All posts by Leslie Schramm

Larry Aaker is a Coach of the Year Nominee

Winner Lady Warrior Basketball Coach Larry Aaker has been named one of three finalists for Coach of the Year for the Argus Leader Sports Awards. Aaker has coached the Lady Warriors to a 46 game win streak, including a 22-0 season this year. The Sports Awards will be broadcasted online this year on June 18th starting at 6pm.

Lake Platte Golf Course hiring

The Lake Platte Golf Course is hiring for their the season at their clubhouse. They are looking for fun, hard working people ages 21 and up. If you would like an application, please call Karis at 605-337-3300 or send a Facebook message to the Lake Platte Golf Club’s page.The Golf Course is gearing up for the Platte Killer Tomato Amateur Baseball Team’s annual golf tournament for this Saturday, May 30th.

Amateur Baseball from Sunday

We had a couple of amateur baseball games take place last night that featured four of our area teams. At Leahy Bowl, the Winner/Colome Pheasants opened their season with a 4-1 victory over the Colome Chaos. Chaos Manger Ethan Vobr joins us on sports today while Winner/Colome Coach Austin Richey will visit with us on Tuesday. The Platte Killer Tomatoes beat the South Central Storm on Sunday, 7-0. Platte Manager Michael Buitenbos joins us on sports today while Storm Manager Paul Taggart will talk to us later this week.

Farm Bureau Financial Services Returning Auto Insurance Premiums to Client/Members

Farm Bureau Financial Services has announced their  plan to refund 15% of Farm Bureau Member’s Choice personal auto premiums for the period of March 14, 2020 through May 31, 2020 to policyholders.

“Our client/members are driving less, and we’ve seen fewer claims, so we want to refund auto premium. The giveback represents the largest return of premium in our history. For over 80 years, client/members have relied on us to protect their livelihoods and futures, and to be there when they need us most. There are a lot of unknowns right now, but one thing is certain – we’re here for them.” said Dan Pitcher, Chief Executive Officer.

Client/members do not need to take any action. The premium refund will be distributed as a credit toward auto insurance premium due, electronic funds transfer (EFT), or a check, beginning June 8.

South Dakota Summer 2020 Climate & Drought Outlook

With alternating cool and warm weather patterns throughout the last few months and the summer season ahead, temperature continues to be a challenge for climate forecasters in South Dakota.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center released their June climate outlook on May 21. Regarding temperature, the outlook did not provide a clear prediction of what is to come and projected equal chances of warmer, cooler or near average temperatures for the month of June.
“The mixed signals are predicted to continue into the summer season,” said Laura Edwards, SDSU Extension State Climatologist. “The three-month outlook for June through August shows equal chances of warmer, cooler or near average temperatures for all of South Dakota with the exception of the far western edge of the state.”
She added that, in the far west, there is a slightly enhanced chance of warmer than average temperatures over the three summer months.
“The projections for precipitation seem to be more consistent,” said Edwards. “The latest outlook calls for increased chances of wetter than average conditions in June and subsequent months through August, particularly in the eastern half of South Dakota. In the latter half of the summer, the western half may shift toward equal chances of wetter, drier or near average moisture.”
Some areas throughout the state experienced a period of very dry conditions in April and early May. Much of that concern has recessed given recent rains, with the exception of the far northwest region. Rainfall in the remaining days of May and June will be critical for grass and forage production and any row crops that already have been planted.
Agriculture impacts
“With drier conditions in the north, it may become prudent to test water sources for livestock, as dry years can often lead to poor water quality in stock ponds and watering areas,” said Edwards. “SDSU Extension is preparing for water and forage testing for nitrates, should that be needed.”
In the east, the dry period in late April pushed planting progress ahead rapidly, and by mid-May, corn and soybean planting was ahead of the five-year average. The one notable exception is the James River valley, where persistent wet soils and standing water have proven difficult to work around.
Early season emergence of field crops appears to be good overall. The outlook for wetter than average conditions in the summer months could indicate continued sufficient moisture for these crops, and near average temperatures could reduce any long-term heat stress and avoid drought.
For home gardeners, this could reduce the need for hand watering and sprinklers, but could require increased lawn management. Gardens should see rapid growth soon, as the risk of frost is likely in the past.
For more information on climate conditions, contact SDSU Extension State Climatologist Laura Edwards at laura.edwards@sdstate.edu or 605.626.2870.

Memorial Golf Tournament in Mission moved to May 30th

The 7th annual Zondo and Leroy Swalley Memorial Golf Tournament that was scheduled to happen May 23rd this weekend has been moved to a new date. The tournament will now take place on Saturday, May 30th at the Prairie Hills Golf Course in Mission. The format is a two person scramble and the cost per team is $150. For more information, call Boe at 319-0394 or Larry at 899-9084.

SD Farmers Union 2020 Rural Dakota Pride Nominations Open

South Dakota Farmers Union is asking South Dakotans to nominate a volunteer who makes a difference in their community for the Rural Dakota Pride Award. Each year, the state’s largest family farmer and rancher organization, recognizes citizens who make a positive impact in rural communities across the state.
Citizens like Jeannie Hofer of Huron. When Hofer explains her work as a volunteer with Manolis Family Safe Center she says, “It’s about accepting and helping and extending a hand and a heart.”
Extending a hand and opening her heart to those in need is second nature for Hofer, who is grateful an aunt and uncle were there for her, taking her in and raising her when she and her siblings were left without a home due to domestic violence.
The Manolis Family Safe Center is a volunteer organization for victims of domestic abuse and their children. Along with providing victims with a safe place to live, Hofer and other volunteers take turns buying groceries, cleaning and doing home maintenance, driving family members to counseling and doctor appointments and anything else necessary to “help them feel empowered and in control of their own life.”
SD Farmers Union recognizes volunteers like Hofer because supporting rural communities is part of their mission, explains Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.
“We enjoy honoring every-day heroes, who make the communities where our family farmers and ranchers send their children to school, grocery shop or attend church better,” Hofhenke explains. “Each year we are amazed by the work individuals do in their communities. We know 2020 will be no different.”
Nominate a Volunteer Who Makes Your Community A Better Place to Live
2020 nominations are due July 10. To nominate a volunteer in your community, simply contact Hofhenke at 605-350-5976 or Karla@sdfu.org.