Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media, Author at Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Mudcats’ State Tourney Ends in Quarterfinals

August 17, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids Mudcats had their trip to the 2020 South Dakota Class B Amateur Baseball Tournament end on Thursday, August 13th in Mitchell. The Mudcats were defeated by the eventual state champions Alexandria Angels.

The state tournament started on Wednesday, August 5th for the Mudcats. Dell Rapids opened the tournament against the Plankinton Bankers and moved to the next round with a 14-1 victory.

The Mudcats broke the game open in the fifth and sixth innings. Leading 1-0, Dell Rapids scored two times in the fifth inning and five more in the sixth to push their lead to 8-0. They went on to outscore Plankinton 6-1 over the final two innings to end the game on the 10-run rule.

Grant Olson had three hits and two RBIs in the game. Chad Hunt, Mark Houck, and Trevor Freudenthal all had two hits each. Jimmy Bauer, Josh Roemen, and Dan Gacke also had a hit. Bauer and Houck both had three RBIs in the game. Dalton Allen pitched seven innings giving up one earned run on three hits with one walk and eight strikeouts. John Spaeth pitched the final inning giving up no hits.

The Mudcats followed that win with another big win in the second round. Dell Rapids defeated Groton 14-0 on Sunday, August 9th in seven innings. Nine different players recorded a hit in the game. Roemen and Houck both had three hits each. Hunt, Freudenthal, Blake Svoboda, Elijah Story, and Mark Abrahamson all had two hits each. Bauer and Grant Olson both had a hit. Bauer, Roemen, Houck, Freudenthal, and Olson all had two RBIs each. Abrahamson pitched all seven innings giving up just one hit while striking out 11 batters.

Dell Rapids then fell to Alexandria 11-6 on Thursday, August 13th in the quarterfinal round. Alexandria jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings. The Mudcats cut the lead to 3-1 after the third inning. The Angels tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the fourth to lead 6-1. The Mudcats tried to keep it close by getting two runs in the top of the fifth, but Alexandria responded with five in the bottom of the inning to lead 11-3. Dell Rapids rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth.

Bauer and Roemen both had two hits and two RBIs. Olson also had two hits. Houck had a hit with two RBIs. Hunt and Abrahamson both finished with a hit in the game. Allen pitched 4 2/3 innings giving up 11 runs, six earned, on nine hits with three strikeouts. Spaeth pitched 3 1/3 innings giving no hits while striking out five batters.

Clare Robert “Bob” Ollerich

August 17, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Clare Robert “Bob” Ollerich, 89, of Dell Rapids passed away on August 13, 2020. His Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 p.m. – 7: 00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2020 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids with the Christian Wake Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. and a rosary to follow. www.kahlerfh.com

Bob was born in Tea, SD on June 22, 1931 to August and Elizabeth Ollerich. His mother passed away from childbirth. His grandmother Louise, grandfather Paul and his Uncle Bill raised him. They farmed near Tea, SD until he entered the Army in 1952. He served in Korea with the 293rd Grave Registration as a mortician. He met Phyllis Walsh at the Arkota Dance Hall, where they enjoyed dancing the night away. They were married on April 27, 1954. They ranched at Marvin, SD., as well as farmed in Tea and Garretson. Bob and Phyllis raised 8 wonderful children. They purchased the Sioux Falls Livestock Auction Co. After selling the Livestock Auction Co. they purchased a ranch at Marvin, SD. In 1965 he started the Ollerich Trucking Co. He was a cattle order buyer at the Sioux Falls Stockyards for 30 years. He was also a cattle buyer for Hurley Livestock of Spearfish, SD. He was a partner of Brian Long Cattle Co. of Buffalo, WY for 33 years. He was excited to fly in his Cessna airplane on livestock buying adventures. After farming near Garretson for 42 years he and his wife, Phyllis, retired to Dell Rapids, SD.

Bob loved to fish but most of the time he was baiting hooks and untangling lines for the grandkids. He spent time with the Longs salmon fishing in West Port, WA. He enjoyed sharing the salmon with family and neighbors. His eagle eye shot down many a ducks and geese. Once the kids were out of the house, Bob and Phyllis could be found gallivanting throughout the country. Whether it be to Vegas to see the Schreurs or traveling with Phyllis’ sister, Carol Kay, wherever she may have been along with visiting other family members. They fancied travelling to the Black Hills to play tourist and attend the Black Hills Stock Show; many times, bringing along their grandkids.

He is survived by Steve (Rhonda) Ollerich of Dell Rapids, SD, Timothy (Vickie) Ollerich of Heron Lake, MN, Beth (Kenny) Jessen of Avon Park, FL, Nancy (Dallas) Deranleau of Rapid City, Thomas of Hartford, Joleen (Dave) Ollerich of Rapid City, Lori Ollerich of Craig, CO, Brian Ollerich of Marvin, SD, 17 grandkids, and 22 great-grandkids, 2 great great-grandkids.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Elizabeth and August, wife, Phyllis Ollerich, granddaughter Brooke Ollerich, brothers Myron and Dr. Dwayne, sister, Vickie Ollerich.

State Tournament Run Ends for PBR

August 13, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dell Rapids PBR had their time at the 2020 South Dakota Class B Amateur Baseball Tournament end after two games. The tournament is being held at Cadwell Park in Mitchell through Saturday, August 15th.

PBR opened the state tournament against Milbank on Saturday, August 8th. They earned a 4-1 victory to advance to the second round. PBR got two runs in the top of the first inning, and that was all the offense they would need. The game started with three straight hits with Weston Hansen driving in two runs on a double. PBR would extend the lead to 3-0 after an RBI single by Aaron Hansen. W. Hansen drove in another run with an RBI groundout in the top of the seventh to push the lead to 4-0. Milbank got their only run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Carter Gullickson and Riley Hoffman both had two hits. W. Hansen had a hit with three RBIs. A. Hansen had a hit and an RBI. Tanner Solberg, Trey Randel, and Beau Behrend all had hits. Brett Mogen pitched the complete game giving up one earned run on four hits with three walks and nine strikeouts.

PBR then met Cornbelt League foe Canova on Tuesday, August 11th. With the score 2-1 in favor of Canova heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, the Gang scored nine times in the final four innings. Canova ended the game on the 10-run rule in the eighth inning at 11-1.

Canova got their first two runs in the bottom of the first inning, but PBR cut that lead in half in the top of the fourth inning. Nate McKee hit an RBI single to pull PBR within a run at 2-1. Canova, however, scored five times in the bottom of the fifth inning, one in the sixth inning, and the final three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning.

McKee finished with two hits and an RBI. Gullickson and Matt Gillogly had the other two hits for PBR. Tanner Olmstead pitched 3 1/3 innings giving up two earned runs on four hits with two strikeouts. Carver Hultgreen pitched an inning giving up five runs, all earned, on five hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Gillogly tossed 1 2/3 innings giving up an earned run on three hits and a strikeout. Randel pitched the final 1 1/3 innings giving up three runs, one earned, on three hits with one walk and one strikeout.

PBR finished with an overall record of 10-12, which includes the regular season, district tournament and state tournament.

Julie Packard

August 9, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Julie, a loving mother and friend to all whose lives she touched, on August 5, 2020. Her Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2020 at Quarry Rock Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation will be two hours prior to the start of the service. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com.

Julie Marie Jensen (Juls) was born on September 1, 1962 in Dell Rapids, SD, the daughter of Raymond and Darla (Partridge) Jensen. She grew up on a farm, outside of Dell Rapids and attended Dell Rapids High School. She married Roy Schwebach, to this union two children were born, Jeff and Rachael. She then married Ken Packard, to this union Mitch and Lacie were born. She founded Bear With Us in downtown Dell Rapids until she started farming. She remained on her farm until the time of her death.

Throughout Julie’s life, all the ups and downs, her relationship with God never weakened. Her greatest accomplishments were her children. All of which, have found success in their lives with the guidance and love of Julie. Her grandkids loved spending time with her on the farm. She was known as the “Fun Grandma” because of outside adventures, late bedtimes, and endless snacks. “Play in the dirt because life is too short.”

Julie enjoyed life through the simple pleasures. She loved her animals, being outside, bird watching and gardening. She was constantly reading and enjoying different hobbies like knitting, baking, and writing. She loved to watch food tutorials and the HGTV channel during her spare time. She had a love for anything sweet, especially donuts and vanilla Costco cake. One of her greatest hopes was to win the lottery, share her winnings with family and open a rescue animal petting zoo.

She is survived by her children, Jeff (Tylene) Schwebach of Dell Rapids, Rachael (Larry) Weissenburger of Sioux Falls, Mitchel (Rachel) Packard of Wentworth and Lacie Packard of Dell Rapids; her mother, Darla Jensen of Dell Rapids; her aunt, Darlene Kluth (Wayne) of Kirkland, WA; her four grandsons, Wyatt, Lawson, Deegan and Bridger, her two brothers, Scott (Lisa) Jensen of Dell Rapids and Jim (Tracy) Jensen of Trent; her nieces, Hannah and Addison and her extended family.

Phillip Baumberger

August 2, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Phillip James Baumberger, 25, of Indianapolis, IN passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at the University of Indiana Medical Center in Indianapolis after a battle with cancer.

There will be a public visitation for Phillip on Monday, August 3, 2020 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Omaha, NE (654 S 86th St, Omaha, NE 68114) from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. with the Christian Wake Service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

His Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at St. Joseph the Workman Catholic Church at Huntimer, SD. Visitation will be two hours prior to the start of the service. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Phillip James Baumberger was born on May 22, 1995 in Indianapolis, Indiana at St. Francis Hospital to James and Kathy (Schreurs) Baumberger. He grew up at the family business, Dakota Landing Golf Course, socializing, golfing, and working alongside his sister Janice. He attended Franklin Township schools in Indiana, Shattuck St Mary’s High School for one year in Minnesota, and then graduated from Lincoln East High School in Nebraska. He was awarded college golf and academic scholarships at the University of Nebraska Omaha, ultimately graduating with degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Spanish in 2019.

During college, Phillip’s passion for the truth motivated him to join the St. John Paul II Newman Center. Faith became the cornerstone of his life. On campus, Phillip could be found rushing to Knights of Columbus council meetings, running alongside Life Runners, supporting FOCUS ministries, or volunteering at Boys Town. He ultimately grew most passionate about pro-life work, leading him to become an apologist for the Abortion Dialogue Academy.

Phillip appreciated a good debate with his sister, and challenged his friends to develop a deeper level of thought. He also was recklessly generous, a trait he got from his mother. He enjoyed nature, sports, traveling, and being adventurous (often ending the adventure with a nap in a tree). His host brothers and sisters enticed him to travel Europe. He especially relished his study abroad time in Spain due to the value placed on family.

Throughout his nine-month battle with stage IV T-cell Lymphoma, he inspired many, especially his father, with his unwavering faith and trust in the Lord’s plan. Phillip has been described as “a bright light, an amazing soul, and a strong force.”

He passed away on July 29, 2020, preceded in death by his mother, his maternal grandmother, Shirley Schreurs and his paternal grandfather, Terry Baumberger, an aunt Kim Schreurs a cousin, Matthew Sweeney, an uncle Russ Sweeney.

He is survived by his father, sister Janice (Baumberger) Gerlach, brother-in-law Matthew Gerlach, and his new godson/nephew Declan Gerlach; his maternal grandfather, Duane Schreurs and his paternal grandmother, Dorothy Baumberger; his many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

Memorials may be sent to the: Phillip Baumberger Memorial Fund, 208 Bernadine Place, Hartford, SD 57033.

Dell Rapids Library Ready for Phase 2 Opening

July 31, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids Carnegie Public Library will be opening its doors to the public on Monday, August 3rd. The opening begins Phase 2 of their plans to get back to normal operations.

“We get to open back up to the public on Monday, August 3rd. It’s going to be a little different,” said library directory Brittany Moeller.

One of the biggest changes with the Phase 2 opening is a change in hours. The library will be open Mondays from 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and then open from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The library will also be open from 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month which will begin on September 5th.

Curbside service will continue with the Phase 2 opening. Face masks will be strongly encouraged, but not required. They will have masks available in the library. Computers will only be available for adults for non-recreational use only. The service for the books will be more of a grab and go service for now.

As the library staff gets ready for the opening on Monday, the summer reading program is coming to an end.

“It was a very interesting summer. We learned a lot of new skills. We learned how to use a GoPro, video editing, how to be comfortable in front of a camera or as comfortable as possible for us who are used to doing everything in front of an audience and having to pretend that they are there. I had a really good time though. I enjoyed being able to share my talents with the kids,” said Kinsey Griffin.

Moeller and Griffin indicated that the attendance for the summer programs, while all virtual, was still well attended and had people viewing their videos not only from Dell Rapids, but from many different locations. They said that numbers for the summer reading program were down this year, but better than expected with the situation. Moeller mentioned that when the finally tallies are complete for the reading logs, they anticipate to be close to about 400 participants.

The activities and crafts the library provided during the summer were also a success.

“We’ve gotten a lot of pictures and videos from parents of their kids. They’ve had a lot of fun with it, and it’s been fun for us to see those pictures because they are doing it, they are liking it, they’re having fun, so that’s been really fun just seeing them do the crafts or join us on our Zoom activities and getting to connect with them in that way,” said Moeller.

The library will be offering fall and winter programs starting in September, and those programs will have to be done virtually like the summer program was.

Follow the Dell Rapids Carnegie Public Library on Facebook and YouTube by clicking the links.

John Boever

July 31, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

John W. Boever died peacefully at his home in Dell Rapids, SD, on Tuesday, July 28, 2020. He was 90 years old. His Memorial Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2020 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. There will be a Rosary prayed at 10:00 a.m. prior to the mass. www.kahlerfh.com

John Wesley Boever was born on April 15, 1930 in Marcus, Iowa to John P. and Geraldine (Dickson) Boever. He was the oldest of thirteen children. He graduated from Holy Name High School and then from National Business Training. He received a degree in Accountancy from the University of South Dakota. During this time John also served in the Army Reserve. While in Vermillion at USD he met and married Dorothy Seiler on August 24, 1957.

John worked in area accounting firms before moving to Brookings, SD where he was initially employed as Chief Accountant at South Dakota State University. In 1966 he opened a Certified Accounting Office in Brookings, and continued doing accounting and tax work until 2006. At that time John and Dorothy moved to Dell Rapids and Highland, California to be near family.

John was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Brookings as well as Knights of Columbus, and the Lions Club. John was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids. He enjoyed home improvement projects, most notably painting buildings red, yardwork, and bowling. He enjoyed spending time with his family most of all.

John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy, his sons Larry, Joseph, William (Cathy), and Tony (Holly), his daughters, Ann (Robert), Katie (Steve), and Jane (Nic), nine grandchildren Nate, Patrick, Megan, Olivia, Nico, Casey, Matt, Maggie, and Nick, two step grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Kitty Galles (Jerry), Sherry Willis, Julie Mundell (Pete), DeAnna Beck (Jim), Mary Ewoldt (Art), and sisters-in-law Carol Boever, Karen Boever, Julie Boever, and Cathy Boever.

John is preceded in death by his parents, brothers William “Nubs”( and wife Ann), Dick, Gail, Tim, Steve, and sisters Peggy and infant Mary Estelle.

Dell Rapids Public Releases “Return to Learn” Plan

July 30, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids School Board held a special meeting on Monday, July 27th, to hear the “Return to Learn” plan for Dell Rapids School. Superintendent Dr. Summer Schultz along with the three school principals, Drew Bunkers, Fran Ruesink, and Julie Wynja, all spoke about different aspects of the “Return to Learn” plan.

The biggest take away from the discussions was that while the document may now be approved, that doesn’t mean it won’t change. Things could change within the document as more information becomes available about the Covid virus, just as things have continually changed over the last four months.

Big Sioux Media recorded the meeting. The start of the “Return to Learn” plan starts at the 9:25 mark of the video and goes until the 2:10:40 mark of the embedded video at the bottom of this story.

The “Return to Learn” document can be found by clicking this link. The Dell Rapids School has also set up a Frequently Asked Questions page related to “Return to Learn”. That page can be found by clicking here.

Garnett Keena

July 29, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Garnett Keena, 94, of Dell Rapids, formerly of Colman, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2020 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. Memorial visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2020 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. Garnett’s Memorial Service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Garnett L. Keena was born on August 31, 1925 in Colman, SD to Elmer and Christine (Jensen) Ottoson. Garnett grew up on the family farm and attended a country school. She graduated from Chester High School in 1943 and attended Dakota State University for her freshman year of college. After high school, she traveled to California to take care of an aunt. When she returned home, she went to work as a car hop at a drive in diner in Sioux Falls where she met her husband, Don Keena. Garnett married Donald Keena on May 31, 1950 in Sioux Falls. In 1952, they moved to their farm south of Colman where she lived until 2016 when she moved to Orchard Hills. In 1962, Garnett and Don welcomed their daughter, Carolyn Kay in Sioux Falls, SD. Garnett began working for Dornberger Insurance Company in 1968 selling crop insurance when Carolyn started elementary school.

Garnett died on July 27th, 2020 at Dells Area Nursing and Rehab. She was 94 and was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents, and two brothers, Kenneth and Gerald Ottoson.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Dell Rapids where she was head of the White Cross for many years. She enjoyed gardening, tending to her many flowers, and spending time with her family.

Grateful for having shared her life is her daughter, Carolyn (Dean) Van Heerde of Chester; two grandchildren, Kelley (Nick) Gruneich of Dell Rapids and Tyler (Megan) Van Heerde of Sioux Falls; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Emma and Evan Gruneich and Tate Van Heerde; niece and great-niece, Arlowene Hogate of Madison and Tami Holgate of Georgia.

Dell Rapids Legion Season Ends at Region 2B Tourney

July 29, 2020 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The 2020 Dell Rapids legion baseball season came to an end on Tuesday, July 28th in Castlewood at the Region 2B Tournament. Dell Rapids played three games at the tournament that began on Monday, July 27th.

Dell Rapids opened the tournament on Monday against Castlewood/Clear Lake. Castlewood/Clear Lake handed Dell Rapids a 7-0 setback. Only three players got a hit. Kaeden Eastman had two hits. Logan Stone and Drew Van Regenmorter both had a hit. Stone pitched three innings giving up six runs, three earned, on five hits with three walks and five strikeouts. Logan Ellingson pitched 2 1/3 innings giving up an earned run with two strikeouts. Landon Ruesink pitched the final 2/3 of an inning giving up a hit.

Dell Rapids bounced back with a big win on Tuesday afternoon against Hamlin. Dell Rapids won 17-2 in three innings to advance to the late game that night. Eight different players got a hit in the game. Stone had three hits with two RBIs. Jake Steineke had two hits and two RBIs. Eastman and Riley Peter both had a hit and two RBIs. Ruesink and Mason Goeken had a hit and an RBI. Brady Larson and Zeb Schumaker also each had a hit. Ruesink pitched 2 2/3 innings giving up two earned runs on two hits with three walks and a strikeout. Tyler Wood pitched the final 1/3 of an inning.

Volga ended the season for Dell Rapids later in the night on Tuesday with a walk-off bases-loaded single in the bottom of the seventh inning for an 8-7 win. Stone, Steineke, Van Regenmorter, and Schumaker all had two hits each. Eastman and Brandon Geraets both had a hit. Steineke had two RBIs. Stone, Van Regenmorter, Eastman, and Geraets all had an RBI. Larson pitched 1 1/3 innings giving up six runs, but only two earned, on four hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Ellingson pitched 1/3 of an inning giving up an earned run on two hits. Wood pitched the final 4 2/3 innings giving up one earned run on eight hits with one walk and two strikeouts.

Dell Rapids finished the season with a 12-10 record.

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