Vocal director Katie Opp, presented senior Christian Spann with the National Choral Award. The National School Choral Award® is the highest honor for high school choral performers. It recognizes the dedication and musical achievement of the top two choral students.

I admit that I am an emotional person. I recall going to see the Passion movie a few years ago, and I was disturbed to say the least. It’s not uncommon for me to shed a tear when I witness something that moves my soul and this was no exception. Recently, I was watching a program about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and how they provide a way for very sick children to experience a happy but most likely last request, and I cried through the entire program. As the agonizing scenes of what Christ went through were presented, I kept wondering how someone could watch this and not be deeply stirred in their soul. I feel the same way about the Chosen series. I’m not ashamed to wear my feelings on my sleeve, and I have no desire to act tough and pretend that expressing emotions is a sign of weakness. If we are not careful, we can become hardened by the harshness of life and lose our spiritual sensitivity.

More than one million pounds of wild game has been donated to families in need since the program began in 1993. One pound of venison burger can feed a meal to a family of four. This correlates to over four million meals provided to people who are food insecure throughout the state of South Dakota.

About 10,000 Americans turn 65 each day. Many may soon leave the workforce and claim the Medicare benefits they believe they’re entitled to after paying Medicare taxes for decades in the workforce.

PEO Chapter Z is hosting their 5th Annual Ladies Night Quarter Auction at the Burke Civic Center on Friday May 6. The evening will begin with a social hour at 7:00 p.m., with drinks provided by Stella’s in Burke. The auction will begin at 7:30 p.m., but come early to check out the donations.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) reminds the public that political campaign and ballot-issue signs cannot be placed on state highway rights of way. “Election signs are showing up along the state’s roadways,” says Craig Smith, director of operations.