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

Library Summer Reading Program Sees Big Growth

June 26, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids Carnegie Public Library has seen great growth in their summer reading program over the last couple of years as reported by Library Director Brittany Moeller. Moeller gave the report to the Dell Rapids City Council during their regular meeting on Monday, June 18th.

“Our summer reading is going fantastic so far. We’re only three weeks in, and I’m super excited because we have almost broken 600 people signed up from birth to adults. That’s amazing considering in 2015 we had just barely over 200, so that’s a huge growth,” Moeller said.

There is still time to register and participate in the summer reading program.

Moeller also mentioned that the library has added two programs for this summer for a total of six, which is an increase from four in 2016. A new adult program and another children’s program were added this year. In 2016 the library saw 820 people total participate in the summer programs. In just the first three weeks of 2018, 545 people have already participated in the programs. Those programs will conclude at the end of July.

During the update to the council, Moeller stated that she also recently graduated from the four-year program Library Institute put on by the South Dakota State Library.

Dell Rapids Chamber’s Quarry Days Celebration Had Fun for All

June 25, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

With the threat of rain and severe weather staying away for most of the weekend, the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce held their 31st annual Quarry Days celebration Friday, June 22nd through Sunday, June 24th. The seven member chamber board filled the weekend with great events and kept them running smoothly all weekend long.

The Quarry Days golf tournament kicked off this year’s events on Friday. Despite the heavy rains earlier in the week, the Rocky Run Golf Course was ready for play, and twenty-two teams competed in this year’s tournament. The festivities continued Friday evening with “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” amateur baseball game between Dell Rapids PBR and Dell Rapids Mudcats. Prior to the game, PBR manager Jay Bentz was honored for his 40 years of contributions to Dell Rapids baseball and Dell Rapids PBR. Dell Rapids Mayor Tom Earley declared the day “Jay Bentz Appreciation Day” during the ceremony. The 1993 Dell Rapids PBR championship team was also recognized during the game. The Mudcats defeated PBR 11-1 in the game this year.

Saturday was full of activities for every age. The day started with the annual ESA 5k run. Hundreds of people lined the streets of Dell Rapids for the Quarry Days parade. City Park was filled with vendors all day long. There was also the Rapid Fitness 3-on-3 basketball tournament, sand volleyball, kayak races, the Zoo Man animal show, a home run derby for kids, jumpy castles, and more throughout the park. The day concluded with nearly 1,000 people gathering downtown Dell Rapids for the street dance with Judd Hoos and opening act Ashley Wineland.

The Chamber of Commerce filled Sunday with more activities throughout the day. The 30th annual “Blast from the Past” car show was held in the park with the vendors. LG Everist gave free train rides. The annual Sportsman’s Club fishing derby was held, the Dell Rapids firefighters had an obstacle course and smokehouse, the Little Miss quarry Days pageant was held, there was a magic show performance, the Dualing Duo performance was held, and fireworks closed out the celebration on Sunday night.

Carol Park

June 22, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Carol Park, 80, of Dell Rapids passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. Her Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2018 in St. Mary Catholic Church. Visitation on Friday, June 22, 2018 will begin at 4:00 p.m. in St. Mary Catholic Church. The family will be present from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a Christian Wake beginning at 7:00 p.m. followed by a rosary.

Carol Ann Park was born to Anne Mable Martin (Van Vooren) and John W. Martin at Hawarden Iowa on March 22, 1938. In 1944 the family moved to Dell Rapids where Carol has lived since. On September 6, 1952, Carol married Floyd (Tim) Park. To them were born five children; Deb Allen (Richard), Floyd (JoAnn), Mike (Jeannine), Shon (deceased) and Leah Kistler (Stacey Jaacks). Carol spent several years at home caring for the family before working as a cook for Saint Mary’s schools. In 1976 Carol and Tim bought the Mobile gas station in Dell Rapids and converted it into T and C’s; one of the first convenience stores in the country. Carol and Tim were natural business owners who loved people and loved to serve them. A few years after opening T and C’s, Carol and Tim opened T and C’s Other Place on the other side of Dell Rapids. Carol managed both businesses while Tim worked as a rural mail carrier. In 2000, Carol and Tim sold the businesses to their son Mike who continues to operate them today.

Carol enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She especially enjoyed having the family at home for holidays. She was an avid reader, reading many books each year. She enjoyed attending the school activities of her grand and great grand children and going to plays and concerts with her friends. She loved attending the birthday and card clubs that she participated in for many years, and playing Mahjong with her friends. Carol loved to watch the birds and grow flowers in her garden and she really enjoyed spoiling her dog Sandy. She was, at times, a great practical joker; especially on April 1 of each year, at which time, her kids were always on their guard. She looked forward to helping Mike at the station with the books on Fridays where she could connect with the customers again. She also loved to cook for family and friends and enjoyed sharing homemade dishes with T and C’s customers on a routine basis. Carol was a long time member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church where she volunteered often to help where she could. Carol was fun to be around and loved to be active; it was a joke that she was busier in retirement than when she worked.

She will be greatly missed by her family. But we find great joy and peace in knowing she is with the Lord. She is survived by Deb, Mike, Floyd and Leah; a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Brockberg of Pipestone MN; her nine grandchildren; Trevor, Holly, Ryan, Krista, Riley, Michaella, Gavin, Carson and Payton; ten great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

www.kahlerfh.com

New Paper Coming to Dell Rapids

June 18, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

After nearly a year of discussion, planning, and work, a new printed paper in Dell Rapids is close to being a reality. Anderson Publications, with help from Big Sioux Media, is putting together the new printed publication called “The Dells City Journal”. The paper will be a weekly publication that is sent through mail. The first print of the paper will be delivered on June 27th to every mailing address in Dell Rapids free of charge. After the first print, all subsequent issues delivered through the mail will be by subscription only.

The editor for the new paper is Tammy Chamley, and the office will be located at 513 W 4th St in Dell Rapids.

Anderson Publications currently prints six newspapers (Alexandria Herald, Canistota Clipper, Emery Enterprise, Marion Record, Montrose Herald, and Minnehaha Messenger) and two area shoppers (Hometown Shopper and Shopping Guide). “The Dells City Journal” will be the seventh printed paper for Anderson Publications.

Dell Rapids Journal Subscription

Byrne Crisp

June 18, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Byrne M. Crisp, 93, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Dell Rapids, passed away on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls. Her Memorial Service will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 22, 2018 in the Halladay-Peterson Chapel at Dow Rummel in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service. A private inurnment will be in the Logan Reformed Cemetery, rural Dell Rapids.

Byrne Mercedes Haak was born on November 13, 1924 on a farm east of Dell Rapids, the daughter of Dick and Polly (Heeren) Haak. She grew up on the family farm and attended country school in the Logan Township. She graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1943 and then attended General Beadle Teachers College. She taught for four years in the Logan Township. Byrne married Robert Crisp on June 7, 1947 in Sioux Falls. They made their home on a farm east of Dell Rapids. The couple retired in 1987 and moved into Dell Rapids in 2001.

Byrne was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sioux Falls, the Logan Extension Club and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed her 20 years singing with the Auxiliary Sextet, the Quarrytones. Byrne and Robert enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states in the USA.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brother, Clayton.

She is survived by her five children, Marsha Baldwin of Woodbridge, VA, Loren (Judy) Crisp of Sebring, FL, Ken (Debbie) Crisp of Baltic, Kevin Crisp of Dell Rapids and Candi (Brad) Grossenburg of Sioux Falls; her 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

www.kahlerfh.com

Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch, Under New Ownership, Holds Ribbon Cutting

June 17, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Pizza Ranch in Dell Rapids is under new ownership, and they celebrated with a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting with the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce on Friday, June 15th. Matt and Kim Cerwick of Brandon recently purchased the Pizza Ranch.

“It was a God thing,” said the Cerwick’s of purchasing the Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch. Matt had worked many years in construction prior to the purchase, so this was a complete career change. Matt spent a few months training at the Pizza Ranch in Orange City, IA as well as the corporate office. Kim is also the President/CEO of the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce. They mentioned during the event that they have been blessed to come into ownership with a great staff already in place.

The Cerwicks have made some changes to the inside of the building. They have done some cleaning, painting, and installed new flooring. They’ve also removed the video lottery machines from the building and move the arcade games into the space where the video lottery machines were located. The old arcade area has been turned into another meeting room in the restaurant.

The Pizza Ranch vision is “To glorify God by positively impacting the world” and their mission is “To give every guest a legendary experience.” The Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch is open Sunday-Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and open Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. More information about the Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch can be found on their website, https://pizzaranch.com/locations/sd/dell-rapids/500-w-4th-street

Doris Sheppard

June 17, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Doris Elaine Sheppard, 92, passed away Friday, June 15, 2018 at United Living Community in Brookings.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at GracePoint Wesleyan Church in Brookings. Burial will be in Brookings Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday, June19, 2018 at Minnehaha Funeral Home in Dell Rapids.

Doris was born on December 19, 1925 to Seymour and Myrtle (Remme) Magness in Minneapolis, MN. She spent her childhood years in Colton, SD.

Doris married Donald Sheppard on May 29, 1942 in Luverne, MN. The newlyweds lived in Sioux Falls, where Don worked at John Morrell & Company and the young bride learned to cook. They later moved to Colton, SD where Doris clerked for years in the local grocery store, a job she loved because she could visit with and serve people. Doris was involved in Eastern Star and served as the youngest worthy matron of her Colton chapter.

After several moves, they located on a farm northwest of Flandreau, SD. In retirement, the couple moved to an acreage northeast of Trent, SD. She enjoyed attending Christian Women’s Connection and hosted many prayer coffees. Doris’ special loves were following her grandchildren in their variety of activities, attending antique auctions, cooking for her family, hosting holidays and keeping her lawn neatly mowed. This Norwegian grandma was proud of her heritage and kept the traditions alive with making lefse and other Norwegian dishes.

Grateful for having shared her life are her three children, Sandra (Eddie) Carpenter of Jacksonville, IL, David (Cynthia) Sheppard of Egan, SD and Sonja VanHolland of Volga, SD; nine grandchildren, Devon Carpenter, Tyler Carpenter, Camber Carpenter, Brendan Sheppard, Charissa Covey, Justin Sheppard, Dillon, Mason and Gavin VanHolland and twelve great-grandchildren, Claire, Luke, Morgan, Rhegan, Quin, Charles, Marlowe, Campbell, Brody, Bailee, Boone and Menai.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; parents and two brothers, Kenneth and Gordon Magness.

www.minnehahafuneralhome.com

Shirley Westergaard

June 13, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Shirley Irene Westergaard, 72, of Brandon passed away Monday, June 11, 2018 at Avera McKennan Hospital. Memorial services will begin at 1:00 PM Friday, June 15, 2018 at Faith United Church in Brandon. Burial will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery.

Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, June 14, 2018 at Minnehaha Funeral Home in Dell Rapids.

Shirley Irene was born December 14, 1945. She was adopted to parents Arthur and Evelyn (Samuelson) Wahlberg. She was raised and educated in Minneapolis, MN, graduating from Roosevelt High School. She received her Master’s Degree in Music from the University of Minnesota.

Shirley married Duane Westergaard at Bethany Lutheran Church in Minneapolis in 1970. The couple met at church while attending college. They lived in Minneapolis, California, Sioux Falls and finally in Brandon. She was a devoted wife and mother.

Shirley was a well-known professional piano teacher and was loved by her students. She was a faithful servant of God her entire life. She also liked to travel, often stopping to see family and friends. She never got tired of sightseeing and trying out new restaurants. Shirley will always be missed and loved by all who knew her.

Grateful for having shared her life are her four adopted children, Lisa Diaz, Sioux Falls, Chad Westergaard, Brandon, Sara Young, Sioux Falls and Mark Westergaard, Sioux Falls; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren as well as many other relatives, friends and piano students. She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane; parents Arthur and Evelyn (Sammelson) Wahlberg and brother, Bruce Wahlberg.

www.minnehahafuneralhome.com

Waste Water Treatment Plant in Dell Rapids Nearing Completion

June 12, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The new waste-water treatment facility plant in Dell Rapids in nearing final completion. The Dell Rapids City Council approved the release of 50% of the retainer to KCH Construction they kept on the project during their regular meeting on Monday, June 4th. The release of half of those retainer funds brings the project one step closer to final completion. The $5.5 million project started in late 2015.

KCH Construction has been operating the plant over the last few weeks and has been discharging into lagoon four.

“From all we can tell with some of the minimal amount of sampling we’ve had the ability to do up to this point, it’s starting to treat, but it’s not fully there. Everything in the plant is operating accordingly,” said City Administrator Justin Weiland during the council meeting.

Tweaks and updates are still being made to try to get the microbes working a little better. A few other items also remain on the project, but they are minimal punch list items and clean-up around the site according to Weiland.

The Dell Rapids City Council is scheduled to tour the new facility prior to their next meeting on June 18th.

The city has also hired a new operator of the facility in Ryan Fods. Fods will also serve as a part-time public works employee along with operating the new waste-water treatment facility.

Three from Dell Rapids Qualify for State HS Rodeo

June 12, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Three local student athletes from Dell Rapids have qualified for the South Dakota High School Rodeo State Finals in hopes of moving on to the National High School Rodeo.