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

Richard Austin

November 20, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Richard Lyle Austin, age 72, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Garretson, died on Wednesday, November 19, 2014, at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM Monday, November 24, 2014, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson. Visitation with the family present will be from 2-4:00 PM Sunday, at the funeral home. Condolences may be left at www.minnehahafuneralhome.com

Richard was born on August 24, 1942, at Garretson, South Dakota, to Melvin and Vivian (Myre) Austin. He grew up in Garretson and attended school there. He served in the United State Army and was stationed at Ft. Carson in Colorado as well as in Germany. Richard did automotive body work for 48 years. He owned and operated Dick’s Body Shop and Garretson Body Shop in Garretson, and later Dick’s West Side Motors in Sioux Falls.

Richard was a member of the Henry G. Fix Post No. 23 of the American Legion in Garretson. He enjoyed bowling, shooting pool, playing cards, and drag racing.

Grateful for having shared his life are his son, Ryan (Kristi) Austin, Dell Rapids; grandson, Jacob, Dell Rapids; step-son, Mike (Gretchen) Austin, Fargo, ND; step-granddaughter, Hayden, Fargo; brother, Steve (Gail) Austin, Garretson; and a sister-in-law, Sharon Austin, Sioux Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Jerry.

Local Chiropractor Celebrates 5 Years in Dell Rapids

November 20, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Severtson Spinal Care of Dell Rapids opened five years ago this November. Dr. Seth Severtson, a Valley Springs, SD, native says his family has roots in Dell Rapids. His grandfather worked on the Randall Farm and his father attened Dell Rapids elementary. His family has enjoyed their time here. “It has been a great 5 years,” Severtson says. “We’ve met some amazing people and have been blessed to be a part of so many ‘miracles.’ We really enjoy serving this community.”

A previous Chamber of Commerce board member, Severtson encourages community involvement. “We like to be involved. I love to speak, so I’ve presented for several groups in town. We like to sponsor a youth baseball team. We like to be involved with Quarry Days. I think doing those things are just part of small town community,” said Severtson. A former FFA member, he also is involved in local and district level FFA events. While there are many areas to be involved with, Severtson says his church is the main focus. “We came to Dell Rapids because of RCC (River Community Church). We love it there. I’m an elder, and my wife is on the children’s team. They even let me preach from time to time.” Severtson doesn’t just serve in Dell Rapids. He also does pulpit supply to other churches on an as-needed basis.

Severtson says that his practice continues to grow as does the area that he serves. He states, “We love taking care of people in Dell Rapids and the surrounding towns; yet, many of our patients come from out of town, such as Madison, Howard, Brookings, Watertown, Sioux Falls, to name a few. It’s been great to take care of people all over Eastern South Dakota.” Severtson even serves patients from as far away as Northwest Iowa, Rapid City and Winnipeg, Canada.

Although as a chiropractor he doesn’t treat illness or disease, there are specific cases he likes to take care of. Severtson says, “I used to suffer from migraines. So I really like to take care of people suffering with headaches or migraines. But honestly, any way we can help with quality-of-life and help people get their life back on track is why we are here. Some of my favorite patient success testimonials are from those suffering with headaches, women with painful cycles, infertility, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and chronic dizziness. We even have people that have regained hearing and sense of smell. It’s been amazing.”

To learn more about Dr. Severtson’s chiropractic clinic or to schedule a complimentary consultation visit www.severtsonspinalcare.com or call 428-4778.

Dak-12 2014 Football All-Conference Selections

November 18, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Seven Quarrier football players earned 2014 Dak-12 All-Conference selections. They are sophomore Seth Anderson, junior Griffin Ellison, and seniors Ben Gillogly, Ben Hammer, Tanner Ljunggren, Jase Nelson, and Riley Schmidt. Two Quarriers received Honorable Mention – seniors Keegan Hemenway and Andrew Wiebenga.

2014 Football All Conference Selections

Player	Year	Position	School
Seth Anderson	SO	RB/DL	Dell Rapids
Jaydn Broughton	JR	FB/LB	Canton
Nick Buchmann	SR	RB/DB	Tri-Valley
Cody Bussell	SR	RB/S	West Central
Regan Bye	SR	RB/LB	Vermillion
Tyler Clay	SR	OL/DL	Dakota Valley
Brady Dam	SR	RB/LB	Dakota Valley
Luke DeSautel	JR	OL	SF Christian
Oliver Doeden	SR	QB	Beresford
Griffin Ellison	JR	OL/DL	Dell Rapids
Jordan Fechner	SR	WR/SS	Tea Area
Brody Frederiksen	JR	RB/LB	Madison
Ben Gillogly	SR	TE/LB	Dell Rapids
Ben Hammer	SR	OL/DL	Dell Rapids
Jace Hanisch	SR	QB/LB	West Central
Hunter Hanley	JR	T/DT	West Central
Mitch Hansen	JR	QB/LB	Madison
Mason Hemmer	SR	RB/LB	Madison
Brandon Hertz	SR	OG/DE	Vermillion
Hunter Irvine	SR	LB	Tea Area
Brandon Joffer	SR	C/DT	Tea Area
Brady Johnson	JR	OL/DL	Tri-Valley
Chris Kropuenske	JR	LB	Beresford
Jacob Lackas	JR	RB/DB	Lennox
Josh Lasley	SR	C/DE	Canton
Tanner Ljunggren	SR	RB/DB	Dell Rapids
Tyler Madsen	SR	RB/LB	Vermillion
Jeremiah Maka	SO	LB	Tea Area
Collin McEntee	JR	RB/LB	Lennox
Josh Mettler	SR	RB/LB	West Central
Jase Nelson	SR	QB/DB	Dell Rapids
Kole Nordquist	SR	DE	Beresford
Dexter Nowstrup	SR	OL/DE	Madison
Logan O’Hara	SR	TE/LB	Tri-Valley
John Oldenkamp	JR	RB/DB	Lennox
Jackson Olson	JR	DB	SF Christian
Masen Oltmanns	JR	OL/DL	Lennox
Andrew Oliver	SO	RB/DB/ST	Canton
Matt Ouellette	JR	WR/CB	Vermillion
Matt Palli	JR	RB/LB	Madison
Anders Peterson	SR	TE/DB	Canton
Riley Schmidt	SR	RB/LB	Dell Rapids
Isaac Schubert	SR	RB/DB	Madison
John Schuh	SR	RB/DB	Elk Point-Jefferson
Sam Swier	JR	TE/LB	West Central
Marcus VandenBosch	SO	TE/LB	Madison
Keegan VanEgdom	JR	RB	SF Christian
Carter VanGorp	JR	LB	SF Christian
Aaron VanVoorst	SR	T/NT	Canton
Mike Wagner	SR	SE/LB	West Central
Logan Zeisler	SR	TE/LB	Tri-Valley

Honorable Mention Selections

Player	Year	Position	School
Jake Ablett	SR	RB/S	Canton
Brady Balogh	JR	SE/DB	Madison
Aaron Beaner	SR	OT/DE	Tea Area
Shane Boysen	SR	OL/DL	Tri-Valley
Logan Busch	JR	OL	Beresford
Payton Conrad	SO	QB	Tea Area
Hank DeBerg	JR	OL	SF Christian
Alex DeJong	SO	FB-TE/LB	Canton
Andrew Flannery	JR	OL/DL	Elk Point Jefferson
Alex Gonzales	JR	OL/DL	Tri-Valley
Jace Graves	SR	RB/LB	Dakota Valley
Keegan Hemenway	SR	FB/DL	Dell Rapids
Jacob Hinker	JR	TE/LB	Lennox
Jared Hueser	JR	RB/DB	Elk Point Jefferson
Carter Kasuske	SR	SE/DB	Madison
Jared Lyle	JR	LB	Beresford
Tanner McCarron	JR	OL	SF Christian
Koel Radtke	SR	OL/DL	Dakota Valley
Jonah Rechtenbaugh	JR	RB/CB	West Central
Jason Retzlaff	SR	OG/NG	Vermillion
Mitchell Sand	JR	OG/DT	Vermillion
Chris Stokke	SR	OL/DL	Lennox
Noah Vettrus	JR	SE/S	West Central
Andrew Wiebenga	SR	OL/LB	Dell Rapids

Grand Marshal Frank Boerema

November 17, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. (DTSF) is proud to announce that Frank Boerema (former Dell Rapids resident/Pastor) has been selected as Grand Marshal to lead the 2014 Parade of Lights.

Boerema is a very active volunteer both at several downtown non-profits and throughout all of Sioux Falls. He donates his time to DTSF, Lutheran Social Services – Center for New Americans, Creative Spirits, The Community Outreach, Morning Optimists, Center of Hope Bike Ministry, The Banquet, Phillip’s Home, Snow Fox, Cub Scouts, Symphony Choir, Church Choir and Men’s Chorus. He also supports individuals in the community through personal coaching and helps out at a variety of charity events and several churches.

Maureen Ohm, Event Director for DTSF said, “Frank volunteers at nearly every DTSF event, and not only does he do so with a smile on his face, he even thanks me for the opportunity. Frank shows up early for volunteer shifts and never leaves until the whole event is dismantled. His positive attitude radiates and brightens the day of anyone nearby.”

A constant advocate for downtown, Boerema also lives downtown and is an active member of the DTSF resident committee. He is a shining representative of downtown Sioux Falls. Boerema says, “I love living downtown, and I proudly think about the people and businesses as my neighbors. I try to do everything I can to support and encourage them. What a better way to do that than with the Parade of Lights – starting a season that says, ‘it is better to give than to receive.’ ”

Boerema will not only appear as Grand Marshal in the Parade of Lights – he is also one of Santa’s elves! Boerema has known the self-proclaimed “Sioux Falls Santa,” Lyle Kroon, for over 40 years.

Santa says, “From the time that Buddy the Elf or Frank and I were in college together, our paths have been diversified. Looking back, we see how they have intersected numerous times through the years with similar life experiences. Frank is truly a fine person, and you will find his name at the top of the nicest of nice lists that Santa puts together each Christmas. He is a joy and inspiration to know and call a friend.”

This year’s Parade of Lights presented by CenturyLink will take place on Friday, November 28, 2014 at 7:30 pm along Phillips Avenue from 14th to 5th Street in historic downtown Sioux Falls.

Immediately following the parade, an awards party will be held at the Holiday Inn City Centre where five awards will be given to the entries that dazzled the judges. The public is invited to attend. Santa and Boerema the Elf will both be in attendance.

– See more at: http://dtsf.com/news/23rd-annual-parade-of-lights-grand-marshal-announcement/#

LaNita “Jo” Arndt

November 17, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

LaNita “Jo” Arndt, age 73, of Brookings, passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at the Brookings Hospital. Funeral services will be Saturday Nov 15th at 1pm at First Lutheran Church in Brookings, with interment in the church cemetery. Visitations will be Friday Nov 14th from 5-7pm at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings. Condolences may be left at www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com

LaNita “Jo” Faye (Sweany) Arndt was born April 30, 1941, in Brookings to Roy B. and Gladys L. (Baker) Sweany. She lived with her family in Brookings for four years, then lived in Onida for ten years. She graduated from Volga High School in 1959. She worked as a bookkeeper at Woolworth’s for a year then moved on to work for SDSU for 34 years.

Jo met Lyle Arndt at a singles dance and they proceeded to dance through life together by blending their families on August 20, 1977. They lived on their farm near Volga then later moved to Brookings. Besides loving her family deeply, Jo enjoyed sewing, camping, gardening, shopping, rubber stamping, and scrapbooking. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Brookings, and the Red Hat Society. Jo was a very giving person who was constantly looking for ways to bring joy to others.

Survivors include her husband, Lyle, of Brookings; five daughters: Vicki (Ardean) Albers, Patti (Craig) Tolley, both of Brookings; Jodi Stykel (Dennis Engbrecht) of Dell Rapids, Melissa (Kurt) Lundebrek and Sheila (Frederick) Feldhake both of Alexandria, MN; 18 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and three sisters: Jacqueline Braun of Sioux Falls, Janet Mehlhaff of Abilene, TX, and Royette Sweany of Brookings. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Lewis Benshoof

November 17, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Lewis M. Benshoof, age 81, of Watertown, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, at a care center in Arlington. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 14 at the Crawford Funeral Chapel in Watertown. The Rev. Janet Miller will officiate. Burial will be at Goodwin Cemetery in Goodwin. The family is requested to meet at the chapel on Friday by 10:30 a.m. for a prayer service.

Lewis was born on Dec. 14, 1932, in Deuel County, to George and Alice (Schafer) Benshoof. He attended school in Watertown. After school, Lewis entered the U.S. Army and later was honorably discharged.

On March 5, 1966, Lewis married Diane Hintz at Sioux Falls. He lived in Sioux Falls, Colorado and later in Kansas City, where he worked for Jack Cooper Transport Company. In 1997, after retiring from Jack Cooper Transport Company, he moved to Watertown, where he has continued to make his home.

Lewis enjoyed playing bingo, cards and he also enjoyed attending auctions.

He is survived by his brother, Stewart (Mary) Benshoof of Dell Rapids; and five sisters, Lorretta Gascoigne of Brookings, Betty (Larry) Fiebelkorn of Watertown, Joan Vaughn of Blachley, Ore., Eva Regnier of Watertown and Delores (Leo) Rumpsca of Minneapolis. Lewis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Diane; one brother, Edward; and one nephew, Jim Fjerstad.

Condolences may be left at www.crawfordfuneralchapel.com.

James Skyberg

November 17, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

James O. Skyberg, age 66, of Dell Rapids, SD; formerly of Luverne, died Thursday, November 13, 2014 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. James was born June 23, 1948 in Luverne to parents Oliver and Julia (Jensen) Skyberg. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Luverne and graduated from Luverne High School in 1966. He was united in marriage to Gayle Aleck in Luverne, MN on December 6, 1969. To this union a daughter Tracy was born. They made their home in Luverne and later moved to South St. Paul, MN; and he worked at St. Paul Dressed Beef packing plant. James then moved back to Luverne and did construction work and later moved to Dell Rapids and worked for John Morrell Company for several years until his recent retirement.

James enjoyed classic cars, woodworking, working on cars, electronics, exploring new ideas on the internet, and very much enjoyed his family and grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter Tracy (Doug) Bondeson and his grandchildren Monica and Miranda Bondeson all of Rosemount, MN; his siblings, Eunice (Donald) Wynn, Blaine, MN; Edith (Clarence) Else, Alexandria, MN; David (Beverly) Skyberg, Fargo, ND; Steven (Deborah) Skyberg, Dilworth, MN; Dale Skyberg, Casper, WY; Donna (John) O’Donnell, Ellsworth, MN; Janis Otterson, Des Moines, IA; Greg (Debrah) Skyberg, Inver Grove Heights, MN; and Kent (Jennifer) Skyberg, Sioux Falls, SD; a sister-in-law, Patricia Skyberg and many nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Donald and Robert, a sister, Delores and brother-in-law, Paul Otterson.

Condolences may be left at www.dingmannandsons.com

City Council Meeting: 11/17/14

November 17, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, November 17th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Some of the items on the agenda include a public hearing on a variance request, second reading and adoption of ordinance 812 (water rate increase), Northview Dr/11th St./10th St. project scope and engineering agreement, ice skating rink citizen request, and the administrative report.

The meeting will be webcast on Big Sioux Media. The full agenda can be found by clicking here.

Jean Feehan

November 16, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Jean P. Feehan, 90, of Gaylord, MN, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at New Harmony Care Center in St. Paul, MN. Her memorial service will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2104 at Gaylord United Church of Christ. A family inurnment will be held in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.

Jean was was born on July 11, 1924. She married Chester Feehan on March 5, 1949 at Gaylord, MN.

She is survived by her children, Mark (Dolly) Feehan of Dell Rapids; Patricia Fredrickson of White Bear Lake, MN and Mike (Amy) Feehan of Germantown, TN; her seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Jean is preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a granddaughter. Condolences may be left at www.kahlerfh.com.

Quarriers 11A Champions!

November 14, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids Quarriers defeated the Madison Bulldogs 12-7 in the South Dakota High School 11A Football Championship on Thursday, November 13th, at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion.

Dell Rapids started the game off with a bang as Riley Schmidt ran the opening kick-off back for an 81-yard touchdown to give the Quarriers an early 6-0 lead. The defenses for both teams dominated the first quarter of play. Both Madison and Dell Rapids combined for a total of four punts in the quarter, and Dell Rapids held a 6-0 lead after the first quarter.

After a Jase Nelson pass was intercepted by Matthew Palli, the Bulldogs had the ball with a 4th and 10 from the Quarrier 20-yard line. Bradyen Gilbert lined up for a 37-yard field goal, but pushed it wide left, and Dell Rapids continued to lead 6-0 with 10:07 left in the half. Dell Rapids then held the ball for nearly six minutes on the ensuing drive and took the ball to the Madison 8-yard line. The Quarriers attempted a pass in the endzone on 4th and goal, but the pass was broken up by Brady Balogh giving Madison the ball back with 4:16 left in the half. The Bulldogs were able to move the ball into Dell Rapids territory, but were forced into a 4th and goal from the Dell Rapids 12-yard line. Gilbert set up for another field goal, this time from 29 yards, but Austin Eulberg was able to block the kick to keep Madison off the scoreboard. The Quarriers took a 6-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Madison received the kickoff to start the third quarter and drove the ball to the Dell Rapids 45-yard line. On 1st and 10, Mitch Hansen fumbled the ball, and Ben Gillogly recovered for Dell Rapids. On the very next play, Schmidt ran the ball 54 yards for a touchdown to increase the Dell Rapids lead to 12-0. Madison was able to answer on their next drive. Hansen connected with Carter Kasuske for a 71-yard touchdown pass with 7:01 left in the quarter to make the score 12-7. The Bulldogs were then able to execute a successful onside kick to get the ball back, but the Quarrier defense forced a turnover on downs after tackling Hansen for a two yard loss on 4th and 4 from the Dell Rapids 18-yard line. The Quarriers led 12-7 at the end of the third quarter.

The first three combined possessions in the fourth quarter ended in punts as the defenses did not allow the offenses to get going. With 6:15 to go in the game, Gillogly intercepted a pass at the Madison 11-yard line. However the Bulldog defense got the ball back on a turnover on downs as Schmidt was stopped short of the endzone on 4th and goal. The following Bulldog drive ended on a turnover on downs after back-up quarterback Josh Giles was saked at the Madison 43-yard line. Madison forced Dell Rapids to punt yet again, and the Bulldogs had one last chance with :11 to go in the game. Giles and the Bulldogs were able to run two plays, but both plays were incomplete passes giving the Quarriers the win.

Schmidt finished the game with 20 carries for 115 yards and a touchdown. Keegan Hemenway had six carries for 26 yards, and Tanner Ljunggren had six carries for 18 yards. Nelson finished 5-11 with 93 yards and two interceptions. Schmidt also had two receptions for 51 yards. Gillogly anchored the defense with 15 tackles, one fumble recovery, and one interception. Seth Anderson added 12 tackles and three sacks. Schmidt finished with nine tackles, and Nate McKee added eight tackles.

Dell Rapids earned their 5th 11A football title in the last seven years. Griffin Ellison was named the SD Coaches Association Outstanding Lineman in the game. Schmidt earned the SD Coaches Association Outstanding Back award and the SD Sports Writers “Joe Robbie” MVP award.

Dell Rapids final record was 11-1.

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