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

Baltic Holds Off St Mary

January 28, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Anna Wolles

The Baltic Bulldogs picked up a win in Dell Rapids against the Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinals girls basketball team on Monday, January 27th, by a score of 44-40. Baltic had a slight two-point lead after the first quarter at 9-7. St Mary scored the first three points of the second quarter, but Baltic then went on a 7-0 lead to go ahead 16-10. The Cardinals pulled to within two points at 16-14, but Baltic used another little run of 8-2 to take a 24-16 halftime lead. The Bulldogs were able to push their lead to 10 points after the third quarter at 34-24. The Bulldogs built a 13-point lead late into the fourth quarter, but time ran out on St Mary as the Cardinals were only able to make up nine of the 13 points in the remaining minutes of the game.

This was the second straight loss for St Mary after reeling off six wins in a row. The Cardinals drop to 8-5 on the year. St Mary will travel to Lake Benton on Friday, January 31st, to take on Elkton-Lake Benton in a game that will be webcast on Big Sioux Media.

	1	2	3	4	Final
Batlic	9	15	10	10	44
Dell Rapids St Mary	7	9	8	16	40

Highlights:

Dorothy “Dot” Butcher

January 28, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Former Dell Rapids resident Dorothy “Dot” Butcher, 80, died January 19 in Mesa, Arizona.

Mrs. Butcher was born February 27, 1933 in Dell Rapids, SD to Hollis and Dagny Goodale. She graduated from Chester Consolidated School in 1951. Dot worked as a teacher, nurse’s aide and occasionally at a mink ranch. Dot married Hal Butcher on December 15, 1968 in Colton, SD. They then moved to Arizona where they enjoyed being foster parents for many years.

She is survived by her sister Darlene Lodmell, son Robert (Alice) Koob, daughter Hollie (Charlie) Cox, and daughter Heather (Henry) George; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Dot was preceded in death by her husband, Hal, and her brother, Lauren Goodale.

Special thanks to Pilar Shephard and the Americare hospice nurses and caregivers for their assistance in her time of need. Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 25 at Superior Funeral Home, Superior, AZ. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, Superior. Condolences may be left through http://superiorazfuneralhome.com.

Is Common Core Right for South Dakota?

January 28, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Common Core topic has been highly debated recently, and Mary Scheel-Buysse from South Dakotans Against Common Core was in Dell Rapids on Saturday, January 25th, speaking on why South Dakota should do away with the Common Core Standards.

The Common Core Standards (CCS) are a set of English language arts and math standards that all children should know. One of the goals of the Common Core Standards is that students will be made college and career ready. Scheel-Buysse said that is not the goal of education. Another goal of the CCS is to have every school district follow same national standards. But according to literature handed out by Scheel-Buysse at the meeting, “this is a failed educational approach that will undermine educational quality and choice. Parents will not have a say in their child’s education under Common Core.” Scheel-Buysse also said, “The federal government has set up an incentive for schools to fail, even if that was not their intent.”

South Dakota adopted the Common Core Standards back in 2010. The initiative was a state-lead effort of governors and chief educational officers. South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard has said that the state does not receive any federal dollars that are dependent on South Dakota adopting Common Core. Daugaard has also mentioned that he would not be in support of removing the entire Common Core initiative from South Dakota, but would not be opposed to addressing specific standards within Common Core if they are thought to be wrong or bad. He also stated that he would not be opposed to legislation that protects student data.

Dell Rapids Superintendent Summer Schultz said, “As a school administrator I find myself in a predicament. On one hand I support the work our State has done in order to adopt the standards with confidence. On the other hand, I also encourage healthy discussions by those who disagree with the adoption. Anytime a renewed interest in education takes place, I’m confident that people truly want what is best for students. We may not agree how to move forward, but in the end we are all on the same side. South Dakota has always had standards in place and the adoption of common core would be no different. Whether you agree that the standards are more rigorous, less rigorous, or a little of both is an independent decision. Personally, I truly believe the quality of the classroom teacher is the single most important factor in student achievement. That being said, without a doubt I can say I’m confident that students in the Dell Rapids School District are in good hands and will continue to thrive with the new standards.”

Currently there are four bills that are being discussed in the 2014 South Dakota Legislative session. They are House Concurrent Resolution 1008 (HCR 1008), Senate Bill 62 (SB 62), Senate Bill 63 (SB 63), and Senate Bill 64 (SB 64). More information about these bills can be found at http://legis.sd.gov/Legislative_Session/Bills/default.aspx?Session=2014.

For more information about South Dakotans Against Common Core, visit their website at http://southdakotansagainstcommoncore.com. For more information about South Dakota Common Core, visit the website http://www.commoncore.sd.gov.

Viewpoints on the Common Core issue are always welcome at Big Sioux Media as “Letters to the Editor”, which can be emailed to admin@bigsiouxmedia.com. Also feel free to comment on the Facebook page of this story.

Jackie (Munk) Hummel

January 27, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Jacqueline “Jackie” K. (Munk) Hummel, 62, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Dell Rapids, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2014. Her memorial service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2014 at the First Baptist Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the start of the memorial service. Inurnment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery.

Jacqueline “Jackie” Kay Munk was born on August 25, 1951 at Dell Rapids, SD, the daughter of John “Jack” and Ardis (Nyhus) Munk. She grew up and attended school in Dell Rapids. She graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 1969. She married Lloyd Hummel on June 12, 1971 at the First Baptist Church in Dell Rapids. The couple made their home in Dell Rapids before moving to Marion, IA. The couple divorced in 1986. Jackie then moved back to Dell Rapids with her children and started working for T & C’s Other Place. In 1992, she started working for ESI and moved to Sioux Falls. She worked for ESI for 17 years.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Dell Rapids.

Jackie enjoyed M&M’s, nascar with Jeff Gordon being her favorite driver, and the Denver Broncos. She loved her dog, Dakota and painting.

Jackie passed away on Friday, January 24, 2014 at Avera Mckennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. She was 62 and preceded in death by her father and two infant nephews. She is survived by her mother, Ardis Munk of Dell Rapids; her son, Chad Hummel of Sioux Falls; her daughter, Teri (Brian) Ruth of Renner; her granddaughters, Alexis Ruth, Brianna Ruth and Natasha Hummel; her brothers, Roger (Linda) Munk of Dell Rapids and David (Lori) Munk of Sioux Falls; her sister, Lisa Munk (Cari Conine) of Atlanta, GA and her many nieces and nephews and her best four legged friend, Dakota “Survivor.”

Dell Rapids Water Issue Report

January 27, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dell Rapids Mayor Scott Fiegen appointed a committee of council members Gary Haak, Craig Lauritzen, and Chad Andrews to address the issues and concerns of the water issues in Dell Rapids during the City Council’s meeting on Monday, January 6th. Andrews presented the committee’s first report to the council during the regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 21st. Andrews reported that the committee is still waiting for sampling results to determine what the issues are. He stated, “We know there is iron in the water, but don’t much more right now.”

Andrews brought to the council an option for solution, but also said, “As soon as the samples come back, we should be able to get a plan of action started.”

The full discussion of the water issue can be found on the archived video of the City Council meeting from January 21st.

Dell Rapids School Board Meeting: 1/27/14

January 27, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids School Board will meet in regular session on Monday, January 27th, at 7:00 p.m. in the MS/HS DDN Room. Some of the items on the agenda include approval of the personnel report, approval of the student report, discussion and consideration of membership in the SDUSA (South Dakota United Schools Association), discussion regarding the old elementary school building, and the administrative report. The school board will also enter into a time of executive session. The full agenda can be found by clicking here.

Cardinal Teams Have Great Showing at DVC Tournament

January 26, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Both the Dell Rapids St Mary boys and girls teams played well during the Dakota Valley Conference tournament held January 21st-25th. The boys team finished as the consolation champions in their tournament, and the girls team finished second in their tournament.

The boys opened up the tournament with a 70-26 loss to Elkton-Lake Benton. The Cardinals bounced back and picked up wins in their next two games. They defeated Colman-Egan 63-57 on Thursday, January 23rd, and then beat Estelline 44-40 on Saturday, January 25th.

The girls team opened up their tournament with a win over Oldham-Ramona-Rutland 63-42 on Tuesday, January 21st. The Cardinals then picked up a big win over previously undefeated and Class A #4 Deubrook 54-46. Estelline ended the tournament for Dell Rapids St Mary by beating the Cardinals 34-47.

New Community Garden for Dell Rapids

January 26, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Dell Rapids will be getting a new community garden. The Dell Rapids City Council approved the location for the new community garden during it’s regular meeting on January 6th. The location of the garden will be on the east side of the three ball fields located on the south side of the river. The council continued discussions on watering options for the garden. Several different options were discussed including extending the line out 600 feet and putting in a hydrant by the plot. That option came with an estimated cost of $1,700. The council decided to not pursue that option. Councilor Paul Miles brought up the possibility of trenching a line from the current line at the baseball fields and blowing out the line every year.

The council will continue discussing details about the new community garden such as the finalized size of the plots and yearly fees for renting out a plot.

Library Renovation/Expansion Project Update

January 26, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Tom Earley spoke on behalf of the Library Board at the last Dell Rapid City Council Meeting on Tuesday, January 21st. The Library Board has met with engineers to review the plans for the library renovation/expansion project. The board recommended to the City Council that the prior contract with SEH, Inc. be terminated and that the council approve a new contract that better covers the new scope of the project. Councilor Paul Miles moved to terminate the prior contract and approve the new contract with SEH. Councilor Mark Crisp seconded the motion, and the motion carried.

Earley and the council also held discussions on the utility replacement for the entire project. Earley told the council that the Library board held discussions with SEH about replacing the entire sewer line instead of just replacing part of the line. The approved changed in the scope of the utility replacement portion of the project adds an estimated additional $4,000 to the budget of the utility replacement, bringing that entire budget to just under $100,000. The Library Board is paying for the utility replacement project, however, the City Council has agreed to pay the contracting expenses. The Library Board recommended to the City Council to approve the bid letting for the utility replacement project, but councilor Lee Burggraff requested the amount SEH is requesting as contracting expenses be presented to the council prior to voting the approval of the bid letting. That amount was not available, so councilor Chad Andrews motioned to table the approval of bid letting until the next meeting. Councilor Gary Haak seconded that motion, and the motion carried to table the bid letting approval.

The Library Board has been in discussions with the Dell Rapids School Board about possibly relocating to the old elementary building during the renovation project.

Lorena (Halvorson) Berg

January 25, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Lorena P. Berg, 79, of Garretson passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at her home. Her funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 27, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church, Garretson with the Rev. Steve Moberg officiating. Interment will be in the St. Paul Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Kahler Funeral Home, Dell Rapids, on Sunday, January 26, 2014. To leave condolences please visit www.kahlerfh.com.

Lorena Patrica Halvorson was born on January 1, 1935 in Vienna, SD to Bjarne and Edna Halvorson. She moved with her family to Dell Rapids when she was about 5 years old. She attended Dell Rapids School where she graduated in 1953.

Before she was married, she worked in the bakery in Dell Rapids, as a secretary at the Ford dealership, and the Cottage in Sioux Falls. After getting married and having kids, she became a dedicated stay at home mom for years. In 1985, she started working at Children’s Care Hospital and School as a child care worker for 17 years, which she took great pride in.

Lorena met Palmer Berg right out of high school and they married June 4th, 1955. Together they had a very strong loving relationship and raised six children. They endured a great deal of hardships and also had lots of happiness. The two of them showed the true meaning of “Till death do us part” as mom held dad’s hand while he took his last breaths. They spent nearly 50 years together when he passed on April 10, 2004.
Lorena was a dear, loving, selfless person who did not let anyone get away without a hug. After dad died she wasn’t sure she would be able to go on but she found purpose in worrying about everyone else. With the love and support of her family she was able to find joy and peace in life again.

Her son, Paul, was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, she made it her mission to take care of him. She became an even stronger woman at this time. Her faith grew stronger though it was always extremely strong as she always showered us with prayers. Now she would use all her power to keep Paul strong. He passed away August 31, 2012.

She so dearly loved calls and visits from her kids, and if you put the grandkids on the phone…even the ones not talking….Grandma could talk to them for hours. Grandkids and great-grandkids were her pride and joy. One of her favorite songs was “Jesus Loves Me” and she loved it when her grandchildren sang it to her.

After Paul died she was frightened as this was the first time in her life she was alone. She learned to adjust with the support of her loved ones. For anyone who knows her there are pictures plastered everywhere in her house. She needed Dad and Paul there watching out for her all the time. Mom was a tough person and she always kept busy.

She had been coerced into joining the Garretson Red Hatters after dad passed away, which she enjoyed and talked about all the time. She was also a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson, SD. She took swim therapy at Sanford Wellness Center three days per week. She took great joy in having her grandkids spend the night with her, when possible. Every time you came to visit her she had a big smile on her face. She was always up for a trip to town when offered. Mother was a very warm hearted, loving lady who loved every one. She loved company and people!

She was preceeded by her husband, Palmer; son, Paul; her parents, brother, Gerald; sisters, Alvera Ferris, Bernice Bokker, and Arlene Schildhauer.

She is survived by her children, Amy (Tracy) Kirk, and their children, Ruby, Vivian and Clarice; David (Laura) Berg and their child, Trinity; Patti (Dan) Stensland, and their children, NeVaeh, Andres and Aaliyah; Laura (friend, Tom) Boese, and children, Joel and Jay; Danny (Ellie) and their children, Dustin and Halie; her brother-in-law, Arnold Schildhauer, and many great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

« Previous Page