News Archives - Page 26 of 105 - Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Very Successful First “Wine and Wander” Event Held in Dell Rapids

July 29, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The very first “Wine and Wander” event held in downtown Dell Rapids was a huge success with the number of people that attended. The event was held on Saturday, July 28th and was put on by the Dell Rapids Downtown Committe of the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

Attendees were able to walk around downtown between different tents to sample wines and craft beer from several local wineries and breweries. About 225 wristbands were sold for the event. The Wine and Wander also featured live music and food from Cricket’s Catering, Gold Star Kettle Corn, and LaDelle and Fourth Coffeehouse. Several of the downtown businesses were open during the event. The Sioux Falls Watercolor Society had an exhibit, and the Dell Rapids Museum held an art show as well.

Ashley Horton, owner of Rustic Lime Boutique in downtown Dell Rapids, said, “I just can’t even say how awesome our first Wine and Wander was! It is so amazing to see our amazing community not only support our vibrant downtown businesses, but also the art and culture of Dell Rapids!”

17th Annual Relay for Life Held at Dell Rapids City Park

July 28, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The 17th Annual Relay for Life was held on Friday, July 27th, into the morning on Saturday, July 28th at the Dell Rapids City Park. The event started at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and wrapped with a sunrise service at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday.

The Boy Scouts once again held a Whopper feed starting at 5:30 on Friday evening. The Cancer Crusaders ran a concession stand until 10:00 p.m. Friday night. Luminaries again lined the paths of the park and were lit at dusk on Friday.

The Survivor Walk was the official kick-off to the Relay for Life event at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. After the Survivor Walk, entertainment was provided by various individuals including the Hallelujah Hooligans, Jon Hanson, Angie Peterson-Kaffar, John Pollman, Shane Skinner, and the Lutheran Church Praise Band.

Dell Rapids Student Receives Gold at National FCCLA Conference

July 26, 2018 by Submitted

July 2018 – Over 8,000 Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members, advisers, alumni, and guests from across the nation traveled to Atlanta, Georgia for the 2018 National Leadership Conference (NLC) June 28 – July 2. The conference was an incredible opportunity for members to develop leadership skills by attending a multitude of workshops and training programs. Students listened to well-known motivational speakers. Members explored different career paths and colleges while attending the conference and learned new ways to “Be Inspired” through conversation with members from across the country.

Rylee Rinehart, Dell Rapids FCCLA member, qualified for national competition at the state conference held in April. She was one of the middle and high school members from chapters across the state who competed at this level. She presented her Food Innovations STAR Event and received a gold rating.

Rinehart and her advisor, Beverly Rieck, also served as room consultant volunteers for different STAR Event presentations.

During the opening general session, the members listened to keynote speaker Johnny Earle, also known as Johnny Cupcakes. Johnny Earle is the founder of Johnny Cupcakes, a T-shirt business that aims to make the entire process feel like a bakery. He had started sixteen businesses before he turned sixteen and spoke about what he learned throughout the years. His words inspired members to do what makes them happy and to follow their dreams.

During the closing general session, Chick-Fil-A CEO, President, and Chairperson Dan T. Cathy spoke to members his life lessons. Cathy believes in having passion behind all the work we do. He also believes we must take the initiative if we wish to see change occur in our world. Cathy was a generous sponsor during NLC.

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective national student organization with the goal to help men and women grow as youth leaders in their communities and remain strong leaders into the future. FCCLA pursues to address personal, family, work, and societal issues and find solutions through Family and Consumer Sciences education. FCCLA reaches these goals thanks to the 200,000 members that are active within the organization. Over 5,500 chapters are spread among forty-nine state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Since 1945, more than ten million youth have been involved and have grown within FCCLA.

FCCLA: The Ultimate Leadership Experience stands apart from other youth organizations because the programs and events are planned, led, and carried out by members. FCCLA is the only career and technical in-school student organization with the family as its central focus. When members participate in national programs and local chapter activities, they grow and develop into strong leaders in their families, careers, and communities. The members lead in the present, and they will continue to lead into the future with help from the skills learned from FCCLA’s programs, workshops, and overall curriculum.

Dell Rapids Community VBS Has Another Successful Year

July 26, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids Community Vacation Bible School program had another successful year. This year’s event was held from Sunday, July 15th through Wednesday, July 18th at the Dell Rapids Lutheran Church. The theme for for 2018 was “Shipwrecked”.

About 150 children from age four through sixth grade participated in the four-day program. Members from River Community Church served a hot dog meal on Sunday, the Lutheran Church served walking tacos on Monday, the Methodist Church served mini pizzas on Tuesday, and the Reformed Church served hot ham and cheese sandwiches on Wednesday. Volunteers from other churches also helped serve as crew leaders for the week to help get the children from station to station.

This year’s VBS board members were Darci Kringen and Lisa Wilber (Lutheran Church), Danette Costain (Reformed Church), Denise Cavigielli (Methodist Church), and Amber Larson (River Community Church).

Dell Rapids High School Eligibility Policy Changes

July 23, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Student athletes at Dell Rapids High School will be met with a new eligibility policy starting this fall for the upcoming school year. The new policy was explained by Dell Rapids High School Principal Drew Bunkers during the Dell Rapids School Board regular meeting on Monday, July 9th.

Prior to this change, Dell Rapids followed the eligibility guidelines of the South Dakota High School Activities Association. Those guidelines state that the student athlete needs to pass two credits the semester prior to the current sport season to be eligible.

“We looked at a situation if you played just volleyball or just football, you could realistically get to the end of your senior year with six credits and never miss a game. You would be not even close to any where near graduating, and you would have played every football game or every volleyball game as long as you passed two credits in the spring. You could flunk every thing in the fall, it wouldn’t matter, you’d play every game. You’d be ineligible for the spring, which you don’t participate in anything. You’d pass (in the spring), it resets, you play,” said Bunkers.

The new policy that was proposed by Bunkers and approved by the school board is as follows:

Grade/Eligibility for activities will be determined at the midterm and end of each quarter/semester. In order to be eligible, a student must pass all of his/her academic courses. Should a student become ineligible at midterm by receiving a failing grade in one or more courses, he/she won’t be allowed to participate in activities for a period of one week or one contest, whichever is greater, effective the Monday after midterm grades have been submitted. If he/she is still receiving a failing grade after one week, he/she will become ineligible for an additional week or contest. Ineligibility will continue until a student can maintain a passing grade in all courses. Students can regain eligibility by showing evidence of a passing grade to the principal or activities director. Students will then become eligible the following Monday after proof of passing all courses. The minimum requirement for ineligibility is one full week or one contest. If a student receives a failing grade in a course(s) for a quarter or semester, he/she will become ineligible for two weeks or two contests, whichever is greater. All SDHSAA requirements and policies must also be met. Students will still be allowed to practice during a period of ineligibility.

During the school board meeting a question was raised about the possibility of students who might be in school just for the sports and what will those students be told.

Bunkers answered, “You’re number one job here is to get an education. That’s what we’re charged with is educating you. If you want to play sports and that is your main motivator, we need to do it in the classroom for you to play the sports. It’s completely up to that student if they are eligible or not. If they put in the work in the classroom, they will remain eligible, and they’ll get to play their sports.”

Dell Rapids Sioux River Red Rock Trail Receives Grant

July 18, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Big Sioux River at the Scenic Overlook in Dell Rapids.

The Sioux River Red Rock Trail fund was recently awarded a grant from the Recreational Trails Program. South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard made the announcement on Wednesday, July 11th. The program, which is run through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department, awarded over $1.1 million to several cities, trail groups, and state parks for 2019.

The Sioux River Red Rock Trail was awarded $100,000 for expansion to the dam site. Plans for this grant will to connect to the trail at the intersection of 1st Ave and Hwy 115 then head west to where the bridge will cross Rocky Run just behind the lift station and run through the prairie grasses until it reaches Mill Ave. With the grant announcement, the engineering and design process will hopefully start soon with the expectation of construction bidding happening next year.

The other applicants that were awarded grants for trail construction and upgrades were Aberdeen (Moccasin Creek Recreational Trail, $95,800), Deadwood (Whitewood Creek Trail & Boardwalk Rehabilitation, $60,000), and Elk Point (Recreational Trail, $24,903).

“The sponsors of these projects have thoroughly demonstrated their commitment to improving our communities, parks and recreation areas. These funds will aid them in their efforts to benefit South Dakotans and future generations,” said Gov. Daugaard in the press release.

There are also two other Sioux River Red Rock Trail projects that are scheduled to be completed before the end of 2018. With the help of another South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Recreational Trails Program grant, the trail at the corner of Hwy 115 and Centennial Pl will be extended south to the picnic shelter and scenic overlook above the Dells. Also in conjunction with the Hwy 115 reconstruction project, a trail will be added across the new bridge will continue north to the four-way stop, then turn west past Veteran’s Park all the way to Golf View Dr.

Donations to the Sioux River Red Rock Trail are always welcome. Donations can be sent to:
Dell Rapids Trailway Fund
Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation
200 N. Cherapa Place
Sioux Falls, SD 57103

Funds are managed by the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.

LeBrun Officially Joins Dell Rapids School Board

July 13, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Newly elected school board member Jacque LeBrun officially began her three-year term at the school board’s regular meeting on Monday, July 9th.. The regular meeting also marked the end of service for Steve Stofferahn.

LeBrun and Troy Randall were elected to three-year terms on April 10th. Three total candidates were vying for two open spots on the board due to the end of terms fro Stofferahn and Randall.

Also during the school board meeting, the board elected a president and vice president and assigned members to committees. Matt Weiland was elected as the board president for another year. Randall was re-elected as the board’s vice president.

Jody Schumaker and LeBrun will serve on the Technology Planning and Wellness/Insurance committees. Jeff Traill and Schumaker will be on the Facilities and Policy committees. Weiland and Randall will serve on the Transportation and Negotiations/Personnel committees. Randall and Traill will head the Budget/Finance committee. LeBrun and Weiland will serve on the Teacher Leadership committee.

South Dakota State Rep. Dan Ahlers Selected for the CSG 2018 Toll Fellows Class

July 10, 2018 by Submitted

LEXINGTON, Ky.—South Dakota state Rep. Dan Ahlers is among the 48 state leaders from across the country selected to participate in The Council of State Governments’ 2018 Henry Toll Fellowship, the nation’s premier leadership development program for state government officials.

The members of the Class of 2018 hail from 32 states and Guam and represent all three branches of state government. A committee of program alumni reviewed applications and selected the class.

“My hope is to improve my leadership and communication skills,” Ahlers said. “Improving these skills will help build new partnerships. These partnerships can help solve the challenges we face as a state.”

The Toll Fellowship, named for CSG founder Henry Wolcott Toll, has convened a group of the nation’s top officials for this intensive six-day, five-night intellectual boot camp for more than 30 years in Lexington, Kentucky. The 2018 program will be held Aug. 24-28.

The program’s agenda includes a lineup of dynamic sessions designed to stimulate personal assessment and growth, while providing networking and relationship-building opportunities. Each year’s program is unique, but previous programs have included sessions on leadership personality assessment, media training, crisis management, appreciative inquiry and adaptive leadership.

“The CSG Toll Fellows are a remarkable group of state leaders,” CSG Executive Director/CEO David Adkins said. “We have designed the fellowship to expand their leadership capacity with a strong focus on collaboration, communication and teamwork skills. Politics today are often characterized by polarization and gridlock. Toll Fellows learn how to overcome differences to serve the common good. These dedicated public servants leave the program energized and ready to return to their states and continue to make a difference.”

Adkins was a 1993 Toll Fellow when he served as a Kansas state representative.

Toll Fellows alumni include Cheri Beasley, associate justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court; Oregon Gov. Kate Brown; Delaware Gov. John Carney; Idaho U.S. Attorney Bart Davis; Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey; Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap; Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett; former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell; Anne McKeig, associate justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court; Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin; Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill; Tennessee U.S. Attorney Doug Overbey; Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate; U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita, a former Indiana secretary of state; former U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis; and Rhonda Wood, associate justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court.

“We need to continually challenge ourselves to be better leaders,” Ahlers said. “We can never rely on just one session to really change our bad habits. We need ongoing reinforcement, follow up and feedback to ensure good leadership habits are maintained.”

About The Council of State Governments

The Council of State Governments is the nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships. For more information about CSG, visit www.csg.org.

Dells Veterinary Services Adds New Doctor

July 5, 2018 by Submitted

The Dells Veterinary Services family is growing! The duo of doctors is now a trio. Dr. Ashley Vegter joined the Dells Vet team this June. Dr. Vegter grew up on a small crop farm in Illinois. She spent her childhood there taking care of cats and dogs, which grew into a passion of caring for animals. While working on a dairy farm, Dr. Vegter found she enjoyed working with production animals just as much as companion animals. She developed her veterinary skills at the University of Illinois so she could help animals both large and small. Dells Veterinary Services is thrilled to have her at the clinic to be able to help more of the community!

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