$1.

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Volume 30 Number 29 January 3, 2013

Includes Tax

The

Official Newspaper for the City of Bison, Perkins County, and the Bison School District A Publication of Ravellette Publications, Inc. P.O. Box 429 Bison, South Dakota 57620-0429 Phone: (605) 244-7199 FAX (605) 244-7198

Jacksons picture to be featured in national calendar

The National Telephone Cooperative Association (NTCA), headquartered in Washington, D.C., sent out a notice to all its members asking for photos of their individual service areas to feature in its 2013 NTCA Member calendar. West River Cooperative Telephone Company in Bison, SD (WRCTC) is a member of NTCA and Gladys Jackson, being a native of this area and long-time (36 years) employee of WRCTC, knew that West River Telephone serves some beautiful areas here in western South Dakota. She had just the picture to submit to the contest, one she had taken while out cutting a

Bison Courier
Christmas tree in the scenic Slim Buttes, so she submitted it. She was notified that her picture was selected to be the month of December calendar pick and West River was sent several complimentary copies. West River Cooperative Telephone Company (WRCTC) was officially organized on October 23, 1953 and will be celebrating 60 years of service in 2013. West Rivers service area includes Bison, Meadow, Sorum, Buffalo, Camp Crook, Lemmon, Newell, Nisland and Vale in northwestern South Dakota and services offered include local and long-distance telephone; high-speed, dial-up and Wild Blue Internet packages and webmail. West River CATV, a subsidiary of WRCTC, serves the communities of Bison, Buffalo, Faith, Lemmon, McIntosh, McLaughlin, Newell and Timber Lake in South Dakota and Selfridge in North Dakota with cable television service. Both companies are governed by the same nine-man Board of Directors. The National Telephone Co-op. Assoc. serves cooperatives nationwide with help in areas such as lobbying, legislative, insurance, marketing, publications, advertising, sponsorships, board development, employee training, awards programs, disaster relief, human resources, directories, websites and tech knowledge to name a few.

Commissioners make short work of year-end business

By Beth Hulm It took mere minutes on Thursday morning for three Perkins County Commissioners to authorize Finance Officer Sylvia Chapman to transfer money from their 2012 contingency fund into a couple of budget areas that were overspent for the year. Overspending in at least one area occurred because a check was written for the states recent waste tire pick-up, money which is fully reimbursable through a state grant. When the grant money is received it will be deposited back into county coffers. That may not happen before the end of the year and state law will not allow the year to close on a budget that is in the red; hence, the contingency transfer. Chapman has the authority to use other contingencies should the final 2012 payroll over-extend any budget areas. She did not foresee that happening. There were a few last minute claims to pay and commissioners also took care of that detail on Thursday morning. The remainder of the 45-minute meeting was spent in conversation as the elected officials continue to wrestle over what to do about employee wages next year. One commissioner admitted that board members dont have a clue what (employees) do. One answer, according to Commissioner Rusty Foster, would be to give merit raises over and above a costof-living increase and Chairman Mike Schweitzer suggested that discretionary money for salaries could be part of a budget and, from that, department heads could reward deserving employees. That brought up a fairness issue, which would be the department heads problem, according to Commissioner Wayne Henderson, not ours. Foster concluded, I just dont know how to fix it. Director of Equalization Rownea Gerbracht, who sat in on the meeting, suggested hiring a professional firm to study and fix county wages. You guys are really struggling with it, she said. A decision will have to be made soon because, per state statute, wages for county employees must be published in January, following the January 8 meeting. Adjustments could still be made later, however.

Above Gladys Jackson with the national calendar. Below the picture that Gladys took that is featured in the calendar.

North and South Dakota farmers participate in Cenex harvest States new leadership forum
Several farmers from the Dakotas learned about the opportunities and challenges facing cooperatives, agriculture and rural America as participants in the recent CHS New Leaders Forum sponsored by CHS Inc., the nations leading farmer owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company. The following participants were among 300 young producers from across the U.S. participating in the early December program: Mark and Jill, Anderson, Regent, N.D.; Bruce and Dana Hendrickson, Meadow, S.D.; Ben Kuhn, Dickinson, N.D.; Scott and Magen Miller, Mott N.D.; Rick Poehls, Lemmon, S.D. The group represented Southwest Grain, Taylor, N.D., at the CHS New Leaders Forum, held in Minneapolis, Minn., in conjunction with the CHS Annual Meeting. During the three-day forum, participants heard from leading experts on agriculture, leadership and precision technology, including Carl Casale, president and CEO, CHS Inc.; Alejandro Sayago, Agriculture & Turf, John Deere; Ted Crosbie, Integrated Farming Sys-

tems, Monsanto and Robert Thompson, University of Illinois. The New Leaders Forum also featured a networking event with the CHS Board of Directors, management and staff and participation in the 2012 CHS Annual Meeting, including workshops and the annual meeting business session. CHS Inc. (www.chsinc.com) is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States. Diversified in energy, grains and foods, CHS is committed to helping its customers, farmer-owners and other stakeholders grow their businesses through its domestic and global operations. CHS, a Fortune 100 company, supplies energy, crop nutrients, grain marketing services, animal feed, food and food ingredients, along with business solutions including insurance, financial and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries/pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products.

Nutrition Site Menu

Thursday, January 3
Ham & potato omelet green beans plums cinnamon roll Chicken cacciatore baked potato broccoli applesauce Chicken alfredo italian vegetables fruit crisp grape juice HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ginger pork chops baked potato spinach grapes & cake

Page 2 The Bison Courier Thursday, January 3, 2013

Hettinger Theater

Town Board tables storm sewer project

By Teddi Carlson All five Bison Town board members were present when they met on Friday, December 228th for a special year end session to conduct final business for 2012. The big question is: was the storm sewer project given a "go ahead?" There was much deliberation on this important issue by the board members. In December the board sent an application to DENR in Pierre for a grant to help pay storm sewer project costs. The amount received could be up to $20,000. The board will hear more on the status of this grant application in January. Could this project be done in phases? However, this idea would not work because the engineering costs would not work because the engineering costs would be greatly increased. The idea of cancelling the installation of cement sidewalks on the north and south sides of Main Street was also suggested to cut costs. The future expansion of this project was also questioned? Will the suggested design solve the water problems the city now faces? "What are your feelings?" asked Chairman Juell Chapman. Board member Matt Butsavage would like to see a decision made before the end of the year. Yet, there are many questions still unanswered. At this time there is currently a projected $130,000. shortfall because of time going by; the cost estimate is now $721,000 with $88,950 in grant money and a loan of $504,000. for 20 years at %3. The loan repayment would be $40,000. per year. The grant money will expire in June, 2014. As many questions were brought forth Chapman said he would call Allan Page of KBM Engineering in Grand Forks, North Dakota to get answers to these questions. As a result a decision on whether to "go ahead" with this storm sewer project was tabled until the January meeting. Chapman asked for discussion concerning the 2013 validation of the card troll at the airport. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has suggested that a 2000 gallon tank be installed for card troll use. After pondering on this suggestion it was the board's consensus that a 1000 gallon tank would be sufficient for use at the Bison Airport. As a result the board passed a motion to have 1000 gallons of fuel in a tank at the airport by unanimous vote. End of year Christmas bonuses were discussed at length at this session. After "hashing over" various ideas an agreement was finally reached. A motion was passed by unanimous vote to pay 14.4cents per hour of the employees regular hours worked in 2012 with a maximum bonus of $300. "This is a fair way", to determine bonuses, they all agreed. Included in the motion is that a bonus be added to the November paycheck for all employees. In so doing the employees could use their bonus before Christmas. All employees, full time or part time, will receive this bonus. The wage for a new bar tender was also set at $9.31 per hour. In other business: The financial statement of 2012 was approved. Contingency transfers were approved to balance the books for 2012. The next board meeting was set for Tuesday, January 8 at 6 p.m. instead of Monday, January 7 at 6 p.m.

Friday, January 4

Monday, January 7

Tuesday, January 8

An Unexpected Journey 3D
January 4 - 7
featuring digital surround sound

The Hobbit:
170minutes

PG-13

Ground beef/green bean casserole potato rounds/tots banana

Wednesday, January 9

Nightly 7:30 p.m. Sunday Matinee 2:00 p.m. 3-D Glasses $2.00

Social Security recipients must switch to Electronic Federal Benefit Payments by March 1
If you still receive a paper check for your Social Security or other federal benefit payments, you are required by law to switch to an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013. It's fast, free and easy to sign up for direct deposit or the Direct Express Debit MasterCardcard by calling the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800) 333-1795 Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. Wait times are usually minimal. Call now to avoid delays near the deadline. For direct deposit, you can also sign up online at www.GoDirect.org or by visiting your bank or credit union. Choose Your Payment Option Before making the switch, decide which payment option you would like. If you are unsure, you can call the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center at (800) 3331795 and a friendly agent will discuss options and help you choose the right one for you. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two electronic payment options: Direct deposit.If you have a checking or savings account, sign up to get your money by directdeposit. Your federal benefit payment will go straight into your account on payment day each month. On time, every time. Direct Express card.If you don't have a bank account or prefer a prepaid debit card, switch to the Direct Express card. Your money will be posted to the card account on payment day each month. There's no need to wait for the mail or to make a special trip to cash a check. You can make purchases and get cash back with purchases at no charge anywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted. There are no sign-up fees, overdraft fees or monthly fees. Some fees for optional services may apply. For information on card fees and features, visit www.GoDirect.org. If you do not choose an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013, you may be issued a Direct Express card. Be Prepared Have the following information on hand when you make the switch: 12-digit federal benefit check number Amount of most recent federal benefit check Financial institution's routing transit number* (direct deposit only) Account number* and type checking or savings (direct deposit only) This information is often on personal checks. Keep Your Money Safe; Electronic payments are safer than paper checks. In fact, you are 125 times more likely to have a problem with a paper check than with an electronic payment. Even though electronic payments are safer, it's important that you take steps to keep your money safe. The Treasury Department urges you to follow these three tips: Be careful of anyone who calls, texts or emails you asking for personal information. Do not give out your Social Security number or account information to anyone unless you are the one who has contacted them. Watch your bank or credit union account or Direct Express card account often to make sure that all account activity is yours. Remember, you are required by law to switch to an electronic payment option by March 1, 2013. Time is running out - make the switch today. More information, including instructional videos on how direct deposit works and how to use the Direct Express card, is available at www.GoDirect.org.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Bison, SD 57620 POSTAL PERMIT #009-944 Published weekly every Thursday by Ravellette Publ., Inc. at PO Box 429, Bison SD 57620-0429 Telephone: 605-244-7199 Fax: 605-244-7198 E-mail Addresses: courier@sdplains.com couriernews@sdplains.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Bison ............................................................................$36.04 Meadow, Shadehill, Prairie City, Reva & Lodgepole ........$35.36 Lemmon........................................................................$36.04 in state ........................................................$39.00 + sales tax out of state (Includes all Hettinger addresses.) ...$39.00 (no tax)

THE BISON COURIER

COPYRIGHT: Ravellette Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted, photocopied or in any way reproduced from this publication, in whole or in part, without the written consent of the publisher.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Bison Courier, PO Box 429, Bison SD 57620-0429 Deadlines: Display and Classified Advertising: Mondays at 12:00 p.m. Legals: Fridays at 12:00 p.m. Publisher: Don Ravellette News/Office Manager: Arlis Seim Ad Sales: Beth Hulm (244-5231),beth@sdplains.com

Our sales are every day CC Flooring

Highway 12 Hettinger 701-567-2677 carpet vinyl hardwood ceramics

Denise, Rebecca, Kristina, Zachery, Brooklyn and Daniel Haugen arrived at Shirley Harris Christmas Eve and returned to their home Christmas Day. Christmas Eve, Denise and family and Shirley were guests of Lester and Sharon Longwood, Duane and Dawn Harris, Bridget and Lil Albert Keller, Laura, Jared, James and Ella Lahr. Helen Meink was a Christmas Day guest of Duane and Sue Meink. Carole Preszler and Leonard Jonas, Richard and Dee Dee Smith, Kevin and Sharon were also guests. Larry and Sarah Dreiske and kids spent Christmas Day with Nolan and Linda Seim. Nick and Tammy Treib joined them for dinner. Keith and Bev Hoffman were guests of Bill and Esther Nagel for Christmas Day. Al and Tiss Treib traveled to Hettinger Monday for Tiss therapy. Gary Johnson brought soup over for Esther Johnson at the Treib ranch Monday noon. Lucas and Donna Allen, Dusti, Stanford, Dally, Peyton and LaKrista Allen, Esther Johnson and Jim Gilland attended Christmas Eve services at Rosebud and were evening guests of Al and Tiss Treib. Christmas Day dinner guests of Al and Tiss Treib were Esther Johnson, Jim Gilland, Lucas, Donna, Dusti, Stanford, Dally, Peyton and LaKrista Allen. Tiss Treib took her mother, Esther Johnson to Bison Wednesday afternoon where they met Dorena Wiechmann. Esther returned to the home of her sister, Kari Hoff. Tiss Treib made a trip to Hettinger Thursday to attend a meeting at work and a therapy session. Al and Tiss Treib made a trip to Hettinger Friday morning, returning home in the afternoon. Al and Tiss Treib made a trip to the home of Kari Hoff Saturday morning where they picked up Esther Johnson and took her to the ER in Hettinger. She was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. Christmas Eve, Matt and Christi Miller came out and attended worship at Rosebud with Jim and Patsy Miller and were evening guests. Christmas Day, Matt and Christi

Miller of Hettinger, Violet Miller of Hettinger were guests of Jim and Patsy Miller. Archie Goodrich of Bismarck arrived at Jim and Patsy Millers Wednesday. Matt and Christi Miller joined them for supper. Matt and Christi Miller and Archie Goodrich celebrated Christmas with Jim and Patsy Miller Thursday. Archie Goodrich returned to his home in Bismarck Friday. Jim and Patsy Miller made a trip to Scranton and Hettinger Friday. Jim and Patsy Miller traveled to Hettinger Saturday. Gary, Jodi and Lexi Johnson; Sam, Lance and Annie Johnson; Bob Johnson were Christmas Day guests of John and Shirley Johnson. John and Shirley Johnson traveled to Hettinger to visit with Esther Johnson Sunday afternoon. Monday, Duane and Dawn Harris came over to the Kellers in the early afternoon and did the family gift exchange. Bridget and Lil Albert Keller went to Les and Sharon Longwoods for supper; attended church services then back to Longwoods for the evening. Tuesday, Bridget and Lil Albert Keller traveled to New Town, ND to spend Christmas with Albert on the rig. They spent until the morning of the 28th there. They enjoyed being able to spend the holiday as a family together, especially since Albert decorated the "shack" with lights and tree and made homemade Christmas stockings out of rags and staples! Friday, Bridget and Lil Albert Keller left New Town and traveled to Bismarck for a baby appointment and did a little bit of shopping before returning back home. Saturday morning Dawn Harris stopped in briefly at Bridget Kellers, on her way home from work. Sunday, Bridget and Lil Albert Keller attended church services and afterwards, Grandma Dawn Harris took Lil Albert sledding. Danny and Kelly LaDue and boys left Christmas Eve to spend with Gary and Margie LaDue in Sturgis. Tim and JoAnne Seim were among the Christmas Day guests of Boyd

Rosebud News ............. Tiss Treib

and Betty Ellingson. Justin, Jo and Jacob Seim spent Christmas Day in Lemmon with Wilford and Delores Seim. Danny and Kelly LaDue and boys returned to Tim and JoAnne Seims Thursday afternoon and returned to Sturgis. Justin, Jo and Jacob Seim left Wednesday to return to their home in Belle Fourche. Christmas Day guests of Dorothy Frey were Lynn, Dean, Rolland and Monte Frey, Brandon Matthews, Marilyn Drager, James and Sarah. Marilyn Schwartzbauer, Noel and Braylyn Miller of Bismarck arrived at Dorothy Frey Saturday to spend the weekend. They celebrated a late Christmas with supper and opening of gifts. Thelma Sandgren attended

The Bison Courier Thursday, January 3, 2013 Page 3

Christmas Eve services in Bison and then joined James, Marci and Kylee Sandgren, Mark and Linda Sandgren, Georgia Sandgren and Ed Hanson, along with several of Marcis family for a soup supper. Christmas morning, Mark and Linda Sandgren and Thelma Sandgren attended worship at Holland Center church. It was a full house and a wonderful program. They then spent the day at home. Lennice Parker stopped on her way to Lemmon from Spearfish and picked up Linda. Thursday Mark Sandgren went into Lemmon to spend time with Lennice Parker and Linda. Friday, Thelma Sandgren stayed home, as it was not a nice day. Mark and Linda Sandgren came out later in the day. Friday evening, James, Marci and Kylee Sandgren came up to help clean up and leftovers, and Mark and James repaired Thelmas pump, as she was having water problems, they all had a good time. Saturday morning, Mark and Linda Sandgren went to Bison and had breakfast with James, Marci and Kylee Sandgren, then on to Rapid City and had supper at the Alton Cornella home. Sunday they returned to their home in Colorado. It was a good holiday week. Saturday, Thelma Sandgrens good neighbors, the Jim Millers delivered her a few items from town and they had a good coffee break and visit.

DATE

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Brought to you by Grand Electric Co-op, Inc.

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Page 4 The Bison Courier Thursday, January 3, 2013

Goat glands and the AMA

The Prairie Doc Perspective
By Richard P. Holm M.D. In 1981, during my first month practicing medicine in South Dakota, new partner Dr Bruce Lushbough asked me why I hadn't joined the American Medical Association (AMA.) My response was straight from recent newspaper criticism of the organization, The AMA owns shares in tobacco farming property, and therefore is hypocritical, inconsistent with its professed mission to do good for the public health. Dr Lushboughs response described an organization of physicians could have great power to benefit the public, and he suggested that if I thought the AMA could improve, I should join it and change it. (I should add, the AMA sold the tobacco property shortly after that story broke.) Eventually I did join the AMA and related SD State Medical Association (SDSMA,) and aside from bringing doctors together in a joyful social way, I have noted through the years that these organizations have consistently empowered physicians to help our patients. Case in point: the physicians of the AMA, the SDSMA, with others, truly succeeded in reducing tobacco use here and throughout the US. The AMA started in 1847 when Dr. Nathan Davis, a young New York doctor introduced a resolution at the New York Medical Society to establish a national medical association, in order to set up standards for medical education, determine a code of ethics, and find ways to inform the public about the dangers in non-scientific and quack remedies. These lofty ideals brought physicians to come together that year and organize the AMA. And since this beginning, the AMA has been a tremendous force for enhancing medical education, developing the world's standard ethics manual, and protecting people from charlatan profiteers. One interesting quack story is that of the 1920s radio-empire of John Romulus Brinkley who used the radio waves to get rich by promoting and implanting goat glands under the skin with false claims to treat impotence. He

Obituaries Damon Lee Bohnet

loud music and fast cars. Maya, his german shepherd was always by his side; a true companion and a loving friend, she was always there for him. They loved throwing frisbee and playing games together. He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews and loved to wrestle with them and show them how his new gadgets worked. Damon spent the last two years with Joran, where they built a home together and loved each other more and more every day. Damon joined the National Guard in 2000, and served a term in Iraq. He was a member of the 842nd Engineering Company. He is survived by his love, Joran Viall of Rapid City; his father, Terry (Linda) Bohnet of Vale; two sisters, Melonie (John) Mulligan and their children Drew, Nick and Kate of Shoreview, Minnesota, and Karan (Josh) Lemburg and their children Kendal, Landon and Jaycie of Timber Lake, South Dakota; grandparents, Ernest and Arlene Kari, Bison, SD, and Adaline Wiesner, Watertown, South Dakota; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and his four-legged friend, Maya. Damon is preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Bohnet, and grandfather, Howard Wiesner. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals .com.

eventually found a way to prescribe drugs over the air, and at the time bargained pharmacies for and received a cut on each prescription. It took the AMA and her vocal executive secretary Dr. Morris Fishbein, to bring this unethical man and his radio station down. The AMA is here to do good, and I am proud to be a part of it.

Eat healthier and save money

Its the beginning of the New Year, and resolutions abound for many. Losing weight, exercising more frequently, and eating more healthfully are common goals. What if you could do all of the above and save a few dollars at the same time? This January, consider the following strategies from TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weightloss support organization, to create flavorful, nutritious meals that wont hurt your wallet. Eat In More and Out Less While they require more planning, home-cooked meals are an excellent way to minimize your grocery bill, and they are typically healthier than the options you may find when dining out. Double or triple your recipes and freeze leftovers in individual containers to eat throughout the week. Make at least one meal a week meatless. Choose recipes that utilize beans (canned or dried) and grains, which add a boost of nutrition. Plan Ahead A meal planning chart or simple shopping list for the week are great tools for the budget-minded, health-conscious consumer. Knowing what you already have in the pantry and what you intend to make ahead of time reduces impulse spending, saves time, and improves the nutritional value of your meal. Take part of one day a week to plan the upcoming weeks menu. Search meal planning charts online for a variety of templates and convenient shopping tools. Include meals that will stretch more expensive food items, like stews, casseroles, and stir-fries. In addition to reviewing weekly store circulars in advance for sales, check the back of your grocery receipt for additional coupons. Also check online for coupons, simply by searching for the products that you use and visiting the manufacturers websites. Shop Smart In addition to shopping at grocery stores, consider local markets, dollar stores, and shopping online, if available in your neighborhood. For the best deals at the market, look for reduced produce or end-ofthe-day specials. Many online grocery services offer discounted or free shipping if you spend a minimum amount, and youll be more inclined to stick to your list and avoid splurging on unnecessary purchases. Some other suggestions include: Only shop once a week. This makes it easier to avoid unnecessary purchases and encourages you buy only what you need for the weekly menu. Have a snack before you visit the grocery store. Shopping on an empty stomach can lead to impulse buying. Shop alone, to prevent family members impulse selections from ending up in the shopping cart. Shop the perimeter of the store, remembering that the least healthy and most overpriced packaged foods are concentrated in the middle aisles. Look high and low (literally) on store shelves to find generic items from store brands, which are often less expensive than, but identical to, name-brand items, which are placed at eye level on shelves. Buying economy or family size containers is sometimes a better buy if you truly eat all of the food in the package. If it spoils and has to be thrown away, it may just be a waste of money. Select large packages of meat, poultry, and fish, and place them in separate freezer bags at home for each meal. Non-perishable items like canned food, cereal, soup, and nuts are a good choice. Avoid purchasing convenience foods, like single-serving snacks, pre-cut fruits and vegetables, and instant rice. Buy a larger-sized container and portion out your own snacks, cut your own produce, and spend a few minutes cooking the rice. These efforts may take a bit of extra time up front but will ultimately save you dollars. If fresh fruits and vegetables are cost-prohibitive, try the frozen or canned versions made with 100% juice and low sodium, respectively. Frozen produce is often flash-frozen at the source, locking in nutrients. Rinse canned vegetables before cooking to further reduce the sodium content.

Damon Lee Bohnet, 30, died Thursday, December 27, 2012 at his home in Rapid City, South Dakota. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 2, 2012 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic church in Bison, South Dakota with Father Tony Grossenburg officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with Chaplain Lynn Wilson officiating with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 3:00 p.m. with Father Arnold Kari officiating on Tuesday, January 1, 2012 at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, South Dakota. Damon was born in Hettinger, North Dakota on September 23, 1982. He grew up and attended school in Bison, SD. Damon enjoyed camping, boating, and spending time with his friends. He loved working on his Buick; his goal was always to get it restored. He loved

Pastors Perspective
Slim Buttes Free Lutheran, Reva, SD Pastor Henry Mohagen

The rush is over, well maybe not as it seems we rush from one commercial holiday to the next. The stores focus on the holidays that have the greatest potential for income for themselves. Thanksgiving gets pushed aside for Halloween and Christmas because they bring in more money. If it wasnt for the economic boost of Christmas it maybe would go by the wayside as well. Now with the New Year the rush will be to Valentines Day and the rush goes on. Joseph and Mary did some rushing as well. We think of the tranquil setting of the stable and manger etc. but there was some rushing before that. Rushing in slow motion if that is possible. With eighty plus miles to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, on a donkey, nine months pregnant, and a census deadline to make, they tried to rush. I just read an article on airplanes and there is a constant effort to design planes to fly faster and fly slower, both highly desired traits. Im sure Joseph was trying to hurry the donkey as fast as he could and Mary was trying to slow it down as much as she could. The rush was on, we hear stories of the rushed trip to the hospital for the birth of a child. God sent his son Jesus to be born of a virgin, in a stable, so God would be God and man, something we have a hard time comprehending. Joseph and Mary still needed to follow the law with Jesus, as we see written in Luke chapter 2. He was circumcised on the eighth day and the various other ceremonial laws were followed as well in the proper timing. Joseph, Mary and Jesus did some rushing, to escape King Herod, also. The cruel King tried to get rid of Jesus by killing all the baby boys, two years and under. They rushed off to Egypt to escape that act of Satan to destroy God. Later Satan tried, and thought he had won at Golgotha, but Jesus rose victorious providing salvation to those who accept that great gift. Lets not get so caught up in the rush of things that we forget the true meaning of Christmas. Have a New Year Blessed by God Pastor Henry Mohagen

Obituaries Mearl E. Blosmo

was three years old. His dad remarried Florence Sickenger, his beloved second mother. He was raised on the family homestead in the Shadehill area. At the age of 14 he left home to work at area ranches, and on to Montana, Washington and California. Mearl was drafted into the Army while living in California, where he was working in a steel mill. He served in the U.S. Army from 1941-1945. The majority of his life was ranching and with his company Blosmo Construction. He was always a cowboy at heart. Mearl is survived by his wife; Lois, son; John (LorRaine), daughters, Connie (Johnny) Niehaus and Candace Stromer, nine grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents;

The Bison Courier Thursday, January 3, 2013 Page 5

Mearl E. Blosmo, 96, Spearfish, SD passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 22, 2012 with his loving wife of 67 years, Lois, at his side. Mearl was born in a sod house near Pleasant Ridge on August 18, 1916 to John and Annetta (Braa) Blosmo. His mother died when he

John, Annetta and Florence, brother; Ted (Harriet), twin sisters; Rilla (Harrison) Miles and Ruby (Don) Ham, sister-in-law Arlene Banning and brother-in-law Dean (Beverly) Knutson. Visitation for Mearl was from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Funeral Services were at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, December 27, 2012 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Spearfish. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery, with military honors by the Spearfish Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Our Saviors Lutheran Church or Spearfish Veterans Memorial.

Wednesday, January 9

Tuesday, January 8 Corn dogs french fries salad bar applesauce & milk
Tacos w/cheese, lettuce, salsa corn fruit of choice & milk noodles meat balls /gravy salad bar fruit & milk

Monday, January 7 Chicken strips cheesy broccoli salad bar fruit & milk

Palace Theater

Life of PI
January 4 - 6
PG 127 minutes

Thursday, January 10

Joseph A. Reisenauer

surround sound Lemmon 374-5107 8:00 p.m. nightly

The Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph Joe A. Reisenauer, age 89, of Bismarck, formerly of Mott and Lemmon was held at 10:00am MT on Monday, December 31, 2012 at St. Vincents Catholic Church in Mott. Fr. Charles Zins will officiate, burial was in Greenhill Cemetery in Lemmon.

Visitation was on Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the EvansonJensen Funeral Home in Lemmon with at Rosary Service at 7:00 pm at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon. Serving as casketbearers are Joes Grand and Great Grandchildren. Joseph A. Reisenauer was born on March 24, 1923 in Sheffield, North Dakota, the youngest of nine children born to Ignatz and Mary Eva (Kilwein) Reisenauer. He attended school in Sheffield. He was united in marriage to Barbara Jahner on November 3, 1943 in New England, North Dakota. To this union 11 children were born, Joseph Jr., Dorrie, James, Mary, Charles, Gerald, Barbara, Carla, Jeffrey, Timothy, and Laurie. Joe and Barb lived many years in Lemmon, SD where he worked for Petersons Implement. They spent their retirement years in Mott, North Dakota and were active in St. Vincents

Catholic Church. Joe was a resident of St. Vincents Care Center in Bismarck for the past three years. He passed away their on Wednesday, December 26, 2012. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara, ten children, Joseph (Susie) Reisenauer, Jacksonville Beach, FL; Dorrie (Tony) Binstock Sun City West, AZ; Mary (Bob) Pavlicek, Sturgis, SD; Charles (Jane) Reisenauer, Ellendale, ND; Jerry (Donna) Reisenauer, Bison, SD; Barb (Harlan) Schnell, Vale, SD; Carla (Steve) Gerriets, Bismarck, ND; Jeff (Wanda) Reisenauer, Moorhead, MN; Tim (Christi) Reisenauer, Great Falls, MT; Laurie (David) Hauck, Richardton, ND; and daughter-in-law, Edie (Bob) Nesland, Rapid City, SD; 37 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren. A memorial has been established to St. Vincents Care Center and can be mailed to Jeff Reisenauer, 1425 41st Ave S., Moorhead, MN; 56560.

Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service - 10:30a.m. Wednesday Prayer Mtg. - 6:30 p.m.

Grace Baptist Church Pastor Phil Hahn Church of Christ

Prairie Fellowship Parish ELCA Pastor Margie Hershey

Indian Creek - 8:00 a.m. American - 9:30 a.m. Rosebud - 11:00 a.m.

18 mi. south of Prairie City - Worship Service - 10:00 a.m.

Christ Lutheran Church WELS

Pastor Gerhardt Juergens

Sunday Bible Class - 8:00 a.m., Worship Service - 8:30 a.m. Tuesday Bible Class - 7:00 p.m. South Jct. of Highways 73 & 20 Sunday School - 10:00 a.m., Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Sabbath School - 2:00 p.m., Worship Service - 3:00 p.m.

Coal Springs Community Church Pastors Nels & Angie Easterby

Elsie Penor, age 91 of Bison, passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at the Sturgis Regional Hos
pital in Sturgis, SD.

Seventh Day Adventist Church Pastor Donavon Kack

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Fr. Tony Grossenburg
Saturday Mass: Morristown - 4:45 p.m. Lemmon - 7:15 p.m., Sunday Mass: Lemmon - 8:15 a.m., Bison - 11:00 a.m.

Dr. Jason M. Hafner Dr. David J. Prosser

Serving the West River area since 1912

OPTOMETRIST
1st & 3rd Wed. of the month 2nd & 4th Wed. of the month

Buffalo Clinic

Faith Clinic

www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com

Evanson Jensen Funeral Homes

Funeral Homes of Caring

First Presbyterian Church Pastor Florence Hoff, CRE

Reva Sunday School 9:45, Worship Service - 11:00 a.m., WMF 2nd Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.

Holland Center Christian Reformed Church Pastor Brad Burkhalter Lodgepole

Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service -10:30 a.m.

Slim Buttes Lutheran Pastor Henry Mohagen

Prairie City Sunday School - 10:00 a.m., Morning Worship - 11:00 a.m. Vesper Service - 6:00 p.m., Wed. Evenings - 7:30 p.m.

1-800-648-0760

Lemmon 605-374-3805 Hettinger 701-567-2522 Elgin 701-584-2644 Mott 701-824-2693 Toll Free 1-800-643-9165

Beckman Wesleyan Church Pastor Brad Burkhalter

Page 6 The Bison Courier Thursday, January 3, 2013

What happened in 2012
January The South Dakota Volleyball Coaches Association awarded Lindsey Hendrickson the Academic All-State Award in recognition of her outstanding academic excellence. This award is presented to seniors who have had a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher during their high school years and who have played at least three years of high school volleyball.Congratulations to Lindsey for her outstanding performance in the classroom. Bison, Sorum, and Prairie City fire departments responded to a hay fire at Eric Sanders. Bison and Sorum remained on scene to monitor the fire. Eric Sander stated that he suspected the feed pickup muffler started the fire. Strong winds kept the fire burning. Approximately 300 round bales burned. Joann Shea retired from Farm Bureau and Greg and Peggy Fried have taken over the Farm Bureau Insurance. Roger Ingebretson retired from WRCTC. Bison Fire Department annual Coyote Calling. Sixteen teams checked in and were auctioned off to the highest bidder. Stephen Schopp and Matt Wiesinger weighed in with seven coyotes, to win. Dakota Hulm and Chris Seidel weighed in with 4 coyotes for second place. Shawn Preszler and Layne Schoon also checked in with 4 coyotes for third place. They were purchased by Shawn Preszler for $250. Second and third place were determined by the weight of the 4 coyotes. Dan and Dylan Beckman checked in with 2 coyotes for fourth place. They were purchased by Dan Beckman for $70. Kel Brockel, Bob Stanfield and Brad Seidel weighed in 2 coyote for 5th place. They were purchased by Joe Smaltz and Kel Brockel for $90. Fourth and fifth places were also determined by coyote weight. Little Dog went to Matt Wiesinger and Stephen Schopp. Big Dog went to Dakota Hulm and Chris Seidel. A total of 23 coyotes were weighed in. Postal price increase begins January 22, 2012, it will cost just a penny more to mail letters to any location in the United States. It will be the first price change for first-Class Mail stamps (Forever Stamps) in more than two and a half years. However, customers can continue to mail letters at todays prices by purchasing their Forever stamps before January 22. Thats why Forever stamps were created, to help consumers ease the transition during price changes, said Bison Postmaster Shirley Morris. Friends helping friends benefit was held for Justin Seim who received an eye injury. Daniel Chapman hits 1000 point mark in his basketball career. Jessica J. Johnson, receives 2012 Black Hills Stock Show Foundation $2,000 scholarships, Bison High School, daughter of Gus and Sheila Johnson. Activities and honors: honor roll, golf, FFA, oral interpretation, National Honor Society and rodeo queen.

She plans to attend Black Hills State University. Birth Karsyn Ava was born to Denton & Kelly McGregor. Deaths Richard Wiesinger passed away at his home south of Thunder Hawk on Monday, December 26, 2011. R.B. Wheeler, age 95, longtime Lemmon businessman, passed away on Thursday January 5, 2012. Rita A. White, age 85, of Lemmon, SD passed away on Saturday morning, December 31, 2011. Peter T. Pete Krebs, 66, of Lemmon, South Dakota passed away on Friday, January 6, 2012. February Bison High School senior Jessica Johnson will be featured as part of KEVN Black Hills FOXs Rising Star of the West scholarship contest. Hendrickson was Lindsey named Outstanding Female Athlete. Ty Collins, Dylan Beckman, Dillon Collins, Jaren Beckman, Ashtin Gerbracht and Gavin Nelson and Josh McKinstry competed in the West River Invitational 4-H Shooting Sports Match. Engagements Mr. & Mrs. Vanise Hardee of Wilson, North Carolina announce the engagement of their daughter Megan Elisabeth to Laramie Eichelberger son of Rex and Paula Eichelberger of Avoca, Iowa. Laramie is the grandson of James and Vera Wilson of Bison, SD and L.S. and Norma Eichelberger of Avoca, Iowa. Deaths Allan James "Bud" Brumley, 88, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2012 at Hospice of Wichita Falls. Irene Darcy (Baker) Duehren, 89, entered in the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Tri-City Hospital, Oceanside, California. March Jerry Petik, of Meadow, is the recipient of the 2011 Presidents Award from the South Dakota Farmers Union. Petik was honored Friday at the family farm organizations 97th annual state convention at Huron. T.J. Anderson, son of Watson & Eileen Anderson and grandson of Jim & Nora ,Lemmon, was among those in his reserve unit that was honored at a "Welcome Home" celebration in Aberdeen on January 7, 2012. TJ attended school in Bison prior to moving to the Aberdeen area with his family. Bison Town Board had a lengthy discussion on rate increases. La Grand Scotchcap Ranch, Bison, South Dakota, has been recognized nationally by the American Angus Association for having 5 registered Angus cows included in the Association's 2012 Pathfinder Report. The Buzz stop held its first annual Chili Cookoff, Trent Fink received first place, Allen Morris, second Bill Morris, third. Young chiropractor returns to

his roots to hang a shingle, Dr.

Jesse Lensegrav, 26, now has a chiropractic degree and has returned to his roots to use it. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies at SDSU, Brookings, a course that he said allows students to build your own major. His next step was to enroll in the Doctor of Chiropractic Program at the University of Western States in Portland, OR. He crossed that stage in December, 2011. After that, he still had to complete the one-year internship that hed been working on since the previous spring. The university sent him to work with five different clinics in the Portland area. The sum total of all his efforts earned him the right to finally put DC Doctor of Chiropractic behind his name. Jesse has offices in both Bison and Lemmon as well as at the ranch.

Four candidates vie for two school board positions Angie Thompson, Tonya Collins, TW Schalesky and Marcie Kari. Angie Thompson and Marcie Kari were the winners. Town Board has five candidates for two positions, Terry Haggart, Darla Moody and Matt Butsavage are running for the three year term. Dave Kopren and Jeff VanVactor are running for the one year term. Butsavage and Kopren were the winners. Engagement Mr. and Mrs. James Miller, of Shadehill, South Dakota, are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter Christi Miller, to Matthew Miller, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Huber, of Wellman, Iowa and Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Miller of White, Georgia. The couple is plans to marry on May 26, 2012. Mr. and Mrs. Leslie and Cathy Johnson of Bison proudly announce the engagement of their daughter, Stephanie Johnson, to Ryan Anderson. Ryan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daryll and Debra Peckham of Bristol, S.D. A July wedding is planned at the Johnson Ranch. Births Erik Einar Anderson was born to Amanda and Chet Anderson of Shadehill. Kimery Quinn was born to Kortney and Chris Seidel of Bison. Hunter Ezra Veal was born to Todd & Kim Veal, Bison. Deaths Mark Kari, age 78 of Bison, SD passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger, North Dakota. Cleo M. Huiner, age 64 of rural Perkins County, South Dakota, Cleo passed away at her home on Saturday, February 25, 2012 with family at her side. Floyd Herbert Wulf, 83, Vale, died Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Sturgis Regional Hospital.
Roland Lee "Bud" Miller, 88, of Hettinger, North Dakota passed away on March 2, 2012 at the West River Regional Medical Center. Darrell Giesler, age 87, of Faith, SD .passed from this life on March 1, 2012 after suffering a stroke.

Lorene Perman Schweitzer, age 88, of Lemmon, SD passed away on Tuesday morning, March 13, 2012 at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger. Lester Brockel, age 77 of Bison, passed away after fighting a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger. Eileen Brabazon, age 92 of Lodgepole, passed away at her home on Sunday morning, March 18, 2012. April The Bison Cardinals students attended the KBJM Quizz Bowl Team members were Christopher Morris, Lindsey Hendrickson, Shelly Peck, Anna Hatle, and Shaley Lensegrav. Advisor was Erin Titze. Ruth Ann Marty-Sprague was inducted into the Black Hills State University Hall of Fame on March 23, 2012 at the Holiday Inn in Spearfish, SD. She is married to Dale Sprague and presently lives at their ranch at Mud Butte, SD, having worked at VAMC Fort Meade for over 30 years. Ruth Ann is the daughter of Bill and Maxine Marty. Bernice Kari was honored by United Blood Services of the Dakotas. Bernice received a gift certificate for having the most first time donors in January. Arneson family (Perkins County) was a finalists announced for the 2012 Leopold Conservation Award in South Dakota. Bison High School attended the 25th Annual State Convention of the South Dakota Student Council Association. The SDSCA Convention included almost 700 students and advisors from more than 60 high schools throughout the state. Bison FFA attends Career Development Events, Megan Serr, Sydney Arneson and Kim Peck with their 2nd place Milk Quality Evaluation team plaque and Sydney's 1st place Milk Quality Evaluation plaque. Shaley Lensegrav, Carrie Schalesky and Beth Seidel with their 2nd place Horse Judging team plaque and Shaley's 1st place Horse Judging plaque. Bison High school boys earn fourth place at Queen City Classic Seth Buer, Lane Kopren, Wil Kolb, Logan Hendrickson, Layton Hendrickson, Conner Palmer, Michael Kopren, Yancy Buer, Ty Plaggemeyer, Clayton Prelle. Bruce Hendrickson and Brad Hendrickson were the coaches. Sunrise Angus, Brian LaDue, Meadow, South Dakota, is a new member of the American Angus Association, reports Bryce Schumann, CEO of the national breed organization headquartered in Saint Joseph, Mo. Lindsey Hendrickson has been selected to be a candidate for the South Dakota High School Activities Association "Elite 15" award for 2012. The nominees will be judged in the categories of athletic ability, leadership, character, sportsmanship, and grade point average.

LaJeana Kopren, a Direct Support Professional at Ryan Road Supervised Apartments, received her award from Linda Williams. Blue Diamond nominations are based on outstanding stories of service and voted on by staff during open management meetings. LaJeana has been working at Northern Hills Training Center for about a year in Spearfish. Town Board meets to canvass election results one of the items on the agenda at the April 11th Town Board Meeting was election results. Vice President Luke Clements called the meeting to order in the absence of President Juell Chapman. Election results, with 162 ballots being cast and two spoiled ballots, were as follows: 3 year term Terry Haggart 48 Matthew Butsavage 64 Darla Moody 50 2 year term 34 Jeff Van Vactor 126 Dave Kopren Matthew Butsavage (3-year term) and Dave Kopren (1-year term) were declared the winners of the election. School Board Election Results 3 year term Angie Thompson - 208 Votes Tonya Collins - 61 Votes 2 year term Marcie Brownlee-Kari - 233 Votes T.W. Schalesky - 37 Votes Bison Fire Department purchased a new fire truck. JessicaJohnson received $1,000 scholarship for outstanding scholastic achievement. South Dakota Farm Bureau scholarships awarded Lindsey Hendrickson the daughter of Bruce and Dana Hendrickson. After graduating from Bison High School this spring, she plans to study Biology and Business at Creighton University, eventually pursuing a career in dentistry. She has been inducted into the National Honor Society and serves as a class officer. In addition, she is active in basketball, volleyball, track, FFA, FCCLA, and her church. Derek Morris, Meadow, South Dakota, was recently honored on April 2, 2012 at the Sixty-First Annual Honors Convocation at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota. Jessica Johnson was named a finalist in the 6th annual Rising Star of the West scholarship contest. Travis and Renae Gebhart of Meadow, South Dakota, recently received a Case IH Farmall 65A tractor for their Achievement Award recognition by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Young farmers and ranchers from across the country competed for the award. Marriage Austin Anton Kopren & Timara Christian Nella Hinners were married on Dec. 21, 2011 at a small family wedding in Sioux Falls, SD. The couple is making their home in Sioux Falls, and are currently employed full-time. They

expect to pursue their college degrees in the near future. Austins parents, Reid & Tarina Kopren, are hosting a reception in Bison on June 2, 2012. Engagements Steven and Kathleen Engle of Newcastle, WY are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kalin Kathleen, to Mr. Beau Lenard Chapman, son of Kirby and Sylvia Chapman of Bison, S.D. Kalin and Beau will marry this June, in Rapid City, SD. The couple will make their home in Perkins County. Births Carter Cody Lemburg, April 7, 2012. Parents: Nicole & Hadley Lemburg, Rapid City, SD; Grandparents: Julie & John Harris, Trout Creek, MT. Penny & Mike Lemburg, Bison, SD Deaths John Lenhart Barthold, age 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Annie Hoar, age 92, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2012, at the Fall River Hospital in Hot Springs. Amy Vargo of Saginaw, age 68, died Friday, March 30, 2012 at St. Mary Hospital. May The Red Hatters hosted a benefit for Mary Lee Hathaway on Saturday evening. Mary Lee has Lung cancer she was taking Chemotherapy. Under Water Enchantment was the theme for the 2012 BHS prom Shaley lensegrav was crowned prom queen and Christian Wolff was crowned prom king. The Bison High School music students went on a field trip to Minneapolis Students that went included Catherine Graf, Anna Hatle, John Hatle, Charlotte Johnson, Kayley Johnson, Tessa Kopren, Joseph Kvale, Shaley Lensegrav, Lenae McKinstry, Christopher Morris, Brianna Sexton and Dodge Weishaar. The students were chaperoned by myself, Eliza Bonacci, and Stacey Kvale. Daniel Burkhalter breaks record at the Jeff Smit Junior High Memorial Track Meet. Daniel won the 7th grade boys 3200m run, setting a new meet record with a time of 10:56.68. He also won the 1600m run with a time of 5:06.40. With over a thousand athletes competing in the large meet, being a double winner is unusual. New FFA officers elected Layton Hendrickson, Wrangler Weishaar, Beth Seidel, Tessa Kopren, Shelly

Peck, Shaley Lensegrav, Megan Serr, Logan Hendrickson, Sydney Arneson , Anna Hatle, Wil Kolb and Lane Kopren. Dakota State University in Madison, S.D., held the spring commencement ceremony, Bison Emily Chapman, Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. Lindsey Hendrickson was honored for Academic Excellence. Lake Area Technical Institute holds graduation ceremony. The following student was presented an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS), by Deb Shephard, President of Lake Area Tech. Bison, SD Jamie L Jackson, Energy Operations. The Junior High Boys won the Little Moreau Conference Track Meet on Friday, May 11 in Lemmon with 159 points, Newell in second with 125. Josh McKinstry, Bryce Graf, Cole Buer, Cody Buer, Ross Collins. Jake Kahler, Johnson, Daniel Matthew Burkhalter, Joey Aukland. The team was coached by Brad Burkhalter and Erin Titze. Carv Thompson of Faith was inducted into the south Dakota Hall of Fame. Jessica Johnson of Bison finishes second in Sixth Annual Rising Star of the West scholarship contest. Harding & Perkins Farm Mutual Insurance Company will celebrate its 100th Anniversary at the Annual Membership Meeting at Reva Hall, Reva, SD, on June 9, 2012. Married Eric & Mindy Arneson were married on May 12, 2012. Deaths Alice Marjorie White, 99, of Santa Maria, California died peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, April 26, 2012. Robert "Bob" Witt, 88, of Hettinger, North Dakota passed away at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger, ND on April 29, 2012. Gudrun Romness, 91, of Arvada, CO, formerly of Hettinger, North Dakota passed away at the Collier Hospice Facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado on Monday, April 30, 2012. Beverly Jean Baxter, age 72 of Spearfish, formerly of Faith, South Dakota, passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at David M. Dorsett Regional Health Care in Spearfish. Marilyn Mundahl, 81, of Spearfish, passed away on May 7, 2012 at Spearfish Regional Hospi-

The Bison Courier Thursday, January 3, 2013 Page 7

tal. Martha Pauline Hahn (Polly), of Weaverville, North Carolina, passed peacefully from her own home into her Heavenly Home Sunday, May 6, 2012. John (Jack) Roggenkamp passed away April 23, 2012 at the age of 74. Mrs. Janet Ahmasuk passed from this life on May 16, 2012 in Anchorage, Alaska. Bob Varland, age 64 of Lemmon, passed away at his home west of Lemmon on Sunday morning, May 20, 2012. Dyann Hanson, age 70 of Lodgepole, passed away at Med Center One in Bismarck, North Dakota, on May 17, 2012. Elaine Wilson, formerly of Lodgepole, South Dakota and Hettinger, North Dakota, passed away at Wind River Healthcare Center on March 4th, 2012. Judith Randall Judy age 70, of Prairie City, South Dakota passed away at the Western Horizon Care Center in Hettinger North Dakota on Thursday, May 24th, 2012. Minerva Ann Mike Leitch, 81, Underwood, Minnesota, died suddenly and unexpectedly in her home on Wednesday, May 23, 2012. June Brandi Steichen of Bison has been hired as the new director of the Bison Area Economic Development. Teri Anna Chapman of Bison, SD graduated from Northeastern University of Tahlequah, Oklahoma earning her Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology. Teri is the daughter of Blane and Doreen Chapman. The Office of Academic Affairs at Black Hills State University has released the deans list for the spring 2012 semester. Included in that list are Amanda Johnson, Bison, and Katie Doll, Prairie City. Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home celebrated 100 years on June 12, 2012. Jerry Reisenauer was elected to lead SDN Communications. Perkins county official election results in - Brad Besler elected to County Commission. Harding County Farm Service Agency officially closes.
Kristen Seidel of Bison recently received a degree from Dickinson State University. Seidel graduated with a degree in University Studies.

Julianna Kari won the fair book cover contest. It is not the first time she has won, she also won as a second grader, she will be entering the eighth grade this fall. Keep up the art work Julianna! Pictured to the right is the Perkins County Fair book cover for 2012. The Perkins County 4-H rodeo was held June 16, 2012. Krista Schopp, Jr Jr; Carrie Schalesky, Sr; Kailyn Groves, Jr were the Perkins/Meade crowned County 4-H Ambassodors. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Foundation has announced that Lindsey Hendrickson of Meadow has been named the 2012 Scott Mecham BBB Student of Integrity for South Dakota. She will receive a $2000 scholarship. Birth Bentley Ardel Phillips, was born to Rick and Angela Phillips on May, 23,2012, Thomas Jeremy Tomee Veal was born to Jennifer and Chris Veal on June 18. 2012 Engagement Brian and Kay Kolb of Prairie City are pleased to announce the engagement and upcoming marriage of their daughter, Ginger Ann Kolb to Kurt Matthew Brauer of Omaha, NE. The couple is planning a September 28th wedding in Omaha. Death Duane L. Boyce, 69, of Hettinger, North Dakota passed away at his home, Boyce Machine Shop in Hettinger, ND on February 7, 2012. Sylvia Steinheuser, 99, of Redfield, South Dakota, died Tuesday, June 05, 2012 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield. Syble J. Brown, age 85 of Faith, passed from this life on Friday, June 8, 2012 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital. Judith Judy Buer, age 94, of Meadow, SD passed away on the evening of June 16th, 2012.

Ad Deadline is Monday at NOON! Legal Deadline is Friday at NOON!

Page 8 The Bison Courier Thursday, January 3, 2013

Farm Credit Services of America authorizes $130 million cash-back dividend payment for 2012
Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica), a financial cooperative with more than $18 billion in assets, has approved a 2012 cashback dividend of $130 million to its eligible customer-owners. The $130 million cash-back dividend is another significant distribution of FCSAmericas net earnings to its customer-owners. The 2012 distribution is the cooperatives ninth consecutive. Since 2004, FCSAmerica has distributed $685 million cash-back dividends back to its customers to support their operations and benefit the communities they call home. Farm Credit Services of America has been consistent through agricultures good times and challenging times and is financially strong, said Robert Bruxvoort, Board Chairman. The Board is very pleased to approve the sizeable $130 million cash-back distribution. The FCSAmerica Board also approved a patronage program for 2013 at their meeting this week. The Board will determine the cash-back dividend for the 2013 program in December 2013. Farm Credit Services of Americas unique business model, capacity and commitment to agriculture differentiate us, said Doug Stark, president and CEO. Were proud to pay yet another strong cash-back dividend to our customer-owners. Were also proud to be well-positioned financially to meet their needs and challenges well into the future. Cash-Back Dividend Details The Board of Directors has paid cash-back dividends, available as part of its patronage program, every year since 2004. For 2012, each customers cash-back dividend from the program is based on the customers average loan volume during the calendar year. The more eligible loan business a customer has with the cooperative, the more they benefit financially from the patronage program. Eligible customers can expect 2012 payments to be distributed in March 2013.

Over the Christmas Holiday guests of Art and Marilyn Christman were Jane Christman and Walter Kingsbery of Boulder, Colorado; Judy, Chuck and Ben Lewis of Sturgis; Sarah Lewis of Brookings; Katie Fisk of Rapid City. Art and Marilyn Christman visited with Bernie Rose after church Sunday in Lemmon at the Five Counties Nursing home. Bernie Rose spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Vonnie Foster and her guests. Christmas Eve Day, Fred and Bev Schopp traveled to Lemmon early and went to a birthday party for their great grandson, Judah Wuebben, hosted by his mom, Bobi Wuebben and held at the Lance Hourigan home. Later in the afternoon, they attended the Childrens Christmas Eve at St. Lukes church in Lemmon; they spent the

Meadow News .................By Tiss Treib

evening at the home of Ray and Julie Schopp and family. Christmas Day, Fred and Bev Schopp were among the many guests at the home of Connie and Bob Hourigan. Thursday and Friday, Fred and Bev Schopp traveled to Spearfish and Belle Fourche. They took in the Lemmon Cowgirls Basketball game with Belle Fourche and visited with their daughter Jan and her son Coebi and friend Marrissa. Saturday night, Fred and Bev Schopp attended the Lemmon Hettinger girls basketball game in Lemmon. Jerry and Carolyn Petik were among many from near and far that attended Christmas Eve services at Hope Church. Later they had supper with Thelma and Russ Lemke at the home of Irene Young. They were also visitors at Arnold

Zielke's and Lanny and Irene Hopfinger's. Jerry and Carolyn Petik were among Christmas Day guests of Charlotte and Tim Kvale. Thursday afternoon and supper guests at Jerry and Carolyn's were Kurt and Leah Petik and Family, Jeri Lynn, Leif and Mirandi Bakken, and Irene Young. Leif and Mirandi and the Kurt Petik family were overnight guests. Friday supper guests at Petiks were the Kurt Petik family, DeJon Bakken family, Irene Young, Jim and Kim Petik, Mike, Dottie, Darla and Reva Barnes, Lisa and Kavan Donohue. On Sunday evening, Oliver and Mary Petik of Sandy, Utah arrived at Jerry and Carolyn's to spend a few days visiting friends and family in the area.

Just for fun

How many squares can you find?

The Bison Courier Thursday, January 3, 2013 Page 9

Guest Columnist
Recognizing Contributors of Generosity
dont get to experience. Im not talking about your average strandings or mechanical breakdowns but special stuff that only I seem to be a part of. Especially those fiascos that create hammer mechanicing opportunities worthy of sharing with readers. And where would I be without the gender gap, marriage, or parenting bumpkins? In a bone-dry think tank of ideas, thats where. Thank goodness my husband speaks with brevity to complicate decoding his thoughts. The baffling mysteries regarding the way men and women think has always been a reliable fallback in looming deadline situations. I hope the gap never gets completely closed because Ive come to depend heavily on misinterpreting my spouses hand signals and being misunderstood in order to entertain others. And whenever my spouse leaves the ranch, big complicated problems stand a chance at messing with me. My kids have a rural way of spicing up life with their youthful ranchy perspective when interacting with society. The insights weve all gained have contributed to a column or two also. Baby calves get special recognition. Without them there wouldnt be the interesting predicaments that their mommas put my spouse

Amy Kirk is a ranch wife from Custer, South Dakota.

Go green in the New Year by recycling your tree

The real Christmas trees that added special magic to this year's holiday season can now find a second purpose by recycling, says SDSU Extension Forestry Specialist John Ball during a recent iGrow Radio Network Interview. Ball says the easiest second use for real Christmas tree is as a bird feeder, stuck in a snow bank. "Hang bird feed on them, because it makes a wonderful perch, provides a little hiding cover, which birds like," he said. "The birds will find it and utilize it for the rest of the winter, because they do like a little cover when they are out there feeding." He says another option for repurposing Christmas trees is to use them as mulch. An option many South Dakota communities embrace by collecting used trees and grinding them up for compost. "Evergreens are wonderful because one of our problems in our soils in South Dakota is they tend to be a little on the alkaline side, and the pine, spruce and firs we use will be a little on the acidic side - which is going to be very beneficial," Ball said. "There is nothing better than going out and putting a pine or even a little spruce mulch around your trees." These trees may also be bundled and dropped into lakes as artificial reefs for fish habitat. To learn more about this topic, and listen to the iGrow Radio Network interview with John Ball, visit iGrow.org.

Date: December 27, 2012 Present: Commissioners Schweitzer, Foster and Henderson and Finance Officer Chapman Others present: Rownea Gerbracht, Beth Hulm, press Absent: Commissioners Ottman and Gochenour Call to Order Chairman Schweitzer called the special meeting to order at 10:08 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Perkins County Commission Special Meeting

Before we get any further into the new year I think its a good idea to remind everyone that now is an ideal time to acknowledge those who have helped us in the past to get to where we are today: just your average rural American grinding his or her butt off in hopes of succeeding at our work. For starters my column-writing pal deserves recognition. My best hair-graying moments are credited to Mondays. Without Mondays unsuspecting pranks I wouldnt be near as fun to pity. Mother Nature. Now theres a gal who never fails to give me what I wished forsomething interesting for readers to sympathize with me about, like calving season snowstorm mayhem. The mini dramas that result from snowstorms have allowed me to score a decent column topic. The vehicles and equipment problems around here have given me experiences that the common operator or innocent bystander

and I in which have saved many a lame column. Mother cows that reveal their moody disposition have come through for me when conjuring up a topic that seemed hopeless. My husband and I may be onto our cows calving shenanigans but they always manage to put a twist on a standard calving challenge, many of which have been worthy of capitalizing on for a column. At this point it wouldnt be fair to leave out the bulls. They deserve recognition for the times in years past that theyve pulled stunts to catapult a column to the needed word count. What about the little guys? Im talking about the small things that quietly come forward to share with me their greatness of being as a part of my day-to-day observations. You know, cow cleanin, restrooms of the great outdoors, barbwire, junk yard discoveries, calf scours, baling wire, stuff like that. You didnt think Id get all the way to the end and forget to credit manure did you? Cattle have provided me with so many things: food, chores, exercise, headaches, but especially manure. Regardless of what form the stuff comes in, I know that the manure I encounter each day has the fertilizing potential for a crop of entertainment.

Contingency Transfers Henderson moved, Foster seconded to make the following transfers from contingency: Election - $400; Solid Waste $25,700, motion carried.

Claims The following claims were presented and approved for payment: A & B Business, supplies - 310.90; Adams County Sheriff, jail board, 5,745.00; BH Ammunition, supplies, 638.50; Butler Machinery, repairs, 862.35; Current Connection, supplies & equipment, 2,621.71; Dakota Herald, publishing, 35.00; R Gerbracht, travel, 90.00; Lewis & Clark Behavioral Center, MH prof fees, 149.00; Light and Siren, equipment, 1573.00; Lodgepole propane, utilities, 2,147.76; McLeods, supplies, 728.00; Neves Uniforms, supplies & equipment, 891.75; Newman Signs, supplies, 771.09; Pollard & Larson LLP, MH Prof fee 191.33; I Schmidt, travel, 47.95; SD DOT, prof fee, 156.12; K Serr, travel, 166.00; K Thompson, Court Appt Atty, 1,495.85; West group, law books, 87.00; Dakota Business Center, equipment, 4,040.55; Evanson Jensen, travel;, 812.00; Adjournment Henderson moved, Foster seconded to adjourn the meeting at 10:48 a.m. The next regular meeting on the Perkins County Commission will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2012 at the Perkins County Courthouse. ATTEST: APPROVED:

Real estate boomer style

By John Chicoine Buy our house. Seriously, consider buying our house. Were not selling it right now but keep it in mind. In fact, after you read this, youll probably make us an offer. We have a wonderful old house. It has steps. My wife Paula and I have lived in our house forever. But it has steps. From the basement to the top floor, there are 32 steps. The steps were never an issue in our youthful years. When we were like young gazelles, we bounded up and down the steps. Today we dont bound so much as plod and slog up and down. Of course there are drawbacks to steps. For instance, as a boomer, we all walk into a room and think Now why did I come in here? With steps, its 16 steps up, wonder why youre there, go back down 16 steps and then remember why you needed to go there. Then its back up 16 steps and then back down. But we learn to adapt like writing down the reason to go into a room upstairs. Or my wife may find me sitting in a room with a vacant look on my face. Shell ask if Im ok and Ill explain Im just sitting until whatever I needed comes back to me before I do the 16 extra steps. I pity the day Im in the basement and need something on the top floor. Thirty two steps up, 32 down only to realize I didnt get everything I needed. Then its 32 up, 32 down. On the flip side of the coin, South Dakotans are getting fatter according to the fat police. They say most everyone in the state is obese. You saw that story. It made you nervous, didnt it? So exercise is good. People spend real money joining gyms, buying expensive treadmills and step machines. If you had my house, you wouldnt need any of that fancy fat burning equipment. You would be naturally healthy, buffed beauties bounding through the house and up and down the stairs. Yes, when we do sell our house, were going to market our house as a heart rehab house. It probably wont be anytime soon because first we need to clean it out. But thats another article.

Sylvia Chapman, Finance Officer Mike Schweitzer, Chairman

[Published once at the total approximated cost of $21.45.]

courier@sdplains.com or 244-7199

Page 10 The Bison Courier Thursday, January 3, 2013

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We had a white Christmas, but most of the snow came after Christmas day. Theres just enough white stuff on the ground to make good sledding for the little people and great snowmobiling for the big guys. Since the cold has settled in, these guys have started butchering. Tate Gress and Will and Sam Larson came last Friday to help Reub, Casey and Taz butcher four hogs. Will and Sam came back on Saturday to help Reub, Taz, Lanie, and Trig turn the hogs into pork chops and sausage. The hams are curing and bacon has been sliced and wrapped. It sure smells good in the meat room! The Slim Buttes Lutheran Sunday School Christmas program was the Sunday before Christmas. The program was in the morning, followed by a pot-blessing dinner afterwards. That afternoon Sage, Alaina, and Acalia came to celebrate an early Christmas with us and Caseys family came across the creek to join us. Sage and Alaina went to her brother Josh and Brandy Stadheims for Christmas Eve and Grandma Polly had all the family at her house for Christmas Day. Casey and Missy and their family went to Sturgis to spend Christmas Eve with Missys family. Reub and I went to the Christmas Eve service at Slim Buttes that evening. Bill Johnson got his second new knee on the 20th and is recovering nicely, but wasnt quite up to coming along with Laura and Brad to the candlelight services. Sharon and Roger Anderson got to show off their new baby granddaughter, and several families brought all their guests to the service. Its so nice to have a chance to visit with old friends that we dont get to see very often. Caseys family, Thads family, my sister Judy and her husband Ken were here for dinner on Christmas Day. We all had a good time and ate way too much, as usual. Angie, Judy and Missy all brought delicious goodies and there is so much food left over that Reuben wont have to cook for himself when I leave for Pierre in January. Jerry Reisenauers father, Joe Reisenauer, age 89, of Bismarck, passed away the day after Christmas. His funeral will be New Years Eve at St. Vincents Catholic

Grand River Roundup .............A Christmas Story..................By Betty Olson

Church in Mott with burial in Greenhill Cemetery in Lemmon. Its always hard to lose a family member, but over the holidays seems to make it worse. Our sympathy goes out to his family. The guys had butchered a fat cow a while ago and after aging the beef in the cooler for several days, they cut off a big roast for me to cook for Christmas dinner. Christmas evening Lanie had to go back to her job in Killdeer, so the day after Christmas Taz, Bryce and Trig helped Reub cut and wrap the rest of the beef. Thursday Tate Gress came out to hunt coyotes with Taz and helped the guys butcher another beef that is now aging in the cooler. Were certainly going to be well-fed this winter. As cold as it was Thursday night, it would have been better to leave the cooler turned off. Reub got up in the night to check the thermometer and when he saw that it was almost seventeen below zero, he had to get dressed and go down to the other house to turn the cooler off. The meat was already frozen and he doesnt think hell have to run the cooler again until the weather warms up. I have some happy news for you Julia and Dillon Lermeny are the proud parents of a baby daughter born the day after Christmas. Little Gretta Mae was 21 inches long, and weighed 8# 2oz. Im betting her two older brothers will do their best to spoil her. Congratulations to the entire Lermeny family! Im writing this early because of the holidays, so I have no idea if all the terrible things predicted to happen on New Years Eve will come to pass or not. Not only will our nation reach the 16.4 trillion dollar debt limit on December 31st, it looks like our country is going to go over the fiscal cliff costing every American thousands of dollars in taxes, and the union dock workers are threatening to go on strike shutting down all goods coming into our ports, putting thousands of people out of work and costing businesses billions of dollars. Happy New Year? It sure doesnt look like anything were going to want to celebrate. Theres really nothing we can do to deal with these problems on the national level, but we can make the best of it individually. Id like to leave you with this Happy New Years poem that is just filled with good advice: Recipe for a Happy New Year To leave the old with a burst of song To recall the rights and forgive the wrong; To forgive the thing that binds you fast To the vain regrets of the year that's past; To have the strength to let go your hold Of the non-worthwhile of the days grown old; To dare to go forth with a purpose true; To the unknown task of the year that's new, To help your brother along the road To share his work and lift his load; To add your gift to the world's good cheer, Is to have and to give a Happy New Year.

Happy New Year to all of you from all of us.

The Bison Courier Thursday, January 3, 2013 Page 11

DISPLAY ADS: $4.50 per column inch. CLASSIFIED ADS: $5.90 for 30 words; 10 for each word thereafter. $2.00 billing charge applies. THANK YOU'S: $5.90 minimum or $3.10 per column inch. $2.00 billing charge applies. HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS: $5.90 minimum or $3.10 per column inch. $2.00 billing charge applies. HAPPY ADS: With or Without Picture: $15.00 minimum or B $4.50 per column inch.BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: $36.00 for 2x7 announcement. Ad Deadline is Monday at NOON! Legal Deadline is Friday at NOON! 244-7199 or courier@sdplains.com
FOR SALE: 2008 Chrysler Town and Country Touring van. Stowaway seats, auto sliding doors. Less than 24, 000 actual miles. 244-5231 B22-tfn
For Sale

Advertising Rates:

300N.

SEEKING CLASS A CDL drivers to run 14 central states. 2 years over the road experience required. Excellent benefit package. Call 701or 877-472-9534. 221-2465 www.pbtransportation.com.

OTR & DRIVER OPPORTUNITY

day, January 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. BISMARCK CIVIC CENTER. Roger Krumm 701-336-7533 or 701-851-0129. B28-4tc Thank You Wilbur and Bev Haggart would like to thank the FFAgroup of students whodelivered a lovely box of fruit to our home for Christmas. We have enjoyed.

NOW IS THE chance to buy a well established & successful business in the State Capitol of S.D. The Longbranch is for SALE (serious inquires only). Call Russell Spaid 605-280-1067. LOG HOMES DAKOTA LOG HOME Builders representing Golden Eagle Log Homes, building in eastern, central, northwestern South & North Dakota. Scott Connell, 605-5302672, Craig Connell, 605-264-5650, www.goldeneagleloghomes.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

VACATION/TIMESHARE HART RANCH MEMBERSHIP For Sale: Beautiful Hart Ranch Camping Resort is located just outside of Rapid City. Purchase NOW before transfer fees increase! Call 605-939-3112. WANTED ANTLERS, ELK IVORIES, pheasant skins, rattlesnakes and porcupines. Ph. 605-673-4345 or email at clawantlerhide@hotmail.com. MISCELLANEOUS AWMILLS from only $3997.00 MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext. 300N.

$1500.00 SIGN-ON BONUS! EXP. OTR Drivers, TBI, 33/34, $375 mo., health ins., credit, 03 safety bonus, Call Joe for details, 800.456.1024, joe@tbitruck.com.

GUN SHOW Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Association Annual Winter BISMARCK Gun Show. Saturday, January 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sun-

For Rent For rent: Homestead Heights located in Bison, S.D., has a one and two bedroom apartment available. Homestead Heights is a low-income elderly and disabled Section 8 HUD (Housing and Urban Development) housing facility. We are smoke free. Energy Assistance is available for those who qualify. Utilities are included in the rent. Homestead Heights is an equal housing opportunity. For more information, please call (605) 2445473. B14-tfn

I would like to thank my d aughters Gloria and Vera and my 2 neices Peggy Veal and Janet LaDue and all my friends who made my 80th birthday party so special. Also for all the cards and gifts I received. It meant so much to me, I am very blessed to have so many wonderful friends and such a lovely family. God Bless you all Eloise Penor

MISCELLANEOUS SAWMILLS from only $3997.00 MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.

Five Counties Nursing Home

ys! l rda 701-567-2568 osed Sa atu S t ed 1/2 mile east of Hettinger urdays! los C

R & N Hide & Fur C

Activities staff FT/PT Laundry FT/PT Dietary Aide FT/PT

Must have good work ethic - will train. Complete benefits package for FT. For more information call Human Resources at 605-374-3871 or get application at Five Counties, Box 479, Lemmon, SD 57638. fch1@sdplain.com
EOE/M/FV/D Drug Free Workplace Employer

Need extra cash ? Job security?

......where lives are touched

PAYING TOP DOLLAR for all types of metal including cars appliances auto batteries tin wire cable

part-time assist with athletic duties requires some after school & evening hours applications available from school business office
contact Don Kraemer at 244-5961

Assistant Athletic Director

WANTED:

Lucky Piggy winners

12 -28-12 $25.00Huber Patio Cats Bison $25.00 Matthew Wanner Bismarck

Page 12 The Bison Courier Thursday, January 3, 2013

Bison Fire Dept., Coyote Calling Contest, Jan 11th & Jan 12th. Registration & Free Supper Jan 11th at the Bison Bar @ 6:00 pm. Followed by Rules Mtg & Calcutta; Attendance Required NO Exceptions!! Need more info call Chris Seidel 605-630-3319 or Allen Palmer 605-244-5550.

Highlights & Happenings

Come join us for a women's Bible study. 5:30 Tuesday's at Grand Electric Social Room. Study Jesus the One and Only with us. Call Dawn McKinstry 244-5934 or Sharon Longwood 564-2175 to order books. Call by January 8, 2013.

Home Country with Slim Randles

Its bingo Time! Sunday January 6, 2013 at 1:30 Community Center $1.00 a card, play all afternoon. lots of prizes, snacks available. Sponsored by the Legion Aux.
When its cold, build a fire in the fireplace, or the woodburning heater, or maybe just light a candle and look in the flames, look deep in the flames for the answers. Ive always believed they are there, and this time of year is a time for questions. It is a time to weigh the events of the past year and toss them around and ask why. It has been a good year for each of us in some respects, and a bad year in others. Just like every year. A few of our young people died this year. Others were born. Some precious old-timers left us, too, but at least theyd had the chance to hang and rattle and turn gray. It was the young ones that make us ask the tough questions. But there were also the beautiful things that happened this last year. People went out of their way to help others. People tried valiantly to better themselves. Some did it by studying a foreign language. Some did it by taking wood shop at the community college. Dud practiced hard all year and it worked. His accordion playing sounds much better. The old Miller dairy got pulled down. Many of us were worried about kids playing in there and getting hurt. It really wasnt safe any more. And while well miss seeing it out there, with that big tobacco ad painted on its roof, wed miss having those kids around even more. You make decisions and hope for the best. There were some new homes built this year, and Steve has started adding on to his cabin up in the mountains not too far from Jasper Blankenships mining claim. Steve just needed a hole-up spot. A place where a cowboy can go and no one can kick him out. And so our world says goodbye to another year and well hope the next one is better, and it probably will be. Life brings the good and the bad together at this time of year and helps us wash our lives with a laugh and a tear and a dollop of forgiveness.