News

One inch and 21 hundredths of rain wasn’t the only story from the past weekend. Friday evening’s storm produced some lightning that hit very close to home, striking a tree at the corner of 13th Street and Rosebud Avenue.

Last week, LifeServe Blood Center held their first blood drive in Winner, SD, hosted by the Southern Belle Cattlewomen. The blood drive was held at the Tripp County Building, where 99 people donated blood and 104 units were collected. The goal for the number of units collected was surpassed, which speaks volumes for the strength of the community and the initiative they have to help others. Response from the community was very positive for both LifeServe Blood Center and the Southern Belle Cattlewomen. In fact, a few comments received from those giving blood were, “They were very efficient, kind, courteous, and it didn’t hurt at all,” said Roger Farley. Another individual who donated blood stated, “LifeServe was amazing, but of course so were Becky and Ruth. They were very efficient and respectful of my time. I was in and out of there within 25 minutes of my appointment. The phlebotomists were so personable; they asked caring questions, and it really felt like they cared about you and the community. A day after my donation, I received a text message letting me know my donation was headed to a hospital to help someone in need. It really makes a person feel good to do good,” Betsy Pravecek.

Gregory County 4-H held a field trip to the Burke Library workshop on Monday, May 23. The youth met at the Burke Civic Center and then walked together to the library. At the library the youth searched for their favorite books, then read a few of them together. After they were done reading the books, they all walked back to the Civic Center. At the Civic Center the youth made their own bookmarks and designed their own books so they can use them to write down their own stories.

Tripp & Gregory Counties came together and hosted a Mike Frisch School of Fish Workshop on Saturday, May 21, in Winner at the Tripp County 4-H Building, and it was fantastic! Everyone there had a ton of fun learning about fishing. Every child got to take home a fishing pole, tackle and box, t-shirt and a really nice fishing book. What a wonderful workshop. The Gregory Co. Leader’s Association sponsored a portion for our Gregory County 4-H’ers.

Gregory County 4-H held a Legos workshop on Monday, May 16th, at the Burke Civic Center from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Gregory County 4-H wants to thank everyone who attended this Legos workshop! The kids had a blast! At this workshop, the kids got to not only play with Legos, but also got to test their building skills. Some of the Lego challenges the kids had to complete included building the tallest tower, creating something just using the red and blue Legos, and writing out their first names using only Legos.

Memorial means to “remember”, and every year on the last Monday in May, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in active military service while protecting and defending the country they loved. For those that have family members and close friends who died fighting for our freedoms, you can know that they perished for a cause greater than their own.

Gregory County 4-H put on a jewelry making workshop on Thursday, May 26, at the Burke Old Community Room. The first session of the day went from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and was for ages 5 to 8 years old. The second session of the day went from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and was for ages 9 and up. The youth made their own earrings, necklaces, and keychains. Kendra Krcil hosted this event and supplied all the materials for the activity.

As they are just under ten days until their annual health fair, they are adding another segment to the event. In light of all 500 Jeep Renegade tickets being sold, they are moving the Jeep drawing up to June 10 starting at 11:00 a.m. in front of long term care. While you do not need to be present to win the Jeep, you may want to be present to win the added $500.00 maintenance package to go with the Jeep. The $500.00 package was donated by the following community partners, and includes oil changes from Frontier Motors, an auto detail by Storms Car Care, fuel by the Gus Stop, and car washes by Town and Country Sales (Burger’s Car Wash).

Kaelynn Rezac and Dyreese Spotted Elk were two of the volunteers who helped load vehicles with Feeding South Dakota boxes on Friday, May 27. Area youth are encouraged to help with the distribution as a way to give to the community. If interested, contact Ed Nebola at 830-8282 or Marlene Rezac at 831-9315. Feeding South Dakota commodities will be distributed next on Friday, June 17.

Several of us took time during the Memorial Day holiday to visit cemeteries and remember those who have served our country as well as dear family members and friends who have been laid to rest. Each headstone represents a life that had an impact, especially to those who love, remember, and miss that person. Life after loss can feel impossible and even undesirable when we are in the depths of grief.