Harry K Napa in Winner is now open Saturdays to pick up client orders.  They are asking clients to call ahead at 842-2507.  Harry K Napa is also able to deliver clients’ parts as well.  The store is located at 1489 West, US-18 in Winner, South Dakota.

As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, so does uncertainty and fear: two elements that con artists thrive on. During these stressful times, BBB recommends consumers to be especially alert to avoid falling for a scam. Below are the top six coronavirus scams along with as tips to help identify and avoid them.

1. Phony Cures and Fake Masks
BBB Scam Tracker has received numerous reports of people receiving emails and messages claiming that, for a price, they can buy products the government is supposedly keeping secret – ways to prevent or cure coronavirus. Medical experts are working hard to find a coronavirus vaccine, but none currently exists.

2. Economic Impact Payment (Stimulus Check) Scams
As soon as stimulus packages are announced and approved, scammers quickly get to work sending out fake economic impact checks and asking consumers to pay fees to get their money earlier than what the IRS has promised. These claims are false and open consumers to the risk of identity theft and outright theft of the funds in their bank account.

3. Phishing Scams
Several people are now working from home and con artists have stepped up their phishing scams. They may claim to be from an official department of the employer to offer IT support or claim the company issued computer has a virus. They may use scare tactics, stating the computer will crash if you don’t act immediately, all in an attempt to gain access to your computer remotely, or to your personal or company’s information.

4. Government Impersonation
Another common phishing scam brought on by the coronavirus pandemic is fake emails and text messages claiming the government needs you to take an “online coronavirus test” by clicking a link they provide. No such test currently exists but if you click on the link, scammers can download malware onto your computer and gain access to your sensitive personal information.

5. Employment Scams
Many people are looking for work online in the wake of coronavirus shutdowns. Fraudsters find ways to take advantage of this by posting phony work-from-home jobs promising remote work with good pay and no interview required. These cons often use real company names and can be very convincing.

After you are “hired,” the company may charge you upfront for “training.” You may need to provide your personal and banking information to run a credit check or set up direct deposit. You may be “accidentally” overpaid with a fake check and asked to deposit the check and wire back the difference. Or, you are asked to buy expensive equipment and supplies to work at home.

6. Shortage Scams (Price Gouging)
Supplies such as hand sanitizer, face masks, and toilet paper are selling out in stores across the U.S. and Canada. Scammers take advantage of this situation and stockpile items in high demand. Then, they seek out potential clients, online and in person, and sell the products at extremely high prices. Price gouging is illegal and high demands for products can lead to con artists selling products that are used, defective, or otherwise mishandled. In some cases, scammers will con people out of their money by accepting payments for products that don’t exist.

The Kimball School yearbook staff is looking for pictures of students doing their school work or a school project at home.

Please email pictures to kim.riggen@k12.sd.us or dawn.vanderheiden@k12.sd.us.  The yearbook staff does not guarantee your picture(s) will make it into the yearbook.

Furthermore one can order yearbook for $40 by going to www.jostens.com

There will be a COVID-19 Cruise Night in Gregory, South Dakota Saturday , April 11th from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.  The goal of the event is to fill the streets of Gregory in vehicles while waving and honking at friends while still maintaining social distancing recommendations.

The City of Winner is having their City Council Meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the City Council Chambers at 325 Monroe Street.  City employees that will be in attendance include Mayor Jody Brozik, Public Safety Commissioner, Justin Day,  Public Works Director, Troy Kruger and City Finance Officer, Chandra Weidner.

CovidKidsHelp.org has been launched by South Dakota’s Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment.  With a mission centered on keeping children and families healthy and resilient, this new website provides resources for parents and professionals during this challenging time as well as provides live Q&A opportunities with experts.

SDSU Extension is rescheduling the third annual Energize Conference to October 7-8, 2020 in order to comply with CDC guidelines and to protect the population from COVID-19. The conference, originally scheduled for early May, will be held in Milbank, South Dakota.

The Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference is a collaboration between SDSU Extension’s Community Vitality team and the community of Milbank. The event provides an opportunity for rural communities to network with other community leaders from across the state, share success stories, get ideas and to take action to improve their own communities.

Due to the spread of COVID-19 all remaining South Dakota private pesticide applicator in-person training will  will be replaced by online testing.

Private applicators needing re-certification or initial certification should take the online test. Visit https://apps.sd.gov/doa/pwt to take the South Dakota private pesticide applicator test.

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce is starting a new promotion to try to get  shoppers going in this trying time.   It is called Curbside Bingo.  They will make up a bingo card, and those businesses who would like to participate will have a square or two on the card.  The square can be for any purchase one chooses.

The middle square will be a Pay it Forward square, so for example if someone comes in or is curbside and buys an item and then one for someone else, they get that square.  The idea is that they don’t have to come in to buy, but can if the businesses are open in that manner.

Right now the chamber is planning to give away $200 in Chamber Bucks.