The Prarie Cruisers Car Club is inviting everyone to join them for the film “Grease” at the Winner Drive-Inn Theater for a night of fun. The concession stand and restrooms will be open. The film will begin approximately after sunset.
Category Archives: Story
Job Openings at Casey’s General Store in Winner
Casey’s General Store in Winner, South Dakota is looking to hire three positions: a Store Manager, a Kitchen Manager, and a 2nd Assistant Manager. Go to www.caseys.com/careers/store-positions to apply for the positions.
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.
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.
South Dakota 4-H Awards 2020 Scholarships
SDSU Extension has selected recipients for the 2020 South Dakota 4-H scholarships. Scholarships are funded by South Dakota 4-H and other 4-H donors and supporters.
Meet the 2020 4-H Scholarship Winners:
John F. and Beryl Younger 4-H Scholarship ($300) – Kayla Fischer has been an active member of the Clever Clovers 4-H Club in Day County for nine years participating in various projects including Youth in Action events, 4-H Junior Leaders and livestock shows. She has also been active with South Dakota 4-H Youth Ambassadors and has held offices in FFA and FCCLA. In August, Fischer will attend South Dakota State University to pursue a degree in early childhood education.
Danika Gordon: John F. and Beryl Younger 4-H Scholarship ($300) – Danika Gordon has been a member of the Crow Peak Valley Rangers 4-H Club in Lawrence County since 2010 and has held many club leadership roles, served as a State 4-H Ambassador and earned the State 4-H Key Award in 2019. Additionally, Gordon has been active in National Honor Society, soccer, Spanish and Journalism Club, Youth Leadership Team, Student Council and FFA. In the fall, she will attend South Dakota State University to study agribusiness and marketing.
Morgan Melius: Robert and Maxine Olson 4-H Endowment ($1,500) – Morgan Melius has been a member of the Faulkton Wranglers 4-H Club for nine years. In addition to her 4-H activities, she has been active in FCCLA, FFA, church youth group, volleyball, track, and serves as a volunteer with her church and Jump Rope for Heart. Melius will attend South Dakota State University in the fall to pursue a degree in elementary or secondary education.
Matthew Sperry: Folkerts Family Scholarship ($1,100) – Matthew Sperry of Brown County is currently studying precision agriculture and agronomy at South Dakota State University. He is an officer for the Golden Key International Honor Society at SDSU, serves as an adult 4-H leader, and mentors the Robotics Team and Sound Crew at his high school. Over the last 12 years, Sperry has logged over 7,800 volunteer hours.
The South Dakota 4-H shooting sports committee awarded six scholarships to youth in the shooting sports program. Scholarships were funded by entrance fees paid at the state match and recipients were chosen by a group of 4-H volunteers.
Meet the 2020 4-H Shooting Sports Scholarship Winners:
Kate DeVelder ($1,000) – Kate DeVelder is a nine-year member of the Clay County Flyers 4-H Club in Vermillion that provides care packages to the volunteers who work at the state 4-H shoot each year. DeVelder has competed at the state level several times, attended the 2018 National Shooting Sports Ambassador training in Bozeman, Montana, then served as a South Dakota State 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador. In the fall, she will attend Black Hills State University.
Emily Nold ($750) – Emily Nold of Rutland is a past National 4-H Shooting Sports Championship competitor in the muzzle loading discipline. In addition to shooting sports, she has been an active member of the Brookings County 4-H program and has enjoyed showing sheep. Nold will attend South Dakota State University in the fall.
Curt Spilde ($500) – Curt Spilde graduated from Deuel High School in 2019 and immediately began his career in the South Dakota National Guard. He was an active member of the Deuel County shooting sports program and has represented South Dakota 4-H at the 4-H National Shooting Sports Championship in the muzzle loading discipline. Additionally, Spilde enjoyed showing livestock. Now that he has completed his initial military training, he plans to attend Lake Area Technical Institute.
Taryn Opdahl ($500) – Taryn Opdahl is an eleven-year member of the Opdahl Ranchers 4-H Club in Hamlin County. In addition to shooting sports, she has attended Teen Leadership Conference where she found her career passion. Throughout high school, Opdahl has thoroughly enjoyed serving as a teacher’s aide and plans to pursue higher education to become a speech pathologist.
Alisha McMartin ($500) – Alisha McMartin of West Central High School has been active in shooting sports throughout her time as a 4-H member. She has participated in the Daisy National BB Gun Tournament and won the Returning Champions Match in 2016. In addition to shooting sports, McMartin enjoyed showing sheep and learned a lot from her livestock projects. She will attend South Dakota State University in the fall.
Eli Dissing ($250) – Eli Dissing of Tri-Valley High School has represented South Dakota 4-H at the 4-H National Shooting Sports Championship in the air rifle discipline and the Humbolt Sharpshooters at the Daisy National BB Gun Tournament. While in high school, Dissing served as vice president of his FFA chapter. In the fall, Dissing will attend Lake Area Technical Institute to pursue a degree in diesel technology.
Scholarship applications are due to the State 4-H office by April 1 each year. Application instructions for upcoming 4-H Scholarships can be found on the SDSU Extension website.
About South Dakota 4-H
South Dakota 4-H enables youth to be engaged in partnerships with caring adults, positive learning environments, developing their fullest potential and learning life skills. Throughout the SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development program, we value youth, families, and communities; partnerships and coalitions that work for the betterment of youth in our state, and combined strength of local programming in cooperation with the land-grant university, South Dakota State University; every child’s individuality and uniqueness; diversity and an inclusive environment that assures all youth access to programming; caring adults who volunteer to work with, mentor, and teach youth; the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
Gregory Military Cruise Night this Friday
A special Military Cruise Night in Gregory takes place this Friday from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Citizens will honor all that have served by cruising the streets of Gregory. Decorating cars is encouraged. If you have served or are currently serving please have a sign with the branch and years served.
SDSU Extension to Offer Financial Management Education Opportunities
Due to recent events, it may be difficult to know where to find the most reliable financial information and advice. SDSU Extension recognizes this challenge and is committed to helping South Dakotans navigate their financial management needs.
Lorna Saboe-Wounded Head, SDSU Extension Family Resource Management Field Specialist and Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC), will host a virtual coffee break on May 26 at 2:00 p.m. (CDT) to openly discuss personal finance best practices, offer advice and answer questions with all who are interested.
“Americans have a lot of mistrust when seeking financial advice,” said Saboe-Wounded Head. “However, if citizens work with an Accredited Financial Counselor, they don’t have to worry.”
AFC professionals bring a strong focus on personal finance and are accredited by the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education, which works to ensure the highest level of knowledge, skill and integrity of the personal finance profession by certifying, connecting and supporting diverse and capable professionals who serve communities worldwide.
An AFC does not sell financial products but, rather, focuses solely on providing unbiased financial education and guidance specific to the unique situation and needs of the client. Additionally, they assist individuals and families in the complex process of financial decision-making, including creating budgets, getting out of debt, modifying ineffective money management behaviors, and even helping prepare for retirement.
“An Accredited Financial Counselor is like a financial driving instructor,” said Saboe-Wounded Head. “They don’t care what car you buy or drive; their job is to teach you how to drive safely, responsibly and independently.”
To register for the virtual coffee break, visit SDSU Extension Events (https://extension.sdstate.edu/events) and search Personal Finance Coffee Break. SDSU Extension recommends that participants submit their questions in the registration form to be answered during the virtual coffee break. Those who are unable to join during the live session are still encouraged to register and submit questions, as a recorded copy of the session will be made available afterward.
“I think we are all adapting to the changes happening in the world, and this coffee break is a great way for us to support each other while staying safe,” said Saboe-Wounded Head. “We want to make it as easy as possible to learn the information you need to know. It’s an hour to connect with our community, learn ways to make this time at home best for your family, and take a breather from your normal routine.”
For personal finance management questions, contact Lorna Saboe-Wounded Head, SDSU Extension Family Resource Management Field Specialist and AFC®, at Lorna.woundedhead@sdstate.edu.
Gregory Senior Benefit May 22nd
The Gregory IOOF Lodge #189 will host a drive by benefit for the Gregory Senior Center on Friday, May 22nd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (or until food runs out) on the corner of 6th Street and Rosebud in Gregory, South Dakota. All proceeds will go toward the operating expenses for the Gregory Senior Center.
2020-2021 South Dakota State FFA Officers Elected
To wrap up the 92nd South Dakota State FFA Convention, six members were elected to serve as the 2020-2021 South Dakota State FFA officer team and two members were elected to serve as the 2020-2021 South Dakota State FFA ambassadors.
Candidates vied for the six South Dakota leadership roles and went through extensive interviews. The individuals elected to the South Dakota State FFA officer team will travel across the state throughout the next year presenting speeches, facilitating workshops, hosting camps, holding conferences and conducting business for the South Dakota FFA Association. They will also represent the state of South Dakota at the National FFA Convention.
2020-2021 State FFA Officers
- President – Samantha Olson, Northwestern Area
- Vice President – Jackson McFaden, Milbank
- Secretary – Hunter Eide, Gettysburg
- Treasurer – Elizabeth DeBoer, Deuel
- Reporter – Dirby Bawek, Doland
- Sentinel – Ryder Mortenson, Winner
State FFA Ambassadors assist State Officers in hosting events throughout the year and are a crucial part of the South Dakota FFA Association.
2020-2021 State FFA Ambassadors
- Caitlynn Barse, Groton
- Beth Nagel, Gettysburg