A great outdoor event for kids is at the Garretson Sportsmen's Club this Saturday from 10-3, the Garretson Blue Dragons Football team pulled off a massive win last Friday, the first day of school photo collage can be found on page 2, plus more!
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By: Ron Fowler, Sportsmen Against Hunger, August 5, 2020
The Sportsmen Against Hunger (SAH) deer donation program will change in 2020 in that all deer and elk taken west of the Missouri River or out-of-state for donation in South Dakota must be tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) before they can be processed.
Even though public health officials have found no link between CWD and any neurological disease in humans, the SAH Board of Directors still wants to start taking steps to minimize risk of human exposure to CWD by testing donated deer and elk coming from out-of-state or the area of South Dakota where CWD is known to occur. The ultimate goal of SAH is to prevent all processed donated meat going to food pantries from coming from harvested deer or elk testing positive for CWD.
To accomplish the CWD testing of donated deer and elk harvested west of the Missouri River or out-of-state, additional cooperation and effort is being asked of hunters and game processors. Details on the CWD testing procedure can be found on the SAH website www.feedtheneedsd.com. For hunters who want to collect tissue samples from their own deer or elk for CWD testing, CWD testing kits may be obtained, ideally ahead of time, from any Department of Game, Fish and Parks Regional or District Office.
Donation of deer taken east of the Missouri River in South Dakota during any hunting season may be donated at any participating SAH game processor without testing for CWD. Location of participating SAH game processors is given on the SAH website www.feedtheneedsd.com. Processing Certificates worth $75 for each donated antlerless deer and $65 for each donated doe/fawn antelope will be available to pay for most or all of the processing cost regardless of where the animals are taken in the State.
In 2019, families in need received 33,201 lbs. of donated processed game meat from SAH through Feeding South Dakota and its associated food pantries across the State. This translates into 132,800 meals of meat for poverty-level families. This meat came primarily from 284 thoughtful hunters donating 197 antlerless deer, 132 buck deer, 5 doe/fawn antelope, 2 buck antelope, 27 out-of-state deer and 4 out-of-state antelope through 39 SAH game processors. Meat also came from salvage processing, paid for at least in part by SAH, of 245 deer from the Rapid City deer reduction program, 63 deer from the Sioux Falls deer reduction program, and 21 elk from the Wind Cave National Park elk culling program. In addition, 1,059 pheasants, 793 Canada geese and 341 walleye were donated.
Last but not least, hunters need to be recognized for donating funds to SAH through the Department of Game, Fish and Parks hunting license application check-off system. In recent years these funds have helped SAH to cover the cost of the Processing Certificate Program. The donated funds have also been used towards costs of salvage processing of confiscated game, deer taken in city deer reduction programs, etc. Special credit goes to hunters who paid the full or reduced cost of processing other donated game such as buck deer, buck antelope, and pheasants.
More information on Sportsmen Against Hunger can be found at www.feedtheneedsd.com.
BROOKINGS, S.D. - Aug. 19, 2020 - South Dakota State University officials and the 2020 Hobo Day Committee continued to meet over the summer and explore options as pertaining to this year’s Hobo Day celebration. Hobo Day is one of SDSU’s oldest and most beloved traditions, and the Hobo Day Committee is committed to providing programming this fall that recognizes and honors many of the traditions our students, alumni and others embrace each year. The committee is also exploring new ways to celebrate Hobo Day this year that will provide opportunities for everyone to engage in the tradition. Any Hobo Day activity will be conducted with the health and safety of everyone involved at the forefront.
Through many conversations and planning meetings with university officials and other stakeholders, the committee recognized not having a fall football season at SDSU was a distinct possibility. As plans and information progressed, the Hobo Day Committee understood hosting the annual Hobo Day parade would create logistical challenges and significant health and safety concerns for attendees in the midst of a global pandemic. As people are paramount to the celebration of Hobo Day, the decision was made not to hold the annual Hobo Day parade this fall.
These are challenging times, and the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the lives of everyone. The spirit of Hobo Day, however, is one thing that will remain intact. The committee will continue to foster celebration around this beloved tradition in new ways. Together, we will honor the homecoming event and look forward to the day when we resume many of the events that are dear to Jackrabbit Nation and send the parade and all its fanfare through the streets of Brookings.
Several kayaks and canoes head towards the finish line for the Poker Paddle held at Split Rock Park on Sunday. Prizes for the Poker Paddle were from businesses such as Get N Go, Scheels, Next2New, and Grand Falls Casino.
Split Rock Park was a busy place this past weekend. Despite Jesse James Days being canceled by the Commercial Club, several events took place down at the park, including two glow paddles, a movie, live music, and a poker paddle.
Grow Garretson held its second movie night of the summer on Friday evening, showing Disney’s “Onward.” These movies, which are hosted with Renovation Church and the Garretson Parks Advisory Committee, have been a popular addition to summer activity line-ups. Approximately 60 people were in attendance. Onward has only been streamed on Disney Plus, which meant seeing it on the big inflatable screen was a treat.
Around the same time, a glow paddle that was organized by Garretson local Kelli Schleuter encouraged youth and families to be out on the water, enjoying the beautiful summer evening with kayaks and canoes that were well-lit by glow sticks.
On Sunday, Sioux Falls Kayak & Bike Rental and Tea Storm Chasers teamed up for a fundraiser to benefit the Tea Storm Chasers, who are currently raising funds to improve their meteorological equipment and to acquire a disaster rescue trailer for pets who are displaced after devastating storms. They held an event that began around 2:00 p.m. and lasted throughout the day, with a poker paddle and glow paddle, live music, and food trucks.
Approximately 60 people attended the Movie in the Park, “Onward,” on Friday, August 14. The movies have been a popular activity and the most recent showing, along with a glow paddle, helped to create a fun “end of summer” event.Bruce Rekstad, captain of the S.S. Jesse James pontoon tours, docks after a successful run up the river. Rekstad has been guiding tours on the pontoon for over 25 years, and has become a “must-do” on the list of attractions Garretson offers.The Rock House Band played at a fun all-day event that was held at the park on Sunday by Sioux Falls Kayak & Bike Rental and Tea Storm Chasers. The heavy-metal rock band plays several classic hits from artists such as Jethro Tull, Rolling Stones, and Megadeath, according to the band’s lead singer Rick Langenfeld. Photo by Dan Haygood.
There are different reasons that people choose to work from home. Some have worked from home for many years. Others have started to work from home more recently because of the advent of the Coronavirus and the desire of businesses to have their employees work in a safe environment - their home.
There is much discussion as to what will happen after the danger from the virus has subsided. Will the practice of working from home be judged as more efficient and profitable, or will it be decided to have everyone go back to the office where everyone is working together? Many supervisors had the idea that they needed to watch the workers working, so they would continue to work. That has been proven to be a fallacy. There are already so many people working from home and they have proven that the work will get done without the supervisor watching them.
There are many work-collaboration tools available, such as daily video conferences and daily check-ins with the supervisor.
Working from home provides the companies the opportunity to decrease the space used for offices resulting in monetary savings. It also assures that the workers are working in a healthy environment.
There are several people in Garretson who work from home. I asked several of them to complete a series of questions about ‘working from home.’ They expressed their opinions about ‘working from home.’ Does it work, what are the advantages, and what are the drawbacks?
Questions that were asked:
Who do you work for?
How long have you worked for them?
Do you meet periodically with your supervisor in his or her office?
Do you work a specified number of hours per day?
Does the company verify that you are working the specified hours?
Are you satisfied (happy) to be working at home?
What don’t you like?
What would you suggest to someone who is considering working at home?
Given the present economic situation in the country, do you think that the concept of working at home will last? Will it grow?
Finally, if there are any other remarks, questions or suggestions you have based on your experience, please include them.
Each of the persons who answered the questions told us what they do on their job.
The first one is Brad Stensland.
“I have worked for Berry Global based out Evansville, IN for over 35 years, with the last 15 years from home off and on.
“I used to travel extensively, but with the Covid 19 that has come to a complete halt. I must admit that I have enjoyed the time home with my family.
“I generally meet my Supervisor 2 to 3 times a year in person, but I do talk with him on the phone at least once a day. I am an early riser, so start running reports anytime between 5 and 6 a.m., and generally work until 4 or 5 p.m. in the afternoon depending on the day. I have the freedom to leave during the day if I have errands to run. My company tracks how often I am on my computer and how many keystrokes I make in a day so that they would know fairly quickly if I was not keeping up with my work. I do enjoy working from home most of the time, however I do miss the social aspect of not seeing my coworkers on a daily basis.
“If anyone out there is considering working from home or has been forced to with the situation itself, I would suggest you find a private space in your home to set up your office. Begin your day just as if you were sitting at a physical desk at your place of business and try to keep your routine the same. It is very easy to get distracted by day to day chores and you might find yourself staring at home chores."
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School starts on Thursday with several changes in place. Two big events helped to make up for the cancellation of Jesse James this past weekend, with two glow paddles, a movie, and a poker paddle. We've also got a feature on several Garretson folks who are working from home, soccer, and much more!
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Last year GHS Soccer had their best season to date. This year they’re kicking off high school sports for Garretson high school with two games already under their cleats.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everything of course, with a bunch of new rules from the South Dakota High School Activities Associations, and honestly, we’re happy to even have any kind of sports at all to go outdoors and enjoy.
Amber Williamson returns for her second year as the GHS Soccer head coach, and fourth year as a coach in the program.
“We have been blessed with beautiful weather all preseason and a great start to the year this far,” coach Williamson said. “It feels wonderful to be back out on the pitch in the sunshine with the team.”
Coach Williamson said that she’s got some good experience on the team going forward.
“Kaycie King is our lone senior, but is backed by a large group of juniors who we are looking to step up this year and lead also,” she said. “Both Kaycie King and sophomore Raegen Altman received all-state honors last year. Returning juniors include, Madison Decker, Miriam Pickard, Leigha Lacey, Tori Lodmell, and Paige Sterud. Cassidy Braach also is joining the team for the first time as a junior this season. We are fortunate to also have a sophomore class, many whom have been playing varsity since they were 8th graders. Kayla Genzlinger will once again be a force to be recon within the goal this season. Altman, Morgan Damman, and Jenna Van Holland will be anchors in the midfield as well.”
Fighting for ball possession is Jenna VanHolland with Leigha Lacey in back.
Coach Williamson said there are some younger players to watch out for too.
“Joely Sterud saw the field every varsity game last year as a 7th grader, and we are looking for her to continue to make an impact on the pitch as an 8th grader,” she said. “Jordyn Williams also saw time at the varsity level as an 8th grader and will be looked at to make an immediate impact this year as well.”
As mentioned, last year was the best season the team has had so far, especially considering that not so long ago, Garretson Soccer didn’t exist at all. They have certainly come a long way in a short time. Last year we were led by a strong group of six seniors, and we reached the first round of state and traveled to Rapid City to take on St. Thomas Moore. Unfortunately, we fell short, losing on a last-second goal by St. Thomas Moore. This season we are excited to see some younger players step up into different roles and build on the success of last year. We are proud of the attendance and effort by the girls in the off season open fields this summer.
Lady Blue Dragons moving the ball up the field are Paige Sterud & Raegen Altman.
Their first two games were back to back, Friday and Saturday last week.
“At Vermillion we started off strong and got wore down throughout the game,” said Coach Williamson. “We’ve talked about controlling the controllable throughout the whole game. Effort, attitude, and teamwork are things we can control. Even though the outcome of the game was a loss, our effort, attitude and teamwork were a bright spot and something to continue throughout the season.”
“Kayla Genzlinger recorded 13 saves in goal defensively. On the offensive side of the ball, Joely Sterud had three shots on goal, Jordyn Williams and Paige Sterud each had two, Madison Ljunggren, Raegen Altman, Jenna VanHolland, and Morgan Damman each recorded a shot on goal. We had multiple opportunities to score throughout the game, and will continue working on executing and capitalizing on those opportunities.”
Saturday Afternoon, the Lady Dragons faced Groton for the first home game of the year.
“It felt great to get out on our home field as our first home event at Garretson School since March,” said Coach Williamson. “The ladies came in positive from the loss the night before. Joely Sterud led the way for the offense with 6 shots on goal, Madison Ljunggren had 2 shots on goal, P.Sterud, VanHolland, Damman and Kaycie King each recorded a shot on goal. Once again, we had multiple opportunities to pull away and score. However, the theme of the weekend was capitalizing on those offensive opportunities. One thing we have worked on throughout the summer and fall is endurance, stepping to the ball, and winning balls out of the air.”
“We are excited for the two upcoming home games and ready to come out strong and determined! Thursday we play Huron and Saturday we take on the defending state champs, the Tea Area Titans.”
Red Hatters touring Dakota Stained Glass (each one holding samples that classes had made): Geneva Skorr, Mary Dorsman, Margie Martens, Dorothy Sorenson, Virginia Solheim and Bernice Semmen. (photo submitted)
On August 10 the Garretson Red Hatters toured Dakota Stained Glass at 332 N. Main Street in Garretson, owned by artists Matt and Nico Rogers. The business originally was located in Sioux Falls on 26th Street and Minnesota. When the Rogers decided to buy the business, they heard the old church building directly across from the Garretson school was a possible location. The Rogers family lives a few miles south of Garretson, so it was a terrific location, especially when some of their children would be attending school here.
The tour of the upstairs and basement was led by Nico, answering many questions by the ladies. One of the highlights was looking at all the items for sale in the Gallery room. Many unique items were on display to purchase for yourself or a friend, such as picture frames, yard decor, glass dishes, small plug-in ‘night-lights’.
Dorothy Sorenson and Virginia Solheim with Nico Rogers. (photo submitted)
Also, on display in the main room were many beautiful stained-glass windows, plus items for outside flower gardens, etc. A group from Blue Dragon Academy had visited and each made a small picture frame, cross, or small picture with a colorful scene of a snowman or Halloween theme. She showed some items that her daughter and son (age 4 years and 8 years old) had made.
Two large window frames from a nearby church were laying on a table, which was a business contract project to strengthen them and make any repairs needed.
They also offer stained glass classes for beginners, and more advanced classes involving lead, joining different colored glass. The costs of classes depend on how simple or intermediate they are, plus the basic supplies, starting at $40.00. Classes are held after work or evenings.
Regular open hours of business are Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Brenna Reker, a Garretson sixth grader, has sewn approximately 100 masks this summer as a community service. She began in March, when school was closed due to the pandemic, as a way to fill the time and a way to contribute for 4-H. (You can read the Gazette’s initial story in the April 9, 2020 issue.)
Her mother, Amie, a Middle School teacher in Sioux Falls, has also been busy at the sewing machine during the past several months. She has made approximately 200 masks herself, even going so far as designing a pattern that helps reduce fogging of the glasses. These masks are breathable and made with multiple layers to help protect the wearer and others.
“It’s really been a community effort,” Amie said. Several community members have graciously donated fabric to their cause, and others have given to a free-will donation jar at O’s, next to a stand where they had masks available for people to claim.
Both Brenna and Amie’s sewing time will be markedly reduced soon as school starts again, but their efforts will be able to be seen all over. They’ve donated masks to hospitals and schools, including Garretson’s.
Renovation Church has also donated masks to the Garretson first grade class, allowing teachers and students to have access to masks with clear windows in order to help with language acquisition.
The Harrisburg and Garretson FFA chapters are being awarded Grants for Growing funds by the National FFA Organization. Only 152 chapters nationwide were selected to receive grants. Grants for Growing (G4G) is a competitive grant program for FFA chapters that are developing and improving project-based or experiential learning opportunities for students. FFA chapters from across the country applied for up to $5,000 through the G4G program to support one of three areas:
Grow the Classroom —support increasing students’ classroom knowledge.
Grow the FFA Chapter — support the development or expansion of an FFA chapter and leadership opportunities.
Grow Ag Awareness —support the development or expansion of an agricultural literacy event or campaign. Grants for Growing is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company (TSC) with funding provided by consumers who purchase $1 paper emblems at TSC stores during checkout.
The SD FFA Foundation is also seeking sponsors, with a goal of 350 jackets, to award October 1st. Jackets can be designated for a specific chapter, or for any student in need. Individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring an FFA jacket for a SD FFA member can do so online at: http://sdffafoundation.org/, or contact Gerri Ann Eide, SD FFA Foundation Executive Director at 605-765-4865 or .
Sponsorships are $80 and include a jacket an FFA tie or scarf, and full shipping to deliver to the member.
