KEVIN MOREMAN, associate director of bands, kneels beside his student, Hannah Blachford, who uses software that allows her to change the background color, font and contrast, and enlarge the image to see her music more clearly. (Las Cruces Bulletin/Lorena Sanchez)

Advocating for his student


iPad, software help with vision issues

(Editor’s note: This story is used with permission of the Las Cruces Bulletin. Hannah is the daughter of Mark and Belinda Blachford of Las Cruces, and is the granddaughter of Ron Blachford of Miller.)

Hannah Blachford will complete her freshman year at Oñate High School in May, but as her first year winds down, Blachford is gearing up for an exciting opportunity. 


It’s hard to imagine losing your vision at age 14 and seeing the world with double vision, but that’s exactly what Blachford is dealing with. At three years old, she was diagnosed with optic nerve hypoplasia, which is when the optic nerve is under developed as the result of a congenital condition. What caused her condition to progressively get worse was her 2003 diagnosis of ocular albinism, which reduces visual acuity due to nystagmus – involuntary eye movement.

“I am almost legally blind,” Blachford said.

As she entered her freshman year of high school last fall, Kevin Moreman began his first year as the associate director of bands.

Moreman had traveled from Colorado to Las Cruces to complete his master’s degree in instrumental music conducting at New Mexico State University.

In his downtime, Moreman worked as a band director at Oñate, and one of his students was Blachford, who played the clarinet for concert and marching band.

“I noticed she sat really close to her music,” Moreman said. Before school let out for winter break, Moreman approached Blachford about the issue and found out about her condition. “It’s amazing she can get around the field the way she does,” Moreman said. “She’s even in color guard.”

Once Moreman knew about Blachford’s issue, he started to look for assistive technology.

In February, Moreman approached the school district about ordering an iPad for Blachford, including The Gig Easy software and hardware. “I knew about the app, and it just clicked,” Moreman said.

Moreman knew of a friend, Darren Kramer, in Colorado who started a new company. Kramer and his partner, Brian Monroney, co-founded The Gig Easy, which creates music software and hardware for the iPad.

The Gig Easy app allows music to be downloaded to an iPad. The iPad can be attached to The Gig Easy mount, which acts as a music stand for the iPad. A foot pedal can then be attached to the iPad so after a musician begins to play, all they have to do is push on the foot pedal to turn the page.

Luckily, Kramer and his band had agreed to come to Las Cruces to perform a concert with his group The Darren Kramer Organization April 4 and brought the technology for Blachford to try.

“(Blachford) is the first person (with a visual impairment) we’re testing it on,” Kramer said. “The big thing with her is she can enlarge the text with the pinch of a finger and change the background color so she is able to view her music more clearly.”

Kramer said when he and his partner developed the software, they knew it could make things easier for musicians, but also help visually impaired musicians.

The hardware, such as the mount and food pedals, is available for purchase. The Gig Easy software is set to be released this summer.

The hardware is not just limited to musicians, but is also being used in medical facilities and educational settings. For more information, visit thegigeasy.com.

“We’re going to contact (Blachford) at the end of the school year to see how it’s working for her,” Kramer said.

The school district agreed to purchase an iPad for Blachford, which will be in before the school year is finished. Not only will Blachford be able to use The Gig Easy software to help her read music, but she will be able to place her textbooks on the iPad and do her other schoolwork on the device. Being able to adjust the contrast and enlarge the text will make things easier for her as her illness progresses.

Moreman credits the school’s principals, his fellow director Shawn Silva and the district for their support and willingness to invest in his student’s future. Blachford will have access to the technology until she graduates.


“(Blachford) is a brilliant kid,” Moreman said. “It’s her desire to be successful and we want to do what we can to make her successful, and if we have to invest (money) to do so, we will.”



Due to her condition, Blachford’s vision is constantly changing, which requires her to get new lenses for her glasses every three to six months.

Although doctors are unsure of how far the condition will progress, her condition could become more severe.

Two months ago, Blachford began to have double vision. Despite all of these set backs, Blachford is determined not to let it prevent her from doing what she loves.

“I never said I couldn’t do it,” Blachford said.

Sunshine Bible School’s elementary students had a busy year. Among activities was the participation in the Pony Hills Reading Council’s contests.

Young Illustrator winners were Shariah Brockel, Jace Burma, Travis Hass, Tierney Connell, Joshua Hofman and Renee Seaman.

Shariah Brockel was also the Young Author winner.

Reading Challenge winners were Cassidy Watson, Ross Engle, Shariah Brockel, Jade Burma, Travis Hass, Jace Burma, Benjamin Deal, Tierney Connell, Renee Seaman, Joshua Hofman, Samuel Pedersen, Christopher Hass, Sarah Pedersen, Staci Seaman and Samantha Rogers.

As a reward for the students’ efforts, on May 3, Otto Rosfeld, a storyteller and musician, playing guitar and washboard, came to SBA, as well as Huron and Iroquois. All told, 52 students from those three schools won awards. Students learned from his music and his demonstrations using hand-held antiques. His presentations were sponsored by the Pony Hills Reading Council and the S.D. Humanities Council. Sue Gose, Pony Hills Reading Council president, presented each winner with a certificate and a book of their choice.

SBA students who were state Reading Challenge winners are Sarah Pedersen, Christopher Hass, Renee Seaman and Ross Engle.

The conclusion of the school year featured elementary field trip days. A group visited the Laura Ingalls Wilder sites in DeSmet on May 9. Another group of fourth-sixth graders visited the Historic Prairie Village in Madison May 15.

The K-8 students are looking forward to new classrooms next year. K-6 will be housed in the new multi-purpose building, and the junior high will have a new classroom in the present gymnasium complex.

SBA elementary teachers are Sally Donald, junior high; Sherry Van Zee, 4-6 grades; and Megan Hall, K-3 grades.

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THIS YEAR, fourth through sixth grade students enjoyed receiving postcards from Mary and Jess Harkins as part of the fourth-grade social studies project. Jess Harkins drives a semi across the U.S., and the Harkins’ sent two cards from each state through which they traveled. Cards from 37 states were posted on a large bulletin board in the classroom.

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SBA ELEMENTARY STUDENTS also participated in the Pony Hills Reading Council’s contests. There were 22 winners at the local level.

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SBA HAD FOUR STATE winners in the Reading Challenge. They will receive awards in Rapid City July 21 at the South Dakota State Reading Conference. Pictured are Ross Engle, grade 4; Sarah Pedersen, grade 8; and Christopher Hass and Renee Seaman, sixth grade.

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THE CRIMSON AND GOLD basketball teams held an exhibition May 3. Parents, teachers and students expressed appreciation to the coaches, Lucas Hall and Jaden Brockel, who spent hours after school teaching basketball to students in grades K-6.

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ON MAY 4, SBA hosted home school students from across the state at the yearly Track/Bible Day. The day was spent with various athletic competitions, a Bible trivia competition, Bible verse recitations, and an old-fashioned spelling bee. Ribbons were presented to the winners and participants, who came from Platte, Pierre, St. Lawrence, Wessington, Meadow and Selby, S.D., and Carson, N.D. Heidi Seaman and her volunteers organized the events.

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SBA STUDENTS participated in the James Valley Christian spelling contest, held May 8. Joshua Hofman, sixth grade, received a fourth-place trophy. Other participants were Renee Seaman, Shariah Brockel, Jace Burma and Cassidy Watson.

Senior section is on pages 5 and 6.

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Pictured above are the honor student speakers for the Wolsey-Wessington graduation to be held in the Wolsey new gym at 3 p.m. on May 19. From left are Janna Black, Salutatorian, Sawyer Langbehn, Valedictorian and Madison Knudson, Salutatorian.

Pictured left are the 17 students graduating from Wolsey-Wessington this year. From back are: Alex McGillvrey, Nathan Johnson, Sawyer Langbehn, Jalen Boomsma, Bo Mutchelknaus, Curtis Keefe, Jimmy Hanks, Austin Sheridan, Jericho Dorris and Taner Hein. Front: Janna Black, Bridgett Clarke, Madison Knudson, Hilary Sprecher, Kelli McGillvrey, Brooke Clarke and MiKayla Heller.

Tom Schiltz, 77, of Miller and formerly of Wessington, died Sunday, May 13, 2012 at the Golden Living Center, Lake Norden, S.D.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 17, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wessington, with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Wessington. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, with a 7 p.m. prayer service, all at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1000 N. West Ave, Suite 250, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Tom’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net.

Thirteen years of hard work will culminate when the Wolsey-Wessington seniors graduate in the High School Gymnasium in Wolsey on May 19. Topping the class are Caitlin Heller, Valedictorian; and Darin Swartz, Salutatorian.

Members of Wolsey-Wessington Class 2007 to graduate on May 19: Brent Berquist, Cedrick Boomsma, Stephanie Eggleston, Caitlin Heller, Casey Jacobs, Cory Katz, Troy Dorris, Dana Dubois, Ashley McHugh, Roxanne Pintuck, Colton Pullman and Darin Swartz.

Students from the Wolsey-Wessington School took part in the James Valley Spelling contest, May 1. Ten students competed: Brandon Berquist, Shayla Simons, Megan Robinson, Allyson Gascoigne, Bailey Zerfoss, Brianna Sanderson, Tanner Waters, Keenly Mehling, Parker Fromm, and Brandee Simons. Shayla placed 1st in sixth grade competition, and Parker Fromm placed 4th in the second grade contest.

Congratulations goes to Beth VanderWal of Brentford, who was chosen Legionnaire of the Year during the Schmidt-Barnes American Legion Auxiliary meeting on May 8. Beth will represent District 5 at the State Convention.

Russ Uttecht and Karen Clarke decided to start a walking program for the elementary kids at Wolsey-Wessington School. They wanted the kids to exercise to be healthy. Since March 19, each day during their morning recess, the kids walk on the track for 20 minutes. Their laps are recorded each day. They are given prizes for the number of laps they walk.

Jay Eichstadt, son of Rod and Kathy Eichstadt, Wolsey, graduated from Lake Area Technical Institute, Watertown. He has an Associate degree in Agri-Productions. He is a 2005 graduate of Wolsey-Wessington High School.

The Eggleston celebrated Marilyn’s birthday at the new Panda Gardens.

Austin Molyneux, formerly of Wessington, is a member of 2007 graduating class of Brandon High School. The graduation ceremonies will take place on May 27.

10 years ago (2002)

Wolsey honor graduates are: Joshua McGillvrey, Salutatorian; and Jason Neuharth, Valedictorian, were honored on Tuesday, May 7, at an awards luncheon held at The Plains Motel in Huron. The lunch was sponsored by the Huron Youth Advisory Council and honors the top academic students from each of thirteen Heartland Reunion high schools and Huron University.

The Wolsey Senior Center will have their monthly dinner to honor mothers on Tuesday, May 21. A turkey dinner with all the trimmings will be served.

The joint consolidation committee of the Wolsey and Wessington Districts met Tuesday evening, May 7. The committee has reached a consensus: Wolsey School building will be used to house grades K-12; Wessington School building will be used to house vocational-technical program; both the Wessington and Wolsey gymnasiums will be used to host athletic events; and busing will be provided throughout the new district. The committee is continuing to discuss curriculum and staffing issues.

Four- year old Trent Augspurger’s battle with her heart disease has, literally, been a heart-breaking experience for him and his parents, and older sister, Lindsey. However, you would never know it by Trent’s contagious enthusiasm for life. His vivacious giggles and sudden burst of energy camouflage his life-threatening coronary artery disease. His animated spirit and his family’s incredible faith most likely played a deciding factor in the Children Miracle Network’s decision to honor Trent as CMN’s South Dakota Poster Child for 2002. He is the son of Valerie and Terry Augspurger.

The Little Lambs Preschool toured the Wolsey Post Office Friday. Postmaster Kathy Price explained what happens at the Post Office each day and how the mail reaches the individual delivery addresses. Each student stamped a Wolsey postmark on a post card which was given to them as souvenir.

The local winners of the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Poster contest have been selected: Class I winner, Cameron Peterson; and Class II winner, Vanessa DeWitt. Both are students from Wolsey Public School.

20 years ago (1992)

Corey Haeder recently received Academic Excellence Recognition at ceremonies in Pierre. Corey was one of 204 seniors attending representing 187 schools in South Dakota. Corey is the son of Daryl and Linda Haeder.

Two Wolsey residents were among newly-elected officers of the Beadle County Coiture Local No. 530 of 40 et 8 in Huron. They are Bob Brodkorb and George McDonald.

The Wolsey Lions Club adopted three miles of Highway 14 for litter control. The crew that worked in April were: Ken Sargent, Alvin Guthmiller, Fred Larsen, Shirley Larsen, Jerry Boe, Norma Peterson, Ken Peterson, George Brower, Richard Kohlmeyer and Ed Kahre.

Brandee Eggleston and Amy Brower will serve as Student Council President and Vice-President, respectively, for school year 1992-93 school year at Wolsey High School. They were elected after a runoff last Friday, from a field of three candidates for each office.

The Senior Spotlight for this week: Preston Steele, son of Donna and Jack Steele, enjoys sports, fishing and hunting, and Valerie Hartman, daughter of Jeanne and Jack Hartman. She enjoys reading, writing and talking to friends; Andrew Boomsma, son of Jake and Cindy Boomsma, enjoys basketball and softball and says he will miss playing basketball at WHS; and Jennifer Larsen, daughter of Greg and Nancy Larsen, she is looking forward to meeting new people and felt challenged being on her own when she enters college. She said she will miss the comforts of home and her friends.

BYY’s Extension Club member Doreen Bonin, handed Judy Ross, Wolsey School Librarian, a book entitled “Laura Ingalls Wilder Country”, which Ross chose to add to the Library’s South Dakota collection.

Airman Chadrin T. Sargent has graduated from Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied Air Force mission, organization and customs and received special training in human relations. He is the son of Kirk D. Sargent and Roberta L. Sargeant.

30 years ago (1982)

A welcome 1.24 inches of rain was received in the Wolsey area Sunday with the hope of additional moisture forecast throughout the week. Farmers, who have been working in the fields in recent days, had complained on the need for moisture as the dry topsoil was blowing away during fieldwork.

Robert Eichmann, State Representative from the 8th District, has been selected to give the

Wolsey High School commencement address. He will address the Class of 1982 on the motto: “What appears to be the end, may really be a new beginning”.

Charles Teply was reappointed Chairman of the Wolsey Town Board of Trustees at their regular meeting held last Monday evening. Tracy Clouser and Vernon Peterson agreed to stay on the board for another year, and Edna Peterson was reappointed Town Finance Officer.

Representatives of the Wolsey Centennial Committee headed by Ed Siemens, General Chairman, appeared before the board to request that the main street be closed for two days during the 1983 Wolsey Centennial.

Gene Holst, Wolsey Fire Chief, requested that adequate signs be posted in the vicinity of the Fire Hall. It seems that people have been parking in the area and this hinders the firemen when they have to make a fire call.

A daughter, Heather Anne, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Greg Larsen at Huron Medical Center on May 5. She has two brothers, Chadwick and Jeffrey, and one sister, Jennifer. Grandparents include Mr. and Mrs. Fred Larsen, and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Price.

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Larson, May 11. He was named Jay Michael. He joined a sister, Kyrsten. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Don Bohr and Mr. and Mrs. Delton Larson.

A total of 1,189 degrees will be conferred upon graduates of the University of South Dakota on May 15. The degrees ranged from associate to doctorate. Kent Eichstadt, Wolsey, will receive a Juris Doctor.

The Senior Spotlight for this week is Merle Elliot Eichstadt, born to Mildred and Robert Eichstadt. Merle’s school activities include football, track and basketball. For honors, Merle claims he has the detention record for the ’80-’81 school year.

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology’s 105th commencement exercises will be held May 15. Candidates for Bachelor Degrees are Michael Beals, Mechanical Engineering; and Rodney Christopherson, Civil Engineering, both of Wolsey. Alan Foglesong, Tulare, will be awarded his BS degree in Chemical Engineering with high honors.

40 years ago (1972)

The Wolsey Public Schools received recently a Level I accreditation for the 1971-72 school year by the South Dakota Department of Public Instruction. A Level I school shall offer 32 units of credit in a high school program. There are three levels of credit: Level II, Level I, and Level I Exemplary. During the current year, the Wolsey Schools offered 35 units. A unit is defined as a course which meets a minimum of 200 minutes per week for a school year.

The 59th annual Wolsey High School Commencement has been scheduled Friday, May 19, weather permitting, the exercises will be held at the Wolsey Football field. Thirty-six students make up the 1972 graduates: Darles Scheice is the Valedictorian and Anita Christopherson is the Salutatorian. Other honor graduates are: Jane Bigelow, Peggy Clouser, Lynn Guthmiller, Jane Ann Langbehn, Marilyn Jungemann, Deborah LeGrand Quiram, Scott Eichstadt, Donna Klaschen and Connie Schamp.

A Baccalaureate Service honoring the graduating class of Wolsey High School for 1972 will be held at the Presbyterian Church, May 14. Special music will be furnished by the high school music department under the direction of Tim Kahre. The speaker will be Rev. Ralph Farmer.

Twenty-five members and three visitors – June Larsen, Ute Hornbuessel and Lena Vasknetz – attended the Monday meeting of the Wolsey Auxiliary held at the Clarence Frank home. Five Gold Star mothers were honored with a corsage pinned by Junior Auxiliary members. Gold Star mothers attending were: Mrs. Frank Balvin, Mrs. Thomas Fitzgibbons, Mrs. Lena Vasknetz, Mrs. Ted Voigt and Mrs. Ervin Schwartz.

The two operettas presented by grade school children pleased audience Tuesday, May 2. The two musicals were entitled, “Mulligan’s Magic” and “The Crystal Key”. The children enjoyed performing for their friends, parents and other relatives.

Six Wolsey High School drama students will appear in the 1972 edition of “Who’s Who in High School Dramatics”. The publication will list leading high school drama students and their coaches. Wolsey drama coach, Tim Kahre was contacted for nominations. Students selected were sent a letter of notification and form to fill out: Daryl Sheffield, Patti Engels, Lynn Guthmiller, Connie Schamp, Anita Christopherson and Jane Bigelow.

The Senior Spotlights for this week are: Donna Klaschen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Klaschen. Donna is active in Science Club, Girl’s Glee, Pep Club, paper staff, FHA and declam. This year, she is assistant editor of the 1972 Yearbook; Peggy Clouser, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Clouser. Her favorite subject has been bookkeeping. Peggy was active in FHA – served as historian for four years and is presently the treasurer. Her words to underclassmen – “Do not roam the halls unless you have an excuse, and eat your breakfast at home”.

The annual Girls State Tea was held Sunday at Melette for the Girls Staters and alternates of the district. Attending were the two Girls Staters Carla Larsen and Ute Hornbuessel; alternate Barbara Langbehn, Mrs. Harlow Larsen and Mrs. Richard Kohlmeyer.

50 years ago (1962)

Three rains during the past week have yielded the Wolsey area 1.73 inches of precipitation and further increased the optimistic outlook for the growing crops.

Next Sunday, a class of 19 children will renew and confirm their baptismal vows in the services at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wolsey. Members of the class are: Paul Albrecht, Charlotte Bartel, Gene Bartel, Connie Bentz, Dennis Eichstadt, Steven Eichstadt, Ronald Hein, Kirk Huisenga, Charles Jungemann, Terry Kludt, Tony Kludt, Marlin Kohlmeyer, Donald Larsen, Duane Nickle, Russell Overbay, Judy Peterson, Wayne Scheibe, Deanna Wagner, James Wagner, and Terry Scheibe.

Four Wolsey area young people won three superior and one excellent rating at the district Walther League Talent Festival held at the Pierre Lutheran Church. The participants were accompanied to Pierre by Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Guthmiller and family, Mrs. Gordon Babcock, Mrs. Clara Jungemann and Miss Patricia Rueber. Tim Kahre and Marcia Babcock, each received superior for their vocal solos; Sandra Guthmiller and Tim Kahre were piano soloists. Sandra received superior and Tim rated an excellent.

A candle-lit room in the Inn at Huron, May 12, was the scene for the assembling of the Wolsey High School faculty, juniors and seniors for the annual Junior-Senior Banquet. Before being seated, Junior Class President, Bill Brandrup, gave a welcome to the guests. The Senior Class President, Everett DuBois, gave the response.

Recently attending an honors banquet at Brookings, South Dakota, were Wolsey High School students Gary Pribyl, Bruce Eichstadt and Gene Scheel with their Vocational-Agriculture Instructor, Levi Wade. These students were honored for their outstanding work in the Dekalb Corn Achievement Program during the past year.

This week’s Senior Spotlight is John Boomsma, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anno Boomsma. John has gone to school his first six years at the Fry School; the seventh at Bonilla, and the eighth at the Weeks School.

Senior section is on pages 5 and 6.

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Pictured below are the honor student speakers for the Wolsey-Wessington graduation to be held in the Wolsey new gym at 3 p.m. on May 19. From left are Janna Black, Salutatorian, Sawyer Langbehn, Valedictorian and Madison Knudson, Salutatorian.

Pictured right are the 17 students graduating from Wolsey-Wessington this year. From back are: Alex McGillvrey, Nathan Johnson, Sawyer Langbehn, Jalen Boomsma, Bo Mutchelknaus, Curtis Keefe, Jimmy Hanks, Austin Sheridan, Jericho Dorris and Taner Hein. Front: Janna Black, Bridgett Clarke, Madison Knudson, Hilary Sprecher, Kelli McGillvrey, Brooke Clarke and MiKayla Heller.

Local resident and upcoming new US citizen Kay Waugh will deliver the Memorial Day address Monday May 28, at the Wessington Community Center and Rose Hill Cemetery.

She was born and raised in Manila, Philippines and graduated from the University of Saint Thomas. (It is known in the world as being the oldest existing Catholic university in he Far East having been established in 1611.) Kaye graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in Business Administration.

Immediately after graduation, she worked for one of the major commercial banks in the Philippines as a clerk, junior teller, and senior teller.

In 1986, she traveled to Tokyo, Japan as part of a group of young achievers, representing a company that promotes Philippine tourism in Japan.

She moved and eventually settled in Okinawa, Japan in 1991, where she was manager director for a US based military contractor doing business on military installations in Okinawa, Mainland Japan, Korea, Guam, and Alaska.

She subsequently met and married her husband Kurt in Okinawa, Japan in 2006. He wanted to move back to the United States and so the following year began with her big journey to the United States of America, arriving in Phoenix, Arizona in 2007.

Just when she thought that was done with “traipsing around the globe”, in 2009, her husband accepted a one-year teaching position with Sunshine Bible Academy in Miller, South Dakota. After a year, they moved to Wessington where her husband took a job with Allen Credit & Debt Counseling Agency. She took a job working for Cenex C-Store, then moved into an opening at Heartland State Bank as a Customer Service Representative.

She is currently a board member and serves as Vice President for the Wessington Economic Development Corp. She and her husband, Kurt, are members of Pleasant Valley Community Church.

Everyone is invited to attend either or both of these services and participate in the potluck dinner that follows. An expanded schedule will be in next week’s paper.

The Auxiliary meeting was conducted in proper form by President Mary Major.  Chaplin Norma DeHaven offered prayer.  Fifteen members were present. 

Minutes and treasurer’s report were given.  District 6 President’s Newsletter was read and two thank-you notes were received.

Jimmy Hanks was chosen for the Legion-Auxiliary Scholarship. 

Plans were made for the Memorial Day program and dinner.  Program will begin at 10:30 at the Community Hall, followed by service at the  cemetery and potluck dinner at noon.  Auxiliary will furnish scalloped potatoes with ham, buns and coffee.

Wessington will have their annual “ Fun Day” July 12, with “Western” as their theme.  Norma DeHaven and Arlene Matthews will make a float for the parade.

The Mother’s Day party will be May 6th at the Legion Hall, beginning at 7 PM. 

Coin march was taken and lunch served by Dee Buckland, Peggy Harkness, Shelly Hoffmann and Audrey Larson

Legion Auxiliary notes

5 years ago (2007)

Thirteen years of hard work will culminate when the Wolsey-Wessington seniors graduate in the High School Gymnasium in Wolsey on May 19. Topping the class are Caitlin Heller, Valedictorian; and Darin Swartz, Salutatorian.

Clarence Mulder reported that KOKK and several other businesses sponsored the “Think, Drive and Stay Alive” program for several area schools. Three people talked to students about the danger of drinking and driving and not wearing seat belts.

Alecia Boomsma will be recognized for perfect attendance. A motion made by Carol Casavan and seconded by Pete Marcus, to donate $10 in Wessington bucks for Boomsma was carried during the Wessington Community Club meeting in May 8.

Brandon Duxbury, senior at Northern State University has been voted in as one of the five Marshall Candidates for “Gypsy Days” that will be held this fall at Northern State University. Brandon was sponsored by the History Club. Brandon is the son of Winona Deneke and Dean Duxbury and a graduate of Wessington High School.

Friends remember the life of a man tragically killed on Tuesday’s car accident. The man was no stranger to a lot of people in town. If anyone didn’t catch a ride with Randy Walton on the River Cities Transit, he was well known for fishing and hunting and the fact that people wouldn’t ever see him without his counter-part in life, his big, white German Shepherd, Marvin. This dog came into his life in 1999 and they instantly bonded as best friends and were inseparable day and night, up to the instant of Randy’s passing. During the roll-over accident, Randy and Marvin were ejected from the vehicle, the dog was OK, he sat there with his master seriously injured. Police had tough time being able to work on Randy because Marvin was lying on top of him and wouldn’t let anyone near him. He was always protective of Randy and that pick up.

10 years ago (2002)

Wednesday May 15, the Wessington seniors will be honored at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Lunch will be served following the program.

Wessington High School Class 2002 Valedictorian is Kira Lakner; Salutatorian, Kayla Hofhenke and Amy Schilling.

Kira Lakner, daughter of Jeff and Myrna Lakner, received an Academic Excellence certificate from Governor Janklow at a dinner hosted by Associated School Boards Of South Dakota. Kira was chosen for this honor because of her excellent academic record at Wessington School and her ACT score.

Pastor Tompkins has accepted a call to be pastor at Zion Chamberlain and his last sermon at Concordia Lutheran in Wessington will be this Sunday, May 19. Pastor Vtecht will be the vacancy pastor until a new pastor will be installed.

Enjoying a break during the last night of Ballroom Dancing Class, the group enjoyed a cake baked and decorated by Shirley Runge depicting a dancing couple and titled “Great Swingers”. Don Stevens was the instructor for the six-week course.

A one-vehicle accident last Thursday night, May 9, claimed the life of Jeremy Gortmaker, 17, of St. Lawrence. He was driving a 1977 Chevrolet pickup. He apparently left the road and traveled along the shoulder of the ditch until the pickup drove into the side of a field approach. He died shortly after he was taken to the Hand County Memorial Hospital. He was a junior at Miller High School, and is the son of Sharon Verdugt of St. Lawrence.

20 years ago (1992)

After several meetings to assess interest and discussion at the month Post meetings, it was decided to revive the Legion baseball program after several years of inactivity. There are either fifteen or sixteen boys from the Wessington and Wolsey area who seem to be committed to the program and Joel Kelsey has undertaken the coaching duties.

Shawna Phillips was honored at the Governor’s 1992 Academic Excellence Recognition Banquet held on May 4. Shawna received a certificate for academic excellence, a South Dakota pin and a picture accepting these awards with Dr. John Bonaiuto, Secretary of Education, and Evelyn “Cookie” Hyde, President of the Board of Directors of Associated School Boards of South Dakota. Shawna is the daughter of Jerry and Diane Phillips.

Traci Davis has received a $100 scholarship from the Wessington Area Jaycees. Her essay on volunteerism has been submitted to the South Dakota Jaycees for a chance at a $500 scholarship to the school of her choice.

The children of Alfred and Edna Peterson invited family, relatives and friends to attend to their parent’s Golden Anniversary celebration on May 24, at the Presbyterian Fellowship Hall in Wessington. A short program will be presented with open house and lunch served following the program.

Airman Chadrin T. Sargent has graduated from Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied Air Force mission, organization and customs and received special training in human relations. He is the son of Kirk D. Sargent and Roberta L. Sargeant.

The women’s bathroom in the gym was voted “Project of the Year” at WOW’s installation banquet held at Crossroads in Huron. The year’s projects were reviewed and several awards were presented.

30 years ago (1982)

A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Larson, May 11 and was named Jay Michael. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Don Bohr, Mitchell; and Mr. and Mrs. Dalton Larson of Wessington.

Two hundred ninety-one Northern State College students graduated at spring commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 8. Clifford A. Lockner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lockner, Jr., was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education degree. He graduated Cum Laude. Peggy Lou Lichty, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lichty, was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree.

George Matthews was among the 225 graduates who received degrees on Sunday, May 9, at the University of South Dakota, Springfield. George graduated Summa Cum Laude receiving an associate degree in Diesel and Power Controls Technology.

A surprise birthday supper was held Tuesday, May 4, honoring Lois Boyd, Wessington. The carry-in supper was enjoyed by Mr. and Mrs. Metsel Zerfoss, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Koch, Mr. and Mrs. Eldon DeShazer, Mrs. Doug Horn and girls, Glenn Boyd, Mr. and Mrs. Ward Schnetzer, and Mr. and Mrs. Jan Rearick and family.

A long awaited day is soon to arrive! The students in grade 1 to 6 look forward eagerly to the day when they make a trip to Huron to roller skate, picnic, and tour various business places. May 18, they will have their outing, visiting the telephone company, Pepsi Bottling Company and the Police Department.

David Bothwell, formerly of Wessington, was one of six linemen to receive the Department of Energy Award for Valor, the highest DOE award granted in recognition of acts of heroism or courage involving great personal risk to employees.

40 years ago (1972)

The Shoemaker Produce Bowling team of Wessington won the 1^st place trophies of the Coralettes League at the Coral Lanes in Miller. The sponsor’s award was presented to Ray Shoemaker at the bowling banquet. Virginia Hansen was presented a trophy for her high scratch game. She also received a patch for 100 pins over her average and one for an all spare game.

The week of May 15-20 has been designated as “Mailbox Improvement Week” by the U.S. Postal this year. The purpose of Mailbox Improvement Week is to call attention to the need for providing mail receptacles which are designed to protect the mail from the weather and are neat in appearance, conveniently located and safe to use. Neat, attractive mailboxes make a significant contribution to the appearance of the countryside and the streets in suburban areas.

The Wessington Warriors won 3^rd place in the 281 Conference Track meet at Wolsey on Monday of this week, with 34 total points. The winner of the meet was Sunshine Bible, Hitchcock is in 2^nd place. For the Warriors, Forrest DeHaven was a double winner, in long jump and discus; Jeff Larson came in 3^rd in discus and 3^rd in shot put; C. VanAsperen was 5^th in the shot put; Lichty placed 3^rd in the 100-yard dash, while Hohm received 2^nd in the 220 and 5^th in the 440-yard dash; Wuestewald came in 4^th in the 880-yard run and in 3^rd place in the low hurdles. The Wessington team placed 4^th in the 2-mile relay.

Russel Testerman, newly installed Commander of the Watson-Krauter American Legion Post, appointed committees of the upcoming year at the Legion’s regular meeting. Appointments included: Leo McNerney, Delbert Hoffman, Jim Major, Charles Swartz and Pete Wuestewald. The new officers installed by Don Clarke were: Russel Testerman, Jim Sievers, Ray Ross, Charles Swartz, Lowell Prentice, Dick Major and Jim Major.

Mr. and Mrs. Tony Fisher will be honored on their 40^th wedding anniversary with an open house at their home on May 21.

Mrs. Don Bohr, poppy chairman of the American Legion Auxiliary, has announced a very good response for the Poppy Poster contest. A total of 74 posters were turned in to be judged, 37 in each class. Class I winners are: LeAnn Patridge, 1^st; Kay Woodruff, 2^nd; Dana Koth, 3^rd; Jerry Haigh and Teresa Jager, honorable mention. Class II winners are: Joann Wuestewald, 1^st; Peggy Hoffmann, 2^nd; Laurie Bohr, 3^rd; Vida Kaufman and Peggy Waters, honorable mention.

The Dramatis Personae of Wessington High School, under the direction of Mr. Weisman and Mr. Dexter, will present the two-act musical, “Calamity Jane”. The two main characters, Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok will be played by Darla Siegling and Jim Lakner. Other main parts will be played by: Bill Matthews, Carolee Gruneich, Gene Diekhoff, Mike Cox, Jeff Lakner, Randy Moller, Dean Lockner, Randy Hedge, Dennis Siegling, Kent Clarke and Dave VanAsperen.

50 years ago (1962)

Seniors Janet Phillips and Richard Harrington ruled over the second annual edition of the Wessington Mardi Gras held last Tuesday. Their prince and princess attendants were seventh and eighth graders were Ronald Sargent and Pamela Matthews. A capacity crowd attended the colorful event which was kicked off by a program presented by grade school students. Best decorated booth and a cash prize of $5.00 went to junior class. Costume winners included: women’s, Mrs. Guy Major; men’s, Henry Sievers; high school girl, Mary Sievers; high school boy, Bruce Peterson; grade girl, Mary Jo Ruddy; and grade boy, Michael Cox. The winner of Mystery Man was Mrs. Roy Clarke, she identified first the personage of the Mystery man, Henry Sievers.

The Poppy Poster committee has completed the judging of the posters entered in the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Poster contest. Entries were received from the Wessington School and the surrounding rural schools. Prizes were awarded in two classes and were: Class I: 1st, Ilene Orr; 2^nd, Debbie McNeil; 3^rd, Kay Sargent; Class II; 1^st, John Lakner; 2^nd, Kirk Sargent; 3^rd, Jennie Duxbury.

The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Wessington was held Monday night. This was the annual reorganization meeting, and several appointments were required by Mayor Hazzard. The terms of three of the members of the council expired, including that of Lyle Brown, Lee Munion and LeRoy McGirr. Lee and Munion were re-appointed to fill their vacancies, and Art Paleck was appointed to replace McGirr. Wessington City Auditor Irwin Hayes resigned and LeRoy McGirr was appointed by the Mayor to serve in that capacity. Lyle Orr was hired as police and water superintendent.

The financial status of the Wessington Building Association has improved materially during the past week, on revenue derived from a variety of sources. Total available resources jumped up and over the thirteen thousand dollar mark this week.

The Building Committee of the Wessington Building Association took initial steps Wednesday of this week toward the erection of Wessington’s new gym-auditorium, when they placed an order for the six laminated wood rafters that will provide the strength and shape of the building. The rafters were ordered from the Wood-Span Products Company of Rapid City at a total cost of $6,263.40, which includes delivery/transportation cost.

60 years ago (1952)

Little or no damage has been reported in this area as a result of freezing temperatures over the weekend. The thermometer took a sub-freezing dive Saturday, following a week of extremely hot weather. During the last of April and first of May, temperatures had climbed to nearly as high as they reached the entire summer last year.

Tom Schiltz, 77, of Miller and formerly of Wessington, died Sunday, May 13, 2012 at the Golden Living Center, Lake Norden, S.D.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 17, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wessington, with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Wessington. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, with a 7 p.m. prayer service, all at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1000 N. West Ave, Suite 250, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Tom’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net.