Aaron Voigt, of Gregory, SD, was named to the University of Sioux Falls' spring 2021 dean's list. Voigt is majoring in business administration.

Six year old, Abigail Rowan enjoys a good knock-knock joke just like any other incoming first grader. But for Abigail, the need for a little humor is what is helping her get through her current battle with cancer.

Gregory County 4-H Connecting with Horses workshop was both fun and educational. This specific workshop had two classes, one at the beginning of June, and the last one at the end of June to allow as many kids as possible to attend. The youth learned how horses connect with people and how a person can connect with a horse. The youth got to let the horses come to them and got to experience what it felt like to be accepted into the herd and to form a real relationship with a horse. Kris Miner, guest instructor, also had the youth fill out an observation worksheet that helped them become immersed in the experience.

The workshop with “Get Fit with Jenny” was a hit! Participants had the opportunity to learn about the importance of exercise and stretching with our local fitness trainer and gymnastics coach, Jenny Hansen. Jenny introduced the children to weight equipment and shared the importance of correct form as they participated in a basic routine. They also learned some general stretching to keep bodies mobile and prevent injuries led by Rose Wolf. They wrapped up with a fun game and the children all left with smiles on their faces.

Can God heal us? Of course! We do not need to speculate or wonder about His ability to provide miracles and bring restoration even in the most difficult situations. Jeremiah 17:14 says, “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed. Save me, and I shall be saved: for Thou art my praise.” Whatever the case, we can believe and know without a doubt that our heavenly Father desires to help us in our time of need whatever it might be, and yet, we look around and notice that many have not received their answer. When we begin to investigate the truth about healing and miracles, it does not take long to discover this is a complicated subject that includes conditions that must be taken into consideration. I realize that some people do not believe in the blood covenant of Christ or the gifts of the Spirit found in I Corinthians chapter 12 or that Jesus is still providing miracles today, but what are we to do with verses like Mark 16:17-18, and James 5:14-15 just to name a few? Old and New Testament scriptures such as these are relevant today the same as every command and promise of God.

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate all the great fathers in our lives. My kids have an awesome one in Bryon. My son-in-law Kyle will be a father any day now! And I want to wish every father in the state of South Dakota a very happy Father’s Day. The holiday can also be a tough reminder of loved-ones lost. Father’s Day was tough for me for many years after Dad died. But this Father’s Day, I want to take some time for a little bit of a different remembrance. I want us to remember our Founding Fathers who gave us one of the greatest gifts ever: the United States of America.