Two of our GHS Volleyball players signed Letters of Intent with Dakota Wesleyan University Tuesday February 15th at 8:00 am in the New Gym: Lily Ranschau and Jaelyn Benson. Congratulations ladies!
Wrestling team makes final push towards Regions
The wrestling team ended the regular season with a 7-13 dual record; three more dual wins than the previous year. The team wrestled in Dell Rapids last Tuesday. One of the highlights of the night was junior Drew Pedersen getting his first career varsity win and was a key win to help secure the dual win against Dell Rapids. Last Friday we traveled to Flandreau for the final regular season meet. The boys came out ready to wrestle against Tri-Valley. There were some key wins for our boys and some of those came from senior Braxten Rozeboom and Hunter Abraham. They've defeated a kid who had beaten them already in the season. The boys ended the night with some momentum and hopefully they carry that into the Region tournament on Saturday at 9:30am held in Freeman, South Dakota. Hope to see everybody there and cheer on the boys!
-Submitted by Brady Schleuter, coach. Photos by Kristen Westover.
JV Girls Win Two Lose One
by Bev Howe, coach
Garretson traveled to Montrose on Thursday February 3, to take on the Cougars. The Blue Dragons were able to outscore MCM in the first half and went into halftime leading 17 – 16. In the second half, the battle continued but MCM outscored the Blue Dragons and went on to get the win 36-32. Leading the scoring effort for Garretson was Adi Fink with ten and Sydney Olson with eight. Jordyn Williams and Tayler Benson each added five. Leading rebounder was Kylie Christensen with five and Sydney Olson and Adi Fink grabbing four apiece.
On Tuesday February 8, Garretson hosted the Watchdogs from Beresford. The Blue Dragons played solid defense and were able to keep the Watchdogs from scoring as Garretson went into the half leading 13-2. Beresford came out in the third and made a run, but the Blue Dragons were able to hold them off and seal the victory 33 – 18. Leading the defense was Kylie Christensen with eight rebounds and Adi Fink with six. Scoring for the Blue Dragons was Kylie Christensen with eight and Adi Fink with seven. Sydney Olson added six and Jordyn Williams and Tayler Benson netted five apiece.
Saturday February 12, Garretson hosted double-header action with Elkton-Lake Benton. The Blue Dragons JV played a solid first half of offense and defense and led going into the half 18 – 7. Garretson came out with hot hands in the second half and outscored the Lady Elks 31 – 13 and went on to win 49-20. The offensive game was a team effort led by Sydney Olson with fourteen, Adi Fink with ten, and Kylie Christensen with six. Jordyn Williams and Tayler Benson each added five and Cortney Rogich chipped in four. Adi Fink led the rebounding effort with nine and Kylie Christensen grabbed seven.
Letter to Editor: Member Features Sought
Like me, you have perhaps enjoyed reading historian and guest writer Owen Wiese’s occasional articles on local members of our community. Owen keeps telling me he is going to be retiring and I should write some articles for our local paper. Knowing no one can fill his shoes, I won’t even try. But I must admit that helping local vets tell their stories was a most rewarding project. Unfortunately, over half of those folks have since passed away. So I’m thinking that there are elders in our community who have stories that should also be told before they too are gone. So if you have some old time memories or know of someone who might be willing to share theirs, give me a call and we will see what we can come up with. I know the owners of our local paper are always interested and willing to consider printing. Thanks
These articles would not have been possible if it were not for the men and women who were willing to tell me their stories and allow them to be published. At the risk of leaving many out, there are some who need to be mentioned. My wife Karen (who is an excellent proof reader) was a great help. Many of these would not have been told if it were not for long time Post 23 Historian, Owen Wiese, who gave me leads of who to talk to. The Garretson Weekly has been most generous in offering front page coverage of many stories. Garrick has gone above and beyond and even submitted my name for recognition in SD Newspaper Best Feature Series Competition. Bob Sanders, of Sanders Printing who helped put this together at a very affordable cost (and gave me access to fragile copies of the Garretson Weekly going back before WW I). Last but not least, I thank ‘God and Country’ for the freedoms we have.
-Marty Luebke
Do you remember when…?
by Owen Wiese
Turmoil marked the withdrawal of US forces from Viet Nam. It often took an extended period of time for refugees to safely leave Viet Nam. The refugees then had a long trip to the US and further travel to their destination.
The journey for the Nguyen's ended when they arrived in Sioux Falls and were met by representatives from Lutheran Social Services (LSS). The year was 1975 so we will start our story on that date.
At that time, Lutheran Social Services would find a church that accepted the refugees and take care of their welfare. The Zion Lutheran Church of Garretson welcomed Kim and Ky Nguyen and began the process of getting them oriented.
The Pastor then was Stan Erickson. His wife Ellen worked for LSS, and her work centered on settlement and work support for refugees. The Nguyen's settled in Garretson, living in an apartment above the Johnson Drug Store. Lois Wiese and Sharon Koens were on the committee that made the effort to find the necessary furniture and other household items. They also found bicycles for them to use for local travel.
The Nguyen's were acquainted with other Vietnamese in Sioux Falls and a bond was formed with the group. After a period of time Ky and Kim moved to Sioux Falls and held work positions.
After more than a year. Ky & Kim moved to California, where it was presumed they would have more satisfactory work, and there would be more Vietnamese folks to live near. There was farewell dinner given by the Nguyen's and their friends in Sioux Falls for the people who had been so helpful to them. The group prepared a dinner serving Vietnamese specialties. which the guests found pleasurable.
At first, the Wiese's corresponded with Ky and Kim. Soon Christmas cards became the communication link and that continues to this day. They appreciated the help and friendship they had received while living in Garretson. The cards were always addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Wiese and included a short message and often a picture of them. We are very happy to have that, and hope it continues.
Twenty-five years after they had been gone from Garretson, we received a very beautiful jewelry box decorated in an Oriental motif and in 2016 we received a cordial set with six matching glasses and a decanter. Both gifts were accompanied by a letter of appreciation for the anniversary of their resettlement and the friendship they received through the years.
This Christmas (2021) we received a card from Kim and Ky announcing that they had moved to the Minneapolis area to be close to relatives. It has been very pleasing to us that Kim and Ky have continued the correspondence from all the years since 1976, all based on a brief friendship when they were just learning the ways of this country.
South Dakota State University, Augustana University, NE State University announce dean’s lists
BROOKINGS, S.D. - The following students have been named to the dean's list for academic excellence after the fall 2021 semester at South Dakota State University. To earn dean's list distinctions in SDSU's colleges, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credits and must have earned at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with an asterisk received a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Overall, more than 3,070 students from 35 states and 23 foreign nations are on the list. Nearly 1,300 students received a 4.0.
Students with F, I, U, RI or RU grades are not eligible regardless of system term GPA attained. Note that this report includes courses that were taken at other South Dakota institutions this term. A minimum of 12 credits within the 100-699 course range must be taken. A student who passes pre-general education courses may still qualify, if the student has 12 other credits that do fall within the 100-699 range.
School Codes:
SAFES – College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
SAHSS – College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
SEHS – College of Education and Human Sciences
SENGR – Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering
SNS – College of Natural Sciences
SNURS – College of Nursing
SPAHP – College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
Mikayla Marie Bottelberghe*, SEHS;
Evan David DeBates*, SNS;
Joshua Brian Donahoe, SNS;
Ryan Carl Fick*, SENGR;
Lesly Samantha Gonzalez, SNURS;
Kyley Nadine Greenhoff*, SNURS;
Aftyn Jo Heitkamp*, SAHSS;
Peyton Avery Hove, SNS;
Molly Ann Jensen*, SAHSS;
Carson Steven Johnke, SNURS;
Brady Emmet Malsom, SAHSS;
Emily Amanda Malsom, SEHS;
Madisen Lynn Northrup*, SEHS;
Marc Patrick Rattenborg*, SEHS;
Matthew Allen Rattenborg, SNS;
Peyton Jade Sage, SEHS;
Alex Michael Uhl, SAHSS;
Siri Dione Wollmann*, SEHS
*Denotes 4.0 GPA
Jorey Sorenson Named to Augustana University's Fall 2021 Dean's List
SIOUX FALLS, SD -- Augustana University announced that Jorey Sorenson of Garretson has been named to the Dean's List for the fall semester of the 2021-22 academic year.
The Dean's List recognizes full-time students who have a minimum of 12 credit hours with grade-point averages at 3.5 or above.
Madeleine Pearce of Garretson named to fall Deans' List at Nebraska
LINCOLN, NE -- Madeleine Pearce of Garretson has been named to the Deans' List at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the fall semester of the 2021-22 academic year.
Pearce, a freshman majoring in biochemistry and history, was named to the Dean's List for the College of Arts and Sciences, which requires a minimum GPA of 3.7.
More than 6,700 students at Nebraska were named to the Deans' List for the fall semester.
Obituary: Curtis Wayne Scadden, 66
Curtis Wayne Scadden was born October 1, 1955, in Valley Springs, SD to Neal and Sandra (Den Herder) Scadden. Curt made lifelong friends in Valley, spent his time doing all the things Valley kids do – swimming in the creek, partying, kissing girls, and raising hell through the streets. He graduated from Brandon High School in 1974.
Curt married Theresa Swenson (Otten) in 1975. They had three children that he treasured – Jeremy (Candy), Nicole, and Shane (Rachel) all of Valley Springs, SD. With his marriage to Theresa, Curt gained a second family with the Zane Swenson crew. He adored those people and they, in turn, loved him so. Curt worked a variety of jobs including working with his dad. Curt moved to the Phoenix, AZ area in 1990. He then meet Paula Joe Enright, in 1991 - and shall we say, his life was never the same! With Paula, came a second family with daughters Deidra and Lyndsay (Boomer). Many, many dear friends and stories accumulated over those years. Moving back to SD made him happy living close to his children, and working for Jeremy. He married the love of his life, Paula in 2014. In the later years, Curt loved to drive truck for Wendell and Ellefson Farms where he made so many friends.
Curt loved riding his motorcycle, racing cars (legal and illegally), fishing and hunting with the boys, EVERYTHING competitive – If there was a way to keep score – he was in! He was always down for a good game of horseshoes, pool, pitch, cribbage, golf – as long as he had a good partner! Curt and Paula lived an exciting and entertaining life, full of laughter, lots of love, and unprecedented one-liners – even close to the end of his life, Curt was still giving Paula all of her comedic material.
Curt mostly adored the time he was able to be with all of his grandchildren - Shyanne, Chloe, Nealy, Savannah, Abbygail, Koralee, Josh, and Madi. He is now having the best reunion with his parents and family, and the many friends he lost over the years, and especially his girlfriend Trixie.
Curt did everything hard; he worked hard, he lived hard, he laughed hard, he played hard, and most of all he loved hard. How lucky are we to have called him a husband, a father, a brother, a friend. Curt made his way to heaven on February 4, 2022, at only 66 years ~ Truly only the good die young.
A memorial celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Obituary: Larry Lee Falk
Larry Lee Falk
St. Cloud, MN
August 12, 1945 – February 6, 2022
There are many ways to pass on from this mortal coil. Larry Falk was fortunate to peacefully slip the surly bonds of earth while resting at home, with his beloved wife Susan and family by his side. He was 76 years old. Visitation will be from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids, MN.
Larry was born in Luverne, MN to Amy (Bock) and Lloyd Falk. He spent his early youth attending school in Jasper, MN, playing basketball and working on the family farm. Larry dedicated forty years of his life to Land O’ Lakes as a milk production accountant. There wasn’t a gallon of milk that wasn’t accounted for and he was always quick to decipher the production code on the bottle to let you know where it came from.
Larry’s big smile, big voice, his Donald Duck impression and big heart is no more. But his best attributes, his goodness and graciousness live on in those that are still here to remember him. His wife Susan will carry on his stories. His daughter Tonia (Jay) Hackett of Foley and Sons Michael of Miller South Dakota and Daniel of Forest Lake carry on his name. His grandchildren Charles, Audrey and Calvin Hackett and Charlotte Falk carry on his charm. His many in-laws have been faithful companions and helpers throughout the years. His many friends and neighbors in the Roseville and Saint Cloud areas will surely miss him as well.
Many thanks to the professionals at the Coborn Cancer Center, whose patience with this patient was notable. To the CentraCare Healthcare Specialists whom he loved to engage in banter and small talk, we thank you for making him feel special. And to the caregivers at Talamore Senior Living and Moment’s Hospice, who expertly and carefully alleviated many burdens in his final days - thank you all for showing the compassion that he deserved. In these times when there is so much stress and heartbreak, you never let it show.
Godspeed Larry, we hope there’s a comfy chair, an easy remote to operate, a nice big TV and a candy dish full of Werther’s ready for you when you get settled in. So long Dad.
Obituary, Guest Book, and Video Tribute available online: www.williamsdingmann.com
Legion Report, Febuary
by Mark Wiesner, Post 23 Historian
The Henry G. Fix Post 23 meeting was held on Thursday, February 3rd at 8:00 pm. The meeting was opened by Commander Tony Grandy with a salute to the Colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and preamble to the American Legion Constitution. Chaplain Welch offered an opening prayer. 22 members were present.
The minutes of the previous meeting were presented and approved. Bills were approved for payment. Service Officer John Schmidt reported no requests for cards had been received. The membership report was given by Nancy Grandy. She reported that we currently have 194 paid members. Our total goal is 212. This is 91.5% of our goal and well ahead of our Department goals.
Bob Bennett, the Americanism Officer, reported that he is working with the school and Legion Auxiliary to get applications in for Boy’s State and Girl’s State this summer. There is currently one boy and several girls interested. A motion was passed to pay for transportation for all students attending.
Youth Trooper information has also been presented to the students. Legislative Officer Paul Evenson said that the American Legion Department Legislative Reception is scheduled for February. He updated the group on recent military funeral rites and that two new members had joined the team! There was no baseball report.
Commander Grandy recently received an update from Mayor Beaner on 4th of July fireworks. The city has submitted an order for $5100 in fireworks and will receive bonus fireworks for ordering early. The Legion is listed as an additional insured on the fireworks insurance. A follow up meeting will take place on April 21st.
On January 16th Rob Meyer, Brian Siemonsma, and Nancy Grandy met to conduct the required audit of Post financial records. All records were found to be complete and accurate with no irregularities. Beth Welch reported that 67 books of the raffle tickets are signed out for sale. 39 books have already been turned in, so our raffle sale is going well.
The Post 23 Executive Committee met on January 16th to develop a recommendation in response to the Blue Dragon Academy donation request for their building expansion. They recommended the Post donate $5000 toward the campaign. A motion was passed to donate $5000. Commander Grandy will present the check in early April.
Andy Lyngen plans to hold a Flag Retirement Ceremony during the spring, before the school summer break. He is coordinating with the Boy Scouts. Rob Meyer asked the group for volunteers for help with the February 19th Fireman’s Fund Raiser. Three members volunteered. The Post received a thank you for our recent donation to the Garretson Community Fund.
The Department Mid-Winter Conference will be held February 17th through February 20th in Oacoma, SD. The Minnehaha County meeting will take place February 22nd at the Sioux Falls Post 15 facility.
The District 7 meeting will take place in Valley Springs on March 19th with a 11am social, meal at noon, and meeting following at 1 pm.
The next Post meeting will be held March 3 with the meeting at 7 pm, the reading of the Post History, and a meal to follow after. The Post Officer elections are planned for April. The next Post breakfast will be February 6th with scrambled eggs and ham on the menu.
The raffle drawing was held. Winners this month were Michelle Olofson, Lisa Stensland, Kathy Ramsdell, and Jean McPadden. They will each receive $150. The meeting was closed by Commander Grandy with the traditional ceremony at 8:46 p.m.
Commission meeting focuses on JDC growth, ARPA funds
By Dave Baumeister
County Correspondent
SIOUX FALLS – Several smaller business items comprised this week’s Minnehaha County Commission meeting, which turned out to be one of the shorter sessions since they went to only three meetings per month.
Although the consent agenda was quite lengthy, with employee policy changes and disabled veterans’ property tax exemptions, the new format made that all go quickly.
However, there were two people who spoke during public comment on different matters. The first, Joy Hohn of Hartford, asked commissioners for help in dealing with the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline.
According to Hohn, many landowners in Minnehaha County are either against the pipeline or are unaware of the harm it could cause. She feels that if the county commissioners took a stand with the SD PUC that it would make more of an impact.
She also said that in Iowa, several county boards have already come out against the pipeline.
Toward the end of the meeting, Commissioner Jeff Barth said he felt the commission should look at this issue more at a later date.
“I don’t mind signing a letter to the PUC,” he said. “We need to stand up for the citizens of Minnehaha County and try to make the best deal we can.”
(The reason Barth spoke about this at the end of the meeting is that during public comment, commissioners make it a practice of not responding to people, but to, instead, allow them to have the floor.)
In the second comment, Cindy Meyer of the South Dakota Canvassing Group invited commissioners and others to an open meeting of their group this Saturday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. at Oak Hills Baptist Church, 6201 S. Lyncrest Ave., Sioux Falls.
ARPA money
County Auditor Ben Kyte asked for and received permission to start allocating the $37.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds received by Minnehaha County.
The plans to divvy up funds means the auditor would look at how to spend them, but the commission would have to discuss and vote before any of those expenditures take place.
Originally, there was over $110 million in requests for the ARPA money, most of them external, but since that time, commissioners said they believed most of the money could be use on internal requests from county departments.
They added they thought they were being better stewards of tax dollars by using that money to fund county operations, rather than putting them in a position to opt out of the property tax cap.
Mental health woes
In his annual report, Jamie Gravett, director of the Juvenile Detention Center presented some “eye-opening” numbers on how mental health figures into JDC budget.
While he explained that incarcerated juveniles are locked up for having legal charges against them, many of those individuals also have mental health problems.
Currently, several people in the JDC are waiting for placement at the Human Services Center in Yankton, which deals with mental health issues on a statewide basis.
Gravett added that the HSC only has 11 beds for juveniles from all over South Dakota, and that Minnehaha County has had to put mental health holds on people who need placement in Yankton.
“The staff jokes that we are ‘HSC North’,” Gravett said.
He spoke to the commission about how future legislative action is needed to address this problem.
The next commission meeting will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, on the second floor of the Minnehaha County Administration Building at 6th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls.
Time is allotted for people to address any non-agenda concerns toward the beginning of the meeting.
