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

Dell Rapids School Registration and Open House

August 8, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dell Rapids Public Schools will be holding registrations starting on Monday, August 11th, and will continue on Tuesday, August 12th. The Senior class registration will be on Monday from 9:oo a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The Junior class registration will also be on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. A mandatory Parent/Student meeting for fall sport participants in grades 7-12 will also be held on Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gym.

Registration will continue on Tuesday with elementary student registration at the elementary school from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Sophomore class registration will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. 5th grade registration will also be held from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the middle school. Freshman registration will run from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m at the high school while grades 6-8 registration will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the middle school.

Open houses for Dell Rapids public will take place on Tuesday, August 26th. The elementary school open house will be from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. The 5th grade open house will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the high school gym. Open house for grades 6-8 will be held in the home room classrooms also from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on August 26th.

The first day of school is Wednesday, August 27th.

Complete school supply lists can be found by clicking the links:

Michael “Mike” Randall

August 5, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Mike Randall of rural Dell Rapids, SD passed away the morning of August 4th in his farm home with his wife Becky at his side after a long battle with cancer. His funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2014 at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. at Kahler Funeral Home and will resume at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids at 5:30 p.m. with the family present and the prayer service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2104. To leave condolences please visit www.kahlerfh.com.

Michael Ray Randall was born on June 22, 1948 to Leland and Vivian Randall in Dell Rapids alongside his twin sister Susan, the youngest two of 4 children. Mike grew up in the town of Dell Rapids near the Big Sioux River and spent his childhood split between the family’s home in Dell Rapids and the family’s farm east of town. Mike went on to attend SDSU to earn his degree in Animal Science. While in college Mike was active with the Lutheran Center and began to recognize the global need for nourishment and how South Dakota farmers could be a participant in the global food supply.

After college, Mike returned to Dell Rapids and began farming with his brother Ron. A few years later Mike began dating Becky Larson; they married on August 7, 1977. They expanded their family with 4 children and continued to farm. Mike also ran a trucking business and brokered hay while growing the family’s cattle business, forming a family farm/feedlot.

In the mid 1990s Mike became involved with South Dakota Corn Growers, and in 1996 he became the organization’s president. He also served on the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council. In the late 1980s Mike traveled to Hungary with the American Center for International Leadership, and he also testified in front of US Congress on the need for an updated rail infrastructure to allow Midwest farmers to have access to the coastal and international markets. Mike was a proponent of “feeding the world”, a calling which was very dear to his heart, and he spent much of his time working toward this goal. His professional achievements were recognized with his endowment of the SDSU Eminent Farmer Award.

Mike’s faith was foundational to his life. He was especially fond of the book of Romans and he shared this passion with his wife and children. Micah 6:8 is an apt description of Mike’s philosophy on life: “Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God…”. Mike served as president of the Dell Rapids Lutheran Church council and was an active participant in the church’s international initiatives. Mike experienced God’s joy through two avenues: people and Creation. Mike was a genuine, sincere listener and great conversationalist who famously winked to demonstrate understanding, and he greatly enjoyed being outside and soaking in sunrises, sunsets, and all that occurred in between. Our hearts ache in loss but we give thanks he has left this broken world and has a new body to dwell eternally with Christ who makes all things new.

Mike’s spirit will be remembered and missed by countless friends and family. Before passing he indicated his excitement to be reunited with his brother Ron and parents Leland and Vivian, who preceded him. He will be honored on this Earth by those he leaves behind: wife Becky (Larson); daughter Malene (Ford), husband Josh, and their children Aidan, Zoe, & Edward; daughter Sarah (Burkett), husband Taylor, and their children Levi & Josie; son Jesse; son Isaac and his son Theodore; sister Lee Ann (Sheggeby) and husband Sid; sister Susan Randall and husband Mark Sanderson; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and neighbors.

20 Years of Jr. Football Coaching

August 5, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

“Moe, 20 years is amazing. 20 years of doing anything is amazing, but 20 years of being a positive influence on kids, that’s tough to beat,” said Mike Henriksen.

Henriksen’s opening remarks set the celebratory mood on Sunday, August 3rd, at Dell Rapids City Park for Moe Lickteig’s 20 years of Jr. Football coaching celebration. Lickteig was surprised by family and friends with a party in the park to honor him.

“I don’t do it for this…I don’t. I do it for our program,” said Lickteig at the beginning of the evening. Throughout the evening, family, friends, and former players enjoyed spending time thanking Lickteig for all the years he has spent coaching Jr. Football in Dell Rapids. A thank you banner with hand-written thank yous was presented to Lickteig. The rest of the time was spent reminiscing on past teams and viewing team photos.

Lickteig has no sons of his own, but his daughter approached him with a piece of paper about South Dakota Jr Football with an interest in playing 20 years ago. He allowed his daughter to play, and noted that she ended up being one of his best blockers over the years. Lickteig helped coach that first year, and mentioned that all the other coaches were 4th-grade dads. They looked at him to take over the next year, and he’s been coaching a team of 3rd and 4th-graders ever since.

“The kids. The kids. The kids. The things they do, the things they say, the hard work they give you, that’s what I do it for,” said Lickteig. His coaching philosophy over the years has been very simple. He says, “Play hard and have fun. You don’t want to do that, you might as well stay home. Play hard and have fun. The rest is going to fall into place. Johnny wants to be a quarterback…well…Johnny you are going to have to try harder. It just don’t come overnight. You gotta work. And they do. It’s been that good.”

Lickteig also made it a point over and over again throughout the night that it’s not all about him. “It’s not all because of me. It’s my assistant coaches. It’s my family that has allowed me to do this. It’s all the parents. I tell them at the beginning of the year this isn’t my team. This is our team.” He also thanked all of his sponsors throughout the 20 years. “The support in this town is outstanding. It’s that great. When you go up and ask them…it’s gone up every year…but they don’t blink an eye. Here you go Moe, here’s a check,” said Lickteig.

The full interview can be seen in the video. Full-sized versions of the photos can be seen by clicking on the photos.

City Council Meeting: 8/4/14

August 4, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids City Council will meet in regular session on Monday, August 4th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers. Some of the items on the agenda include outdoor event permit request, Ordinance 806 – Open Burning, 10th Street/Northview Dr water quality issue, Resolution 2014-08, and the administrative report. The full agenda can be found by clicking here.

The council meeting will be webcast on Big Sioux Media.

Dell Rapids 15/16 Teeners Qualify for State

August 3, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dell Rapids qualified for the State VFW Class A 15/16 year-old tournament with a win in the region 3A championship game on Thursday, July 31, in Humboldt. Dell Rapids will participate in the state tournament in Volga August 8-10.

Dell Rapids 2, West Central 1

Dell Rapids edged host West Central 2-1 in the championship game to qualify for state.

West Central took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Justin Sebert walked, stole second and scored on an RBI single by Joseph Hanisch. A strong throw from centerfielder Seth Andersen came close to getting Sebert at the plate.

Ty Hoglund pitched three strong innings for Dell Rapids to start the game. He allowed one run on one hit and struck out six. Mason Peter came on in relief in the fourth inning and recorded three straight outs for Dell Rapids.

The Dell Rapids offense came alive in the top of the fourth. Casey Hansen singled up the middle and advanced to second on a walk by Hoglund. With one out Nate McKee singled to load the bases. Joel Brust drew a walk to force in the tying run. Dawson Kerzman put Dell Rapids ahead for good with a sharp single to centerfield to score Hoglund for a 2-1 lead. West Central ended the threat when Nick Hoffman’s line drive hit to centerfield was fired to second base for a force out.

Brett Mogen came on to close the final three innings for Dell Rapids. He retired all nine batters he faced. He struck out three. Second baseman Reese Warne made an over the shoulder catch with one out in the final inning to keep West Central from mounting a rally.

West Central was held to two hits. Dell Rapids came up with four hits. Hoglund tripled while McKee, Hansen and Kerzman all singled.

Dell Rapids 7, Colton/Crooks 3

Dell Rapids outlasted Crooks/Colton in the second round on Wednesday, July 30.

C/C struck first when Logan Larson singled and eventually scored on a wild pitch. They added a second run when Alex Gonzelez singled, stole second and scored on a double by Larson.

Dell Rapids answered with three runs in the bottom of the second. Kerzman singled and advanced to third on Eric Klein’s double. Nick Hoffman got Kerzman home on a ground out. A single by Seth Andersen and a walk by Hansen allowed both Klein and Hoffman to score to give Dell Rapids a 3-2 lead after two innings.

One run in the fifth and two more in the sixth helped Dell Rapids pull away with a 7-2 lead. Mogen scored in the fifth. Hoffman and Andersen both scored in the sixth. All three runs were created by walks.

Dell Rapids managed only four hits but collected 11 walks.

Winning pitcher Trey Randel pitched the first four innings for Dell Rapids. He gave up two runs, three hits, four walks and struck out two. Trevor Pulscher pitched the final three innings and was credited with a save. He allowed three hits, one unearned run and struck out five.

Klein had two hits for Dell Rapids. Andersen and Kerzman both singled.

Dell Rapids 3, West Central 2

It took eight innings for Dell Rapids to overtake West Central in the opening game of the tournament on Wednesday, July 30.

Mogen scored the winning run on a failed pickoff attempt at third base with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning for the win.

West Central scored first in the top of fourth inning. Justin Sebert was hit with a pitch and advanced to second and then third on a steal and sacrifice bunt. He scored on a suicide squeeze bunt executed by Tyler Renken. West Central extended its lead to 2-0 when Jason Steckley scored on a double by Sebert.

Dell Rapids tied the game with two runs in the bottom of the sixth. Brust walked and Mogen reached on an infield error. Both scored after Kerzman reached on an infield error and Randel hit a sacrifice fly.

Hoglund pitched the first four innings and recorded eight strikeouts while allowing one run on one hit. Mogen pitched the final four innings. He allowed one run on four hits and struck out four.

PBR Season Comes to End

July 31, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dell Rapids PBR had their season come to an end on Thursday, July 31st, at the District 4B Amateur Baseball Tournament in Colman, SD. Harrisburg handed PBR their second loss of the tournament by a score of 3-2.

Harrisburg scored right away in the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead. PBR was able to tie the game in the bottom of the second inning. Harrisburg regained the lead in the top of the third inning by scoring two runs for a 3-1 lead. PBR cut the lead to 3-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning on an RBI-single by Klock, but could not get another rally together for the come back.

Drew Eldeen took the loss for PBR, throwing 6 2/3 innings giving up three runs on seven hits while striking out seven and walking four. Nate Alfson pitched the final 2 1/3 innings striking out five. Dalton Allen picked up the win for Harrisburg, pitching seven innings giving up two runs on seven hits while striking out five and walking one.

Harrisburg advances to play Humboldt/Hartford on Friday, August 1st. This is the second time in 28 years that PBR has failed to make the state tournament. PBR was disqualified from state tournament play in 2012.

Charlotte Crisp

July 30, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Charlotte Ann Crisp, 52, of Whitewood, SD passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the Dougherty Hospice House. Memorial services will begin at 10: 00 AM Monday August 4, 2014 at the First Baptist Church, Dell Rapids. Memorial visitation will be from 3-5:00 PM Sunday at the church. Condolences may be left at www.minnehahafuneralhome.com.

Charlotte was born November 1, 1961 in Luverne, Minnesota to parents Marvin and Patty (Hagen) Niemann. She moved with her parents to the Colton area and graduated from Tri Valley High School in 1980. She married David Crisp December 20, 1980 in Colton. Charlotte graduated from Nettleton College in 1982. After their marriage they lived in Dell Rapids and near Baltic before moving to Spearfish Canyon and then to Whitewood.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Dave, Whitewood; a son, J.D. Crisp, Dell Rapids; mother, Patty Niemann, Sioux Falls; sisters, Paula (Kurt) Nussbaum, Garretson and Jill (Dan) Brown, Sioux Falls; brother, John Niemann, Baltic; mother-in-law, Dianne Crisp, Dell Rapids; sister-in-law, Mary (Charlie) Anderson, Baltic; brothers-in-law, Mark (Maria) Crisp and Scott (Karen) Crisp, all of Dell Rapids; special aunt and Godparents, Judy (Ernie) Niemann, Sioux Falls; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Marvin; sister, Julie, and father- in- law, Max Crisp.

Daniel “Danny” Davis

July 30, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Daniel “Danny” Davis, 65, of Trent, SD, passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at his home after a short illness. His funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at the Trent Baptist Church, Trent. Visitation will begin two hours prior to the start of the service. Condolences may be left at www.kahlerfh.com.

Daniel Earl Davis was born on November 19, 1948 in Crookston, MN to Earl and Betty Davis. The family moved to Bismarck, ND where he graduated from Bismarck High School. He entered the United States Army in 1968, serving as a sergeant in Vietnam. Upon his return home he attended Wahpeton College in Wahpeton, ND. He came to SD in 1986 where he met and married Kathy Krempges. He had a variety of jobs in North and South Dakota building and painting water towers and bridges, climbing steel and building grain elevators. He worked for John Morrell, did landscaping and welded railroad cars.

He enjoyed planting a big garden and making hot salsa and hot chili. He loved to dress up for Halloween each year. Most of all he loved talking and laughing with family and friends and spreading good times.

Danny is survived by his wife, Kathy; his son, Jebadiah of Trent; two daughters, Jami (Brian) Alberts of Trent and Niki (Brian) Alberts of Crooks; three granddaughters, Ashley, RaeAnne and Hunter; three stepgrandchildren, Bryant, Cameron and Katie and a great grandson, Henry; his mother, Betty; his brother, Mike (Judy) Davis; sister-in-law, Judy Braun all of Bismarck, ND and his nieces, nephews and many friends.

He was preceded in death by two infant sons, Zachary and Jacob; his father, Earl; his brother, Gary and his nephew, Mitchell.

Dell Rapids 13/14 Teeners Place 3rd at State A Tournament

July 27, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids 13/14 Teener team took third place in the State A Tournament with a win over Madison 8-5 on Sunday, July 27th, in Winner, SD. Dell Rapids was lead by some terrific defensive plays and a strong first two innings at the plate.

In the first inning, Madison had runners on first and second base when Mason Schmidt made a tremendous diving catch in left field for out number one to set the stage defensively for the game. In the bottom half of the inning, Dells scored four runs. Carter Gullickson scored with bases loaded on a fielder’s choice by Jeffrey Schuch. With runners on second and third, Austin Ellingson hit a two-run single and later scored on an RBI-single by Schmidt.

In the top half of the second inning, Eddie Price had a 1-2-3 inning striking out the side in 14 pitches. In the bottom half of the inning, Dells scored two runs on three hits before Madison made a pitching change. Dell Rapids led 6-0 after the second inning.

Madison, though, was not going to go away. In the third inning, Madison had two base running mistakes that were costly. After a single Price picked off the runner on first in a 1-3-6-3 rundown. The next batter walked and stole second. The third batter in the inning hit a ground ball to short where Ellingson pump threw to first as the runner on second broke for third. Ellingson threw it to Gullickson for the put out. With two outs Madison scored one run to cut the lead to 6-1.

Madison chipped away in the fourth inning. After a lead off walk and two strike outs, Madison scored on two passed balls. Madison was then able to draw a walk and a hit to put runners on second and third. Ellingson made a spectacular play deep in the hole at short to put out the next batter and end the inning. Adam Nagelhout scored, after he walked and stole 2nd, on a base hit by Price to give Dell Rapids a 7-2 lead after the fourth inning.

Madison again started another rally in the fifth inning. Madison lead off by reaching on an error and two walks. At that time Manager Danny Miller pulled Price and placed Logan Heim on the mound. Heim walked the frst batter he faced, forcing in a run. After striking out the next two batters, Madison scored two runs on a throwing error to cut the Dell Rapids lead to 7-4.

In the top half of the sixth inning, the Dells defense came through again. After a one-out walk, Dell Rapids turned a wonderful 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. Dell Rapids then added to their lead in the bottom half of the inning as Seth Spielman scored on a passed ball to push the lead to 8-4.

Madison made one last attempt to pull off the comeback in the top of the seventh inning. After the first batter struck out, Madison was able to load the bases on a walk, an error, and a bunt single. The next batter hit into a 6-4 fielder’s choice scoring a run to cut the Dell Rapids lead to 8-5. Madison loaded the bases again after a hit batter, but Heim was able to get the final out on a ground out back to the mound to leave the bases loaded and give Dell Rapids the 8-5 win.

Price was the winning pitcher going four innings giving up four runs, all earned, on four hits while striking out five and walking seven. Heim pitched the final three innings giving up one run, which was earned, on one hit while striking out three and walking four.

Madison 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 5 5 2 12 LOB

Dells 4 2 0 1 0 1 X 8 7 3 5 LOB

Relay For Life in Dell Rapids

July 26, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The 13th Annual Dell Rapids Relay for Life was held on Friday, July 25th, and lasted into the morning of Saturday, July 26th, at City Park. The Boys Scouts sponsored a Whopper Feed that started at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The Survivor Walk started at 6:05 p.m. Deb Henriksen served as the emcee for the event. Many different entertainment acts were held throughout the night. Luminaries were lit at dusk, and the festivities concluded with a Sunrise Service by Pastor Ryan Franchuk of Christ Fellowship Church in Baltic.

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