorb or scatter light, dark matter’s presence and gravitational pull are fundamental to our understanding of the universe. For example, the presence of dark matter, estimated to be about 85% of the total mass of the universe, shapes the form and movement of galaxies, and it is invoked by researchers to explain what is known about the large-scale structure and expansion of the universe.
The heart of the LZ dark matter detector is comprised of two nested titanium tanks filled with 10 tons of very pure liquid xenon and viewed by two arrays of photomultiplier tubes, or PMTs, able to detect faint sources of light. The titanium tanks reside in a larger detector system to catch particles that might mimic a dark matter signal.
Reducing particles that could mimic a dark matter signal is critical for the experiment’s success. Mines researchers Richard Schnee and Juergen Reichenbacher have led a team, including graduate students, to ensure the highly sensitive LZ experiment is sufficiently free of background radiation, such as radon, that could contaminate the results. The team also controlled dirt and dust during the detector assembly that could have spoiled the very expensive ultra-pure xenon.
“Radon’s radioactive granddaughter, lead-214, can produce a decay that looks like a dark matter signal,” said Schnee, Ph.D., head of the Department of Physics at Mines. “We worked hard to measure how much radon emanates from the materials used to build LZ. Sometimes we told collaborators that they had to find another material because the one they were planning on had too much radon.”
Mines researchers also continue to make crucial contributions by calibrating the detector so dark matter inside the LZ chamber could be reliably identified. Mines researchers make daily corrections of the detector performance used by every data analyzer in the LZ collaboration.
“Without our calibrations of the LZ detector, we would be operating it nearly blind,” said Reichenbacher, Ph.D., associate professor of physics at South Dakota Mines.
The design, manufacturing and installation phases of the LZ detector were led by Berkeley Lab project director Gil Gilchriese in conjunction with an international team of 250 scientists and engineers from more than 35 institutions from the US, UK, Portugal and South Korea. The LZ Operations Manager is Berkeley Lab’s Simon Fiorucci. Together, the collaboration is hoping to use the instrument to record the first direct evidence of dark matter, the so-called missing mass of the cosmos.
Particle collisions in the xenon produce visible scintillation or flashes of light, which are recorded by the PMTs, said Aaron Manalaysay from Berkeley Lab. As physics coordinator, Manalaysay led the collaboration’s efforts to produce these first physics results.
“The collaboration worked well together to calibrate and to understand the detector response,” Manalaysay said. “Considering we just turned it on a few months ago and during COVID restrictions, it is impressive we have such significant results already.”
The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority, which manages SURF through a cooperative agreement with the US Department of Energy, secured 80% of the xenon in LZ. Funding came from the South Dakota Governor’s office, the South Dakota Community Foundation, the South Dakota State University Foundation, and the University of South Dakota Foundation.
“The entire SURF team congratulates the LZ Collaboration in reaching this major milestone. The LZ team has been a wonderful partner and we’re proud to host them at SURF,” said Mike Headley, executive director of SURF Lab.
LZ is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of High Energy Physics and the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, a DOE Office of Science user facility. LZ is also supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation; the Science & Technology Facilities Council of the United Kingdom; the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology; and the Institute for Basic Science, Korea. Over 35 institutions of higher education and advanced research provided support to LZ. The LZ collaboration acknowledges the assistance of the Sanford Underground Research Facility.
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2022-07-13T16:12:55Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Mines students, faculty assist in startup of dark matter detector | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/mines-students-faculty-assist-in-startup-of-dark-matter-detector/article_9fea3d0f-1a35-51f2-a084-8d8f5c325eba.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/mines-students-faculty-assist-in-startup-of-dark-matter-detector/article_9fea3d0f-1a35-51f2-a084-8d8f5c325eba.html
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Dale Bartscher
On Friday, June 24, the US Supreme Court correctly decided that a right to elective abortion is not in the Constitution. This decision finally returns to the people in each state, through their elected representatives, a voice in this very important issue.
While we are celebrating a day we’ve long dreamed of, advocated for, and worked toward, that of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the Pro-Life community knows there is much work yet to be done. We will continue helping women navigate pregnancies they did not plan for as we remind South Dakotans that the Pro-Life movement cares about the lives of mothers as well as their unborn children.
The South Dakota Department of Health has recently posted their latest report for ‘Induced Abortions’ that occurred in South Dakota in 2021. We are thankful that the 2021 total of 192 is the second lowest number of abortions in South Dakota since 1973. The lowest was 144 in 2020 when the Planned Parenthood facility in Sioux Falls did not do abortions for six months.
South Dakota has informed consent laws and protections against coercion established to protect mothers and their babies. Of the 222 women who completed the SD informed consent process in 2021, 30 chose to give their babies life. As stated above, 192 went on to have abortions here. One hundred and sixteen of these 222 women chose to view a sonogram of their baby and 77 chose to hear their baby’s heartbeat. Only six of these pregnant mothers were minors; their parents were notified and they all went on to have abortions in South Dakota.
However, we are also saddened because of the number of South Dakota women who are having abortions in neighboring states that do not have such consent laws and protections. In 2021, 158 South Dakota babies were aborted in Minnesota and 77 in Nebraska. We don’t have the numbers yet from Iowa.
Of course, now that Roe has been overturned and our South Dakota Trigger Law banning all ‘Induced Abortions’ except to save the life of the mother is in place, our future statistics will change dramatically. While we expect elective abortions in South Dakota, and in many of our surrounding states, to be drastically reduced or even eliminated, we know there will be an increase in pregnant mothers traveling to other states for abortions.
When it comes to abortion, we live in a very divided nation. We are grateful that states can now protect pregnant mothers and their babies from the destructive effect of abortion within their borders, but we must find ways of protecting those South Dakota mothers, especially those being pressured by others, from having abortions in other states.
Debbie Pease, South Dakota Right to Life’s Board President writes, "We must continue to educate about the devastating effects of abortion as we spotlight the resources and alternatives available for those who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy. We must continue to work and pray to change hearts and minds until we have a cultural shift where abortion is not just illegal, but unthinkable."
Dale Bartscher is the Executive Director of South Dakota Right to Life.
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2022-07-13T16:13:12Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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BARTSCHER: Abortion numbers reveal the task ahead | Opinion | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/bartscher-abortion-numbers-reveal-the-task-ahead/article_4f280302-1ea6-524b-8acf-e03acb0cbcf4.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/bartscher-abortion-numbers-reveal-the-task-ahead/article_4f280302-1ea6-524b-8acf-e03acb0cbcf4.html
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Marcus Dykes
The second week of Bands on Bordeaux will see The Bar Flies take the stage on Thursday, July 14 near Railroad Park at First Street, between Bordeaux and Main.
The band’s current lineup includes Dave Hockenbary, Brian Pankonin, Pete Baumgarten and John Varga.
Hockenbary said the group hasn’t seen many shows this year, noting it’s been a slow year for various reasons.
Hockenbary and Pankonin started playing with Rick Bahr in 2008, back when it was known as “Bahr Flies.” “Over the years,” Hockenbary said, “we’ve had band member changes. When Rick decided he was going to retire from the band, we took the ‘h’ out of the name.”
As for the music style, Hockenbary said they’ve always tried to do a good mix of country, pop and rock, mixing the old with the new. “When people ask us what we are I like to say we’re a top 40 variety. We try to stay within the more popular top 40 stuff, whether it be country, pop or whatever.”
Being a well-known band, Hockenbary enjoys the fact that they always play in front of familiar faces. Playing at Bands, he said, they get to see a lot more of those faces than they do when playing at the bars.
Having a regular job and being president of the Fur Trade Days Board, Hockenbary said being able to also perform with the band takes a lot of energy, “but you don’t do it unless you love it. You have to enjoy the things you do, or you shouldn’t be doing them. If it’s not fun, you’re not doing it right.”
With the heat expected to continue, Hockenbary said the goal is to keep people’s focus on the fun rather than on how hot it is.
A regular member of the group, Kassyopea Scrader, has been busy with being a mother and being a teacher, though she still sings with The Bar Flies every now and again. Her father is bass player John Vargas.
“I think she’s planning on being there Thursday, to come hang out with us on stage and sing some harmonies,” Hockenbary said.
“We can’t wait to see everyone’s faces there.”
Bands on Bordeaux opened with the Devon Worley Band at the start of Fur Trade Days, and next week will feature Abbey Road.
This Thursday marks the first concert in the 2022 Bands on Bordeaux Summer Concert Series, and the opening Devon Worley Band capped off last y…
At their July 5 meeting, the Chadron City Council ratified a three-year contract with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Northern Panhandle …
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2022-07-13T21:30:34Z
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Local group Bar Flies perform for Bands | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Two Rapid City Area School teachers went above and beyond during their careers and were inducted into the Honored Women Educators of South Dakota June 25.
Brenda Nugent, who retired this year after about 35 years in education, and Michele Paulsen were the 265th and 266th women inducted into the group. Honored Women Educators of SD was previously known as the Annie D. Tallent Club of SD. It recognizes women who have been outstanding in their field of education and have given distinctive service.
Nugent taught literacy at Rapid Valley Elementary School, but began her career after taking an education class at Inver Hills Community College in Minnesota. She graduated with an associate’s degree in arts in 1985 and a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin River Falls in 1987.
She said when she went to the community college, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do and could have been a secretary or flight attendant.
“I didn’t have a plan,” Nugent said.
But after she spent time in Starr Wylie’s elementary classroom, she knew it was exactly what she wanted to do. She learned to have a good rapport and build strong relationships with her students.
When she became a teacher in the RCAS district, she went to any student activities she could like soccer, football and baseball. She said over the summer she would send postcards to her students. On the last day of school, she would give out envelopes with stamps and her own address and encourage them to write her.
“I promised I would always write back,” she said.
Nugent said building the community with students and showing you care was a big influence on them.
She said during open house, many of her former students would come by and say hello. Nugent said the greatest lesson she learned is that children needed to know they were cared for.
“That somebody was looking out for them and that they had somebody to support them and understand if they were struggling or needed to talk to somebody,” she said.
Nugent was nominated by Mureiel Nehl, who began working with her about four years ago. Nehl said she was an intervention teacher and didn’t work with Nugent much until she became part of the literacy support staff.
Nehl said she got to know Nugent and saw how she interacted with students.
“It was something I haven’t seen before,” Nehl said.
Nehl said Nugent was always thoughtful and observant, and always seemed to know if someone was having a rough day. She said Nugent went above and beyond trying to get students interested in reading.
Paulsen said she always knew she wanted to work with kids but fell into teaching. She graduated in 2011 from Black Hills State University with her bachelor’s degree and received her masters in 2014.
Paulsen said she got her first teaching job in special education at Valley View Elementary, stayed for about three years and moved to East Middle School. She’s been there for the last eight years.
She said she had a soft spot for kids in need of extra help and feels like an extra voice to help them through. She said she sees her work as giving everyone what they need in order to be successful, even if that means not everyone has the same thing. Paulsen said lesson plans and activities are developed with that in mind, and always aims to be flexible.
Paulsen said she tries to build relationships with her students, too, to understand what they need to be successful.
She said her advice to new teachers is that sometimes there will be hard days, but seeing students learn and building those relationships will help see them through and is a benefit of teaching.
“I have students that they don’t want to leave at the end of the year…and some of those feelings make it worthwhile,” Paulsen said. “It’s the students that really make it worthwhile.”
Paulsen was nominated by Shana Ward. Ward said Paulsen has been her co-teacher for the past several years.
Ward said Paulsen is a blessing in the classroom and does so much for everyone. She said Paulsen works with all students, not just those identified as special education kids.
“Day one, the kids know they have two math teachers in there,” Ward said.
Brenda Nugent
Michele Paulsen
Shana Ward
Mureiel Nehl
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2022-07-13T21:30:52Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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RCAS teachers receive honors | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rcas-teachers-receive-honors/article_b11a3da8-5d61-5b97-9dc2-82a6bf87bd0d.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rcas-teachers-receive-honors/article_b11a3da8-5d61-5b97-9dc2-82a6bf87bd0d.html
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New and active COVID-19 cases continue to increase
With 1,569 new cases reported Wednesday, the number of active infections in the state rose to 3,857. This number doesn't account for at home tests not reported to the state. That number is an increase of 558 from last week.
In Pennington County, there were 276 positive tests this week causing the number of active cases to rise to 750 - up 52 over last week. However, due to a spike in Minnehaha County, Pennington County no longer leads the state in new or active cases. Minnehaha County reported 311 new infections this week and 769 active cases - an increase of 142 over last week.
There were five deaths reported Wednesday with four men and one woman succumbing to COVID-19 illnesses. The deaths were reported in Butte, Lawrence, Minnehaha, Bennett and Stanley counties. One death was a man in his 60s and the others were all over 70-years-old.
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2022-07-13T21:30:59Z
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New and active COVID-19 cases continue to increase | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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A former bus driver at Red Cloud Indian School will spend a total of 18 years in federal prison for his sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Viken sentenced Stacey Garnette, 44, of Allen, on July 6 to 18 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release for enticement of a minor. Additionally, Garnette was sentenced to 15 years and 10 years of supervised release for sexual abuse of a minor. The sentences will run concurrently.
Garnette worked as the athletic director and a bus driver at Batesland School where the girl attended from kindergarten through eighth grade before attending Pine Ridge High School for the 2017-2018 school year as a freshman.
For the 2018-2019 school year, she attended Red Cloud Indian School. Garnette worked as a bus driver and volunteer for the girls’ basketball team during that time.
The relationship between Garnette and the girl escalated to “a nonforcible sexual relationship as of approximately February 2018,” according to court documents. Garnette was approximately 39 at the time.
Garnette sent explicit videos to the girl over Facebook Messenger in July 2018. Before complying with the man’s request, the girl expressed that she “probably won’t know how,” and that she was “really tired.”
In October 2018, Garnette sent a video to the victim of her “performing fellatio” on him. At the time Garnette sent the video, he was 40 years old.
A federal grand jury indicted Garnette on Oct. 22, 2019 with seven different charges: sexual exploitation of a minor, receipt of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, possession of child pornography, sexual abuse of a minor, enticement of a minor, and transfer of obscene material to a minor. Law enforcement arrested him on Oct. 24, 2019.
On Nov. 4, 2019, Garnette was released to Porcupine on personal recognizance pending trial. U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman set the conditions of his release, which included not contacting the victim.
In November 2021, prosecution requested a warrant for Garnette’s arrest on the grounds he had been in contact with the girl for the past two years. Law enforcement arrested Garnette on Dec. 21, 2021 in Sioux Falls. The number of charges against him increased to 12, and Garnette accepted a plea agreement and pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor and sexual abuse of a minor.
In addition to his prison sentence and supervised release, Garnette will have to pay a $200 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims fund and have no contact with the victim or go near her residence. He is also required to register as a sex offender as well as have no contact with minors unless approved by a probation officer.
Red Cloud Indian School
Red Cloud
Stacey Garnette
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2022-07-14T02:03:09Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Former Red Cloud bus driver to serve 18 years for relationship with 14-year-old | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/former-red-cloud-bus-driver-to-serve-18-years-for-relationship-with-14-year-old/article_12414453-4888-5976-a36f-1ecdb9b41401.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/former-red-cloud-bus-driver-to-serve-18-years-for-relationship-with-14-year-old/article_12414453-4888-5976-a36f-1ecdb9b41401.html
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Higher costs, pilot shortage impacting travel at Rapid City Regional Airport
Travelers head out of the arrival doors at Rapid City Regional Airport on Wednesday morning.
Travelers make their way through the main doors at the Rapid City Regional Airport on Wednesday morning.
Travelers head inside the departure doors at Rapid City Regional Airport on Wednesday morning.
Passenger traffic at Rapid City Regional Airport began the year on a strong note, with a 26% increase over 2021 in January, February and March, but as fuel prices and airline ticket prices increase — fewer travelers are taking to the skies for the summer months.
"One of the things we're seeing is less air service, as everybody is this year. We're going to have a natural impact on that," Airport Executive Director Patrick Dame said. "We are seeing bigger aircraft coming in, but less frequency and less destinations."
High fuel prices, a shortage of airline pilots and inflation are impacting air travel across the nation in 2022, and Rapid City is not immune.
Passenger counts through June have not been released yet, but after slightly higher numbers in April, May's numbers took a dip, with travel through Rapid City down nearly 23% when compared to 2021.
Rapid City Regional Airport is served by Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. During the 2021 summer season, the airlines increased to 33 non-stop routes to 32 destinations, with the vast majority of those routes occurring during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Allegiant suspended their flights from Rapid City to Punta Gorda, Florida and will not be offering their seasonal flights during the rally to and from Appleton, Wisconsin; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Indianapolis; Knoxville, Tennessee; Nashville, Tennessee; Peoria, Illinois; Pittsburgh; and Orlando (Sanford), Florida.
Delta temporarily suspended their direct flights to Salt Lake City, but resurrected the service as a seasonal offering with once-daily flights. In 2021, Delta also offered direct service from Rapid City to Atlanta and Detroit. Those flights have been suspended in 2022.
United brought back daily direct routes to Chicago and once-weekly flights to Newark, New Jersey for the summer season. The airline has not made any announcements related to previous seasonal direct flights to Houston, Los Angeles or San Francisco for 2022.
American Airlines is fairing a bit better than the other carriers at Rapid City. The company brought back all of its seasonal flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, Chicago, New York City and Phoenix.
Dame said the reduction in flights by the airlines means less people are traveling to Rapid City. The higher costs and inflation are not only impacting the airport itself, but it is having an impact on the region as well.
"I expect there will be some impacts on that as we go through the year," Dame said. "I think a lot of places within the Hills are going to see that overarching impact of high fuel costs, pilot shortage and everything that comes in with our industry."
Dame told the Journal that it is tough to forecast, but he does expect a reduced number of passengers this year.
"What we do know that there will be less seats in the market," he said. "We do have bigger aircraft coming in, like the Airbus and Boeing 737s, but not at the frequency. So, I bet we may have a total reduction in seats."
Dame also addressed one of the most common concerns he hears, and that is the price for an airline ticket to fly in and out of Rapid City — something the airport can't control.
"Those ticket prices have an impact on all of these things that we don't control at the airport," he said. "We provide a place for airlines to do business. We don't control the ticket prices. We don't control the ground handling. But we do go in and talk with the carriers, and right now we're really trying to work with them to look beyond their pilot issues and struggles that they're having right now.
"Let's face it, everybody's having staffing issues. This isn't just pilots, all industries are suffering through this time right now."
Patrick Dame
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2022-07-14T02:03:21Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Higher costs, pilot shortage impacting travel at Rapid City Regional Airport | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/higher-costs-pilot-shortage-impacting-travel-at-rapid-city-regional-airport/article_5d424d7c-61c3-5326-8d8f-f029b65f8b67.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/higher-costs-pilot-shortage-impacting-travel-at-rapid-city-regional-airport/article_5d424d7c-61c3-5326-8d8f-f029b65f8b67.html
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Monument Health sponsors tour aimed at understanding Lakota history, culture
Lakota Lands tour-goers participate in a group activity as part of the two-day tour to the Pine Ridge Reservation Monday and Tuesday.
Courtesy, Monument Health
Participants of the Lakota Lands tour make a stop at the Wounded Knee Cemetery.
A group of executives from Walmart Inc., Mayo Clinic, Elevate Rapid City, Black Hills State, the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and Monument Health, among others, participated in a two-day tour to the Pine Ridge Reservation, sponsored by Monument Health, focused on better understanding the history and culture of the Lakota people. This is the fifth year Monument has sponsored the event.
For the fifth year, Monument Health loaded a bus full of executives bound for the Pine Ridge Reservation for a Lakota Lands and Identity tour — a two-day “workshop on wheels” aimed at better understanding the history and culture of the Lakota people.
The two-day tour took place Monday and Tuesday and wrapped up Wednesday with a sit-down seminar at The Monument’s Alpine Room in Rapid City. Tour participants — executives from Walmart, Mayo Clinic, Elevate Rapid City, Black Hills State, the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and Monument Health, among others — gathered to brainstorm solutions and discuss lessons learned over the past two days.
Various speakers addressed issues highlighted on the tour, while 20-minute breakout sessions provided participants the opportunity to discuss and brainstorm solutions. Topics included understanding and analyzing healthcare disparities, Indigenous trauma, cancer disparities for Northern Plains Native Americans and health outcomes of COVID-19.
The group learned about political, socioeconomic, cultural and spiritual changes on their two-day excursion, learning Lakota language and participating in activities and conversations geared at cultural competence and awareness.
Allie Geier-Barlow, digital content specialist for Monument Health, joined the tour Monday and Tuesday. She described an activity that sent tour-goers into a grocery store with $20 and instruction to buy whatever food they could afford. Geier-Barlow got her hands on the last salad, bemoaned by many of her fellow tour-goers. The activity highlighted the difficulty of obtaining healthy food on the reservation — both in affordability and accessibility.
While labeled a tour, the event is an education, said Sandra Ogunremi, vice president of diversity, inclusion and belonging at Monument Health.
“It’s important for everyone to understand that we have to be able to take the time to listen,” she said. “We have to be able to take the time to show that we care, that we are inclusive.”
The purpose of Wednesday’s gathering, she said, was to show what the group can do collectively.
Wednesday’s speakers included Donald Warne, associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion at University of North Dakota. He also oversees the "Indians Into Medicine" and public health programs.
Warne spoke on Indigenous trauma, resilience and a path forward, with a focus on the effects of trauma on the health of Native American people — physical, psychological and emotional.
“There's long-term impact when people are dealing with unresolved emotional or psychological trauma,” he said. He also touched on the impact of the pandemic, and the significance of social isolation.
Warne's presentation showcased the role trauma has played throughout the history of Indigenous people, and the unique factors it creates in providing care.
A study called the Adverse Childhood Experiences study, or ACE, correlated childhood trauma with diabetes, suicide, addiction and cancer in adults. Warne also said the higher the ACE score, the higher rates of smoking, alcohol and drug use. They also see an impact on life potential, such as lower graduation rates and higher rates of poverty.
The path forward, he said, is what they were gathered to talk about Wednesday — increased awareness.
The education and understanding fuels Monument’s vision of a “mind, body and soul” approach to care, Ogunremi said.
“We learn a lot so that we can care for the whole being. The physical, mental, emotional and spiritual,” she said.
The education is important, she said, because it helps them better understand the needs of their patients. Gaining a better understanding of culturally significant themes better equips their caregivers to show compassion and empathy, and to better relate to one another.
Brad Archer, chief medical officer at Monument Health, attended the Wednesday seminar, and participated in the two-day tour.
“It feels like stepping back in time to drive back through some of those communities,” he said. “There just hasn't been a lot of change. In terms of historical trauma, we haven't done a lot to alleviate the social issues that they face.”
Archer described conversations with friends posing questions like “why can’t they just get out?” He referenced a pyramid from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention used in Warne’s presentation, showing historical trauma at the base of adverse childhood experiences.
“That's the answer,” Archer said. “It starts with that historical trauma. And that's what we learned.”
Trauma-informed care, he said, has to be more than just a buzzword.
“We have to actually approach patients, not only as individuals, but as population groups," Archer said.
In Archer’s break-out group following Warne’s presentation, he said they talked about encouraging a spirit of volunteerism necessary to provide preventative medical care. Partnerships are essential, he said, in order to effect change.
“So we are on this journey that we've been on for a while,” Ogunremi told the Journal ahead of the event. “This education is part of that whole big package of let's swim in the same direction, being culturally aware, culturally competent, embracing diversity, being stronger together.”
Donald Warne
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2022-07-14T02:03:28Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Monument Health sponsors tour aimed at understanding Lakota history, culture | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/monument-health-sponsors-tour-aimed-at-understanding-lakota-history-culture/article_f8718664-e455-50d1-9f3a-45eaca06db44.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/monument-health-sponsors-tour-aimed-at-understanding-lakota-history-culture/article_f8718664-e455-50d1-9f3a-45eaca06db44.html
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With 1,569 new cases reported Wednesday, the number of active infections in the state rose to 3,857. This number doesn't account for at-home tests not reported to the state. That number is an increase of 558 from last week.
In Pennington County, there were 276 positive tests this week causing the number of active cases to rise to 750 – up 52 over last week. However, due to a spike in Minnehaha County, Pennington County no longer leads the state in new or active cases. Minnehaha County reported 311 new infections this week and 769 active cases – an increase of 142 over last week.
There were five deaths reported Wednesday with four men and one woman succumbing to COVID-19 illnesses. The deaths were reported in Butte, Lawrence, Minnehaha, Bennett and Stanley counties. One death was a man in his 60s and the others were all over 70.
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2022-07-14T02:03:34Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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New, active COVID-19 cases continue to increase | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/state-and-regional/new-active-covid-19-cases-continue-to-increase/article_9e7ee318-8452-5c57-a65a-607fcf8d7ca0.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/state-and-regional/new-active-covid-19-cases-continue-to-increase/article_9e7ee318-8452-5c57-a65a-607fcf8d7ca0.html
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New Mexico man sentenced in Rapid City federal court for abusive sexual contact
A federal judge sentenced a 53-year-old New Mexico man on July 6 to three years and four months in prison for abusive sexual contact of an 11-year-old South Dakota girl on May 12, 2018.
After his sentence, Nathan Castillo will be under five years of supervised release. U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Viken also ordered Castillo to pay a routine $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
A federal grand jury indicted Castillo in April 2019 on one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor and two count of abusive sexual contact. Law enforcement arrested him on Dec. 3, 2019 in Albuquerque. He pleaded guilty on March 3, 2022 to the one count of abusive sexual contact in exchange for the government dropping the other charges.
The crime occurred in an RV parked at the Prairie Winds Hotel and Casino near Oglala. Castillo took four children — three girls and one boy, ages nine, 10, 11 and 12 — with him to the hotel to swim at the pool. Court documents show he was not related to any of the children, but a decade before the crime he lived in his RV for “an extensive amount of time” near the 12-year-old’s grandmother’s home.
A factual basis statement signed by both the prosecution and defense states the 12-year-old asked Castillo if she could bring along two of her friends. The victim’s mother allowed her and her sister to go along.
After Castillo and the four children swam in the pool until closing time at approximately 9 p.m., the children showered in a hotel room. As part of an RV reservation, patrons were allowed to access a hotel room before and after swimming.
The children returned to Castillo’s camper to sleep for the night. The victim and her sister shared a bed, and the two other children — who were siblings — shared a bed as well. On the other end of the RV, Castillo slept in a bed.
After the victim was asleep, Castillo moved to the other side of the RV and touched the 11-year-old underneath her underwear for an undetermined amount of time.
“At the time of the sexual contact, (the victim) was asleep and was unable to appraise the nature of the conduct and was unable to decline participation in the sexual contact,” the factual basis statement reads.
When Castillo brought the children back to their mother on Mother’s Day, he gave her a gift. The victim “not wanting to ruin Mother’s Day” waited to tell her mother about Castillo touching her.
Castillo will have to register as a sex offender when he is released and participate in sex offender treatment.
Abusive Sexual Contact
Nathan Castillo
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2022-07-14T02:03:40Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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New Mexico man sentenced in Rapid City federal court for abusive sexual contact | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/new-mexico-man-sentenced-in-rapid-city-federal-court-for-abusive-sexual-contact/article_ded808f5-1a30-5163-9fc8-b37bd444ab16.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/new-mexico-man-sentenced-in-rapid-city-federal-court-for-abusive-sexual-contact/article_ded808f5-1a30-5163-9fc8-b37bd444ab16.html
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Rep. Phil Jensen confirms 1-year membership in Oath Keepers, 8 years ago
Phil Jensen
With two dozen members of the organization charged in relation to the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol, the Oath Keepers' former spokesman, Jason Tatenhove was a star witness for the House Jan. 6 Commission this week.
One local legislator was tied to the Oath Keepers when Rolling Stone magazine received a leaked list of Oath Keepers members last year. Republican Phil Jensen confirmed Wednesday that he did sign up for membership in 2014, but that was the extent of his membership activities.
"I wish I had a more exciting story for you," the District 33 representative said. "In 2014 I was sitting at my desk in the Senate chambers and I had read some information about the Oath Keepers. I took an oath to uphold the Constitution and the South Dakota Constitution and it seemed like a good group of guys to belong to."
Jensen said at the time, the membership consisted mainly of law enforcement officers, former military members and lawmakers among others. He paid a small fee online to become a member.
"I never received any literature from them, any emails, any bumper stickers, any trinkets," Jensen said. He said he never paid to continue his membership which would have lapsed in 2015.
The Oath Keepers on Jan. 6, 2021 acted as a paramilitary militia and are accused of helping plan an attack on the U.S. Capitol to try to stop the legal recording of Electoral College votes by Congress. About a dozen members have been charged with seditious conspiracy due to their actions on that day and several have pleaded guilty to the charges.
Jensen said those activities aren't part of his nature. He even filed as a conscientious objector when he was drafted during the Vietnam War.
"I was drafted," Jensen said. "And I filed for conscientious objector and I was going through a process of looking for alternative service. And then Nixon cancelled the drafting power before I got established."
Jensen didn't criticize the recent actions of the group but he has said that he wants everything that happened at the Capitol that day to be revealed. He said the group in its current form is very different than the one that he signed up for eight years ago.
"I take my oath seriously and it seemed like a group I would want to belong to," Jensen said. "I never paid to renew my membership or attended any activities at all."
Jason Tatenhove
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2022-07-14T02:03:46Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Rep. Phil Jensen confirms 1-year membership in Oath Keepers, 8 years ago | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/rep-phil-jensen-confirms-1-year-membership-in-oath-keepers-8-years-ago/article_fefe8b04-48f8-5fa9-be84-05e3239cf3a0.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/rep-phil-jensen-confirms-1-year-membership-in-oath-keepers-8-years-ago/article_fefe8b04-48f8-5fa9-be84-05e3239cf3a0.html
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Rush re-sign Kenton and Tyson Helgesen
The Rapid City Rush announced on Wednesday that defensemen Kenton Helgesen and Tyson Helgesen have each been signed to contracts to return to for the 2022-23 season.
Kenton returns for his second season with the Rush, and his seventh as a professional.
During the 2021-22 season, he matched a career-high 23 points on seven goals and 16 assists over 49 games. Kenton was named the 13th captain in franchise history prior to the season, and his seven goals were a new career high.
“Kenton is our captain and a player opposing players don’t like to play against,” Rush head coach and general manager Scott Burt said. “He does everything the right way. He understands what the coaches believe and takes that into the dressing room as we continue to build on the culture we have created here. I am very excited to continue the growth and for the leadership he brings.”
“I’m excited to be back playing in Rapid City this year,” Kenton said. “It’s an awesome place to play; the organization from top to bottom is first class. I can’t wait to get things going in the fall.”
“With Tyson’s style of play and his hard work, he will continue to grow as a player for years to come,” Burt said. “When he said he wanted to come back and build off how we finished last season, it was a no-brainer to get him signed. He brings toughness, heart, and competes like no other. It’s great to have him back.”
“I’m honored to be coming back to Rapid City for next season,” Tyson said. “From the first day I arrived, I knew this was a place I wanted to be.”
Tyson played for Burt for four seasons when Burt was the assistant coach for the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL. He was Spokane’s captain for the final two seasons of his junior career.
“I consider myself lucky to have had Burtie as a coach in juniors and now at the pro level,” Tyson said. “And playing with my brother again is extremely cool for both of us and our entire family. I can’t wait to be back in Rapid City for the fall.”
Tyson Helgesen
Kenton Helgesen
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2022-07-14T02:03:52Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Rush re-sign Kenton and Tyson Helgesen | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/rush-re-sign-kenton-and-tyson-helgesen/article_287f746c-6938-5169-ab2c-116cdf7f58ed.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/rush-re-sign-kenton-and-tyson-helgesen/article_287f746c-6938-5169-ab2c-116cdf7f58ed.html
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Lee James Steichen
TOPEKA, KS - Lee James Steichen, 44 of Topeka, KS, died Wednesday, July 6, 2022, and is in the arms of Jesus after a yearlong struggle with seizures leading to dementia.
Lee was born on December 13, 1977, in Custer, SD, to Michael Steichen and Bernadine Tompkins-Steichen. He received a certificate of graduation from Hill City High School in 1997. He then went to Black Hills Workshop in Rapid City, SD for the next 17 years. In 2014, he moved with his mother to Topeka, KS to be closer to his brother, sister-in-law, and two nieces. While in Topeka, Lee attended TARC's Day Services Program and Grace Bible Church regularly.
Lee loved to walk, travel, liked being outside and spending time with family. He liked to swim, fish, and camp. He had a passion for music; he especially adored Elvis Presley and would play Christmas music year-round. He also loved to dance and sing to his music. He had lots of movies, and he watched his favorites all the time. He was known for playing jokes on people and had a dry sense of humor. Even though he could not communicate very well, he made his personality known by his expressive eyebrows, rolling his eyes in disgust, and some hand gestures, but when Lee smiled he could light up a room. He had a loving, kind soul that was easy to please but stubborn as a mule.
Lee is survived by his mother, Bernadine Tompkins-Steichen; his father, Michael Steichen; brother, Duane Steichen (wife, Kimberly); sister, Joleen Edwards (husband, Nick); and two nieces: Kaiden and Tori Steichen. He had lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins, too.
His Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Grace Bible Church at 11:00 a.m., located at 4021 SE 37th Street off Croco Rd. in Topeka, KS.
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2022-07-14T05:59:33Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Lee James Steichen | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/lee-james-steichen/article_86e625c1-085e-5467-afcc-d8054f542577.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/lee-james-steichen/article_86e625c1-085e-5467-afcc-d8054f542577.html
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Paul Ray Wilhelm
RAPID CITY - Paul Ray Wilhelm, 79, of Rapid City, SD, died July 11, 2022, at Department of Affairs Fort Meade VA Hospital. Committal services with military honors will be at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 15, 2022, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD. Condolences may be sent to family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
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2022-07-14T05:59:46Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Paul Ray Wilhelm | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/paul-ray-wilhelm/article_92e8a294-35cf-5194-b7be-7c228f816e19.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/paul-ray-wilhelm/article_92e8a294-35cf-5194-b7be-7c228f816e19.html
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Western Nebraska Pioneers walk off Sasquatch
The Western Nebraska Pioneers overcame a 5-1 deficit to defeat the Spearfish Sasquatch 6-5 in walk-off fashion Wednesday night at Oregon Trail Park Stadium in Gering, Nebraska.
Alex Zerfass proved the hero for the Pioneers with a one-out double that scored Jace Jeremiah to give his team a 6-5 win in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Ignacio Radney Reynoso earned the win and the save, he pitched three shutout innings and allowed two hits with no walks and four strikeouts.
J.D. Kirchner suffered the loss in 2/3 of an inning. He gave up two runs (both earned) on one hit with three walks and no strikeouts.
Nicky Winterstein led the way at the plate for Spearfish. The outfielder went 3 for 3 with three runs. Bryson Hoier went 1 for 4 with one run and three RBIs.
Zerfass stood out for Western Nebraska and went 3 for 3 with one run, two RBIs and and a walk.
The Sasquatch return to action at 6:35 p.m. against the Pioneers Thursday at Oregon Trail Park Stadium.
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2022-07-14T05:59:58Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Western Nebraska Pioneers walk off Sasquatch | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/western-nebraska-pioneers-walk-off-sasquatch/article_c17498d8-0c8c-5e98-9f8e-5e4d9920c3e5.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/western-nebraska-pioneers-walk-off-sasquatch/article_c17498d8-0c8c-5e98-9f8e-5e4d9920c3e5.html
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Jeni Rae Peters of Rapid City ― pictured with her daughter Lisha Jane Featherman — was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2020. She’s had health insurance through her employers, but she still had to pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket.
Dawnee LeBeau for KHN and NPR
“My kids had lost so much,” said Peters, a single mom and mental health counselor in Rapid City. She had just adopted two girls and was fostering four other children. “I swore I wouldn’t force them to have yet another parent.”
Multiple surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy controlled the cancer. But, despite having insurance, Peters was left with more than $30,000 of debt, threats from bill collectors, and more anxious nights thinking of her kids. “Do I pull them out of day care? Do I stop their schooling and tutoring? Do I not help them with college?” Peters asked herself. “My doctor saved my life, but my medical bills are stealing from my children’s lives.”
About two-thirds of adults with health care debt who’ve had cancer themselves or in their family have cut spending on food, clothing or other household basics, a poll conducted by KFF for this project found. About 1 in 4 have declared bankruptcy or lost their home to eviction or foreclosure.
Other research shows that patients from minority groups are more likely to experience financial hardships caused by cancer than white patients, reinforcing racial disparities that shadow the U.S. healthcare system.
“My doctor saved my life, but my medical bills are stealing from my children’s lives,” says Peters, pictured with her daughters, Braelyn Featherman (left) and Lisha Jane.
In spring 2020, the secure world Peters had carefully tended was shattered. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the country, she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.
Cancer treatment today often entails a costly, debilitating march of procedures, infusions and radiation sessions that can exhaust patients physically and emotionally. It was scary, Peters said. But she rallied her children. “We talked a lot about how they had all lost siblings or parents or other relatives,” she said. “All I had to do was lose my boobs.”
Usually, most costs are covered. But patients are increasingly on the hook for large bills because of deductibles and other health plan cost sharing.
The average leukemia patient with private health insurance, for example, can expect to pay more than $5,100 in the year after diagnosis, according to an analysis by the consulting firm Milliman. Even Medicare can leave seniors with huge bills. The average blood cancer patient covered by fee-for-service Medicare can expect to pay more than $17,000 out-of-pocket in the year following diagnosis, Milliman found.
Additionally, ongoing surgeries, tests and medications can make patients pay large out-of-pocket costs year after year. Physicians and patient advocates say this cost sharing ― originally billed as a way to encourage patients to shop for care ― is devastating. “The problem is that model doesn’t work very well with cancer,” said Dr. David Eagle, an oncologist at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists.
According to the KFF poll, 6 in 10 adults with a chronic disease such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease or with a close family member who is sick have had some kind of health care debt in the past five years. The poll was designed to capture not just bills patients haven’t paid, but also other borrowing used to pay for healthcare, such as credit cards, payment plans, and loans from friends and family.
Surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy for breast cancer left Peters with at least $30,000 in debt. “I don’t even know anymore how much I owe,” Peters says. “Sometimes it feels like people just send me random bills.”
— KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. This article was produced in partnership with National Public Radio.
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2022-07-14T12:25:13Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Rapid City woman faces debt with cancer diagnosis | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rapid-city-woman-faces-debt-with-cancer-diagnosis/article_f37b5013-70b7-547a-a28a-bf7054fb8f3b.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rapid-city-woman-faces-debt-with-cancer-diagnosis/article_f37b5013-70b7-547a-a28a-bf7054fb8f3b.html
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Inaugural Rapid City Post 315 baseball team providing new opportunity for area players
Kyle Schlueter (front) looks on as Rapid City Post 315 competes on the weekend of July 8-10 at the Jim Hanus Gopher Classic in Minneapolis/St. Paul.
Michael Schlueter, Courtesy Photo
Over the last several years, Rapid City Baseball Association president Molloy Dial noticed a need for more baseball opportunities in the Black Hills, particularly for high school baseball players.
The two established American Legion clubs in the area, Post 22 and Post 320, begin play during the club season and typically don't allow high school players on those club teams to join theirs in progress.
As the head coach of the Rapid City Stevens club team, Molloy looked for solutions to fill the void for athletes who wanted to represent their schools and continue to play ball in the summer. Rapid City American Legion Post 315 provided a solution and chartered a team that began play this summer with a limited schedule.
“High school ball players, with our season and how it works out, aren’t able to play across the street,” Molloy told The Journal at McKeague Field Wednesday. “When our season is done in May, there was no more baseball set up.”
Instead of simply acknowledging the issue, Molloy got together with parents who noticed the same problem and put together a 17-game schedule for Post 315.
“We made it work to get the team off the ground and running,” he said. “Most of the teams make their schedules in the summer, so we weren’t able to get a lot of local games but got into some tournaments.”
The inaugural roster consisted of players from four area club teams at Stevens, Rapid City Central, St. Thomas More and Douglas. This season, 157 student-athletes opted to play club baseball in the Rapid City area, and Post 315 provided the first opportunity in years for those kids to play summer ball.
“It was made up of the four high schools that play high school ball and that was the whole idea, to give those kids the option to play more baseball,” Molloy said. “A lot of kids choose to go work, but there are a lot of kids that want to play more ball. Our whole goal is to try and find more opportunities to play baseball for those kids.”
At first the RCBA chartered a Babe Ruth League team for high school players, but almost immediately faced financial strain from increased travel due to the lack of Babe Ruth teams in the Mount Rushmore State.
Now, the organization helps fund Post 315, a junior Legion team, a Babe Ruth team for eighth and ninth graders and provides opportunities to play in travel ball tournaments outside the state.
“We started small with one team a couple of years ago and then we had five teams between the two leagues,” Molloy said. “We have a wide variety of options that try to cater to the kids’ needs. In the end it’s all about letting kids play and develop. If they don't have somewhere to play it is hard to develop.”
Post 315 finished its season this past weekend at the Jim Hanus Gopher Classic in Minnesota. The team went 3-14 on the year with two wins over Chadron (Neb.) Post 12 and a 7-6 victory over Wayzata (Minn.) Post 118 Sunday at the Gopher Classic in its season finale.
“They were ecstatic (after defeating Post 118),” Molloy said. “They’ve been working really hard over the last few weeks to get over the hump and reduce the errors. They were really focused on themselves and what they could do to help the team.”
Due to its shortened schedule, Post 315 did not qualify for this season’s State Legion Tournament at Fitzgerald Stadium, but Molloy thinks the experience his players gained this season will pay off with a full schedule next season.
“I expect to be there next year and we should be able to make some noise,” Molloy said. “There are a bunch of juniors and seniors that are good ball players, and when we put them together they will be good teams.”
Post 315 will play an exhibition game against the organization’s junior team on July 22 at McKeague Field to prepare the younger crew for its regional tournament later this month.
Molloy said the team is excited to play one more game this summer and he’s excited for the future of the blossoming program.
“They competed this year even though they were really young with a lot of close games,” Molloy said. “They were right there this year already. With another year of growth and some seasoning we will be ready to compete at the state level and even in the region.”
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2022-07-14T15:08:52Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Inaugural Rapid City Post 315 baseball team providing new opportunity for area players | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/inaugural-rapid-city-post-315-baseball-team-providing-new-opportunity-for-area-players/article_cfd0317a-2c17-568f-9493-f24c0ca6547b.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/inaugural-rapid-city-post-315-baseball-team-providing-new-opportunity-for-area-players/article_cfd0317a-2c17-568f-9493-f24c0ca6547b.html
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Charlie Neibergall, AP file photo
SIOUX FALLS | Gov. Kristi Noem had pledged to “immediately” call a special legislative session to “guarantee that every unborn child has a right to life in South Dakota” if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. But nearly three weeks after that ruling, the first-term Republican remains unusually quiet about exactly what she wants lawmakers to pass.
— Associated Press reporters Sarah Rankin in Richmond, Virginia; Brian Witte in Annapolis, Maryland; and Andrew DeMillo in Little Rock, Arkansas, contributed.
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2022-07-14T22:02:49Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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GOP governors mulling 2024 run aren't rushing abortion laws | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/gop-governors-mulling-2024-run-arent-rushing-abortion-laws/article_343cf16a-8c83-59cb-a73f-01868a3746c0.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/gop-governors-mulling-2024-run-arent-rushing-abortion-laws/article_343cf16a-8c83-59cb-a73f-01868a3746c0.html
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Pioneers come back to knock off Sasquatch
The Western Nebraska Pioneers overcame a 4-1 deficit to defeat the Spearfish Sasquatch 7-4 on Thursday evening at Oregon Trail Park Stadium in Gering, Nebraska.
The Pioneers struck first with a run on a Declan Wiesner single, that scored Alex Zerfass, to take a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
The Sasquatch bounced back with four runs on two hits, a walk, a hit by pitch and an error to take a 4-1 advantage.
Gage Kracht initiated the scoring when he reached on an error and Harrison Clark and Bailey Bordas scored on the play to give Spearfish a 2-1 lead. On the following at bat Bryson Hoier scored when Kracht stole second and Kracht scored on a one-run single by Nicky Winterstein to give the Sasquatch a 4-1 lead.
The Pioneers got a run back in the bottom of the second when Tyler Mead scored on a wild pitch to cut his team's deficit to 4-2.
Western Nebraska seized control of the game in the bottom of the fourth with four runs on five hits to take a 6-4 lead. Mead started the scoring with a two-run homer that scored P.K. Walsh to tie the game at 4-4.
Eric Smelko gave the Pioneers the lead with a single that scored Antonio Nanez to give his team a 5-4 advantage. Alex Zerfass extended the lead with a one-run single that scored Jace Jeremiah to make it 6-4 after four innings.
The Pioneers plated another run in the bottom of the seventh to make it 7-4. Isaac Lopez extended the lead with a one-run single that scored Jeremiah with two outs.
Adrian Short earned the win, he pitched 5-2/3 innings and allowed four runs (none earned) on five hits with three walks and eight strikeouts. Paul Panduron earned the save in one shutout inning of relief, he allowed no runs with one walk and no strikeouts.
David Dielman suffered the loss in 2-2/3 innings of relief. He allowed one run on two hits with two strikeouts and no walks.
Harrison Clark led the way at the plate for Spearfish, he went 1 for 2 with one run and two walks.
Mead led the way for Western Nebraska, he finished 2 for 3 with two runs and two RBIs on his game-tying home run.
The Sasquatch returns to action at 6:35 p.m. Friday against the Pioneers at Oregon Trail Park Stadium in Gering, Nebraska.
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2022-07-15T05:28:05Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Pioneers come back to knock off Sasquatch | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/pioneers-come-back-to-knock-off-sasquatch/article_a4be45bb-7774-5d9f-a0d3-789bafe47c29.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/pioneers-come-back-to-knock-off-sasquatch/article_a4be45bb-7774-5d9f-a0d3-789bafe47c29.html
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Host families urgently needed for exchange students
Greenheart Exchange students Alessia and Cristian from Italy served burgers and worked at the Knights of Columbus tent during the Central States Fair in August 2021. International students who come to the United States with Greenheart Exchange enrich their host families, their schools and their communities, local coordinator Dayna Dick said.
Greenheart Exchange is urgently looking for families to host international students for the fall semester or the 2022-2023 school year. Anyone interested should contact local Greenheart Exchange coordinator Dayna Dick before Aug. 1 to learn more about becoming a host family.
Greenheart Exchange is a nonprofit organization that offers cultural exchange programs in the United States for people around the world.
Host families provide a bed, care and support. A family can consist of one or more adults (26 or older) in the household; all adults will undergo background checks. A host family can have children of any age or no children, can be empty nesters or retired. A host family will enable students to pursue their dreams of visiting the United States, and the family will be enriched by learning a new culture and making a lifelong connection.
Currently, the Greenheart program has about 200 high school students that are looking for host families in smaller or rural communities in the United States, Dick said.
“I just really see what this does to make the world smaller and to make us all more neighbors,” Dick said. “Students don’t even know where South Dakota is and they come here and they have a great time.”
Students need to have host families in place so they can arrive five to 10 days before school starts. Some may choose to arrive 10 days early if they’re interested in participating in extracurricular activities or sports, Dick said. Last year, for example, students participated in volleyball, basketball, track and cheerleading in Black Hills area high schools.
Students can be placed in a “welcome family” home for eight weeks, or placed in a home for a semester (16 weeks) or a full school year (32 weeks). Dick, as the exchange program’s local coordinator, said she visits with each exchange student and family each month to ensure things are going smoothly and offer assistance if needed.
Families can go online and check students’ profiles to find a student who they believe would be a good fit in their home, and they can find out whether the student is vaccinated against COVID-19, Dick said.
The students go through a rigorous academic and character application process to be accepted into the exchange program, she said.
“They are fun, respectful and self-reliant. They can join you in your favorite activities, blend into your household, including doing chores, and make you proud with their academic and sporting achievements. The students arrive with their own spending money, medical insurance and enthusiastic gratefulness. They come to America to immerse themselves into their family, school and community,” Dick said.
Three of the students currently seeking host families are Ilaria, Amina and Pedro.
Ilaria is from Rome, Italy. She tutors young children in their studies, is learning to play tennis, loves dogs, the outdoors, baking and reading. Amina, from Germany, enjoys boxing, playing the guitar, dancing and she aspires to a career in dentistry. Pedro, from Brazil, loves playing soccer, spending time with friends and going to the gym.
“They really do contribute to the community,” Dick said. “I’m trying to educate people about what an exchange program is and make a point of how it contributes to the community itself, the school and the home.”
Dick’s daughter was an exchange student 12 years ago, and Dick has been a former host parent for students from Apolda, Germany – Rapid City’s German sister city – and from Hungary. Those experiences have made her an enthusiastic advocate for hosting international students.
“I look for people who are already interested (in hosting students). Greenheart knows our schools are friendly and we always have really good families and kids here,” she said. “The students are very adaptable. They know they want to experience something complete different. … It’s about the people and making relationships with people. The students always end up doing wonderful.”
For more information, contact Dayna Dick at 605-484-2738 or daynadick@gmail.com, or go to greenheartexchage.org.
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2022-07-15T14:19:49Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Host families urgently needed for exchange students | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/host-families-urgently-needed-for-exchange-students/article_6df3c854-3e77-5923-b766-4b76a9257c0f.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/host-families-urgently-needed-for-exchange-students/article_6df3c854-3e77-5923-b766-4b76a9257c0f.html
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Sugar Park debuts first season with 500-foot-long zip line
Mercedes Elliott, the general manager of Sugar Park, demonstrates safety features of the Soaring Eagle zip line on Thursday at Sugar Park in Rapid City. Sugar Park opened as a sister park to Rushmore Tramway Adventures, located in Keystone.
Mercedes Elliott points out features on the Soaring Eagle zip line as the eagle atop the seat is reflected in her glasses on Thursday at Sugar Park. The height requirement for riding the zip line is 42 inches.
The logo on the seats of the Soaring Eagle zip line. The park has been open on weekends since May, and opened full time on Memorial Day weekend.
The view from the top of the Soaring Eagle zip line. The zip line is 150 feet tall and 500 feet long.
A new attraction park has debuted in Rapid City. Sugar Park, a sister park to Rushmore Tramway Adventures in Keystone, opened in May with a zip line and a mission to bring kid-friendly attractions close to the city.
“Our goal for this park is tailoring more towards the smaller kids and families because the park in Keystone, it's for the older kids and the teenagers. It's harder for the littler kids to be up there and have fun,” said Mercedes Elliott, general manager of Sugar Park.
Sugar Park opened in May and transitioned to full-time hours during Memorial Day weekend. Located down the road from Reptile Gardens and behind the Rushmore Candy Company on U.S. Highway 16, the park currently features one attraction: the Soaring Eagle zip line.
The zip line is 150 feet high and 500 feet long, reaching top speeds of 30 miles per hour. Able to accommodate two riders at a time, the tandem seat moves backwards from the platform and pauses at the top of the line, overlooking the nearby hills. After a few seconds to observe the view, riders speed back to the base platform.
“(It’s) a fun thing you can do when it’s hot out and you can catch that breeze, and then you can be on your way,” Elliott said. “You don’t have to dedicate a whole day because I know a lot of families sometimes don’t want to stay in the same spot the whole time.”
Passengers must be at least 42 inches tall. Those between 42 and 47 inches are required to be accompanied by an adult.
The park currently employs six people to man the park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Elliot said there are plans to add more attractions in the future, including a splash pad and tree house climbing area similar to the aerial park in Keystone.
“We’re thinking of a couple different things we can do, maybe a coaster or something,” Elliott said.
Elliott started work at Rushmore Tramway Adventures in 2018. She worked at the aerial park and the zip line there, before assuming the position of tour coordinator.
Cameron Fullerton, the secretary of CNC Tramway, Inc., which owns both parks, approached Elliott to ask her if she’d like to work year-round and help with Sugar Park, and Elliott took the opportunity to work as general manager.
“I was like, yeah. You’re stuck with me,” she said.
Sugar Park
Rushmore Tramway Adventures
Soaring Eagle Zipline
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2022-07-15T14:19:55Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Sugar Park debuts first season with 500-foot-long zip line | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/sugar-park-debuts-first-season-with-500-foot-long-zip-line/article_68548a57-0512-5042-bef2-8567ced155e6.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/sugar-park-debuts-first-season-with-500-foot-long-zip-line/article_68548a57-0512-5042-bef2-8567ced155e6.html
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Brian Maher, executive director of the South Dakota Board of Regents
This week, I felt fortunate to join minds from across the state to discuss one of the most pressing issues in South Dakota, nursing demand. The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) led the conversation for building a healthy future in the field of nursing.
Numbers from the South Dakota Board of Nursing showed a nearly six percent job growth in registered nurses from 2016 - 2020. By 2028, job growth will hit 13%, or the need for an additional 1,700 nurses, based on projections from the South Dakota Department of Labor. Higher education is essential in attacking this issue, but we can't accomplish it alone.
The Board of Regents (BOR) and the Board of Technical Education (BOTE) are committed to training more quality nurses for the state. This past year, BOR and the South Dakota Legislature addressed this challenge head-on. Adjustments to the Self-Support Tuition Rate allow us more flexibility in setting course costs and locations, supporting initiatives to produce more high-demand healthcare graduates in high-demand areas.
Throughout South Dakota, our efforts to increase nursing graduates are underway. This year, the Legislature also approved funding for a Health Science addition at Black Hills State University-Rapid City. Students will now be able to complete their Bachelor of Nursing degree through South Dakota State University (SDSU) in our state's second largest city. More students will have the opportunity to graduate with an accelerated Bachelor of Nursing degree through SDSU in the reconstructed Lincoln Hall on the campus of Northern State University in Aberdeen. The recent approval of the University of South Dakota-Sioux Falls campus aims to become the Health Science Hub for USD, increasing students and programming.
But these efforts are not just taking place at the university level. South Dakota's technical colleges aim to instruct more than 300 additional students in their Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing programs in the next five years. Lake Area Technical College, Southeast Technical College, and Western Dakota Technical College offer these nursing programs at their campuses and additional locations statewide. We know a strong partnership within higher education can help combat academic barriers, so for students who want to expand their education, measures are underway to ease the transfer between technical colleges and public universities.
We are optimistic that these efforts, and the work of others, will minimize the strain for healthcare professionals in our state. The need for nurses in South Dakota is a statewide concern, and we are thankful for organizations like SDAHO for bringing higher education to the table. A solid step forward begins with everyone on the same path.
Dr. Brian Maher is the Executive Director of the South Dakota Board of Regents.
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2022-07-15T16:22:40Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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MAHER: Higher education's efforts for South Dakota nursing demand | Opinion | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/maher-higher-educations-efforts-for-south-dakota-nursing-demand/article_e549c37b-2c83-5279-8848-28f4c1c8deaa.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/maher-higher-educations-efforts-for-south-dakota-nursing-demand/article_e549c37b-2c83-5279-8848-28f4c1c8deaa.html
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Chadron recently was in the limelight on the Fox News computer website. It was cited as the best town in Nebraska in which to live. Here’s what was written:
“The City of Chadron is a bit off the beaten path. It’s not Omaha or Lincoln, but rather on the Great Plains. It takes a certain type of individual to want to live in what many consider to be more of a rural environment. With that said, as shown above (a Pine Ridge forest scene), Chadron has a ton of natural beauty.
“Unsurprisingly, outdoor enthusiasts love this area. There’s plenty to do in the sunshine—particularly in the Nebraska National Forest. Interestingly, the city of Chadron is also said to be in the midpoint between New York City and Los Angeles.”
A few years ago, Chadron received a similar designation. That time, the explanation was, “Chadron was once used as a fur trading post in the Great Plains. It’s surrounding beauty make Chadron a wonderful adventure from the Nebraska National Forest to the Pine Ridge National Recreation Area.”
Both selections apparently were made by Stacker, which says it provides “Compelling, research-driven stories that enrich publishers’ coverage and put the world’s events into context for readers. Our team of data-minded journalists, product leaders and media operators make our coverage possible.”
Among Stacker’s specialties is providing lists of “bests” and rankings on a wide variety of topics. Being included on the lists appears to be a plus, especially when our town has the top spot on positive list.
It is disappointing that Chadron State College was not mentioned in the spiel about the city, but neither was North Dakota State mentioned in the description of Fargo as the best town to reside in that state or the University of Central Oklahoma referred to when Edmond was tabbed as that state’s best place to live.
These are not the first times Chadron has been ranked among “the best.” In 2000, the Chadron Record carried a story which said Chadron had been named one of the “Top 50 Sports Towns” by Sports Afield. The magazine cited the area as having some of the best turkey hunting in the West, along with a prominent mixture of whitetail and mule deer.
The story also suggested that anglers try Whitney Lake and Box Butte Reservoir, and also said Chadron is noted as one of the four best mountain biking towns in the United States.
Sports Afield stated it looked for out-of-the-way communities “where the people are real, the prices are low and your dog is as welcome as you are—maybe more so.”
In 2009, the website Forbes.com selected Chadron as one of the top 10 American towns the visit by car. The accompanying information that time gave special attention to the Museum of the Fur Trade, while referring to the people who were attracted to its world-class displays as “wacky aficionados.”
Jim Hanson, who has been associated with the museum almost since its founding in 1955, said he took the reference as a supreme compliment.
“We have spent 50 years (now more than 60) collecting the very best there is. If that doesn’t make you a wacky aficionado, I don’t know what does,” Hanson was quoted as saying
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2022-07-15T20:09:54Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Chadron: Best place in Nebraska to live | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/chadron-best-place-in-nebraska-to-live/article_d239e509-5bdb-5078-b1f5-4f740ed790c4.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/chadron-best-place-in-nebraska-to-live/article_d239e509-5bdb-5078-b1f5-4f740ed790c4.html
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Gov. Kristi Noem speaks during a June 2021 press conference in Rapid City.
SIOUX FALLS | Gov. Kristi Noem won’t participate in a debate sponsored by South Dakota Public Broadcasting because of what her campaign spokesman called its “extreme leftward swing."
Lori Walsh, who hosts and produces South Dakota Public Broadcasting's “In The Moment,” read the document on the air Friday.
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2022-07-15T21:58:59Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Noem declines debate, claims SDPB slants left | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/noem-declines-debate-claims-sdpb-slants-left/article_b7ac1f7f-cf5f-5d30-9487-85b3fff96f2e.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/noem-declines-debate-claims-sdpb-slants-left/article_b7ac1f7f-cf5f-5d30-9487-85b3fff96f2e.html
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Neiman Enterprises to cut production hours at Black Hills sawmills
Visual inspectors check boards for quality after the boards exit the planer at Neiman Enterprises' Spearfish Forest Products sawmill in September 2019. The company announced Thursday it will reduce operating hours at the Spearfish mill and a facility in Hulett, Wyoming, citing a reduction in available timber in the Black Hills.
Neiman Enterprises, a large-scale timber and logging company, announced Thursday it would reduce work hours from the company's remaining sawmills in the Black Hills, citing a reduction in timber supply.
The company's announcement came the same day that the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management announced they were going to seek outside help as they craft definitions of old growth and mature forests under an executive order from President Joe Biden.
Many of the trees in the Black Hills National Forest that Neiman processes could be considered old growth or mature.
In March 2021, Neiman Enterprises permanently closed its sawmill in Hill City, eliminating 120 jobs and 12 contract crews, citing a reduction in timber available in the Black Hills. The Hill City closure was announced one day prior to the U.S. Forest Service releasing a report that called for a large reduction in timber harvesting in the Black Hills, by as much as 50% to 60%.
An in-depth report from the Associated Press showed timber production dramatically ramped up two decades ago in the Black Hills National Forest, as beetles ravaged huge expanses of forest and worries grew over wildfires.
The beetles left, but the loggers haven’t — and they're now felling trees at twice the rate government scientists say is sustainable. That means the Black Hills forests are shrinking, with fewer and smaller trees.
Timber sales from federal forests nationwide more than doubled over the past 20 years, according to government data. In Washington, D.C., Republicans and Democrats alike have pushed more aggressive thinning of stands to reduce vegetation that fuels wildfires.
However, despite the U.S. Forest Service's report that calls for reducing timber production in the Black Hills and the scientific consensus that logging rates in the Black Hills are not sustainable, two Republican lawmakers are trying to force more timber production.
U.S. Sens. John Thune, R-S.D., and John Barrasso, R-Wyo., introduced legislation that would require the U.S. Forest Service to expedite issuing environmental decisions to increase timber production in the Black Hills.
The bill, filed at the end of February, is called the Black Hills National Forest Protection and Jobs Preservation Act. It directs the forest service to "carry out vegetation management projects and timber production projects" in the Black Hills National Forest. The measure defines wood products as key pieces of critical infrastructure, mirroring a similar decision in 2020 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and as authorized under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
A hearing on Thune and Barrasso's measure was held June 7 by the Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests and Mining. During testimony, U.S. Forest Service Deputy Chief Chris French said the Forest Service has a good partnership with the timber industry and it is a vital part of forest management, but the agency cannot support the bill in its current form.
"We believe it's premature to redirect specific Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds, such as those proposed in the Black Hills Forest Protection and Jobs Preservation Act, but we would appreciate working with the committee to meet the bill's intended outcomes," French said.
Barrasso said the timber sale program in the Black Hills National Forest has been a primary tool for forest management for more than a century, and that the "drastically lower timber harvest levels are now threatening this partnership."
"It will cripple the Forest Service's ability to manage and protect the forest by prioritizing management projects to improve forest health and resilience," Barrasso said. "Our bill would protect the forest and help provide local economies and preserve them."
Thursday's announcement from Neiman Enterprises will eliminate one shift of work at its sawmill in Hulett, Wyoming, and a reduction in hours for the facility in Spearfish.
“While we may not agree with the reduction in timber harvest that led to these curtailments, we are committed to our partnerships with all stakeholders, including the local, regional and national levels of the U.S. Forest Service, and will continue to work side-by-side with them to maintain the health of the Black Hills National Forest," said Jim Neiman, president of the company.
Neiman Enterprises' CEO Steve Hanson released a statement saying the company is looking for the right balance between timber supply and the needs of the company's workers.
"Neiman Enterprises is pursuing an updated stewardship-driven model of fostering health and resilience in the lands we help manage, and we are obligated to balance the needs of our families with the needs of our forest,” he said.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management issued a notice Thursday seeking public input for a “universal definition framework” to identify older forests needing protection. That definition could include the Black Hills National Forest.
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2022-07-15T23:43:33Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Neiman Enterprises to cut production hours at Black Hills sawmills | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/neiman-enterprises-to-cut-production-hours-at-black-hills-sawmills/article_4ed34609-a7d9-5e47-a439-f8e477a1e6e9.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/neiman-enterprises-to-cut-production-hours-at-black-hills-sawmills/article_4ed34609-a7d9-5e47-a439-f8e477a1e6e9.html
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A father and son have both been charged with the murder of Dominick Jealous of Him, 18, of Wounded Knee, who was beaten to death June 24. His family discovered his body the next day.
25-year-old Spencer High Hawk was first detained at the Pine Ridge jail before being transferred July 1 to Pennington County Jail on request of the federal government. His father, Eugene Acorn High Hawk, 59, was arrested July 11 in Pine Ridge.
A grand jury indicted both High Hawks on July 6 for first-degree murder. The indictment states both Spencer and Acorn "willfully and with premeditation and malice aforethought did unlawfully kill Dominick Jealous of Him by physically beating him."
The charge also alleges the two men aided and abetted each other in the crime.
The grand jury indicted Acorn on two additional charges: assault resulting in a serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon, specifically a baseball bat. The charges refer to Acorn's alleged assault of Jealous of Him's friend, who said he fled the scene after being hit with a baseball bat.
Spencer appeared in court on Friday afternoon for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann. The hearing started seven minutes late because Wollmann was delayed by an 8th Circuit Court conference.
During that time, Spencer appeared relaxed and cordial, chatting and laughing with his defense attorney, John Rusch. He told Rusch about an inmate in the Pennington County Jail who was disrupting his sleep by "hollering every night and day."
After Wollman entered the courtroom, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair read Spencer his charges and the judge ensured he understood them and the mandatory minimum life sentence he would face if convicted.
The judge moved on to Spencer's detention hearing, and granted the prosecution's request for continued detention. Spencer did not object to the request. He will stay in the Pennington County Jail unless he and his lawyer present a plan to the judge requesting a change.
Acorn appeared in court on Tuesday for his initial appearance and arraignment. He is being held at the Pennington County Jail and will appear in court for a detention hearing at 11 a.m. Monday.
Both men pleaded not guilty to their charges.
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2022-07-16T01:23:19Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Father, son charged in murder of Jealous of Him | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/father-son-charged-in-murder-of-jealous-of-him/article_d7dc294d-ea9a-5f10-8cb6-e07eeea6f3cb.html
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Wednesday, June 29, 2022, Angel Manuel Adams passed away at the age of 52. An impactful man, his mark on the world and those that knew him remains.
Angel was born May 2, 1970, in Denver, CO. Shortly after his birth his family moved to Compton, CA, where he attended elementary school. After a short time in Phoenix, he moved back to Denver with his mother and sister. For the next several years he spent summers in Albuquerque and Las Vegas, NM, with his grandmother "Mama Lucy" Lopez, a renowned chef.
A gifted dancer, at the age of 16 Angel started a troupe that competed in and won many dance competitions. One such win gave him the opportunity to dance back-up to Paula Abdul at a concert in Denver.
A true salesman, Angel's first job was selling light bulbs door-to-door, as an 11-year old. He truly found his passion in cooking, and worked in the restaurant and catering business for 30 years. He opened several restaurants, and eventually started Angel's Catering. Catering throughout the Black Hills afforded Angel the opportunity to provide his food to thousands, meet celebrities and new friends, and eventually meet and marry his beloved wife, Amanda.
Angel was a proud and devoted father to four children whom he loved deeply, Brooklyn, Cierra, Nick, and Jaxxon. Aside from family and friends, he loved poker, travel, lying on the beach, his business, and seeing customers with a clean plate. He loved to make people laugh, and was good at it.
Angel was a kind, generous, and loyal force of personality. If someone needed something, and he had it to give, he gave it. No one that knew Angel would doubt his lust for life - he probably spent more hours awake in his life than people twice his age. He truly lived with drive and passion; if you were luckily enough to be his friend you knew it. If he loved you, you knew it.
Angel is survived by his wife, Amanda Adams; mother, Irene Adams (Raymond); daughter, Brooklyn; daughter, Cierra (grandchildren: Amariana and Solanalynn); son, Nick (grandchild, Kimora); and son, Jaxxon; brothers: Marc (Eileen) Adams, Matt (Laura) Adams, Michael "Steve" Adams, Manny (Julie) Adams; sisters: Michelle Adams (Brent) and Andrea Adams; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Please join us in celebrating Angel's life for a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City.
In lieu of flowers, a go fund me account has been set up to help with family expenses.
Family and friends may sign Angel's online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com
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2022-07-16T06:14:14Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Angel M. Adams | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/angel-m-adams/article_9c837b87-7b0f-5541-8e89-f0fb23e67f64.html
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NORTH PRAIRIE, WI - John was born on October 9, 1943, in the small city of Belle Fourche, South Dakota. John passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at the age of 78 years old.
Preceding John in death were his parents, Allwin "Bus" and Eleanor (nee Steele), brother David, sister Dianne Mooney and brother-in-law Lee Mooney.
John attended Belle Fourche High School where he excelled at football earning 1st team all-state honors his senior year and was rewarded with a full athletic scholarship to the University of South Dakota. John was a natural teacher as well as a talented mathematician and earned degrees in mathematics, education and accounting.
John was a competitive bowler, avid fisherman, certified scuba diver, licensed private pilot, serious golfer and amazing card player. He spent many hours teaching his kids how to play Texas Hold'em, Gin and Blackjack. Additionally, some of John's fondest memories were made at the family cabin "Seldom Inn II" in the Wisconsin Dells where the family spent many hours boating, playing board games, lighting off fireworks and sharing stories around the campfire.
Anyone that met John found out quickly that he loved his Wisconsin sports teams. He was a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan, True-Blue Brewer Fan and a dedicated Bucks Fan. He also spent a lot of his free time rooting for any teams where his children attended college.
The family wishes to thank the ICU Nursing staff and Physicians at Aurora Medical Center Summit for taking such good care of John over the previous ten days.
John was an animal lover and rescued two wonderful dogs during his retirement. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to Hoovers Hause All Dog Rescue or the Wisconsin Humane Society Milwaukee. www.hoovershausealldogrescue.com or www.wihumane.org/contact/milwaukee-campus.
Relatives and friends joined the family on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 380 Bluemound Rd., Waukesha, WI 53188, from 4:00 PM until time of the Memorial Service at 6:00 PM. A livestream of the service is available for 90 days via the following link:https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1657753032195787
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2022-07-16T06:14:38Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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John Thomas Snyder | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/john-thomas-snyder/article_8fe2cffb-8049-5a61-b2cf-ca85208ad5c4.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/john-thomas-snyder/article_8fe2cffb-8049-5a61-b2cf-ca85208ad5c4.html
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Leona "Lee" Maxine Anthony
RAPID CITY - Leona "Lee" Maxine Anthony was born July 26, 1927, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the second of three daughters of Amy and Leon McClure. Lee passed away peacefully in her home in Rapid City on July 4, 2022, at the age of 95.
Lee attended the University of Nebraska where she met Vern Anthony, her husband of 65 years. They had three children, Susan, Douglas and Barbara. The family lived in Sidney, Nebraska, until moving to Rapid City in 1960 where they made many friends in the community and their church.
Lee's passions in life were sports, gardening and family, all of which contributed to the community of Rapid City. In the early '60s and '70s Lee managed the city-wide "Learn to Swim" program for children and adults, training swim instructors and assuring that kids had a place to learn and play every summer. She served as the aquatic director for the new YMCA in 1963 and later advocated for a new public indoor Rapid City Swim Center. Lee was the first female lifeguard and swimming instructor employed by the Black Hills National Forest Service at Sheridan Lake. The Journal noted it was, "quite possible that she was the first woman lifeguard to be employed by the Forest Service any place in the nation."
Lee and Vern were founding board members of the South Dakota and city Senior Games, encouraging people over 55 to stay active and have fun. Their enthusiasm led them to compete in local, state, regional, and national competitions for over 30 years.
With great love and knowledge of flowers, Lee became a Master Gardener and volunteered to plant and maintain gardens throughout Rapid City. For many years she volunteered for spring planting at the Rapid City Parks Department Nursery. After the flood of 1972 she worked six months as a Red Cross volunteer assisting with flood cleanup. Lee was also known for involvement in the Ski for Light organization.
In addition to renovation and expansion projects of local apartments, rentals and her personal residence, the Anthonys owned and operated the Longhorn Motel, which catered to tourists during the summer months and provided university student housing throughout the school year.
Lee passed along her love of sports and gardening to her family. Summer family time was spent on the tennis court or in the backyard pool, with winter hours at the Nordic ski area located at the local golf course. Lee could be found whistling as she worked in her extensive home garden, often digging up flowers to share, or adding treasures to her collection of antiques. Known for her constant activity, Lee put her energy and sweet smile into caring for others, creating a peaceful home, and encouraging others to enjoy life.
Survivors include her daughter, Susan Anthony; and husband, Georg Neumann; grandchildren: Lori Finck, Matt Anthony, Leah Merchant (Eric), Clare Dreyer (Jared Hendee), Anna Reardon (Brian); five great-grandchildren: Alexa Finck, Conner Finck, Aila Merchant, Owen Reardon, and Brawn Hendee; and a host of long-time caregivers.
Lee was preceded in death by her husband Vern, son Douglas and daughter Barbara.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 18, at the First United Methodist Church.
Burial will be in the Black Hills National Cemetery.
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2022-07-16T06:14:44Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Leona "Lee" Maxine Anthony | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/leona-lee-maxine-anthony/article_191b1ce3-0db2-50e8-9b0b-ff714b162079.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/leona-lee-maxine-anthony/article_191b1ce3-0db2-50e8-9b0b-ff714b162079.html
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Lorne and Patricia Ruzicka
BELLE FOURCHE - Lorne Frank Ruzicka, 89, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at his home in Belle Fourche, SD. Patricia (Pat) Ann (Kolda) Ruzicka, 85, passed away May 1, 2022, at Spearfish Hospital with her three children at her side.
Funeral services for Lorne and Pat Ruzicka will be held July 22, 2022 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish, SD at 11:00 A.M. MST. Lunch will follow services. Interment with military honors will be held at 2:00 P.M. MST at Pine Slope Cemetery in Belle Fourche.
Pallbearers will be their grandchildren: Janelle Fletcher, Minneapolis, MN, Brian Fletcher, Rapid City, Rocky Ruzicka, Belle Fourche, Brent Fletcher, Lubbock, TX, Tony Ruzicka, Belle Fourche, Lorne Ruzicka, Belle Fourche, JoLynn Fletcher, Rapid City and Taylor Ruzicka, Belle Fourche. Honorary pallbearers will be close friends.
Lorne was born December 14, 1930, in Miller, SD to Anton (Tony) and Faye (Deuter) Ruzicka. He attended school at Wm. Hamilton Country School by Highmore, SD. Lorne and his brother Dennis helped on the family farm. January 1952, he entered the US Marine Corp and took his Boot Camp at San Diego, CA Recruit Depot. He served in the Korean War where he was assigned to the 1st Engineers Batallion. Lorne was discharged January 1954 at the Navel Base at Treasure Island, CA.
Lorne was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Marine Corp League, and Cooties. He served as VFW Post Commander of Belle Fourche Post 3312 for five years, District 10 Commander where he received the outstanding District Commander for the state of SD. He served as the State Commander for the year of 1998-99. While serving as State Commander he had the honor of visiting Italy with the State Commanders of the year. Lorne and Pat were members of St. Paul's Catholic Church of Belle Fourche. Pat was involved in VFW Auxiliary and served as District President and held many offices locally, district and state-wide.
Pat was born October 13, 1936, in Miller, SD to Lloyd and Anne (Kindle) Kolda. She attended St. Liborius Catholic School in Polo, SD, graduating in 1954. Pat and her brother Verlin would ride together to school each day until Verlin graduated in 1946. In the years following, Pat would ride her Cushman Scooter to school. Pat's children and grandchildren loved hearing stories about her school days and the lunches Grandma Anne would pack for her each day. When Pat was growing up, long winter evenings were spent in the basement of the family home sitting beside her mom and learning to crochet. Family and friends have been gifted her crocheted treasures. She was also a wonderful cook and baker. She kept Lorne supplied with his favorite cookies and pies, and taught her daughter and granddaughters the art of making kolaches.
Upon returning home from the Marines, Lorne and Pat Kolda were married on June 16, 1954 at St. Liborius Catholic Church in Polo, SD. They lived on a farm near Ree Heights for a short time and then moved to a farm near Highmore. Lorne and Pat had three children, Shirley, Leland, and Jerry. In 1960 they purchased the Joe Volek Store and relocated the inventory to the Weisner Building as Lorne's Market and Locker Plant. They operated the business until 1976 and they relocated to Belle Fourche, SD. Lorne worked for a building contractor and later employed for the City of Belle Fourche as Supervisor of Cemetery and Parks. Pat worked for the Montgomery Ward catalog store. They sold and set monuments for Watertown Monument.
After retiring, Lorne and Pat spent fourteen summers at Iron Creek Lake. They enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, and Lorne's annual Marine reunion trips with old Marine friends.
Lorne and Pat are survived by daughter, Shirley (Gordon) Fletcher, Rapid City; son, Leland (Teri) Ruzicka, Belle Fourche; son, Jerry (Denise) Ruzicka, Belle Fourche; eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. They are also survived by sister-in-law, Lucille Kolda; and brother-in-law, Gary (Gay) Ruzicka, Belle Fourche; and many nieces and nephews. They were preceded in death by Pat's parents: Lloyd and Anne Kolda; brother, Verlin Kolda; sister, Doris Kolda; Lorne's parents: Tony and Faye; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Dennis (Norma) Ruzicka.
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2022-07-16T06:14:50Z
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Lorne and Patricia Ruzicka | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/lorne-and-patricia-ruzicka/article_6c9b4829-04c4-5735-8647-bb9bd93c3727.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/lorne-and-patricia-ruzicka/article_6c9b4829-04c4-5735-8647-bb9bd93c3727.html
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Best of the West: Class AA Boys Track & Field
This year's Class AA boys track and field season was defined by the efforts of one local distance runner who captivated South Dakota with record-breaking performances and who has already accumulated a plethora of first-place medals, and he isn't done yet.
State titles were still won by other local athletes, however, as they topped their respective competition at the state meet to grace the top of the podium.
Presented here is the Rapid City Journal's Best of the West Class AA Boys Track and Field team, highlighting the West River athletes who had standout performances in both running and field events this season.
Track Athlete of the Year: Simeon Birnbaum, Rapid City Stevens
Rapid City Stevens' Simeon Birnbaum hoists the baton as he crosses the finish line anchoring the Class AA boys 1600 sprint medley on the third day of the state track and field championships on May 28 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.
The Raiders junior was simply outstanding this season, going undefeated in every single in-state event he participated in, winning four state titles and breaking a handful of South Dakota records.
At State, Birnbaum won the 1600-meter run (4:14.85), 3200 (9:27.13), 800 (1:51.03) and anchored Stevens' winning sprint medley team (3:32.00).
He broke the South Dakota state record in the 1600 with a time of 4:06.51, the 3200 with a time of 8:55.22 and the 800 with a time of 1:50.12.
Earlier this month, Birnbaum competed among national competition and won the 1-mile run at the Brooks PR Invitational, breaking the four-minute mark with a time of 3:59.51, and his sprint medley squad — comprised of Tanner Lunders, Justin Juniel and Alex Otten — placed first at the Nike Outdoor Nationals with a time of 3:25.12.
Field Athlete of the Year: Brayden Delahoyde, Spearfish
Spearfish's Brayden Delahoyde clears the bar to win the Class AA high jump during the second day of the state track and field championships May 27 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.
The Spartans sophomore finished off an undefeated season in the high jump by winning the event at the state meet with a leap of 6 feet, 7 inches, tying his personal record.
Delahoyde won the high jump in all eight events he competed in. He also competed in Spearfish's 4x400 relay at State, and ran in the 200, 400 and 4x200 during the season.
Jaden Guthmiller, Spearfish
Spearfish's Jaden Guthmiller wins the Class AA boys 200 meter dash on the third day of the state track and field championships May 28 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.
The Spartans junior claimed the sprint double at the state meet this spring, winning the 100 (10.91) and 200 (22.26).
Guthmiller, who broke several school and meets records, placed first in the 100 at five events this season, recording a personal best of 10.45 seconds, while winning the 200 four events and recording a personal best of 21.74.
Aidan Hedderman, Spearfish
The Spartans sophomore won the 110 hurdles with a time of 15.13 seconds, beating Tanner Lunders of Stevens by .26 seconds.
Hedderman, who won five 110 hurdles events during the season, also tied for fifth in the pole vault with a mark of 13 feet even.
Jason Maciejczak, Douglas
The Patriots junior turned in runner-up performances in both the shot put and discus at the state meet.
Maciejczak won the shot put at four meets this season, recording a personal best throw of 59 feet, 5 inches, and won the discus at six meets, recording a personal best throw of 175 feet, 8 inches.
Julian Scott, Rapid City Stevens; Alex Otten, Rapid City Stevens; Tanner Lunders, Rapid City Stevens; Beck Morgan, Rapid City Stevens; Dawson Craig, Spearfish; Keenan Urdiales, Spearfish; Isaac Flanegan, Rapid City Central
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2022-07-16T14:24:16Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Best of the West: Class AA Boys Track & Field | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/best-of-the-west-class-aa-boys-track-field/article_a7703254-137b-532a-a9d3-80b8160249ab.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/best-of-the-west-class-aa-boys-track-field/article_a7703254-137b-532a-a9d3-80b8160249ab.html
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Badlands Astronomy Festival to take place July 29-31
Stars move across the sky above the east end of the Badlands National Park in December 2014.
The 2022 Badlands Astronomy Festival will be held July 29-31, bringing together space and science professionals, amateur astronomers, educators and visitors for a three-day celebration of the night sky, the sun and the wonder of space exploration.
Nestled in a corner of the Great Plains far from light pollution, the Badlands offers visitors dazzling views of the night sky. The free event, co-sponsored by Badlands National Park and NASA South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, will include public star parties, with family-friendly events and activities throughout the day.
Events will include a scale model solar system tour and walk, solar telescope viewing, public stargazing activities, static displays and a variety of guest speakers, to include a presentation on the Hubble and James Webb telescopes.
Telescopes will be provided by astronomers from the Black Hills Astronomical Society, Badlands National Park, Dark Ranger Telescope Tours and the University of Utah for day and night observations, according to a National Parks Service press release. The event will also include equipment demonstrations by professional and amateur astronomers.
The schedule of events begins Friday, July 29, with a planet walk from 1:30-3 p.m., meeting in front of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center Theater in Interior. The planet walk will take place Saturday and Sunday, as well, at the same time.
From 3-5 p.m. each day will be a “Sun Fun Solar Observing” event, where visitors can view solar flares and sunspots through a special telescope, along with various other sun-based activities.
Evenings will begin with speakers each night at 9 p.m. at the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater — Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Friday’s speaker will feature Tom Durkin of NASA Space Grant Consortium, South Dakota School of Mines, Rapid City, called “Journey to the Stars with NASA’s Space Telescopes: Hubble and James Webb.” The presentation, according to the NPS website, will take audiences on a virtual trip into space passing by the sun, several of the planets in our solar system, exploding stars and nebulae within the Milky Way Galaxy, and “galaxies far far away.”
Saturday’s speaker will be Megan Ostrenga, The Journey Museum, Rapid City, speaking on “Western Skies and Lakota Star Knowledge.” Ostrenga’s talk will focus on constellations from both a Western and Lakota perspective, including the history of constellations, how to find them and corresponding star stories.
Sunday will close with Kevin Poe, Dark Ranger Telescope Tours, Bryce Canton, Utah. Poe’s talk, entitled “Just 42!,” will center on the science of astronomy, providing attendees with 42 things to learn about before understanding the entire universe, the NPS website said.
Nightly presentations will be followed by hands-on experience with multiple state-of-the-art telescopes and amateur astronomers providing constellation tours, said the NPS press release.
This free event is made possible through funding and support from the Badlands Natural History Association, NASA South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, Dark Ranger Telescope Tours, Black Hills Astronomical Society, The Journey Museum and Learning Center, International Dark Sky Association, University of Utah, Badlands National Park Conservancy, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site and Badlands National Park.
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2022-07-16T16:22:25Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Badlands Astronomy Festival to take place July 29-31 | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/badlands-astronomy-festival-to-take-place-july-29-31/article_a5231462-0461-5949-9b21-bdfaf4a3e28d.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/badlands-astronomy-festival-to-take-place-july-29-31/article_a5231462-0461-5949-9b21-bdfaf4a3e28d.html
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Over at the Chadron Community Gardens in the 800 block of West Sixth Street, it’s not just vegetables that are being planted. Through the local DOVES program, Hands for Growing is giving sixth, seventh and eighth grade students a chance to sow the seeds for healthy relationships.
Trinity Kimmel, a prevention and education specialist with the DOVES program, explained this program actually began in the Sidney DOVES office a couple years ago, but this is the first year Chadron’s been able to do it and she’s very happy to see it in place.
The basic principle behind the program, Kimmel explained, is to show the similarities between gardening and having healthy relationships. She further explained the program starts off with some activities to get to know the students. This provides an opportunity to learn their personalities and how she might connect with them.
After a couple of these activities, the gardening begins. Students get to pick out all of the plants — with some suggestions from Kimmel on what would survive best. Final selections were carrots, poppies, wildflowers, strawberries, watermelon and sunflowers. Using the example of plants needing healthy dirt to thrive, Kimmel explains how foundations can be prepped for friendships or relationships.
The dirt in Nebraska is very dry and clay-like, Kimmel noted, so she and the students had to determine what could be done to make it a better foundation for plants. In the same way, she discusses how foundations for relationships can be improved.
Since the ages of the students means not many have had relationships, Kimmel emphasized this applies to friendships as well.
Though extra dirt was brought in to provide more nutrients for the plants’ foundations, Kimmel noted there was still a lot of weeds that needed to be pulled. Using this, she spoke to the students about boundaries. Though weeds are not really harmful, she said, they are invading the other plants’ space and if left unchecked won’t allow opportunity for anything else to grow.
The students, she said, “had some good examples about their friendships and the negative things their friends were going through, so it’s really cool to see the connections.”
Kimmel has been appreciative of everyone who’s helped get the program off the ground, including the City of Chadron for donating the plot, library staff for providing wildflowers seeds and other gardeners who have helped till and water. She hopes to get the program started earlier next year, though there is still time for students to get involved this year. Hands for Growing is every Thursday at the Community Gardens from 9-11 a.m., through Aug. 11
Chadron Community Gardens
Sidney Doves
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2022-07-16T18:11:24Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Program promotes healthy relationships | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/program-promotes-healthy-relationships/article_c2994592-d3b5-5602-8323-6eacdc81d4ed.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/program-promotes-healthy-relationships/article_c2994592-d3b5-5602-8323-6eacdc81d4ed.html
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Curt Holmquist, who was a teacher and coach at Chadron High School for 37 ½ years and continues to live in Chadron, will soon receive a special award. He will be presented the Nebraska Coaches Association’s Ken Cook Award for 2022 during the association’s annual Awards and Recognition Banquet in Lincoln on Sunday, July 24.
He will be the 16th recipient of the award, and the first from west of Lexington. The selection is made by the NCA’s board of directors to recognize coaches “who have made lasting contributions to Nebraska high schools in Girls’ Basketball.”
Ken Cook, for whom the award is named, was a highly successful football and girls’ basketball coach at Adams High School, later renamed Freeman High.
A native of Ravenna, Neb., Holmquist has a quick short summery pertaining to his life and career. “I fell in love with Chadron when I came to attend Chadron State and never left.” That was in the fall of 1971, more than 50 years ago. However, after his freshman year at CSC, he was drafted into the Army, and served two years before returning to college in the fall of ’74.
Holmquist was a math major and also had a history minor. He has primarily taught math throughout his career, including the last five years at Pine Ridge High School.
For the first 34 years he was at Chadron High—until the administration insisted he give up one of the sports--he also coached three sports each year, often as the head coach
He was the head volleyball coach five years, the head girls’ basketball coach 24 years, the girls’ golf coach 16 years and the boys’ golf coach six years. He also was an assistant volleyball coach both before and after he was the head coach from the 1989 through the 1993 seasons.
His basketball teams finished with a 316-197 record.
At Ravenna High, Holmquist was a starter on the basketball team as a senior and the golf team for three years. He did not play any varsity sports in college, but participated in intramurals and took nearly all the coaching techniques courses CSC offered.
Holmquist said he was completing his student teaching in Rushville under Chadron native Chuck Cogdill in the fall of 1976 when he learned the Chadron Middle School was looking for a math teacher. He had planned to return to CSC in the spring to take what he calls “fun classes.” But since he had attended two summer sessions he had enough credits to graduate, was interviewed and accepted the job when it was offered to him. He received his degree in May 1977.
He spent his first year and a half at the Chadron Middle School and was one of four teachers to move from there to the high school in the fall of 1979 when the ninth graders also made that transition.
Holmquist recalls that during his first semester in the Chadron Schools he helped Rob Wahlstrom with track and field, doubling the size of that sport’s coaching staff. He continued as a track and field assistant until the spring of 2006, when he took over as the boys’ golf coach after Dick Stein stepped down from that sport.
Holmquist remained as the boys’ golf mentor until the 2011-12 school year when it was decided he should not be the head coach for three sports. He began his 24-year tenure as the girls’ basketball coach in 1990-91, replacing J.C. Nemecek, and became the girls’ golf coach in 1998 after Buck Edwards retired.
Holmquist’s first basketball team had a 3-14 record, but the Lady Cardinals were 12-9 the next season and made their first trip to the state tournament in March 1992. Sixteen of his 24 hoops teams had winning records.
He took his second team to state in 1995-96, after it had lost its first 11 games. But it won the last two regular-season games and the district tournament to earn the trip to Lincoln. The Lady Cardinals were the eighth seed and lost to top-seeded Battle Creek 68-29 in the opening round.
The next year the Cards defeated Bennington in the first round at state and were ranked No. 6 in Class C-1 at the end of the season.
In 1999-2000, the Cardinals did even better while playing their games at state extra close. They edged Tri-County 59-56 and Superior 42-41 before being nipped by Arlington 36-34 in the championship tilt. The World-Herald ranked them No. 2.
Holmquist’s basketball teams also went to state in 2004-05, 2005-06 and the last three years he coached the sport. The 2011-12 and 2012-13 teams won their first games in Lincoln and finished fourth in Class C-1 both years.
All told, nine of his girls’ teams reached the state tournament. His final three had a cumulative 68-13 record and each earned Class C-1 top 10 rankings from the Omaha and Lincoln newspapers.
Each of his last five girls’ golf teams also qualified for the state tournament.
During his tenure as the basketball coach, he opened the gym in the summers for his players so they could hone their skills and took the teams to numerous camps. That meant he had to be one of the busiest people in town, but he never seemed stressed, in a hurry or out of sorts.
When he retired, Holmquist said he had enjoyed being so involved in both high school and community activities. “I can honestly say I enjoyed every second I spent with the faculty members and the kids,” he stated with his ever-present grin.
Holmquist met his wife Mary at Chadron State. He notes they had “a cafeteria romance.” Both were working there in the fall of 1974 when he returned from his hitch in the military and they started dating.
The couple has three children, all of whom became greatly involved in his coaching activities. They are Dionne, Courtney and Alec.
All three of the children began accompanying their dad to the gym or fields when they were toddlers and spent countless hours with him when they were growing up.
The oldest, Dionne, was the runner-up at the state golf tournament as a sophomore in the fall of 1990, but gave up that sport and played on her dad’s volleyball teams as a junior and senior. She also was a standout on his basketball team that qualified for the state basketball tournament in 1992 and placed fourth in the Class B discus at the state meet her senior year in 1993. She also lettered in both volleyball and golf at Chadron State.
Courtney also played golf for the Cardinals and was a statkeeper for her dad’s basketball teams. Her dad recalls that even when she was a kindergartner when her school day was over, she merely crossed the street and joined him in the Middle School Gym where he was coaching volleyball.
“She was always bouncing or kicking a ball,” he recalls.
Alec was a three-sport standout, starring as a wide receiver, cornerback and return specialist for the football team, was a starting guard on the basketball teams that reached the state championship games in 2009 and 2010 and a sprinter on the track team.
Some of Alec’s highlights included winning the regional Punt, Pass and Kick competition in Greeley, when he was 12 years old. He also holds the Chadron High record for most 3-pointers in a season with 82 in 2008-09, one more than Vonsinh Sayaloune sank in 2014-15.
All three lived in the Denver area for several years, but both girls have returned to their hometown.
Dionne is the manager of Homer’s Eagles Roost, which is a hemp-derived program. Nickie Stowell, formerly of Gordon, works with her.
Courtney is a pharmacy tech at Peterson’s Drug. Courtney’s husband, Craig Steward, is a firefighter in the Denver area, who commutes to Chadron when he’s off-duty. Their son, Roco, is 6 and is his grandpa’s buddy. The couple’s second child is due this month.
Alec remains in Colorado and is a property manager for a large mortgage company in the Longmont-Boulder area. He also is striving to develop an audio engineering firm and become a music producer for the electronic media.
Mary works part-time at the Pine Ridge Job Corps Center.
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2022-07-16T18:11:30Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Curt Holmquist to receive special coaching award | Sports | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/sports/curt-holmquist-to-receive-special-coaching-award/article_0ef1e645-e14e-5f77-a4bc-f07c13ecb237.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/sports/curt-holmquist-to-receive-special-coaching-award/article_0ef1e645-e14e-5f77-a4bc-f07c13ecb237.html
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On July 11, 2022, the United States Forest Service released a draft decision for gold exploration by F3 Gold, LLC, a gold exploration/mining company based in Minnesota.
The draft decision found “no significant impact” for the company’s exploration proposal, permitted the company to construct up to 47 drill pad sites, and approved a depth of up to 6,000 feet for boreholes.
There’s no indication of whether the holes will be vertical or at an angle on this six-acre site in the Jenny Gulch area of Pactola Reservoir. Conceivably, some boreholes could extend below Pactola Reservoir, as the drill area is less than a half mile from Pactola, and the company owns mineral leases that include portions of Pactola Reservoir.
The USFS cited the General Mining Act of 1872 as justification for the draft decision, but we can all agree Rapid City has changed substantially over the last 150 years.
F3 Gold is not the only foreign interest that believes that an open pit, heap leach gold mine in the Rapid Creek drainage of the Black Hills is a great idea. Mineral Mountain Resources is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, and currently is conducting exploratory drilling in the Rochford area. This company’s website reveals they are down-right giddy over the prospects of an open pit gold mine directly within the upper Rapid Creek drainage - the source of water recharge for Pactola Reservoir and both aquifers that provide Rapid City's drinking water.
Whether or not the mineral exploration of these and other entities present an immediate, significant environmental impact to the Black Hills is open to debate. What is not debatable are the potentially catastrophic consequences an open pit gold mine in or near the Rapid Creek drainage would pose to Pactola Reservoir and ultimately Rapid City.
A typical open pit, heap leach gold mine utilizes toxic chemicals, including cyanide, to extract gold from the mined ore. Some of the cyanide and other toxins are accumulated in holding ponds, while the remainder migrates into the surrounding soil and ultimately the groundwater. The accumulated mine tailings are a constant source of acid drainage into the soil and groundwater.
History has proven that these holding ponds often break, releasing their toxic sludge into adjoining lands and waterways. In 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency attempted to clean up the Gold King Mine in Colorado. The cleanup went poorly and 3 million gallons of orange, toxic wastewater was released into the Animas River, which decimated much of the aquatic life in the river. Should a gold mine be permitted in the Rochford area, studies have shown that a similar discharge of toxins into upper Rapid Creek from a holding pond or otherwise would reach Pactola Reservoir in 28 minutes.
The Black Hills are not without their own history of environmental disasters caused by gold mines, though the suggestion is we should now allow history to repeat itself in the upper Rapid Creek Watershed. The Whitewood Creek Superfund Site covers an 18-mile stretch of Whitewood Creek in Lawrence, Butte, and Meade Counties. Homestake Mine was identified as the responsible party for the contamination. For decades, this stretch of Whitewood Creek has been nearly devoid of any significant aquatic life and according to some is just now beginning to recover. In 1999, the Canadian-based Brohm Mining Company abandoned their open pit Gilt Edge gold mine in Lead, leaving behind 150 million gallons of heavy metal-laden toxic sludge in 3 waste ponds. The heavy metal toxins present in this wastewater include arsenic, thallium, copper, selenium, zinc, and lead. The bond posted by this Canadian company was completely inadequate and the nearly $89 million of clean-up costs were passed on to the taxpayers.
There is only one reason these companies are exploring for gold, and that is simply for a financial profit. I believe they do not have the best intentions for our beautiful Black Hills. The time has come for a frank and honest discussion of the benefits versus the burden of a gold mine in the Rapid Creek drainage, and the potentially catastrophic consequences it could have on Rapid City.
In February 2020 the Rapid City Common Council passed a resolution opposing gold exploration and mining in the Rapid Creek Watershed. Rapid City currently owns 89% of the water rights in the Pactola Reservoir and has a vested interest in maintaining the water quality of this primary source of potable water for the city. South Dakota has invested millions of dollars in recent years to attract tourism and businesses to this state. The absurd suggestion that an open pit or any other type of gold mine in the Rapid Creek Watershed is a risk worth taking should be addressed now before the next proposal from one of these foreign interests is to begin mining operations.
Laura B. Armstrong, MS, CCC, SLP, represents Ward 5 on the Rapid City Common Council.
Samuel Blackstone
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2022-07-16T18:11:37Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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ARMSTRONG: Gold mining risk isn't worth taking | Opinion | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/opinion/armstrong-gold-mining-risk-isnt-worth-taking/article_592b1b2e-0177-5f38-9d14-1f50c8de6321.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/opinion/armstrong-gold-mining-risk-isnt-worth-taking/article_592b1b2e-0177-5f38-9d14-1f50c8de6321.html
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Spearfish Post 164 blown out by Sheridan
Spearfish Post 164 gave up 14 hits and seven walks in a 17-1 loss to Sheridan on the road Saturday afternoon.
Kaidon Feyereisen recorded the only multi-hit performance of the game for Spearfish (13-35 overall, 5-19 in South Dakota), going 2 for 3 with a double and scoring his team's lone run. Hogan Tystad also picked up a double and earned the lone RBI in a game that was played in its entirety.
Tystad also served as the starting pitcher and lasted 2 1/3 innings, surrendering four runs on two hits and three walks with one strikeout. Feyereisen entered in relief and gave up five runs on four hits without recording an out, followed by Noah Mollman, who allowed five runs on two hits in 1 1/3, Cody Chapman, who gave up three runs on five hits in 1 1/3 and Aiden Haught, who threw the final 2/3 innings without allowing a run.
Tystad
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2022-07-17T01:04:48Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Spearfish Post 164 blown out by Sheridan | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/spearfish-post-164-blown-out-by-sheridan/article_7c238880-f67c-5156-a3db-e2e3c7e0e6a7.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/spearfish-post-164-blown-out-by-sheridan/article_7c238880-f67c-5156-a3db-e2e3c7e0e6a7.html
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The new Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) will keep all major courses of study intact and foster increased multidisciplinary collaboration between students and faculty researchers.
South Dakota Mines is merging the Departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering into one department.
Jeff McGough, Ph.D., professor and current department head of computer science and engineering, will lead the new EECS department.
“We are very excited about the merger,” says McGough. “It will allow greater collaboration between faculty and students. We will have more opportunities for interdisciplinary projects and enhance our support for our students.”
Modern technology, whether it be artificial intelligence, machine learning, avionics, or designing a new smart electrical grid, requires multidisciplinary collaboration. Mines’ new EECS department will foster connections between faculty and students to best leverage both innovation and research funding.
"Electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science as majors are a natural fit together here on campus and out in industry. Our students will be able to take advantage of a broad range of classes to tailor their degree to their interests and abilities, all while staying in one department," says Tom Montoya, Ph.D., associate professor and current interim head of the Department of Electrical Engineering.
Mines’ world-class education in these fields of study will continue, and students in the new EECS department will see no change to their coursework in undergraduate and graduate programs, minors or specializations. The merger will make it easier for students to double major or pursue minors across the programs. Students will also find enhanced research and team-based problem-solving opportunities that more closely mirror the modern industry environment where multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists and professionals work toward the same goal.
“This merger brings two already strong academic departments together to make the programs even stronger, which will greatly benefit our students. It also increases efficiency and saves resources while maximizing our collaboration potential. I am excited to see the innovation and research opportunities that will emerge from this reorganization,” says Mines President Jim Rankin.
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2022-07-17T17:43:28Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Mines merges Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Computer Engineering | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/mines-merges-electrical-engineering-computer-science-and-computer-engineering/article_3bd41597-e331-5656-accf-a46f25f76530.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/mines-merges-electrical-engineering-computer-science-and-computer-engineering/article_3bd41597-e331-5656-accf-a46f25f76530.html
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High Hawk to remain in jail pending murder trial per attorney agreement
Both Eugene Acorn High Hawk’s defense attorney and the government's federal prosecutor agreed Monday to continue the detainment of the man charged with the first-degree murder of 18-year-old Dominick Jealous of Him, of Wounded Knee.
Jealous of Him’s family found him in Wounded Knee Creek a day after his June 24 murder. He was beaten to death. High Hawk’s son, Spencer High Hawk, is also charged with first-degree murder.
Two U.S. Marshals escorted 59-year-old High Hawk from the Pennington County Jail into the Rapid City federal courtroom for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman.
Prior to the judge arriving, High Hawk communicated with his lawyer, Alecia Fuller, by writing on a piece of paper. Jealous of Him’s family, who are related to High Hawk, said he had throat cancer, which rendered him unable to speak. This report is consistent with High Hawk’s choice of communication and hole in his throat.
The hearing was brief, lasting only one minute. The defense consenting to the detention order does not remove High Hawk’s right for he and his counsel to craft a pretrial release plan and present it to the judge at a later date, Wollman noted.
High Hawk is also charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon for assaulting Jealous of Him’s friend, who was present the night of the murder and fled the scene with severe wounds. The Journal is not reporting the friend’s name, as it is redacted from court documents.
High Hawk is facing a mandatory sentence of life in prison if convicted on the murder charge. He was arrested in Pine Ridge for the charges on July 11. The federal court issued a warrant on July 6.
A jury trial is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sept. 20, unless High Hawk reaches a plea agreement with the government by the Sept. 2 deadline. Spencer High Hawk is subject to the same deadline.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair is prosecuting the case.
Daneta Wollman
Kelsey Blair
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2022-07-18T21:44:19Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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High Hawk to remain in jail pending murder trial per attorney agreement | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/high-hawk-to-remain-in-jail-pending-murder-trial-per-attorney-agreement/article_22956571-3daa-5971-a16e-e15d731afe2d.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/high-hawk-to-remain-in-jail-pending-murder-trial-per-attorney-agreement/article_22956571-3daa-5971-a16e-e15d731afe2d.html
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United Way Stuff the Bus school supply drive underway
SCOTTSBLUFF – United Way of Western Nebraska’s “Stuff the Bus” is gearing up to help area school children. Stuff the Bus is United Way’s annual school supply drive to help local children and their families that may be unable to purchase the necessary school supplies for the school year. The public is encouraged to donate new schools supplies or make a monetary donation. The drive runs July 18 through August 5 with the mission to help local kids with school supplies. Donations of crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks and other school supplies are welcome to be dropped off at any of the ten drop off locations throughout the Nebraska Panhandle. Locations include: the United Way Offices in Scottsbluff and Alliance, Target in Scottsbluff, Gering Fire Department, City Hall in Mitchell, Chadron Fire Department, City Hall in Crawford, CAPWN in Sidney and WNCC in Alliance and Sidney. Monetary donations are welcome at uwwn.org/bus.
United Way of Western Nebraska is a nonprofit organization that unites people and resources to build a stronger, healthier and more compassionate community. They support 27 local nonprofit agencies in the areas of education, health and financial stability. They have been reinvesting in Western Nebraska since their inception in 1945. For more information, visit www.uwwn.org.
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2022-07-18T23:51:33Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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United Way Stuff the Bus school supply drive underway | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/united-way-stuff-the-bus-school-supply-drive-underway/article_9ea5d08e-2d80-5a2f-aab5-f0658499346f.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/united-way-stuff-the-bus-school-supply-drive-underway/article_9ea5d08e-2d80-5a2f-aab5-f0658499346f.html
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Rush trade Dillon Kelley to Kansas City
Utah's Mason Mannek (26) takes a shot on the Rush goalie Dillon Kelley during Game 3 of Mountain Division Finals series May 9 at The Monument Ice Arena.
The Rapid City Rush announced Monday that goalie Dillon Kelley has been traded back to the Kansas City Mavericks in exchange for future considerations.
Kelley, a 27-year-old Saginaw, Michigan native, was originally acquired by the Rush via trade from the Mavericks on Jan. 12 and appeared in 14 regular season games. He went 9-2-0 with a 2.98 goals-against average, .910 save percentage and received his first career AHL call-up while in Rapid City.
He made one start in the Kelly Cup Playoffs, surrendering six goals in a Game 3 loss to the Utah Grizzlies in the Mountain Division Finals series.
Kelley, a member of the Rush's season-ending roster, was tendered a qualifying offer by the team in advance of the June 30 deadline and had yet to sign for the 2022-23 season.
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2022-07-18T23:51:33Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Rush trade Dillon Kelley to Kansas City | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/rush-trade-dillon-kelley-to-kansas-city/article_9e9a6e5c-78a9-5598-909a-42d193cb4f16.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/rush-trade-dillon-kelley-to-kansas-city/article_9e9a6e5c-78a9-5598-909a-42d193cb4f16.html
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Margaret Susan “Peggy Sue” (Edelblute) Ables was born July 17, 1942 in Topeka, KS. She rode off into her final sunset after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at Monument Health Home Plus Hospice House, three days shy of her 80th birthday.
In the 1980s, Peggy began the next phase of her construction career in estimating and management. She worked as an electrical estimator for Amelco Electric, in Topeka. Then she moved on to be an estimator, project manager, and eventually ran a satellite operation for Andrews & Walshire asphalt construction company of Topeka. All of the positions were groundbreaking for a woman to occupy at that time.
She was the executive director at the High Plains Western Heritage Center from 2001–2016. It was a perfect fit with her lifelong interests in western history, rodeo, art and country music.
Thankful for having shared in her life are her only child, Letti Lister, son-in-law Scott, grandson Christopher and granddaughter Madiera, all of Spearfish; her sister Sally Short and brother-in-law Richard, Topeka, KS; nephew Rick and Lori Vorhies and their family, Olathe, KS. She was preceded in death by her mother, father and brother.
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2022-07-19T01:49:47Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Margaret Susan “Peggy Sue” (Edelblute) Ables | Obituaries | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/obits/margaret-susan-peggy-sue-edelblute-ables/article_7ec1a0d0-7a5d-59b1-b87a-4df254c68915.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/obits/margaret-susan-peggy-sue-edelblute-ables/article_7ec1a0d0-7a5d-59b1-b87a-4df254c68915.html
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Aaron Tracy Martin
DENVER, CO - It is with deepest sorrow that we announce our beloved son, brother, family member and friend.
Aaron Tracy Martin passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 5, 2022, in Denver, Colorado.
Aaron was born June 15, 1989, in Rapid City, SD. where he graduated from Central High School. Aaron had attended both Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO and Denver University in Denver, CO.
Aaron will be extremely missed by his father Rodney J. Martin, mother Joan S. Martin and brother Andrew Martin,along with his extended family, friends, and co-workers. His joys were being with friends, camping, snowboarding, playing soccer, along with enjoying many concerts and all the animals in his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Denver Colorado and will be announced at a later date.
The internment will be held in Spearfish, SD.
In lieu of flowers we hope to honor Aaron with donations and gifts for the children in the Children's Hospital, Colorado for the Kidney Center in Denver.
Donations and gifts can be given throughwww.supportchildrenscolorado.org/donate
There is an option to note Aaron's name in the gift notes at the bottom of the page.
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2022-07-19T05:32:13Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Aaron Tracy Martin | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/aaron-tracy-martin/article_1ccdd321-b20a-54ed-8a9e-cf16f09d9c25.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/aaron-tracy-martin/article_1ccdd321-b20a-54ed-8a9e-cf16f09d9c25.html
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For this week’s Bands on Bordeaux event, it’s time to hear from across the Pond with some songs from one of the most well-known bands in the world, The Beatles.
According to their online page, The Abbey Road Band has been performing their Beatles Tribute since 2002. During that time, the group has been privileged to perform at many events, large and small. They are well known for their "rooftop concerts" during the annual Kool Deadwood Nights car rally and show.
The band has performed with The Grass Roots, Bobby Vee, The Beach Boys, and Asleep at the Wheel. In 2004, they opened the weeklong concert series at the Buffalo Chip Campground during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. They've performed at the Central States Fair in Rapid City, and on the Freedom Stage at the State Fair in Huron, S.D.
Also in 2004, the group was invited to perform at the annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks display at Mount Rushmore National Memorial for a crowd of over 30,000 people.
Monte Madison takes on the role of Paul McCartney Like most Beatles fans, that famous performance on the Ed Sullivan Show began the beginning of Madison's admiration for the Beatles and their new approach to music in the U.S. It wasn't until the release of the "Let it Be" album that he became a die-hard Beatles fan.
Madison is the founder of the Abbey Road Band as well as its musical director. He has over 40 years of experience in the music industry, as a musician, vocalist, producer, recording engineer, and live sound technician. He has performed in successful regional bands such as Ivory, Straw Dogs, and The Larry King Country Music Show. His favorite though, was performing in the band Madison Ave alongside his lovely wife, Rita. When not playing in the band, you will find Monte providing sound systems and engineering for events throughout the Black Hills region.
Mark Theissen, who is George Harrison, stated, “I like to think that my connection to George Harrison goes back a long way. The year I was born — 1956 — was the same year he got his first guitar. The day I was born — February 6 — was the same day, in 1958, that he performed for the first time with John Lennon and Paul McCartney in a band called The Quarrymen.
“I suppose my only real connection to 'the quiet Beatle' is my love of the guitar and my absolute obsession with the music The Beatles made. They provided the soundtrack of my childhood and it felt great. Today, when the Abbey Road Band plays, all I want is for our audience to feel what I felt — and still feel — when I listen to them.”
Larry Galbraith, aka John Lennon, stated, “I was nine years old when the Beatles played the Ed Sullivan show. The seed was planted. My parents bought me a guitar and a Beatles music book and I started practicing. At age 17 I was in my first band, "Freeflite." Six years later I helped form the band "Asia."
“Both bands toured the Midwest and played concerts with national acts such as Styx, REO Speedwagon, Headeast, Nazareth and Foghat. Asia recorded two albums and was inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. All the bands I have played with these past 5 decades have played a few Beatles songs. Now it's all Beatles. Perfect!”
Jason Monroe is Ringo Starr. Monroe grew up in Pierre, S.D., and now resides in Spearfish. As a musician, he has an extensive past in singing and drumming, with a smattering of piano and guitar. Mostly, he has played in rock bands, so he naturally couldn't pass up the opportunity to play The Beatles' famous rock hits.
In addition, his past schooling in literature has led to being an editor for an online publication called An Unexpected Journal. Some of his loves and hobbies are singing, drumming, church volunteering, reading, writing, and hiking. Ever since hearing The Beatles, he has been hooked on songs like “Paperback Writer,” “We Can Work it Out” and “Day Tripper.” He may not sit as high on his drum throne as the great Ringo Starr, but he can play most of his drum parts.
The Abbey Road Band takes the stage on Thursday, July 21, on East First Street near Railroad Park.
Jason Monroe
Abbey Road Band
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2022-07-22T07:17:51Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Fab Four coming to Chadron | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/fab-four-coming-to-chadron/article_0e7aa371-26cf-5393-a256-e4e51a2b1598.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/fab-four-coming-to-chadron/article_0e7aa371-26cf-5393-a256-e4e51a2b1598.html
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After having three of its last four regular-season games rained out, Chadron’s First National Bank of Omaha baseball team will begin play in the District Tournament in Ogallala on Friday night.
The pairings had not been announced as of Tuesday morning prior to the Record’s deadline, but it was anticipated that Chadron will tangle with Alliance in the second of two games to be played Friday night in Ogallala. The first game was expected to pit Gering against Sidney. Host Ogallala figured to be the No. 1 seed and receive a first-round bye.
The tournament will continue through Tuesday, July 26. Alliance is the defending district champion.
The Chadron Seniors were slated to host Alliance on Thursday, July 7 in what would have been the Nationals’ final home game of the season. However, a heavy shower forced both that game and the Juniors’ contest that was slated to open the double-header to be cancelled.
The Seniors played at Sidney on Thursday, July 14 and won 10-2, but a twin-bill slated for the afternoon of Saturday the 16th in Valentine was washed out just as the first game was beginning.
The Nationals were blanked through the first three innings at Sidney, but broke loose for six runs in the fourth and four in the fifth for the lopsided triumph.
Chadron had eight hits and drew six walks. Seth Gaswick had three of the hits, drove in three runs and went all five innings on the mound for the winners. He yielded four hits while striking out six and walking one. He hit two Sidney batters with pitches.
Jordan Bissonette had two hits for the Nats, including a double. One of Gaswick’s hits was a triple. Dalton Stewart, who has since left Chadron to join the Navy, scored twice and was the only National to reach home more than once.
Coach Kyle Sanders said his team will go to the district tourney with a 13-14 record.
Chadron Seniors
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2022-07-22T07:18:03Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Chadron Seniors to begin district play | Sports | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/sports/chadron-seniors-to-begin-district-play/article_58651b1a-45fe-58ee-8b92-e8ba29aa72ff.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/sports/chadron-seniors-to-begin-district-play/article_58651b1a-45fe-58ee-8b92-e8ba29aa72ff.html
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